Kenya Insights

Author: Guy Bolding PW

  • Govt To Destroy 27,518 Bags of Expired Fertilizer

    Govt To Destroy 27,518 Bags of Expired Fertilizer

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has ordered for the destruction of 27,518 bags of expired fertilizer consignment which are in National Cereals and Produce Board  (NCPB) depots across the country.

    Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe issued the directive to destroy the fertilizer upon realization by NCBP that the consignment had a shorter shelf-life.

    According to the ministry, owner of the consignment, FineTech Edge Limited, was contracted to deliver 34,100bags of 50kg Sulphate of Ammonia (21%) fertilizer between December 27, 2024 and January 6, 2025.

    The fertilizer were cleared by the the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) prior to contract execution after tests results from samples showed the firm had complied with the requirement for Sulphate of Ammonia (21%N) and NPK fertilizers as per Kenyan standards.

    NCPB noted the short shelf-life of the fertilizer upon supply, which was to lapse on February 28th, 2025, as indicated in the packaging material.

    “The supplier was notified of the same and requested to deliver fertilizer with a longer shelf life, as the entire consignment was unlikely to be sold by the end of February. Per standard operating procedures, the unsold fertilizer would not be released to the market and would be safely destroyed,” said Kagwe in a statement.

    The NCPB management issued a sale stoppage order of the same consignment on February 27,  2025 prompting KEBS to seized the fertilizer on March 4, 2025 and has stopped any movement of the same until safe destruction.

    FineTech Edge Ltd is now expected to bear bear the costs, and loss.

    In line with the directive, Kagwe says the government is committed to ensure farmers access the highest quality of farm inputs and that public health and environmental standards are upheld.

    He further called on players in the sector to take-up insurance to mitigate such losses given that the government and Kenyan public will not incur any loss or costs.

  • KNEC Publishes 2025 KCSE Timetable

    KNEC Publishes 2025 KCSE Timetable

    The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has released the timetable, instructions, and guidelines ahead of the commencement of the Kenya Certificate for Secondary Education (KCSE).

    In a full release published on its website, KNEC announced that the national exams would start on October 21, 2025. French, Sign Language and German will be among the first examinable subjects.

    The over-two-week-long KCSE exams are expected to end on November 12, 2025.

    “All first session examination papers will start at 8.00 a.m. and second session examination papers will start at 2.00 pm as indicated on the timetable,” KNEC stated.

    “The time allowed for each paper is indicated against the name of the paper and no extra time is to be allowed. In case of any discrepancy, the time stated on the question paper should be taken as the correct one. Time for reading through questions is part of the time shown on the question paper except where special paper instructions indicate otherwise,” the council added.

    Biology Paper 2 will be the first paper on Thursday, November 13, 2025, followed by History and Government in the afternoon. Biology practical papers will wind up the second week of the national examination.

    On November 18, Geography Paper 1 will be administered to those who selected the subject, then followed by Physics Paper 1, which is also an optional subject.

    Other optional subjects (Business Studies Paper 1 and Agriculture) will be administered on November 19, 2025. In the following day, candidates will take their Business Studies and Agriculture second papers.

    On the final day, Friday, November 21, 2025, students will sit for Physics Paper 3.

    Instructions

    According to the examination council, teachers are advised to ensure that the candidates read these instructions and guidelines
    carefully and adhere to them.

    “Avail yourself for searching outside the examination room and be seated at your desk/table 15 minutes before the time fixed for the examination in the various papers. The first session will start at 8.00 a.m. followed by the second session at 2.00 pm as indicated on the timetable,” KNEC informed candidates.

    “A candidate who arrives late will be required to give a satisfactory reason to the Supervisor. Only in exceptional circumstances will a paper be given to any candidate who is more than half an hour late. Absolute punctuality is essential for all papers.”

    “Write your responses in black or blue ink. You may use fountain pen or ball point pen but not erasable pens. Pencil should only be used for diagrams. Bring mathematical and drawing instruments for subjects for which they will be needed.”

    KNEC has also made it clear that no candidate will be allowed to leave the exam room before the end of the test unless okayed by the supervisor.

    Supervisors and invigilators have been asked to ensure all candidates are issued with personalised papers that bear their names and random number.

    “Supervisors must verify that candidates have signed their answer scripts and script control form before collecting them for packing. They must count the candidates to ensure they tally with the present candidates,” KNEC insisted.

    The council has also spelt out punitive penalties for exam malpractice.

  • Kenyan HIV Patients Stranded Despite Govt’s Assurances

    Kenyan HIV Patients Stranded Despite Govt’s Assurances

    Despite millions of doses of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs being stored in a Nairobi warehouse, clinics across Kenya are struggling to supply patients with more than a month’s worth of medication.

    This shortage has left many HIV patients in a state of uncertainty, as the freeze on U.S. foreign aid continues to disrupt the distribution of life-saving treatments.

    Reports indicate that HIV patients, who previously received a six-month supply of medication, are now being given only enough for one month.

    Compounding the issue, the closure of specialized clinics for key populations has led to a growing number of people defaulting on their ARV medication.

    The National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya (NEPHAK) has raised concerns that adolescents are among the most affected, with stigma driving many away from seeking treatment.

    While some counties have integrated HIV services into general healthcare, patients report that critical support systems remain inadequate, leaving them anxious about their future.

    Funding Crisis and Stalled Distribution

    Although the U.S. State Department issued a waiver to exempt HIV treatment from the aid freeze, logistical challenges persist.

    The USAID payment system in Kenya remains inactive, preventing contractors from resuming operations.

    Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin, a former USAID official, revealed that the Nairobi warehouse holds $34 million worth of medical supplies, including 2.5 million bottles of ARVs.

    However, a Kenyan government document highlights that the lack of funding has stalled distribution, which requires an additional $10 million to proceed.

    The Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies (MEDS), a Christian charity responsible for distributing the medication to 2,000 clinics nationwide, has been forced to halt deliveries due to the financial shortfall.

    Government’s assurance 

    Health Cabinet Secretary, Deborah Barasa, has assured the public that the government is working to release funds within two to four weeks.

    Meanwhile, Finance Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi indicated that emergency funding may be allocated in the upcoming budget.

    In the United States, lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s aid cuts are making their way through the courts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that over 80% of USAID programs have been canceled, further exacerbating the crisis.

    Kenya has the world’s seventh-largest HIV-positive population, with approximately 1.4 million people living with the virus.

    The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funds roughly 40% of the country’s HIV treatment program.

    However, stocks of essential HIV drugs, including Dolutegravir and Nevirapine, are running critically low.

    In some clinics, patients are receiving only one-week refills, heightening concerns about long-term access to treatment.

    As delays persist, thousands of Kenyan HIV patients remain in limbo, relying on government intervention or a policy shift from the U.S. to restore the flow of life-saving medication.

  • Defiant Muturi Stands Firm: Refuses to Resign, Explains Cabinet Absences, and Defends Stance on Abductions

    Defiant Muturi Stands Firm: Refuses to Resign, Explains Cabinet Absences, and Defends Stance on Abductions

    Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Justin Muturi has dismissed calls from a section of government leaders urging him to step down, even as speculation grows about a fallout with his boss, President William Ruto.

    Muturi, speaking during Citizen TV’s JKLive show on Wednesday, addressed concerns surrounding his recent absences from Cabinet meetings and rumors of his looming resignation. He revealed that he had requested to be excused from the meetings until the issues of police abductions and extrajudicial killings were formally tabled on the agenda.

    The CS has missed three Cabinet meetings over the past three months, failing to attend sittings on January 21, February 11, and March 11, 2025. This sparked rumors of a possible rift between him and President Ruto. However, Muturi clarified that while attendance at Cabinet meetings is mandatory, he had sought permission from the President to be excused due to his stance on the widespread abductions and killings that followed the anti-government demonstrations in June 2024.

    “It is mandatory to attend meetings unless given authority or excused by the chair of the Cabinet, who is the president. But people do get indisposed for all manner of reasons,” Muturi said.

    “In my case, I have written and sought to be excused from Cabinet meetings unless the agenda of abductions and extrajudicial killings is formally tabled before Cabinet, through a Cabinet memorandum, so that the Cabinet is able to express itself and give the country the way forward with regards to these issues. So, I sought to be excused for these reasons.”

    Muturi strongly denied claims of insubordination, stating, “It is not insubordination when you seek to be excused.”

    Earlier in the broadcast, Muturi allayed concerns about speculation regarding his possible resignation, insisting that there are no sufficient grounds for him to quit office. He expressed confidence in his position in the Cabinet and dismissed allegations of insubordination related to his recent remarks, which some interpreted as critical of the ruling regime.

    According to Muturi, his decision to call out the President and the government over the abductions and killings of Gen Z protesters late last year falls within his sworn mandate as a public servant. He argued that he should instead be applauded for his stance.

    He recalled that the Kenya Kwanza alliance, during the campaign period, vowed to put an end to enforced disappearances. Muturi emphasized that he is merely urging the Ruto administration to uphold a promise it made to the Kenyan people after ascending to power.

    “The issue I raised on January 12 was an objection to abductions and extrajudicial killings that were happening in the country. In that statement, I indicated that it is time we, as a government, debated these issues because, if left unaddressed, they have the potential to drag this country into chaos and anarchy,” Muturi said.

    “As far as I know, it is not the policy of the government to abduct or to have people killed. Speaking against that cannot be grounds for anybody to resign from office. Indeed, I think I should be congratulated for restating the government’s position, which is also informed by our Constitution, which we all swore to protect, defend, and uphold.”

    Muturi further pointed out that his sentiments were considered and ultimately led to the government addressing the issue of abductions. He underscored that he only sought to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that the arrest and prosecution of offenders follow due process.

    “If indeed people were arrested, they should be presented before a court within 24 hours. According to the Constitution, they should also be informed within the same duration of the reason for their arrest, and/or abduction, as the case may be,” he stated.

    At the same time, Muturi remained coy about the recent move by his former Democratic Party (DP) to sever ties with the Kenya Kwanza alliance. He noted that it was the sole decision of the political outfit’s organs, of which he is no longer a member.

    Muturi’s defiant stance, coupled with his absence from Cabinet meetings, suggests he is prepared for a potential fallout, even as speculation grows about his possible sacking.

  • Ruto Earns New Nickname ‘El-Chapo’ After Sh1M Chapati Promise

    Ruto Earns New Nickname ‘El-Chapo’ After Sh1M Chapati Promise

    President William Ruto’s promise to buy a chapati-making machine for students in Nairobi and the city’s subsidised school meals initiative has triggered widespread ridicule and criticism online with critics terming it a nonpriority.

    Ruto made the pledge at St. Teresa Girls Secondary School in Mathare after during his development tour of Nairobi after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja requested assistance in purchasing the machine.

    The machine would be used to make chapati, which the county plans to introduce in its Dishi na Countyschool feeding program.

    “Over 300,000 children benefit from the program, meaning we need a machine that can produce a million chapatis daily. I have asked the President for it,” Sakaja said.

    In response, Ruto agreed, telling the excited students, “I have agreed to buy a chapati-making machine. Governor, your job now is to find where to buy it.”

    However, many Kenyans dismissed the pledge as an unnecessary initiative that fails to address pressing national issues.

    Critics accused Ruto of having misplaced priorities and exaggerating minor projects as major achievements.

    Social media users mocked the announcement, comparing Kenya’s leadership priorities with global advancements.

    Others expressed frustration over the government’s focus, with some Kenyans even dubbing Ruto “El Chapo,” a play on both the street name for chapati and the infamous Mexican drug lord.

    Some questioned the viability of the project, raising logistical concerns about how a machine could produce such large quantities of chapati efficiently.

    The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) spiraled the conversation into a meme contest, with social media users competing to outdo one another by creating memes about the chapati issue.

    ‘El Chapo’

    Videos and images illustrating exaggerated versions of how a million chapatis would be made flooded Kenyan social media with some users faulting Sakaja for failing to prioritize solutions to the city’s flooding crisis given the onset of rains.

    “It’s rainy season, and instead of working on the drainage system, they are talking about chapati. Black people with black hearts,” wrote @_James041.

    Another user, Franko Tover, said, “Kenyans, with their peanut-sized brains, love excitement and drama, and politicians use this to divert people’s focus. What big thing is happening? What is getting stolen while we vibe about chapatis?”

    User @TongileiM added, “I’m showing my mum all those chapati memes and [yooh] she’s so in with us cooking that El Chapo.”

    Despite growing criticism from the public and religious leaders urging him to focus on implementation rather than making promises, President Ruto continues to make grand pledges—many of which remain unfulfilled long after their announcements.

  • Fear Grips Miano and Three Other CSs as Cabinet Shake-Up Looms to Accommodate Raila’s Allies

    Fear Grips Miano and Three Other CSs as Cabinet Shake-Up Looms to Accommodate Raila’s Allies

    A cloud of uncertainty hangs over four Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) from the Mount Kenya region—Rebecca Miano, Eric Murithi Mugaa, Justin Muturi, and Alice Wahome—as speculation mounts over an imminent Cabinet reshuffle aimed at accommodating allies of opposition leader Raila Odinga.

    This political maneuver, attributed to President William Ruto, follows the October 2024 impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and reflects a strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general election. Gachagua’s removal, approved by a 281-44 vote in the National Assembly on charges of corruption and ethnic bias, has left a power vacuum in Mount Kenya, prompting Ruto to seek Odinga’s support.

    According to reports on a local newspaper today, citing State House sources, at least four CS positions are at risk.

    The reshuffle is seen as an attempt to stabilize the government following widespread protests and economic unrest, including the scrapped Finance Bill 2024 and growing discontent with the Ruto administration.

    The move aligns with the dialogue framework outlined in the Nadco Report.

    While integrating Odinga’s allies into the broad-based government has drawn criticism, it is a political lifeline that Raila recently extended to Ruto—one the President cannot afford to ignore.

    For Ruto, it is a matter of political survival.

    The CSs reportedly in the crosshairs—Eric Murithi Mugaa (Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation), Justin Muturi (Public Service and Human Capital Development), and Alice Wahome (Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development)—share regional ties to Gachagua, making them vulnerable.

    As for Rebecca Miano, CS for Tourism and Wildlife, despite her high-profile career, lingering scandals could provide a pretext for her exit.

    Rebecca Miano: A Stained Legacy?

    Miano, born in Nairobi with roots in Nyeri, rose from a legal background to become CEO of KenGen, Kenya’s leading electricity generation company, from 2012 to 2019.

    Her tenure was marked by efforts to modernize the firm, but whispers of mismanagement and financial irregularities have dogged her legacy.

    Allegations of embezzlement surfaced, with claims that she funneled public funds to finance a loan from a Chinese firm—intended for infrastructure but allegedly misused—sparking public outrage.

    Though no formal charges were proven, and a related article mysteriously disappeared shortly after her 2024 Attorney General nomination was floated, the scandal has left a stain.

    Public sentiment on social media platforms has occasionally reignited these claims, though such posts remain inconclusive.

    Her Cabinet stint, beginning with Investments, Trade, and Industry in 2022 and shifting to Tourism in 2024, has earned praise for boosting tourism earnings—projected to hit 650 billion shillings ($5 billion) in 2025—but also criticism for perceived favoritism in policy decisions.

    These controversies, combined with her Mount Kenya affiliation, provide Ruto with a plausible pretext to sideline her, especially as he balances regional and political pressures.

    Speculation suggests she could be transferred to a less prominent ministry, such as Environment, leveraging her administrative experience.

    However, her Mount Kenya ties make her a target. This move would allow Ruto to appease the remaining Mount Kenya voters while distancing her from sensitive economic roles—though it hinges on whether Odinga’s allies demand her position for their own.

    Eric Murithi Mugaa: Political Naivety as a Liability

    Eric Murithi Mugaa, CS for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation since July 2024, appears vulnerable due to his political inexperience. At 32, his engineering background and lack of significant political clout may not align with Ruto’s need for seasoned figures to bolster his 2027 campaign. His appointment, initially seen as merit-based, lacks the regional influence Ruto requires to counter Odinga’s growing sway, making his exit a plausible adjustment.

    Justin Muturi: A Lightning Rod for Controversy

    Justin Muturi, CS for Public Service and Human Capital Development, has become a lightning rod for controversy.

    Despite his past as National Assembly Speaker (2013-2022) and Attorney General, Muturi has openly criticized the government he serves, notably targeting the National Intelligence Service (NIS) over abductions, including his son’s ordeal.

    His Democratic Party (DP) issued a 30-day exit notice from Kenya Kwanza on March 7, 2025, citing irreconcilable political differences.

    This move, aligned with coalition termination clauses, was not unexpected—Muturi himself hinted at his departure months ago, with posts on X reflecting growing dissent.

    His outspoken stance and party’s exit signal a break from Ruto, making his ouster all but certain.

    Alice Wahome: A Casualty of Regional Balancing

    Alice Wahome, CS for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, rounds out the list. Her regional ties to Gachagua fuel her risk. Without the scandals or public defiance of Miano and Muturi, her exit seems more a casualty of regional balancing than a reflection of her performance.

    A Risky Gambit for Ruto

    The reshuffle echoes Ruto’s December 2024 outreach to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, but this iteration seems tailored to Odinga, potentially alienating Mount Kenya’s base.

    Opposition reactions are split, with some viewing Raila’s inclusion as a governance win, while others decry it as a betrayal of protest ideals.

    Letting go of some of the CSs who have been Ruto’s long-term allies will not be an easy choice, but it is one he must make to survive politically.

    Based on his past actions, he is likely to relocate them to other roles rather than discard them entirely.

    However, one thing is certain: some will have to go for the king to remain alive.

  • Muturi’s Democratic Party Gives Notice To Leave Kenya Kwanza Over Irreconcilable Political Differences

    Muturi’s Democratic Party Gives Notice To Leave Kenya Kwanza Over Irreconcilable Political Differences

    The Democratic Party of Kenya (DPK), led by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, has issued a 30-day notice to exit the Kenya Kwanza alliance, citing political developments that have made its stay in the coalition untenable.

    DPK Chairman Esau Kioni and Secretary General Jacob Haji formally announced the party’s decision to withdraw in a letter dated March 7, 2025, and addressed to the Kenya Kwanza Coalition Secretariat.

    “Kindly take notice that our stay in Kenya Kwanza Coalition is no longer tenable due to the prevailing political developments,” read the letter in part.

    The party invoked the Termination Clause (8) of the coalition agreement, making the exit effective within 30 days from the date of the notice.

    “Democratic Party of Kenya, vide this letter, hereby gives a thirty (30) day notice to exit the Coalition as stipulated in the Termination Clause (8) in the Coalition Agreement,” reads the letter.

    The letter was also copied to the Registrar of Political Parties, as well as the Secretary Generals of Ford Kenya, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and the Maendeleo Chap Chap Party.

    Government critic

    Muturi’s move to pull his party out of Kenya Kwanza comes against the backdrop of his increasing criticism of the government, particularly after he revealed the details of his son’s abduction.

    The Public Service Cabinet Secretary has been vocal about the wave of enforced disappearances in the country, saying he personally experienced the trauma when his son, Leslie Muturi, was taken by unknown individuals in Nairobi in June 2024.

    “I have personally suffered as my son was abducted, leaving my family in turmoil,” Muturi said.

    At the time of his son’s abduction, Muturi was a member of the National Security Council before being reassigned in a cabinet reshuffle following the Gen Z protests. He stated that he was never informed of his son’s whereabouts before Leslie was eventually released by unidentified individuals suspected to be security officers.

    “I’ve not gotten any answers as to why my son was abducted, held incommunicado, and nobody gave any reasons for that abduction,” he lamented.

    While the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) assured that the case remains under investigation and urged Muturi to provide any additional information, the National Police Service distanced itself from the abductions.

    President William Ruto’s allies have criticised the CS, accusing him of politicising the issue.

    Senator Wahome Wamatinga alleged that Muturi’s outbursts were politically motivated and linked to his ambitions for the 2027 elections.

    “Muturi is just a bitter man against Ruto, who is expanding the broad-based government to those in opposition,” Wamatinga claimed.

    Reuben Kiborek, an MP from the ruling UDA party, described Muturi’s public criticism as “inappropriate and dangerous,” arguing that such concerns should have been raised in a cabinet meeting rather than in the media.

    Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, a vocal critic of Ruto, also weighed in, questioning Muturi’s stance while still serving in government.

    “He works for the same government, how can he criticise it? You lose nothing by just resigning,” Amisi wrote on X.

    Muturi, however, said he remains defiant, noting that he is unbothered by the backlash and is prepared for any consequences.

    “I do not fear being sacked. I trust in God,” he told Nation, following reports that he had already submitted his resignation letter.

  • Gang Operating Fake Police Cell Arrested In Kakamega

    Gang Operating Fake Police Cell Arrested In Kakamega

    Six individuals have been arrested for operating an illegal police cell and detaining unsuspecting victims in Kakamega town.

    The gang, made up of youths including a woman, has been impersonating police officers, extorting money and terrorizing local residents.

    The group would arrest residents and demand Ksh300 for their release. Those who fail to pay are locked in the makeshift cell and subjected to physical abuse.

    The incident was reported by the area’s Assistant Chief, Isaac Ayumba, who revealed that many residents had fallen victim to the criminal operation.

    The victims narrated harrowing accounts of being locked in a cramped, single-room cell alongside both men and women, forced to use buckets to relieve themselves.

    Just like in regular police cells, the suspects held in the filthy conditions are provided with food.

    Police are pursuing more suspects, while the victims remain without medical treatment due to lack of funds.

  • Water CS Blames Stalled Thwake Dam Project to Russia-Ukraine War

    Water CS Blames Stalled Thwake Dam Project to Russia-Ukraine War

    Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa has cited the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as the reason behind the stalled construction of the Ksh.82 billion Thwake multi-purpose dam, a critical infrastructure project at the confluence of the Thwake and Athi rivers on the Kitui-Makueni counties border.

    Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, Mugaa faced tough questions from Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo over the repeated delays in completing the dam, which broke ground in March 2018.

    In response, the CS linked the setbacks to difficulties in procuring explosives necessary for blasting the rocky foundation.

    “Our access to explosives required to blast the foundations of the rock bed was not easily accessible. It slowed the progress of the work. It’s a global market,” Mugaa explained, attributing the supply challenges to disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which escalated in February 2022.

    His justification, however, did not sit well with senators, who pressed him on the connection between the Eastern European war and a dam project in East Africa.

    The Thwake Dam project has faced multiple delays over the years.

    In January 2024, the government, for the fourth time, extended the completion timeline after the main contractor, China Gezhouba Group Company, admitted it could not meet the February 4, 2024, deadline.

    The firm requested an extension until December 2024.

    By that time, over Ksh.22 billion—largely funded by the African Development Bank—had already been spent on the project.

    By June, then-Water CS Zachariah Njeru reported that the government had spent more than Ksh.36 billion to complete the dam’s embankment area, assuring that phase one of the project would be finished by December 2024.

    The dam, once completed, is expected to provide water for domestic use, hydropower generation, and irrigation in the semi-arid Ukambani region.

    However, with delays piling up and explanations now tied to geopolitical tensions, concerns remain over whether the project will meet its latest completion target.

  • Ruto Promises HELB Disbursement By End Of The Week

    Ruto Promises HELB Disbursement By End Of The Week

    President William Ruto has announced that the government will release Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds by the end of the week, providing relief to thousands of students awaiting financial support.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Laboratory at Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute in Nairobi’s Dagoretti area, Ruto acknowledged the challenges faced by students due to delayed HELB disbursements.

    “We have been having issues when it comes to HELB. So yesterday, I was with the leaders in charge, and they said there were some issues with the HELB Board,” Ruto said.

    The Head of State assured of measures to resolve preveiling challenges, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all students receive their allocated funds.

    “Today, the Head of Public Service is attending to the issues, and I have told them that by Friday, the money should be released to the youth of this country,” he said.

    Ruto made the announcement in the wake of recent protests by university students over delayed HELB disbursements.

    Student protests

    In February, students from the University of Nairobi and Egerton University stormed HELB’s headquarters at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi, expressing frustration over the financial delays.

    The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a state agency under the Ministry of Education, established in 1995 with the primary mandate of providing loans, bursaries, and scholarships to Kenyan students pursuing higher education.

    HELB’s funding model combines loans, scholarships, and household contributions based on a Means Testing Instrument (MTI) that assesses the financial needs of applicants.

    The board plays a crucial role in promoting access to higher education by disbursing funds that cover tuition fees and living expenses for students.

    The government disbursed a total of Sh3.32 billion by January 31, for first- and second-year students during the 2024/2025 academic year.

    These disbursements, made through HELB, cover students’ upkeep, with loans ranging from Sh40,000 to Sh60,000 per student.

  • Joining Ruto? Kalonzo Dismisses Viral Video As Fake News

    Joining Ruto? Kalonzo Dismisses Viral Video As Fake News

    Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has dismissed the claims that he’s joining President William Ruto’s administration following a viral video circulating online that he has since dismissed as fake news.

    Speculation has been rife that Ruto is courting a key opposition figure to further consolidate his support ahead of the 2027 elections, following his deal with ODM leader Raila Odinga.

    Kalonzo has been among those rumored to be on Ruto’s radar to strengthen his political grip.

    Responding to a viral video on Wednesday morning, which recapped his visit to State House during the unveiling of the Nadco report in 2024, Kalonzo dismissed the claims and insisted he would not betray Kenyans.

    “Why are they so panicky?” Kalonzo captioned the widely circulated video.

    The Wiper leader affirmed his commitment to working alongside fellow opposition leaders to “liberate” the country in 2027.

    “The People’s Loyal Coalition will never be part of the biggest betrayal of Kenyans for political expediency and temporary comfort,” Kalonzo declared.

    The former vice president’s remarks come just days after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga signed a memorandum of understanding with President Ruto.

    Kalonzo is currently working with opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa.

    On March 7, Kalonzo and Wamalwa strongly criticised the cooperation agreement between Raila and Ruto, labeling it a “betrayal of Kenyans.”

    The two leaders argued that Raila had abandoned the cause of the Kenyan people, particularly those who lost their lives in 2023 and 2024 while protesting against the high cost of living, punitive taxes, and governance issues.

    Speaking at the People’s Dialogue Festival at Uhuru Park on Friday, Kalonzo and Wamalwa opined that even with Raila’s backing, it was not easy for Ruto to secure re-election.

    “If there is no formula at KICC today (March 7) showing how Kenyans will be compensated for the loss of lives due to police brutality, then nothing will come out of KICC other than the betrayal of the Kenyan people,” Kalonzo said.

    Wamalwa echoed these sentiments, emphasising that the opposition would remain true to the people’s concerns and not be swayed by government positions.

    He also faulted Raila for aligning with the government, asserting that history would judge him for his decision.

    “We chose to stand with Gen Z, with the people of Kenya, and today, as the opposition, we want to make it clear—we have deliberately and consciously chosen where we stand,” Wamalwa declared.

    “Those who left the opposition to join Kenya Kwanza government—history is a harsh judge; may it judge them accordingly.”

    But Raila defended his move on Tuesday, saying he did not join Ruto but is working with the government to address 10 facing Kenyans.

  • Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi Elected Budget Committee Chairman Replaces Nyoro

    Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi Elected Budget Committee Chairman Replaces Nyoro

    Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi has been elected unopposed as the chairperson of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee.

    He takes over from Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who neither defended his seat nor attended the election meeting.

    Atandi was the only candidate who submitted his nomination papers before the deadline, making him the automatic winner.

    According to parliamentary rules, when only one contender is nominated, the clerk officially declares them elected without a vote.

    The presiding clerk confirmed receiving Atandi’s nomination forms, which were proposed by Baringo Woman Representative Florence Jematia and seconded by Taveta MP Danson Mwashako.

    “I declare Atandi as duly elected as chairperson and Endebess MP Robert Pukose as duly elected vice chairperson,” the presiding clerk announced.

    Pukose was also nominated for the position of vice chairperson by Kitui Central MP Mulu Makali and Atandi.

    In his acceptance speech, Atandi, who is from the Orange Democratic Movement Party, thanked his colleagues for the opportunity and acknowledged the importance of the committee’s work.

    “This is a demanding responsibility. I applaud the broad-based government. We have reached this point because of the broad-based government,” he said.

    He also expressed gratitude to his party leader, Raila Odinga and President William Ruto, crediting them for the idea of a broad-based government.

    Atandi noted that the committee takes over at a time when there are growing concerns about the performance of the previous leadership. He pledged to ensure the fair distribution of national resources, emphasising that a balanced allocation is key to peace and stability.

    “We know the map of the Republic of Kenya and understand that resource sharing affects peace and stability. We will ensure each county benefits from the resources entrusted to us,” he said.

    Pukose echoed Atandi’s sentiments, vowing to champion equity in budget allocations.

    National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula last week directed all parliamentary committees to elect their Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons within seven days following their reconstitution.

    This was after the House approved the new list of committee members on Wednesday after a prolonged delay that had stalled key legislative processes, including the processing of the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) and the Supplementary Budget II for the Financial Year 2024-2025.

    The delay was attributed to a political standoff between President Ruto’s party and Raila’s coalition, which had hampered the formation of the Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC), a crucial entity in budgetary matters.

  • Three Including Former MCA Arrested For Impersonating EACC Investigators

    Three Including Former MCA Arrested For Impersonating EACC Investigators

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three individuals accused of impersonating senior EACC investigators and extorting money from government officials and parastatal heads.

    Former Kyululu Ward MCA James Mbuvi Kula, Mike Muthami Kasingi, and Raphael Muthoka Kithembe were apprehended on Wednesday at a bar in Komarock.

    The suspects were caught while allegedly waiting to extort a complainant who had already outsmarted them.

    A search conducted by EACC officers uncovered 12 mobile phones, 22 SIM cards, and eight notebooks containing names and details of potential victims.

    According to the Commission, the arrests follow multiple complaints about the suspects’ fraudulent activities.

    The EACC has urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling prey to imposters.

    “EACC investigators have official job cards, which they produce for identification while on duty. Further, the Commission summons persons of interest via official written communication to appear at the Headquarters or the nearest Regional Offices or at a police station.”

  • Reggae Icon, Cocoa Tea, Dead at 65

    Reggae Icon, Cocoa Tea, Dead at 65

    Prolific Reggae artist, Cocoa Tea is dead. He was 65.

    The news was confirmed by his wife, Malvia Scott, on Tuesday, March, 11 to Jamaican News outlet Jamaican Gleaner.

    “I got a call early this morning to say that he had been transferred from the facility to the hospital … which is like five minutes away … because he was vomiting.

    “He was initially diagnosed with lymphoma in 2019, but for the last six months he was also struggling with pneumonia,” she told the outlet.

    Despite the singer’s diagnosis years ago, Malvia said he remained positive, calling him “brave” and “hopeful.”

    “About three weeks ago when he was admitted in the hospital he asked if I was worried and I said ‘I am always worried.’”

    “He told me not to worry because everything was going to be all right,” she added.

    As messages of condolences continue to pour in, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness also paid tribute to the singer on X.

    “I extend condolences to the family, friends, and supporters of Calvin George Scott, affectionately known as Cocoa Tea.

    “His smooth vocals and compelling lyrics gave us timeless classics like Rocking Dolly and I Lost My Sonia, songs that have become anthems in our cultural landscape,” Holness wrote.

    “Beyond his musical genius, Cocoa Tea was a beacon of kindness and generosity, consistently uplifting the less fortunate and embodying the warmth of our nation,” he added.

    “Cocoa Tea’s influence extended beyond our shores, touching hearts worldwide and solidifying Jamaica’s place on the global musical stage.

    “As we mourn his passing, let us celebrate the rich legacy he leaves behind, a legacy of melody, compassion, and cultural pride,” the Prime Minister concluded. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

    Born Calvin Scott in 1959 in Rocky Point, Clarendon, Cocoa Tea was well-known, releasing dozens of songs throughout his lifetime.

    He released his first song in 1985 titled “Searching In The Hill,” when he was only a teenager.

    According to The Independent, he broke out in Jamaica’s music scene in the mid-’80s before becoming known around the world in the ’90s.

    Some of his most-well known songs include “I Lost My Sonia,” “Sweet Sweet Cocoa Tea,” “Israel’s King” and “Young Lover.” Perhaps his most famous song is the 1990 tune “Riker’s Island,” which would get a remix titled “Me No Like Rikers Island,” with Nardo Ranks.

    He also released the song “Barack Obama” in 2008 in support of Obama’s candidacy.

    In 2014, he released his final album Sunset in Negril in 2014.

    Cocoa Tea is survived by his wife Malvia and eight children.

  • Construction Of Rironi-Mau Summit Road To Begin In June

    Construction Of Rironi-Mau Summit Road To Begin In June

    Construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit Road is expected to commence in June this year following a directive by the Cabinet.

    In a meeting chaired on Tuesday by President William Ruto, the Cabinet directed the finalisation of the construction framework and groundbreaking of the multibillion shillings project which has been on hold for a period of time.

    The road which is expected to be undertaken by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KenHA) will see the 170km road upgraded from the current single carriageway to a dual carriageway.

    “The project will upgrade the road from a two-way single carriageway to a four-lane dual carriageway, significantly improving traffic flow. This road development is expected to ease transport and travel from Nairobi through Nakuru to Western Kenya, a route that has long suffered from serious traffic congestion on weekends and during national holidays,” stated a brief from the Cabinet Office.

    In 2019, the government had proposed to construct the road under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model at a cost of $700 million (Ksh 90.3b).

    According to the earlier proposal by KenHA, civil works on the project include a four lane dual carriageway with a further expansion into a six lane carriageway in sections depending upon traffic volumes. Additionally, the project construction works would include strengthening of 57.8 km of the A8-South highway between Rironi and Naivasha via Mai Mahiu.

    “The project, which is set for completion within 24 months, with a target date of June 2027, is part of Kenya’s broader infrastructure transformation aimed at enhancing connectivity across the country and the region, while driving economic growth,” the Cabinet stated.

    Rironi-Mau Summit Road is part of the northern corridor trade route which runs from Mombasa to the East and Central Africa hinterlands.

  • ‪Harambee Stars Coach McCarthy Unveils World Cup Qualifiers Provisional Squad‬

    ‪Harambee Stars Coach McCarthy Unveils World Cup Qualifiers Provisional Squad‬

    Kenya’s national team head coach, Benni McCarthy, has unveiled his provisional squad ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.

    The squad features a blend of experienced players and promising young talents, including first-time call-ups for Australia-based midfielder William Lenkupae and young prospects Kelly Madada and Andreas Odhiambo.

    Coach McCarthy’s Vision for the Squad

    Speaking about his selection, Coach Benni McCarthy emphasized the importance of assessing local-based players ahead of CHAN while identifying potential additions for the World Cup qualifiers.

    The players are expected to report to camp on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, to begin preparations for these high-stakes encounters.

    “Wednesday will be my first camp with local-based players to assess the quality for the upcoming CHAN and identify potential additions for the World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.”

    The national team will first face Gambia on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Stade Allasane Ouattara in Ivory Coast. This away fixture will be a critical test for the squad as they aim to secure valuable points on the road.

    Following their match against Gambia, the team will return home to take on Gabon at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, March 23, 2025. The match is scheduled to kick off at 4 PM.

    Provisional Squad

    Goalkeepers

    Brian Opondo (Tusker FC), Faruk Shikhalo (Bandari FC), Ian Otieno (Richards Bay), Brian Bwire (Polokwane City)

    Defenders

    Sylvester Owino (Gor Mahia), Ronney Onyango (Gor Mahia), Alphonce Omija (Gor Mahia), Siraj Mohamed (Bandari FC), Daniel Sakari (Kenya Police FC), Levis Esambe (AFC Leopards SC), Eric Ouma (Rakow Czestochowa), Johnstone Omurwa (Kapaz fc), Joseph Okumu (Stade Reims), Collins Sichenje (FK Vojvodina), Daniel Anyembe (Viborg FF), Brian Mandela (Stellenbosch), Amos Nondi (Ararat)

    Midfielders

    Musa Katibi (Kenya Police FC), Chris Erambo (Tusker FC), Austine Odhiambo (Gor Mahia), Lawrence Juma (Gor Mahia), Kelly Madada (AFC Leopards SC), Ben Stanley (Gor Mahia), Mathias Isogoli (Mara Sugar FC), Andreas Odhiambo (Kariobangi Sharks), Alpha Onyango (Gor Mahia), Richard Odada (Dundee United), Duke Abuya (Yanga), Timothy Ouma (Slavia Prague), Apollo Otieno (Dodoma Jiji), Amos Nondi (FC Ararat), Eric Johanna (UTA Arad), Anthony Akumu (Kheybar Khorramabad), Ismail Gonzalez (Merida AD), William Lenkupae (Central Coast Mariners)

    Forwards

    Boniface Muchiri (Ulinzi Stars), James Kinyanjui (KCB FC), Alvin Mang’eni (Kenya Police FC), Mohamed Bajaber (Kenya Police FC), Eric Balecho (Tusker FC), Ryan Ogam (Tusker FC), Moses Shumah (Kakamega Homeboyz), Edward Omondi (Sofapaka FC), Elvis Rupia (Singida Blackstars), John Avire (Porto Suez), Jonah Ayunga (St Mirren), Michael Olunga (Al – Duhail), Mathew Tegisi (Pamba Jiji), Masud Juma (Esteghlal FC)

  • Mother Charged in Kisumu Court for Recording Herself Engaging in Sexual Activity with 14-Year-Old Son

    Mother Charged in Kisumu Court for Recording Herself Engaging in Sexual Activity with 14-Year-Old Son

    A 36-year-old woman was arraigned at Winam Law Courts, Kisumu on Monday for an alleged indecent act with her son.

    The woman faced two charges; committing an indecent act with a child and producing child pornography.

    Mauline Adhiambo Odero appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Robert Oanda, where she denied both charges.

    Prosecutors and investigators requested 14 days to conduct further investigations before proceeding with the case.

    According to court records, Adhiambo allegedly coerced her 14-year-old son into sexual acts between May and June 2023 in Mowlem, Kisumu East Sub-county.

    The court categorized the offense under Section 5(1) of the Sexual Offences Act of 2006.

    She also faced a second charge under Section 24(1b) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrime Act No. 5 of 2018 for allegedly recording obscene videos of the minor using her mobile phone.

    The suspect had mistakenly sent the explicit footage to a friend on WhatsApp, leading to its rapid circulation on social media and her arrest.

    She has been remanded at Kondele Police Station for 10 days as investigations continue.

    The court has scheduled her next appearance on March 24 for mention, with the hearing set for April 3,2025.

  • NACADA Raises Alarm On Escalating Drug Abuse In Airbnbs, Vows Crackdown

    NACADA Raises Alarm On Escalating Drug Abuse In Airbnbs, Vows Crackdown

    The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has warned on the rising misuse of private rental spaces, particularly Airbnb properties, as drug dens.

    According to NACADA,recent reports indicate that these accommodations are increasingly being used for illicit drug parties, alcohol consumption, and, tragically, fatal overdoses.

    The alarming trend has been noted particularly in urban centers like Nairobi, where young people are reported to have engaged in drug use during social gatherings at Airbnb rentals.

    NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa, emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “Over the past year, multiple incidents have emerged of young individuals using drugs in Airbnbs, some of which have tragically resulted in fatal overdoses.”

    “This situation calls for immediate action from all stakeholders and we urge Airbnb hosts and property managers to exercise due diligence in screening guests and flagging any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.”

    The growing concern comes as NACADA steps up efforts to clamp down on illegal drug activities.

    The authority says it is collaborating with law enforcement to monitor and prevent drug abuse in both public and private spaces, including the increasingly popular Airbnb short-term rentals.

    According to a report by NACADA, 23% of young adults aged 18-24 in urban areas have engaged in drug use at social gatherings, with a significant number of these cases occurring in private venues like Airbnbs.

    As part of the initiative, NACADA is urging all Kenyans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

  • Details Of How Daring Mob Trailed Presidential Motorcade In Nairobi, Nearly Breaching State House

    Details Of How Daring Mob Trailed Presidential Motorcade In Nairobi, Nearly Breaching State House

    In a dramatic turn of events that has caused commotion within the country’s security apparatus, a group of unruly youths followed President William Ruto’s motorcade for approximately 15 kilometres from Eastleigh before converging on State House on Monday, March 10.

    The impromptu mob, comprising approximately 200 individuals, many of whom originated from the slums of Eastleigh and its surrounding areas, attempted to breach the fortified gate of the seat of power in what they humorously referred to as an attempt to “meet the president for lunch.”

    Eyewitnesses report that the group, riding motorcycles and even clinging dangerously to vehicles in the presidential convoy, had been following the motorcade with a mix of audacity and desperation.

    The mobs’ unconventional motive, reportedly a hunger-driven ploy to secure a meeting with President Ruto, Governor Johnson Sakaja, or other Members of Parliament accompanying the tour, quickly escalated into chaos.

    Before reaching the highly guarded gates of State House, the rowdy mob disrupted traffic along Gate A, robbing and harassing motorists and pedestrians alike.

    As the disturbance grew, police reinforcements, including specialized Recce units, were summoned to the scene.

    Their arrival, however, came amid a scene of mayhem where several vehicles had to be turned away to avoid further escalation.

    At approximately 3:00 p.m., hawk G Company officials intercepted the group at the entrance to State House.

    Confronted by an elite security squad, the protestors were ordered to halt their advance. “The elite security team acted swiftly, preventing any unauthorized access to the highly protected premises. They wanted to even break in saying they were hungry but retreated when more officers arrived,” said a bystander who witnessed the tense standoff.

    In the ensuing confusion, 12 individuals—identified as among the most fervent participants—were arrested.

    However, sources confirm that these arrests were short-lived, with the detainees later released after a brief period of custody.

    The events of Monday have prompted a swift response from security agencies. Officials have assured the public that there was no direct threat to the state’s leadership and that measures remain in place to safeguard Kenya’s most critical installations.

    President Ruto’s tour of Nairobi, which has already drawn heightened security measures, continues.

    After the incident at State House, he is slated to visit Mathare and Kasarani on Tuesday, March 11.

  • Private Jets, Luxury Hotels: How Kenya Blew Sh524M on Raila’s Failed AUC Bid

    Private Jets, Luxury Hotels: How Kenya Blew Sh524M on Raila’s Failed AUC Bid

    New information presented before Parliament has revealed that Kenya spent Sh523.85 million on Raila Odinga’s unsuccessful campaign for the chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).

    The Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations committee detailed on Monday how taxpayers’ money was spent on chartering aircraft, securing hotel accommodations, arranging airport transfers, and promoting Odinga’s candidacy across the continent.

    Committee Chairman Nelson Koech (Belgut, United Democratic Alliance) presented the figures to the National Assembly’s Liaison Committee, chaired by Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss, during a review of the Sh199 billion Supplementary Budget II for 2024/25.

    “The committee approves spending of Sh523.84 million for the State Department for Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Affairs, incurred in accordance with Article 223 of the Constitution,” Koech told the committee, convened at the Trade Mark Hotel in Nairobi.

    Article 223 allows the government to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Fund Services (CFS) for emergencies without prior parliamentary approval, capped at 10% of the annual budget, with retrospective consent required within two months.

    Koech specified that the funds supported “international candidatures activity,” particularly the AUC campaign, which saw Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader and former Prime Minister, lose to Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf in February 2025.

    The election, held during the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, ended with Youssouf securing the required 33 votes in the seventh round, after Odinga dropped out following the sixth round with 22 votes to Youssouf’s 26.

    “We were sure we would win, but other factors came into play,” Odinga remarked after the loss, hinting at unforeseen influences despite robust backing from President William Ruto and the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

    The disclosure puts to rest earlier speculation about the campaign’s cost, which had sparked heated debate. Juja MP George Koimbori had alleged the government spent Sh13 billion, a claim dismissed by Odinga and the administration as baseless.

    Koimbori faced arrest and questioning by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in February, though he was charged with forgery rather than his spending assertions.

    Speaking on February 24 at Mombasa State House, Odinga clarified that state support was limited to necessary transport, refuting extravagant expenditure rumors.

    Public scrutiny intensified with a petition by Nairobi lawyer Lempaa Suyianka, who sought to block state funding for the bid, arguing it breached constitutional principles on public resource use. While the Sh523.85 million figure is significantly lower than Koimbori’s claim, it still raises questions about fiscal priorities amid Kenya’s economic challenges.

    The spending revelation coincides with the broad-based government’s surprising political twist: a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ruto and Odinga on March 7, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

    The 10-point agreement, aimed at fostering national unity, commits the Kenya Kwanza coalition and ODM to collaborate on issues like implementing the Nadco report, curbing government opulence, and addressing youth employment.

    The pact follows Ruto’s full-throated support for Odinga’s AUC bid, signaling a shift from rivalry to cooperation.

    Critics, have long argued Odinga’s candidacy was more about political prestige than AUC reform, reflecting Kenya’s tendency to project domestic agendas onto the continental stage.

    The Sh524 million expenditure, while consistent with past campaigns like the 2017 bid for Amina Mohamed, underscores ongoing debates over transparency and resource allocation.