Author: staff reporter

By John Kariuki

Lamu West Member of Parliament, Hon. Stanley Muthama, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to serving the people of Lamu West, particularly under the education pillar. Hon. Muthama has consistently been recognized for his exceptional use of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), earning accolades for his accountability, integrity, and visible impact.

In yet another major step towards transforming education in the region, Hon. Muthama’s office was proudly represented today during the official site-handing-over and groundbreaking ceremony of the Maisha Masha Comprehensive School Infrastructure Improvement Project. The project, fully funded by the MPESA Foundation, promises to revolutionize the learning environment for local students.

The development includes the construction of permanent classrooms for lower primary, two Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms, a modern administration block, a fully equipped science laboratory, a digital computer lab, a library, a spacious kitchen, and modern sanitation facilities for both students and teachers.

Hon. Muthama expressed deep appreciation to the MPESA Foundation for choosing to invest in the future of Lamu West’s children, stating that the impact of the project will extend beyond Maisha Masha to benefit the wider constituency.

He further noted that, through NG-CDF, his office had already constructed four permanent classrooms and provided quality furniture for the school. “This new development complements and expands what we’ve already begun, making Maisha Masha a true centre of academic excellence,” he said.

Hon. Muthama’s continued dedication to education underscores his vision of empowering communities through sustainable and inclusive development.

By John Kariuki

Honorable Githua Wamacukuru, the Member of Parliament for Kabete, today conducted a thorough inspection of the ongoing construction on the Kibiku-Gathiga-Njathaini road. Accompanied by the contractors and local residents, MP Wamacukuru closely monitored the progress of the work, particularly focusing on the Kibiku-Ithanga stretch.

The Kibiku-Gathiga-Njathaini road project is a critical infrastructure development in Kabete, one of the key initiatives designed to improve the road network in the region. It is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing transportation for both residents and businesses, facilitating smoother connectivity between Kibiku, Gathiga, Njathaini, and neighboring areas.

During the site visit, MP Wamacukuru interacted with the contractors and the local community, engaging in discussions about the road’s current status and the projected completion timeline. He expressed his satisfaction with the progress made so far and reiterated the importance of delivering the project on schedule. The road is set to significantly ease transportation bottlenecks, reduce travel time, and promote economic activity in the region.

“I am pleased with the work done thus far, but we must remain focused on ensuring that the project is completed to the highest standards and within the set timelines,” said MP Wamacukuru. He further emphasized that the road’s completion would serve as a catalyst for economic growth, making it easier for farmers, traders, and residents to move goods and services more efficiently.

The Kibiku-Ithanga stretch, in particular, has faced significant traffic challenges in recent years, making the road improvements even more essential. Once completed, the new road will enhance access to vital services, such as healthcare, education, and markets, making life easier for local communities.

Residents also expressed their optimism about the positive impact of the project on their daily lives. Many noted that the improved road network would encourage new businesses, ease the transport of agricultural produce, and make the area more attractive to potential investors.

MP Wamacukuru took the opportunity to thank the contractors for their dedication to the project, noting that such infrastructure investments were crucial to the well-being of the community. He also appreciated the cooperation of the local residents, acknowledging their patience and support throughout the construction process.

The Kibiku-Gathiga-Njathaini road project is more than just a road upgrade – it is a key component of Kabete’s broader development strategy. With continued focus and timely completion, it promises to bring lasting benefits, improving access, driving economic growth, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

By Maximilla Wafula

Nairobi, May 15, 2025 -As the world marked the UN International Day of Families, Kenyans from across the country united in a bold show of solidarity to defend the dignity and diversity of all families. Amid growing threats from anti-rights campaigns, they came together to reaffirm a powerful truth — that all families, in all their forms, matter.

In a strongly worded joint statement, civil society organizations, grassroots communities, and concerned citizens expressed alarm over the rising influence of foreign-funded groups such as CitizenGO and Family Watch International. These groups have been accused of pushing a narrow and exclusionary vision of what qualifies as a family, targeting single parents, sex workers, LGBTQ persons, and other non-traditional family structures.
“Not in our name,” the statement declared, rejecting any attempt to redefine family in a way that promotes hate and discrimination.

The movement urged the protection of all Kenyan families, as guaranteed under Article 45 of the Constitution. They emphasized that families come in many forms — nuclear, extended, single-parent, blended, polygamous, surrogate, and community-formed — and all deserve respect, safety, and support. True family values, the group stated, are grounded in love, care, and inclusion, not control or rejection.

The statement also called attention to the real issues affecting Kenyan families in 2025: poverty, inequality, gender-based violence, lack of healthcare access, and widespread discrimination. They demanded urgent government action to invest in public health, education, and social protection, and to reject laws that marginalize any family group.

Community and religious leaders were called upon to foster compassion, dialogue, and inclusion instead of spreading division. The group also advocated for age-appropriate sexuality education, reproductive healthcare, mental health support, and safe spaces free from violence and stigma.

“Families are not under threat from diversity,” the statement concluded. “They are under threat from poverty, neglect, and harmful systems that ignore their needs.”
As Kenyans raised their voices in unity, their message was clear:
“Our families are many. They are strong. They are worthy of love, protection, and belonging. We are many. We are ready. And we are not afraid.”

by Tum David

Naivas Supermarket wishes to correct recent misinformation circulating on social media and other informal
channels regarding the alleged sale of expired products and the supposed closure of Nairobi branches by authorities.
We would like to reassure our customers, partners, and the general public that:

• No expired products have been found on our shelves, and we maintain stringent internal quality control and
  stock management systems across all our branches to ensure product safety and compliance with health
  regulations
• No Naivas branch has been closed by any regulatory or health authority. All our stores remain fully operational
  and compliant with all national and county-level standards set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the
  Ministry of Health, and relevant bodies
• The circulating claims are entirely false, misleading, and potentially harmful, not just to our brand but to our
  valued customers who rely on us for daily essentials. Naivas is taking legal advice regarding a formal action
  against the individuals or organisations that are spreading misinformation regarding Naivas
• Naivas has a very strict anti-bribery and corruption policy and will not submit to extortionary tactics

From left: KUPPET Deputy Secretary General Moses Nthurima, Secretary General Akelo Misori (centre), and National Vice Chair Julius Korir during a press briefing in Nairobi on May 14, 2025.

By Churchill Simiyu

Nairobi, Kenya – May 14, 2025 -The future of millions of Kenyan learners hangs in the balance following revelations by the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) that the government’s proposed 2025–2026 budget will severely cripple the country’s education sector.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, KUPPET warned that the cuts will not only disrupt schools but also compromise the quality of education and ultimately stall Kenya’s long-term development goals. The union described the budget proposal as the most aggressive withdrawal of support for public education since independence.

According to KUPPET, the education budget faces a staggering KES 62 billion shortfall. Key areas such as the management of national exams, school quality assurance, and the modernisation of data systems have been completely defunded. KUPPET officials noted with concern that the Quality Assurance Department at the Ministry of Education may be rendered inactive, leaving no mechanisms to monitor standards in schools.

The budget cuts also target critical programs including the confirmation of 20,000 intern junior secondary school teachers, recruitment of additional teachers promised for January 2026, and funding for school feeding initiatives. These moves, KUPPET said, will widen the gap between privileged and disadvantaged learners.
KUPPET argued that by removing state support for exams and basic school operations, the government is shifting the cost burden to parents—many of whom are already struggling with a high cost of living. Without capitation funds reaching schools, learners will face interrupted learning due to a lack of essential services such as classroom materials, sanitation facilities, and proper infrastructure.

The union also raised alarm over a recent Ministry of Education circular directing junior secondary school teachers to be absorbed into primary school management systems. KUPPET rejected the directive, insisting that junior schools must be treated as autonomous institutions with their own leadership structures and program focus.

“Education is more than buildings and desks,” said a union official. “It is about investing in the people who make learning happen—teachers, administrators, and support staff—and ensuring that children from all corners of Kenya can learn in a safe, consistent, and supportive environment.”

KUPPET further accused the government of going back on its own commitments, pointing to unmet promises to hire new teachers and invest in educational infrastructure. The union warned that starving the sector of resources could set back Kenya’s progress in innovation, job creation, and global competitiveness.

As second term continues, schools across the country are already experiencing the impact of delayed funding. Reports from several counties indicate that schools have not received capitation funds, forcing headteachers to suspend basic operations or turn to parents for emergency contributions.
KUPPET is now calling on Parliament to reject the proposed budget cuts and reinstate funding to secure the future of Kenya’s children. The union urged lawmakers to treat education as a national priority and not a cost to be trimmed.
“If we want a skilled, informed, and productive society, we must start by funding the foundation education,” said the union.

By Steve El Sabai

Nairobi, May 12, 2025

In a landmark step toward the modernization of Kenya’s manufacturing sector, the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, through its State Department for Industry, has officially launched a comprehensive 15-day mapping and geo-location exercise targeting industrial establishments across Nairobi City County. The initiative is a collaborative undertaking with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE).

The flag-off event, held at the State Department’s offices, was graced by a representative of the Principal Secretary for Industry, who delivered the official speech on behalf of the PS. The address emphasized the strategic importance of data-driven industrial development in driving Kenya’s long-term economic transformation.

This pivotal exercise aims to create a robust and up-to-date industrial database and directory that will underpin policy formulation, guide investment decisions, and enhance targeted support for manufacturers. It aligns directly with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), Kenya Vision 2030, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation framework.

Throughout the 15-day period, dedicated field teams will conduct detailed data collection and geo-coding across industrial establishments in Nairobi. The information to be gathered includes operational capacity, workforce statistics, production activities, value chains, and the key constraints limiting sectoral growth. The use of integrated survey and geospatial technologies will facilitate the development of a dynamic geo-database and both digital and physical directories of industries.

The initiative addresses a longstanding data deficit that has hindered evidence-based planning and policy execution in Kenya’s industrial sector. By capturing accurate, real-time data, the government aims to unlock untapped potential, foster industrial clustering, identify infrastructure gaps, and support modernization and expansion efforts.

Kenya’s manufacturing sector, which serves as a catalyst for employment creation, value addition, and economic diversification, has long operated under fragmented or outdated datasets. This initiative represents a strategic intervention to reengineer the sector through enhanced planning, responsive policy frameworks, and targeted development.

The successful implementation of this project depends on the collaboration of multiple institutions and stakeholders. Technical teams from the State Department, KNBS, and KIE are tasked with executing the fieldwork with precision, professionalism, and integrity. Their efforts will lay the groundwork for an inclusive and resilient industrial ecosystem.

Equally crucial is the active cooperation of Nairobi’s industrial players, whose participation will ensure the credibility and accuracy of the data collected. Their input will shape future government interventions, access to finance, workforce development, and improved industrial infrastructure.

As this comprehensive mapping initiative gets underway, it stands as a bold testament to Kenya’s commitment to building a smarter, more competitive, and sustainable industrial economy. The insights gained will provide a strategic foundation for policy formulation, industrial upgrading, and investment attraction—ushering in a new era of industrial transformation.

By Steve El Sabai

Ambassador Geoffrey Kaituko has extended his most heartfelt and resounding congratulations to Advocate Erastus Edung Ethekon following his nomination as the Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) by His Excellency President William Ruto.

In a glowing message brimming with admiration and optimism, Amb. Kaituko hailed Ethekon’s nomination as a momentous and well deserved recognition of a man he described as principled, accomplished, and deeply committed to public service.

He noted that Ethekon’s elevation to this high office is a landmark moment for the country and a powerful endorsement of leadership grounded in integrity, intellect, and national devotion. Kaituko emphasized that Ethekon possesses the experience, wisdom, and strength of character required to lead the IEBC at a critical time in Kenya’s democratic journey.

He also expressed his unwavering confidence in Ethekon’s ability to execute the duties of the office with distinction, fairness, and patriotism. Kaituko further conveyed his best wishes for success in the remaining steps of the confirmation process, expressing hope that the nation will benefit greatly from Ethekon’s stewardship.

As the son of the soil back home in Turkana, Kaituko took special pride in the nomination and thanked the select panel, most especially His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto, for the trust and foresight in picking Erastus Ethekon for this vital national role.

The Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance (RHRA) has raised serious concerns over the Kenyan government’s continued failure to adequately address critical sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges, particularly in the prevention and response to rape and defilement.

Citing a recent study by the Ministry of Health, the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), and the Guttmacher Institute, RHRA noted that an estimated 792,694 induced abortions occurred in Kenya in 2023. The report further revealed that although more than half of the women who experienced post-abortion complications received treatment in public health facilities, the quality and availability of care were severely limited. Only 18.3 percent of primary health facilities and 24.1 percent of referral hospitals were fully equipped to offer basic and comprehensive post-abortion care, respectively.

“These figures are a grim reflection of a health system that is failing women and girls,” RHRA stated. “The government’s continued neglect has resulted in avoidable deaths, trauma, and worsening inequalities.”

According to RHRA, the prevalence of unsafe abortions and maternal deaths—355 per 100,000 live births—is directly linked to chronic underfunding of the health sector. Kenya has consistently fallen short of the Abuja Declaration target of allocating at least 15 percent of the national budget to health. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year, only 3.18 percent of the Sh3.992 trillion national budget was allocated to health—down from 5.17 percent in 2022–2023. The free maternal healthcare program has been particularly affected, with its funding slashed from Sh4 billion in 2023–2024 to Sh2 billion this year.

RHRA also emphasized that a significant number of unsafe abortions are the result of rape and defilement. A 2023 report by the Center for Reproductive Rights found that, despite Article 26(4) of the Constitution permitting abortion when a trained professional determines it is necessary to protect a woman’s life or health, survivors of sexual violence are frequently denied safe abortion services due to stigma, legal ambiguity, and fear of criminalization. Instead of receiving care, justice, and protection, survivors are often silenced by cultural taboos, ineffective legal systems, and a healthcare system ill-equipped to meet their needs.

The Alliance warned that teenage girls are disproportionately affected by this crisis. Many who become pregnant as a result of rape or defilement are forced to drop out of school, endure lifelong trauma, or resort to unsafe abortions. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty, stigma, and limited educational opportunities, further entrenching gender inequality and undermining national development.

In response to the escalating crisis, RHRA called on the government to significantly increase investment in reproductive and maternal health services in the 2025–2026 budget. The Alliance also urged the government to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of rape and defilement cases, ensure accountability, and provide survivors with timely, adequate care. RHRA stressed the urgent need to expand youth-friendly and adolescent-specific SRH services, including access to emergency contraception, safe abortion where legally permitted, and psychosocial support. It also called for full implementation of mandatory re-entry policies for pregnant schoolgirls and robust measures to keep them in school. Additionally, the Alliance advocated for nationwide campaigns to combat stigma, raise awareness, and empower survivors of sexual violence.

“Kenya’s failure to invest in reproductive health and justice for survivors is costing lives and futures,” RHRA concluded. “We urge the government to act decisively and uphold its constitutional obligation to ensure the highest attainable standard of health for all.”

By John Kariuki

Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, EGH, is currently leading a high-level delegation to the West of Rift region in a decisive move to address longstanding challenges facing Kenya’s tea industry. The visit is focused on enhancing tea quality, expanding access to global markets, and ensuring prosperity for the more than 650,000 smallholder tea farmers across the country.

Accompanying the CS are key leaders from the tea value chain, including KTDA Group CEO Wilson Muthaura, KTDA Vice-Chair Erick Chepkwony, Chair of the Tea Board of Kenya Dr. Ndung’u Gathinji, TBK CEO Willy Mutai, Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, and Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai.

The strategic tour represents a united vision between government and industry stakeholders to stabilize the tea sector, boost farmer earnings, and elevate the global profile of Kenyan tea. Discussions center on innovative value addition, strengthening governance in tea factories, and enhancing the traceability and quality of Kenyan teas to meet international standards.

Stakeholders from various tea companies and affiliated agencies—such as KTDA Holdings, Tea Board of Kenya, Ketepa Ltd, Majani Insurance Brokers Ltd, Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency, and numerous tea factories—are actively participating in the engagement.

This mission underscores Kenya’s commitment to reaffirming its status as a global leader in quality teas and ensuring farmers remain at the heart of all sectoral reforms.

By John Kariuki

Gatanga, Murang’a County

In a strong show of solidarity and dedication to grassroots empowerment, Hon. Ann Wamuratha joined Hon. Betty N. Maina, the Woman Representative for Murang’a County, at the Inua Jamii Mashinani Program held at Rwegetha Catholic Grounds in Gatanga Ward.

The event, which drew a large turnout from the local community, underscored a deep commitment to uplifting every household in Murang’a County through inclusive, people-driven development.

Gracing the occasion were influential leaders who continue to champion the welfare of Kenyan citizens. Among them were Hon. Kimani Ichung’wah, Majority Leader of the National Assembly; Hon. Sabina Wanjiru Chege, Nominated Member of Parliament; Hon. Gachui, MCA for Kihumbu-ini; and Mr. William Maina, Assistant County Commissioner for Gatanga, among other notable guests. Their presence symbolized a united front in pushing forward transformative grassroots initiatives.

“Inua Jamii Mashinani is more than a program; it is a movement to ensure that no one is left behind,” said Hon. Wamuratha. “Together, we are laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient communities across every ward.”

As the initiative continues to roll out across Murang’a, it stands as a powerful reminder of what visionary leadership and collaborative effort can achieve for the people.