Author: staff reporter

By Grace Waithaka

Member of Parliament for Othaya Constituency Wambugu Wainaina has been involved in several key developments, projects and initiatives in the area. The construction of decades awaited 15,000 capacity stadium and three storey market in Othaya has begun, this has come after President Ruto and Deputy president Kindiki Kithure launched them.This is a great achievement to residence of Othaya and Nyeri county at large because the completion is about three months time. His projects focuses on Education,this being a significant initiative, supported by the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), aimed at expanding access to education and reducing dropout rates. It emphasizes the importance of local action to complement government efforts in providing free primary and secondary education. Improved Learning Facilities initiative also pushes for better learning facilities and teacher training, Community-based programs: Addressing issues like child labor and early marriages that hinder girls’ education. Dormitory Commissioning: A 200-student capacity dormitory was commissioned at Kimana Girls.
He is also in front line in building houses to eradicate Mud houses in the area,he has spearheaded a project to replace temporary mud houses with more decent timber houses for where more than 3500 underprivileged families in the constituency are beneficiaries, where community only provide labor. Infrastructure is another key role for him,He has launched projects to upgrade feeder roads within Othaya constituency, including gravelling several roads like Gatugi – Mbari ya Ngai Road, Kiyu – Kiruga Road, Mutundu Road, Kianjamba Road, Thunguri Road, Kwa Munyu Road/Kabebero Road, Rwathe-ini- Giakaru Road,Iriaini-Kairuthi road and Shinga-Mumbuini- Karisha road.Bodaboda riders aren’t left behind because few meters you find Bodaboda shades within those four wards,
Social Welfare The MP has distributed relief supplies to needy families in the constituency,
On matters of health he has Constructed new public hospitals and renovation of existing facilities, and facilitating equipment for local public hospitals.
Security wise, Facilitating the construction of more police stations and police posts. Economic Development: residents have praised his contributions toward improving the socio-economic landscape of Othaya through targeted initiatives focused on economic development.
Youth Empowerment: this includes initiatives like digital skills training whereby 150 students graduated from a mobile digital classroom and Ajira hubs.Hon Wambugu Wainaina also served as the Chairman of the Othaya CDF from 2013 to 2017, indicating a prior involvement in constituency development.Hon Wambugu said that he want to be relevant not popular.

By Churchill Simiyu

Nairobi, Kenya – July 16, 2025 – In a powerful and urgent message to the nation, the Kenya Devolution Civil Society Organizations Working Group (KDCWG) has raised red flags over what it terms a deliberate erosion of Kenya’s hard-won devolution framework. Representing civil society networks across all 47 counties, the KDCWG issued a rallying call to defend the principles of devolution enshrined in the 2010 Constitution, warning that creeping centralization, executive overreach, and political patronage threaten to undo a decade of progress.
At the core of the group’s concerns is a disturbing trend of State House-controlled development schemes, which it likens to a return to the old, centralized governance model. “We are witnessing county leaders queuing at State House for development pledges. This is not devolution—it’s regression,” the group declared in a statement that paints a picture of institutional backsliding.
The KDCWG strongly condemned the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and recent presidential initiatives that bypass constitutionally established county governments and the oversight role of Parliament. According to the group, such unilateral executive actions undermine transparency and public accountability. “Executive directives cannot replace constitutional processes,” they warned, emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law.
Perhaps most alarming is the revelation that the National Treasury is allegedly withholding Ksh. 272 billion, earmarked for functions already costed and devolved by law. The Omnibus Bill—crucial for formalizing the full transfer of these functions—remains inexplicably stuck at the Attorney General’s office, further delaying grassroots service delivery and weakening the capacity of counties to serve their people.

The KDCWG laid out a clear and firm set of demands:
Immediate and full transfer of all constitutionally devolved functions, along with adequate funding.
Total rejection of the NG-CDF Bill currently before the Senate;
An end to political patronage and executive-controlled development agendas;
Restoration of Parliament’s central role in development planning and budgeting;
Elimination of duplicated roles between the national and county governments; and a complete overhaul of the Devolution Conference to make it inclusive and citizen-centered.

The group criticized the Devolution Conference for drifting away from its original mission of grassroots inclusion, calling it “a luxury event for elites” that has sidelined the very citizens it was meant to empower. “What was once Wanjiku’s conference has become inaccessible and symbolic of exclusion,” they said, urging reforms to return the event to the people.
The statement, endorsed by the KDCWG Steering Committee—which includes representatives from all eight regional economic blocs—serves as a powerful reminder that devolution is not merely a bureaucratic arrangement, but a lifeline for millions of Kenyans. Their message is unambiguous: devolution must work for Wanjiku, the ordinary Kenyan—not political elites or centralized power structures.
As Kenya marks over a decade since the birth of its devolved system, the KDCWG’s call is both a warning and a call to arms. The vision that birthed devolution—a more equitable, accountable, and citizen-driven form of governance—is under threat. And unless swift action is taken, the country risks squandering one of its most transformative reforms.

The time to act, the KDCWG says, is now.

By Fred Maingi
Suspended Kisii Senator Gloria Orwoba has vowed to remain strong despite the current challenges from the parliament.
Addressing the media at a Nairobi hotel, the Kisii nominated senator said sexual harassments in and out of parliament was very rampant
She said some women parliamentarians and working staffs are suffering silently but they can’t speak out.
She gave an example of a tea firm and the Epz employees who were being frustrated with no body to plead for their plight.

The senator appealed to the Government to investigate the matter and work on ways of protecting others who were facing the same predicament.

Kisii nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba addresses a fully packed media at one of the hotel in Nairobi where she vowed to soldier on until justice prevails.

By Brenda Asugu

Nairobi, Kenya – C&G Company, a rising force in Kenya’s manufacturing and logistics industry, has announced a transformative sustainability strategy that places social inclusion and green innovation at its core.

During a media roundtable held Tuesday in Nairobi, the company’s CEO outlined a forward-looking plan designed to steer the business beyond 2025, with a strong focus on climate action, community empowerment, and the adoption of electric mobility solutions.

“We are building a business model that not only reduces environmental impact but uplifts lives,” the CEO said. “Sustainability must begin with people and be anchored in equity.”

A key pillar of the strategy is social inclusion. C&G is rolling out programs targeting marginalized groups, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities. These initiatives include training in renewable energy, digital logistics, and electric vehicle maintenance for youth in informal settlements.

To support local enterprise and reduce reliance on plastic, the company is partnering with women-led cooperatives to supply biodegradable packaging. Internally, C&G is working towards gender-balanced hiring across its operations by 2027.

“We are creating opportunities where they’ve long been missing,” the CEO added. “Our goal is to grow inclusively and leave no one behind.”

A standout feature of C&G’s green vision is its “Green Wheels Initiative”—a rollout of electric motorcycles and tuk-tuks across its logistics chain. The company aims to convert its existing fleet to electric power, supported by microfinance partnerships that offer accessible EV financing for low-income earners, particularly youth and women in the transport sector.

“We see two- and three-wheel EVs as a game-changer for clean mobility and dignified livelihoods,” the CEO noted. “We’re enabling boda boda and tuk-tuk operators to become green ambassadors.”

C&G is also collaborating with universities and tech hubs to establish EV charging infrastructure, with pilot stations planned for Nairobi, Kisumu, and Nakuru by early 2026. The company aims for 60% of its last-mile deliveries to be electric-powered within the next three years.

Beyond mobility, the company’s sustainability blueprint includes solar-powered warehouses, low-emission manufacturing processes, and a circular waste recycling system.

To maintain transparency, C&G will publish annual sustainability reports aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As Kenya advances towards Vision 2030 and global climate targets, C&G is positioning itself as a sector leader—championing innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth’s

By Steve

In a strongly worded statement, Kioko expressed deep urgency and grave concern over Kenya’s July 5, 2025 vote endorsing the renewal of the so-called UN Independent Expert on SOGI. According to Kioko, this decision was made without any public consultation or national debate and starkly contradicts the spirit of Kenya’s Constitution, which recognizes the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society.

“The SOGI mandate is far from a neutral human rights mechanism,” Kioko said. “It has evolved into a politicized tool used to pressure sovereign nations to accept ideologies that threaten our social fabric—such as same-sex marriage, radical gender curricula in schools, and the silencing of religious and moral convictions.”

Kioko pointed out the irony that even countries like the United States voted against the resolution, while Kenya chose to side with global forces advancing what she termed an “anti-family, anti-African agenda.”

The petition, signed by over 12,000 Kenyans, describes widespread shock, grief, and anger across the country, with many citizens seeing the vote as a betrayal of Kenya’s Constitution, its families, and the collective will of its people.

However, the campaign director emphasized that it is not too late for Kenya to set the record straight. “We are calling on President Ruto to issue a public statement disassociating Kenya from this vote and reaffirming our commitment to our Constitution, our families, and our cultural and moral values,” Kioko urged.

International diplomatic norms allow countries to issue post-vote statements to clarify or correct their positions—something many nations have done in the past. Kioko stressed that such a move would not only protect Kenya’s sovereignty and values but also send a clear message to the global community about where Kenya stands.

“The world is watching. The people of Kenya are praying. This is the moment for bold leadership,” she concluded. “Withdraw Kenya’s support. Clarify the vote. Protect the soul of our nation.”

The Kakamega county edition of the Regional Climate Change and Agri Expo 2025 has been launched in
Nairobi today.
The event, scheduled to run from October 7-10, 2025, will bring together the 14 Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) counties, development partners, local and international NGOs, academia, researchers and
youth organizations, private sector players, agripreneurs and innovators, national government ministries and state departments and diplomatic missions, among other parties of interest.
The launch occasion was graced by Cabinet Secretary Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Deborah Barasa, who said climate change was multi-faceted and so required wide collaboration.
“Climate change is both multifaceted and global, requiring massive investments and sustained efforts.
To respond effectively, we must adopt an inclusive, whole-of-economy approach. The summit, therefore, presents a critical opportunity to bring together a wide range of stakeholders and partners, enabling us to leverage our collective strengths and capabilities toward shared goals,” said CS Barasa, through a representative.
“I wish to emphasize the importance of developing a robust, well-structured program for the summit that moves beyond dialogue and focuses on practical, solution-oriented outcomes. There must be space
for stakeholders to share best practices and experiences in resilience-building. Notably, all counties in this region have benefited from climate-resilient investment grants under the FLLoCA program. The
summit should provide a platform for these counties to showcase their progress, share lessons learned, for resilient food secure communities.”

The LREB Conference and Expo will have different categories of sponsors—platinum, diamond, gold, silver and bronze—all of which will come in handy to ensure the much anticipated event becomes a
success.
The three platinum sponsors are expected to part with Sh10 million each, whereas the diamond sponsors will take up five slots for Sh7.5 million each. The gold and silver sponsors will take up five and
ten slots respectively, worth Ksh5 million and Sh2.5 million respectively. The bronze sponsors will also register for Sh1 million to take up 15 slots.
Other special sponsors will come in to cater for the planned gala dinner at Sh1 million for two slots, marathon race and tree planting drives from Sh300,000to Ksh1million, and exhibition booths from Sh30,000 to Sh100,000 for insitutions and private companies with full amenities.
Presiding over a pre-expo breakfast meeting in Nairobi today, Kakamega governor H.E. FCPA, Dr. Fernandes Barasa told guests, partners and would-be sponsors that the event will be one of its kind where all participants will consolidate their efforts to make sure its goal is realized.

From the launch it emerged that climate change is hitting the LREB hard, from droughts and floods to collapsing crop yields and biodiversity loss, hence the expo will aim to forge a collective response that is
inclusive, practical and sustainable.
Governor Barasa said the event will offer a rich mix of activities including meet-and-engage sessions with a wide array of panelists and participants, tree planting campaigns, First Lady-sponsored marathon race to protect Kakamega Forest and promote community-driven conservation, innovation and solutions, expo, workshops and youth sessions.
“You are all welcome to Kakamega county where you will not only have the opportunity to engage and interact, but also get to sample the rich culture and hospitality of the people of the great county of
Kkakamega,” said governor Barasa.
The theme this year’s edition of LREB Regional Climate Change and Agri Expo to be held at the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology will be ‘Adopting climate resilience to adopt production
and biodiversity for sustainable development.’

Nairobi, July 9, 2025

Kenya has become the first country on the continent to implement a program aimed at addressing challenges in plastic waste recycling supply chain.

This comes after Circulate Initiative, a global non-profit focused on tackling ocean plastic pollution in emerging markets, announced the expansion of its Responsible Sourcing Initiative (RSI) into Africa.

Kenya becomes the fourth country globally to implement the RSI, following successful pilots in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.  

This marks a pivotal step for the initiative, which brings together brands, investors, recyclers, and waste worker organizations to address some of the most urgent human rights challenges in the plastics recycling supply chain.

Supported by funding from The Coca-Cola Foundation and IKEA Foundation, the RSI aims to improve working conditions, wages, and recognition for the informal waste sector—workers who play a critical but often overlooked role in keeping plastic waste out of the environment.

In Kenya, the program is being implemented in partnership with Mr. Green Africa, a Nairobi-based plastics recycling company known for integrating informal waste pickers into its operations. The collaboration centers on rolling out the Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework for Recycled Plastics, a global standard launched in 2024 to guide ethical and inclusive sourcing in the recycled plastics sector.

“Our launch in Africa is a significant milestone,” said Annerieke Douma, Senior Director of Programs at The Circulate Initiative.

“It allows us to take our global experience and tailor it to local realities—starting here in Kenya, where waste pickers are on the frontlines of the plastic pollution crisis but still face discrimination and precarious working conditions.”

Kenya produces nearly 983,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, yet only 8% is currently recycled, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Informal waste workers—estimated at over 46,000 nationwide—play a crucial role in bridging this recycling gap.

A recent baseline study of Mr. Green Africa’s operations, conducted at a stakeholder forum in Nairobi, highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement within the company’s value chain.

Key challenges identified include low pay, unsafe conditions, and limited access to social protections for many workers.

Still, the study revealed promising signs: many waste pickers are aware of unions and eager to engage more formally with industry stakeholders.

“Partnering with the Kenya National Waste Pickers Welfare Association and other grassroots groups will be essential,” Douma added. “Their voices must shape the solutions we create.”

Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, emphasized the critical role of informal workers in circular economy goals.

“These workers are essential to reducing packaging waste. Supporting RSI is about protecting their rights and recognizing the impact they make every day,” he said.

Keiran Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Mr. Green Africa, said the initiative is aligned with the company’s mission to create an ethical, transparent supply chain for recycled plastics.

“Through RSI, we can expand our network, boost Africa’s supply of responsibly sourced plastic, and uplift the people who make it possible.”

The Circulate Initiative also announced the launch of the Responsible Sourcing Network Africa (RSNA)—a collaborative platform to train and support organizations in scaling responsible sourcing practices.

The network will operate in seven countries: Ethiopia, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Djibouti, Morocco, and Kenya.

The global goal is to enhance the livelihoods of 50,000 informal waste workers, gain commitments from over 50 global brands, and deliver 100,000 tonnes of responsibly sourced recycled plastic.

As the initiative takes root in Africa, it brings new hope for a more inclusive and sustainable plastics economy—one where waste pickers are no longer invisible, but recognized as the environmental stewards they truly are.

Nairobi, Kenya – July 5, 2025 – As the conversation around ethics and responsibility in Kenya’s gaming industry continues to grow, Bangbet Kenya has positioned itself as a leader in socially conscious operations with the official launch of its new initiative, “Changing Lives – Powered by Bangbet.”

The initiative was launched during a community-focused event at Lord Erroll Gardens in Runda, attended by key stakeholders from healthcare, government regulation, the media, and the general public. In a departure from conventional brand events, the day’s activities were deliberately structured to exclude all forms of betting promotions — a decision praised by regulators as setting a new industry benchmark for ethical corporate engagement.

At the centre of the initiative is the Bangbet Hospital Support Fund, established to support patients in public hospitals who are unable to leave after receiving treatment due to unpaid medical bills. The company committed Ksh 1,000,000 to St. Mary’s Hospital, where patients — including new mothers and accident survivors — often remain detained long after they’ve recovered.

Bangbet CEO David Gichuchi addressed attendees with a clear and compassionate message: “This initiative is about transformation, not transactions. We are not here to promote our business. We are here to affirm that the lives of Kenyans — especially during moments of vulnerability — matter. We believe in using our platform to walk alongside the people.”

The company’s outreach work at St. Mary’s Hospital revealed the urgent need for sustained support in the health sector. During a recent visit, Bangbet staff encountered patients who had been medically cleared for weeks but were still confined due to financial limitations.

Sister Dr. Rose Nafula, CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital, welcomed the support, calling it both timely and life-changing. “We are truly overwhelmed by this act of compassion. The Bangbet Hospital Support Fund is not just clearing bills — it is restoring hope, healing families, and giving people a second chance,” she said during the event.

The Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB), the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing Kenya’s gaming sector, has increasingly emphasized the need for operators to embrace transparent, purpose-driven CSR. The Board’s Chairperson, Rev. Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau, was present at the event and commended Bangbet’s approach.

“This noble act is a shining example of the kind of impact we expect and encourage from all licensed operators,” Rev. Dr. Makau said. “Bangbet Ltd has shown that business done right is business that uplifts people. They’ve demonstrated that you can contribute meaningfully to society without using CSR as a front for product marketing.”

She further noted the importance of reinforcing industry-wide integrity and trust, especially in a sector that is often under scrutiny. “Let this event set the tone. Let other operators take note — ethical CSR is not a trend. It is a responsibility.”

In addition to the hospital fund, Bangbet also recognized and empowered a select group of individuals known as Friends of Bangbet. These individuals were identified through the company’s community engagements and were gifted practical tools to help improve their livelihoods — such as motorcycles, TVs, and household essentials.

“These are not just gifts — they’re investments in human potential,” said Gichuchi. “We’re proud to celebrate these Kenyans who have shown resilience and strength in the face of hardship. This is our way of giving them a tangible head start.”

The event was structured with integrity at its core — no branded betting activations, no entertainment gimmicks, and no product placements. Instead, it was a space for real stories, real needs, and real responses. The simplicity of the event was in itself a message: corporate responsibility does not need to be flashy; it just needs to be sincere.

The BCLB Chairperson echoed that sentiment, calling for long-term frameworks to ensure CSR is not treated as an afterthought in the gaming sector. “Let this moment mark a renewed commitment to collaboration between the private sector and community institutions,” Rev. Dr. Makau said. “It also proves that CSR can be impactful without being exploitative.”

As Bangbet looks ahead, CEO David Gichuchi reaffirmed that Changing Lives is not a one-time initiative. “This is only the beginning. We are committed to expanding the hospital fund, supporting more communities, and deepening our impact — always within the framework of accountability, ethics, and care.”

By taking a stand for purpose-driven, regulation-compliant impact, Bangbet has demonstrated that even in industries often associated with risk, there is room — and responsibility — for meaningful, ethical change.

By irene

Kenya is set to commemorate this year’s Ushirika Day on July 12 with a series of nationwide activities designed to spotlight the vital contribution of cooperatives to the country’s economic and social development. The celebrations, coordinated by the National Council for Ushirika Day Celebrations, come at a historic moment as they align with the conclusion of the United Nations-declared International Year of Cooperatives (IYC), held under the global banner “Cooperatives Build a Better World.”

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday, Vice Chairman Daniel Marube emphasized the significance of this year’s theme, noting that it captures the power of cooperatives in tackling pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, and climate change.

“The cooperative model remains one of the most inclusive systems—rooted in democratic values and shared prosperity,” Marube said.

A vibrant lineup of events has been planned ahead of the national celebrations. On Thursday, July 3, a large-scale blood donation drive will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in partnership with Kenyatta National Hospital and the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service. This will be followed by county-level celebrations across the country—excluding Nairobi—on Saturday, July 5, at venues identified by local county committees.

The highlight of the festivities will be on Saturday, July 12, at KICC, where the National Celebrations and Awards Ceremony will honour exemplary cooperatives and key stakeholders who have driven transformative change in their communities.

Kenya’s cooperative movement, Marube noted, continues to serve as a cornerstone of progress, especially in agriculture, housing, employment creation, and financial inclusion. In agriculture, smallholder farmers in the dairy, coffee, tea, and sugar sectors have reaped enormous benefits from cooperative aggregation and value addition. The Kenya Coffee Cooperative Exchange reported record earnings in 2025, with Nyeri’s Njuriga and Othaya Coffee Societies paying farmers Sh172 and Sh158 per kilo of cherry respectively. Meru Dairy Society also stood out with a turnover of Sh18.3 billion in 2024, handling over 195 million litres of milk and paying close to Sh900 million monthly to farmers.

“These figures represent more than just business success—they reflect the transformation of rural economies,” Marube remarked.

Cooperatives are also spearheading affordable housing initiatives, with support from the Kenya Mortgage Refinancing Company. The sector is expected to deliver up to 25 percent of Kenya’s affordable housing units, mainly benefiting citizens excluded from the formal mortgage system.

Savings and Credit Cooperatives (Saccos) have similarly continued to empower women and youth through low-interest loans, enabling small business growth, improved household incomes, and a reduction in poverty, particularly in rural and informal urban areas.

Today, the cooperative sector directly employs around 750,000 Kenyans, with millions more earning their livelihoods indirectly. This underscores its crucial role in driving the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

The Cooperative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) has called on the national government to enact supportive legislation, increase funding for the sector, and integrate cooperative education into schools. County governments have equally been urged to strengthen extension services, governance systems, and support aggregation and value addition to maximize cooperative potential.

“As we prepare to mark Ushirika Day 2025, we must reaffirm our commitment to building a better, fairer, and more inclusive economy through cooperatives,” said Marube.

The upcoming celebrations promise not only to honour past achievements but also to inspire a renewed drive toward cooperative-led growth that leaves no Kenyan behind.

Leading Danish fashion house Jack &Jones and Vero Moda launched their first store in Sub-Saharan Africa located in Sarit in Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya over the weekend.

Jack & Jones and Vero Moda have been brought to Kenya by MB Collection and RAMA Group. The stores are a one-stop-shop for fashion-conscious consumers and style enthusiasts in the city. Each brand has its own designated space, with contemporary womenswear brand – Vero Moda situated at the front of the store.

Jack & Jones is known for its jeans, urban streetwear clothing and premium leather goods since forming more than 25 years ago. It has a fantastic reputation for high quality trendsetting menswear and covers the full range from urban sportswear, casual classics, neat suits, accessories and footwear, ideal for every occasion.

Vero Moda is one of the most recognizable high-street European fashion brands and is a high quality clothing line with the latest looks at just the right price. Since its commencement, Vero Moda has become synonymous with contemporary fashion and designs, which women across the world desire.

“The opening of Jack & Jones and Vero Moda is a significant step our expansion strategy, strengthening RAMA Group’s foothold in key fashion hubs in Kenya.” Says

Abdullah Muhhamed the Marketing Manager of RAMA Group.

The new store launched Jack & Jones and Vero Moda’s spring/summer 2025

collection which features a mixture of breezy silhouettes and more structured tailoring with both daywear and evening wear available. With the SS’25 collection, both brands continue to push the boundaries of design, offering versatile and trend-forward styles for the modern client. The store is more than just a retail space – it is a destination where fashion, innovation and experience come together.