Author: staff reporter

By Grace Waithaka

Kibwezi East Member of Parliament Jessica Mbalu has once again proved her mettle in national leadership, emerging among the top 20 best performing Members of Parliament in Kenya according to the latest Mizani Africa 2025 rankings.

With an impressive score of 66.6 percent, Hon Jessica Mbalu was ranked at position 17 nationwide, a recognition that reflects her unwavering commitment to public service, legislative efficiency, and grassroots development. Her performance places her alongside other heavyweights in the National Assembly, solidifying her position as one of the most effective and people-centred leaders in the country.

Over the past year, Hon Mbalu has delivered remarkable results for the people of Kibwezi East. Under her leadership, numerous boreholes and water projects have been launched, significantly easing access to clean and safe drinking water for rural households and schools. In the education sector, she has championed the construction and renovation of classrooms, issued hundreds of bursaries to needy students, and supported vocational training centres to equip youth with skills for self-employment.

Her unwavering focus on women and youth empowerment has seen the establishment of community-based women groups and savings schemes, which have unlocked financial support and training for local entrepreneurs. Through continuous engagement with development partners, she has mobilized resources for agribusiness support, farm input subsidies, and livestock improvement programs, directly boosting food security and household incomes across the constituency.

On infrastructure, Hon Mbalu has spearheaded road upgrades and connectivity projects, ensuring that remote villages are linked to markets and social services. She has also consistently lobbied for more health centres, improved dispensaries, and regular medical outreaches to serve the underserved.

Known for her articulate voice in Parliament, Hon Mbalu has stood firm in advocating for gender equity, accountability in public service, and legislation that benefits the common mwananchi.

The Mizani Africa award is not just a personal accolade but a reflection of the confidence and appreciation of her constituents. As Kibwezi East continues to rise under her stewardship, Jessica Mbalu remains a shining example of leadership with impact, empathy, and vision

By Steve El Sabai

The International Youth Fellowship (IYF) has marked a major milestone in youth empowerment with the graduation of 10000 young people during the Season 8 ceremony of its Free Weekend Academy in Nairobi.

The colorful event, held at the IYF Kenya Headquarters, was presided over by the Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports Jacob Fikirini, who represented the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports.

In a speech read on behalf of the CS, PS Fikirini praised IYF for its unwavering dedication to nurturing young talent through skills training, mindset transformation, and mentorship.

“This initiative is a powerful example of what structured community empowerment looks like. It aligns perfectly with the government’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda by equipping youth with practical tools for self-reliance and employment,” the CS noted.

The IYF Free Weekend Academy has become a transformative platform offering free, holistic training across more than 30 faculties. Graduates this season were equipped in disciplines such as plumbing, carpentry and design, electrical installation, welding, driving, and automotive repair.

Others pursued training in beauty and hairdressing, catering, fashion and design, camera operations, video editing, graphic design, music, dance, and art. The academy also offered courses in computer programming, digital marketing, computer packages, UX and UI design, artificial intelligence, networking, and news production.

In addition to technical and creative fields, students were trained in languages including English, French, Chinese, Korean, and sign language. Health and sports-related faculties such as paramedics, football, taekwondo, theology, and character education were also part of the curriculum.

On Saturday, 5000 youth graduated, with another 5000 set to follow on Sunday, making it the largest cohort in the program’s history.

PS Fikirini emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting such impactful partnerships, calling on more organizations to collaborate in unlocking the potential of Kenya’s youth.

IYF Kenya Country Director Pastor Park Nam Kyu expressed gratitude for the government’s support, pledging to expand the academy to more counties to reach even more youth.

Graduates celebrated their transformation through cultural performances, testimonies, and demonstrations of skills learned. As Season 8 concludes, the IYF Free Weekend Academy stands tall as a beacon of hope, skills, and vision for Kenya’s rising generation.

By Brenda Asugu

Nairobi, Kenya – June 19, 2025

Dr. Jyotee Trivedy, a renowned ophthalmologist with over two decades of clinical and surgical experience, has been recognized with Kenya’s highest civilian honor the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) for her groundbreaking work in eliminating preventable blindness across East Africa.

Awarded during Kenya’s Independence Day celebrations on December 12, 2023, the OGW highlights Dr. Trivedy’s unwavering dedication to public health, surgical excellence, and humanitarian service. Her contributions have made an enduring impact on communities often overlooked by mainstream healthcare systems.

Dr. Trivedy currently serves as the Medical Director at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, where she oversees operations across 18 branches in Africa. Under her leadership, the hospital has expanded access to world-class ophthalmic care in both urban and remote regions.

Trained in India and Kenya, Dr. Trivedy holds an M.Med in Ophthalmology from the University of Nairobi and a Fellowship from the East African College of Ophthalmology. Over her career, she has performed more than 65,000 cataract surgeries, 2,700 corneal transplants, and 4,500 glaucoma surgeries, with nearly half offered free to underserved patients.

Her mission to end avoidable blindness extends well beyond Kenya. In 2015, Dr. Trivedy led a landmark campaign in the Seychelles, where she performed 283 cataract surgeries in just three days, helping the island nation become the first in the world to be declared cataract free. For this, she was honored by the President of Seychelles and dubbed an “Angel for the Vision Impaired.”

She has also played a vital role in capacity-building across the continent, training over 60 clinical officers and 34 ophthalmologists from countries such as Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, and Mozambique. Her international training initiatives, carried out in collaboration with Irish NGO Right to Sight, focus on equipping practitioners with critical surgical skills like Small Incision Manual Cataract Surgery (SICS).

In addition to surgery and training, Dr. Trivedy is a committed researcher and educator. She has published nine academic papers, presented at international conferences, and serves as visiting faculty at the Kenya Medical Training College. She also established East Africa’s first LASIK unit at Lions SightFirst Eye Hospital and has since conducted over 300 LASIK and 15,000 corneal crosslinking procedures.

Her work in outreach is equally profound screening 500 patients weekly and organizing more than 100 eye camps across Kenya, where hundreds are treated per session. Her community driven initiatives have brought hope to those in areas where eye care was previously inaccessible.

Outside the operating theatre, Dr. Trivedy is a marathon runner and mountaineer, having completed 23 marathons and summited Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Everest Base Camp—often to raise awareness and funds for blindness eradication.

Driven by her belief that “quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege,” Dr. Trivedy continues to exemplify service above self. With her recent Executive MBA in Healthcare Leadership from Italy’s University of Guglielmo Marconi, she is poised to bring even greater innovation and strategic vision to public health across Africa.

Her life’s work stands as a beacon of what’s possible when medical expertise meets purpose, compassion, and a relentless commitment to equity.

As Kenya and the global health community celebrate her achievements, Dr. Jyotee Trivedy remains a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and visionary leadership in the fight against preventable blindness.

By irene

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a powerful and unequivocal statement following the nationwide protests of June 17, 2025, triggered by the death of Mr. Albert Ojwang while in police custody. The Society has sharply condemned the violent suppression of peaceful demonstrators and the involvement of what it describes as “militia-like” groups working in tandem with police forces to intimidate and harm protestors.

The LSK particularly decried the disturbing footage of an unarmed hawker being shot at close range by an armed police officer in Nairobi. The hawker, who was not part of the protests, was reportedly left for dead and is now fighting for his life at Kenyatta National Hospital. The Society has called the officer’s conduct “premeditated” and “murderous,” demanding the immediate prosecution and public disclosure of the officer’s identity.

The Society also raised alarm over the increasing use of rogue civilian gangs, allegedly ferried and supervised by police, to harass and loot from innocent Kenyans. In a chilling incident cited by the LSK, an Advocate of the High Court, Mr. Ken Ochieng, was assaulted by such a gang that had been dropped off by a police vehicle along Koinange Street.

“Instead of maintaining law and order, police officers are now turning into perpetrators of violence and looting,” the LSK said in the statement. “This signals a dangerous collapse of public trust in law enforcement.”

Highlighting 17 casualties reported across the country, the LSK reiterated that the ongoing protests are a direct response to systemic police brutality and extrajudicial killings. The society called for immediate and far-reaching police reforms, accusing the National Police Service of being complicit in acts of violence and lawlessness.

In Mombasa, four peaceful demonstrators — Francis Auma, Walid Sketty, Mugambi, and Batulie Swale — were arrested and charged with unlawful assembly and assault. Ms. Swale was reportedly physically assaulted by a police officer prior to her arrest. The LSK, through its Mombasa branch, secured their release on bail and committed to offering legal support throughout their prosecution.

Among its key demands, the LSK called on the National Security Council to launch a full inquiry into all recent police abuses, urged the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to release a detailed report on all police brutality cases from the past year, and pressed the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to act swiftly in prosecuting officers implicated in extrajudicial killings.

The LSK further encouraged medical institutions to transparently report the status of victims of police brutality, balancing public interest with patient confidentiality.

In its concluding remarks, the LSK reaffirmed its commitment to defending constitutional rights and the rule of law, warning that continued police lawlessness poses an existential threat to Kenya’s democracy and national security.

“May Justice be our Shield and Defender,” the statement ended, echoing the final line of Kenya’s national anthem.

By irene

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has demanded full transparency and accountability from Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja following the mysterious death of Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, LSK President Faith Odhiambo criticized the police leadership for failing to provide sufficient details surrounding Ojwang’s death, and for withholding the identities of officers allegedly involved. Ojwang’ was reportedly transferred from Homa Bay County to Nairobi before being booked at the Central Police Station, where he was later found critically injured in his cell.

IG Kanja has since interdicted several officers who were manning the station at the time, but has not made their identities public — a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the legal fraternity.

“Why has he not named the particular officers who have been interdicted? What is the need of hiding? Let Kenyans know,” Odhiambo demanded. “We want to know who picked Ojwang’, are they part of those who were interdicted? And also we want to know the names of those interdicted.”

Odhiambo accused the police of shielding officers from accountability and treating the public to public relations tactics rather than genuine efforts to resolve the matter. She insisted that without full disclosure, the public would continue to view the situation with suspicion.

The LSK also strongly condemned the handling of Ojwang’ by security officers, saying the events leading to his death reflect a gross violation of his rights and a failure in police duty of care.

The call by LSK adds to growing public pressure on law enforcement authorities to come clean on the circumstances of Ojwang’s death and take meaningful steps to ensure justice is served.

By John Kariuki

The vibrant MYWO Board Retreat in Sagana is a pivotal gathering driving transformative change for women across Kenya. Among the distinguished leaders present is the Principal Secretary Susan Auma Mang’eni of the State Department of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, alongside the Deputy Government Spokesperson, Mwanaisha Chidzuga.

In her compelling address to the MYWO Board members, the Principal Secretary emphatically called upon the board to harness its expansive grassroots network as a powerful catalyst for economic empowerment and inclusive development. She underscored the critical role of women at the community level as agents of growth and resilience, urging the board to amplify their impact by championing opportunities that unlock women’s potential across all sectors.

PS Mang’eni’s message resonated deeply, emphasizing that empowering women entrepreneurs is not merely a policy objective but a national imperative for sustainable economic transformation. She highlighted that women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of Kenya’s economy and stressed the need to support them through capacity-building, innovative financing, and improved market access.

She challenged the board to strategically leverage their unique position to foster innovation and scale grassroots initiatives that drive tangible change in communities. PS Mang’eni emphasized that inclusive development requires removing barriers women face, such as limited access to capital, training, and technology, and urged MYWO to lead in bridging these gaps.

Her visionary leadership embodies a new era for MSMEs, where inclusivity and grassroots engagement become the cornerstone of Kenya’s economic future. The Principal Secretary’s presence and stirring words serve as a clarion call to action—igniting renewed commitment to advancing women’s economic rights and uplifting communities nationwide.

The momentum at the MYWO retreat signals a bold step forward, propelled by leaders like Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni who champion the empowerment of women.

By John Kariuki

In an era where true servant leadership is rare, Virginia Wachanga, the passionate and tireless Member of County Assembly for Hellsgate Ward in Naivasha Constituency, Nakuru County, has risen above the rest earning her place as one of the most outstanding and best performing MCAs in the region.

Against all odds, and despite persistent challenges such as limited funding from the county government and poor road infrastructure, Wachanga has continued to serve with distinction. Her leadership is not driven by politics, fame, or fortune, but by an unshakable commitment to uplifting the lives of the people she represents.

What sets Virginia apart is her relentless drive to deliver. She has shown that true leadership is not about the size of your budget, but the size of your heart. With minimal resources, she has managed to initiate and complete key development projects, from improving access to water and sanitation, to enhancing healthcare delivery and educational support for needy students. Her work speaks for itself transformational, consistent, and deeply impactful.

Wachanga has also emerged as a beacon of hope for youth and women empowerment. She has rolled out various initiatives aimed at nurturing talent, supporting small businesses, and creating opportunities for economic growth within her ward. Her mentorship and engagement with grassroots groups have created a ripple effect of hope and ambition among residents.

Known for her accessibility and hands-on leadership style, Virginia Wachanga doesn’t lead from a distance she is always in the field, walking side by side with her constituents, listening to their needs, and working tirelessly to address them. Her humility, grace, and unmatched work ethic have earned her deep respect across political divides.

Under her watch, Hellsgate Ward has witnessed not only development but also renewed confidence in what good leadership can achieve. Wachanga is the embodiment of servant leadership, a woman of action and vision whose service goes beyond words.

As Nakuru County continues to watch her star rise, many agree that Virginia Wachanga is not just a high-performing MCA she is a transformational leader, a voice for the voiceless, and a powerful example of what leadership should look like. Her journey is an inspiration, her impact undeniable, and her future nothing short of promising.

Members of Parliament have commenced review of the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 sponsored by Hon. Abdul Haro.

The Bill seeks to amend the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Act to provide greater clarity and structure on allowances for teachers and appointment in acting capacities.

Led by Committee Chair, Hon. Julius Melly, Members engaged stakeholders including the Teachers Service Commission, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), the Attorney General, and representatives from the National Treasury.

One of the key proposals in the Bill is to amend Section 11 of the TSC Act by inserting a new clause (fa) requiring the Commission, “in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), [to] facilitate payment of allowances to teachers in the manner set out in the Fourth Schedule.”

Lawmakers’ noted that the clause seeks to formalize various teacher allowances, including house allowance, commuter allowance, hardship allowance for teachers in gazetted hardship areas and special duty allowance for teachers acting in administrative capacities or deployed to arid and semi-arid lands currently covered in the TSC’s regulations.

Teachers Service Commission opposed the amendments, arguing that the proposed clauses are already covered under the TSC Code of Regulations (CORT).

“These allowances are already provided for under the Code of Regulations for Teachers. Including them in the Act would create legal duplicity,” said the TSC Deputy Director Legal Services, Mr. Allan Sitima in a submission to the Committee.

“Responsibility allowances were scrapped following SRC’s advisory. We cannot reintroduce them without breaching the constitutional mandate of the SRC,” Mr. Sitima added.

KUPPET supported the Bill but recommended enhancing it further to safeguard teachers’ rights through collective bargaining.

“We propose an amendment stating that the TSC, in consultation with SRC and after negotiations with teachers’ unions, shall facilitate the payment of allowances,” said Hon. Omboko Milemba, MP and KUPPET official.

KUPPET also pushed for clauses to ensure risk allowances for teachers exposed to unsafe environments and enhanced pay for those with postgraduate qualifications.

Members of the Education Committee considered New Section 32A on Acting Appointments which proposes allowing TSC to appoint teachers in acting capacities for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of six months, provided they meet the prescribed qualifications.

Hon. Clive Gesairo expressed concern regarding reports of a large number of teachers serving in acting capacity without any allowances for a long period of time.

“There are too many teachers in acting positions without formal appointments or acting allowances,” said Hon. Rebecca Tonkei. “It’s unfair. We must protect them.”

Hon. Nabii Nabwera demanded that the TSC submit comprehensive data on all teachers serving in acting capacities and whether they are being remunerated accordingly. “We want to know the numbers, the cost, and if the budget covers this,” he said.

On acting allowances, KUPPET argued that the amendment would protect teachers from arbitrary decisions and ensure fair compensation.

“We have teachers who have acted in senior positions for many years without allowances. This Bill will provide legal protection and clarity,” said Hon. Omboko Milemba and KUPPET representative.

Public Service Commission, Legal Representative Ms. Jacqueline Mamina noted that allowances should be based in regulations which can easily be amended as needed. “If allowances are domiciled on Regulations, which are more flexible in terms of amendments. If you place them in the law, we would have to every time we want to add allowances or to remove would have to go through this regular process,” she added.

In their submission, the Attorney General’s office noted that passing the Bill in its current form would require amending or deleting overlapping provisions in existing regulations.

“There’s a need to harmonize the Bill with current subsidiary legislation to avoid inconsistencies,” a representative advised the Committee.

Committee Chair, Hon. Julius Melly requested National Treasury to submit a detailed financial analysis to understand the budgetary implications of the proposed allowances.

“While we acknowledge TSC’s operational mandate, the Committee is also keen to entrench accountability and fairness in the teaching service,” said Hon. Melly.

The Committee on Education is expected to review the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 prepare and table its report in the House.

By John Kariuki

Dr George Wachiuri is more than just a name in Kenya’s business landscape — he is a symbol of resilience, vision, and transformational leadership. As the CEO of Optiven Group, Dr Wachiuri’s journey from modest beginnings to becoming one of the country’s most respected entrepreneurs is both inspiring and instructive.

His path to success has not been without obstacles. In fact, Dr Wachiuri is a living example that the road to greatness is rarely ever straight. It is filled with detours, setbacks, and learning curves. But what sets him apart is his unwavering determination, patience, and a crystal-clear sense of purpose. Through every challenge, he has risen stronger, wiser, and more committed to making a difference.

Dr Wachiuri’s story is not just about personal achievement — it’s about building a legacy. Through Optiven, he has redefined the real estate sector, introduced innovative solutions for property ownership, and empowered countless Kenyans to invest in their dreams. His leadership is grounded in integrity, faith, and a people-first approach.

Beyond business, Dr Wachiuri is a passionate mentor, philanthropist, and public speaker. He believes that success is not just about profit, but about impact. Through the Optiven Foundation, he continues to support education, health care, and poverty alleviation programs across the country, touching thousands of lives.

In his own words and actions, Dr Wachiuri reminds us that success is not a destination, but a journey — one that demands consistency, courage, and character. His life is a compelling narrative of how purpose and persistence can transform dreams into reality.

By Steve El Sabai

In a bold diplomatic maneuver, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi officially presided over the inauguration of the Somaliland Liaison Office in Nairobi, just days after the Kenyan government initially halted the launch, citing procedural non-approval.

The event, held with grandeur and symbolic significance, signaled Somaliland’s growing assertiveness on the international stage, particularly in East Africa. President Abdirahman, renowned for his unwavering leadership and pursuit of recognition for the self-declared republic, used the Nairobi platform to reinforce Somaliland’s intention to deepen bilateral ties and economic cooperation with Kenya.

The ceremony drew a host of high-profile dignitaries, reflecting the regional weight of the occasion. Among the notable attendees were Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii, Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute, and several Members of Parliament from various counties. Their presence underscored a quietly growing interest in Somaliland’s diplomatic overtures and a broader conversation around its legitimacy and autonomy.

This high-level event follows a brief diplomatic standoff last week when Kenyan authorities halted the scheduled launch, arguing that it lacked the necessary governmental approvals. The decision sparked debate and speculation, but the swift reversal hints at ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations and a potential softening of Kenya’s stance toward Somaliland’s de facto independence.

With its Liaison Office now open in Nairobi, Somaliland aims to strengthen its political and economic footprint in the region. The office is expected to serve as a hub for trade facilitation, diplomatic engagement, and cross-border cooperation in sectors such as education, infrastructure, and security.

For Somaliland, which continues to seek international recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, this development represents a strategic leap forward. President Abdirahman’s diplomatic finesse and unrelenting advocacy for Somaliland’s visibility are slowly shifting regional dynamics and drawing attention from both allies and skeptics alike.

Whether this liaison office leads to formal recognition or serves as a symbolic gesture of strategic presence, it is a clear statement: Somaliland is ready to engage, ready to be heard, and no longer willing to be sidelined in the discourse of African diplomacy.