Author: staff reporter

NAKURU, 25th February 2025 – As part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge by Superior Homes Kenya, through Superior Homes Foundation, continues to make a lasting impact in the community. This weekend, the Foundation visited Thugunui Secondary School, one of six schools supported in the Elementaita region, Nakuru County, to provide sanitary pad donations and a mentorship session aimed at empowering the students.

“These donations have helped the school by reducing absenteeism among girls and has also assisted in ensuring completion of their studies.” Said Mr Mahinda Maina, Principal, Thugunui Secondary.

During the visit, the team donated over 200 packets of pads to support the girls for the next three months and engaged students in interactive discussions on academic success, personal growth, and career aspirations. These sessions are designed to inspire and equip students with the confidence and resources they need to stay in school and reach their full potential.

“As stakeholders, we are very keen in ensuring that we support and ensure the prosperity of the members of this community. By donating feminine hygiene products to the schools in our community, we ensure that girls stay in school throughout the year and their dignity is maintained.” Noted Patrick Njoroge, General Manager, Lake Elementaita Mountain Lodge.

Superior Homes Foundation remains dedicated to expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring menstrual health is not a barrier to education. Currently, the Foundation supports 10,109 girls across 34 schools across Kenya through monthly restocking of sanitary pads and mentorship programs.

𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟓,𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
Standoff between Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and the Nairobi City County government has caught the attention of the National Assembly Committee on Energy prompting the committee to intervene.
The committee sought a response from the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Energy regarding efforts to resolve the ongoing dispute, which saw Nairobi County dump waste at the entrance of KPLC’s headquarters and disconnect water supply to all its buildings.
The conflict emerged from KPLC’s decision to disconnect electricity for Nairobi County offices over unpaid bills.
In retaliation, the county government in a quick response took drastic measures, including dumping garbage at KPLC’s headquarters, blocking sewer line and cutting off water supply to its buildings.
Committee members have condemed the move by the County government as unprofessional and uncivilized.
During the session, Hon. Tom Odege raised concerns about the welfare of Kenya Power employees and the broader implications of the standoff.
“We saw a very ugly standoff between Kenya Power and the Nairobi County government yesterday. Can the CS assure this committee that the matter is being addressed?” he questioned.
Hon. Odege’s concerns were echoed by other committee members, including Hon. Mulanya, who criticized the county’s actions calling on the Governor to own the mess.
“Nairobi County should be responsible enough, even when there are issues. Whatever they did yesterday is regrettable in any civilized country,” he stated.
In response, the CS for Energy, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, informed the committee that he had engaged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to prevent further escalation.
“I engaged with Governor Sakaja yesterday to stop the escalation of the matter and restore normalcy as we explore ways of resolving the matter amicably,” he said.
Hon. Wandayi also clarified that KPLC does not owe Nairobi County any outstanding water bills.
He further dismissed claims of unpaid wayleaves, stating that such charges are illegal under the Energy Act of 2019.
“No public body shall charge levies on public energy infrastructure without the consent of the Cabinet Secretary in writting. As we speak, there is no such consent,” he emphasized.
Committee Chair Hon. Vincent Musyoka condemned the county’s actions, describing them as criminal.
He urged counties to fulfill their financial obligations to Kenya Power without resorting to retaliatory measures.
“Disconnect everyone who is not paying bills, even if it means disconnecting governors’ offices. This committee is committed to supporting you in this course,” he declared.
The committee has demanded an apology from the Nairobi County government for its actions and advised the Ministry of Energy to remain steadfast in ensuring that all consumers, including public institutions, pay their electricity bills as required.

By John Kariuki

The National Assembly’s Education Committee has raised concerns over the viability of the Vocational Training Bill, 2022, which seeks to provide a framework for the establishment and administration of vocational training within counties. While the Bill aims to clarify the roles of both national and county governments in vocational education, Members of the Committee expressed reservations about its practicality, particularly regarding funding and infrastructure.

During deliberations, committee members voiced dissatisfaction with the state of village polytechnics and vocational training centers, arguing that counties already struggle to finance Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers and may lack the capacity to manage Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions effectively. The Bill places the obligation on county governments to provide adequate facilities and infrastructure, including those catering to trainees with special needs.

However, with counties facing persistent financial constraints, the feasibility of implementing these provisions remains in question. The Committee urged the Bill’s sponsor to redefine the responsibilities between national and county governments in managing vocational training institutions, ensuring that the financial burden is distributed more realistically.

This debate underscores a broader challenge in Kenya’s education sector—the need for clear policy direction and sustainable funding for vocational education. TVETs play a critical role in skills development and job creation, making it essential for the government to strike a balance between decentralization and financial support to ensure their success.

As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether amendments to the Bill will address these concerns and provide a workable solution for strengthening vocational training in Kenya.

By John Kariuki

The digital revolution has transformed the way people work, communicate, and earn a living. In Ruiru, this transformation is being driven by the Ruiru ICT Hub, an initiative that has made a significant impact on the lives of young people. According to Ruiru MP Simon King’ara, the project is providing invaluable opportunities for the youth to acquire online skills at no cost, equipping them to tap into the digital economy and generate income.

By offering free training in various digital skills, the Ruiru ICT Hub is empowering young people to become self-reliant and competitive in the global job market. This initiative is not only enhancing their technical abilities but also opening doors to new career opportunities in an ever-evolving digital world. With technology continuously shaping industries, such programs are crucial in ensuring that the youth are not left behind but are instead equipped to seize the opportunities presented by the digital age.

Beyond individual benefits, the initiative is contributing to the broader economic development of Ruiru by fostering a skilled workforce capable of offering digital services both locally and internationally. The success of such programs underscores the importance of investing in ICT training and infrastructure as a means of reducing unemployment and empowering the next generation.

MP Simon King’ara remains committed to championing initiatives that provide practical solutions to youth empowerment, and the Ruiru ICT Hub stands as a testament to the power of education, technology, and opportunity in transforming lives.

By John Kariuki

The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, led by Cabinet Secretary Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH, Tuesday appeared before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Tourism & Wildlife, chaired by Hon. Kareke Mbiuki, to present the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS). This session, held in accordance with Section 25(2) of the Public Finance Management Act, 2012, aimed to assess budgetary allocations for the Ministry, its State Departments, and Agencies, ensuring they align with national priorities.

During the presentation, the Ministry underscored the undeniable link between conservation efforts and the budget-making process. It emphasized that increased funding directly correlates with improved wildlife conservation, ecosystem protection, and enhanced community livelihoods. The Ministry’s commitment to sustainable conservation was evident in the budget’s focus areas, which include habitat restoration, human-wildlife conflict compensation and mitigation, community engagement, and research-driven conservation strategies.

Hon. Miano highlighted that wildlife conservation is not just about protecting animals but also about fostering harmonious coexistence between communities and nature. “For conservation to be effective, we must ensure communities living near wildlife-rich areas benefit from conservation initiatives. This budget is a step toward strengthening those relationships while securing the future of our wildlife,” she stated.

The Ministry is prioritizing robust resource mobilization strategies to enhance conservation efforts, ensuring that Kenya’s wildlife populations not only survive but thrive for future generations. The approach includes funding for training programs and research initiatives to inform conservation policies and management practices.

The Budget and Appropriations Committee is now set to review these proposals, determining the final allocation for the Ministry’s conservation agenda. As Kenya positions itself as a global leader in wildlife protection and ecotourism, the success of these strategies will depend on securing adequate financial support.

The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future of conservation efforts in the country. Will the government recognize the urgency of sustainable funding for wildlife protection? The decisions made now will define Kenya’s conservation landscape for years to come.

In a meeting between Chief Justice Martha Koome and State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, the two agreed to focus on restorative justice, sentence review, non-custodial sentencing and joint training besides synchronizing the court calendar to take care of Community Service Orders.

While appreciating the impact of the decongestion programme and 2024 case outcomes, the Chief Justice said Community Service Orders will not only help in ongoing decongestion efforts but also instill a sense of responsibility among offenders while contributing positively to the community.

She said the judiciary will endeavor to develop practice directions to guide in the review of cases for those meant to benefit under the CSO programme.

According to the PS, case backlog has contributed, to a great extent, to the current overcrowding within prisons that has seen population within the facilities surge to an average of 61,000 inmates against a capacity of 34,000.

She said her office is working closely with other actors including county governments to realize envisaged reforms within the country’s correctional services.

Among those present at the meeting included Community Service Orders chairperson Lady Justice Margaret Muigai, Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh and Probation and Aftercare Service Secretary Dr. Chritine Obondi. The Power of Mercy Advisory Committee(POMAC) on its part has continued to Collaborate and Support Efforts to Decongest Prisons by Pardoning Reformed Offenders to enable them go back to the community & engage in Gainful Employment. In July 2023 the below citied categories were Pardoned & Released from Prison
1.General amnesty 5,061 Prisoners categorized as follows
a.sentenced to 6 months and below -2,944
long term offenders with b.sentence balance of 6 months & below – 2,117
2.Long termers – 37
3.Commutation of death sentence to life – 662
Mechanisms have put in place to progressively continue the decongestion through such Pardons & Releases. Thank you

This year’s CREW career panel had over 30 professionals from all over the world

By Baraka Shadrack

Karen, Nairobi – The Kenya Education Fund (KEF) is hosting its annual Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Workshop (CREW) at the Karen Contemplative Retreat Centre from 22nd to 28th February, equipping 130 recent graduates—primarily KEF scholarship beneficiaries—with vital career and life skills for their transition into higher education and the job market. This year, KEF has expanded the program to include graduates from SAM Elimu and SHM Foundation, broadening mentorship opportunities. Participants engage with industry professionals, including television producers, lawyers, tech experts, founders, and engineers—many of whom are KEF alumni.

The workshop features key sessions on financial literacy, communication, leadership, career preparedness, and reproductive health, led by experienced facilitators such as Julie Muruiki, Pascalia Maingi, Davilyn Busuru, and Dr. Norlena Albert CJ. KEF Country Director, Francis Ng’ang’a, emphasized the importance of mentorship in shaping future leaders, while KEF Executive Director, Dominic Muasya, highlighted the program’s impact, noting that 4,600 students have successfully transitioned through KEF’s initiatives, with 630 currently receiving full sponsorship in high school. He also underscored the workshop’s significance for the 130 participants, who recently sat for their KCSE exams and are now preparing for higher education.

The event has attracted KEF Board Members and supporters, including Allison Schlanger (Chairperson), Rob Norton (Vice-Chair), and partners from Wyslean University and Jenny Mollen. With a strong focus on mentorship, leadership, and career development, KEF remains committed to empowering young graduates with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their careers and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

By John Kariuki

In a historic milestone for wildlife conservation, Kenya has successfully repatriated 17 critically endangered Mountain Bongos from the United States, an initiative spearheaded by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano. This unprecedented move underscores Kenya’s unwavering commitment to restoring its natural heritage and protecting one of the world’s rarest antelope species.

The Mountain Bongo, a striking and elusive forest antelope native to Kenya, has seen a devastating population decline over the years due to habitat destruction, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Once abundant in the country’s highland forests, their numbers have dwindled alarmingly, making them one of Africa’s most endangered mammals. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, under CS Miano’s leadership, initiated a bold and ambitious conservation effort to bring back the species to its ancestral home.

The repatriation of the Bongos follows years of meticulous planning and collaboration between the Kenyan government, conservation organizations, private sector partners, and international stakeholders. Their arrival in Kenya marks a turning point in efforts to reestablish a self-sustaining population in the wild. The animals will initially be housed at the Marania and Mucheene sanctuary in Meru County, where they will undergo a carefully managed rewilding process. This sanctuary, designed to mirror their natural habitat, will provide the Bongos with the conditions necessary to adapt before their eventual release into the wild.

CS Miano, who has been at the forefront of this initiative, emphasized the significance of the repatriation, stating that it goes beyond species conservation—it is about restoring the country’s ecological balance and reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leader in global wildlife preservation. “This initiative demonstrates the power of global partnerships in conservation. It is a proud moment for Kenya as we bring back a species that is an integral part of our ecosystem and cultural heritage. Through strategic collaboration, we are ensuring that future generations will witness the beauty and ecological importance of the Mountain Bongo,” she remarked.

The repatriation marks the beginning of a long-term strategy to revive the Mountain Bongo population in Kenya. Conservationists and wildlife experts will closely monitor the animals to ensure their successful adaptation and eventual reintegration into the forests where they once thrived. The success of this initiative is expected to serve as a model for similar efforts aimed at protecting other endangered species facing extinction.

Kenya has long been recognized as a global leader in wildlife conservation, and under CS Miano’s stewardship, the country continues to implement groundbreaking initiatives that reinforce its reputation. The return of the Mountain Bongos is not just a triumph for Kenya but a landmark achievement for conservation efforts worldwide. It showcases what is possible when dedication, collaboration, and strategic planning align to protect the planet’s most vulnerable species.

As the 17 Bongos settle into their new home, their journey symbolizes hope and resilience. Their repatriation serves as a powerful reminder that, through collective action, endangered species can be saved, ecosystems can be restored, and a nation’s natural heritage can be preserved for generations to come.

By John Kariuki

Cash flow in a business is akin to blood flow in the human body—both are essential for survival. Just as the body cannot function without a steady circulation of blood, a business cannot thrive without consistent and well-managed cash flow. Cash flow is the movement of money into and out of a business, covering expenses, paying employees, and ensuring operational efficiency. Without it, even the most promising business ventures can collapse under financial strain.

A healthy cash flow ensures that a business can meet its obligations on time, invest in growth, and remain resilient in challenging economic times. When cash inflows exceed outflows, a business enjoys a positive cash flow, which provides stability and opportunities for expansion. Conversely, negative cash flow—where expenses surpass income—can lead to financial distress, forcing a business to take drastic measures such as cost-cutting, layoffs, or even closure.

Several factors can affect cash flow, including poor financial planning, delayed customer payments, excessive debt, and unexpected expenses. Business owners must adopt proactive cash flow management strategies such as budgeting, forecasting, and maintaining a cash reserve to navigate uncertainties. Effective invoicing systems, reducing unnecessary expenses, and negotiating better terms with suppliers can also help maintain steady cash flow.

According to Esther Muchemi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Samchi Group, “Cash flow is not just about survival; it is the lifeline of sustainability and growth. Entrepreneurs must master the art of financial discipline and strategic cash management to build businesses that withstand economic turbulence. Managing cash flow effectively requires foresight, adaptability, and the willingness to make tough financial decisions.”

Moreover, it is crucial to continuously monitor financial statements, track revenue and expenditure trends, and adjust strategies accordingly. Businesses that ignore their cash flow situation risk facing liquidity crises that may hinder operations and limit growth potential.

Entrepreneurs and business leaders must be vigilant, ensuring that nothing disrupts the financial health of their enterprises. The sustainability and growth of any business are directly linked to the efficiency of its cash flow management. A business is only as healthy as its cash flow. It is the fuel that keeps operations running, salaries paid, inventory stocked, and investments growing.

Therefore, remain alert. Monitor your inflows and outflows diligently, make informed financial decisions, and never allow inefficiencies to cripple your business. As Esther Muchemi emphasizes, “Protect your cash flow, and your business will remain strong, resilient, and positioned for long-term success.”

By John Kariuki

The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Holdings Board has reaffirmed Chege Kirundi as its substantive Chairman following a High Court ruling that vacated earlier conservatory orders suspending his election.

The conservatory orders, which were issued by the court on January 23, 2025, had temporarily halted Kirundi’s assumption of office. However, in its latest ruling, the High Court dismissed an application filed by board member Enos Njeru, who had challenged the election process that led to Kirundi’s appointment. The court found Njeru’s claims to be without merit, paving the way for Kirundi to officially resume his role as Chairman of the KTDA Holdings Board.

The ruling further upheld the application seeking to vacate the orders, effectively legitimizing the board’s decision and solidifying Kirundi’s leadership at the helm of the agency.

In a statement following the court’s decision, KTDA assured its stakeholders that operations will continue seamlessly, with a firm focus on delivering value, enhancing efficiency, and promoting the welfare of tea farmers across the country.

The confirmation of Kirundi as Chairman is expected to bring stability to KTDA’s leadership, allowing the board to proceed with its mandate of improving governance, advancing operational efficiencies, and driving sustainable growth within Kenya’s tea sector.

As KTDA navigates its path forward, the board remains committed to upholding transparency, accountability, and the best interests of its farmers and stakeholders.

Welcoming him to the new role, KTDA Group Chief Executive Officer Wilson Muthaura assured him support and cooperation so as to drive the tea agenda forward.

CEO Muthaura has been keen to implement the much needed tea reforms which have translated to better yields to the tea farmers