Author: staff reporter

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied movements have signed a historic charter in Nairobi, marking a pivotal step toward establishing a government of peace and unity. The signing, which took place late Saturday, brought together various political and armed groups, including prominent leaders Abdelaziz al-Hilu, al-Hadi Idris, and Ibrahim al-Mirghani.

The newly formed coalition aims to create a government structured into three levels: a Sovereignty Council, a Council of Ministers, and a legislative body representing all sectors of Sudanese society. The official announcement of the government’s formation is expected to take place within Sudan in the coming days. According to the signatories, the charter is a commitment to ending the war and achieving stability, rather than dividing the country.

In light of this development, Kenya on Wednesday remained unapologetic for hosting the Rapid Paramilitary Forces (RSF), the group at war with Sudanese Armed Forces for close to two years, stating that Nairobi hosting the group was the first step in supporting peace efforts in Sudan and cited its long history in conflict mediation on the continent.

Kenya refuted accusations that it had violated Sudan’s sovereignty, arguing that it was providing a non-partisan platform for affected parties. “When Kenya offers this space, it is without any ulterior motives,” said Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, in a statement.

He said that Kenya remains committed to working with regional bodies, including the African Union (AU) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to support Sudanese-led efforts toward stability.

He cited the globally acclaimed Machakos Protocol of 2002 that ended the Sudan II civil war, which was concluded in Kenya.

“Kenya has a long history of providing platforms for peace negotiations without taking sides,” he said.

Mudavadi argued that Kenya’s actions were in line with its broader role in peace negotiations and its commitment to supporting Sudan in finding a resolution to its ongoing political crisis.

“We note that this is not the first time groups in Sudan have sought solutions to their crisis by leveraging the good offices of neighbouring countries. Indeed, in January 2024, parties and stakeholders to the Sudanese conflict met in a neighbouring country to chart a way forward on inclusive dialogue and return to civilian rule,” Mudavadi said.

Sudanese armed groups and civil movements have previously met in Juba, as well as Addis Ababa, for discussions that didn’t lead to any deal.

As RSF Deputy Commander Abdel-Rahim Hamdan Dagalo led the Sudanese delegation in Nairobi, expectations are high for a major announcement in the coming days. The RSF and its allies remain confident that the charter will pave the way for a peaceful transition and a new era of governance in Sudan. Meanwhile, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with growing regional pressure to find a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict.

By John Kariuki

Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for youth representation in governance, emphasizing the need for young people to have a seat at the decision-making table. Speaking at the Youth Inclusion Forum hosted by the Oslo Center at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete Campus, Mukunji underscored the importance of empowering young leaders to shape the political future of Kenya.

“We must advocate and recognize the importance of young people in governance and political processes,” he stated. “It’s equally important to have a youth representative in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure inclusivity and fair representation.”

Mukunji expressed his dedication to nurturing emerging leaders, pledging to support the youth in realizing their political ambitions and making their way to Parliament. His remarks come at a time when youth inclusion in governance remains a crucial topic in Kenya’s democratic discourse.

The forum brought together key stakeholders committed to youth empowerment, including Linda Rode, Executive Director of the Oslo Center; Oliver Waindi, Executive Director of Uraia Trust; and Ms. Gloria Wawira, CEO of the National Youth Council. Their presence highlighted the collective effort needed to drive meaningful change in governance structures.

Mukunji’s advocacy aligns with the broader call for increased youth participation in leadership, ensuring that young voices are not just heard but actively shape policy and governance.

By John Kariuki

Mwea MP Mary Maingi has reaffirmed her commitment to improving the working conditions of rice farmers, emphasizing the need to enhance yields, improve the quality of rice, and ensure that farmers reap better financial rewards from their hard work.

As part of her efforts to modernize rice farming in Mwea, Maingi has overseen the full cementing of the K3 Canal in Mwea West, a crucial project aimed at improving water distribution. With this upgrade, farmers will now have a reliable and uninterrupted water supply, preventing wastage and optimizing irrigation efficiency. The improved infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance rice production, ensuring that farmers can cultivate their crops with minimal disruptions caused by inconsistent water supply.

Water is a critical resource for rice farming, and the completion of this project marks a major milestone in supporting local farmers. By reducing water loss and ensuring steady irrigation, the cemented K3 Canal will help maximize productivity and contribute to higher yields. This initiative aligns with Maingi’s broader agenda of creating long-term solutions that uplift the agricultural sector in Mwea, making rice farming more sustainable and profitable.

Maingi remains steadfast in her vision to modernize rice farming through strategic investments in infrastructure and better agricultural practices. Her leadership continues to prioritize farmer welfare, ensuring that they have the necessary support to thrive in an increasingly competitive agricultural landscape. With such initiatives, Mwea is poised to solidify its position as Kenya’s leading rice-producing region.

The MP has called on all stakeholders to support ongoing efforts aimed at transforming the sector, urging farmers to take advantage of the improved water infrastructure to maximize their yields. As she continues to champion agricultural development, her commitment to empowering rice farmers remains unwavering.

By John Kariuki

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has reaffirmed Kenya’s position as a premier destination for world-class sporting events, celebrating the Magical Kenya Open as a key highlight on the international golf calendar. As the prestigious tournament unfolds at Muthaiga Golf Club, Miano emphasized that the event is more than just a competition; it is a testament to Kenya’s growing influence in global sports tourism.

Speaking at the tournament, Miano acknowledged the immense value the Magical Kenya Open brings to the country, not only by attracting top-tier golfers but also by placing Kenya firmly on the international stage. She highlighted that Kenya’s magic lies not only in its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also in its ability to host high-profile events that draw global attention. The tournament, part of the DP World Tour, continues to enhance Kenya’s reputation as a hub for excellence in sports and tourism.

Miano further underscored that Kenya is a nation of champions, a fact reflected in its ability to organize and execute world-class events such as the Magical Kenya Open and the WRC Safari Rally. These annual sporting spectacles serve as powerful platforms to showcase the country’s hospitality, infrastructure, and investment opportunities in the tourism sector. By consistently delivering such top-tier experiences, Kenya reaffirms its position as a leading destination for sports tourism.

As the competition intensifies at Muthaiga, Miano called on Kenyans to take pride in the nation’s achievements and embrace the opportunities these global events bring. With each successful edition of the Magical Kenya Open, Kenya continues to prove that it is not just a land of scenic beauty but also a land of action, ambition, and excellence.

The tournament remains a shining example of Kenya’s ability to attract and host elite sporting events, further boosting tourism and solidifying its place on the world map. Under Miano’s leadership, the Ministry of Tourism remains committed to supporting such initiatives that elevate Kenya’s standing in the global arena. As the Magical Kenya Open 2025 progresses, the world watches in admiration, witnessing yet another chapter in Kenya’s legacy of sporting brilliance.

By John Kariuki

Zetech University has embarked on a transformative partnership with Dr. Kevit Desai, CEO of Centurion Systems Limited, and Andre’ Varma to enhance industry-aligned training, entrepreneurship, and digital resilience. This collaboration aims to equip students with practical, market-driven skills while fostering innovation and commercialization.

Through this initiative, students will gain hands-on experience, turning ideas into thriving enterprises. Cybersecurity training will strengthen digital resilience, while global market linkages will open doors for local innovations and startups to access international opportunities. The partnership also emphasizes sustainability and capacity building in higher education, ensuring long-term impact.

To nurture problem-solving skills and disruptive thinking, incubation hubs, bootcamps, and hackathons will provide students with real-world exposure. This collaboration will unlock vibrant research opportunities, intellectual property commercialization, and dual training programs, ultimately shaping a future-ready workforce.

By bridging the gap between academia and industry, Zetech University is reinforcing its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness. Stay tuned as we redefine the future of education!

By John Kariuki

Nairobi, Kenya – The closing ceremony of the IGAD States Learning and Exchange Visit, held at Ole Sereni, marked the culmination of a highly productive and insightful engagement among representatives from various countries. The event, attended by key stakeholders in land governance, provided a unique platform for sharing best practices, exchanging knowledge, and fostering collaboration in addressing land-related challenges.

National Land Commission (NLC) CEO CHRP Kabale Tache Arero, who graced the occasion, emphasized the significance of sustaining the momentum in land reforms across the region. In her address, she urged participants to implement the lessons learned during the exchange to drive meaningful change in their respective countries. She reiterated that effective land governance is critical in ensuring equitable development and sustainable resource management, underscoring the need for continuous innovation and inclusive approaches in tackling land governance challenges.

Arero expressed profound gratitude to Sweden for its invaluable support in the development of the Community Investigation Guidelines, a framework currently underway to enhance transparency and community participation in land-related processes. She highlighted the crucial role of international partnerships in advancing land reforms and ensuring that land administration systems remain participatory, accountable, and community-centered. Sweden’s support, she noted, is instrumental in reinforcing mechanisms that empower communities to have a stronger voice in land governance, ultimately leading to fairer and more transparent processes.

She further acknowledged the African Development Bank for its continued support in strengthening land governance initiatives and called upon the institution to maintain its assistance in addressing emerging issues identified during the learning program. The insights gained from the exchange visit, she observed, have unveiled new areas requiring urgent intervention, and with sustained support from development partners, countries in the region can effectively address these challenges while enhancing policy frameworks that promote equitable access to land and sustainable land use planning.

The success of the IGAD States Learning and Exchange Visit would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of the National Land Commission and the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development. Arero commended the two institutions for their leadership and coordination in ensuring the smooth execution of the program, which provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue and shape the future of land administration in their respective countries. Their dedication, she noted, reflects a broader commitment to promoting collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening land governance structures at national and regional levels.

As the learning exchange came to a close, Arero reaffirmed the need for sustained cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and robust institutional support to drive land reforms forward. The discussions and experiences shared during the program have not only deepened the understanding of land governance challenges but also provided actionable insights that will shape future policies and strategies. With continued commitment from all stakeholders, the region is poised to make significant strides in ensuring fair, transparent, and inclusive land administration for sustainable development.

By John Kariuki

Nairobi, Kenya – Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Geoffrey Kaituko, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of Kenyan seafarers. This follows a productive meeting with Adams Barasa and Brian Otiato from the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), who paid him a courtesy call.

The discussions focused on strategies to safeguard the rights and well-being of Kenyan seafarers, both locally and internationally. Brian Otiato, a member of the newly established Seafarers Wages Council, and Adams Barasa, the International Advisor on Labour Matters to COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, shared insights on key challenges facing the industry.

PS Kaituko emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and trade unions to ensure fair wages, improved working conditions, and better opportunities for Kenyan seafarers.

“The maritime sector plays a crucial role in our economy, and the welfare of our seafarers must be prioritized. Engaging key stakeholders like COTU-K is essential in addressing existing challenges and shaping a sustainable future for the industry,” said Kaituko.

The meeting comes at a time when the government is intensifying efforts to strengthen Kenya’s maritime sector and enhance employment opportunities for seafarers in global shipping.

Stakeholders remain hopeful that continued dialogue and policy reforms will lead to meaningful improvements in seafarers’ working conditions, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a key player in the international maritime industry.

By John Kariuki

The Kenya School of Government (KSG), in partnership with Public Service Governance (PSG), has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance in the public service. This was highlighted during a multi-agency summit on good governance, peace, security, and human rights, held under the theme “Come, Let’s Reason Together.”

The summit brought together key stakeholders to engage in dialogue on accountability, responsibility, transparency, and effective communication—pillars that form the foundation of a stable and progressive nation.

Speaking on behalf of KSG Director General, Dr. Tom Wanyama, the Acting Senior Director of Finance and Administration at KSG emphasized the need for openness in leadership. He noted that transparency in governance requires leaders to be accountable to the people, adding that KSG plays a crucial role in shaping public servants to uphold these values.

PSG CEO, Ambassador Esther Waringa, called on all stakeholders to fully commit to the principles of good governance. She stressed that a collaborative approach is essential in ensuring that governance structures uphold integrity, foster peace, and protect human rights.

The summit serves as a critical step toward reinforcing ethical leadership and strengthening governance frameworks in Kenya’s public service. It is expected that continued engagements of this nature will contribute to a more accountable and transparent governance system in the country.

By John

Othaya Member of Parliament, Hon. Wambugu Wainaina, has reaffirmed his commitment to education by issuing bursary cheques worth Ksh. 4,075,000 to various day secondary schools in Mahiga and Karima wards. This initiative, part of his ambitious ‘Masomo Bora’ program, aims to make education accessible and affordable, ensuring that no student is forced out of school due to financial constraints.

Through this transformative program, each student enrolled in a day secondary school receives Ksh. 8,000, with parents required to pay only Ksh. 1,000 per term. The initiative provides much-needed financial relief, reducing school dropout rates and enabling students to focus on their education without the stress of unpaid fees.

Speaking at Munyange Day Secondary School during the bursary issuance, Hon. Wambugu emphasized the critical role of education in transforming lives and driving social development. He expressed his unwavering commitment to prioritizing education and urged parents to take full advantage of the program.

“I am a strong believer in the transformative power of education, and I am committed to fostering equality through learning. This program is meant to ensure that no child is sent home due to a lack of school fees. However, I urge parents to play their part by ensuring their children attend school consistently and make the most of this opportunity,” he stated.

The Ksh. 4,075,000 disbursed marks a significant investment in the future of Othaya’s youth, strengthening the constituency’s education sector and promoting academic excellence. The ‘Masomo Bora’ initiative is not just about financial support—it is a deliberate strategy to curb school dropouts, empower students, and secure a brighter future for the community.

Parents, teachers, and local leaders have lauded the program, calling it a lifeline for many families who struggle to keep their children in school. With education at the core of his development agenda, Hon. Wambugu continues to champion initiatives that uplift the community, ensuring that every child in Othaya has an equal opportunity to succeed.

𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.
𝐁𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬.

The Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works held sessions with the State Departments for Housing & Urban Development and Public Works to consider the 2025/26 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) in preparation for the next financial year’s Budget.

Chaired by Hon. Johanna Ng’eno, the Committee was briefed on the Budget Implementation status of the financial year 2025/26. Key policies underpinning the expenditure ceilings and indicative performance targets linked to the policies and programs in the 2025 BPS, among others.

The Committee noted that the State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD) had utilized Kshs. 21,110.07 million out of the approved budget of Kshs. 85,195.80 million as of 31st December 2024 representing an absorption rate of 25%.

The committee members demanded explanation as to the slow uptake of funds in the 1st half of the year, which sought to be apprised on why markets stall, utilization of Boma Yangu proceeds and utilization of accrued interests of the Affordable Housing monies invested in Treasury Bills.

Speaking before the Committee Members, the Permanent Secretary for SDHUD, Mr. Charles Hinga attributed the slow absorption rate to delays in the disbursement of funds by the Affordable Housing Board caused by lengthy onboarding of Board onto Government payment system being a new state corporation. The Board came into being in March 2024.

The PS explained that the onboarding process was lengthy and involved the National Treasury and the Central Bank of Kenya. As a result, The Board only accessed funds in October, more than 3 months into the new financial year.

The PS assured the committee that the absorption in the last half of the year shall be much faster given the many contracts for construction of affordable housing in virtually every part of the country.

The PS informed the committee that there were 124k units under construction with another 121k awarded and under negation.