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Taita Taveta Deputy Governor urges farmers to join cooperatives to unlock KSh3M grants

By
Linda Akoth
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Taita Taveta Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo

Farmers in Kasighau Ward have been urged to embrace a savings culture and join agricultural cooperatives to benefit from government programmes aimed at boosting productivity and household incomes.

Speaking during the launch of the Gaye Rural Sacco, Taita Taveta Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo encouraged residents to register as members and make regular savings. She emphasized that active membership would enable farmers to access affordable credit and benefit from ongoing agricultural interventions under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

According to Kilalo, farmers who organize themselves through Saccos and cooperatives stand a significantly better chance of accessing government support, reducing their dependence on exploitative middlemen, and expanding their agribusiness ventures. She noted that the County Government has partnered with NAVCDP to establish farmer-owned financial institutions designed to strengthen food security while improving access to financial services in rural areas.

The county government has committed KSh3 million in matching grants for each Sacco across all 20 wards, operating on a shilling-for-shilling savings basis.

The Deputy Governor called on farmers to take full advantage of this initiative by saving consistently. Echoing her sentiments, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, Cooperatives, Irrigation, and the Blue Economy, Katuu Mzenge, urged Sacco members to increase their contributions so the institution can qualify for the maximum KSh3 million matching grant.

Chief Officer for Agriculture Mcharo Mwalugha reminded residents that dual membership in both a Sacco and a cooperative is a mandatory requirement for accessing NAVCDP opportunities, urging them to register without delay.

The newly launched Gaye Rural Sacco is among 14 institutions expected to receive KSh3 million each in matching grants under the programme. So far, six Saccos in the region have already received funding totaling KSh3.8 million.

Taita Taveta County launches KSh 8M solar streetlight project in Mghange Dawida and Lushangonyi

By
Linda Akoth
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Residents of Mghange Dawida and Lushangonyi in Taita Taveta County have welcomed the rollout of a new solar-powered street lighting project. The initiative is expected to enhance security, stimulate local businesses, and create a safer environment for students after years of the areas being plunged into darkness at night.

The KSh 8 million project is a collaborative partnership between the Taita Taveta County Government and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC). It will see the installation of 44 solar-powered streetlights across the two trading centers and along surrounding transit roads within the next 60 days.

For many residents of Lushangonyi, the project represents a long-awaited solution to the persistent insecurity that has plagued the area for years. Locals noted that poorly lit roads have previously made pedestrians easy targets for criminals, with frequent incidents of robbery, assault, and even fatalities leaving many afraid to move around after dark.

“We have lived in fear for a long time,” said one resident. “Many people avoid walking at night because the roads are too dark and unsafe. These lights will help restore our confidence and improve security.”

Local business owners are also optimistic, expecting the new infrastructure to extend trading hours. This will allow customers to shop safely in the evening, ultimately boosting revenues for small and medium-sized enterprises.

In neighboring Mghange Dawida, residents highlighted that the benefits would extend far beyond security, particularly noting the positive impact on education. Community elder Mzee Alfred Magiri emphasized that well-lit streets would provide students with a safer environment to commute home and study in the evening without fear.

“This project is going to change things for our children,” Magiri said. “With better lighting, students will be able to travel and study safely, while businesses will simultaneously benefit from increased evening activity.”

Furthermore, residents welcomed assurances that local youth would be prioritized for employment during the construction phase, ensuring the project provides immediate economic relief to the host communities.

During the official project handover, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Energy, Arch. Martin Tairo Maseghe, directed the contractor to prioritize hiring local laborers and to actively involve the community throughout the implementation phase.

REREC representative Pauline Mwangemi reiterated the corporation’s commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives that improve livelihoods and promote sustainable development across the country.

The project was officially launched in the presence of area MCA Hon. Anselim Mwadime, County Energy Director Mwaxwell Mwashighadi, and other local leaders, all of whom pledged to closely monitor construction to ensure it is completed on schedule.

NDMA and Garissa County commission KSh1.7M Arera borehole to fight drought

By
Dominic Barasa
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The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with the Garissa County Government, has commissioned the rehabilitated Arera Borehole in Shanta Abaq Sub-County. This initiative aims to significantly improve access to safe, reliable, and sustainable water for local communities and their livestock.

The project was implemented to address the increasing pressure on the existing water source at Arera. Previously, this strain caused residents to suffer from frequent water shortages, livestock losses, and a decline in livelihoods during prolonged dry spells.

Rehabilitated and completed at a cost of KSh1.7 million, the borehole is expected to boost the livelihoods of pastoralists by providing a dependable water supply for both households and livestock. Furthermore, it will ease the pressure on surrounding water sources that are often overwhelmed during droughts.

Speaking during the launch, NDMA Chief Executive Officer Hared Adan stated that the project is part of the government’s long-term strategy to build drought resilience. By investing in permanent water infrastructure, the government aims to reduce vulnerability and the reliance on costly emergency interventions.

Mr. Adan explained that the NDMA mobilized resources to rehabilitate the borehole and upgrade the water storage and livestock watering systems. This ensures efficient and sustainable water access. He also urged the community to take collective responsibility for protecting the facility to ensure it continues to serve current and future generations.

On behalf of the Garissa County Government, Water Executive Mohamed Ibrahim Sugow expressed his sincere gratitude to the NDMA for its continuous support. Mr. Sugow noted that while the county government drilled this strategic borehole, the NDMA stepped in to provide storage equipment and livestock watering infrastructure, bringing the project to fruition.

Minister Mohamed also pointed out that Arera is located near the borders of Isiolo and Wajir counties. This strategic location makes the borehole a critical water point not only for local residents but also for neighboring pastoralist communities.

According to a local resident, Aden Noor, families have endured decades of hardship, walking long distances in search of water while relying on donkey carts to transport the scarce commodity.

Noor added that periods of water scarcity severely affected women, children, and pregnant mothers, who often had to endure long and arduous journeys to find the essential resource. He noted that the loss of livestock during droughts also worsens household poverty and cripples the pastoralist economy, which is the economic mainstay of the region.

Frustrated taxpayers faced long queues in Voi

By
Linda Akoth
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Hundreds of taxpayers in Voi spent hours in long queues on Tuesday as they raced against the clock to file their 2025 income tax returns before the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) deadline. Many applicants complained of severe delays caused by congestion on the iTax platform. They noted that repeated system interruptions forced them to seek in-person assistance at KRA offices, where they encountered equally agonizing waiting lines.

Some taxpayers who spoke to Sifa FM revealed they had arrived as early as Monday in an effort to beat the deadline, yet they were still waiting to be served by Tuesday afternoon.

 “I have been here since yesterday hoping to finish the process early, but the queues have been moving very slowly,” one frustrated taxpayer lamented. “The online system keeps failing, so many of us had no choice but to come to the office.” Others expressed deep disappointment that a process intended to be completed seamlessly online had become incredibly stressful due to the technical vulnerabilities of the iTax platform.

The chaotic rush at the Voi KRA offices also created a lucrative loophole for fraudsters. Several taxpayers reported that conmen were actively patrolling the queues, claiming they could fast-track the filing process for a fee. Some residents confirmed that unsuspecting taxpayers had already fallen victim to the scam.

After paying money to individuals posing as KRA agents, the victims realized too late that they had been defrauded. Despite these compounding frustrations, hundreds remained in the lines, determined to submit their returns before the midnight deadline to avoid hefty non-compliance penalties.

As the final hours ticked away, Voi residents urged the tax authority to strengthen both its digital infrastructure and physical customer service capacity to prevent similar last-minute gridlocks in future tax cycles. Meanwhile, KRA acknowledged the challenges, admitting that its iTax platform had experienced an overwhelming surge in traffic as millions of taxpayers attempted to file their returns simultaneously on the final day.

Court orders strict secrecy as eight minors face murder charges in Utumishi fire case

By
Binti Wangila
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The High Court in Nairobi has imposed strict confidentiality measures in a case involving eight minors accused over the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that left 16 students dead.

The accused, all students, appeared before Justice Diana Kavedza at the Kibera High Court where they denied 16 counts of murder linked to the tragic incident.

Given their age, the court ordered enhanced protections, directing that their identities remain fully concealed throughout the proceedings. The minors appeared in court with their faces covered and will be referred to only as “subject minors” in all official records.

Justice Kavedza emphasized that the case must proceed within the framework of child protection laws, ordering the establishment of a confidential register of the accused accessible only to authorized parties in the trial.

“The court must ensure that while justice is pursued, the rights and welfare of the children are fully protected,” she said.

The judge also imposed strict reporting restrictions, warning media houses against publishing any material that could directly or indirectly reveal the identities of the minors involved.

“No report, publication, or broadcast shall directly or indirectly identify any subject minor,” she ruled, adding that violations could undermine the fairness of the proceedings.

The case has drawn attention due to the tension between public interest in a tragedy that claimed 16 lives and the legal safeguards afforded to child offenders under Kenyan law.

Prosecutors told the court that investigations into the fire were completed and that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) approved 16 murder charges against the eight minors.

However, defence lawyers have opposed the prosecution’s push to deny bail, arguing that the accused should be released on favourable terms while awaiting trial.

The court is yet to determine the bail application, with the matter set to proceed under strict confidentiality orders.

Legal experts note that the case will test the balance between criminal accountability and child protection principles, as the judiciary navigates a highly sensitive prosecution involving minors accused of a mass casualty incident.

The fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, which claimed 16 students’ lives, remains one of the most closely watched school tragedy cases in recent years.

NGEC raises alarm over rising violence against women and children,backs new government reforms

By
Binti Wangila
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The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has raised concern over the increasing cases of gender-based violence, child abuse and killings in Kenya, while welcoming a series of Cabinet-approved reforms aimed at strengthening protection for women, children and vulnerable families.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commission described the Cabinet’s approval of the Kenya Children Policy, 2025, the Protection Against Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the adoption of recommendations by the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide as a critical step towards addressing persistent gaps in protection systems.

NGEC said the country continues to witness alarming cases of sexual violence, abuse and killings involving women and children, underscoring the urgent need for stronger legal, policy and institutional interventions.

“The reforms approved by Cabinet mark an important step in strengthening Kenya’s legal, policy and institutional framework for the protection of women, children and vulnerable families,” the Commission said.

The Commission noted that it actively participated in the Presidential Technical Working Group on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, contributing to national consultations that examined shortcomings in existing laws, policies and institutional responses.

According to NGEC, its recommendations focused on strengthening prevention measures, enhancing survivor-centred responses, improving accountability mechanisms, fostering greater coordination among institutions and promoting meaningful engagement of communities, including men and boys, in efforts to combat gender-based violence.

The Commission further emphasized the need for urgent reforms to strengthen child protection systems, improve institutional accountability and enhance community vigilance amid rising cases of abuse and violence against children.

NGEC pledged to provide constitutional oversight over the implementation of the Cabinet decisions, stressing that effective implementation will require adequate funding, coordinated action between national and county governments, stronger protection systems, timely access to justice and continuous monitoring.

The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Parliament, the Ministry responsible for Gender, the Council of Governors, the Judiciary, constitutional commissions, development partners, civil society organizations and communities to ensure the reforms deliver meaningful improvements in the lives of women, children and vulnerable families.

The reforms were among several resolutions adopted during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto on June 30, which also approved investments in maternal healthcare, directed investigations into alleged payroll fraud and adopted key economic and infrastructure measures.

Counties including Wajir and Garissa accused of delaying payments as pending bills hit KSh156.8 billion

By
Dominic Barasa
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A new report by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o has revealed widespread delays in payment of contractors and suppliers by county governments, with billions of shillings in pending bills accumulating across the country.

The report shows that county governments continue to delay settlement of verified invoices for goods and services already delivered, leaving contractors under severe financial pressure.

At least 10 counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Machakos, Wajir and Garissa, are identified as among those with the highest levels of delayed payments.

According to the findings, some contractors are still waiting for payments as county governments reportedly dispute or decline to settle debts inherited from previous administrations, a situation linked to political disagreements and financial accountability challenges.

By March 31, 2026, all 47 counties had accumulated pending bills amounting to KSh156.84 billion. Out of this, more than KSh84 billion had remained unpaid for over three years, raising serious concerns over compliance with public finance management laws.

The report indicates that Mombasa County had the highest proportion of long-outstanding bills, with 98 percent of its pending obligations aged more than three years.

Other counties with significant levels of long-term arrears include Wajir (80 percent), Nairobi (76 percent), Mandera (75 percent), Murang’a (74 percent), Kiambu (67 percent), Laikipia (65 percent), Embu (65 percent), Machakos (54 percent) and Garissa (52 percent).

At the same time, counties such as Baringo, Bomet, Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho, Kirinyaga, Kitui, Kwale, Lamu, Makueni, Marsabit, Nandi, Nyandarua and Nyeri were noted to have accumulated a larger share of their pending bills under current county administrations.

Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o warned that the rising stock of unpaid bills poses a major fiscal risk to devolved units, with some counties at risk of failing to clear obligations within their electoral cycles.

She said, “The accumulation of pending bills continues to expose counties to significant financial risk, and there is a real possibility that some may fail to clear these obligations within their electoral cycles.”

The report also highlights the human and economic impact of delayed payments, noting that many contractors are facing severe financial strain, with some forced to close businesses or default on bank loans.

Nairobi County remains the largest debtor, owing KSh81.13 billion. Of this amount, KSh61.6 billion has been outstanding for more than three years, with only a small portion incurred under the current administration.

In Wajir County, pending bills older than three years stand at KSh1.94 billion, while more recent obligations amount to KSh488 million.

Murang’a County has accumulated KSh846.3 million in long-outstanding bills, Kiambu KSh3.56 billion, Laikipia KSh852.1 million, Embu KSh830.3 million, Machakos KSh2.85 billion, and Garissa approximately KSh797.3 million.

The Controller of Budget noted that under the Public Finance Management Act for county governments (2015), counties are required to prioritize the settlement of lawful pending bills in the following financial year.

The report further shows that pending bills of less than one year stand at KSh30 billion, those aged between one and two years at KSh19.45 billion, and those between two and three years at KSh15.22 billion.

Nyakang’o also flagged non-compliance in financial reporting, noting that several counties failed to submit complete breakdowns of their pending bills. Kakamega County was specifically cited for failing to provide a detailed analysis of its outstanding obligations as of March 31, 2026.

Fate of over 20 doctors raises concern after disappearing in El Fasher

By
Binti Wangila
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Growing concern surrounds the fate of more than 20 doctors who disappeared in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state, amid reports that they may have been detained by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) following the group’s capture of the city in October 2025.

According to the Sudan Doctors Network, the missing medical personnel, including four women, have not been seen or heard from since El Fasher fell under RSF control, raising fears over their safety and whereabouts.

“The RSF should reveal the fate of those detained in El Fasher and allow health personnel to perform their duties without being targeted or subjected to violations,” the Sudan Doctors Network said in a statement.

The disappearance of the doctors comes as Sudan’s healthcare system continues to face severe challenges caused by the conflict that has raged across the country since April 2023.

According to the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR), more than 6,000 people were killed during the first three days of the RSF’s takeover of El Fasher. At least 4,400 people died inside the besieged city, while more than 1,600 others were killed along escape routes as civilians attempted to flee the fighting.

The UN agency also documented widespread human rights abuses committed during the offensive, including mass killings, summary executions, rape and gang rape, abductions for ransom, torture, enforced disappearances, and the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. Many of the attacks reportedly targeted civilians based on their ethnicity, particularly members of non-Arab communities such as the Zaghawa.

The Sudan Doctors Network said healthcare workers have been operating under extremely dangerous conditions, marked by shelling, sieges, ongoing clashes, and severe shortages of medical supplies.

The group added that at least 25 healthcare workers—including doctors, pharmacists, and other medical personnel—were killed in North Darfur between April 2023 and October 2025, before the RSF seized El Fasher.

“The loss of these professionals is a major blow to the healthcare sector in North Darfur and extends the growing list of medical personnel who have been killed or gone missing since the war began in April 2023, which now exceeds 235,” the Sudan Doctors Network said.

The organization stressed that protecting healthcare workers is essential to ensure they can continue delivering lifesaving medical services in conflict-affected areas.

Turkana at a Crossroads: Oil dreams on paper, banditry on the ground.

By
Kimani Karanja
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Turkana County is caught between two realities, the promise of an oil-driven economic future, and a worsening security crisis that is leaving families displaced and grieving.

While county leaders met in Lodwar to advance oil regulations, residents in Turkana East were on the streets demanding urgent action to stop deadly livestock raids.

Governor Dr. Jeremiah Lomorukai hosted a senior technical team from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for a review of environmental monitoring in the South Lokichar Oil Basin, the county’s most economically significant oil block.

Speaking after the meeting, the Governor said his administration is finalizing county laws to manage petroleum resources.

The legislation will cover how to handle the county’s 20% share and the host community’s 5% share of oil revenue, as provided for under the Petroleum Act, 2019.

EPRA’s assessment found no petroleum contamination in the South Lokichar Basin.

Governor Lomorukai also announced new training programmes to equip county officials with the skills needed to oversee upstream petroleum operations.

At the same time, outrage was building 200km away in Kang’it village, Turkana East.

On Monday, residents marched to the Deputy County Commissioner’s office in Lokori to protest a bandit attack over the weekend.

The protestors, who spoke of repeated livestock raids and insecurity, presented a petition calling for the immediate deployment of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and a multi-agency disarmament operation against criminal gangs.

“Wapi President Ruto atuokoe, loosely translated as where is President Ruto to save us?” One mourner cried out.

The contrasting scenes underscore a growing disconnect.

As environmental clearances move forward to support further oil exploration, pastoralist communities say survival remains their immediate concern.

Local leaders have warned that delays by the national government in tackling cross-border banditry are eroding commerce, scaring off investment, and threatening to stall development gains that oil revenue is meant to deliver.

Kenya moves to reopen Hillo gold mines: Ministry engages Marsabit residents on new mining bills

By
Mike Kwoba
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The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs has launched a public participation exercise in Marsabit County to gather community views on three draft mining bills and sensitize residents on existing regulations.

The legislative framework under review focuses on three critical areas including mineral value addition, safety, and explosives.

During a public workshop held in Marsabit Town, ministry officials also sensitized local residents on the legal procedures for acquiring operational licenses ahead of the planned reopening of the Hillo gold mines in Moyale Constituency.

The forum was led by Francis Mutisya, the Director of Human Resource Management and Development in the State Department for Mining. Addressing the participants, Mr. Mutisya emphasized that the government’s primary objective is to elevate the value of minerals produced within Kenya to maximize economic returns.

“The aim is to ensure that both the nation and local communities benefit more through revenue sharing, job creation, and the sustainable growth of the mining sector,” Mr. Mutisya stated.

The ministry’s technical team educated the community on the provisions of the proposed Mining Bills while collecting feedback and recommendations to help refine the final legislation.

Despite the government’s collaborative approach, local small-scale miners used the platform to voice pressing grievances.

Mukhtar Intalo Guracha, the Secretary General of the Hilo-Dabel Artisanal Miners Union in Moyale, warned that steep licensing costs threaten to marginalize local operators.

“The cost of licenses for artisanal miners is prohibitively high. If left unchanged, these costs will lock small-scale miners out of benefiting from their own local resources,” Mr. Guracha said.

Mr. Guracha also appealed for more widespread public sensitization forums to ensure all residents fully understand the licensing processes and can meaningfully contribute their views.

Furthermore, he raised a security flag, noting that despite the government’s previous directive ordering the immediate closure of the Hillo gold mines, illicit mining activities have continued unabated under the radar.

The Ministry of Mining has assured stakeholders that it will review and incorporate all public inputs and grievances before finalizing the bills for parliamentary transition.

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