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Garissa farmers petition county assembly over floods and poor agricultural support

By
Binti Wangila
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Farmers in Garissa County have petitioned the County Assembly, seeking urgent intervention over recurring floods, inadequate funding for agriculture, shortage of extension officers and the poor state of farm machinery.

The petition was presented by the Garissa Farmers Network (GFN), whose members say the challenges have negatively affected agricultural production and the livelihoods of farmers across the county.

According to the farmers, recurring floods caused by the overflow of the Tana River and heavy seasonal rains have destroyed crops, damaged irrigation infrastructure and made some farmland unusable.

“Our farmers continue to suffer losses due to persistent flooding, which has greatly affected food production and household incomes,” said Garissa Farmers Network chairperson Abdullahi Abdi while presenting the petition.

The farmers also raised concerns over what they described as inadequate funding for the agricultural sector, saying the limited budget allocation has affected programmes meant to support farming activities and improve food security.

In addition, the network cited a shortage of agricultural extension officers, arguing that many farmers have been unable to access professional advice, modern farming techniques and climate-smart agricultural practices.

The petition further highlighted the poor condition of machinery under the Agricultural Machinery Services programme, with farmers claiming that many machines have broken down due to poor maintenance and neglect.

Receiving the petition, Garissa County Assembly Speaker Abdi Idle Gure assured farmers that the Assembly would consider their concerns.

“The County Assembly remains committed to ensuring that the voices of our farmers are heard and that issues affecting their livelihoods receive the attention they deserve,” said Gure.

The farmers have proposed increased funding for agriculture, recruitment of more extension officers, rehabilitation of farm access roads, repair of farm machinery and implementation of long-term measures to control flooding.

The petition will now be forwarded to the relevant committee of the County Assembly for consideration before recommendations are presented to the House.

Tana River governor calls for release of community elders, demands probe into violence inciters

By
Binti Wangila
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Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana has called on the National Government to release two community elders arrested following the recent inter-clan clashes in northern Tana River, insisting that investigations should instead focus on identifying and prosecuting those responsible for inciting the violence.

Speaking at his official residence in Hola on Tuesday, Governor Godhana condemned the deteriorating security situation in Tana North and Bangale sub-counties, where clashes between members of the Degodia and Wardei communities have left at least five people dead.

“The government should conduct thorough investigations to establish the root cause of the violence and identify those who orchestrated and incited the unrest, rather than targeting innocent community elders,” said Governor Godhana.

The governor specifically appealed for the release of community elders Yakob Komoro and Osman Gutu, arguing that accountability should be directed at political leaders and individuals found to have fueled divisions and violence in the region.

Godhana expressed concern over what he described as a growing wave of insecurity that continues to threaten peace and stability across Tana River County. He noted that residents of Tana North have repeatedly raised concerns over armed criminal activities and persistent attacks that have undermined security in the area.

“The latest violence is part of a disturbing pattern of insecurity that has repeatedly claimed lives, displaced families, and disrupted communities,” he said.

The governor also mourned the death of Bangale Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Chief Inspector Sylvester Wambua, who was killed during a gun battle with suspected armed attackers while responding to the clashes.

“Chief Inspector Wambua’s death is a significant loss not only to the National Police Service but also to the people of Tana River County. His sacrifice in the line of duty should never be forgotten,” Godhana stated.

He further warned that attacks targeting police officers by armed criminals have become increasingly alarming, highlighting the urgent need for a stronger and more coordinated security response.

Governor Godhana urged the National Government to move swiftly to restore law and order by deploying adequate security personnel and conducting an independent investigation into the conflict.

“Our people have repeatedly complained about the deteriorating security situation in Tana North. We need lasting solutions that address both the immediate violence and its underlying causes,” he said.

He maintained that sustainable peace can only be achieved if those responsible for orchestrating the clashes are identified and prosecuted, while innocent residents and community leaders are protected from unfair blame.

The governor also appealed for calm among the affected communities as security agencies continue efforts to restore normalcy in the troubled region.

From the Soil to the lecture hall: Turkana’s Oil future finds its scholar

By
Kimani Karanja
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When Tullow Oil confirmed commercially viable crude beneath the sun-baked plains of South Lokichar in 2012, it rewrote Turkana’s story in a single announcement. For generations, the county had been known primarily for drought, food insecurity, and systemic marginalization.

The discovery of Kenya’s first oil changed that narrative overnight, shifting local conversations to the promise of new highways, massive investments, job creation, and a community finally benefiting from the immense wealth buried deep beneath their ancestral land.

Yet, amid the widespread excitement, one quiet question remained: who would actually run this newborn industry? Would Turkana’s own sons and daughters become the engineers, geologists, and project managers, or would they watch from the sidelines as outsiders developed the resource beneath their feet?

Fourteen years later, a definitive answer is emerging from Lokichogio. Moses Ekuwam has officially graduated with a Master’s degree in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering from the China University of Petroleum, one of the world’s elite institutions for energy studies.

His exceptional academic performance earned him a fully funded Chinese Government Scholarship to pursue a PhD, cementing his status as one of Turkana’s most highly qualified petroleum scholars to date. His milestone comes at a pivotal moment for Kenya’s energy landscape.

Following years of seismic surveys, appraisal drilling, environmental studies, and intense community engagement after the 2012 discovery, the South Lokichar basin is estimated to hold roughly 560 million barrels of recoverable oil, a figure that places Kenya firmly among Africa’s emerging petroleum producers.

This progress has been marked by crucial operational phases. Between 2018 and 2020, the Early Oil Pilot Scheme successfully moved Kenyan crude from Lokichar to Mombasa, proving that the country could reach international markets while giving local teams invaluable hands-on experience.

Following Tullow Oil’s exit, Gulf Energy took over the South Lokichar development and is now advancing the project toward full commercial production. Billions of shillings are expected to go into field development, processing facilities, roads, and pipeline infrastructure.

Once fully operational, the project is projected to create thousands of jobs spanning engineering, logistics, construction, environmental management, security, and support services.

Yet, even before the first commercial barrel is exported, another investment is showing profound results: education. Speaking in Lokichar, Turkana Woman Representative Hon. Cecilia Asinyen Ishuu noted that the county has now produced approximately 60 scholars trained in petroleum and related fields.

This number reflects years of targeted scholarships, mentorship programs, and deliberate local investment designed to ensure host communities possess the technical skills required to actively participate in Kenya’s oil economy. Ekuwam stands as a proud member of this pioneering academic cohort.

Raised in humble circumstances, Ekuwam’s journey was powered by his mother’s immense sacrifice. She supported the family through charcoal burning and small-scale trade, fiercely determined that poverty would not cap her son’s education.

That resolve ultimately propelled him from the remote borders of Lokichogio to high-tech lecture halls thousands of kilometers away in China. “I want to contribute to Kenya’s petroleum and natural gas sector while inspiring young people from marginalized communities to believe that education can truly transform lives,” Ekuwam shared after his graduation.

For years, the conversation surrounding Turkana’s oil has focused heavily on royalties, revenue-sharing formulas, pipelines, and development timelines. While these factors remain critical, Ekuwam’s story raises a deeper, more fundamental question about whether host communities will lead the industry itself. Oil reserves are ultimately finite, but knowledge is not.

Former President H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, whose foundation The Kenyatta Trust sponsored Ekuwam’s education, celebrated the achievement as a testament to the power of investing in youth potential.

“Congratulations, Moses Ekuwam,” the former President stated. “It has been a joy to watch your journey from a young scholar from Turkana County to a Master’s graduate and now a PhD scholar. May this next chapter bring even greater success. Stories like yours are why I am proud to champion the work of The Kenyatta Trust.

By investing in the potential of young people today, we help shape leaders who will transform families, communities, and generations. Congratulations once again, Moses. I wish you every success on the journey ahead.”

The rise of trained petroleum engineers, geoscientists, and energy researchers from Turkana signals a profound structural shift. The county is moving from simply hosting one of Africa’s most promising onshore oil finds to building the human capital required to sustain it.

For a region long defined by what lies beneath its soil, the future may depend far more on what is cultivated above it. As Kenya nears full commercial production, Ekuwam’s graduation offers a clear glimpse of that future: a petroleum industry powered not only by Turkana’s natural wealth, but by the brilliance of its own sons and daughters.

Police arrest 29-year-old man with bhang and cash in Marsabit town

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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A 29-year-old Abdullahi Abdiharim

A 29-year-old man is in police custody after being arrested in Marsabit Town for allegedly trafficking bhang, Marsabit County Police Commander Mr. Leonard Kimaiyo has confirmed.

According to Mr. Kimaiyo, vigilant officers apprehended the suspect, identified as Abdullahi Abdiharim, near the Bypass Bar in the Mountain Location area.

A swift search conducted by the officers at the scene led to the recovery of 60 rolls of Cannabis sativa (bhang) and KSh 10,050 in cash, which security agencies believe to be proceeds from the illegal sale of the drugs.

The County Police Commander stated that the suspect is currently being held in lawful custody and is expected to be presented in court to face charges once investigations are complete.

Mr. Kimaiyo highly commended members of the public for providing the crucial information that led to the successful arrest, urging residents to continue working closely with security agencies to curb drug trafficking in the county.

He emphasized that public cooperation is vital for community safety, thanking residents for their vigilance and urging them to keep sharing information on suspicious activities to make Marsabit safer for everyone.

Narok County security boosted as more illegal firearms voluntarily surrendered

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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File Photo

A major security crackdown in Narok County is yielding positive results, thanks to a growing partnership between local residents and multi-agency security teams aimed at wiping out illegal weapons.

A joint security team operating in Angata Barrikoi successfully recovered two illegal firearms and a cache of ammunition, which were voluntarily handed over by members of the community.

Local officials hailed the surrender as a significant milestone in the ongoing mission to restore lasting peace, boost public safety, and eliminate illicit arms from the region. Security agencies emphasized that removing these weapons from the streets directly reduces the risk of violent crime, allowing residents to pursue their daily social and economic activities without fear.

The National Police Service (NPS) is urging anyone still in possession of unregistered or illegal firearms to take advantage of the ongoing disarmament exercise. Authorities reiterated that those who voluntarily come forward and hand in weapons at their nearest police station will not face victimization.

“The National Police Service remains committed to sustaining security operations, coordinating with other agencies, and working closely with communities to ensure all residents live in a secure environment built on partnership, trust, and shared responsibility,” the NPS stated.

As the disarmament drive intensifies, authorities are calling on the public to maintain this momentum by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activities to security teams.

Teachers call for Evaleen Mitei’s confirmation as TSC CEO

By
Binti Wangila
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A section of teachers has urged the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to formally confirm Evaleen Mitei as the Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, citing her exemplary leadership during her tenure in an acting capacity.

Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, teachers drawn from the Nairobi Cosmopolitan Hub praised Mitei’s performance since assuming the role following the retirement of former TSC CEO Dr. Nancy Macharia in June 2025.

The teachers appealed to the TSC Board and President William Ruto to expedite the process of confirming Mitei as the substantive CEO, arguing that she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and delivered significant reforms within the education sector.

According to the teachers, Mitei has spearheaded transformative initiatives across key areas, including safeguarding the autonomy of the Teachers Service Commission, overseeing the promotion of more than 30,000 teachers, transitioning over 20,000 intern teachers to permanent and pensionable terms, and leading the implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

“She has ensured that teacher deployments are conducted strictly in accordance with TSC regulations, protecting educators from local political interference and victimization,” the teachers stated.

They further commended Mitei for her role in advancing education reforms under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework and promoting gender equality within the teaching workforce.

“She implemented progressive staffing policies that resulted in an unprecedented 51 to 49 per cent female-to-male ratio across the teaching service, making TSC the largest employer in the country to achieve actual gender parity,” they said.

The teachers also credited Mitei with curbing the illegal sale of TSC employment forms through digitization initiatives, thereby ensuring that qualified young Kenyans secure employment based solely on merit.

Additionally, they noted that she successfully identified and corrected payroll irregularities within the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database (IPPD), enhancing transparency and efficiency within the Commission.

Mitei brings more than 31 years of experience in the education sector. She holds a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Education degree from Moi University.

She began her career as a classroom teacher in 1994 before joining the TSC Secretariat in 1999. She later rose through the ranks to serve as the Director of Teacher Discipline Management before assuming the role of acting Chief Executive Officer.

KRA Confirms Strict June 30, 2026 Tax Filing Deadline

By
Vincent Amara
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The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has officially ruled out any extension for the submission of annual income tax returns. All taxpayers are legally required to submit their returns on or before Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Unlike previous financial years such as the 2024 cycle where extensions and penalty waivers were granted due to system congestion the Authority is maintaining a strict deadline for this period. Non-compliance by midnight on June 30 will subject taxpayers to statutory penalties, interest, and default assessments.

“KRA wishes to remind taxpayers that there will be no extension of the filing deadline. All returns must be submitted on or before 30th June 2026, in accordance with the law. Taxpayers who fail to file by the deadline will be liable to the applicable penalties and may also be subject to default assessments,” stated the Commissioner for Micro and Small Taxpayers.

To mitigate anticipated system traffic and facilitate seamless compliance, KRA has deployed several digital platforms and extended operating hours across its support networks;Online Portal: File directly via the iTax Platform. Mobile Support: Access assistance via WhatsApp at 0711 099 999 or utilize the eCitizen USSD service by dialing *222*5#.

On-Site & Helplines: Extended operational hours are active across the KRA Contact Centre, Huduma Centres, KRA Service Centres, and Ushuru Mashinani partner locations.

Taxpayers requiring technical or administrative assistance can reach the KRA support infrastructure through the following official channels.

Telephone: 020 4 999 999 or 0711 099 999

Email: [email protected]

Social Media: @KRACare or @KRACorporate

The Authority strongly discourages last-minute submissions due to potential digital network congestion. Filing early ensures sufficient time to resolve any unexpected system or documentation anomalies, guaranteeing full compliance ahead of the deadline.

Oburu Oginga rules out direct ODM endorsements, tells aspirants to earn public support

By
Binti Wangila
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ODM leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has warned political aspirants against expecting direct nominations from the party leadership, insisting that candidates seeking elective positions must earn the support of voters through their performance and engagement with the public.

Dr. Oginga said the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will conduct free and fair nominations and that he will not endorse any candidate ahead of the party primaries.

He cautioned aspirants against spending time lobbying party officials at ODM headquarters in the hope of securing direct tickets, saying the power to choose leaders ultimately rests with the electorate.

“Do not waste your time camping at the party headquarters looking for a ticket. Go and sell your agenda to the people because they are the ones who will decide who becomes a leader,” said Dr. Oginga.

The veteran politician acknowledged that during the leadership of his late brother, Raila Odinga, some politicians relied on endorsements and political backing from the party leadership. However, he said he would not follow the same approach.

Dr. Oginga also revealed that he is prepared to compete for the ODM ticket to defend his Siaya Senate seat, which is also being eyed by former Siaya Governor Amoth Rasanga.

“Do not depend on me because I will not help anyone secure a ticket. I will not allow anyone to ride on my popularity because it is the people who decide who receives leadership positions,” he said.

In previous elections, securing an ODM ticket in regions such as Nyanza, Coast and parts of Western Kenya was often viewed as a guarantee of victory even before the general election.

This was largely because ODM candidates traditionally enjoyed overwhelming support in those regions, making the party ticket highly coveted.

The late Raila Odinga was known for brokering agreements among aspirants, sometimes endorsing a single candidate to avoid divisive nominations.

On several occasions, Raila publicly endorsed candidates by raising their hands during political rallies and urging supporters to back them.

However, after recent elections, some ODM leaders have faced criticism over alleged poor performance and complacency, with critics arguing that some relied too heavily on the party’s popularity to secure re-election.

ODM headquarters has also faced criticism in previous elections over claims of lack of transparency in party nominations, with allegations that some aspirants were able to influence the nomination process through political connections and financial resources.

Wetangula’s endorsement of Susan Nakhumicha for Trans Nzoia governor sparks Rift within Kenya Kwanza

By
Binti Wangila
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National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s endorsement of former Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha as the preferred Kenya Kwanza candidate for the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial race has triggered sharp reactions from leaders within the coalition in Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties.

The move has exposed growing divisions within Kenya Kwanza, with leaders affiliated to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) rejecting Wetangula’s assertion that the coalition should field only a Ford Kenya candidate in the race to unseat incumbent Governor George Natembeya.

Speaker Wetangula endorsed Nakhumicha during a meeting held on June 21 that was attended by community leaders, stating that she was the most suitable candidate to challenge Governor Natembeya in the 2027 General Election.

However, Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau and former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, both of whom have expressed interest in the governorship, have opposed the endorsement and dismissed claims that Nakhumicha is the sole Kenya Kwanza candidate.

Speaking to one of the media stations, Bisau argued that Nakhumicha lacks sufficient political support in the county and criticized what he described as attempts by Ford Kenya to impose a candidate on the electorate.

“Susan Nakhumicha does not have the popularity needed to win this seat. The people of Trans Nzoia should be allowed to decide their leader without being forced to support a preferred candidate,” said Bisau.

Bisau, who won the Kiminini parliamentary seat on a DAP-Kenya ticket in the 2022 General Election, has since fallen out with the party leadership led by Eugene Wamalwa and is now seeking the governorship through UDA.

Despite the opposition, Wetangula has maintained that any aspirant seeking Kenya Kwanza’s support for the Trans Nzoia gubernatorial seat should join Ford Kenya and participate in the party’s nomination process.

“If Kakai Bisau wants the support of Kenya Kwanza, he should join Ford Kenya and compete against Susan Nakhumicha in the party nominations,” Wetangula reportedly said.

Meanwhile, political dynamics in neighboring Bungoma County continue to evolve, with Ford Kenya yet to produce a strong gubernatorial contender. UDA’s Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and Wetlands MP Tim Wanyonyi remain among the leading figures eyeing the seat.

Tim Wanyonyi has previously indicated that he has no intention of contesting the governorship through a Ford Kenya ticket.

Former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa also criticized Wetangula’s position, insisting that he remains committed to contesting the governorship and expressing confidence in his chances of winning.

“I am prepared to go to the ballot and I believe the people will give me the mandate to lead Trans Nzoia County,” said Wamalwa.

At the same time, some Members of Parliament from Bungoma County have called on Bisau and Wamalwa to rally behind Susan Nakhumicha in an effort to strengthen Kenya Kwanza’s chances of defeating Governor George Natembeya.

President Ruto enacts crucial 2026 county revenue allocation law

By
Vincent Amara
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KENYA, June 29–At a high-profile State House ceremony marking the 11th Presidential Assent of the year, President William Ruto officially signed the County Allocation of Revenue Bill, 2026, into law. This pivotal statutory milestone establishes a structured fiscal architecture for the equitable distribution of resources among Kenya’s 47 devolved units, providing a stabilized operational framework designed to optimize the management of decentralized administrative functions nationwide.   

The newly enacted legislation serves to fully operationalize the Division of Revenue Act, 2026, releasing a substantial financial tranche of Ksh.428 billion to local governments by authorizing the horizontal disbursement of the counties’ shared portion of nationally generated revenue. This adjusted funding envelope reflects an incremental growth of Ksh.13 billion relative to the Ksh.415 billion disbursed during the preceding 2025/2026 Financial Year.   

President Ruto emphasized that the restructured mathematical model will significantly solidify the core pillars of devolution, guaranteeing a resilient fiscal baseline while systematically adjusting allocations based on objective metrics such as population density, land mass, poverty indexes, and equal base shares.

Furthermore, the legal text explicitly demarcates the dual financial responsibilities binding the national government and local administrations concerning the management of the transferred capital.

Under these new mandates, County Executives are required to comprehensively determine the operational costs of all functions absorbed from the national government. Subsequently, local County Assemblies must appropriate commensurate funding for these responsibilities, with the strict caveat that such allocations must not fall below the budgetary benchmarks set in the previous fiscal cycle.

Complementing these protocols, the law institutes heightened accountability oversight by compelling any national government body managing a transferred function to deliver comprehensive quarterly implementation reports directly to the Senate and the corresponding County Assemblies.

To ensure strict fiscal tracking, each devolved unit has been assigned its precise financial quota, which Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi is statutory obligated to format and publicize via a formal schedule tracking all conditional disbursements drawn from the Consolidated Fund.

This timely legislative intervention also introduces strict recurrent expenditure caps, aiming to balance day-to-day administrative overheads with much-needed grassroots development investments.

A deeper analysis of the allocation components reveals that,Ksh.387.43 billion will be injected directly through the Baseline Allocation framework to sustain the ongoing administrative workflows and public programs of the county governments.   

Ksh.4.46 billion has been sequestered under the Affirmative Action Allocation banner to intentionally stimulate economic recovery in 12 historically underserved counties.   

Ksh.36.1 billion will be distributed via a weighted formula that addresses structural variables like economic distance and local poverty disparities.   

The executive arm remains highly optimistic that these enhanced revenue flows will effectively fast-track critical developmental programs, systematically uplifting local livelihoods, creating sustainable jobs, and broadening public access to essential amenities.

According to the official schedules, the regional centers commanding the largest shares under the updated distribution framework include:

County Allocated Share;Nairobi Ksh.22.1, Billion,Nakuru Ksh.14.9 Billion, Turkana Ksh.14.3 Billion,Kakamega Ksh.14.1 Billion, Kiambu Ksh.13.5 Billion.

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