Home Blog Page 14

When pasture runs out, Turkana herders cross into Uganda in search of survival

By
Kimani Karanja
-
0

TURKANA – For Turkana pastoralists, the search for water and grazing land is turning an international boundary into a daily test of survival, diplomacy, and shared Ateker identity. Capturing the delicate reality facing communities along the Kenya-Uganda border, Turkana West MP and Chairman of the Turkana MPs Caucus, Daniel Epuyo Nanok, emphasized that leadership must nurture cross-border connections to ensure pastoralists can trade freely and live with dignity. Yet for the families driving herds across dusty terrain, the question is much simpler and immediate: is there enough water and grass to keep their animals alive?

Between August 30 and September 2, 2026, Epuyo and Turkana North MP Ekwom Nabuin traveled into Uganda’s Kaabong District to visit Turkana pastoralists in temporary livestock camps (kraals) across Usake, Morungole, Timu, and Kamion. The mission aimed to strengthen peace and cooperation at a time when hundreds of families from Turkana West and North have migrated across the border. While national boundaries exist on paper, the pastoral economy has never recognized them; when water pans dry up and grazing disappears, herds move to survive. As the United Nations notes regarding the broader Karamoja Cluster—which spans Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, and South Sudan—mobility is a vital livelihood strategy where grass and water mean life itself.

In Kaabong, the Usake Valley Dam has become a major anchor in this drought-stricken landscape. Constructed by Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, the 670,000-cubic-meter dam benefits an estimated 198,500 people. While the ministry acknowledges that pastoralists rely on mobility across borders, it cautions that dense concentrations of livestock around a single water source alter pasture dynamics and heighten the risk of local conflict. For a pastoral family, migration carries immense pressure: livestock represents household wealth, food security, dowry, and social status. Staying behind during severe droughts such as those in 2017 and 2021 that drove thousands of Kenyans into Uganda means risking total loss of the herd.

To prevent survival migration from sparking violence, the Kenyan delegation focused on negotiating temporary, regulated access to grazing lands while stressing respect for Ugandan laws and host communities. The trip included a visit to the Kamion Immigration Office, highlighting how traditional pastoral movements now intersect with modern administrative and national security systems. A pivotal moment of the mission was the peaceful handover of six stolen cattle to Uganda’s Ngidoso community. Though small against the thousands of cattle in the region, the gesture served as a meaningful act of goodwill, trust-building, and conflict resolution between the culturally intertwined Turkana and Dodoth peoples. As Ugandan leader Akiki John Robert Aduba observed, water and grass bring the communities together, making peaceful management the primary goal.

The three-day exercise brought together a comprehensive network of stakeholders, including Kenyan and Ugandan local administrators, security officials, peace actors, and community elders. Key participants included Turkana County Director of Peace Titus Lokorikeju, Lokichogio Deputy County Commissioner Paul Kipsigei Kemei, Sub-County Administrator Echip Obed, and peace organizations like the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and LOKADO the latter led by Executive Director Augustine Kai Lopie under the Karamoja Strong program. Their collective presence reflected a broad consensus that no single entity can address the overlapping challenges of immigration, security, animal health, and resource sharing.

Looking forward, leaders point to platforms like the Ateker Council to institutionalize long-term cooperation, trade, and peace across borders. However, the mission also highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure investments back home in Kenya. The proposed Tarach Dam project in Turkana West a planned 4-million-cubic-meter reservoir meant to supply up to 300,000 people and irrigate 150 hectares around Kakuma and Kalobeyei—represents a sustainable effort to bring reliable water directly to the community. While domestic infrastructure will not end pastoral mobility entirely, bringing water closer to home reduces the need for emergency migrations, ensuring that when herds do move, the journey leads to shared survival rather than conflict.

Turkana leaders issue 72-hour ultimatum to government over insecurity

By
Leah Kawon
-
0

TURKANA – Turkana South and East leaders have issued the national government with a 72-hour ultimatum to take action against perpetrators of recent attacks, recover stolen livestock and strengthen security in areas affected by disarmament. The leaders, meeting in the aftermath of the September 2, 2026  Lokwar raid in Turkana South, said the continued killings, injuries and livestock thefts could no longer be treated as isolated incidents.

They demanded the immediate identification and arrest of those responsible for the Lokwar attack, recovery of stolen livestock and illegal firearms, and deployment of the Special Operations Group to vulnerable areas in Turkana South and East.

The leaders also called for the recruitment and deployment of National Police Reservists in areas where residents have surrendered firearms during disarmament operations, saying communities had been left vulnerable to armed attacks.

The resolutions were endorsed by Turkana County Senator James Lomenen, Turkana South MP Dr. John Ariko Namoit, Turkana East MP Nicholas Nixon Ngikolong Ngikor and several MCAs.

The leaders further demanded the rehabilitation of schools affected by insecurity, enforcement of the South Turkana National Reserve gazette notice and suspension of Gulf operations in the affected areas until adequate security is guaranteed.

The ultimatum comes after three people were killed and another seriously injured during the Lokwar-Logum raid, with the leaders reporting that more than 1,200 livestock were driven away. National Police Reservists and security teams later recovered 210 shoats.

In Turkana East, the leaders cited a series of recent raids and attempted raids, including the theft of 1,117 livestock at Kaamuge on August 29 and the theft of four camels at Emanman Village on August 31.

The leaders warned that failure by the government to take meaningful and verifiable action within 72 hours would prompt them and the security team to reconvene and consider further lawful action through constitutional, parliamentary and public accountability mechanisms.

“We demand security, justice and protection, not promises,” the leaders said.

Murkomen condemns abduction of standard group editor Alex Kiprotich

By
Vincent Amara
-
0

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly condemned the alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, calling for a swift investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

Describing the act as “barbaric,” Murkomen emphasized that anyone found involved must face the full force of the law.

Speaking in Elgeyo Marakwet County, the Interior CS directed Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja to expedite the probe and ensure robust security for media personnel.

“It is barbaric for whoever executed such a thing. They must face the full force of the law,” Murkomen stated.

Kiprotich was reportedly intercepted by armed men on the night of Tuesday, September 1, 2026, while traveling along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway. He was later found alive in Masinga, Machakos County more than 200 kilometers from where he was taken and was immediately taken for medical evaluation after appearing visibly shaken by the ordeal.

The disappearance sparked an overnight search by family and colleagues, reigniting national concerns over the safety of journalists.

Murkomen reaffirmed the government’s duty to protect journalists from intimidation, threats, and violence, acknowledging their critical role in informing the public and holding public institutions accountable.

 He urged law enforcement to bolster security for the press, particularly as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation across the country.

The Kenya Editors’ Guild demanded a transparent investigation, urging authorities to examine whether this latest attack is linked to a previous attempt to intercept Kiprotich in June.

Meanwhile, the Standard Group warned that the incident raises grave concerns regarding press freedom, safety, and the public’s right to independent information.

While Kiprotich’s safe return has brought immense relief to his family and colleagues, key questions remain unanswered.

Authorities are now under intense pressure to identify the abductors, establish the motive behind the attack, and address concerns over potential involvement within security agencies.

Millard’s talent sparks conversation on opportunities for Kenya’s young players

By
Festus Basabo
-
0

The inclusion of 17-year-old Louis Millard in the provisional Harambee Stars squad has renewed hope about the opportunities available to talented young footballers in Kenya, while his rise also highlights the importance of providing emerging players with the right environment to develop their abilities.

Millard is among three new players named by Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy in his 38-man provisional squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Eritrea and Guinea.

The youngster has reached this stage while still in the early stages of his senior career, having made just three appearances for English club Swindon Town after progressing through the club’s academy system.

His ability was also on display in competitive action after he scored a spectacular goal in Swindon Town’s 3-1 victory over Port Vale on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. Millard dispossessed a defender, went on a solo run and calmly chipped the goalkeeper to score Swindon’s third goal.

Swindon Town head coach Ian Holloway has expressed great confidence in the youngster, highlighting his composure and confidence as some of the qualities that have stood out.

“To have that composure, I think he is just enjoying himself,” Holloway said while reflecting on Millard’s goal.

The coach said Millard regularly asks what he can do to continue improving, adding that players of his age need to be carefully managed while also being given opportunities to learn and showcase their abilities.

“He asks me everyday what can I do, where can I go. We have to be really careful with 17, 18-years-olds…you have to put them in and take them out but Oh my God! To come on like that and finish with such aplomb was beautiful,” Holloway said.

For Kenya, Millard’s progress brings renewed attention to the importance of investing in academies, developing young talent and giving emerging players opportunities to compete at higher levels.

His call-up to Harambee Stars at just 17 could also inspire other young footballers pursuing careers in the sport, demonstrating that age does not have to be a barrier when talent is supported with proper development and opportunities.

His inclusion in the provisional squad is already an important step in his football journey and could signal the emergence of a new generation of players ready to earn opportunities with the national team.

Kenyans target glory at the diamond league final in Brussels

By
Festus Basabo
-
0

The 2026 Diamond League season reaches its climax in Brussels, Belgium, where the world’s leading track and field athletes will converge for the Allianz Memorial Van Damme on September 4 and 5, 2026, with Diamond Trophies and season titles at stake.

The two-day competition will be held at the King Baudouin Stadium, with 32 Diamond League titles up for grabs across 16 men’s and 16 women’s events. The Brussels final comes after a series of Diamond League meetings held across different parts of the world throughout the season. Kenya will be represented by a strong group of athletes, led by Olympic and world champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, who will compete in the men’s 800 metres. 

Wanyonyi heads to Brussels with a strong record in the competition, having won the Diamond League 800m title in Brussels in 2024. He also holds the world record in the 1,000 metres, which he set in Monaco earlier this season. Wanyonyi faces a strong field in the 800 metres, including Algeria’s Djamel Sedjati and Canada’s Marco Arop. The Kenyan is also aiming to challenge the long-standing 800m world record held by fellow Kenyan David Rudisha, adding another layer of interest to his Brussels campaign.

Wanyonyi said he remains focused on winning in Brussels, adding that he would take the season-ending World Ultimate competition one step at a time. “I’m still moving. I’m still capable of winning World Ultimate and Brussels. So, let me think first about Brussels, then Ultimate,” he said.

The Kenyan’s comments underline his determination to finish the season strongly and add another Diamond League title to his growing list of achievements. Kenya will also be represented by Faith Cherotich in the women’s 3,000 metres steeplechase. The reigning Diamond League champion in the event heads to Brussels after winning in Zurich in 8:55.82. She will face a competitive field that includes Uganda’s Peruth Chemutai and Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi.

Beyond Wanyonyi and Cherotich, Kenya continues to maintain a strong presence in the Diamond League, particularly in middle-distance and steeplechase events, disciplines in which the country has enjoyed a long tradition of success.

The Brussels final will also bring together several global stars who have rewritten the record books this season. Brazil’s Alison dos Santos and American Masai Russell will arrive as world record holders in the men’s 400m hurdles and women’s 100m hurdles, respectively. In the men’s pole vault, world record holder Armand “Mondo” Duplantis will seek to defend his Diamond League crown, although Greece’s Emmanouil Karalis is expected to provide a strong challenge.

With the season reaching its decisive stage, the Brussels final promises two days of high-level competition as Kenya’s Wanyonyi, Cherotich and the country’s other representatives look to finish the 2026 Diamond League season on a high and further enhance Kenya’s reputation on the global athletics stage.

Turkana land compensation moves again, but old grievances still loom large

By
Kimani Karanja
-
0

TURKANA – A long-running and politically sensitive land question in Turkana is entering another phase as the government prepares to compensate thousands of people affected by oil development while simultaneously undertaking community land surveys and demarcation in parts of the county. On September 1, 2026, a joint government team comprising officials from the Department of Lands and Physical Planning, the State Department of Petroleum, and the National Land Commission (NLC) briefed Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita in Lodwar on the planned activities.

The NLC indicated that approximately 3,600 Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) associated with the upstream oil development project are expected to receive compensation awards, with Sh200 million set aside by the National Treasury for the first phase targeting affected development structures.

However, as the government prepares to release the funds, Turkana’s complicated history with land acquisition and compensation is once again coming into focus. For a county where land has traditionally been held communally and where pastoral communities depend on extensive grazing territories, the compensation question goes far beyond individual structures and monetary awards. It touches directly on community ownership, customary use, grazing access, valuation, displacement, and who holds the legitimate authority to speak for the land.

This latest exercise comes against the backdrop of the South Lokichar oil development project and plans to expand petroleum activities in Turkana. A joint parliamentary committee examining the Field Development Plan and Production Sharing Contracts for Blocks T6 and T7 found that 40,000 acres targeted for acquisition were registered as community land under 21 separate title deeds. The committee made an important distinction regarding payouts, reporting that compensation would not be paid to individual landowners but to Community Land Management Committees (CLMCs), which would administer the funds for collective community benefit.

That position reflects the constitutional and legal character of community land in Turkana and makes the identification of individual PAPs a particularly sensitive undertaking. The parliamentary report noted that large-scale acquisition had generated 568 formal grievances during public inquiries, while the NLC identified individuals who allegedly erected temporary structures after gazettement to artificially inflate claims. Consequently, Parliament proposed a rigorous validation process to distinguish legitimate targets from opportunistic claims a finding that gives added weight to County Commissioner Kavita’s directive urging due diligence, transparency, verification, and peace-building throughout the process.

Another unresolved issue has been the method of valuing land in Turkana, which currently lacks a gazetted Land Value Index. To bridge this gap, the NLC told Parliament during debates on February 25, 2026, that it uses a “hybrid valuation approach” combining assessed market value with a statutory distribution allowance to recognize property value alongside livelihood disruption. For a pastoralist community whose survival depends on mobility, this distinction is critical: while a physical structure can be valued and compensated, losing access to the wider grazing landscape raises far broader questions about the economic and social cost of development.

The current compensation exercise is the latest in a series of attempts to resolve these land disputes. In February 2019, the NLC gazetted land for compulsory acquisition for the Upstream Development South Lokichar Basin Oil Project, sparking immediate pushback from local leaders and residents who gathered at Lokichar in March 2019 over a lack of county consultation. Similar anxieties surfaced in November 2021 when residents questioned reports regarding 516 people earmarked for compensation, forcing the NLC to clarify that the figure referred to well coordinates rather than individual landowners.

The National Land Commission returned to the centre of the dispute in 2026 to resolve these lingering issues. On January 6, the NLC undertook a preliminary inquiry into local land disputes, followed by an April 15 delegation led by NLC Chairperson Dr. Abdillahi Alawy, Commissioner Vincent Kigen, and CEO Kabale Tache. The team met with County Commissioner Kavita, Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, and residents in Kapese to hear grievances directly, promising to collaborate with the State Department of Petroleum, Gulf Energy, and local leaders to reach common ground.

The rollout also follows procedural delays caused by institutional vacancy within the NLC. During parliamentary proceedings in February 2026, the Commission explained that compensation approvals had been delayed because the departure of commissioners left them without the quorum required to finalize valuation reports. The reconstitution of the Commission has since enabled the process to move forward, giving significant weight to the September 1 announcement of the Sh200 million first tranche.

Alongside oil compensation, the Department of Lands and Physical Planning, led by Leah Losuru, outlined plans at the September 1 briefing for community sensitisation, land surveying, and demarcation in Lorengippi, Lokiriama, and Nakurio. Although separate from the immediate oil payouts, this initiative aims to document and secure community land rights. While demarcation can protect boundaries against unauthorized acquisition, it can also spark local disputes if the drawn lines fail to respect customary grazing areas, migration routes, and traditional settlements.

To facilitate smooth implementation, the Turkana County Government has pledged its full support. Following the briefing with the County Commissioner, the joint team met with Deputy County Secretary (Administration) Joseph Nyang’a, who assured them of the county’s cooperation during the demarcation exercise and committed to supporting improved service delivery for local residents.

The government now faces a delicate balancing act between advancing national oil production goals and protecting pastoralist livelihoods. To mitigate disruption, Parliament noted that the 40,000-acre acquisition exceeds the actual operational footprint, prompting plans for controlled grazing access in safe zones. Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen informed Parliament that the National Police Service and security agencies will secure compensation operations and monitor potential community tensions. Ultimately, for the residents of Turkana, success will be judged on whether this process finally resolves core questions around ownership, representation, valuation, and the preservation of communal grazing rights.

Kenya extends University and TVET funding deadline as ministry disburses Ksh 22 billion

By
Vincent Amara
-
0

In a major relief for thousands of incoming college students across Kenya, the Ministry of Education has officially extended the application deadline for higher education loans and scholarships to September 21, 2026.

Directed through the Universities Fund and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), the extension aims to accommodate eligible applicants who missed the initial August 31, 2026, cut-off due to various technical and logistical hurdles.

The decision comes amid widespread distress and confusion in public universities, where hundreds of newly admitted students remain stranded at home or struggling on campus without essential disbursements.

Addressing these concerns, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Mgosha Ogamba reassured the public that first-time applications will continue to be processed under the current student-centered funding model.

To demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting higher education, CS Ogamba revealed that Ksh 22.12 billion has already been disbursed for the first term to cater to continuing university and TVET students nationwide.

Looking ahead, the Ministry noted that a seamless transition to a universal access model will be implemented once Parliament passes the Higher Education Placement and Funding Bill, 2026.

All eligible first-time applicants in universities and TVET institutions are strongly urged to submit their details through the designated online portals before the new deadline lapses.

Ruto to preside over APS passing-out parade in Nairobi

By
Vincent Amara
-
0

President William Samoei Ruto will today, Friday, September 4, 2026, preside over the Passing-Out Parade of Administration Police Service recruits at the National Police Service College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus in Nairobi County.

The ceremony will mark the completion of training for the latest cohort of Administration Police recruits, who are expected to join the National Police Service and be deployed to different parts of the country.

The recruits have undergone intensive training aimed at equipping them with the skills, discipline and professional standards required to undertake policing duties and respond effectively to the country’s security needs.

Ahead of the passing-out parade, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja presided over the final full-dress rehearsal at the college, where he urged the recruits to maintain discipline, professionalism and integrity as they transition into active service.

Kanja reminded the officers that wearing the police uniform comes with significant responsibility, stressing the need to uphold the rule of law and maintain public trust while carrying out their duties.

Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service Gilbert Masengeli also commended the recruits for successfully completing their training, urging them to demonstrate teamwork, commitment and integrity as they begin serving Kenyans.

The graduation comes at a time when demand for security services continues to grow across the country, with the new officers expected to provide an additional boost to the National Police Service.

The Administration Police Service has a broad security mandate that includes border security, peace-building and conflict management, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, disaster and emergency response, community policing and specialized stock-theft prevention.

The officers will also support the protection of government installations and assist other government agencies in enforcing various administrative functions.

Their graduation is expected to strengthen the country’s security capacity by adding a new generation of trained personnel to the national policing establishment.

As they officially enter the service, the officers will be expected to uphold professionalism, respect for human rights, accountability and discipline in the execution of their duties.

The passing-out parade therefore marks not only the end of an intensive training period but also the beginning of a new responsibility for the recruits to protect lives and property, maintain law and order, and serve Kenyans with integrity.

CS Kagwe urges production boost and feed reforms

By
Newton Ingui
-
0

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has addressed the growing milk supply constraints facing the nation, assuring the public that government interventions are underway to stabilize the sector while urging farmers to immediately scale up output.

The address comes as retail shelves across key urban centers experience lower stock levels and price hikes due to declining formal sector milk intake. The shortfall, primarily triggered by reduced rainfall that disrupted pasture growth and drove up feed costs, has squeezed dairy farmers nationwide.

Speaking to stakeholders in the sector, CS Kagwe emphasized that long-term stabilization requires a direct increase in farm-level yields and a shift toward modern farming methods rather than temporary fixes.

“The first thing is to increase milk production,” Kagwe noted. “Fifty-seven million litres is not enough to sustain a processing factory at full capacity… The thing that drives the cost of milk production, and ultimately determines whether a dairy farmer or investor makes money, is the cost of animal feed.”

To address declining yields per cow, the government has subsidized sexed semen—reducing prices significantly to help smallholders breed high-yielding herds.

The ministry is promoting local production of feed raw materials, such as yellow maize and soya beans, to lower overall production costs for farmers.

The government is transitioning the dairy sector to reward farmers based on milk quality—specifically protein and butterfat content—to boost returns and incentivize higher standards.

Over 230 bulk milk coolers, valued at KES 1.43 billion, are being distributed to dairy cooperatives across counties to minimize post-harvest losses and keep raw milk fresh.

The ministry reiterated its stance against unregulated milk hawking, urging consumers to stick to traceable, processed channels to safeguard public health and strengthen organized cooperative networks.

The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB) expects production to bounce back as seasonal rainfall improves pasture availability, easing pressure on supply chains and retail prices.

Sakaja defends eviction of defaulting city tenants

By
Newton Ingui
-
0

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has firmly defended his administration’s crackdown and eviction of tenants residing in county-owned housing estates, stating that political popularity will not compromise fiscal responsibility and public service delivery.

Speaking on the city’s aggressive revenue-collection measures, Governor Sakaja emphasized that decades of uncollected rent have deprived the county government of billions of shillings needed to upgrade public services and infrastructure.


Addressing the ongoing crackdown against long-term defaulters in public housing estates, the governor highlighted severe revenue leakages. In key estates such as Woodley, Old Ngara, and Lumumba, several households have accrued years of unpaid rent despite rates remaining drastically lower than market value.


The county revealed individual cases where tenants failed to pay monthly rents as low as KSh 11,000 to KSh 17,600 for over a decade. Single defaulters in prime locations were found to owe between KSh 1.7 million and KSh 1.8 million in uncollected dues.

Governor Sakaja questioned why tenants occupying prime city properties—some spanning half-acre parcels—refuse to pay nominal rents while surrounding private properties command well over KSh 150,000 monthly.

Persistent uncollected revenue from public estates remains a major recurring audit query for City Hall.

“For everyone in our county houses who is not paying rent, you will be evicted. These houses don’t belong to me — they belong to the people of Nairobi,” Sakaja asserted. “If you fail to pay nominal rates in an area where the minimum market rent is vastly higher, what are we expected to do? Leadership requires tough decisions over populism.”

The governor also addressed forced relocations tied to major infrastructure drives, including urban regeneration projects and safety clearances along riverbanks.


In redevelopment zones like Woodley Estate, Sakaja reiterated that affected families received a KSh 900,000 relocation stipend (covering 36 months of rent) alongside allotment letters guaranteeing them completion-phase ownership.

Appearing before parliamentary committees regarding disputed evictions in Old Ngara Estate, Sakaja pledged to reconcile tenant accounts and investigate claims of rogue county staff attempting to repossess property unlawfully.

The governor maintained that clearing settlements along Nairobi River buffer zones is critical to preventing loss of life from severe flooding, citing historical urban planning risks dating back over a century.

City Hall has opened dedicated verification desks for affected tenants to reconcile payment accounts, but Sakaja reiterated that non-compliant defaulters and illegal occupants will continue to face eviction.

1...131415...117Page 14 of 117