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Elite athletes rally behind education through Strathmore annual run

By
Festus Basabo
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Top Kenyan athletes are set to rally behind education by participating in the sixth edition of the Strathmore Annual Run, scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Two-time world marathon champion Abel Kirui is among the renowned athletes expected to take part in the event, which aims to raise funds for a scholarship fund supporting students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

The number of participants is expected to reach approximately 3,200, double the 1,600 people who participated in last year’s race.

Speaking on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, during preparations for the event, Strathmore University Foundation Chief Executive Officer Christine Ochieng’ said the involvement of elite athletes would help inspire more people to support students in need.

“They bring an added level of excellence. They have done so much for our country. We too can do something for our country by bringing resources towards education,” said Ochieng’.

Other prominent athletes expected to participate include 1987 World Marathon Champion Douglas Wakiihuri, Paralympic athlete Henry Wanyoike, Tecla Loroupe, Lorna Kiplagat, and 100-metre sprinter Ferdinand Omanyala, through the Ferdinand Omanyala Sprint Club.

Ochieng’ said Wakiihuri has offered his expertise to help improve the organisation and professionalism of the race, while Wanyoike has been mobilising members of his community to register and participate in support of students who need scholarship opportunities.

Beyond athletics, the annual run is part of Strathmore University’s broader efforts to expand access to education for academically deserving students regardless of their financial circumstances.

Ochieng’ said the institution wants to promote an education system where students’ academic merit and potential, rather than their ability to pay school fees, determine their access to educational opportunities.

“Any student who deserves a place should have the opportunity to come to Strathmore and study through the scholarships we are able to secure,” she said.

The initiative has also expanded beyond Kenya through Strathmore University alumni living in different parts of the world, who have been organising similar runs to support the scholarship campaign.

Ochieng’ said the United States edition is expected to take place in New York in spring 2027, with the same objective of raising funds to support education.The event is expected to attract people of different ages and abilities, ranging from children and first-time runners to experienced long-distance athletes.

The race will feature four categories: 21km, 10km, 5km Fun Run and 2.5km, with the 2.5km category targeting children and beginner runners.

The Strathmore Annual Run will start at 12 noon on Saturday, September 5, 2026, with the starting and finishing points at the Strathmore University Sports Complex in Makadara.

Taita Taveta Clinical Officers call off 44-day strike after return-to-work deal

By
Albert Mwanyasi
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TAITA TAVETA – Clinical officers in Taita Taveta County have called off their 44-day strike after reaching a return-to-work agreement with the county government. Represented by the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO), the healthcare workers are expected to resume duty within 24 hours starting Tuesday following the signing of the deal.

Union Secretary General for the county, Ali Mumbo, confirmed the suspension of the industrial action, noting that a vast majority of their demands had been addressed. “After a series of discussions, we have agreed to resolve 90% of the contentious issues. I therefore inform the public that in the next 24 hours, services will have resumed in all our medical facilities across the county,” Mumbo stated.

Under the terms of the agreement, the county government will pay a monthly risk allowance of Sh4,000 to each clinical officer effective September, alongside all cleared arrears dating back to June. Additionally, the county has committed to issuing promotion letters by September 13, with the entire promotion exercise slated for completion by September 17.

The agreement also resolves the plight of eight clinical officers whose salaries were halted following their dismissal; the county government has pledged to pay all their accumulated arrears by September 30. Furthermore, county officials assured the officers that the recurring issue of delayed salaries will be addressed, starting with the clearance of outstanding arrears this month.

Welcoming the move, County Health Executive Alfred Mlolwa emphasized the importance of the agreement to the local population. “When clinical officers are not at work, services are not to the required standard. We are happy that we have been able to resolve most of the issues so that wananchi can once again access medical services in our hospitals,” Mlolwa said.

Ministry approves in-School National ID registration drive for Students

By
Newton Ingui
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The Ministry of Education has granted formal authorization to the National Registration Bureau (NRB) to conduct a nationwide registration and distribution drive for National Identity Cards across secondary schools. The exercise specifically targets eligible students who have reached the adult age of.


The decision was formalized through an official circular issued by Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, instructing Regional Directors of Education to grant mobile registration teams access to school grounds.

The registration campaign began on August 31, 2026, and is scheduled to run through October 16, 2026.

The October deadline was strategically set to ensure all biometric data capture and physical ID deliveries conclude prior to the start of national Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, avoiding academic disruption.

Mobile units from the NRB will visit institutions directly, saving students from traveling to government offices during the school calendar.

The initiative aims to address long-standing bureaucratic barriers faced by young adults leaving high school. By acquiring a National ID before completing secondary education, graduating students can immediately access key public and economic services:

Ndindi Nyoro Condemns Abduction, Demands End to State Intimidation

By
Newton Ingui
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Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has issued a stern statement against President William Ruto’s government following the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich.

Nyoro forcefully condemned the forced disappearance of the senior journalist, describing the incident as “crude, diabolical, and heinous,” while calling for an immediate end to state-sponsored intimidation of the press and political critics.

Speaking in response to the abduction along the Gilgil–Nakuru Road, the Kiharu lawmaker warned that Kenya risks descending into dangerous authoritarian levels if human rights violations and arbitrary detentions continue unpunished.


“We cannot allow our country to descend to these kinds of depths. Standard Group’s Alex Kiprotich abduction must be condemned strongly. Journalism must be allowed to thrive unhindered, and the state must stop these kinds of intimidations. We demand justice for Alex Kiprotich. Justice NOW,”

The lawmaker’s sharp rebuke adds to his growing rift with President Ruto’s administration, following recent public clashes where Nyoro accused the government of straying from its election manifesto, harassing opposition leaders, and failing to protect constitutional freedoms.

Nyoro’s statements align with a broader wave of condemnation from lawmakers, civil society, and press freedom defenders. Other leaders, including Bumula MP Jack Wamboka and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, also criticized the administration, urging President Ruto to uphold constitutional guarantees regarding personal liberty and freedom of expression.

Kiprotich was safely recovered hours later near Masinga Dam after an intense search. However, key questions remain regarding who orchestrated the operation and whether the state will thoroughly investigate the officers or entities involved.

Outrage as Karua, ODM, and political leaders condemn abduction of standard group editor Alex Kiprotich

By
Newton Ingui
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A wave of fierce political condemnation has erupted across Kenya following the nighttime abduction and subsequent release of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich.

Kiprotich was intercepted by armed, masked men along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway on Tuesday night. After an anxious nine-hour search, he was found safe but shaken, having been dumped in a thicket near Masinga Dam early Wednesday morning. Dashcam footage capturing the ambush by suspects in a white Subaru has sparked widespread anger from political leaders, rights bodies, and press freedom advocates.

Political Leaders Demand End to “Culture of Impunity”

Political leaders and major political parties have united in demanding swift investigations and an immediate halt to state-linked or extrajudicial abductions.


The PLP leader strongly condemned the ordeal, warning that unaddressed abductions breed a dangerous precedent of impunity. “We know this dark chapter of our history. During the Moi era, abduction, detention, and intimidation were used to instil fear and silence those who challenged power… We cannot allow those methods to continue,”

In an official press release, ODM declared the incident a direct assault on press freedom under Article 34 of the Constitution. “For Kenya to progress and for Kenyans to be guaranteed of their freedoms under the Constitution of Kenya, the culture of abductions and particularly those carried out during nightfall should be stopped,” the party urged.

Secretary-General George Wainaina emphasized that media freedom is a non-negotiable constitutional right, warning that national media faces an escalating threat of state and non-state intimidation.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro termed the act “crude, diabolical, and heinous,” demanding that state agencies allow journalism to thrive unhindered and deliver justice immediately.

Standard Group CEO Chaacha Mwita described the abduction—the second targeting Kiprotich in under three months—as a deeply disturbing threat to constitutional guarantees. Media entities including the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), the Media Owners Association (MOA), and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) have called for an independent probe to unmask and prosecute the perpetrators.

26-year-old Nairobi Lawyer Rachel Wangui Ndirangu dies following fatal Apartment fall

By
Newton Ingui
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The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Nairobi Branch is mourning the untimely demise of 26-year-old practising advocate Rachel Wangui Ndirangu, who succumbed to injuries after falling from the third floor of an apartment building in Kilimani.

Ndirangu, an advocate at Wanjiru Kairu & Co. Advocates, was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Nairobi Hospital in critical condition, where she later passed away.

According to police reports, the incident occurred during a social gathering at the Kilimani apartment. Detectives from Kilimani Police Station who responded to a distress call recovered alcoholic beverages and glasses from the room. Three persons of interest, including Ndirangu’s boyfriend, were taken into custody to assist investigators in piecing together the circumstances surrounding her fatal fall.

In an official statement, LSK Nairobi Branch Chairman Eric Kivuya expressed deep sorrow, describing her death as a significant loss to her family, colleagues, and the legal profession.

“Her sudden passing is a great loss to her family, friends, colleagues, clients, and the wider legal fraternity,” Kivuya stated.

The branch chairman also appealed to fellow advocates and clients with pending legal matters at Wanjiru Kairu & Co. Advocates to show patience and understanding as the firm and her family navigate the tragedy.

Ndirangu is survived by her sister, Loise Wanjiru Ndirangu, who is also an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.

McCarthy names provisional squad for Afcon 2027 qualifiers

By
Lion Obimbo
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Kevin Wangaya has received his maiden senior national team call-up after an outstanding campaign in the Kenya Premier League with Nairobi United. His calmness on the ball, sharp vision and overall command of midfield have established him as one of the country’s standout performers.

Coach McCarthy’s decision to hand debuts to a trio of newcomers highlights a clear approach of recognising strong club performances, whether in the domestic league or overseas, and giving those players an early chance to prove themselves at international level.

Also included are Spanish-based teenagers Aldrine Kibet and Amos Wanjala, who arrive with valuable experience from elite European academies. Kibet, who finished as the top scorer at the 2023 CECAFA U18 Championship, links up with former Rising Stars captain Wanjala, currently developing at Valencia CF. Real Sociedad forward Job Ochieng joins them as part of an exciting new generation being integrated into the squad.

Kenya Open their Group D campaign at home against Eritrea on 26 September at Nyayo National Stadium, before travelling to West Africa to face Guinea on 1 October at the Stade du 28 September in Conakry.

While injecting youth, McCarthy has retained a solid base of experienced players. Captain Michael Olunga, now at Qatar’s Al-Arabi, is joined by Stade Reims defender Joseph Okumu and veteran left-back Abud Omar, who recently guided Tusker to FKF Super Cup success.

Among local clubs, record champions Gor Mahia supply the largest contingent with six players: goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, defenders Michael Kibwage, Paul Ochuoga and Frank Odhiambo, plus forwards Sharif Musa and Ben Stanley.

Although Kenya have already secured automatic qualification for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts with Uganda and Tanzania, McCarthy views the upcoming Group D matches as vital competitive opportunities to shape a side capable of challenging for the title on home soil.

Full provisional squad:

Goalkeepers
Byrne Omondi, Faruk Shikalo, Ian Otieno, Brian Bwire, Caleb Kramer

Defenders
Manzur Okwaro, Stanley Wilson, Abud Omar, Joseph Okumu, Amos Wanjala, Frank Odhiambo, Daniel Ayembe, Deon Woodman, Michael Kibwage, Rooney Onyango, Paul Ochuoga, Hannif Wesonga

Midfielders
Zak Vyner, Timothy Ouma, Kevin Wangaya, Chris Erambo, Duke Abuya, Marvin Nambwire, Austin Odhiambo, Zech Obiero, William Lenkupae, Aldrine Kibet

Attackers
Mohammed Bajaber, Sharif Musa, Ben Stanley, Job Ochieng, Adam Wilson, Javan Ochieng, Louis Millard, Michael Olunga, Ryan Ogam, Micah Obiero, Lawrence Okoth

Malkia strikers stage comeback against Algeria to reach African women’s volleyball championship semi-finals

By
Lion Obimbo
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Kenya’s women’s national volleyball team, the Malkia Strikers, staged an impressive comeback to defeat Algeria 3-1 and reach the semi-finals of the African Nations Volleyball Championship at the Kasarani Indoor Arena on Tuesday.

After dropping the opening set, the defending champions recovered to book a Thursday semi-final clash with former title holders Cameroon. Cameroon advanced comfortably with a 3-0 victory over Uganda, the sets finishing 25-18, 25-20 and 25-18.

Algeria struck first by claiming the opening set 25-21, handing Malkia Strikers their first set reverse of the tournament. Spurred on by the home support, the Kenyan side responded emphatically, taking the next three sets 25-7, 25-15 and 25-18.

In another quarter-final, Egypt controlled proceedings from the start, securing the first set 25-20 and following up with a 25-14 win in the second. They completed a dominant straight-sets triumph by claiming the third 25-9.

Rwanda also progressed to the semi-finals after overcoming Ghana 3-1, the sets reading 25-17, 24-26, 25-19 and 25-18.

For the Malkia Strikers, the comeback victory over Algeria keeps alive their hopes of defending the continental title on home soil.

Kenya will now turn its attention to Thursday’s semi-final against Cameroon, with the team hoping to use its experience and home support to secure a place in the final.

Media Council demands immediate probe into abduction of Standard Group editor Alex Kiprotich

By
Newton Ingui
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The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has demanded an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into the abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich.

In a statement issued Wednesday, MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to urgently establish the circumstances surrounding Kiprotich’s abduction along the Gilgil–Nakuru Road on Tuesday night. Kiprotich was forcibly taken by armed men shortly before 9:20 p.m. and was found dumped near Masinga Dam in Machakos County nine hours later.

MCK asserted that Kenya’s security agencies possess the intelligence capacity to investigate and apprehend those targeting journalists, warning that a failure to act fosters a climate of impunity.

MCK highlighted that this marks the second attempt on Kiprotich’s safety. A previous attempted abduction occurred in Nakuru County on June 27, which was reported to the police but yielded no arrests or progress reports.

Citing Article 34 of the Constitution, MCK emphasized that the state bears the ultimate responsibility to protect journalists from harassment and guarantee press freedom, calling attacks on media workers a threat to democracy.

Standard Group CEO Chaacha Mwita strongly condemned the incident, linking the targeted attack to Kiprotich’s investigative coverage and alleging potential state involvement aimed at intimidating the press.

MCK revealed that several cases involving press freedom violations have been submitted to the Inspector General of Police, with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) directing police to act on select cases within 30 days. The Council urged human rights and oversight bodies to maintain pressure until those responsible are brought to justice.

European transfer window closes as clubs complete last-minute deals

By
Lion Obimbo
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The summer transfer window across Europe has reached its closing stages, with clubs making late attempts to complete deals before the deadline, while several moves failed to materialise.

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández has left the club for Manchester City on transfer deadline day.The Argentina international joined Chelsea from Benfica in January 2023 for a reported €120 million. He now moves to Manchester City in a deal reportedly worth €145 million.

Fernández spent more than three years at Stamford Bridge and leaves after becoming an important part of Chelsea’s midfield.

His move to Manchester City marks one of the biggest deals of the transfer window, with the Premier League champions adding the World Cup-winning midfielder to their squad.

While Liverpool tried to sign France right-back Malo Gusto, 23, on deadline day but the loan move did not materialise as Chelsea wanted a permanent transfer.

 Liverpool have also decided to keep forward Cody Gakpo after rejecting Manchester City’s interest in signing the Netherlands international. Gakpo is understood to have held discussions with Liverpool’s hierarchy following the club’s decision to block a potential move.

Chelsea also made an approach for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, but Bournemouth were not prepared to sell the 23-year-old during the current transfer window.

The Blues also enquired about Arsenal midfielder and Spain international Martin Zubimendi. Arsenal, however, rejected the approach and remain keen to keep the 27-year-old at the club.

Manchester United are planning to make three defensive signings next summer with some of their key defenders like England duo Luke Shaw, 31, and Harry Maguire, 33, Argentina’s Lisandro Martinez, 28, and Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt, 27, “on trial” this season.

Manchester United striker Chido Obi, 18, is keen for a loan move to the Netherlands or his native Denmark – both countries where the transfer window only closes on Wednesday – with Feyenoord among interested clubs.

Everton were interested in signing Monaco full-back Jordan Teze, 26, but the Ligue 1 club’s management vetoed the Netherlands international’s exit.

England defender Fikayo Tomori, 28, will be reinstated into manager Ruben Amorim’s squad at AC Milan after he resisted a move away from the Serie A side.

Wrexham are interested in signing free agent Jamie Vardy, 39, but face competition for the ex-England striker from Brazilian club Sao Paulo and League One side Sheffield Wednesday.

Al-Ittihad have joined fellow Saudi Pro League side Diriyah in exploring a move for Aston Villa and Jamaica winger Leon Bailey, 29.

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