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West Pokot schools urged to launch early athletics programs to nurture talent

By
Vivian Achwa
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WEST POKOT — Stakeholders in education and sports have called on schools across the region to establish dedicated athletics programs for young learners, aiming to identify and nurture the next generation of champions while promoting holistic development.

The rallying call was delivered during the second edition of the Kids Athletics competition, hosted under the theme “Little Feet, Big Dreams” at the Tegla Lorupe Education and Peace Centre in West Pokot County. The event brought together learners from various schools, offering teachers and coaches a vital platform to scout promising talent early.

Athletics icon and event host, Ambassador Tegla Lorupe, emphasized the need for an integrated approach to learning, urging institutions to invest heavily in both academic and extra-curricular paths.

“Education and sports go hand in hand. We must identify and nurture talent when children are still young,” Lorupe said, adding that early exposure helps surface raw abilities that might otherwise go unnoticed in traditional classroom settings.

Echoing these sentiments, Siyoi Zone Curriculum Support Officer Maruti Soita highlighted the importance of inclusive development for children of varying academic strengths.

“Some children are not able to grasp classwork at the same pace as others, but they are gifted differently in talents like athletics,” Soita noted, advocating for early intervention so young athletes can receive specialized coaching alongside their studies.

In a speech delivered by Ministry of Education Projects Manager Prof. Kipsang Chemagut, West Pokot County Director of Education Yophes Magara commended the peace center for combining sports, education, and peace-building initiatives.

The Tegla Lorupe Education and Peace Centre currently supports 36 student-athletes with full scholarships and training programs. To ensure high-level development, its teaching staff has received specialized coaching certification from Athletics Kenya through World Athletics.

The institution’s strategy is already yielding results on the international stage. Two of its students represented Kenya at the East Africa Games in Kakamega last year, while another pair competed in the regional tournament in Morogoro, Tanzania, earlier this year.

Plan International and Turkana County launch parenting under pressure project in Kakuma 

By
Hellen Nanjala
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KAKUMA – Over 1,300 parents in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement are set to benefit from a programme aimed at strengthening positive parenting and protecting crisis-affected children from violence, neglect, and harmful parenting practices. The Parenting Under Pressure (PUP) initiative is being implemented by Plan International Kenya, the Agency for Cross-Border Pastoralists (APAD), and the Turkana County Government to equip parents with skills to cope with stress and provide safe, supportive environments for their children.

The initiative targets 1,320 parents through a comprehensive 17-module curriculum covering positive caregiver-child relationships, parenting-related stress, and child protection. As of August 26, 2026, the first cohort of 728 parents completed the training, while a second cohort of 592 parents is scheduled to begin sessions in the coming weeks.

Attending a PUP session at Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus praised the initiative, highlighting that well-nurtured children will contribute directly to the county’s future development. Dr. Erus expressed strong approval for the program’s inclusion of parents with disabilities and its integration of unconditional cash transfers, noting that this approach turns the vulnerabilities faced by refugee families into direct opportunities for improving child welfare. He also commended Plan International for partnering with APAD, emphasizing that local institutional collaborations ensure long-term sustainability beyond the project’s timeline.

Plan International Kenya Country Director George Otim stated that Kakuma was selected due to the acute pressures associated with the refugee crisis, along with recommendations from the Turkana County Government and UNHCR. The PUP programme operates under the 2024–2027 Nurturing Futures initiative supported by Danmarks Indsamling which seeks to improve the wellbeing and protection of children and girls in crisis-affected regions. Otim noted that Plan International actively focuses on underserved communities across Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, particularly within the Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee settings.

Betty Kinyonge, an officer implementing the Nurturing Futures Project, highlighted the severe environmental and psychological challenges refugee parents navigate daily. Kinyonge explained that raising children in Kakuma Refugee Camp comes with immense daily struggles, and the Parenting Under Pressure initiative aims to equip these parents with the practical knowledge needed to manage stress and raise their children in a healthy, positive environment.

The integration of educational modules alongside financial assistance is delivering tangible results for local caregivers. Refugee parents Nelly Mukucha and Kamariza Aisha, who both completed the 17-module curriculum and received unconditional cash transfers, reported significant improvements in understanding child development and adopting non-violent parenting practices. Mukucha explained that the training equipped participants with essential knowledge regarding early childhood needs for children aged zero to eight, which graduates are now actively sharing with neighboring caregivers. Fellow participant Aisha shared that receiving Sh28,530 in three installments of Sh9,510 allowed her to establish a small business.

The income now helps feed her six children while she applies the PUP stress-management and caregiving lessons at home, demonstrating how combining practical parenting education with direct financial support helps families alleviate stress and build safer home environments.

KRA, treasury integrate eTIMS with IFMIS to strengthen tax compliance and government payments

By
Vincent Amara
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The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), in partnership with the National Treasury, has announced the successful integration of the Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) with the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), in a move expected to strengthen transparency, accountability and efficiency in government transactions.

The integration forms part of the government’s wider Digital Transformation Agenda and is aimed at creating a more seamless connection between the supply of goods and services to government institutions, the generation of tax invoices and the processing of payments.

Under the new system, suppliers and vendors doing business with government entities will be required to generate valid eTIMS invoices for all goods and services before submitting payment requests through IFMIS.

KRA said the details contained in invoices submitted to government institutions must correspond exactly with the invoices generated and recorded in eTIMS. This requirement is intended to facilitate automated verification of tax invoices and improve compliance with tax regulations.

The integration is also expected to reduce inconsistencies in invoicing and provide government agencies with a more efficient way of validating transactions before payments are processed.

Suppliers have therefore been advised to ensure that their eTIMS accounts are properly set up and that invoices are generated accurately and in accordance with the requirements. They have also been encouraged to regularly check their tax compliance status and ensure that their tax records and other relevant information remain accurate and up to date.

The move comes as the government continues to expand the use of digital platforms in revenue collection, public financial management and service delivery.

By linking eTIMS and IFMIS, the government seeks to strengthen the relationship between tax administration and public expenditure management, while providing greater visibility of transactions involving government institutions and their suppliers.

The system is also expected to enhance accountability by ensuring that invoices submitted for payment can be electronically validated against records maintained by the tax authority.

For businesses supplying government entities, compliance with the new operational requirements will be an important part of the payment process. Suppliers who fail to generate valid eTIMS invoices or submit invoice details that do not match the records in eTIMS could face challenges during payment processing.

KRA has said suppliers experiencing difficulties with eTIMS onboarding, invoice generation or other related processes will continue to receive assistance through its established support channels.

The integration marks another step in Kenya’s ongoing shift towards digital government services, with authorities seeking to use technology to improve tax compliance, strengthen public financial management and make government transactions more transparent and efficient.

President Ruto formally appoints Wilson Sossion to Teachers Service Commission for six-year term

By
Newton Ingui
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President William Ruto has officially appointed former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Wilson Sossion as a commissioner of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) for a six-year period.

The announcement was published via a Special Gazette Notice issued under Article 250(2) of the Constitution and Section 8(10) of the Teachers Service Commission Act. Sossion was appointed alongside Antonina Lentoijoni to fill long-standing vacancies in the constitutional commission.

The formal appointment follows the approval of both nominees by the National Assembly’s Education Committee on August 25, 2026, after successful parliamentary vetting.

Sossion, a veteran trade unionist and former nominated Member of Parliament, returns to national education leadership through the nine-member commission mandated to manage teacher registration, recruitment, promotion, and discipline across public schools in Kenya.

Yamal and Raphinha double up to demolish Rayo Vallecano 5-2 at Camp Nou

By
Newton Ingui
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BARCELONA — FC Barcelona delivered an emphatic attacking display at the Spotify Camp Nou, overwhelming Rayo Vallecano 5-2 to preserve their perfect start to the La Liga season.

Despite falling behind early to a 12th-minute strike from Rayo’s Sergio Camello, Hansi Flick’s side produced a dominant response driven by brilliant two-goal performances from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.


The victory keeps Barcelona tied at the top of the La Liga standings with three wins from three games, having already netted 12 goals in their opening domestic fixtures.

Saka strike takes gunners past Villa in hard-fought away win

By
Newton Ingui
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Arsenal continued their strong start to the Premier League season with a tightly contested 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Bukayo Saka broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, capitalizing on a second-half push to score what proved to be the match-winning goal. Mikel Arteta’s side controlled proceedings with 61% of the ball, limiting Aston Villa to zero shots on target across the full 90 minutes and eight minutes of stoppage time.

The victory earns Arsenal their second win in two Premier League matches to open the campaign.

Aviation workers end strike after reaching return-to-work agreement

By
Vincent Amara
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It is now officially announced that aviation workers have called off their industrial action and resumed normal duties after reaching a return-to-work agreement with their employers, ending a standoff that threatened to disrupt operations across the sector.

Under the executed agreement, the union formally ended the strike, directing all affected employees to return to work immediately and cooperate with management to restore normal operations. To safeguard employees, the deal includes a strict non-victimization clause ensuring that no worker will face intimidation, discrimination, or disciplinary action for participating in the strike.

A primary outcome of the deal is the immediate remittance of agency fees owed to the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU), which are currently held by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). Additionally, the agreement resolves a long-running recognition dispute between KAWU and Jambojet. While the matter remains before the courts, Jambojet committed to complying with all legal requirements for trade union recognition, with both parties agreeing to abide by the final court ruling.

The deal also clears the path for fresh Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations between KAWU and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). This follows the Salaries and Remuneration Commission’s (SRC) withdrawal of its initial guidance from July 28, 2026, and the issuance of revised parameters on September 1.

Although KAWU noted reservations regarding the new SRC advisory, the union opted to end the strike and address those shortcomings directly at the bargaining table. The agreement states: “While the union has reservations on the SRC guidelines issued on the 1st September, 2026 … and seeks to remedy the shortcomings arising from the said advisory during the CBA negotiations.”

KCAA has committed to honoring and implementing the eventual outcome of the CBA talks. Both sides pledged to maintain industrial peace and resolve any future disputes through consultation, negotiations, and established dispute-resolution mechanisms.

By shifting the conflict from industrial action to structured negotiations, the resolution turns attention to the upcoming KAWU-KCAA talks. The final terms of that CBA will determine whether the union’s concessions translate into lasting improvements for aviation workers amid ongoing debate over public-sector remuneration guidelines.

Get IDs and vote for accountable leaders, PS petroleum department tells Marsabit

By
Mike Kwoba
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MARSABIT –  Petroleum Principal Secretary Kello Harsama has urged Marsabit residents to acquire national identity cards and register as voters in large numbers, emphasizing that citizens hold the power to shape their future through the ballot. Speaking on Saturday at Kupi Bagassa, Sagante-Jaldesa Ward in Saku Constituency, he called on locals to elect honest, hardworking leaders with proven development records who actively uphold peace and community cohesion.

Harsama made the remarks while leading a fundraiser for local higher education students, which raised over Sh3 million, including his personal contribution of Sh1.7 million. Highlighting education as the key to empowering youth and advancing the county’s development, he urged residents to support President William Ruto’s agenda and focus on creating long-term opportunities for the next generation.

Addressing local political dynamics ahead of the 2027 elections, the Principal Secretary expressed confidence that the Borana Council of Elders will successfully front a single consensus candidate for the Marsabit gubernatorial seat. The council is scheduled to meet with aspirants from the community on October 8, 2026, in Moyale.

The gubernatorial race has already attracted strong contenders, including Marsabit Woman Representative Naomi Waqo and Saku MP Dido Raso. Harsama noted that the elder-led consultation will help unite the community behind an acceptable candidate, a sentiment echoed by Marsabit Peace Committee Deputy Chairperson Adan Chukulisa, who emphasized that Borana unity remains vital for the region’s overall well-being and progress.

Duale, Kindiki lead health talks as government moves to secure UHC workforce and SHA payments

By
Vincent Amara
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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale on Monday participated in a special session of the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC), chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, as the national and county governments stepped up efforts to strengthen collaboration on healthcare financing, workforce management, and the continuity of services.

The meeting reviewed key issues affecting the implementation of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), with a particular focus on the transition of health workers, the settlement of Social Health Authority (SHA) claims, and measures to ensure uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services across all 47 counties.

The Council reviewed the transition of 7,789 UHC workers to permanent and pensionable terms a move expected to provide greater job security and stability for healthcare workers while strengthening the workforce supporting the government’s UHC agenda.

The government has allocated KSh8.6 billion to facilitate the transition, including statutory employer contributions. The allocation is also intended to safeguard salary payments and ensure that healthcare services continue without disruption during the transition process.

Furthermore, the meeting reviewed progress in the settlement of SHA claims across the counties, with disbursements currently standing at 78 per cent. According to the figures presented, KSh159.3 billion has so far been paid to healthcare facilities under the new health financing framework. An additional KSh3.63 billion has been paid to 3,058 health facilities against verified obligations inherited from the former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

The discussions come as the government continues to manage the transition from NHIF to SHA while addressing outstanding financial obligations to healthcare providers, which remain critical to maintaining the availability and continuity of medical services.

This special IBEC session forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance coordination between the national and county governments, ensuring that health financing, staffing, and service delivery priorities are implemented in a coordinated and sustainable manner.

The government reaffirmed that continued collaboration between both levels of government remains essential to strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system and ensuring that the Universal Health Coverage agenda translates into reliable, accessible services for citizens across the country.

Ruto announces major Pfizer deal to subsidize cancer treatment in Kenya

By
Vincent Amara
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President William Ruto has announced a major reduction in the cost of medicines used to treat several cancers following a new agreement between the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) and US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.

Under the agreement, signed through Pfizer’s Accord for a Healthier World initiative, prices of selected cancer medicines are expected to fall by more than seven times. In some cases, medicines that previously cost as much as KSh1 million per treatment cycle will cost less than KSh50,000.

The agreement covers medicines used in the treatment of breast, stomach, colon, lung, prostate and esophageal cancers, as well as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

Ruto said the significant reduction in prices will strengthen access to cancer care and make the KSh800,000 Social Health Authority (SHA) cancer package adequate to cover treatment without requiring patients to make additional payments in the cases covered by the agreement.

Beyond reducing treatment costs, the President said the partnership will enable Kenya to access newer cancer medicines without the lengthy waiting period that patients have traditionally faced.

According to Ruto, Kenyan patients currently face delays of up to 10 years before some newer cancer treatments become available. The new arrangement is expected to shorten that gap and improve access to advanced therapies.

The development comes as Kenya continues efforts to expand access to specialised healthcare while reducing the financial burden of cancer treatment on patients and their families.

Ruto also linked the agreement to Kenya’s wider efforts to promote pharmaceutical manufacturing in Africa.

As the African Union Champion for Local Manufacturing of Medical Commodities, the President welcomed Pfizer’s commitment to making relevant technologies and newer medicines available to support local pharmaceutical production on the continent.

He said the partnership would contribute to Kenya’s broader Universal Health Coverage agenda and strengthen the country’s ability to provide affordable healthcare.

Ruto made the announcement after receiving Pfizer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Albert Bourla at State House, Nairobi.

Bourla was accompanied by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Nairobi Carla Benini and other Pfizer officials.

The President thanked Pfizer for its partnership with Kenya and said the government would continue working with the pharmaceutical company to strengthen Universal Health Coverage.

The agreement is expected to provide significant financial relief to cancer patients, particularly those who require multiple treatment cycles, while improving access to newer medicines.

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