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Mungatana thanks Tana River voters for backing UDA in grassroots elections

By
Vincent Amara
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Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has thanked residents of Tana River County for turning out in large numbers to participate in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections, praising them for their support of the ruling party.

Mungatana expressed his gratitude to residents across the county for actively taking part in the grassroots polls and for standing with UDA during the exercise. He said the strong turnout demonstrated the commitment of residents to participating in the party’s internal democratic processes and strengthening its structures at the grassroots.

The senator also congratulated candidates who secured various positions during the elections, while acknowledging those who did not emerge victorious. He urged all contestants and their supporters to put aside their differences and work together to strengthen the party ahead of future political engagements.

Mungatana called on those who lost in the elections to support the successful candidates, stressing that unity and cooperation would be important in building a stronger and more cohesive UDA presence in Tana River County.

His message comes as political parties continue to strengthen their grassroots structures across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election, with internal elections providing an opportunity for parties to mobilize members, identify local leaders and consolidate their support bases.

The senator thanked the people of Tana River for their participation and reaffirmed the importance of unity among party members, regardless of the outcome of the grassroots elections.

He concluded his message by wishing Tana River County well and calling for continued cooperation among residents and party supporters as they work towards strengthening the county’s political and development agenda.

Chelsea considering late move for Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martínez

By
Newton Ingui
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Representatives of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez have offered the 33-year-old Argentina international to Chelsea. Stamford Bridge directors and manager Xabi Alonso are actively weighing up the opportunity as they assess their options before the summer transfer window closes.

Aston Villa are keen to offload Martínez following the signing of Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma for around £30m, who has been designated as their new starting No. 1.

A deal could be finalized for a cut-price fee of under £10m as Villa aim to reduce their wage bill.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Martínez has given his green light to the potential move and would say “yes” to joining Chelsea, even without European football this season.

Current Chelsea starter Robert Sanchez has faced increasing scrutiny following noticeable errors, most recently in their 3–2 Premier League victory over Fulham. Martínez is viewed as an experienced stop-gap solution who could immediately stabilize the position while young goalkeeper Mike Penders develops.

Prior to the Chelsea approach, proposed moves to Juventus and Manchester United both fell through earlier in the summer. Intermediaries have also made contact with Tottenham Hotspur.

Negotiations between Martínez’s camp and Chelsea are ongoing, with the final decision resting on whether the Blues elect to formalize a structured bid.

Over one million Kenyans face displacement as strengthening el niño threatens disastrous flooding

By
Newton Ingui
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More than one million people in Kenya face the threat of displacement as meteorologists warn of a powerful El Niño weather event expected to trigger extreme flooding during the upcoming October-December rainy season.

A climate assessment model released by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) indicates that Kenya and neighboring Somalia will absorb the brunt of the disaster in East Africa. Under severe projections, floodwaters could displace up to 1.03 million Kenyans as heavy downpours overwhelm river basins and destroy homes.

In parallel, Kenya’s National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) estimates that overall, 1.5 million residents will be impacted nationwide, with approximately 500,000 suffering immediate physical displacement.

Tana River basin, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and the Dadaab refugee complexes are highlighted as primary targets for severe riverine flooding.

Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu risk severe flash flooding due to drainage systems being overwhelmed by excessive run-off.

Kilifi, Lamu, Kwale, and Lake Victoria basin counties (Busia, Siaya, Homa Bay) face threats of waterborne disease outbreaks, landslides, and coastal storm surges.

The timing of the anticipated rains directly overlaps with Kenya’s national examination period, raising concerns among education and security officials.

The government is prioritizing early preparations to prevent school buildings from being converted into emergency evacuation shelters, a scenario that halted learning during the 2024 flood crisis. Key transport corridors—including the Nairobi–Garissa–Wajir road network—are expected to experience major cut-offs, necessitating the deployment of military and standby aircraft for potential airlifts and medical evacuations.

The Kenyan government has activated a multi-agency coordination framework to run flood simulations, clear drainage infrastructure, and establish designated safe grounds for displaced families before rains peak.

Humanitarian groups, including the Kenya Red Cross Society and the DRC, are advocating for flexible anticipatory action—such as early cash transfers—to help vulnerable households protect their assets and evacuate prior to the worst of the deluge.

Kenya steps up early childhood investment as government targets 95% development milestone rate

By
Vincent Amara
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Kenya is stepping up efforts to strengthen early childhood development by expanding developmental milestone monitoring, integrating nurturing care into maternal and child health services, increasing community engagement and providing greater support for perinatal mental health.

Speaking at the 76th Session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for Africa in Addis Ababa, Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said investing in the early years of a child’s life is critical to building a healthier, better-educated and more productive population.

Muthoni said the early stages of childhood provide an important foundation for lifelong health, learning and productivity, making it essential for families, communities and government institutions to give greater attention to children during their formative years.

According to the PS, 78 per cent of Kenyan children aged between 24 and 59 months are currently meeting expected developmental milestones. While describing the progress as encouraging, she said greater investment and coordinated interventions are needed to help Kenya move closer to the global target of having 95 per cent of children developmentally on track.

Kenya is also integrating nurturing care into maternal and child health services to ensure that children receive the health, nutrition, stimulation, protection and responsive care needed for healthy development.

The strategy further places emphasis on the role of families and communities in supporting children’s development. Through stronger community engagement, the government seeks to equip parents, caregivers and community structures with the knowledge and support required to create environments where young children can thrive.

Mental health support for mothers and families during the perinatal period is also being prioritized as part of the broader early childhood development agenda. The approach recognizes that the wellbeing of parents and caregivers can influence the quality of care and support available to young children.

Muthoni reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the Regional Early Childhood Development Strategy, stressing the importance of stronger collaboration among families, communities and government sectors.

She said closer coordination between the health, education and social protection sectors would be necessary to address the different needs of children and ensure that interventions are delivered in an integrated manner.

The emphasis on cross-sector collaboration reflects the understanding that early childhood development extends beyond healthcare and requires coordinated action in areas such as education, nutrition, social protection, mental health and child welfare.

Kenya’s efforts come as countries across Africa continue to strengthen policies and programmes aimed at improving outcomes for children during the critical early years of life.

The focus is increasingly shifting towards early identification of developmental challenges, support for caregivers and the creation of conditions that allow children to reach their full potential.

With 78 per cent of children aged 24–59 months currently reported to be developmentally on track, Kenya now faces the challenge of closing the remaining gap and ensuring that progress reaches children across all communities.

The 76th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa began on August 25 in Addis Ababa and is expected to conclude on Friday, August 28.

The meeting brings together health leaders and stakeholders from across the African region to discuss key public health priorities and strategies for improving health outcomes on the continent.

Kenya deploys contingency plans for national exams amid anticipated heavy El Niño rains

By
Vincent Amara
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The October–December 2026 short rains season is expected to bring above-average rainfall to much of Kenya, with 43 of the country’s 47 counties likely to experience heavier-than-normal rains, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department.

Deputy Director Charles Mugah stated that above-average rainfall is expected in Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Garissa, Homa Bay, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kisumu, Kitui, Kwale, Laikipia, Lamu, Machakos, Makueni, Mandera, Meru, Migori, Mombasa, Murang’a, Nairobi, Nakuru, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Siaya, Taita/Taveta, Tana River, Tharaka-Nithi, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga and Wajir, as well as large parts of West Pokot, Samburu and Marsabit counties.

He added that average to above-average rainfall is also anticipated in Turkana and isolated parts of West Pokot, Samburu and Marsabit.

The rains have already started in several parts of western and Rift Valley counties, including Nandi, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu and Narok, and are expected to intensify through January.

In central Kenya, including Nairobi, forecasters have indicated that the onset of the rains is expected between the second and third weeks of October.

The forecast has raised concerns over the potential impact of heavy rains on schools and the administration of national examinations, particularly for candidates preparing to sit the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA).

Speaking during the 13th National Climate Outlook Forum in Nairobi, where government officials, scientists and humanitarian organizations met to prepare for the season, Ministry of Education Director of Administration Dr Kanyi Gioko noted that some examination centers could temporarily become inaccessible due to flooding and damaged infrastructure.

However, Dr Gioko assured the public that the examinations would proceed as scheduled, confirming that the government was prepared to deploy helicopters and drones to deliver examination materials to areas cut off by floods.

He further urged schools to prepare for potential disruptions by stocking sufficient supplies of non-perishable food to prevent shortages. He also advised institutions in flood-prone areas, including parts of Wajir, to consider adjusting their daily schedules to complete learning activities before heavy afternoon downpours begin.

Meteorologists have linked the expected heavy rainfall to a combination of climate drivers, including El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), a phenomenon associated with warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean and increased rainfall over East Africa.

Experts have observed that the current conditions mirror those experienced during previous seasons that resulted in severe flooding, including the heavy rains of 2015.

Coastal and eastern regions are projected to receive rainfall starting around mid-October, with wet conditions potentially extending through December or January.

Despite the generally wet outlook, specialists have highlighted that Turkana faces a 15 to 20 per cent probability of experiencing localized mild drought conditions, underscoring the significant regional variations expected across the country.

Acting Director at the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority Edward Muriuki stressed the need for authorities and communities to translate climate forecasts into practical action.

He said continuous updates would be essential to enable schools, emergency response agencies, and local communities to make timely decisions and mitigate the potential effects of flooding and other weather-related disruptions.

MPs pass historic bill integrating informal schools into Kenya’s national education framework

By
Vincent Amara
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A joint sitting of National Assembly and Senate listen to President Uhuru Kenyatta delivering his State of the Nation Address at parliament buildings on November 30, 2021.. Photo | Jeff Angote | Nation

In a landmark step toward inclusive education, members of the National Assembly passed the Basic Education (Amendment) Bill of 2025, clearing the way for official recognition and state funding for Alternative Provision of Basic Education and Training (APBET) institutions.

Introduced by Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, the legislation seeks to seamlessly integrate informal schools into Kenya’s main basic education system, ensuring vulnerable children in informal settlements and marginalized communities receive equal access to quality schooling.

While presenting the bill during its second reading, Oluoch emphasized that formal recognition upholds constitutional guarantees regarding equality, human dignity, and the universal right to education under Articles 10, 27, 43, and 53.

Highlighting the critical role of these institutions, Kibra MP Peter Orero noted that informal settlements rely overwhelmingly on APBET schools due to severe deficits in public infrastructure, citing Kibra’s 300 informal institutions compared to just 11 public primary schools.

Echoing these concerns, Seme MP James Nyikal pointed out that the lack of legal acknowledgment has historically cut off thousands of underprivileged students from essential public resources, despite basic education being a fundamental constitutional right.

Under the proposed law, county governments will maintain comprehensive databases of APBET institutions and adopt flexible registration guidelines to enhance state oversight and accurate data collection.

Once fully enacted, the reforms will grant APBET schools legal standing, direct representation in national and county education structures, and access to crucial government funding for infrastructure and learning materials, transforming educational opportunities for thousands of underserved learners nationwide.

Sakaja signals possible move from UDA to ODM

By
Vincent Amara
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0

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja could soon ditch the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as realignments heat up ahead of the 2027 General Election.

During a recent interview on Wednesday, Sakaja confirmed that discussions regarding the potential party swap are actively ongoing, though no formal decision or set timeline has been finalized.

“There is no official timeline for leaving UDA, but the call is there. It is something I am evaluating. We must listen to what the people want if that is their wish, then I am their servant,” Sakaja explained, noting he is widely consulting stakeholders and supporters before making a final move.

The governor revealed that joining ODM is an idea that has been on the table for a while, driven largely by his bond with the late opposition leader Raila Odinga.

Sakaja described Raila as a father figure who personally encouraged him to join the party during their regular conversations prior to his passing. He added that several current ODM officials and members continue to urge him to make the leap.

Sakaja’s revelation comes right on the heels of sharp political jab by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua. A day earlier, while welcoming defectors including Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan from UDA and Jubilee, Gachagua claimed President William Ruto was losing key allies in the capital.

He asserted that UDA’s political grip on Nairobi is fading rapidly while also dismissing ODM as a shell of its former self.

While Sakaja remains an active member of UDA for now, his open consideration of an ODM switch signals potential major political shifts in Nairobi’s political landscape leading up to 2027.

Diplomatic strategy: Sifuna meets British High Commissioner Matt Baugh as 2027 political realignments build steam

By
Vincent Amara
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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has met with British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh at the envoy’s residence in Nairobi. The engagement comes as the senator continues to strengthen his political networks and advance the Linda Mwananchi movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sifuna confirmed the host meeting in a brief social media post on Wednesday, August 26, describing his conversation with the diplomat as a pleasure. He did not disclose the precise agenda or specific issues discussed.

The sit-down arrives at a time when Sifuna has stepped up his political activities through Linda Mwananchi. Positioning himself as a prominent voice in the opposition space, the senator has been holding consultations with various political leaders and interest groups.

In recent weeks, Sifuna and members of the Linda Mwananchi team have intensified grassroots engagements particularly in Western Kenya to build a broader political base. He has also engaged other key opposition figures, including Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang’i.

While the meeting with the British High Commissioner adds an international diplomatic dimension to Sifuna’s recent moves, there is no official indication that their discussion directly touched on election strategies or political alliances.

Matt Baugh assumed office as Britain’s High Commissioner to Kenya in April 2026, succeeding Neil Wigan. According to the UK government, Baugh previously served as Director for Migration and Conflict at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and was the British Ambassador to Somalia between 2010 and 2013.

As the UK’s representative in Kenya, the High Commissioner oversees bilateral relations spanning trade and investment, security cooperation, development, cultural exchange, and consular affairs.

Sifuna’s meeting with Baugh comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity as leaders across the political spectrum begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Nairobi senator has also remained actively involved in the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has emerged as a platform advocating for citizen welfare and public accountability.

Beyond high-level talks, the senator continues to engage young political aspirants and grassroots supporters. While his recent moves have fueled speculation about his future political ambitions, the meeting with the British envoy alone does not signal any formal agreement.

For now, details of the discussion remain private, but the encounter underscores a key political moment as emerging movements move to consolidate support and forge strategic links ahead of the next general election.

Gachagua signals post-christmas talks on joint opposition candidate ahead of 2027

By
Vincent Amara
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0

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has indicated that talks on identifying a single presidential candidate for the opposition could gain momentum after the Christmas period, even as he urged opposition leaders to focus their efforts on political mobilization ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday night at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) shortly before departing for the United States, where he is expected to meet Kenyans living abroad, Gachagua said settling on a joint presidential candidate would be among the easiest challenges facing the opposition as it prepares to challenge President William Ruto.

He argued that the more important task at the moment should be strengthening political mobilization, convincing more Kenyans to register as voters and encouraging them to turn out in large numbers during the 2027 election.

According to Gachagua, the opposition should concentrate on building a strong political movement capable of persuading voters to support a change of government and elect a leadership that is accountable to the people.

The former Deputy President urged Kenyans to remain patient over the question of who will lead the opposition into the 2027 presidential contest, citing the 2002 General Election as an example of how political coalitions can settle on their presidential candidate relatively close to an election.

He recalled that Mwai Kibaki was selected as the opposition’s presidential candidate on October 14, 2002, only about two months before the December 27 election, arguing that the opposition still has sufficient time to agree on its preferred candidate.

Gachagua suggested that negotiations could gain momentum after Christmas, with the process of identifying and settling on a joint presidential candidate potentially being concluded around March or April next year.

He also expressed confidence in the political activities taking place in Western Kenya, where several opposition figures have been seeking to strengthen their political networks and build support ahead of the 2027 elections.

Although Gachagua has repeatedly positioned himself as a potential presidential candidate and maintains that he is best suited to lead the opposition, he said he would support whoever is eventually agreed upon by opposition leaders if they settle on a different candidate.

His remarks come amid growing debate over whether Kenya’s opposition can maintain unity and overcome competing political ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Several prominent politicians have either declared their interest in the presidency or are being mentioned as potential candidates, including Gachagua, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and former Chief Justice David Maraga.

Gachagua’s presidential ambitions are also being watched against the backdrop of his ongoing legal battle over his removal from the office of Deputy President. He has appealed a High Court decision that upheld his impeachment, with the outcome of the case potentially having implications for his eligibility to contest the presidency.

Meanwhile, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has continued to attract attention within opposition circles through the Linda Mwananchi movement. Supporters of the movement have increasingly presented him as a possible candidate who could mount a serious challenge against President Ruto, adding another layer to the ongoing debate over the opposition’s presidential ticket.

The growing list of potential contenders has increased pressure on opposition leaders to develop a mechanism for managing competing ambitions while maintaining a united political front. The ability of the opposition to agree on a single candidate could ultimately determine the strength of its challenge to President Ruto in the 2027 presidential election.

The 2027 presidential race is expected to take shape more clearly after Christmas, with Gachagua favouring a strategy that prioritizes grassroots political mobilization before the opposition settles on its joint presidential candidate.

The period is also likely to provide a clearer indication of how competing political interests will be reconciled and who will eventually emerge as the opposition’s preferred candidate to challenge President William Ruto.

Ruto breaks ground for Johanna Ng’eno University as Emurua Dikirr eyes first students next year

By
Vincent Amara
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0

President William Ruto has laid the foundation stone for the construction of hostels and a tuition block at the proposed Johanna Ng’eno University in Emurua Dikirr, Narok County, in a major push to expand access to university education in the region.

The President, who was in Emurua Dikirr on Wednesday, said the planned institution is expected to admit its first batch of students next year, paving the way for thousands of young people to pursue higher education closer to home.

“Today, we laid the foundation stone for hostels and a tuition block for the proposed Johanna Ng’eno University in Emurua Dikirr,” President Ruto said.

He said the university would play an important role in widening access to higher education, not only for residents of Narok County but also for students from other parts of the country.

“The university, which will admit the first batch of students next year, will expand access to higher education for the people of Narok and the entire country,” he said.

The establishment of the university is expected to transform the education landscape in Emurua Dikirr by providing learners with an opportunity to pursue university studies without having to travel long distances to access institutions of higher learning.

The planned hostels and tuition block will form part of the institution’s critical infrastructure as preparations gather pace for the admission of its first students. The facilities are expected to provide a suitable learning and residential environment for students once the university becomes operational.

Beyond education, the university is also expected to stimulate economic activity in Emurua Dikirr and the wider Narok County. The institution is likely to create employment opportunities and support the growth of businesses offering accommodation, transport, hospitality, retail and other services as the number of students and staff increases.

The project is also expected to contribute to the government’s broader efforts to increase opportunities for young Kenyans to acquire higher-level skills and qualifications that can enable them to compete effectively in the labour market.

President Ruto has repeatedly emphasized the importance of investing in education and skills development as part of Kenya’s long-term development agenda, particularly at a time when the country has a rapidly growing youthful population.

The proposed Johanna Ng’eno University is therefore expected to become more than just an institution of higher learning, with its establishment likely to have a wider impact on the social and economic development of Emurua Dikirr and the larger Narok region.

With the first cohort of students expected to join the university next year, attention will now turn to the completion of the planned facilities and other infrastructure required to ensure the institution is ready to receive learners.

The foundation stone laid by President Ruto marks a significant step in the journey towards establishing the university and could usher in a new era of higher education opportunities for young people in Narok and beyond.

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