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Sifuna hosts acting Australian high commissioner Andrew Barnes for courtesy call

By
Vincent Amara
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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has hosted the Acting Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, His Excellency Andrew Barnes, and his delegation at his office in Nairobi.

The meeting, which took place on Thursday morning, brought together the Nairobi Senator and the Australian diplomatic team for what Sifuna described as a courtesy call.

In a post shared on X, Sifuna said he was pleased to receive Barnes and his team, marking an engagement between the Kenyan legislator and representatives of the Australian government.

“Happy to have hosted the acting Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, H.E. Andrew Barnes and his team who paid me a courtesy call this morning at my office,” Sifuna said.

The meeting comes as Kenya and Australia maintain diplomatic and bilateral relations covering areas including development cooperation, trade, education, security and people-to-people links.

Barnes is a senior career diplomat with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Before taking up his current role as Acting High Commissioner to Kenya, he served as Australia’s Ambassador to Lebanon from 2022. He has also previously served as Australia’s High Commissioner to Ghana and held diplomatic assignments in Hanoi, Stockholm and Ottawa.

The Australian High Commission in Kenya is based along Limuru Road in Nairobi and represents Australia’s diplomatic interests in the country.

While Sifuna did not disclose details of the discussions held during the courtesy call, the engagement highlights the continued interaction between Kenyan political leaders and foreign diplomatic missions on matters of mutual interest.

The meeting also provides an avenue for strengthening diplomatic engagement and fostering cooperation between Kenya and Australia as both countries pursue shared interests in areas of bilateral and international importance.

Further details on the issues discussed are expected should either Sifuna or the Australian High Commission release additional information on the engagement.

Rescue teams resume recovery operation after fatal Mt Ololokwe helicopter crash

By
Vincent Amara
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Recovery efforts have resumed at the rugged slopes of Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County, where a helicopter crash claimed the lives of several prominent individuals. Multi-agency rescue teams have returned to the remote crash site as they continue the difficult operation to retrieve the remaining victims and secure the wreckage.

The crash claimed the lives of, among others, Telemundo President and General Manager Jose Suarez and the Head of Intelligence of Ecuador, in an accident that has triggered an extensive recovery and investigation operation.

Rescuers have so far recovered four bodies from the wreckage. Three of the victims have been transported to Lee Funeral Home in Nairobi, while the pilot’s body has been taken to a mortuary facility in Nanyuki.

Officials at the scene say the recovery operation remains extremely challenging due to the rugged terrain and the condition of the wreckage.

Three of the victims were reportedly severely burned and remain trapped inside the charred remains of the helicopter, complicating efforts by emergency personnel to retrieve the bodies.

Emergency responders and security teams are continuing to comb through the crash site as they work to recover the remaining victims and secure any evidence that could assist investigators in determining what caused the accident.

Police officers and forensic medical experts have confirmed that post-mortem examinations on the recovered bodies are expected to begin on Friday.

The post-mortem examinations will form a key part of the ongoing investigation, as authorities work to piece together the helicopter’s final moments and establish the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.

Further updates are expected from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and other security agencies as the recovery operation continues and investigators intensify efforts to establish the cause of the tragedy.

30-year-old man dies after falling into Marsabit restaurant septic tank

By
Paul Lekarikei
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MARSABIT — Police in Marsabit town have launched an investigation into the tragic death of a 30-year-old man who fell into a septic tank within a local restaurant compound.

Marsabit County Police Commander Leonard Kimaiyo confirmed the incident, stating that the victim was cleaning the septic tank around 11:30 PM on Tuesday when the fatal accident occurred.

According to Commander Kimaiyo, the victim was an experienced contractor familiar with the property. “This is not the first time he was doing this job,” Kimaiyo noted, confirming that the man had been specifically hired to perform the maintenance work.

Emergency responders retrieved the body from the tank shortly after the incident. The remains were transported to the Marsabit Level 4 Referral and Training Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

Police investigations remain ongoing.

Rironi-Mau Summit road expansion set to transform key transport corridor by 2027

By
Vincent Amara
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Kenya is accelerating efforts to modernize one of its busiest transport corridors, with the ongoing 233-kilometre expansion of the Rironi-Mau Summit Road expected to improve road safety, ease congestion and strengthen trade across the country and the wider East African region.

State Department for Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo, CBS, has said that the project is a key component of Kenya’s broader ambition to move beyond Vision 2030 by investing in infrastructure that connects people, markets and historically marginalised regions to economic opportunities.

The Rironi-Mau Summit corridor is among the country’s most important transport routes and has also been identified as one of the busiest and accident-prone highways. Its expansion is therefore expected to significantly improve the movement of people and goods while reducing travel times and enhancing road safety.

The project is being supervised by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and is targeted for completion by June 2027. Construction is being undertaken simultaneously from both ends of the corridor in an effort to accelerate implementation and ensure timely completion.

Under the planned transformation, the Rironi-Naivasha section will be expanded into a four-lane dual carriageway, while the Naivasha-Nakuru section will become a six-lane highway to accommodate the high volume of traffic along the corridor.

An elevated bypass is also being constructed through Nakuru to ease congestion within the city and improve the flow of long-distance traffic. The section between Nakuru and Mau Summit will similarly be expanded to four lanes.

The works also include the resurfacing of the 62-kilometre Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Escarpment Road, further improving the condition and safety of an important alternative route within the corridor.

The scale of the project reflects the strategic importance of the route to Kenya’s economy. The corridor carries more than 30 per cent of cargo destined for the wider Western Kenya region, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it a critical link between Kenya’s port and commercial centers and markets in the region.

Once completed, the expanded highway is expected to provide safer and more efficient movement of cargo and passengers, reduce delays caused by congestion and improve the reliability of regional supply chains.

The project is also expected to support businesses operating along the corridor by lowering transportation costs and improving access to markets. Improved connectivity could further stimulate investment and economic activity in towns and communities served by the highway.

Omollo said road infrastructure should not be viewed solely as an economic development tool, noting that better roads also have direct implications for national security and the wellbeing of communities.

According to the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, improved road networks facilitate safer and faster movement of people, security personnel and emergency services while enabling communities to access essential government and social services more efficiently.

Better connectivity also strengthens the relationship between government institutions and citizens by making it easier for public services to reach communities across the country.

With construction progressing from both ends and completion targeted for June 2027, the project is expected to become a major milestone in Kenya’s efforts to modernise its transport infrastructure and create safer, faster and more reliable connections within the country and across the East African region.

Government moves to fast-track 740km Isiolo-Mandera road project, strengthens security

By
Vincent Amara
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The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the 740-kilometre Isiolo-Mandera Road on schedule, saying the major infrastructure project will unlock economic opportunities in the North Eastern region while strengthening security across the area.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the Government is working to address challenges that could delay the project and ensure that construction progresses as planned.

Murkomen made the remarks after chairing a high-level multi-agency planning meeting bringing together senior government officials to review the progress of the road project and identify ways of addressing emerging bottlenecks.

The CS said the Isiolo-Mandera road is expected to play a significant role in transforming the North Eastern region by improving connectivity, opening up trade and investment opportunities and supporting broader economic development.

The project is also considered important to the security of the region, with the Government linking improved road connectivity to enhanced movement and coordination of security personnel along the North Eastern corridor.

Murkomen said the Government had already put in place security measures to protect contractors and other workers involved in the project.

The Isiolo-Mandera road is being implemented under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project, a major regional infrastructure initiative aimed at improving transport connectivity and facilitating trade within the Horn of Africa.

The Government’s renewed focus on the project comes as authorities seek to address bottlenecks and maintain momentum towards the completion of the entire 740-kilometre corridor.

Murkomen said the Government would continue working closely with the agencies responsible for roads, security and defence to ensure that challenges affecting the project are addressed promptly.

The high-level meeting was attended by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Principal Secretary for Roads Eng. Joseph Mbugua, Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo, and Principal Secretary for Defence Dr Patrick Mariru.

Also present were Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and General Officer Commanding Eastern Command Major General L. K. Kutto, among other senior government officials.

The Government says the completion of the Isiolo-Mandera road will be a major boost to North Eastern Kenya, with improved transport expected to enhance access to markets, services and economic opportunities while supporting stronger security operations across the region.

Kenya steps up fight against maternal, newborn deaths as government targets 26 high-burden counties

By
Vincent Amara
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Kenya has intensified efforts to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths, with the Government focusing on 26 high-burden counties under the Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) initiative.

The interventions were discussed during the second day of the inaugural 2026 Kenya Health Summit, where health sector leaders joined First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto for a high-level session on maternal and newborn health.

The session focused on the 90.90.80.80 coverage target, which seeks to expand access to essential maternal and newborn healthcare services, strengthen referral systems and ensure women and newborns receive timely lifesaving care.

Participants reaffirmed that ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths is not only a health sector priority but a national responsibility under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) championed by President William Ruto.

The discussions reviewed progress made in expanding access to quality maternity services, improving referrals and strengthening health systems to ensure that mothers and newborns can access lifesaving services when they need them.

Through EWENE and the six-month Rapid Results Initiative (RRI), the Government is directing billions of shillings towards improving maternal and newborn survival.

The programme includes KSh4 billion for delivery and essential newborn care at primary healthcare level, KSh1 billion for lifesaving commodities, and KSh2.5 billion for family planning services.

The Government is also allocating KSh5 billion annually to recruit an additional 5,000 nurses, in an effort to strengthen the health workforce and improve service delivery across the country.

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has so far reimbursed more than KSh17 billion for maternal health services, while an additional KSh2 billion has been allocated specifically to maternity and newborn care.

The Government cited progress at Pumwani Maternity Hospital in Nairobi, one of the country’s busiest maternity facilities, which handles more than 16,000 deliveries annually.

Sustained investment and improvements in the quality of care at the facility have contributed to nearly zero maternal deaths over the past 18 months, according to the Government.

More than 300 healthcare workers have also been trained, while emergency simulation drills have been conducted in 29 counties.

Newborn care mentorship programmes have also been rolled out in 13 counties as part of efforts to improve the quality and timeliness of care provided to mothers and newborns.

The launch of the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) and Rapid Results Initiative dashboards is also enabling health authorities to track maternal and newborn deaths on a daily basis.

The system is designed to help health officials identify gaps in care, respond to emerging risks and take timely action to prevent avoidable deaths.

The interventions are further supported by the SHA 922 Lifeline and the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre, which are intended to improve access to emergency assistance and referrals.

The summit also placed focus on sickle cell disease, with 17 counties identified as high-burden areas.

According to the discussions, approximately 48,000 children are born with sickle cell disease annually, highlighting the need for early detection and comprehensive care.

Among the interventions being pursued are newborn screening, early diagnosis and treatment, as well as comprehensive sickle cell care at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

Advanced red cell exchange transfusion has also been identified as one of the interventions available for patients requiring specialized treatment.

The initiatives discussed at the summit reflect a deliberate shift towards preventing maternal and newborn deaths rather than responding after complications occur.

The Government says the combination of better-equipped health facilities, trained healthcare workers, improved referral systems, emergency response mechanisms and real-time monitoring will help health authorities anticipate risks and intervene before lives are lost.

The EWENE programme is therefore expected to strengthen efforts to ensure that every woman and newborn can access quality, affordable and timely care regardless of where they live.

The high-level session brought together senior government officials, county leaders, health sector experts and development partners.

Those in attendance included Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, and Council of Governors Vice Chairperson and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki.

Also present were Council of Governors Health Committee Chairperson and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nathif, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, World Health Organization Country Director Dr Neema Kimambo, chief executive officers of national referral hospitals, senior Ministry of Health officials and development partners.

The Government says the ongoing interventions are part of a broader effort to strengthen Kenya’s health system and ensure that preventable maternal and newborn deaths become increasingly rare, while improving access to lifesaving healthcare for women, children and families across the country.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi casts doubt on ODM’s future prospects

By
Newton Ingui
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Suba South Member of Parliament Caroli Omondi has openly questioned the long-term prospects of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), signaling deepening ideological divisions and strategic realignments within the party.

Once a core insider and Chief of Staff to ODM leader Raila Odinga, Omondi’s friction with the party hierarchy stems from his decision to collaborate with the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration, coupled with his involvement in alternative political initiatives like the Linda Mwananchi movement.

Omondi suggests that ODM’s traditional political dominance—particularly in Nyanza and parts of Western Kenya—is eroding as voters increasingly prioritize local infrastructural development over party loyalty.

By aligning with the Linda Mwananchi initiative, Omondi argues that traditional party vehicles are losing relevance ahead of upcoming election cycles, creating space for new coalitions with independent presidential agendas.

Defending his decision to work directly with the government, Omondi maintains that oppositional politics yields fewer tangible benefits for constituency development compared to cooperative engagement.

The party’s leadership has largely dismissed Omondi’s assessment, framing his stance as an attempt to justify a departure from party discipline. ODM stalwarts maintain that the party remains a central pillar of Kenyan politics, citing its grassroots structures and parliamentary strength.

The public fallout highlights an ongoing rift within ODM as rebel lawmakers navigate their positions between party loyalty and alignment with the state.

Ruto closes Kenya health summit with call for Kenyans to take greater responsibility for their health

By
Vincent Amara
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President William Ruto has called on Kenyans to take greater responsibility for their health by making healthier choices in their daily lives, as he closed the two-day Kenya Health Summit in Nairobi.

The President concluded the summit by hosting an interactive listening session with Kenyans at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), providing an opportunity for citizens to share their experiences, concerns and expectations regarding the country’s health sector.

The session brought the government and members of the public together in discussions focused on the realities Kenyans face in accessing healthcare and the expectations they have for a stronger and more responsive health system.

President Ruto said the engagement was important in ensuring that the voices of ordinary Kenyans remain central to discussions and decisions affecting the country’s healthcare system.

He noted that the discussions had also highlighted an important aspect of health that extends beyond hospitals, doctors and medicines: the everyday choices individuals make.

The President emphasized that good health begins with personal choices and lifestyles, particularly decisions regarding diet and nutrition.

He said Kenyans were reminded of a fundamental truth that health ultimately begins with the choices people make every day, including what they eat.

The remarks place greater emphasis on preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles as part of efforts to improve the wellbeing of the population and reduce the burden of preventable diseases.

The two-day Kenya Health Summit brought together health sector stakeholders and citizens to deliberate on the state of healthcare in the country and ways of improving service delivery.

The President’s closing engagement provided an opportunity for Kenyans to directly communicate their experiences and concerns, while also highlighting the need for continued dialogue between the government and the public on matters affecting healthcare.

As the summit concluded, the focus now shifts to translating the discussions and recommendations into practical measures that can improve healthcare services and promote healthier communities across the country.

The President said continued engagement with citizens would remain important as the government works to address challenges facing the health sector while encouraging Kenyans to play their part by adopting healthier choices in their everyday lives.

Education ministry confirms August 24 school reopening, dismisses postponement claims

By
Vincent Amara
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The Ministry of Education has confirmed that schools across the country will reopen for the third term on Monday, August 24, 2026, dismissing reports circulating on social media claiming that the reopening date had been postponed.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 19, the Ministry said the official academic calendar remains unchanged and urged parents, teachers, learners and other education stakeholders to rely only on information issued through official government channels.

The Ministry termed the social media reports claiming that schools would not reopen as scheduled as false, warning the public against relying on unofficial announcements.

Education officials have also been directed to ensure that the approved academic calendar is strictly followed across all regions, counties and sub-counties.

The third term for pre-primary, primary, junior secondary, senior secondary and ordinary secondary schools will run for nine weeks, from August 24 to October 23, 2026.

At the same time, academic activities in diploma-level teacher training colleges will resume on August 24 and continue until November 6, 2026.

The Ministry further confirmed that national assessments and examinations will proceed according to the existing schedule. These include KPSEA, KILEA, KJSEA, KPLEA and KCSE, with the assessment and examination period set to begin on October 26, 2026.

The Ministry has also maintained a ban on co-curricular activities and school trips in secondary schools during the third term.

Parents and guardians have consequently been advised to make the necessary preparations for the reopening of schools and to disregard information circulating on social media unless it is confirmed by the Ministry of Education.

The Ministry said its official website and other authorized communication channels remain the reliable sources of information on the academic calendar and other matters concerning the education sector.

MP Onesmus Ngogoyo faults NCIC over ineffectiveness

By
Newton Ingui
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Kajiado North Member of Parliament Onesmus Ngogoyo has criticized the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), accusing the body of laxity and failing to fulfill its mandate of curbing hate speech and fostering national unity.

Speaking on political accountability and state agencies, the lawmaker expressed frustration over the commission’s handling of incitement cases, characterizing the institution as a “toothless bulldog” that only reacts after public outrage rather than taking proactive measures.

alleged that the commission selectively targets certain political figures while turning a blind eye to hate speech uttered by individuals aligned with political heavyweights.

The MP emphasized that despite having a significant budgetary allocation, the NCIC has achieved minimal successful convictions, reducing its public notices to mere legal threats.

cautioned state bodies against being weaponized to settle political scores, calling on law enforcement and oversight agencies to prioritize genuine reconciliation and national stability over intimidation.

Ngogoyo urged the commission to reform its strategy, enforce equal application of the law, and focus on genuine peacebuilding efforts across the country.

For more details on MP Onesmus Ngogoyo’s public statements regarding law enforcement and state oversight, watch this MP Onesmus Ngogoyo Appears Before DCI Over Statements coverage. This report offers direct context on the Kajiado North MP’s confrontations with state investigative agencies over political remarks.

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