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CS Mutahi Kagwe warns of looming deficit, outlines import plan

By
Newton Ingui
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Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has revealed that Kenya is facing a significant maize deficit driven by adverse weather conditions, prolonged dry spells, and delayed inputs in primary grain-producing hubs.

The CS projected a supply shortfall of up to 5.4 million 90-kilogram bags (approximately 486,000 metric tonnes), raising concerns over food security and the potential for increased consumer prices for staple goods like maize flour.

Unpredictable weather patterns, including premature rainfall followed by an extended drought across major growing regions such as the North Rift, have severely disrupted crop development and flowering stages.

Distribution bottlenecks involving government-subsidized fertilizer during the primary planting window further compounded expected yield losses.

Kenya’s annual maize demand stands between 50 million and 60 million 90kg bags against an average domestic production capacity of 34 million to 42 million bags, leaving the country heavily reliant on external reserves to bridge the shortfall.

To cushion consumers, stabilize market prices, and build up national reserves, the ministry is initiating government-to-government procurement protocols for imported maize supplies.

CS Kagwe emphasized accelerating large-scale irrigation projects, notably expanding the Galana Kulalu scheme, to decrease dependence on rain-fed agriculture.

While a 90kg bag of maize currently trades between KSh 3,000 and KSh 4,500, officials warn that sustained deficits could apply upward pressure on retail prices. Government bodies and county representatives are coordinating with international partners to streamline agricultural supply chains and prevent severe price spikes for households.

Kenya prepares to import 25 million bags of maize to avert food shortage

By
Binti Wangila
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The Government has begun preparations to import 25 million 90-kilogram bags of maize in a move aimed at preventing a food shortage and cushioning consumers against possible increases in maize flour prices following an anticipated decline in local production.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the planned imports are intended to bridge an estimated 25-million-bag production gap at a time when Kenya requires approximately 75 million bags of maize annually.

“We will import maize. We have already made arrangements for that. We will manage the country. The country is not going to go hungry,” Kagwe said.

The Government attributes the expected production shortfall to drought and other climate-related challenges that have affected maize production in some of the country’s major agricultural regions.

The imported maize is expected to boost supplies and help shield consumers from significant price increases should local harvests fall below demand.

However, the Government says maize imports are only a short-term intervention, as it pursues longer-term measures to increase domestic food production and strengthen the country’s resilience to drought.

One of the key measures is the expansion of irrigation projects, including the Galana Kulalu scheme, aimed at reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture and increasing food production even during periods of inadequate rainfall.

The Government also plans to work with the National Treasury to address taxation and bureaucratic challenges affecting farmers and agribusinesses.

Meanwhile, the Government is seeking to attract more young people into agriculture through the AgriConnect Compact Programme.

The programme is designed to increase agricultural productivity, promote value addition and create employment opportunities through agribusiness.

It will also promote digital agriculture, artificial intelligence and modern farming technologies as part of efforts to make the sector more productive and commercially viable.

Kagwe said agriculture must move beyond being viewed as a subsistence activity and instead become a source of jobs, investment and wealth creation, particularly for young people.

The Government says the combination of short-term maize imports and long-term investments in irrigation, technology and agribusiness will help strengthen Kenya’s food security while creating new economic opportunities in the agricultural sector.

NPS orders Homa Bay unrest suspect to report to DCI as Kisumu weapons case deepens

By
Binti Wangila
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The National Police Service (NPS) has ordered Kassim Abdi Sebu, who is alleged to be linked to unrest witnessed in Homa Bay County on Sunday, August 16, 2026, to report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for questioning.

The directive forms part of ongoing investigations into incidents of violence reported during various activities in Homa Bay County.

Police say Sebu is among individuals being pursued as investigators seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the unrest and determine whether those involved could face criminal charges.

Meanwhile, investigations into an alleged weapons case in Kisumu have entered a critical phase after 15 suspects were arraigned in court.

The suspects were arrested while allegedly in possession of weapons ahead of a planned public rally. Following their appearance in court, the DCI was granted four days to conduct further investigations.

The additional time will allow detectives to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrests and examine the alleged links between the suspects and any planned acts of violence or criminal activity.

Police have also directed Oliver Jaoko, popularly known as Olivetti, to report to the DCI Regional Headquarters in Kisumu.

Jaoko is alleged to have links to the 15 suspects currently under investigation.

The latest directive comes after Jaoko earlier presented himself at the DCI headquarters in Nairobi accompanied by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo and other individuals.

However, the group was reportedly not received by the authorities at the Nairobi headquarters and Jaoko was subsequently directed to report to the DCI regional offices in Kisumu.

His appearance before investigators is expected to form part of efforts to establish the nature of his alleged connection to the suspects already in custody.

In a separate development in Homa Bay, 12 suspects were arraigned in court and granted various bail conditions.

Two additional suspects remain under investigation over separate incidents involving the alleged use of firearms.

According to police, the two will be presented before court once detectives complete their investigations.

The cases come amid heightened police attention on incidents of violence and alleged criminal activity linked to public gatherings and other activities in the region.

The NPS has vowed to intensify efforts to identify and pursue individuals suspected of involvement in gang-related violence and other criminal activities.

The police service said it would take “firm action in accordance with the law” against those found to have broken the law.

The NPS has also appealed to members of the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing information that could assist investigators in preventing violence and maintaining public safety.

The police service thanked members of the public for supporting ongoing efforts to restore and maintain security.

The investigations in Homa Bay and Kisumu remain ongoing, with detectives expected to determine whether the suspects under scrutiny will face further criminal proceedings once the inquiries are concluded.

NCIC summons former DP Rigathi Gachagua over alleged hate speech

By
Newton Ingui
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The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has issued formal summons to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over alleged hate speech and inflammatory utterances made during public forums across the country.

In a notice dated August 18, 2026, signed by NCIC CEO Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti, Gachagua is ordered to appear in person at the commission’s offices in Britam Towers, Upper Hill, Nairobi, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

Allegations that Gachagua used political metaphors including “tuta ua nyoka pamoja na mayai” (we will kill the snake together with its eggs) and called on supporters to vote out the current administration.

Utterances targeting Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda at Gusii Stadium regarding his local presence and political base.

Remarks made in Luanda referencing political opponents as “cousins” and using controversial language currently under review.

The commission warned that failing to appear on the appointed date will lead to an immediate warrant of arrest and potential criminal or contempt proceedings.

Addressing the allegations, Gachagua—who now heads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)—stated that his language was figurative, drawing from regional proverbs and cultural symbolism rather than incitement. He has previously accused the commission of selective prosecution and political bias.

New directives issued on mandatory speed governors, inspections, and road safety enforcement

By
Newton Ingui
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The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS), has issued a public update enforcing strict compliance regarding speed governor installation, calibration, and motor vehicle inspections.

The crackdown aims to curb rising road carnage by ensuring all commercial and public service vehicle (PSV) operators adhere to approved safety hardware standards.

Speed limiters on PSVs, school buses, and commercial trucks above 3,500 kg gross vehicle weight must undergo mandatory annual inspection and recertification at NTSA-approved testing centers.

NTSA reiterated that speed governors must feature real-time GPS tracking and data transmission directly integrated into the NTSA monitoring system. Devices that allow manual overriding or lack real-time calibration face immediate revocation.

Vehicle owners are cautioned against fitting uncertified third-party limiters. Inspections and roadworthiness certificates will be denied to vehicles equipped with unauthorized devices or installed by unaccredited vendors.

Under the expanded minor traffic offences framework, non-compliant drivers and operators will receive automated or digital notification fines, bypassing standard court appearances for initial enforcement.

NTSA warned that vehicles operating without functional, accredited speed limiters will face immediate impoundment. SACCOs and commercial transport fleets found operating tampered devices risk operator license suspension or outright revocation.

Motorists are advised to verify their vendor credentials and logbook details on the official NTSA Service Portal.

Ateker Cup of Nations kicks off in Soroti amid excitement and fixture controversy

By
Denilson Muhando
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The second edition of the Ateker Cup of Nations has officially kicked off in Soroti City, Uganda, bringing together football teams representing Ateker communities from across East Africa and neighbouring countries in a tournament that seeks to promote unity, friendship, cultural exchange and peaceful coexistence through football.

The opening matches have already produced exciting action, with Suguta Valley FC from Kenya securing a narrow 3–2 victory over Soroti FC in an entertaining encounter that gave the Kenyan side a winning start to the tournament.

Meanwhile, Ngora FC, the defending champions from the previous edition held in Lodwar, Kenya, also began their title defence on a winning note after battling to a 1–0 victory over Kalokol Rangers.

Before the tournament officially got underway, players, officials and supporters observed a moment of silence in honour of the late Julius Erot Lometo, popularly known as “Kanté,” a Kalokol Rangers FC player whose death has deeply affected the football fraternity.

However, as excitement builds around the tournament, questions have also emerged over the organisation of some fixtures.

Moses Esibitar Natin, popularly known as “Rooney,” the Chairperson of the Ateker Cup of Nations Kenya Chapter, has publicly challenged the tournament organisers over what he describes as unacceptable fixture arrangements.

Rooney has questioned why Suguta All Stars, who he says arrived in Soroti City ahead of some of the competing teams, have reportedly been scheduled to face defending champions Ngora FC in a fixture he claims was not selected in accordance with the agreed competition framework.

According to Rooney, fixtures should be determined strictly according to the established laws, rules, regulations and agreed framework of the tournament rather than through decisions made by a few individuals.

He is now calling for transparency, order and fairness in the organisation of the competition, insisting that all participating teams should be subjected to the same rules without manipulation or selective application.

Rooney has also assured Kenyan teams and supporters that he is travelling to Soroti to seek clarification and demand answers regarding the disputed fixture arrangements.

Despite the controversy, the Ateker Cup of Nations remains an important sporting platform for communities spread across South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya. Beyond the competition on the pitch, the tournament provides an opportunity for people from different Ateker communities to interact, celebrate their shared heritage and strengthen relationships across national borders.

With several teams still waiting to begin their campaigns, supporters can expect more competitive football and exciting encounters as the tournament progresses.

The second edition of the Ateker Cup of Nations is therefore beginning with both sporting excitement and an important conversation about fairness and transparency in grassroots football.

As the matches continue in Soroti, the tournament carries a bigger message beyond winning trophies: let football bring the Ateker people together, promote peace across borders and strengthen the bonds that connect communities.

Lodwar set for Ksh 900 million 10,000-seater stadium as construction plans advance

By
Leah Kawon
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Plans to construct a Sh900 million, 10,000-seater stadium in Lodwar have moved closer to implementation following discussions between Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai Napotikan and Defence Principal Secretary Dr Patrick Mariru in Lodwar Town.

The proposed Ekalees Sports Stadium, near Ekalees Centre, is expected to transform Turkana’s sports infrastructure and provide a modern venue for football, athletics, cultural events and other community activities.

The Ministry of Defence will supervise the construction, with Mariru saying the project is now set to begin and will take nine months to complete.

“We are here because the Ministry of Defence will be supervising the construction, and I am here to assure the Governor that the work of construction starts now and it will take nine months to complete the stadium. It will be a 10,000-seater stadium and will have an international-standard football pitch,” Mariru said.

The facility will also feature an eight-lane running track, VIP lounges, terraces and other modern sporting amenities, further positioning Lodwar as a regional centre for sports and cultural activities.

Governor Lomorukai welcomed the project, saying it would create opportunities for young people and strengthen Lodwar’s position as a regional sports and cultural hub.

“Today, I held discussions with Defence Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru on the proposed construction of a 10,000-seater stadium near Ekalees Centre in Lodwar.”

“The facility will provide a modern space for sports and cultural events, create opportunities for our young people and strengthen Lodwar’s position as a regional hub for sporting and cultural activities.”

The Governor also thanked President William Ruto for supporting the project and expressed optimism over its successful implementation.

The project is being implemented through a partnership involving the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, and the Turkana County Government, with local residents expected to benefit from employment opportunities during construction.

The Lodwar stadium fulfils a commitment made by President William Ruto during his visit to Turkana, where he pledged to expand modern sports infrastructure beyond Nairobi.

The President later reiterated the plan to build stadiums across the country, specifically mentioning Lodwar in Turkana County among the areas set to benefit.

“The stadium at Talanta is not the only one. We are building 28 others like it. Stadiums used to be found only in Nairobi and a few major towns, but I said the whole country must move forward at the same pace.”

“I promised you that Turkana will not be left behind. We have many young people here, and we will build the stadium here.”

President Ruto’s remarks underline the national government’s plan to expand major sports infrastructure to counties outside the traditional sporting centres.

Once completed, the Lodwar facility will give young athletes a platform to develop and showcase their talent while creating opportunities to host regional competitions, cultural events and other major gatherings, with potential benefits for the local economy.

Manhunt launched after NPR officer attacked, G3 rifle stolen in Loiyangalani, Marsabit

By
Mike Kwoba
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MARSABIT – Police in Marsabit County have launched a manhunt for suspects who attacked a National Police Reservist (NPR) officer and escaped with a G3 rifle in Rarashe village, Loiyangalani Sub-County.

Confirming the Monday, August 17 evening incident, Marsabit County Police Commander Leonard Kimaiyo stated that NPR officers had initially gone to the home of a suspect wanted in connection with a defilement case. The suspect resisted arrest and called on his associates for help to evade custody, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire between the group and security officers.

Kimaiyo explained that the suspects eventually fled when they ran out of ammunition. They abandoned two firearms an AK-47 rifle and an FN rifle which were subsequently recovered by officers from the Loiyangalani Police Station.

However, later that same evening, the same group allegedly ambushed and assaulted an NPR officer, robbing him of his G3 rifle before fleeing the scene. A multi-agency police operation is currently underway to track down the suspects and recover the stolen firearm.

Meanwhile, speaking in Laisamis town, Laisamis Deputy County Commissioner Kepha Maribe issued a stern warning to youth involved in livestock theft. He emphasized that the government will not tolerate criminals engaged in cattle rustling, declaring a firm commitment to eradicating retrogressive practices and criminal activities that fuel local conflict, property loss, and loss of life.

Borana council of elders call for unity to speed up Marsabit development

By
Paul Lekarikei
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MARSABIT — The Borana Baliti Council of Elders has urged communities in Marsabit County to embrace peace, unity and cohesion to accelerate development in the region.

Speaking to journalists in Marsabit town on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the Council said lack of unity among Marsabit communities has contributed to the county lagging behind in various development sectors.

Council spokesperson Bagaja Liban Boru said divisions among communities may also explain why national leaders rarely visit Marsabit. 

“President William Ruto has made several visits to other counties in North Eastern, while Marsabit has not had similar frequent visits,” Boru said.

He noted that the number of Marsabit residents turning out to acquire national identity cards remains very low compared to other counties.

Boru said ethnic hostility and divisions have also led to the election of unsuitable leaders. 

He urged residents to set aside differences and foster love and cohesion for the benefit of the county’s development.

The elder further called on pastoralists and Marsabit residents to come out in large numbers to get national IDs, saying the documents are crucial for accessing government services and participating in leadership. 

He also urged residents to take advantage of President Ruto’s directive to simplify ID issuance, and for eligible voters to register to participate in elections.

Boru said the Borana Baliti Council of Elders remains at the forefront of efforts to unite Marsabit’s diverse communities and sustain peace and cohesion. 

“Without unity among Marsabit communities, this county will continue to lag behind in various development areas,” he said.

On his part, Council Secretary General Kashmuel Duba appealed to Marsabit residents to continue supporting the Borana community to lead the county through the governor’s seat. 

Duba thanked Marsabit communities for giving the Borana an opportunity to serve as governor for the last ten years, and called on residents to give the community another term in the next election.

However, he asked Marsabit Governor Mohamud M. Ali to unite all communities and hold joint meetings instead of separate gatherings for each community.

Duba also condemned cases of youth disappearances in the county, and called on the government to act swiftly to end the situation and ensure those reported missing are traced.

He said the Council supports President William Ruto’s government, and urged Marsabit leaders to embrace solidarity instead of misleading communities. 

“Unity among leaders and communities is the foundation for ensuring Marsabit gets development and equal opportunities in government,” Duba said.

Ruto congratulates Hichilema as Kenya looks to deepen Zambia ties

By
Binti Wangila
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President William Ruto has used the re-election of Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema to signal Kenya’s intention to deepen its partnership with Lusaka, describing Zambia as a key regional ally and a brotherly nation.

Ruto congratulated Hichilema after Zambia’s Electoral Commission declared him the winner of the August 13 presidential election, giving the incumbent a second five-year mandate. Hichilema secured about 60 per cent of the vote against his closest challenger, Brian Mundubile, who received about 38 per cent. 

Rather than focusing solely on the election outcome, Ruto’s message placed emphasis on the future of Kenya-Zambia relations, with the President expressing his readiness to work with Hichilema to expand cooperation between the two countries.

“Kenya holds its relations with the Republic of Zambia in high esteem,” Ruto said, stressing that Nairobi and Lusaka had built longstanding ties through both bilateral and multilateral engagements.

The President said Hichilema’s victory was a reflection of the dedication, perseverance and commitment he had demonstrated in advancing Zambia’s development.

Ruto added that the result showed the confidence Zambians had placed in Hichilema to lead the country into another phase of development and prosperity.

The Kenyan leader said he looked forward to working closely with Hichilema to “solidify and broaden” the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Kenya and Zambia.

Hichilema’s victory extends his presidency to a second term after his first administration focused heavily on economic recovery, debt restructuring and attracting investment into Zambia’s strategic sectors.

His re-election comes as the government seeks to turn those economic gains into broader improvements in living standards, with the cost of living, employment, electricity supply and poverty remaining major concerns. 

The result also provides policy continuity for investors following Zambia’s recovery from its 2020 sovereign debt default and its efforts to restore relations with international lenders.

Zambia is also seeking to significantly increase copper production, making the country an increasingly important player in the global critical-minerals supply chain. 

For Kenya, closer engagement with Lusaka could provide an opportunity to strengthen economic and diplomatic cooperation with one of Southern Africa’s major economies while expanding Nairobi’s regional partnerships.

Ruto described Zambia as a valuable regional partner and ally, underscoring the strategic importance Kenya attaches to its relationship with the country.

As Hichilema prepares to begin his second term, Ruto wished him success in steering Zambia through the next five years.

He also extended his wishes to the Zambian people for continued peace, unity and prosperity.

Ruto’s message therefore goes beyond a routine congratulatory statement, highlighting Nairobi’s desire to maintain close political relations with Lusaka while exploring opportunities to broaden cooperation at a time when both countries are seeking stronger regional and economic partnerships.

Hichilema’s decisive victory gives him a renewed mandate to pursue his development agenda, while Ruto’s congratulatory message places Kenya among the regional partners looking to work with his administration during its second term.

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