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Mudavadi calls for a resilient Healthcare system capable of withstanding future shocks

By
Newton Ingui
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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reiterated the government’s commitment to building a self-sustaining and shock-responsive health sector, calling on stakeholders and international partners to align with Kenya’s long-term health sovereignty goals.

Addressing delegates at the Kenya Health Summit, Mudavadi emphasized that health service delivery must transcend crisis management to focus on preventive infrastructure, early threat detection, and institutional resilience.

“Health is no longer only a social-sector concern; it is a question of national resilience, economic security, and sustainable development. The real test of a health system is whether it can continue functioning when conditions are not normal.”

Highlighting shifting international donor priorities, Mudavadi urged national and county governments to establish sustainable domestic financing mechanisms for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) rather than relying strictly on external grants.

Following landmark agreements such as the U.S.–Kenya Health Cooperation Framework, the government is directing support directly into local institutions—including the Social Health Authority (SHA), Digital Health Authority (DHA), and KEMSA—to strengthen domestic ownership and supply chain integrity.

The state is implementing plans to progressively absorb thousands of health workers and laboratory specialists into public service to secure baseline staffing.

Advocating for comprehensive approaches to specialized care, Mudavadi has called for cross-ministerial cooperation to fight non-communicable diseases, expanding decentralization efforts for cancer treatment hubs across key counties.

Pushing for full implementation of the Digital Health Act, including Electronic Community Health Information Systems (eCHIS) and facility digital management to improve transparency and tracking.

Mudavadi called on health sector workers, county authorities, and civil society partners to maintain constructive dialogue and avoid politicizing healthcare services, stressing that national prosperity relies on a healthy, protected populace.

SHA’s big numbers put Kenya’s health reforms under the spotlight

By
Binti Wangila
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Kenya’s Social Health Authority (SHA) has reached 32.3 million registered members, nearly twice the highest membership recorded by the former National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), as the government seeks to demonstrate that its health reforms are translating into wider access to care.

SHA CEO Dr Mercy Mwangangi announced the figure on Tuesday during the National Health Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

The milestone comes two years after SHA replaced NHIF, with the government now pointing to increased hospital access, more surgeries and expanded coverage for critical illnesses as evidence of progress.

Mwangangi said the number of health facilities available to SHA members has risen from 8,667 under NHIF to 10,713.

Government facilities account for 5,959 of the total, while 4,534 are private facilities and 541 are operated by faith-based organizations.

But beyond registration numbers, Mwangangi highlighted the growing use of medical services.

SHA has facilitated 501,839 surgeries over the past two years, compared with 227,741 during a comparable period under NHIF.

Renal-care beneficiaries have also increased from 8,831 under NHIF to 20,952 under SHA, while about 50,000 cancer patients have received cover, compared with 29,473 under the former scheme.

One of the notable changes has been in critical care. Mwangangi said NHIF did not cover ICU services, while SHA has so far paid for ICU treatment for 28,031 beneficiaries.

Primary healthcare has also seen an increase, with 9.3 million Kenyans benefiting from services under SHA — about 27 per cent more than during the comparable NHIF period.

Maternity services remain another major area of expenditure. SHA has paid for deliveries for 1.3 million mothers, with Sh17 billion spent on the services.

Overall, SHA has disbursed Sh178.5 billion through its various funds. The Social Health Insurance Fund accounted for Sh134 billion, Primary Healthcare Sh23 billion, the Public Officers Medical Scheme Sh16.9 billion, and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund Sh3.5 billion.

Mwangangi also reported rapid activity at the newly launched ambulance dispatch Centre, which received 18,534 calls within its first two weeks and dispatched ambulances to 506 incidents.

She said the expansion was ultimately about taking healthcare closer to the public, describing the reforms as being “measured in lives.”

The figures are being presented as the government takes stock of its health agenda at the two-day National Health Summit, which runs from August 18 to 19 under the theme, “Reform Delivered, Health as a Right.”

President William Ruto is presiding over the summit, which is examining progress under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

The discussions are expected to focus on digital health, reforms at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), specialized healthcare, primary healthcare, maternal and newborn services, and the role of Community Health Promoters.

For SHA, however, the growing membership base presents a bigger test: whether the millions now registered can consistently access quality healthcare when they need it.

The government’s latest figures suggest the system has expanded significantly. The next measure of success will be whether that expansion is felt beyond the statistics — in hospitals, clinics and households across Kenya.

Kenya Weather Update: Expect rain, low temperatures, and high heat this week (August 18–24)

By
Binti Wangila
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Kenya is expected to experience mostly dry conditions this week, although several regions will see scattered showers, cold spells, or high temperatures. The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) reports that counties such as Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kisii, Lamu, Kericho, Nyandarua, and Nyeri will receive rainfall at various times throughout the week.

Cloudy conditions and cold spells are expected across Nairobi, Embu, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tharaka-Nithi, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado, and Marsabit counties. At night, average temperatures are forecast to drop below 10°C in areas such as Nyahururu (6°C), Narok (7°C), and Nairobi (8°C).

For warmer regions, daytime temperatures above 30°C are expected in Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit, Turkana, Bungoma, Busia, and Kakamega counties. Lodwar and Mandera are set to record the highest maximum temperatures at 37°C, followed by Garissa and Wajir at 35°C, while Mombasa and Lamu will hit 31°C and 32°C respectively.

Morning showers are expected along the Coast (Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu) as well as parts of Marsabit, Garissa, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, Busia, Bomet, Migori, Wajir, Nyandarua, Kakamega, Nairobi, Kirinyaga, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi.

By afternoon, scattered showers and thunderstorms are likely over Western Kenya and the Rift Valley in Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, Nandi, Kericho, Nakuru, Narok, Migori, Homa Bay, Bomet, Elgeyo/Marakwet, Siaya, Kisumu, Kisii, Nyamira, and West Pokot counties. Nighttime will remain partly cloudy across most of the country, though night showers will affect Trans Nzoia, Kisumu, Bungoma, Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Kirinyaga, Migori, and Homa Bay.

Looking back at the previous week (August 10–16), Kericho Meteorological Station recorded the highest seven-day rainfall total nationwide at 64.0 mm, as well as the highest 24-hour rainfall at 40.7 mm on August 12. Rainfall increased in Kisii, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, and Nyamira, but declined in Lamu, Kilifi, and Trans Nzoia.

Wajackoyah rules out stepping aside, declares: “I’m on the ballot” for 2027

By
Binti Wangila
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Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah has reaffirmed his intention to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election, dismissing speculation that he could step aside in favour of another candidate or join an emerging opposition alliance.

Wajackoyah said his campaign is focused on building grassroots support and engaging voters directly, rather than relying on opinion polls to determine his chances in the race.

Speaking during an interview with K24 on Monday, the Roots Party leader said his presidential ambitions remain unchanged and that he has no plans to back another candidate at this stage.

“I’m on the ballot. I’m running for president,” Wajackoyah said.

His declaration comes as political parties and leaders intensify preparations for the 2027 General Election, with opposition figures exploring possible alliances and efforts to rally behind a common presidential candidate.

Wajackoyah said the absence of his name from prominent positions in opinion polls has not affected his determination to contest the presidency.

He argued that his political strength should be measured through direct engagement with voters and grassroots mobilisation rather than polling numbers.

“The fear has been with the polls; those polls that run around have never mentioned my name, but I’m not campaigning from them. I’m campaigning within the population and the people of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.

The Roots Party leader said his approach has changed since the 2022 General Election, when he contested the presidency on the party’s ticket.

He said he is now concentrating on meeting voters directly and expanding his political network across the country.

Wajackoyah also revealed that he has deliberately reduced his presence on Facebook as he focuses more on physical campaigning and grassroots mobilisation.

“I am campaigning, I’m on the ground, and that’s why I’ve even gone off Facebook,” he said.

Wajackoyah also emphasised that Roots Party is a registered political party with its own presidential candidate, signalling that he does not currently see the need to depend on another political formation to pursue his presidential ambitions.

“Roots Party is a registered political party with a presidential candidate,” he said.

His remarks come against the backdrop of efforts by various opposition parties and political leaders to forge broader alliances ahead of the 2027 election.

The Roots Party leader also dismissed suggestions that he was considering joining the United Alternative Government, an emerging political platform bringing together parties and leaders seeking to build a stronger opposition front ahead of the 2027 election.

Asked whether he was considering working with the group, Wajackoyah said he had not been approached.

“I have not been approached,” he said.

Wajackoyah also challenged other presidential hopefuls to invite him to their public meetings and campaign events, saying such platforms would give him an opportunity to demonstrate his support among voters.

Wajackoyah contested the presidency in the 2022 General Election on the Roots Party ticket and finished third with 61,969 votes, according to results declared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

His latest declaration sets the stage for another presidential campaign, with his biggest challenge likely to be translating his grassroots mobilisation efforts into broader national support.

Unlike candidates seeking strength through political alliances, Wajackoyah says his strategy is to build support directly among voters and maintain Roots Party as his political vehicle for 2027.

During the interview, Wajackoyah also defended retired President Uhuru Kenyatta against allegations that he is financing political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He argued that Uhuru, despite having retired from the presidency, retains the right to participate in politics as long as he operates within the law.

“Those who are condemning Uhuru, are they not also financing? Uhuru is retired. Uhuru has not come out to say I’m running for president, but he also has a right to participate in politics in whichever way,” Wajackoyah said.

He challenged those accusing the former president of breaking the law to provide evidence and pursue legal action rather than relying on public accusations.

“If Uhuru has committed mayhem or has broken the law, take him to court,” he said.

Wajackoyah’s latest declaration places him firmly in the early 2027 presidential contest, at a time when political alliances and potential coalition arrangements are taking shape.

For the Roots Party leader, the immediate challenge will be turning his grassroots campaign into a stronger national political base and improving significantly on his 2022 performance.

While other political players focus on coalition-building, Wajackoyah is signalling that he intends to pursue a different route—building his support from the grassroots and going into the 2027 election as the Roots Party presidential candidate.

EPRA begins search for new Boss following KSh 4.8 billion Fuel scandal

By
Newton Ingui
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The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has kicked off the search for a new Director General following the dramatic exit of Daniel Kiptoo, who resigned amid high-profile probes into a KSh 4.8 billion emergency fuel procurement scandal.

Kiptoo stepped down after being arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) alongside former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban and former Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Managing Director Joe Sang.

State investigators allege that key energy officials falsified national fuel stock records to fabricate an artificial supply crisis.

The manufactured shortage was used to justify bypassing the official Government-to-Government (G2G) fuel supply framework to execute irregular emergency procurement.

The emergency shipment—69 million litres routed via the vessel MV Paloma—was allegedly overpriced and failed to meet required fuel quality standards.

The EPRA Board is expected to officially advertise the position to establish permanent leadership as part of wider governance reforms in Kenya’s energy sector.

Kenya health summit 2026: CS Aden Duale convenes landmark two-day forum at KICC to shape nation’s health future

By
Vincent Amara
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Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale| File Photo

Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale has officially opened the inaugural Kenya Health Summit today, August 18, 2026, welcoming citizens, healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

Running through tomorrow, August 19, the two-day high-level gathering marks a pivotal moment in the country’s journey toward universal health coverage and comprehensive medical reform.

The summit provides an essential platform to rigorously evaluate Kenya’s healthcare trajectory, examine critical performance metrics, and directly address systemic bottlenecks facing service delivery across all 47 counties.

Over the course of the event, delegates and participants will review concrete data, measure the impact of recent legislative and financial frameworks, and lay down the strategic roadmap for the next phase of the nation’s health transformation.

Central to the Ministry of Health’s agenda is fostering public participation and citizen-led feedback. Emphasizing that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right, CS Duale stressed the importance of public input in auditing the health system and identifying urgent priorities for policy intervention.

Key discussions will focus on primary healthcare infrastructure, sustainable health financing, digital health integration, and ensuring equitable access to specialized medical care for all Kenyans.

By bringing together government officials, community leaders, and the general public, the Kenya Health Summit 2026 aims to establish actionable solution frameworks that will strengthen primary care networks and build a resilient, modern health system.

Kenyans nationwide are encouraged to join the conversation both in person at KICC and across official digital channels using the hashtag #HealthSummitKE.

Ndindi Nyoro quits UDA, joins opposition

By
Vincent Amara
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Kiharu member of parliament Ndindi Nyoro| File Photo

In a dramatic political realignment, Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has officially announced his departure from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join the People’s Party of Kenya, firmly placing himself within the opposition camp.

Addressing the public, the high-profile lawmaker who previously served as a key ally to President William Ruto and chaired the influential Budget and Appropriations Committee in the National Assembly clarified that his exit from the ruling administration was a long-deliberated move rather than a sudden decision. Nyoro revealed that he and his supporters had quietly distanced themselves from the government long before formalizing their transition to the People’s Party of Kenya.

Nyoro explained that his shift followed nearly a year of extensive consultations with key opposition figures across the country. His deliberate outreach included high-level discussions with former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, People’s Liberation Party Leader Martha Karua, and former Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya.

Reflecting on his tenure within the ruling establishment, Nyoro shared candid insights regarding the realities of power, observing a stark contrast between campaigning and delivering on governance promises. He admitted to growing deeply disillusioned by the administration’s early performance, which he characterized as a period marked by trial and error.

According to the lawmaker, winning an election is merely the beginning, whereas the real struggle lies in executing promises and meeting the heightened expectations of everyday citizens.

Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Nyoro outlined a policy-driven vision for the opposition. He emphasized that the People’s Party of Kenya intends to offer an open, welcoming platform for opposition candidates nationwide, inviting them to participate in joint countrywide activities.

Moving forward, Nyoro stressed that political discourse must move beyond mere campaign rhetoric to focus strictly on actionable governance strategies that directly impact ordinary Kenyans, promising to unveil a comprehensive roadmap detailing how the opposition plans to execute its national agenda.

‘Harm was directed at us’: Babu Owino defies goons as Homa bay violence turns fatal

By
Vincent Amara
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Embakasi East MP Babu Owino| File Photo

A high-stakes political tour in Homa Bay County spiraled into terrifying turmoil when violent clashes erupted during the ‘Linda Mwananchi’ movement rally, leaving a police officer dead, multiple people injured, vehicles set ablaze, and local sanctuaries vandalized.

The tension ignited as a motorcade carrying Siaya Governor James Orengo and other opposition heavyweights journeyed toward their destination. In Ndhiwa, barricades blocked the route as groups of hostile youths ambushed the convoy with crude weapons, stone-throwing, and direct physical assault.

The unrest rapidly spread through trading centers, turning public roads into arenas of chaos where several cars were smashed, vandalized, and set on fire. The wave of destruction did not spare places of worship, as surrounding church structures were caught in the violent crossfire, sustaining property damage as fleeing crowds and mobs clashed in their precincts.

The encounter turned tragic between Olare and Nyangweso trading centers in Rangwe Sub-County. A senior police officer deployed to reinforce regional security sustained severe head trauma after a stone struck his vehicle.

He was rushed to a medical facility in Kisumu, where he succumbed to his injuries. At least eight other officers were wounded, prompting police to arrest dozens of armed suspects in an ongoing security crackdown.

Addressing the aftermath, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino forcefully rejected state accounts and video clips circulating online that alleged opposition figures initiated the violence.

Owino set the record straight on their movements, detailing that Governor Orengo departed Kisumu at 6:30 AM and drove straight into Homa Bay without making unscripted stops to incite crowds. He dismissed state-circulated video clips as “AI-generated” propaganda designed to shift blame away from sponsored goons and onto targeted leaders.

“Governor Orengo left Kisumu at 6:30 am, came straight to Homa Bay, and was attacked at Ndhiwa. There was no time for getting out of the car and entertaining any other person. Whatever you see, those are AI-generated. The government is very active, trying to defend themselves using fake clips to allege that we were also planning harm. Harm was on our way; we were not planning harm. To the goons, we will not be scared of you.”

Security agencies continue to hunt for the organizers behind the deadly attacks, while opposition leaders maintain they will not be intimidated from continuing their countrywide engagements.

Gachagua accuses Mp Eric Wamumbi of sharing confidential family & wealth secrets with president Ruto.

By
Newton Ingui
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Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi of betraying his trust by sharing confidential details regarding his family affairs and wealth ownership with President William Ruto.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with grassroots mobilizers from Nyeri County, the former Deputy President expressed regret for confiding in MP Wamumbi. Gachagua claimed that after showing the lawmaker his land properties and disclosing details about his sons’ business operations, Wamumbi relayed the information directly to the Head of State.

According to Gachagua, this alleged leak enabled state agencies to target his family businesses, claiming his sons, Kevin and Keith, were subsequently harassed.

Gachagua stated that he trusted MP Wamumbi—who succeeded him as Mathira MP—with sensitive private family and business matters, only for those details to be allegedly passed to President Ruto.

Gachagua also addressed ongoing allegations surrounding the estate of his late brother, former Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua. He dismissed claims of mismanaging or manipulating the late governor’s will, clarifying that all beneficiaries received their designated shares following the legal sale of the properties.

The DCP leader alleged that MP Wamumbi approached members of the late governor’s family after they spent their inheritance, promising to assist them in repossessing sold properties through the backing of the presidency.

Gachagua faulted President Ruto for acting on information provided by politicians without independent verification by intelligence agencies.

The sharp fallout follows public exchanges between President William Ruto and his former deputy over family inheritance matters and allegations concerning estate management. MP Wamumbi has previously denied involvement in the internal Gachagua family property disputes.

Faith Odhiambo warns against ‘Rungus and Pangas’ politics in Boma Bay

By
Newton Ingui
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Speaking during a Linda Mwananchi mobilization tour in Homa Bay, former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo strongly condemned political violence, warning against the deployment of youth armed with weapons to cause chaos during political events.

Odhiambo expressed concern over the escalating political tensions and the double standards used to mobilize citizens in different regions. She questioned why voters in some parts of the country are given economic incentives while residents in other areas are incited to engage in armed conflict.


“We cannot allow our blood to be the one that is poured. Today you are being told to take rungus and pangas and kill one another. That must come to an end,” Odhiambo told the crowd.

Odhiambo pointed out that while voters in by-elections elsewhere received gas cylinders, mattresses, and financial support, youth in other regions are being handed weapons like pangas and rungus to fight.

She urged local youth not to allow themselves to be used as tools of political violence for financial gain, defining political goonism as a systemic issue tied to poverty and political financing.

She questioned the unaccounted deaths of young people in police custody and during public demonstrations, referencing cases such as the death of Albert Ojwang.

Odhiambo noted that Kenya continues to suffer from cyclic political clashes because recommendations from past commission reports—including the Kriegler, Waki, and TJRC reports—have never been fully implemented.

The Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay was marked by disruptions, including barricaded roads, tear gas, and clashes. Odhiambo called on national and local leaders to stop exploiting youth vulnerability and focus on dialogue rather than political hostility.

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