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FEASSSA 2026: Kenya endures tough start in Morogoro as champions crash out

By
Denilson Muhando
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Kenyan secondary school teams are facing a difficult campaign at the 23rd edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association Championships, FEASSSA 2026, with the regional games entering their third day in Morogoro, Tanzania.

Kenya arrived at the championship with high expectations following strong performances at the national KSSSA championships, but several representatives have struggled to replicate that form against some of East Africa’s best school teams, particularly in boys’ football and volleyball.

In boys’ football, St. Mary’s Yala, Kenya’s national runners-up, opened their campaign with a narrow 1–0 defeat to St. Mary’s Kitende of Uganda, immediately putting pressure on their qualification hopes.

The biggest blow for Kenya, however, has come from Kakamega School, the reigning national champions. The giants have been officially eliminated after suffering defeats in their opening two matches. Kakamega lost 2–1 to Kyodondo Secondary of Uganda before falling 1–0 to Urambo Secondary, bringing their FEASSSA campaign to an early end.

In girls’ football, St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale have had a mixed start with the Kenyan champions openning with a 0–0 draw against Alliance Girls of Tanzania before sharing the points in another goalless draw against Amus College of Uganda.

The Kitale side, however, produced a much-needed response on day three by demolishing Kilombero of Tanzania 5–0, giving the Kenyan champions renewed confidence and strengthening their chances of advancing to the next stage.

Nyakach Girls, popularly known as the Plateau Queens, have also been forced to fight for their survival after beginning their campaign with a 3–0 defeat to Rines Secondary of Uganda. They are expected to face Ziba of Tanzania at Jamhuri Stadium today 17th , with the result likely to have a major bearing on their hopes of remaining in the competition.

Kenya’s struggles have also extended to boys’ volleyball, where Ugandan teams have emerged as particularly difficult opponents.

Chesamisi lost 3–1 to Bukedea of Uganda and then suffered a narrow 3–2 defeat to Nyanza of Rwanda, although they recovered with a convincing 3–0 victory over fellow Kenyan side Matiliku.

Chepsaita began strongly with a 3–0 victory over Kajunjumele, but later suffered a closely fought 3–2 defeat to Namugogo of Uganda.

Matiliku endured an even tougher campaign, suffering defeats against Chesamisi, Lumala and Bukedea.

There has been some positive news in girls’ volleyball, with Soweto Girls defeating Mwanahunzi of Tanzania 3–0, while Mwitoti secured a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Bukedea.

Attention now turns to Kesogon Senior School, Kenya’s reigning national volleyball champions, who are scheduled to make their FEASSSA debut against Mengele of Tanzania. Kenyan supporters will be hoping the national champions can provide a major boost to the country’s campaign.

Away from the playing fields, however, concerns over the organisation and officiating of the championships have also emerged.

Some Kenyan participants have expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the regional tournament has been organised, with representatives from Chema Volleyball Club of Juja and Kwanthanze questioning aspects of the tournament’s management and officiating.

One of the concerns raised is the timing of the official opening ceremony, which was conducted after teams had already been competing for two days. The arrangement has prompted questions from some participants over the planning and coordination of a major regional championship involving schools from across East Africa.

The 23rd FEASSSA Championships continue until August 22, with Kenya hoping its remaining representatives can recover from the difficult opening, secure progression and restore national pride on the regional stage.

Turkana residents protest 5-year delay in opening Sh100M Kanamkemer Market

By
Leah Kawon
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TURKANA CENTRAL — Frustration is mounting in Canaan and Kanamkemer Ward as residents, traders, and youth demonstrate against a five-year delay in opening the newly built Kanamkemer Fresh Produce Market.

Constructed under the Kenya Devolution Support Programme (KDSP) with support from the World Bank, the Sh100 million project spans approximately 1.5 acres and features 112 stalls. Despite being reported as 100 percent complete in 2023 with an expected launch in January 2024, the facility remains shuttered, denying the local community a vital economic hub.

The prolonged closure has not only halted local commerce but has also turned the facility into a target for vandalism and theft. Nearby resident Hadijah Kamzee highlighted the deteriorating condition of the stalled site, noting that streetlights have vanished and doors have been stolen from the unused building.

Local youth and bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) operators emphasized that operationalizing the market would immediately generate income through trade, transport, and manual labor opportunities. Canaan resident Raul expressed the youth’s frustration, asking Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai how much longer young people are expected to wait for the jobs the facility was built to provide.

The market delay is part of a larger wave of public discontent in Turkana Central, where residents raised concerns over a wide range of stalled public investments and lagging essential services. Protesters pointed to poor road networks, an incomplete saleyard, an unassigned stage for bodaboda operators, an unreliable water supply, and alleged favoritism in the distribution of county education bursaries. Other neglected community assets include the closed Kanamkemer Resource Centre, a non-functional youth hall, and inadequate local healthcare services.

In response to the widespread delays, local youth representative Simeon signaled a shift in political patience among constituents, warning leaders that empty promises will no longer secure votes.

Residents are now formally demanding clear operational timelines from county leaders, specifically targeting Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, Kanamkemer Member of County Assembly (MCA) James Ikeny, and relevant education stakeholders. Community members insist they will settle for nothing short of completed projects, improved public services, and tangible economic results.

Digital skills training empowers 132 more youth in Saku constituency, Marsabit

By
Mike Kwoba
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SAKU — Over 132 young people have graduated from the EBISA Digital Literacy Programme, raising the total number of beneficiaries of the youth empowerment initiative to 569.

Sponsored by Saku parliamentary aspirant Abdikadir Doyo Wario popularly known as “Ebisa” the programme equips local youth with practical digital skills designed to boost employability, foster entrepreneurship, and drive participation in the digital economy.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Doyo urged youth across Saku Constituency to enroll and take advantage of the free training. “Empowering youth with digital skills is essential not only for their personal growth, but also for building a skilled workforce that will drive the constituency’s economic development,” he said.

He noted that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to offer market-driven competencies, helping young people secure employment and contribute to regional digital transformation.

Doyo emphasized the difference between basic social media usage and professional digital competence. “Many young people assume they are digitally literate because they use social media. This course goes beyond that by equipping them with practical skills they can apply in the workplace and convert into income through online opportunities,” he explained. Expressing confidence in the class, he encouraged graduates to leverage their new skills to improve their livelihoods in an increasingly technology-driven global job market.

Calling for systemic support, Doyo urged government agencies, political leaders, development partners, and the private sector to expand investment in regional tech infrastructure. “We must move beyond basic digital literacy by investing in computers, digital laboratories, and reliable internet,” he urged. “Young people already spend time online; we should help them turn that into productive employment and a sustainable source of income.”

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that the training provided valuable tools to seek employment or start business ventures. “The programme has improved my computer literacy and opened new opportunities,” said graduate Qabale Malich Haro.

Investing in Education: KSh 14.6M raised for Laisamis Senior School in Marsabit

By
Mike Kwoba
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MARSABIT – Energy and Petroleum Principal Secretary Kello Harsama has emphasized that investing in education is essential to securing the future of local communities, speaking during a major fundraiser for Laisamis Senior School in Marsabit County. PS Harsama, who led the drive, noted that expanding educational resources lays a firmer foundation for the next generation.

The weekend event successfully raised KSh 14.6 million, which will be directed toward constructing a new administration block and a library to improve administrative efficiency and expand learning resources for students.

The event brought together various regional leaders and community stakeholders, including Laisamis MP Joseph Lekuton alongside local MCAs Daniel Burcha, Joseph Leruk, and Christopher Ogom. Established in 1986, Laisamis Senior School stands as the pioneer secondary school in the constituency.

Local residents commended PS Harsama’s ongoing development engagement in the region, recalling his past efforts leading the State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development. They highlighted key projects such as borehole drilling, water pan construction, emergency food and water relief, and livestock restocking programs that helped families recover from severe dry spells.

Addressing the broader political climate ahead of future local contests, PS Harsama who has declared his intent to run for the Marsabit gubernatorial seat promised an inclusive approach to governance.

He stated that his administration would embrace all communities across the county regardless of their population size. Furthermore, he encouraged the Rendille community to field a Senate candidate to join his movement, observing that he enters the political arena without political baggage compared to candidates who have previously held public office.

New 250-Bed maternal hospital set for West Pokot under Ksh 4.4B initiative

By
Hellen Nanjala
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WEST POKOT – West Pokot County is set to receive a major boost in healthcare services following plans to build a new 250-bed specialized maternal and newborn hospital. The project comes as county and national health authorities ramp up joint efforts to reduce high rates of preventable maternal and infant mortality across the region.

The announcement followed discussions on Thursday, August 13, where Deputy Governor Robert Komolle met with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, several county governors, and regional health officials to align strategies for improving reproductive healthcare. West Pokot’s facility is one of 10 specialized health centers earmarked for regions facing significant gaps in maternal care.

Financed through a Ksh 4.4 billion grant from the Amsons Group under the Mama na Mtoto Kwanza initiative, the hospital will focus on complex reproductive and infant care. Plans call for modern surgical theaters for Caesarean sections, advanced labor wards, and fully equipped Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) to manage high-risk births.

Deputy Governor Komolle highlighted the transformative potential of the project, noting that it will save lives by cutting down travel times for emergency medical care. “This facility will bring specialised maternal and newborn healthcare services closer to our people and help address preventable deaths among mothers and newborns,” he noted, reassuring partners that the county administration is fully committed to seeing the project to fruition.

Komolle attended the strategy meeting alongside Health and Sanitation CECM Claire Parklea and officials from the County Health Management Team. Groundbreaking for the hospital is scheduled for September 2026, with the completed facility expected to give West Pokot the infrastructure needed to manage severe pregnancy complications and neonatal emergencies locally.

West Pokot strengthens Ebola preparedness through rapid response team training

By
Vivian Achwa
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KAPENGURIA – Healthcare workers in West Pokot County have strengthened their capacity to detect, investigate and respond to Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other public health emergencies following the completion of a five-day Rapid Response Teams (RRT) training in Kapenguria.

The training, which concluded on Friday August 14, at Kalya Hotel, Kapenguria, brought together healthcare workers and public health officials for intensive sessions aimed at enhancing the county’s preparedness and ability to mount a coordinated response to disease outbreaks.

The training was organised by the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) in partnership with FHI 360 under the STRIDES programme.

Participants were trained in EVD surveillance and case investigation, laboratory diagnosis, case management, infection prevention and control, risk communication and community engagement, safe and dignified burials, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), points-of-entry surveillance and coordination of emergency response activities.


The training also featured practical exercises on personal protective equipment (PPE) donning and doffing, hand hygiene, chlorine mixing, cleaning and disinfection, specimen collection and packaging, epidemiological data management and tabletop simulation exercises.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, West Pokot County Director for Health and Sanitation, Dr. Solomon Kokwo, commended the participants and partners for their commitment to strengthening the county’s preparedness and response systems.

“The knowledge and practical skills gained during this training will enhance our ability to detect and respond to Ebola and other public health emergencies effectively,” Dr. Kokwo said.

The participants concluded the training with post-training assessments, development of emergency response work plans and presentations aimed at translating the knowledge acquired into practical preparedness and response measures.

The training comes as health authorities continue to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response capacity to ensure that suspected outbreaks are detected early and contained before spreading within communities.

The initiative is expected to enhance coordination among healthcare workers and other key responders, while improving the county’s readiness to manage Ebola and other emerging public health threats.

Kakuma refugee athletes begin 840km run for hope to Nairobi

By
Leah Kawon
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Twenty-eight refugee athletes hailing from the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana County have embarked on a massive 840-kilometre ultra-marathon towards Nairobi. The journey aims to spotlight refugee challenges while mobilizing global support for education, health services, food security, and sustainable development initiatives within refugee settlements.

Titled the Tegla Loroupe Ultra Marathon “Run for Hope,” the seven-day campaign runs from August 17 to August 23, 2026. The participating athletes will traverse the long route from Turkana down to Nairobi, where they are scheduled to reach the finish line at Uhuru Park on Sunday.

The initiative is spearheaded by legendary world marathon champion and founder of the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation, Tegla Loroupe, alongside refugee ambassador Msafiri Francois. Loroupe is actively running the distance with the 28 refugees to show solidarity and send a strong message that displacement should never mark the end of a person’s life ambitions.

Expressing her motivation, Ambassador Loroupe stated that every single kilometre covered serves as an active reminder that displaced individuals still deserve equal opportunities to chase their ambitions. She reiterated her commitment to ensuring refugee voices and potential remain visible through sports.

Organized under the theme “Running for Humanity: Empowering Refugees Through Education and Sustainable Development,” the initiative addresses severe issues faced by displaced populations, including persistent food shortages, lack of schooling, unemployment, and mental health struggles. Funds raised through the trek will directly supply scholarships, classroom materials, food packages, and psychosocial support to vulnerable refugee youth.

Beyond financial relief, the long-distance run seeks to foster peaceful coexistence between host communities and refugee populations. Highlighting ongoing efforts, Loroupe pointed to figures like refugee athlete Yiech Pur Biel set to lead the Refugee Olympic Team at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal as proof of what sport-driven opportunities can accomplish.

Ultimately, the 840-kilometre trek serves as a powerful testament to how athletics can cultivate peace, dignity, and a better future for refugees across Kenya and beyond.

Tragedy at Naduat, Turkana: Rescue teams race to reach six trapped miners

By
Kimani Karanja
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TURKANA – Six miners remain trapped underground after a gold mining pit collapsed on Friday, August 14, at a site in Naduat, Nakalale Ward, Turkana County. As of Monday, August 17, rescue teams have yet to establish whether the trapped workers are still alive.

A joint rescue operation involving the Kenya Red Cross, security officers, county officials, local miners, and heavy machinery is currently underway to clear debris and reach the collapsed section.

Local miners who understand the underground terrain are playing a critical role by guiding responders through possible access points, while excavators work to clear the shaft. However, the mission is progressing slowly due to highly unstable ground conditions that pose severe risks of a secondary collapse.

Anxiety continues to mount among families and the local community, prompting a senior security official to urge the public to disregard unverified social media reports. Following a site assessment by county officials and Red Cross personnel on Sunday, authorities emphasized that no survivors or bodies have been recovered yet, and it remains too early to confirm the condition of the miners.

The Naduat collapse highlights the persistent dangers faced by artisanal gold miners in Turkana, who frequently work in remote areas with poorly reinforced shafts, inadequate ventilation, and little access to protective gear or emergency response services.

The incident also follows long-standing regulatory concerns; in 2025, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) ordered the closure of over 200 unlicensed mining sites along River Turkwel due to safety hazards and severe environmental contamination.

While gold mining serves as a vital income source in regions like Turkana South, miners often rely on informal middlemen and operate without safety oversight. As broader questions emerge regarding safety standards and regulation across Turkana’s mining sector, the immediate focus remains on the ongoing race against time to reach the six trapped workers.

Kakuma Refugee status at risk over crime as DRS chief enforces strict security compliance

By
Kimani Karanja
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KAKUMA – Kakuma Refugee Camp Manager and Head of the Department of Refugee Services (DRS), Thomas Siele, has issued a stern warning to refugees against participating in criminal activities.

Speaking to the press on Friday, August 15, Siele cautioned that individuals who compromise national security or threaten local communities face severe legal repercussions, including the potential revocation of their refugee status under the Refugees Act of 2021.

Siele emphasized that criminal behavior within the camp carries ramifications that extend far beyond standard prosecution. He noted that the government will strictly enforce national laws to protect public safety, making it clear that a review of refugee status remains a direct consequence for anyone interfering with the country’s security.

In addition to security matters, the camp manager urged residents to take full advantage of official documentation services offered by the DRS. Siele reaffirmed that all document issuance within the camp is completely free of charge, issuing a strong warning to government personnel against extortion and corrupt practices while declaring the facility a strict zero-tolerance zone for corruption.

Addressing registration delays, Siele disclosed that the department has taken active measures to clear a historic backlog of approximately 10,000 refugee identity cards. The registration office is currently distributing around 300 identity cards daily, significantly speeding up the retrieval process for applicants.

Siele highlighted that obtaining official identity cards is essential for refugees to access vital services, particularly Social Health Authority (SHA) registration and mobile SIM card activation. He called upon local community leaders to assist in tracing applicants so refugees can collect their ready identification cards and promptly register for necessary healthcare services.

Homa Bay rally turns violent, leaving one dead and 46 injured

By
Binti Wangila
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HOMA BAY, Kenya — A political rally by Linda Mwananchi in Homa Bay Town descended into violence, leaving one person dead, 46 injured and several vehicles and properties damaged as supporters made their way into the town.

The deceased was a Ugandan woman who was reportedly hit by a vehicle during the chaos. She was rushed to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital, where she later died while receiving treatment.

Of the 46 people injured, seven are in critical condition, while four sustained gunshot wounds after they were attacked by armed individuals.

The casualties were reported as Linda Mwananchi brigades travelled from Sindo in Suba South towards Homa Bay Town.

Most of those injured suffered deep cuts from machetes on different parts of their bodies.

The victims were initially taken to the county referral hospital for first aid before some were transferred to private health facilities for further treatment amid an ongoing nurses’ strike.

The violence also left a trail of destruction across Homa Bay Town.

Six vehicles were set on fire after armed groups reportedly barricaded the Homa Bay-Mbita road from the Lala area to Junction Kodoyo.

The barricades were allegedly intended to prevent Linda Mwananchi supporters from accessing Homa Bay Town.

The burnt vehicles were later towed to Homa Bay Police Station, where they remain as investigations continue.

In a separate incident linked to the violence, armed individuals reportedly stormed the headquarters of SDA Lake Victoria Field in Lala village along the Homa Bay-Mbita road.

The attackers damaged the church building and vehicles parked within the compound.

Lake Victoria Field President Pastor Samson Okwach said the church was still assessing the extent and value of property lost during the attack.

Okwach condemned the political violence witnessed in Homa Bay and called on local leaders to embrace dialogue to prevent further bloodshed.

He urged political leaders to take steps to protect residents and prevent political disagreements from escalating into violence.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of political gatherings in Homa Bay, with the death, injuries and destruction of property increasing pressure on local leaders to find ways of containing political violence in the region.

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