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Kenya’s 800m Star Lilian Odira ends 2026 season after illness

By
Festus Basabo
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World 800m champion Lilian Odira has been forced to end her 2026 season after falling ill, ruling her out of the World Ultimate Championships in Budapest, Hungary, as well as the Athlos meeting in London.

Odira, who had secured an automatic place at the inaugural World Ultimate Championships after winning the world 800m title in Tokyo last year, has been unable to recover fully from her illness. Her withdrawal means she will miss one of the most highly anticipated track events of the year.

The Kenyan middle-distance star was also set to face some of the world’s leading 800m runners in what promised to be a highly competitive showdown.

Confirming that her 2026 season is now over, Odira said she has struggled to fully recover since returning to Nairobi several weeks ago. Her focus is now on recovery and preparing herself for a return to competition when she is fully fit.

“It is so disappointing for me to say I shall not be at the World Ultimate Championships in Budapest and the Athlos in London. The women’s 800m is so amazing right now, and I am just really heartbroken not to be on the start list. Since coming back to Nairobi a few weeks ago, I have not fully recovered. As a result, I have not stepped back on the track for any training session.”Odira said

Despite the disappointment of ending her season early, Odira is already looking ahead to 2027, when she is expected to return with renewed determination and a strong challenge to defend her world title at the championships in Beijing, China.

“I promise to be back stronger than ever in 2027,” affirmed Odira.

Odira’s 2026 campaign featured several notable performances. She began her season at the Kip Keino Classic on April 24, finishing second in the 800m in 1:59.15.In May, she demonstrated her versatility at the Kenya Prisons Service Championships, winning three events, the 1,500m in 4:29.1, the 800m in 2:07.8 and the 400m in 53.2.

Her Diamond League campaign began with a third-place finish in Rabat on May 31. On June 20, she successfully defended her national 800m title, securing her third consecutive Kenyan championship in 2:00.44.

The highlight of her season came on July 4 at the Prefontaine Classic, where Odira produced a strong finish to claim her first Diamond League victory of the year.

She clocked a season-best 1:56.19, defeating a strong field that included Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson.Odira followed that performance with a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, finishing in 2:00.58.

Her final race of the 2026 season came on August 21 at the Lausanne Diamond League, where she finished seventh.

Although her season has ended earlier than expected, Odira will now turn her attention to making a full recovery and preparing for 2027. Her ultimate target will be to return to the world stage and defend the 800m title she won in Tokyo.

Turkana Pastoralists put on high alert as heavy rains threaten the Karamoja Cluster

By
Leah Kawon
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LODWAR — Turkana County Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus has put pastoralist communities across Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia on high alert as heavy rains loom over the Karamoja cluster, warning of potential flooding, livestock losses, disease outbreaks, and human displacement expected between October and December.

Speaking during the opening of the sixth Sub-Regional Climate Outlook Forum for the Ateker/Karamoja Cluster under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Dr. Erus emphasized that seamless regional cooperation will be critical in helping pastoralist communities cope with the anticipated weather conditions. He noted that the three-day forum brings together government officials, meteorologists, pastoralist representatives, indigenous forecasters, development partners, and sector experts to translate climate predictions directly into early action.

Dr. Erus revealed that diplomatic efforts are already underway to cushion local herders against the severe effects of the predicted downpours by ensuring access to vital grazing land across international boundaries. The Kenyan government has already engaged the Ugandan government regarding cross-border access to key resources, allowing pastoralists to safely seek pasture and water on the Ugandan side if local fields become submerged or damaged.

According to the Deputy Governor, IGAD’s regional involvement remains vital in establishing a robust framework that goes beyond simply translating climate forecasts to actively protecting the livelihoods of pastoralist families throughout the border region.

Reinforcing the Deputy Governor’s alert, Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita warned that while climate change is a global phenomenon, its local impact could prove catastrophic for communities that depend entirely on livestock. Kavita raised immediate alarms over the rising levels of Lake Turkana, directly driven by increased water inflows from Ethiopia’s Omo River. He warned that the surging lake is already displacing shoreline populations and urged both county and national governments to prepare rapid response interventions before the heavy rains compound the crisis.

The County Commissioner further warned that severe downpours could wash away herds and destroy pasture across the Karamoja Cluster for up to a month, forcing rapid, widespread migrations as families search for viable land. Climate experts at the forum highlighted that one of the region’s greatest vulnerabilities is the persistent gap between issuing early warnings and taking timely, ground-level action. Because roughly 70 percent of the region is arid or semi-arid, officials are focusing on cascading seasonal predictions to the last mile using native languages, community radio, traditional elders, and extension officers. Early preparation is seen as essential not only to save lives and livestock, but also to prevent competition over temporarily scarce resources from escalating into cross-border conflicts before the official seasonal advisories are released at the close of the summit.

West Pokot trains 30 border health workers to spot and handle suspected Ebola cases

By
Hellen Nanjala
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WEST POKOT – County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Claire Parklea has confirmed that West Pokot is stepping up its defenses against Ebola Virus Disease to safeguard residents living along the porous Kenya-Uganda border. Pointing out that the region faces a high risk due to constant cross-border movement and trade, Parklea stressed that local health teams cannot lower their guard, even though the county has recorded zero confirmed cases of the virus so far.

To strengthen early detection and response, the West Pokot County Department of Health teamed up with the Core Group Partners Project, through the International Rescue Committee, to deliver an intensive five-day training workshop. The program brought together 30 frontline healthcare staff including nurses, doctors, public health officers, lab specialists, and community health assistants from Kacheliba and Pokot North sub-counties. Participants gained practical skills in infection prevention, safe case management, rapid isolation, disease tracking, and clear community communication.

Local officials noted that protecting healthcare workers themselves was a key focus of the training. Because Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected body fluids, frontline staff face extreme risks when caring for sick patients. Equipping these workers with proper safety protocols ensures they can handle any high-risk scenario confidently without putting their own lives or the local health system in danger.

County Disease Surveillance Coordinator Wilson Tarus reassured the public that surveillance teams remain on high alert 24/7. While past reports of suspected cases in northern Kacheliba were quickly investigated and cleared negative after lab tests at KEMRI, Tarus emphasized that active monitoring must continue uninterrupted.

To complement these efforts, County Executive Committee Member Claire Parklea added that the county will launch regular radio broadcasts and town hall meetings to answer public questions, stop false rumors, and keep border communities safe without causing unnecessary panic.

Government to roll out KJET programme next month to boost small businesses

By
Newton Ingui
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The government will officially launch the Kenya Jobs for Economic Transformation (KJET) programme next month. The initiative aims to provide direct support and grants to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) across the country to spur job creation and support local economies.

Speaking after receiving a briefing on the final rollout preparations at his official residence in Karen, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirmed that the government is ready to begin implementing the multi-million-shilling project.

The KJET initiative will focus on key economic clusters, providing established small businesses with critical funding and essential equipment required for value addition, operational scaling, and market expansion.

“The government is committed to expanding economic opportunities for everyday entrepreneurs. KJET will provide target clusters with the equipment, capital, and leverage necessary to scale up production and absorb more young workers into the formal workforce.”

Micro and small enterprise (MSE) clusters, artisans, and small-scale value-addition businesses.

Provision of grant funding and specialized equipment to enhance productivity, local manufacturing, and value chain integration.

The government will select business clusters equitably across all 47 counties, constituencies, and electoral wards to ensure nationwide reach.

Final preparation phases are underway, with the initial disbursement of grants and support equipment scheduled to kick off in October.

The rollout forms part of the government’s broader economic strategy focused on bottom-up development, targeting high-impact micro-enterprises to drive sustained economic growth and curb youth unemployment across the nation.

Lionel Messi agrees deal to acquire Spanish segunda división club CD Eldense

By
Newton Ingui
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ELDEN, SPAIN — Inter Miami superstar and Argentine icon Lionel Messi has reached an agreement in principle to complete a full 100% takeover of Spanish second-tier club CD Eldense.

The agreement sees Messi acquire all shares from majority shareholder group TH Soluciones Group SAS without any third-party involvement. The transaction is currently undergoing final due diligence procedures and awaits formal authorization from Spain’s High Council for Sports (CSD) before being finalized.

CD Eldense represents Messi’s second football club acquisition in Spain, adding to his purchase of fifth-tier outfit UE Cornellà. He also holds investments in Uruguayan side Deportivo LSM alongside Luis Suárez.

Messi matched the required valuations to secure 100% of the club’s equity.

The Alicante-based club faces pitch challenges, having recently parted ways with manager Claudio Barragán following a tough start to their Segunda División campaign. Finding a new manager will be among the first key decisions for the incoming ownership structure.

Relief for Patients as 43-day nationwide Nurses’ strike officially called off

By
Newton Ingui
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Public healthcare services are set to resume across the country after union officials and government leaders reached a breakthrough agreement to end the 43-day national nurses’ strike.

The resolution came following intense, emergency negotiations between representatives from the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN), the Council of Governors (CoG), and the Ministry of Health. Union leadership confirmed the suspension of all industrial action, directing healthcare workers to report back to their stations immediately.

Negotiators finalized a structured agreement addressing long-standing grievances regarding delayed promotions, staffing shortages, and working conditions.

The deal incorporates enhanced risk and service allowances alongside commitments to improve overall health worker welfare.

The agreement guarantees that no nurse will face victimisation or disciplinary action for participating in the strike.

Speaking after the signing of the accord, union representatives expressed regret over the prolonged disruption to public medical services while emphasizing that the strike was a last resort to secure critical reforms in the health sector. Health officials commended both sides for engaging in dialogue to resolve the standoff and assured the public that emergency and routine services would normalize within 25 to 48 hours.

The end of the dispute brings critical relief to thousands of patients nationwide who faced severe paralysis of health services in public hospitals.

Governor Ochilo Ayacko calls for constitutional audit and revisitation to address devolution gaps

By
Newton Ingui
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Migori County Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko has called for a comprehensive review and revisitation of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, emphasizing that over a decade of implementation has exposed structural gaps that hinder effective governance and devolution.

Speaking in his dual capacity as a county executive and as the Head of the Legal, Constitutional Affairs, and Intergovernmental Relations Committee within the Council of Governors (CoG), Governor Ayacko highlighted key areas requiring constitutional realignment:

Addressing perennial delays in the disbursement of equitable share funds to county governments.

Refining operational mechanisms between the national government and county administration to minimize legal stalemates.

Revisiting criteria for revenue distribution to ensure county governments receive resources commensurate with devolved functions.

Enhancing accountability mechanisms while streamlining legislative processes affecting counties.

“A constitutional review after years of implementation is standard practice in robust democracies to ensure the framework continues to serve the public interest and safeguard devolved units.”

The call joins a growing momentum among county leadership and political stakeholders advocating for targeted constitutional amendments ahead of future electoral cycles.

President Ruto inspects ongoing construction at Itembe Airstrip in Bomet, assures timely completion

By
Newton Ingui
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President William Ruto made an extensive inspection tour of the ongoing construction and modernization works at the Itembe Airstrip in Bomet County, reiterating his administration’s commitment to expanding regional infrastructure to boost economic growth and connectivity.

During the inspection, the Head of State assessed progress on the primary runway, terminal facilities, and access roads. He was accompanied by senior national and county leaders, including Ministry of Transport officials and Bomet County leadership.

Engineers briefed the President on the structural progress, including the paving and bituminization of the runway to accommodate larger passenger and commercial aircraft.

President Ruto emphasized that the upgraded facility will unlock the economic potential of the South Rift region, facilitating the fast transport of agricultural produce—particularly tea, dairy, and horticultural products—to national and international markets.

The airstrip is set to position Bomet as a key transit point for domestic and international tourists traveling toward the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and adjacent conservation areas.

The project has already generated direct local employment during construction, with additional long-term opportunities expected upon completion in aviation services, logistics, and hospitality.

Addressing local residents and project engineers at the site, President Ruto directed the contractors to adhere strictly to project timelines and maintain high quality standards to ensure operations commence as scheduled.

Gachagua unveils opposition’s first 100-day action plan

By
Newton Ingui
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now leading the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has outlined an ambitious 100-day roadmap for a potential opposition-led government. Speaking during engagements in the United States with members of the Kenyan diaspora, Gachagua emphasized that his platform prioritizes systemic governance overhauls and institutional restoration over massive financial outlays.

The cornerstone of the plan rests on political goodwill to restore public trust, dismantling state capture, and delivering immediate accountability.

Launching formal inquiries into the treatment and deaths of Gen Z protesters to ensure legal accountability for victims and affected families.

Expediting anti-graft measures, boosting protection for whistleblowers, and canceling illegally issued land title deeds.

Accelerating targeted social interventions, such as establishing dedicated girls’ boarding schools in regions struggling with high rates of early marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Rebalancing political will across law enforcement agencies and judicial oversight bodies to eliminate political interference.

“Our priority in the first 100 days is not about promising unfeasible budgets, but mobilizing the political goodwill required to clean up state capture and rebuild public trust.”

The announcement comes as Gachagua continues efforts to forge a united opposition coalition alongside key political leaders—including Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa—to present a single presidential contender in the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua reaffirmed that he is willing to back whichever candidate yields the highest chance of victory, prioritizing coalitional strength and electoral reform over individual political ambitions.

Unemployment and Poverty top list of National concerns

By
Newton Ingui
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A staggering 70% of Kenyans cite economic hardships as the nation’s most severe challenge, with widespread unemployment and deep-seated poverty leading public anxiety.

According to a nationwide poll released by Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 44% of respondents specifically identified unemployment and poverty as the most urgent crises facing their households. An additional 25% highlighted high inflation, surging commodity prices, and heavy taxation as their primary concerns.

76% of citizens believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, while only 15% feel it is moving in the right direction.

65% of Kenyans report that their personal or family economic situation has worsened, compared to just 12% who have experienced improvements.

Adult employment—including self-employment—fell to 58%, down from 63% in late 2025.

Only 11% of Kenyan adults earn more than Ksh 50,000 per month.

The survey underscores a growing disconnect between official macroeconomic policies and the “lived economy” at the household level. With reduced job prospects, a majority of working adults report having to resort to secondary side hustles—such as online sales, freelancing, and informal small businesses—just to meet daily obligations like rent, food, and transport. TIFA analysts noted that persistent economic vulnerabilities and lack of gainful employment will likely serve as pivotal political issues heading into the 2027 General Election.

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