Home Blog Page 72

“Our healthcare system is broken”: Senator Sifuna warns of critical blood shortage crisis

By
Vincent Amara
-
0
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna|File Photo

The Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has raised a stark alarm over the state of Kenya’s public health infrastructure, declaring the healthcare system to be in deep crisis while addressing the Senate.

“Our healthcare system is in crisis,” Senator Sifuna declared, laying bare the severe logistical bottlenecks and daily struggles consuming public medical facilities. He pointed out that hospitals across the country do not even have an adequate supply of basic blood collection bags, creating an unprecedented situation where blood donors in some instances are forced to provide their own before they can give blood.

He continued by stating that the crisis deepens further once blood is successfully drawn. Blood samples collected in various counties must often be transported by road across vast distances to centralized testing facilities in Nairobi or Mombasa for mandatory screening. By the time the results are finally made available, much of the donated blood has already expired because many regional hospitals completely lack functional refrigeration equipment to maintain the cold chain.

Sifuna urged that this dangerous failure of supplies and logistics places frontline healthcare workers in an agonizing predicament. Faced with immediate life-and-death emergencies, some health workers are forced to make impossible decisions, including transfusing blood that has not yet been tested in a desperate effort to save lives. The senator condemned this unacceptable reality, emphasizing that it places both vulnerable patients and dedicated medical personnel at extreme, unnecessary risk.

Concluding his address, the lawmaker stressed that Kenya’s healthcare system is fundamentally broken, calling for immediate and decisive action from health authorities to address these systemic failures and ensure that every Kenyan can finally access safe, reliable, and high-quality healthcare.

Kenya Power Fully Restores Electricity Nationwide

By
Newton Ingui
-
0

Kenya Power confirmed in a customer update issued at 6:22 AM on Thursday, July 30, 2026, that electricity supply has been fully restored to all customers affected by the widespread blackout that struck the country on Wednesday night. Restoration teams successfully brought the grid back online by 2:00 AM.

The blackout hit major parts of the country, including Nairobi, the Coast region, Mt. Kenya, and parts of the Central Rift. Parts of the North Rift and Western regions maintained stable power throughout the disruption.

The outage began on Wednesday evening (July 29), with Kenya Power acknowledging the disruption around 9:05 PM. Power was progressively restored starting late Wednesday night, reaching 100% restoration by 2:00 AM on Thursday.

Kenya Power has not yet publicly disclosed the root technical cause of the grid failure, though technical teams were deployed immediately to stabilize the transmission network.

President Ruto set to deliver address on Kenya’s future amid growing political shift

By
Vincent Amara
-
0
President William Ruto|File Photo

President William Ruto is expected to deliver a special national address to the nation on Thursday, July 30, centered on Kenya’s future and a renewed national vision, according to State House.

In a promotional message released ahead of the speech, State House noted that the President will urge citizens to embrace an ambitious path forward, emphasizing that national transformation requires bold goals and collective effort.

“A nation is not ultimately defined by where it begins, or where it stands today, but by the future it has the courage to build,” the official promotional message states.

The address will call on citizens to take active ownership of the country’s direction, aligning with constitutional principles that place responsibility on both leaders and the public. State House has not released a detailed agenda, maintaining that the speech will remain focused on long-term national development.

Despite the official focus on a national vision, the timing of the address has drawn intense political attention following a major setback for the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). In the July 16 Ol Kalou by-election, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru secured victory with 35,440 votes, defeating UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who received 5,450 votes.

The decisive defeat spurred reflection within the ruling party, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki acknowledging the setback, calling for a strategic rethink, and stating it was time to “reengineer the game altogether.”

Meanwhile, President Ruto downplayed the loss while pledging a firm crackdown on political violence.

The contest was widely regarded as a key test of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s influence in the Mt. Kenya region, following President Ruto’s political fallout with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and the outcome has intensified strategy debates as parties look ahead to the 2027 General Election.

Adding to the political friction, the by-election was marked by controversy and security concerns. Opposition leaders accused state security agencies of voter and journalist intimidation after heavily armed masked individuals in unmarked vehicles used tear gas and assaulted media personnel covering the vote. While government officials denied involvement and authorities have not identified the individuals, opposition figures have called for an independent investigation into the incidents.

State House has not confirmed whether President Ruto will directly address these recent political developments during his national address.

On the global stage: Kenya takes center stage at IAS 2026 as world mobilizes to end AIDS

By
Vincent Amara
-
0
A delegation advocating for strong global partnerships at IAS 2026.

Kenya has joined the global HIV community at the IAS 2026 Conference, uniting world-renowned researchers, policymakers, healthcare workers, affected communities, and development partners to accelerate the global response against HIV.

The high-level Kenyan delegation is led by the Director-General for Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, alongside Director of Family Health Dr. Issak Bashir, Head of NASCOP Dr. Andrew Mulwa, and other senior technical leaders.

The conference is emphasizing on the central role of cutting-edge science, strong international partnerships, and community-led action in driving progress against the virus pillars that continue to guide global commitments to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Reaffirming its national commitment, Kenya has pledged to expand evidence-based HIV prevention and treatment including revolutionary long-acting prevention and treatment options while building resilient health systems that keep communities at the heart of the response.

An estimated 1.48 million Kenyans are currently living with HIV, translating to a national prevalence rate of 3.22%. Adolescents and young people aged 15 to 24 years continue to lead in new HIV infections, accounting for a massive share of the 13,936 new annual cases recorded nationally, with adolescent girls and young women facing the highest vulnerability. Among the overall population living with HIV, adults aged 30 to 49 years hold the highest total prevalence rate.

To curb transmission among vulnerable age groups and achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030, Kenya is scaling up a comprehensive prevention framework. This includes expanding uptake of long-acting injectable Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to enhance compliance, strengthening routine antenatal screening to eliminate mother-to-child transmission, delivering age-tailored sexual health education, and decentralizing community-centered care across all 47 counties.

Turkana South residents demand transparency as Wilken Energy seeks gold prospecting approval

By
Nanyei Dorcas
-
0
Residents of Lokaburu in Turkana South during a public sensitization meeting

TURKANA SOUTH – Residents of Lokaburu in Turkana South have called for more transparency, continuous public engagement and improved social amenities as Wilken Energy Limited sought community approval for planned gold prospecting activities in the area.

The concerns were raised during a public sensitization meeting attended by county and national government officials, artisanal miners, community leaders, investors and local residents. The meeting focused on the proposed exploration project and the opportunities and responsibilities that could accompany mineral development.

Chairperson of the Artisanal Mining Committee, Micklam Eregae, encouraged local miners to form and register cooperatives, saying formalized groups would be in a stronger position to access government support, better markets and mining equipment.

“The formalization of artisanal mining through cooperatives will strengthen the sector and enable miners to access support from both the County and National Governments while ensuring responsible resource management,” Eregae said.

Director of Litigation, Legal Audit and Compliance Ekal Lokuruka stressed that any mineral prospecting must comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, including obtaining the necessary licenses, securing environmental approvals and ensuring meaningful community participation.

“Community participation is a legal requirement. Every relevant government department must be informed and involved during investor engagement to ensure the process is lawful, transparent and protects community interests,” Lokuruka said.

Pius Ewoton, a representative of Wilken Energy Limited, said the company was seeking the community’s consent before beginning prospecting activities and pledged to operate within the law while honouring agreements reached with residents.

“We are committed to drilling water where possible, supporting the formation of community groups and cooperatives, and working closely with residents. Discussions on additional Corporate Social Responsibility projects will continue once the company receives the necessary certification and licences,” Ewoton said.

Residents welcomed the proposed investment but maintained that several issues should be addressed before exploration begins.

Joseph Ekaru called for broader public participation, noting that not all members of the community had attended the meeting.

“The consultation should continue so that everyone understands the project before implementation,” he said.

Leah Nang’iro expressed hope that responsible mineral development could improve local livelihoods while urging that residents remain fully informed throughout the process.

“Our hope is that gold resources will create sustainable opportunities for our families, but the community must remain informed throughout the prospecting process,” she said.

Other residents urged the company to prioritise access to water for mining operations, improve road infrastructure, support the construction of a secondary school, create employment opportunities and invest in youth empowerment programmes.

Inspector of Mines Walter Kiptui from the State Department of Mining called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, investors and local communities. He also encouraged artisanal miners to establish cooperatives and associations to strengthen their bargaining power and maximize future benefits from the mining sector.

Stakeholders agreed that community consultations would continue as Wilken Energy Limited pursues the statutory licensing process. They emphasized that ongoing dialogue, transparency and full compliance with legal requirements would be essential before any prospecting activities begin.

Cherotich dominates in glasgow to claim commonwealth steeplechase gold in record time

By
Vincent Amara
-
0
Faith Cherotich commonwealth games champion 2026

Faith Cherotich has emerged triumphant at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, delivering a tactical masterclass in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase to secure Kenya’s second gold medal of the competition in record-breaking fashion.

Returning from an early-season injury, the reigning world champion displayed exceptional composure from the gun. She closely shadowed former Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai, who set an aggressive early pace following a dominant Diamond League campaign with victories in Xiamen and Shanghai.

Cherotich remained glued to Chemutai’s hip before seizing control with roughly 600 meters to go. After dictating the tempo through the final turn, Cherotich unleashed a devastating kick on the homestretch, opening up an insurmountable gap to storm across the line in a new Commonwealth Games record of 9:01.76.

Great Britain’s Elise Thorner produced a strong finish to claim silver in a personal best time of 9:05.45, while Chemutai faded late in the stretch to settle for bronze in 9:09.96. Kenya’s Celestine Biwott completed the field in seventh position, stopping the clock at 9:33.61.

Multi-Agency operation nets stolen animals in Marmanet, Laikipia County

By
Mike Kwoba
-
0
Recovered stolen livestock in Marmanet, Laikipia County | Photo by NPS

NYAHURURU, LAIKIPIA— A joint multi-agency security operation has led to the recovery of stolen livestock in Marmanet, Laikipia County.

The team comprising the National Police Service, National Government Administrative Officers, and local community members raided a homestead in the Kapsoo area of Shamanek Forest on Monday following actionable intelligence.

During the raid, officers recovered 29 goats that had been reported stolen. The animals were positively identified by their owners.

Police also seized an additional 70 sheep suspected to have been stolen from surrounding areas. The animals are awaiting identification before being handed back to their rightful owners.

A manhunt is ongoing for a suspect linked to the homestead who escaped during the operation.

The National Police Service commended members of the public for the information that led to the recovery and vowed to sustain security operations to combat cattle rustling and other crimes.

Residents have been urged to continue cooperating with security agencies and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through toll-free numbers.

Strengthening diplomacy: President Ruto bids farewell to outgoing Cyprus high commissioner

By
Vincent Amara
-
0
President William Ruto and the outgoing High Commissioner of Cyprus to Kenya His Excellency Savvas Vladimirou at the State State House, Nairobi

President William Ruto officially bid farewell to the outgoing High Commissioner of Cyprus to Kenya, His Excellency Savvas Vladimirou, during a formal diplomatic engagement at State House, Nairobi.  

The meeting marked the conclusion of High Commissioner Vladimirou’s assignment in the country, where he has served as head of mission since March 1, 2023.  

During the discussions, President Ruto emphasized the longstanding and warm relationship between Kenya and Cyprus, highlighting how bilateral cooperation has continuously grown and thrived over the decades.  

Kenya and Cyprus formally established diplomatic ties in 1972, shorty after Kenya attained independence, built upon the close personal friendship between Kenya’s founding President, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, and Cyprus’s first President, Archbishop Makarios III.

Cyprus was among the first nations to open a diplomatic mission in Nairobi, and the two countries recently deepened these bonds further with the official inauguration of Cyprus’s fully-fledged embassy in Nairobi.  

Located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea at the strategic crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the Republic of Cyprus is an island nation with an estimated population of 1.2 to 1.3 million people.  

Despite its compact geographic size, Cyprus boasts an advanced, high-income market economy characterized by strong economic stability and steady GDP growth. As an European Union member state, its resilient economy is predominantly service-oriented—driven by thriving tourism, shipping, real estate, higher education, and international financial services.  

The President expressed deep appreciation for Cyprus’s ongoing support, particularly in enhancing Kenya’s education and healthcare sectors throughout High Commissioner Vladimirou’s tenure.  

To further solidify diplomatic ties between the two nations, President Ruto extended a formal invitation to the President of Cyprus to pay an official visit to Kenya in the near future.  

Taking to his official X account, President William Ruto announced:  

“Kenya and Cyprus enjoy deep historical ties that have thrived over the years… We look forward to continuing to strengthen our bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of our people.”  

The meeting underscores Kenya’s commitment to expanding its international partnerships across Europe, paving the way for deeper economic, academic, and strategic collaboration between both nations.  

Juventus agree deal to Re-sign Randal Kolo Muani from PSG

By
Newton Ingui
-
0

TURIN / PARIS — Juventus have reached a full agreement with Paris Saint-Germain to seal the return of French international striker Randal Kolo Muani.

Kolo Muani previously joined Juventus on loan in January 2025, hitting the ground running with 8 goals in 16 Serie A appearances.

When permanent negotiations stalled that summer, he completed a loan move to Tottenham Hotspur for the 2025–26 campaign.

Despite queries from Premier League and European clubs, Kolo Muani held out for a return to the Bianconeri, prioritizing a permanent stay in Italy over all other options.

Kapenguria university college nears reality after university of Nairobi inspection

By
Simon Makanya
-
0

The dream of establishing Kapenguria University College has moved significantly closer to reality after a technical inspection team from the University of Nairobi conducted a comprehensive assessment of the proposed institution, marking a major milestone in the journey towards higher education expansion in West Pokot County.

The delegation was received by the Taskforce on the Establishment of a Constituent University College in West Pokot County, which has been coordinating efforts to ensure the successful establishment of the institution. The inspection forms part of the final preparations before the facility is officially operationalised as a constituent college of the University of Nairobi.

During the exercise, the multidisciplinary team comprising experts from the Vice Chancellor’s Office, Infrastructure, Information Communication Technology, the Registrar’s Office, Quality Assurance, Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Finance departments carried out an extensive evaluation of the campus and its readiness to host academic programmes.

The team inspected the expansive 72-acre campus, assessing lecture halls, administrative offices, the student centre, kitchen and dining facilities, sanitation systems, water treatment infrastructure, and the institution’s overall operational capacity. The inspection also confirmed the availability of critical support services, including a standby power generator, to ensure uninterrupted learning and administration.

The establishment of Kapenguria University College fulfils Governor Simon Kachapin’s commitment to revive the Keringet University project and expand access to quality and affordable university education within West Pokot. Once operational, the institution is expected to ease the financial burden on students who previously sought higher education outside the county.

Beyond academic excellence, the university college is projected to serve as a hub for research, innovation and skills development, creating new opportunities for youth, stimulating economic growth and contributing to the long-term socio-economic transformation of West Pokot County.

1...717273...117Page 72 of 117