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Three Decades Later: Gabra, Borana revive sacred cultural bond in historic North Horr meeting

By
Mike Kwoba
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MARSABIT – For the first time in 31 years, the ancient tradition uniting the Borana Karayu and Gabra Algana clans has been revived, marking an emotional and historic moment for Marsabit County.

The last sacred cultural exchange was held around 1995. Years of drought, conflict and insecurity interrupted a practice observed for generations. But this week history came full circle as elders embraced once again at Yaa Algana in El Gathe, North Horr Constituency.

The revival began earlier at Dharitu near Yabalo, Ethiopia in 2024, where the Algana Gadoom visited the Karayu Yaa. They presented eight camels and eight ram as elders performed customary rites.

Leaders described the arrival of Karayu representatives in North Horr as the fulfillment of that cultural promise, as the Karayu Yaa paid the return visit to the Naabo of Yaa Algana, completing a cultural journey that had remained unfinished for more than three decades.

“This is the Marsabit we want to build, a county where communities do not live in fear of one another, but in respect, brotherhood and shared prosperity,” Marsabit County Governor, Mohamud Ali said. 

“Witnessing elders embrace after 31 years is proof that peace does more than end conflict. It restores relationships, preserves heritage and reconnects communities to their shared identity.” He added.

Elders explained that the cultural practice is founded on mutual respect and reciprocity. It is only considered complete when the Algana Gadoom visits the Karayu Yaa, and in return, the Karayu Gadoom visits the Algana Yaa.

They said modern challenges had eroded systems that once held communities together, but the renewed interaction confirmed that Algana and Karayu share one lineage and common ancestry.

Governor Ali, who is serving his final term, said his administration remains committed to leaving behind a peaceful, cohesive and united Marsabit. 

“I commend all leaders, elders and peace champions whose efforts have created an environment where such priceless traditions can flourish again,” he said. “May we continue to safeguard the peace that enables our diverse communities to celebrate their heritage.”

Governor Ali said the county government will continue supporting initiatives that unite all Marsabit communities, including Gabra, Borana, Rendille, Burji, Sakuye, Garre, Somali, Dasanach and Turkana.

North Horr MP Wario Guyo and Moyale MP Prof. Guyo Wako lauded the cultural exchange, saying it opened a new chapter in unity between Gabra and Borana. 

They commended Karayu elders who traveled from Kenya and Ethiopia for the meeting, and urged all leaders to support peace efforts.

The MPs warned residents against rumours, hate speech and political incitement, saying development cannot thrive where communities are divided.

Former North Horr MP Francis Chachu Ganya urged communities to reject leaders who divide people for political gain. He praised Governor Ali for uniting communities and ensuring fairness in resource distribution.

Chachu called on residents to take personal responsibility for peace by refusing to shelter criminals and resisting divisive politics.

Governor Ali reiterated that his administration will continue supporting initiatives that unite all communities in Marsabit, including Gabra, Borana, Rendille, Burji, Sakuye, Garre, Somali, Dasanach, and Turkana.

MCAs present thanked the Governor for supporting the meeting, saying culture and elders remain central to resolving disputes in Marsabit.

Other speakers said drought and insecurity had pushed communities apart, but the meeting had helped Algana and Karayu reconnect with their shared ancestry. They said both communities share great grandfathers and must now use culture to unite the wider Gabra and Borana.

Professionals and youth leaders were urged to learn from elders and refuse to be used as tools of violence.

The event was also attended by, NEMA Director General Mamo Boru, MCAs, Gabra professionals, the Karayu Qaliti and her delegation from Ethiopia, and members of Yaa Algana and Yaa Karayu.

Weaving Heritage into Gold: How one Lamu woman turned ancestral craft into financial freedom

By
Robert Muteti
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Along the pristine stone sea wall of Lamu Old Town, where the blue waves of the Indian Ocean gently lap against ancient wooden dhows, fifty-year-old Hadija Shee Baari sits surrounded by an explosion of texture and colour. Every time the historic island town bursts into celebration for major calendar events like the annual Lamu Cultural Festival, the spiritual Maulid Festival, or the joyous tides of Eid-Ul-Fitr, Ms. Shee is a fixture along the bustling oceanfront.

Tucked into her familiar corner, surrounded by intricately plaited palm strip baskets, vibrant floor mats, structured handbags, tailored kofias, and woven water bottle holders, she greets curious tourists and locals alike with a quiet, welcoming smile. For Ms. Shee, a resident of nearby Matondoni village, these handcrafted items are far more than mere souvenirs; they represent a lifelong journey of cultural preservation, female empowerment, and economic resilience.

Her passion for basketry began forty-four years ago in the heart of Matondoni, a village renowned across the Lamu Archipelago for its rich history of dhow building and traditional craftsmanship. At just six years old, young Hadija would sit quietly for hours, her eyes glued to the deliberate, rhythmic movements of her mother’s and aunts’ fingers as they manipulated dry palm fronds and river reeds.

In Swahili-Bajuni culture, palm plaiting is a sacred craft passed down through generations of women, blending artistic expression with domestic utility. What started as a child imitating her elders soon turned into a deep-rooted mastery, as Ms. Shee moved from plaiting simple single-strand strips to creating complex geometric patterns, dyeing natural fibers in vivid tones, and constructing durable, stylish artisanal goods that tell the story of her heritage.

Today, four decades after learning her first weave, that childhood passion has transformed into a robust financial engine for Ms. Shee and her family. In a region where formal employment opportunities can be scarce, basketry and mat weaving have provided her with complete financial independence and the means to raise her seven children.

Depending on the size, intricate design, and decorative elements required by her customers, her products range in price from seven hundred shillings for smaller accessories like bottle holders and kofias, up to seven thousand shillings for large, multi-textured floor mats crafted in circular, oval, or square shapes. This sustainable income stream has allowed her to pay school fees, cover medical bills, and ensure her household’s daily needs are met without relying on external aid.

The financial reward of her craft peaks during the high tourist seasons of August, November, and December, when holidaymakers from across Kenya and around the world flock to the UNESCO World Heritage site. During the height of the Lamu Cultural Festival, when the narrow stone alleys and waterfront promenades overflow with visitors, Ms. Shee experiences extraordinary sales volumes.

In a good season, she earns between ninety thousand and one hundred thousand shillings a month, occasionally pulling in twenty thousand to thirty thousand shillings in a single booming day. This financial security has even allowed her to diversify her economic footprint, utilizing her weaving profits to launch a secondary venture supplying fresh fish to households across Matondoni village.

Yet, for Ms. Shee, success is not measured solely in bank notes, but in the survival of her ancestors’ traditions. Deeply concerned that modern digital distractions and changing lifestyles might lead to the extinction of traditional Bajuni weaving, she devotes one day every week to training local youth completely free of charge.

In her informal workshops, she mentors a group of ten young men and women, walking them through the meticulous process of harvesting, drying, dyeing, and plaiting palm fronds. Community elders like Mohamed Bakari have warmly praised her selfless initiative, noting that while many young people overlook traditional handcrafts, Ms. Shee is giving the younger generation a practical blueprint for self-reliance, cultural pride, and community resilience.

Despite her unwavering dedication, Ms. Shee acknowledges that the path of an independent artisan is fraught with seasonal instability. When the tourist crowds disperse and the island enters its low season, sales can drop drastically, leaving weavers without steady income for months at a time. To combat this vulnerability, she is calling on both county and national government authorities to step in and establish reliable, structured market access for coastal weavers.

Beyond policy demands, her message to unemployed Kenyan youth remains one of proactive self-empowerment; she urges young people to stop waiting for scarce office jobs and instead embrace creative, hands-on self-employment like basketry, coconut recycling, and local crafts to weave their own secure futures.

From Kakuma to the Premier League: Four Refugee Stars shine in South Sudan

By
Festus Basabo
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KAKUMA – Four footballers raised in Kakuma Refugee Camp are now key players for El Merriekh Bentiu in the South Sudan Premier League, and their success is inspiring a new generation back home.

Striker Thetloach Thor Manyjang, known as Chikidi, was recently named one of the club’s captains. Teammate Reech was appointed Fourth Captain. Both have been praised for leadership, discipline and consistent performances.

They are joined by Burundian refugee Eric Mbirizi, a defensive midfielder known for ball-winning and composure, and Rwandan refugee Saleh Ishimwe, a centre-back recognized for defensive solidity and aerial strength.

All four first made their mark with Naath Boys FC, former Kakuma Premier League champions, before earning professional contracts with El Merriekh Bentiu.

“Kakuma has talent, it needs support.” Big Brothers FC coach Willy, a former Lamasia FC player, said the four prove what is possible with opportunity.

“Kakuma is home to many talented footballers. The challenge is that government, sports stakeholders and humanitarian agencies have not invested enough in identifying and developing this talent. I congratulate Chikidi, Reech, Eric and Saleh. They have shown footballers from Kakuma can compete at the highest level,” he said.

For young players in Kakuma and Kalobeyei, the quartet’s rise offers hope that discipline and hard work can lead to professional football and leadership.

PWDs in Taita Taveta decry discrimination and marginalization

By
Linda Akoth
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Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Taita Taveta County have raised concerns over systemic discrimination, abuse, and marginalization, appealing for immediate government intervention to address their plight.

Speaking on behalf of a PWD group in Voi Sub-County, representative Joseph Mwagogo highlighted the ongoing challenges facing the community, noting that despite their willingness to support both the national and county governments, they remain largely ignored across key development sectors.

Mwagogo singled out the equitable distribution of relief food as a major point of contention, alleging that PWDs are given significantly smaller rations compared to other residents.

“President William Ruto, our father, we love you and support you, but we are being forgotten and discriminated against in the distribution of food. Others receive 20 kilograms, while we are given only one or two kilograms,” Mwagogo said.

The group also criticized local administration and political leaders for neglecting PWDs particularly vulnerable children in grassroots government planning. Mwagogo pointed out that village elders, chiefs, local MPs, and county officials have turned a blind eye to their needs.

Furthermore, the representative condemned politicians who exploit PWDs during campaign periods for cheap political gain, only to abandon them once elected.

“Politicians misuse us. When election time comes, they approach us with 50 shillings, but after we vote for them, they discriminate against us,” he said, emphasizing that “our votes have no disability.”

The grievances follow a recent incident where PWDs were allegedly denied relief food at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Voi. The group urged county officials to follow the national government’s directive in prioritizing vulnerable groups for food assistance.

In addition to relief aid, the group cited severe marginalization in employment opportunities within major government infrastructure projects in the region, including the Affordable Housing scheme, railway initiatives, and local modern market developments.

“As persons with disabilities, we are not even offered jobs. There are ongoing construction projects for housing, stadiums, and markets, yet PWDs are not given employment opportunities,” Mwagogo stated.

The group is now calling directly on President William Ruto and the national government to intervene and resolve their grievances to ensure equal treatment and inclusion in development programs.

World Hepatitis Day: Turkana records Kenya’s highest Hepatitis b burden as experts urge mass screening

By
Kimani Karanja
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TURKANA – Turkana County has recorded the highest prevalence of Hepatitis B in Kenya at 16 per cent, more than five times the national average of 3 per cent, according to researchers from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), raising fresh concern over the silent spread of the disease in the country’s largest county by land area.

The findings, released as Kenya joins the rest of the world in marking World Hepatitis Day, indicate that an estimated 1.9 million Kenyans are living with chronic hepatitis, many without knowing they are infected.

According to Dr. Missiani Ochwoto, a medical research scientist and virologist at KEMRI, hepatitis continues to spread largely unnoticed because many infected people show no symptoms.

“Most people don’t know they are infected,” Dr. Ochwoto said, warning that delayed diagnosis often leads to severe liver disease.

He added that Kenya’s response continues to be hampered by stigma, low awareness, inadequate diagnostic capacity and limited funding, leaving hepatitis programmes lagging behind those targeting HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

For Turkana County, the findings underscore a growing public health challenge. The county spans more than 77,000 square kilometres, with many communities located far from hospitals capable of conducting hepatitis screening or providing long-term treatment.

Health officials say the vast distances, nomadic lifestyles and limited access to healthcare increase the need for community-based screening and vaccination campaigns.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says viral hepatitis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases despite being preventable and treatable.

“Hepatitis: Let’s break it down,” the WHO says in this year’s World Hepatitis Day campaign, urging governments to remove barriers to testing, treatment and vaccination.

Medical experts explain that Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with infected blood and body fluids, from mother to child during childbirth, unsafe injections and unprotected sexual contact. Fortunately, an effective vaccine is available and can prevent infection when administered according to the national immunization schedule.

The latest data places Turkana well above other high-burden counties, including West Pokot and Baringo, highlighting the need for targeted interventions in Kenya’s northwestern region.

Local health stakeholders say increasing public awareness through community health promoters, local radio stations, schools and faith-based organizations will be critical in encouraging residents to know their hepatitis status.

As the world marks World Hepatitis Day, health experts are urging residents of Turkana to seek screening, complete childhood vaccinations and seek medical care early, stressing that early diagnosis can prevent liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

Traders suffer as Katilia market shut down in Turkana firearms operation

By
Simon Makanya
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KATILIA, TURKANA — A sweeping government crackdown on illegal firearms has plunged Katilia Market into total paralysis, forcing hundreds of innocent traders out of work and threatening the livelihoods of families across Turkana County.

The abrupt, blanket closure of the vital trading hub ordered by security forces to compel the surrender of illicit weapons has brought local commerce to a sudden standstill. While authorities report the arrest of several suspects, the economic fallout is spreading rapidly, cutting off the flow of food and essential goods throughout surrounding communities.

For Patrick Ekitela and fellow small-scale vendors, empty stalls mean empty pockets at a time when families can least afford it.

“The government must address insecurity; that is our top priority,” Ekitela said. “However, innocent traders should not carry the full burden of this operation. We need a balanced approach that restores safety while allowing us to earn a living.”

Residents broadly support efforts to disarm criminal elements and restore peace to the region. However, many warn that an indefinite market closure threatens to trigger a secondary humanitarian crisis by stripping families of their sole source of daily food and income.

“We understand why the market was closed, but how long can we survive without business?” asked another local vendor. “Our children depend on what we sell here every single day.”

Recognizing the escalating tension, community leaders are calling on security agencies to recalibrate their operations. They are urging officers to conduct targeted, intelligence-led interventions against armed suspects rather than enforcing collective economic punishment on the market.

As security forces press on with the sweep, Katilia’s business community is left waiting in limbo hoping for a swift resolution that disarms criminals without starving the local economy.

Turkana County audits partner projects to boost impact amid persistent drought

By
Nanyei Dorcas
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LODWAR — The Turkana County Steering Group (CSG) has launched a comprehensive audit of all development partner projects across the region. The initiative aims to strengthen coordination, enforce accountability, and maximize impact as persistent drought conditions continue to threaten local communities.

The exercise was officially announced during a joint meeting of state and non-state actors in Lodwar, led by interim CSG co-chairs Mike Aupe, Deputy Director for Partnerships, and Joseph Kipkorir, Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner.

According to Aupe, field officers have already been deployed to selected sites across the county to perform unannounced spot checks on active development projects.

“We are obliged by law to report on interventions by partners and the government. These checks will help us know where to co-create, co-implement, and support stakeholders,” Aupe said.

Highlighting effective field operations, Aupe cited a recent visit to Komio in Urum, where Save the Children is delivering vital health outreach services to hard-to-reach populations, as an example of best practice in the region.

To further streamline operations, the county has surveyed partners to establish performance benchmarks. Additionally, a joint evaluation committee will be formed to assess ongoing programs and guarantee that essential services reach remote, last-mile communities.

Alongside the audit announcement, the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) presented its 2026 Long Rains and Food and Nutrition Assessment reports to stakeholders for validation.

NDMA County Coordinator Lordman Lekalkuli explained that the assessment integrated data across key sectors, including health, education, water access, agriculture, livestock, and household purchasing power.

Once fully validated, the report will be submitted to the Kenya Food Security Steering Group to establish Turkana’s current vulnerability level. Lekalkuli cautioned that food security and livestock conditions could worsen significantly if the June–August off-season rains fall short of expectations.

Speaking at the forum, Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir urged development partners to use the NDMA assessment data to guide future interventions. He also advocated for targeted initiatives focused on supporting the boy child to address rising concerns over youth neglect in the county.

The meeting concluded with commitments to bolster support for the Kimormor integrated health program, continue coordinated field spot checks, and adopt standardized reporting templates across all operating partners.

Turkana County plans piped water project to end chronic scarcity in Kanamkemer ward

By
Leah Kawon
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TURKANA – Turkana County Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has announced plans to extend piped water to Loturerei and Napetao villages in Kanamkemer Ward, promising a long-term solution to years of severe water shortages. The decision follows repeated, unsuccessful groundwater drilling projects in the area, where newly sunk boreholes consistently yielded water too saline for human or domestic use.

Speaking during a community empowerment event for the Atoting’as Kaapei Women Group in Loturerei, Governor Lomorukai revealed that the County Government, through its Department of Climate Change, is actively seeking funding opportunities to finance the pipeline extension. He explained that the infrastructure expansion forms part of the broader Lodwar Municipality development plan aimed at improving basic services across growing urban and peri-urban centers.

To ensure the project moves forward without delay, Governor Lomorukai directed Kanamkemer Ward Member of County Assembly James Ikeny to coordinate directly with technical teams from the Departments of Water and Climate Change. The joint effort aims to fast-track planning, prioritize resource allocation, and ensure smooth execution once funding is secured.

The governor’s commitment responds directly to urgent priorities raised by residents during public participation forums for the County Fiscal Strategy Paper. Community members from Loturerei, Nawotin, Naitwoorong, and surrounding villages identified water scarcity as their single greatest struggle, pleading for piped connections from the nearby Naitwoorong network to sustain their households, livestock, and local farming activities.

Beyond water infrastructure, Governor Lomorukai highlighted his administration’s progress in improving regional stability since taking office in 2022, noting that enhanced cross-border peace has significantly strengthened the livelihoods of local pastoralist communities. Addressing broader peace operations, he expressed support for the ongoing security disarmament exercise in Turkana South, while firmly urging security agencies to operate within the law and uphold the human rights and dignity of residents, particularly women.

Nandi senator Samson Cherargei has asked NCIC to investigate remarks attributed to Gachagua

By
Binti Wangila
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NAIROBI KENYA-Senator Samson Cherargei has petitioned the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to investigate Democratic Congress Party leader Rigathi Gachagua over alleged remarks he claims could fuel ethnic tensions.

In a complaint letter dated July 27, 2026, and copied to the NCIC Chairperson, Cherargei said the remarks attributed to Gachagua should be examined under the Constitution and the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

The Nandi Senator alleges that comments made by Gachagua during political rallies and media interviews raised concerns over their possible impact on national unity.

Cherargei claims the remarks linked members of the Kalenjin community to criminal activities, insecurity and organised violence, allegations he says require investigation.

“The statements require scrutiny to determine whether they violate provisions of the law on hate speech and ethnic incitement,” Cherargei said in his complaint.

The Senator says he submitted supporting evidence, including video recordings and transcripts of speeches made by Gachagua following claims surrounding the alleged abduction of a lawmaker.

Cherargei further alleges that Gachagua claimed some government officials from the Kalenjin community had established a special police unit to target opposition leaders — claims that have not been independently verified by the NCIC or any court.

The complaint now awaits consideration by the cohesion watchdog, which has the mandate to investigate matters relating to hate speech, discrimination and threats to national harmony.

Teachers get new hope as TSC opens 34,000 promotion positions

By
Binti Wangila
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NAIROBI KENYA-The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced a major promotion drive targeting more than 34,000 teachers, in a move aimed at addressing years of career stagnation among educators across the country.

The promotion opportunities cut across primary schools, secondary schools and teacher training colleges, covering 30 job grades from Senior Teacher II to Chief Principal.

TSC says eligible teachers must submit their applications online through the commission’s recruitment portal before August 10, 2026, warning that applications delivered physically to its offices will not be accepted.

“Teachers who meet the required qualifications should submit their applications through the TSC online portal before Monday, August 10, 2026. There will be no submission of documents at TSC offices,” the commission said.

The announcement offers relief to thousands of teachers who have remained in the same job grades for years despite meeting promotion requirements.

The government has allocated 2 billion shillings in the current budget to support the promotion exercise, following concerns over a growing backlog of teachers awaiting career progression.

Recently, TSC told Parliament that 178,871 primary and secondary school teachers had remained stuck in their current grades due to long-standing financial constraints.

Most of those affected are teachers in Grade C3 in secondary schools and Grade C1 in primary schools.

The latest promotion vacancies mainly target middle-level career positions, including 13,490 posts for Senior Teacher II, 5,956 for Senior Master IV and 4,210 for Senior Teacher I.

Teacher unions have welcomed the move but continue to push for a wider solution. The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) says more than 135,000 teachers are still waiting for promotion opportunities.

KUPPET Secretary General Akello Misori says many teachers have spent years waiting for career advancement despite meeting the required qualifications.

School heads under the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) have also urged TSC to speed up promotions, saying delayed progression has affected morale among senior educators.

TSC Chairperson Dr Jamleck Muturi says the commission has promoted 274,285 teachers over the past three years, but acknowledges that many others remain trapped in their current grades.

Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documents in line with Chapter Six of the Constitution before their appointments are confirmed and will be deployed to schools where vacancies exist.

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