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RUTO:Mombasa sez expected to create thousands of jobs for youth

By
Binti Wangila
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Young people in Mombasa and the wider Coast region are expected to benefit from new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities as the government moves to fast-track the development of the Mombasa Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

President William Ruto has ordered the Sh12 billion project to be completed within six months, saying it will help transform Mombasa into a major manufacturing, logistics and export hub.

The 535-acre zone in Jomvu is expected to accommodate manufacturing, warehousing, processing, assembly and export-oriented businesses.

About 67 companies are expected to establish operations in the zone, with the wider project projected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

Ruto said young people should be at the centre of the industrial transformation by taking up opportunities in engineering, technical work, logistics, manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

“Our young people must not stand outside the gates of industrial transformation. They must design it, build it, operate it, and prosper from it,” Ruto said.

The President has also directed that a one-kilometre access road linking the zone to the main Mombasa trunk road be completed within 120 days.

The government has further pledged a preferential electricity tariff of Sh10 per kilowatt-hour for investors in Special Economic Zones to help lower production costs.

Ruto said Mombasa is strategically positioned to become an industrial and logistics centre due to its location along the Indian Ocean, the Port of Mombasa and its connection to the Northern Corridor.

The zone is also expected to give businesses access to markets in Kenya, the East African Community, COMESA and the wider African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The President said the project will also create opportunities for farmers, transporters, contractors and small and medium-sized enterprises.

He said the government wants to increase local processing and manufacturing instead of exporting raw materials and importing expensive finished products.

Ruto has urged all parties involved to move quickly from signing agreements to actual implementation so that the project can begin delivering jobs, investment and economic opportunities to the people of the Coast.

Tension mounts in Magadi as government shutdown of Tata Chemicals sparks economic and political storm

By
Newton Ingui
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Unrest and uncertainty have gripped the town of Magadi following President William Ruto’s directive to permanently shut down operations at Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited. The decision, which follows an earlier suspension of mining activities ordered by Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, has sparked political pushback and widespread fears over the local economy, public health, and access to basic utilities.

The initial shutdown was ordered on July 28, 2026, over alleged non-compliance with the Mining Act, including failures to meet local procurement quotas, execute Community Development Agreements (CDAs), and report accurate royalty records. President Ruto defended the government’s stance, arguing that the company had extracted natural resources from Lake Magadi for decades without generating proportionate industrial jobs or local economic growth. The administration announced plans to transition the concessions to new investors.

Some local leaders and resident groups backed the compliance enforcement, demanding that long-standing land disputes be resolved and that enforceable local employment quotas be established before any mining resumes.

Lawmakers from the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) condemned the shutdown as “economically suicidal,” warning that terminating the area’s main employer risks immediate job losses for roughly 500 employees and endangers over 100,000 livelihoods tied indirectly to the factory’s supply chain.

Beyond employment, local representatives expressed grave concern over essential services historically managed by the company:

In a formal statement, Tata Chemicals Magadi confirmed that it submitted a full compliance dossier to the Ministry of Mining on August 11, addressing all regulatory, environmental, and royalty concerns. Executives reiterated the company’s commitment to operating in Kenya and urged an expedited review to restore jobs and stabilize the community.

As political debate intensifies in Nairobi, police maintain a heightened presence around the Magadi factory perimeter to preserve order during ongoing community demonstrations.

Traders Count Losses as Dawn Inferno Razes Section of Kibuye Market in Kisumu

By
Newton Ingui
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KISUMU, Kenya — Hundreds of small-scale traders at Kibuye Market in Kisumu are counting heavy losses following a devastating early morning fire that destroyed shops, wooden structures, and goods worth millions of shillings.

The blaze broke out at dawn, quickly sweeping through the open-air market’s densely packed stalls before firefighters and local emergency services could fully contain it. While the exact cause remains under investigation, traders suspect an electrical fault or unattended embers. Dozens of stalls, food kiosks, and retail units were reduced to ashes.

Dozens of traders face immediate financial ruin, losing daily inventory and operating capital.

Local leaders, including Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, called for urgent relief funds and county intervention to help affected households rebuild and restock.

County disaster response teams and security personnel arrived to assess the damage and maintain order as distraught business owners attempted to salvage remaining items from the debris.County officials assured traders that structural assessments and emergency support measures are being coordinated.

Senior Counsel Paul Muite demands over KSh 3 Million from Kenya Airways after Zanzibar flight cancellation strands Family

By
Newton Ingui
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Senior Counsel Paul Muite and his family have issued a formal seven-day legal demand to Kenya Airways (KQ), seeking over KSh 3 million in compensation after being stranded at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar due to a flight cancellation.

In a formal demand letter dated September 7, 2026, issued through Maina Ngaruiya & Company Advocates, the veteran lawyer accuses the national carrier of gross breach of contract, negligence, and total failure of customer care.

The legal dispute stems from an August 31 incident involving Flight KQ491, which was scheduled to fly Muite, his wife, two daughters, and two grandchildren back to Nairobi following an 11-day holiday.

The family arrived at the Zanzibar airport by 8:10 AM, completed check-in, obtained boarding passes, and cleared immigration after airline staff verbally assured them the flight was running on schedule.

Despite the flight being listed as “On Time” on KQ’s website and mobile application, the family later discovered that the inbound aircraft from Nairobi (Flight KQ490) had never departed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The advocates claim the airline failed to provide basic refreshments, including drinking water, or food vouchers during the seven-and-a-half-hour ordeal, despite a three-year-old child being among the party.

Passengers were reportedly informed of the ultimate flight cancellation at roughly 3:45 PM by a local airport employee rather than a KQ official, and were directed to collect their luggage with no immediate alternative arrangements made.

Left with no clear resolution, the family spent USD 20,500 (approx. KSh 2.65 million) plus KSh 52,650 in related expenses to secure a private charter flight back to Nairobi.

Muite’s legal team has given Kenya Airways seven days from the receipt of the notice to accept liability, reimburse the costs, and provide a formal written explanation regarding how the situation was handled.

The lawyers warned that failure to comply will lead to immediate court action to recover the amounts claimed alongside general damages, interest, and legal costs.

KMSA urges farmers to prepare ahead of short rains

By
Binti Wangila
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The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has urged farmers to begin preparing their farms and agricultural inputs ahead of the October–December (OND) short-rains season.

In its weekly weather forecast, KMSA said most parts of the country are expected to remain generally dry this week as the country gradually approaches the short-rains season.

However, some areas are likely to receive rainfall, including Lamu, Kilifi, Tana River, Mombasa, Kwale, Narok and Bomet counties.

KMSA said farmers should use the current period to prepare their farms and ensure they have the necessary inputs ready ahead of the expected rains.

The weather authority has also urged communities living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and ensure drainage channels are cleared to allow water to flow freely when rainfall occurs.

KMSA is advising the public to continue monitoring weather updates and take the necessary precautions as the country transitions into the October–December rainfall season.

Turkana assembly resumes with key oversight and legislative business ahead

By
Kimani Karanja
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TURKANA – The Turkana County Assembly has resumed sittings after recess, with a packed legislative and oversight agenda expected to dominate the final part of the Fifth Session. The House resumed on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with Speaker Charles Ewoi Lokioto welcoming Members back and highlighting progress made during the Third Part of the Legislative Calendar.

The Speaker said the Assembly had continued to seek responses from the County Executive on matters affecting residents, while also approving the Second Supplementary Budget for the 2025/2026 financial year and the Budget Estimates for 2026/2027, alongside the related Appropriation Bills.

The Assembly also held the second edition of its sittings in Lokichar Ward between June 22 and 26, 2026, an initiative aimed at strengthening public participation and accountability. Members also undertook capacity-building engagements through Assembly committees to enhance their legislative, oversight, representation and budgetary functions.

As the House begins the final part of the Fifth Session, Members are expected to consider a number of pending and new matters. Key among them will be unanswered questions raised by Members and directed to the County Executive, as well as various oversight reports.

The Assembly is also expected to consider the Public Accounts and Investments Committee report on the Auditor-General’s reports on the Turkana County Executive for the financial years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025.

Members will further consider nominees to the Turkana County Public Service Board and the Local Content Management Committee.

On policy and legislation, the House is expected to deliberate on the Turkana County Agriculture Policy, 2026, Turkana County Risk Management Policy, 2026, the Turkana County Annual Development Plan for 2027/2028 and the Turkana County Finance Bill, 2026.

The County Attorney’s Annual Report for the financial year 2024/2025 is also scheduled for consideration. The agenda places oversight, public accountability, policy development and financial legislation at the centre of the Assembly’s business as Members enter the final stretch of the Fifth Session.

West Pokot clinical officers end 48-day strike as County talks continue with nurses

By
Leah Kawon
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WEST POKOT – Clinical officers in West Pokot are set to resume duty within 24 hours after the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) called off a 48-day industrial strike following a return-to-work agreement with the County Government.

The agreement was reached on Monday, September 7, 2026, during negotiations held at the Governor’s residence, bringing an end to the prolonged standoff that had disrupted healthcare services across the county.

The parties agreed on a framework to address grievances contained in KUCO’s strike notice issued on July 7. The issues include implementation of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), improved risk allowances, clear career progression guidelines and the issuance of Permanent and Pensionable letters to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff.

KUCO National Secretary General George Gibore said the return-to-work agreement provides an opportunity for healthcare workers and the county government to address the outstanding issues through dialogue.

“UHC can only be achieved through unity between healthcare workers, unions and governments,” Gibore said, stressing the need to place both patients’ and healthcare workers’ welfare at the centre of the health system.

The agreement comes as the county government continues negotiations with the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) over the ongoing nurses’ strike.

Governor Simon Kachapin on Monday held consultations with KNUN representatives in a bid to find a lasting solution and facilitate the return of nurses to public health facilities.

The discussions focused on the implementation of the nurses’ CBA, including remuneration, career progression and promotions, allowances, working conditions, staffing and other welfare matters.

The county government says it has already promoted nurses in line with the agreed career progression framework, while the remaining issues are being reviewed as both sides work towards a return-to-work formula.

The proposed formula is expected to provide a structured framework for nurses to resume duty as negotiations and implementation of agreed commitments continue.

Governor Kachapin reiterated the county government’s commitment to resolving the disputes through dialogue, while emphasizing the need to protect residents who depend on public health facilities for essential services.

The county government and the unions are expected to continue consultations on the outstanding issues, with the latest developments raising hopes of a gradual restoration of normal healthcare services across West Pokot.

US-based goalkeeper Mateo Buyu makes Harambee Stars ambition clear

By
Festus Basabo
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KENYA – US-based goalkeeper Mateo Buyu has made his desire to represent Kenya clear, revealing his ambition to earn a place in the Harambee Stars squad under head coach Benni McCarthy. The 21-year-old goalkeeper, who is developing his career in the American college soccer system, said on Monday, September 7, 2026, that representing Kenya at international level remains one of his biggest ambitions.

“I want to play for my country. I think it would be sick to play in the World Cup or the Olympics,” Buyu said, as quoted by The Star.

Born and raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Buyu has progressed through the competitive youth and collegiate soccer systems in the United States. His ambition to play for Kenya is not new, as he has carried the dream since his high school years.

Buyu’s connection to Kenya comes through his father, Chris Buyu, who emigrated from Africa to the United States and played Division Three soccer at Clark University. His father introduced him to football when he was only two years old through Dorchester Youth Soccer. That early exposure played an important role in developing Buyu’s passion for the sport.

“My dad put me on the field at the age of two. I started playing a lot and getting good. When I was two, I probably stood around a lot on the field, but maybe at three years old, I fell in love with it,” Buyu recalled.

His talent continued to develop through local youth football before flourishing at Milton Academy, where he established himself as one of the promising young goalkeepers in Massachusetts. In 2022, Buyu’s performances earned him selection to the High School All-America team. He was also named ISL Goalkeeper of the Year and NEPSAC Goalkeeper of the Year.

His impressive performances earned him a scholarship to Providence College, giving him an opportunity to compete at Division One level. After spending two seasons at Providence, Buyu transferred to Holy Cross, where he has enjoyed more opportunities to demonstrate his abilities.

During the 2025 season, he started 11 matches, made 29 saves and recorded two clean sheets. He ended the campaign with a 1.22 goals-against average, ranking sixth in the Patriot League in that category.

Standing at 6-foot-2, Buyu provides a strong presence in goal. He is also confident with the ball at his feet, an ability that has become increasingly important in modern football, where goalkeepers are expected to contribute to building attacks from the back.

However, Buyu admitted that becoming a goalkeeper was not something he immediately enjoyed. He was initially an outfield player before being introduced to the position at FC Valeo.

“The first two years I didn’t like it at all. Some games, we played terrible teams, and I wanted to be on the field. I would cry after the game,” he said.

Specialised coaching eventually helped him embrace the position and understand its demands.Buyu now describes himself as a quiet goalkeeper who relies on his technical ability rather than constant shouting and vocal leadership. “Some goalies get noticed for yelling and screaming, but I’m more of a quiet goalie. What’s different about me is that I like to play with my feet even as a goaltender,” he explained.

His development was further strengthened by his time with the Boston Bolts in the MLS Next system, where he gained valuable experience against high-level youth competition. With his international ambitions now firmly focused on Kenya, Buyu will be hoping his continued development in the United States can bring him closer to earning a call-up to Harambee Stars under McCarthy.

Turkana Land survey begins for Lorengippi, Nakurio, Lokiriama titles

By
Kimani Karanja
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TURKANA – Residents of Lorengippi, Nakurio and Lokiriama are a step closer to securing formal recognition of their community land following the commencement of a demarcation and surveying exercise in the three areas.The exercise marks the next phase of the community land registration process and is expected to pave the way for the eventual issuance of community land titles.

The exercise is being undertaken jointly by the Turkana County Government, the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning, the National Land Commission (NLC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with support from the Drylands Learning and Capacity Building Initiative (DLCI) and ACTED.

It follows community sensitization conducted last week, where residents were briefed on the objectives of the exercise, the technical field activities and the importance of their participation. Turkana County Chief Officer for Lands Leah Losuru, who is leading the exercise, said the demarcation and survey are critical in securing community land rights and protecting the interests of residents.

Losuru said the process would also contribute to strengthening peace efforts between communities in Turkana and neighbouring West Pokot County by helping address land-related concerns along the border. She said the exercise will ultimately provide a foundation for the issuance of community land titles, giving communities greater security over their land.

Technical teams from the NLC, FAO and the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning are working alongside county officials to undertake the field activities. Residents are expected to remain actively involved throughout the exercise by providing information, identifying community boundaries and engaging with the technical teams.

The commencement of the exercise is being described as a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen land governance, secure community land tenure and promote peaceful coexistence between communities in the region.

For residents of Lorengippi, Nakurio and Lokiriama, the process represents an important step towards securing their land rights and establishing clearer and more formal community land own

West Pokot launches multi-sector strategy to tackle high teenage pregnancy and HIV rates

By
Nanyei Dorcas
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WEST POKOT – Stakeholders in West Pokot County have intensified coordinated efforts to tackle teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence (GBV), and new HIV infections among adolescents, describing these interconnected challenges as a major threat to the region’s social and economic future. Representatives from national and county governments, healthcare facilities, probation services, Community Health Promoters, Huduma Centre officials, community leaders, and young people recently convened at Mtelo Hall in Kapenguria for a multi-sectoral community dialogue aimed at protecting youth from harmful practices.

This strategic engagement forms part of the nationwide Voice of Children project, an initiative championed by First Lady Rachel Ruto through the Office of the First Ladies of Africa. West Pokot was selected alongside Samburu, Homa Bay, and Uasin Gishu to host these localized engagements due to the urgent need for targeted intervention in counties facing a high burden of adolescent challenges.

Data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 ranks West Pokot second highest nationally in teenage pregnancy rates at 36 percent, trailing only Samburu at 50 percent. West Pokot County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health and Sanitation, Claire Parklea, identified poverty, limited educational opportunities, and inadequate access to sexual and reproductive health information and modern contraceptives as the primary factors driving these numbers.

Parklea emphasized the direct correlation between education and adolescent well-being, noting that between 38 and 40 percent of teenagers in the county without formal education have experienced pregnancy. Keeping girls in school significantly reduces their risk of early pregnancy, prompting Parklea to urge parents and community elders to take an active role in guiding the next generation rather than remaining silent on critical youth issues.

To directly address these reproductive health hurdles, the county government is expanding adolescent-friendly healthcare infrastructure. In preparation for the opening of a new university in the area, the Department of Health has allocated dedicated space for a student clinic staffed with a clinical officer, nurse, and public health officer, alongside secured medical supplies. Furthermore, Keringet Health Centre has been upgraded to a Level Three facility to strengthen overall medical access for local residents.

Addressing the county’s viral transmission statistics, County AIDS and STI Coordinator Nelly Achokor reported that adolescents and young people account for approximately 22 percent of new HIV infections in West Pokot. While this figure is notably lower than the national proportion of 41 percent, and the county’s overall HIV prevalence remains relatively low at 0.54 percent, continuous community outreach is necessary to educate youth on the long-term impacts of risky behaviors. Free prevention interventions, including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), are currently stocked across health facilities countywide.

A major obstacle highlighted during the summit is the critical delay by GBV survivors in seeking prompt medical care. Achokor voiced strong concern that many survivors arrive at health facilities more than 72 hours after an incident, missing the crucial window required for emergency HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, unwanted pregnancy prevention, and timely psychosocial support.

Adding to the social challenges, County Director for Gender Emmanuel Oigo confirmed that West Pokot remains classified among Kenya’s 22 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) hotspot counties. Although local FGM prevalence has dropped significantly from 72 percent to approximately 44 percent, practices like early marriage and teenage pregnancy persist. Oigo also pointed out that new industrial projects, such as the Sebit Klinker Factory, have increased truck transit and workforce movement, creating new social dynamics that require heightened vigilance regarding HIV transmission and gender violence across all genders.

Reinforcing the need for socio-cultural change, Moi University lecturer Dr. Samson Ndege, supporting the HIV response through AMPATH, noted that traditional norms limiting female empowerment prevent young women from making independent decisions about their health and future. The dialogue concluded with a unified call from all stakeholders for sustained collaboration among government agencies, parents, schools, and development partners to lower West Pokot’s teenage pregnancy rates below the national baseline of 15 percent and guarantee every child the opportunity to complete their education.

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