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Ruto proposes full government funding for all qualifying university students

By
Binti Wangila
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The government has proposed a new higher education financing model that would provide full funding for all students who qualify for admission to universities and other institutions of higher learning.

President William Ruto announced the proposal on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, saying the government had submitted amendments to the law that would allow every student who passes national examinations and secures admission to a higher learning institution to receive full financial support regardless of their family’s economic background.

“Currently, we have a proposal before Parliament that will make higher education accessible to all. It will not matter which family a student comes from, but their academic ability. Any student who qualifies and gets admission will receive full funding,” President Ruto said.

The President urged Members of Parliament to fast-track amendments to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Act to allow students joining universities in September to benefit from the proposed system.

The announcement signals a possible shift away from the higher education funding model introduced in 2023, which has faced criticism from students, parents and education stakeholders over challenges in accessing adequate financial support.

President Ruto said the previous model had failed to achieve its intended objectives, leaving many public universities struggling financially after the government was unable to provide the promised funding.

“We later introduced a shared responsibility model where parents contributed part of the tuition fees, the government provided grants, and the remaining amount came through loans. We thought it would create fairness, but it has proven insufficient,” he said.

Under the proposed system, parents who are able and willing to contribute towards their children’s education will still have the option to do so. However, students whose families cannot afford tuition fees would receive full government support.

“We do not want any student to fail to continue with education because of lack of money,” President Ruto said.

However, the government has not yet released detailed information on how the proposed funding model will work, including how much it will cost and how it will be financed.

Higher Education Principal Secretary Dr Beatrice Inyangala said the proposal is still being reviewed before it is formally presented to stakeholders and Parliament.

“We are still refining and finalising it. It is a process that requires time,” she said.

The Chairperson of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Public Universities, Prof Daniel Mugendi, said universities had not yet received full details of the proposed system.

“We have not received detailed information. Once the details are completed, we will be involved in further discussions,” he said.

Higher education financing remains one of the biggest challenges facing the government, with debts owed by public universities increasing from about KSh60 billion in 2022 to more than KSh85 billion.

Meanwhile, HELB Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Monari has proposed that the institution raise funds through financial markets by issuing a KSh500 million social bond to ensure students receive funding on time.

Currently, about 450,000 HELB beneficiaries are repaying their loans, enabling the board to collect approximately KSh700 million every month.

Apart from loans, HELB allocates KSh237 million annually in grants for students with special needs, with KSh137 million going to university students and KSh100 million allocated to TVET students.

Government rejects Gachagua’s call for tourists and investors to delay Kenya visits over security concerns

By
Binti Wangila
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The government has dismissed remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urging foreign tourists and investors to postpone visits to Kenya until after the 2027 General Election, saying the comments could damage the country’s image and economic prospects.

Speaking during a church service over the weekend, Gachagua claimed that Kenya’s security situation had deteriorated due to rising political tensions and increased activities by criminal groups, warning that tourists and investors may not feel safe visiting the country.

His remarks triggered criticism from government officials and some players in the tourism sector, who argued that portraying Kenya as unsafe could negatively affect one of the country’s key economic industries.

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura dismissed the concerns, saying tourism remains a major pillar of Kenya’s economy and that the government continues to work to ensure the safety of both citizens and visitors.

Mwaura said Kenya remains open for business and tourism, urging stakeholders to avoid statements that could undermine confidence in the country.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto has raised concerns over what he described as lenient bail terms granted to suspects accused of engaging in criminal activities during political events.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, President Ruto claimed that some suspects arrested for criminal offences are released on low bail amounts and return to the streets to continue causing unrest.

“Young people arrested for criminal offences are taken to court, given bail of KSh200 and released because they are our children. They then return to political meetings and continue with acts of hooliganism,” President Ruto said.

The President said Kenya needs a serious national conversation on the growing problem of criminal gangs and political violence as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

He warned that rising political temperatures could create an environment that encourages lawlessness if not addressed.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said investigations are ongoing to identify individuals responsible for recent acts of violence and bring them to justice.

The debate over security comes at a time when Kenya is seeking to strengthen its position as a leading tourism and investment destination in the region ahead of the 2027 elections.

Teachers reject salary increase; say CBA pay rise cannot match rising cost of living

By
Binti Wangila
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Teachers across Kenya have rejected the second phase of salary increases under the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), saying the adjustment is too small to make a meaningful difference amid rising living costs.

The dissatisfaction follows a directive by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to implement the second phase of the four-year agreement from July 1, 2026.

According to teachers, the actual increase reflected in their salaries ranges between KSh693 and KSh2,055, depending on their job grade and salary scale.

Although the government allocated KSh8.4 billion to fund the second phase of the agreement, teachers say statutory deductions have significantly reduced the amount reaching their bank accounts, leaving them with little improvement compared to their previous earnings.

A teacher in Nairobi said a teacher in Job Group C3 was expected to receive an increase of KSh2,055 before deductions, including Pay as You Earn (PAYE), Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions, Housing Levy and National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deductions.

“The amount that remains after deductions is too small and cannot even make a significant contribution towards repaying a SACCO loan,” the teacher said.

The four-year CBA is valued at KSh33.75 billion and covers salary adjustments as well as measures aimed at improving teachers’ welfare.

However, many teachers say the final outcome has fallen short of expectations created during negotiations between their unions and the government.

KUPPET Vihiga Branch Secretary Sabala Inyeni said the salary adjustment failed to take into account inflation and the rising cost of transport.

“Transport allowances have remained unchanged for more than 15 years despite the continued increase in fuel prices. This increment does not reflect the current realities facing teachers,” Inyeni said.

Teachers working in hardship and arid areas have also expressed disappointment after hardship allowances were not reviewed.

Ndung’u Wangenye, a representative of teachers serving in hardship areas, said some teachers received increases of less than KSh500 despite working in challenging environments.

“Teachers in arid areas feel neglected. Hardship allowances are what encourage them to continue working in those regions, but they have not been addressed,” he said.

KUPPET Deputy Secretary-General Moses Nthurima said many teachers remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the CBA negotiations.

“Through deductions such as SHA, Housing Levy, NSSF contributions and taxes, the government has taken more money than what teachers have gained through the salary increase. That is why many teachers do not feel the impact of the increment,” Nthurima said.

Teachers’ unions are now calling for a review of allowances and salary structures to ensure future adjustments reflect economic realities and the rising cost of living.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez releases an emotional message.

By
Newton Ingui
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Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez released an emotional message following Argentina’s 1–0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Martínez expressed deep grief over failing to win back-to-back World Cup trophies after their 2022 victory and hinted that he is considering stepping down from international football.

“I dreamt we’d win it again, I dreamt of bringing it back to Argentina and making history once more,” Martínez shared on social media. “The truth is, the pain is hard to explain.”

The 33-year-old Aston Villa goalkeeper raised questions about his future with La Albiceleste, stating:

“There are many things to reflect on, how to move forward, and whether it’s time to step aside.”

Martínez apologized to Argentine fans for falling short of a fourth World Cup crown:

“I am very sorry. I truly tried my absolute best to help my country and my teammates.”

Despite the defeat, Martínez produced an exceptional individual performance at MetLife Stadium:

Set a new record for the most saves made by a goalkeeper in a World Cup final since Opta began recording detailed stats in 1966.

Ended the 2026 World Cup with 20 saves across eight matches and kept clean sheets against Algeria and Austria.

Albert Ojwang murder trial enters day three as defense declines LSK boycott

By
Newton Ingui
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The case investigating the murder of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang enters its third day today, Wednesday, at the Kibera High Court.

Earlier, Justice Diana Kavedza asked the advocates involved in the case whether they would join their colleagues from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), who have planned a court boycott today, Wednesday. However, they stated that they are ready to proceed with the case as scheduled.

A forensic expert from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), who began presenting evidence on Tuesday afternoon, is expected to continue giving evidence on Wednesday before other prosecution witnesses take the stand.

Justice Kavedza expressed her intention to conclude the case within six months. She urged the involved parties to be prepared to attend the sessions according to the allocated dates in order to expedite the delivery of justice.

Former Nairobi Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talaam, Police Constable Peter Kimani, his colleague James Mukhwana, and three civilians accused of the murder have all denied the charges against them.

Sagante-Jaldesa residents in Saku Marsabit, demand probe into relief food scandal

By
Susan Mbodze
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Residents of Sagante-Jaldesa Ward in Saku Constituency, Marsabit County, have called on the national government to launch an urgent investigation following the discovery of government relief food hidden inside a residential home in Majengo estate, Marsabit town.

Led by local community leader Adan Diid, the residents strongly condemned the incident and demanded swift action against anyone found culpable. Community members expressed deep outrage that essential food supplies meant to cushion vulnerable families against hunger were allegedly diverted and hoarded by individuals with ill intentions.

Local leaders noted with concern that this is not an isolated event, as similar cases of aid diversion have been reported across the region in the past. Consequently, residents urged both county and national government leaders to thoroughly get to the bottom of the scandal to protect relief operations.

The public outcry follows a police operation last Thursday in Majengo estate, where security officers recovered sacks of suspected diverted government relief food and arrested six individuals in connection with the haul. In the wake of the arrests, residents are now stressing the need for complete transparency and strict accountability in the distribution of both government and donor aid to guarantee that assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries.

Police probe early morning livestock theft in Laisamis, Marsabit County

By
Mike Kwoba
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Police in Marsabit County are investigating a livestock theft reported early Tuesday morning in Gudas, Laisamis Sub-County.

Marsabit County Commissioner Stanley Kamande said the exact number of stolen animals has yet to be confirmed as investigations continue. However, preliminary findings link two suspects to the raid.

Security officers tracking the animals’ footprints indicated that eight camels were taken, though some local residents claim up to 27 livestock were stolen.

Kamande urged residents to remain calm and patient while security agencies work to recover the animals and bring the perpetrators to justice. He also cautioned against retaliatory attacks, warning that such actions could escalate conflict and threaten community safety.

Security teams remain on the ground tracking the stolen stock, and the government is expected to issue further updates as the search progresses.

Kenya school games expansion: MPs push for 24-team KSSSA football finals

By
Dominic Barasa
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Major reforms could soon transform Kenya’s high school sports landscape as pressure builds to significantly expand regional participation in the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term One and Term Two Games. The momentum behind the proposal surged following calls from Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, who advocated for increasing regional representation from the traditional single-team format to two or three teams per region.

In a key legislative move, a group of Members of Parliament is set to meet with President William Ruto and Ministry of Education officials to formally push for expanding the KSSSA National Football Championships from 8 to 24 teams. Under the proposed model, three teams from each of Kenya’s eight regions would qualify for the national stage. Proponents argue the expansion will grant thousands more student-athletes the opportunity to showcase their talent on a national platform, though funding and logistical demands are expected to take center stage during the discussions.

In tandem with the parliamentary push, KSSSA is exploring its own internal reforms to boost student participation, streamline talent identification, and foster inclusivity. The association is considering allocating two qualification slots per discipline for both boys and girls across every region. To address the logistics, KSSSA has convened a major stakeholder meeting scheduled for July 28 to evaluate hosting capacity, tournament duration, overall costs, and a potential rollout roadmap.

If adopted, the proposed changes would represent one of the most significant overhauls to the KSSSA qualification system in years. By opening the national stage to dozens of additional schools, the initiative aims to fundamentally strengthen youth sports development across the country.

Garissa leaders call for increased national ID and voter registration

By
Dominic Barasa
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Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has urged residents of the county to register in large numbers for national identification cards, describing the exercise as essential for improving access to government services and strengthening electoral participation.

Speaking at his office on Tuesday, Governor Jama announced that registration officers from all 12 sub-counties in Garissa will be deployed to every location across the county to register all eligible residents aged 18 years and above who have not yet obtained national identity cards.

The governor also expressed concern that approximately 328,000 residents of Garissa County already possess national identity cards but have not registered as voters. He said the situation has raised concerns among political leaders in the county, who are calling for greater public participation in the voter registration process.

According to a report presented by Mriungi Mkora, the Regional Coordinator for National Registration in the North Eastern region, 18,541 people were registered for national identity cards in Garissa during the 2024–2025 registration period.

The report further indicates that in 2026, a total of 28,871 residents have registered for national identity cards, while 21,962 identity cards have already been issued over the past three months.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) also presented its voter registration data during the meeting. The report, read by Noor Gedi, stated that the commission launched its voter registration exercise in February this year.

According to the IEBC figures, Mbalambala Sub-county has registered 3,671 new voters,Fafi4,441, Garissa Township5,938, Lagdera3,185, Dadaab4,914, andIjara2,445.

County leaders have urged residents who already possess national identity cards but have not yet registered as voters to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise to ensure they are able to participate in future elections.

Harambee Stars hold steady in latest fifa rankings ahead of AFCON qualifiers

By
Dominic Barasa
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Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, has held firm in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, maintaining their position at 109th globally. The Stars remained stationary with 1,185.08 points after a period of inactivity on the international scene, having played no matches since June. Kenya’s most recent outings produced positive results, featuring a hard-fought 1-1 draw followed by a dominant 4-0 victory over Lesotho.

In the regional CECAFA standings, Kenya continues to occupy second spot in East Africa behind Uganda, who lead the region in 89th position globally with 1,264.09 points. Tanzania closely trails Kenya in 112th place with 1,180.27 points, keeping the competition for regional bragging rights tight.

There was significant movement across the continent, headlined by Morocco making history as the highest-ranked African nation in FIFA history. Following their impressive World Cup quarter-final run, the Atlas Lions soared to 6th in the world. Senegal remains the continent’s second-highest team at 18th, with Egypt at 24th, Nigeria at 26th, and Algeria at 29th completing Africa’s top five, while Tunisia suffered the biggest drop on the continent by sliding 12 places to 57th.

At the summit of the global rankings, reigning World Cup champions Spain replaced Argentina to claim the number one spot, dropping Argentina to second, while France, England, and Brazil fill out the rest of the top five.

Looking ahead, Harambee Stars will return to international action this September under Head Coach Benni McCarthy to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Eritrea and Guinea. Securing positive results in these upcoming fixtures will offer Kenya a prime opportunity to elevate their standing both in the region and on the global stage.

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