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Turkana receives ksh184 million devolution grant weeks after ksh17.9 billion budget

By
Leah Kawon
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Turkana County has received a KSh184 million performance-based grant under the Second Kenya Devolution Support Programme (KDSP II), weeks after passing a KSh17.9 billion budget for FY2026/27.

The funds are part of KSh5.7 billion in Level Two conditional grants released to 46 counties by the State Department for Devolution to support projects and service delivery.

Turkana was among the top recipients alongside Kitui, Kwale and Migori after meeting key governance targets under the World Bank-supported programme.

“This disbursement strengthens devolution and ensures counties have the capacity to deliver development directly to communities,” said Principal Secretary for Devolution Michael Lenasalon.

The grant comes after Turkana unveiled its FY2026/27 budget in Lokichar during the second edition of Bunge Mashinani. CECM for Finance Roseline Aite said the budget maintains fiscal discipline, with KSh12.1 billion for recurrent expenditure and KSh5.8 billion for development. Priority areas include health, agriculture, water, education, and climate resilience.

According to the State Department, Turkana qualified for the maximum allocation after scoring highly on financial management, revenue collection, public participation, accountability and clearing pending bills.

KDSP II Coordinator Dr. Samuel Nyaga said allocations were based on independent verification, with an appeals window for counties.

County officials say the additional KSh184 million will accelerate development projects and improve service delivery across Turkana.

NCTC trains Garissa residents on preventing child abductions

By
Dominic Barasa
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Residents of Garissa County have received awareness training on how to prevent child abductions following a series of reported kidnapping incidents involving young children in the Bula Iftin area of Garissa Township.

Speaking during a community sensitisation forum held at a hotel in Garissa Town, an officer from the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Sangale Njololoi, urged residents to strengthen community cooperation, saying collective vigilance is key to preventing child abductions and other security threats.

“One of the most effective ways to combat these incidents is for communities to work together instead of living in isolation. Residents should remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities,” said Njololoi.

He advised members of the public to immediately report any unfamiliar individuals or persons whose identity cannot be verified to the police so that appropriate action can be taken.

Njololoi also called on parents to take a leading role in safeguarding their children by knowing who they associate with and monitoring their movements, including when attending school and religious classes such as Madrasa.

Garissa resident Mohamad Gedi Mohamad encouraged fellow parents to ensure their children attend Madrasa so they receive proper religious guidance and are protected from extremist or misleading teachings spread through online platforms.

“Parents should ensure their children receive proper religious education to help shield them from harmful and misleading teachings on the internet,” he said.

Another resident, Moses Nyandoro, emphasized that child abduction knows no tribe or religion, urging all parents to remain vigilant regardless of their background.

“Child abduction does not discriminate based on tribe or religion. Every parent has a responsibility to ensure the safety of their children,” said Nyandoro.

Nyandoro also called on teachers and school administrators across Garissa County to strengthen safety measures and ensure children remain secure while in school.

ICPAC and KMSA partner to scale early warning systems in East Africa

By
Lina Mwamachi
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As climate change continues to bring more frequent droughts, floods and unpredictable weather across Kenya, experts are calling for stronger partnerships to ensure weather and climate information reaches the people who need it most.

Government agencies, climate scientists, civil society organizations, private sector representatives and media practitioners made the call during the National Workshop on Synergy Building in Weather and Climate Partnerships at Naivasha.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration so that accurate weather forecasts and early warning information can better protect lives, livelihoods and property.

Participants said no single institution can effectively address the growing impacts of climate change alone, instead, they stressed the importance of working together to ensure reliable weather and climate information supports decision-making at every level, from national governments to local communities.

Accurate weather forecasts play an important role in everyday life, farmers rely on seasonal forecasts to decide when to plant their crops, and pastoralists use the information to plan grazing and livestock movements, while disaster response agencies depend on early warnings to prepare communities before floods, droughts and storms strike. The information also supports sectors such as health, water, transport and energy.

Climate scientist Dr. Titike Bahaga from the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), who also serves as the organization’s focal person for partnerships and resource mobilization, said strong partnerships help bridge the gap between climate science and the decisions people make every day.

He said ICPAC works with national meteorological agencies and regional partners through initiatives such as the Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF) and National Climate Outlook Forums to ensure climate information is accurate, reliable and accessible to those who need it.

“Our goal is to ensure climate information reaches the last mile, including communities, governments and policymakers, so they can make informed decisions and prepare for climate risks,” Dr. Bahaga said.

According to Dr. Bahaga, the partnership programme has already produced positive results. Besides strengthening climate services in key sectors such as agriculture and water, it is now expanding into the education sector to help schools and learning institutions better understand climate risks.

He said organizers are also working to integrate the partnership activities into the National Climate Outlook Forum to ensure they continue beyond the current project.

“We have also strengthened the capacity of journalists and professionals working in climate-sensitive sectors so they can better communicate climate information to the public,” he added.

Speaking during the workshop, Bahati Musilu, Principal Meteorological Technologist at the Kenya Meteorological Services Authority (KMSA), said partnerships have become increasingly important in improving climate services across the country.

She explained that through the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS), Kenya Meteorological Services Authority (KMSA), works with government institutions, researchers, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen weather observation networks, improve access to early warning information and build the capacity of those who produce and use climate information.

Musilu said KMSA also works closely with sectors including agriculture, livestock, water, health, energy and disaster management through the National Climate Outlook Forums and other collaborative platforms.

“These forums bring different stakeholders together to jointly produce weather and climate information that supports better planning and informed decision-making,” she said.

Participants agreed that the media plays a vital role in ensuring weather forecasts and early warning information reach communities quickly and accurately. They encouraged journalists to work closely with meteorological experts to translate technical information into simple language that ordinary citizens can understand and use.

Civil society organizations also called for greater community participation, saying local people should not only receive weather information but also contribute their knowledge and experiences to climate discussions. Meanwhile, private sector representatives encouraged greater investment in technology and innovation to improve weather monitoring and communication systems.

Despite the progress made, participants acknowledged several challenges, including limited financial resources, weak coordination among institutions and low public awareness of available climate services. They agreed that regular communication, information sharing and stronger partnerships would help overcome these obstacles.

The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, improve the sharing of weather and climate information and support initiatives that build resilient communities.

As Kenya continues to experience the effects of climate change, participants said stronger partnerships will be critical in ensuring that timely and reliable weather information reaches every corner of the country. They expressed hope that by working together, communities will be better prepared to respond to climate shocks, protect their livelihoods and build a safe and more resilient future.

Mudavadi urges youth to reject violence and tribalism

By
Binti Wangila
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Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has urged young people in Kenya and across the East African region to reject violence, divisive politics and tribalism, saying no young life should be lost for political interests.

Speaking on Monday while representing President William Ruto at the 21st Plenary Assembly of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Nairobi, Mudavadi said peace and national unity are more important than political differences.

“I call upon our young people in Kenya and across the region to reject violence, divisive politics and tribalism. No young and promising life should be sacrificed for political expediency. Elections will come and go, but our nation’s unity, stability and future must endure for generations to come,” said Mudavadi.

Mudavadi said conflicts across Africa continue to claim lives, displace millions of people and deny children their right to education.

He noted that in the East and Horn of Africa alone, more than 20 million people have been forcibly displaced due to armed conflict.

Citing United Nations statistics, Mudavadi said that as of June 2026, approximately 118 million children across Africa were out of school because of violent conflicts and climate change-related emergencies.

Referring to the situation in Sudan, he said more than 14 million people have been displaced since war broke out in April 2023, while nearly half of the country’s schools are no longer operational, disrupting the education of about 13 million children.

“This situation is putting the future of an entire generation of African children at risk,” he said.

Mudavadi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting equitable development, strengthening peace and security across the region, and placing young people at the centre of the country’s development agenda.

He also commended AMECEA for making youth mentorship the focus of its 2026 Plenary Assembly, saying the initiative would help build a more peaceful, united and prosperous society.

2027 Race: Martha Karua backs single opposition candidate against Ruto, rules out running mate role

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has expressed her readiness to back a single opposition presidential candidate for Kenya’s 2027 General Election, provided the selection process is fair and transparent. However, the veteran politician firmly ruled out taking up a running mate position again. Karua’s remarks come amid mounting pressure on opposition figures to unite and field a single candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the upcoming election.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sifa FM, Karua emphasized that Kenyans are desperately seeking relief from current socio-economic hardships and that her leadership will focus on delivering that liberation. She highlighted the PLP as a truly national party dedicated to ensuring all regions achieve development without political or regional bias. Karua criticized past and present administrations for consistently failing to allocate adequate equalization funds, which she argued has left many areas lagging behind.

She noted that while the Constitution provides a clear framework to protect citizens and guarantee equitable distribution of resources, both national and county governments have frequently prioritized the interests of a select few. If elected president, Karua pledged to reset this balance by ensuring every Kenyan is given an equal opportunity to benefit from national development and public services.

Addressing the management of public funds, the PLP chief stressed the necessity of strictly adhering to constitutional guidelines on public finance. She argued that true leadership requires prioritizing the genuine needs of the people over self-serving interests. With many Kenyans currently facing severe economic challenges, Karua called for national unity across ethnic lines, framing tribal cohesion and fiscal responsibility as the primary pathways to national recovery.

Land ownership remains a critical issue for millions of citizens, and Karua urged the government to properly empower and safeguard the independence of the National Land Commission so it can effectively resolve ongoing disputes. She attributed widespread landlessness and the squatter crisis to selfish political leaders who have historically grabbed public lands for personal gain.

While Karua expressed a willingness to forgive leaders who have wronged Kenyans in the past, she made it clear that forgiveness will not grant them a free pass back into power. She insisted that all candidates seeking public office must undergo rigorous vetting to ensure that those responsible for historical injustices, including withholding title deeds, are held accountable before being allowed to represent the public again.

Karua: I will continue defending Kenyans’ rights through the courts

By
Binti Wangila
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People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has reaffirmed her commitment to defending the rights of Kenyans through the courts and other legal avenues, saying the rule of law remains the foundation of democracy and accountability.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Sifa FM, Karua said many Kenyans continue to face challenges in accessing quality healthcare and education. She noted that many patients struggle to obtain medical services due to weaknesses in the current healthcare financing system, while the rising cost of education continues to place a heavy burden on many families.

Karua said she has served Kenyans since she was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Gichugu in 1992. During her tenure, she said she carried out her responsibilities with dedication and accountability. She also highlighted her service as Minister for Water under the late President Mwai Kibaki, where she oversaw the implementation of water projects across the country.

She added that although she left Parliament in 2013, she has remained actively involved in national affairs by championing citizens’ rights through advocacy, civic engagement, and legal action.

On the 2007 post-election violence, Karua said the matter was investigated and that some cases were later referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC). She maintained that allegations of human rights violations can continue to be pursued through established legal mechanisms.

Karua also referred to election-related cases she has filed in court. She noted that she challenged the results of the 2017 Kirinyaga gubernatorial election, but was dissatisfied with the court’s ruling.

Speaking about the 2022 General Election, Karua said she and the then Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party presidential candidate, the late Raila Odinga, filed a petition at the Supreme Court challenging the presidential election results. She said they were not satisfied with the court’s decision and continue to pursue justice through other legal avenues.

Karua reaffirmed that she will remain steadfast in defending the rights of Kenyans, stressing that allegations of human rights violations and other crimes should never be ignored. She expressed confidence in some judges and judicial officers who perform their duties with integrity, while acknowledging that challenges still exist within the justice system.

She also cited several public interest cases filed before the courts, including petitions challenging the Finance Act, saying it is the responsibility of the judiciary to interpret the Constitution and determine whether laws comply with constitutional requirements.

Senator Mungatana urges coastal solidarity to secure regional political respect

By
Vincent Amara
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In a powerful address delivered in Hola, Galole Constituency, Tana River County Senator Dr. Danson Mungatana, MP, MGH, PhD, declared that the long-standing political divisions within the Coastal region are coming to an end.

Speaking at a high-level consultative meeting hosted by Hon. Said Posta, Senator Mungatana emphasized that voting as a unified bloc is the key to earning the Coastal region its rightful respect and leverage in national politics.

The meeting was jointly led by key regional leaders, including Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, and Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho.

Tracing the region’s political history over the last 24 years, Senator Mungatana highlighted how internal fragmentation has consistently weakened the Coast’s collective bargaining power on the national stage.

Looking ahead to President William Ruto’s second term agenda, Senator Mungatana affirmed that the leadership of the Coast is actively dismantling past political rivalries.

Senator Dr. Danson Mungatana stated that under the joint leadership of Speaker Kingi, CS Mvurya, and CS Joho, the region was forging a united political front to ensure better representation, economic empowerment, and stronger national bargaining power.

He emphasized that if the people of the Coast voted together as one, the political respect and dignity of the region would finally be secured, concluding his remarks with a prayer for God to bless both the Coastal region and Kenya.

Healthcare operations paralyzed across all 47 counties as clinical officers launch nationwide strike

By
Vincent Amara
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Public healthcare services across Kenya have been thrown into paralysis after clinical officers officially downed their tools in a nationwide strike across all 47 counties, following confirmation from the Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO).  

The industrial action stems from what the union describes as a complete failure by the Ministry of Health and county governments to address long-standing grievances. According to KUCO Secretary-General and CEO George M. Gibore, authorities failed to provide a meaningful response despite receiving both an initial 21-day demand notice and a subsequent 14-day strike notice.  

“The Ministry of Health and the forty-seven county governments ignored our twenty-one-day demand notice and have equally failed to respond meaningfully to the subsequent fourteen-day strike notice. Our grievances, therefore, remain unresolved,” part of the communiqué stated.  

To maintain a uniform stand across the country, KUCO has directed all clinical officers to remain united, disciplined, and fully participating in the walkout. Union branch officials are actively mobilizing members and maintaining close communication with the national office throughout the ongoing action.  

Crucially, the union issued a strict warning forbidding members from participating in separate county-level meetings organized by local labor officers without explicit written authorization from the secretary-general. KUCO argued that decentralized discussions would only undermine collective bargaining efforts and prolong resolution of the dispute.  

“No branch official or member is authorized to negotiate, vary, compromise, suspend, or withdraw any matter contained in the national strike notice,” the statement emphasized.  

With thousands of healthcare workers away from their posts, the ongoing strike continues to severely disrupt operations across public hospitals and health centers nationwide until the government meaningfully engages in centralized negotiations.  

Kenya weather forecast: Dry conditions ahead, rainfall and cold Snaps expected in select regions

By
Vincent Amara
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Most parts of the country are set to experience generally dry weather between July 21 and July 27, though localized rainfall, hot afternoons, and chilly nights are expected in specific counties, according to the latest weekly outlook from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD).

Rainfall is anticipated across selected counties in Western Kenya and the Rift Valley including Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Nakuru, Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Vihiga, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Migori, and Nyandarua as well as Lamu along the Coast. In addition, parts of the Central Highlands and surrounding areas (Nairobi, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nyeri, and Tharaka-Nithi) will experience intermittent cool and cloudy conditions accompanied by light rains.

Temperatures are projected to rise significantly during the day, exceeding 30°C in several regions. Residents in Kilifi, Tana River, Lamu, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, West Pokot, and Turkana counties are advised to prepare for hot afternoon conditions.

Conversely, night-time temperatures are expected to drop below 10°C in parts of Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nakuru, Baringo, Narok, Kajiado, Kiambu, and Taita Taveta. The Weatherman has urged residents in these cold-prone regions to dress warmly, particularly during the late evening and early morning hours.

Looking further ahead, Acting Director of Meteorological Services Edward Muriuki noted that despite an 80% to 82% probability of El Niño conditions developing, the June-August period will remain largely dry across most of Kenya, with Western Kenya receiving depressed rainfall.

The enhanced rainfall typically associated with El Niño is expected during the primary October-November-December (OND) short rains season.

KMD clarified that El Niño does not affect local weather patterns alone; the department is actively tracking the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), which measures sea surface temperature differences across the tropical Indian Ocean.

A positive IOD (warmer waters near the Kenyan coast) combined with El Niño historically triggers heavy rainfall during OND, whereas a negative IOD tends to suppress rainfall. The department continues to advise the public to monitor official KMD updates for real-time weather alerts.

“Business as usual”: Judiciary rejects LSK strike over Judicial immunity

By
Vincent Amara
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The Judiciary has assured the public that all court operations nationwide will proceed as scheduled on Wednesday, July 22, despite a planned nationwide strike called by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).

In a statement, the Judiciary characterized the planned boycott as inappropriate, warning that disrupting proceedings will ultimately prejudice litigants and other citizens seeking justice.

“Public accusations, however serious, cannot substitute for a fair investigation or displace the constitutional and statutory procedures established for addressing complaints,” the Judiciary stated. “The rule of law demands fairness both to court users and to those entrusted with the administration of justice.”

The conflict stems from recent court orders that prevent the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) from investigating misconduct allegations against specific judges and judicial officers. In response, the LSK instructed advocates to boycott proceedings on Wednesday, to be followed by targeted boycotts against the specific officers who obtained the immunity orders.

According to the LSK, the strike follows extensive consultations regarding systemic challenges within the legal sector. Advocates have raised growing concerns over judicial accountability, registry inefficiencies, severe case backlogs, and an increasingly difficult working environment. The society urged all members to stand in solidarity to demand greater transparency and integrity across the justice system.

Addressing these concerns, the Judiciary reiterated that accountability mechanisms must strictly adhere to established legal procedures. It welcomed the LSK to abandon the strike in favor of constructive dialogue to address legitimate administrative issues without compromising court functions.

The Judiciary maintained that all courts across the country will remain fully operational and continue hearing matters as scheduled.

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