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Tana River Turns to Lucerne Farming to Drive Climate-Smart Agriculture and Economic Growth

By
Binti Wangila
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A new partnership between the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA), Tana River County Government, and Stella Mundi Properties Ltd is set to transform agriculture in the arid county through climate-smart lucerne farming.

The three partners have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop water infrastructure that will support year-round irrigation, commercial fodder production, and improved management of water resources.

The initiative is expected to boost food security, create employment opportunities, attract private investment, and increase household incomes by expanding the production of lucerne, a high-value livestock feed crop.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, NWHSA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Julius Mugun said the project represents more than just water infrastructure development, describing it as a pathway towards economic transformation for local communities.

“This collaboration is a step towards propelling Kenya towards the Singaporean dream of becoming a first-world country,” Mugun said.

He added that reliable water supply systems would enable continuous agricultural production and unlock new economic opportunities for residents.

NWHSA Board Chairperson Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau said the partnership highlights the importance of cooperation between national and county governments alongside private sector players in tackling development challenges.

“This MoU marks the beginning of many more partnerships that will deliver tangible benefits to the people of Tana River,” she said.

Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana said the project would enhance agricultural productivity while creating jobs through commercial fodder farming.

He noted that combining national government expertise, county support, and private sector investment would help unlock the county’s agricultural potential.

Meanwhile, Stella Mundi Properties Ltd representative Fr. Allan Ndung’u said the project aims to tap into the growing international market for lucerne, particularly in the Middle East, where demand for quality animal feed is increasing.

“This is a major agricultural investment with the potential to generate significant returns while creating sustainable economic opportunities for the people of Tana River,”Ndung’u said.

The partners said the project will also strengthen climate resilience through improved water management and provide a model for future public-private partnerships in sustainable agriculture.

Turkana MCA slams CECM’s irrigation report, questions budget cuts and project records

By
Leah Kawon
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Lokori/Kochodin Ward MCA Hon. Willy Napuyo has launched a scathing attack on a report presented to the Turkana County Assembly by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries, Dr. Michael Eregae, dismissing it as inaccurate and accusing the county executive of failing to provide the House with the true status of irrigation projects.

Speaking during a plenary sitting, Napuyo described the report as “a blatant lie,” taking particular issue with the classification of the Morulem Irrigation Scheme as “minimally operational.”

According to the MCA, the scheme ceased operations long ago and should not have been listed among projects that are still functioning.

“Morulem Irrigation Scheme stopped operating a long time ago. It is misleading to tell this House that it is minimally operational when, in reality, it is not functioning at all,” Napuyo told the Assembly.

His remarks came after Dr. Eregae responded to a question on the status of irrigation schemes in Turkana South and Turkana East, informing the House that the two sub-counties have 15 irrigation schemes operating at different levels, ranging from fully operational to minimally operational and non-operational.

Napuyo also questioned changes to development funding for irrigation projects in his ward, alleging that approved allocations had been reduced without explanation.

He said the Lokwi Irrigation Scheme was initially allocated KSh30 million for fencing but that the amount was later reduced to KSh17 million.

The legislator further claimed that Lokori/Kochodin Ward had been allocated KSh40 million for development projects, with KSh30 million earmarked for fencing the Lokwi Irrigation Scheme and KSh10 million set aside for a water project in Nakukulas. However, he alleged that the Nakukulas water project was subsequently removed from the budget.

“Maybe the CEC can tell me why this money was reduced. I was allocated KSh40 million. We allocated KSh30 million for fencing and KSh10 million for water in Nakukulas. Even that water project has been removed,” Napuyo said.

The MCA also raised concerns over what he described as deteriorating infrastructure and inconsistencies in the management of development projects. He cited a contract worth KSh4 million awarded for the supply of farm tools and equipment to farmers under the Morulem Irrigation Scheme.

According to Willy Napuyo, the contractor successfully delivered the equipment to beneficiaries, but was never paid. He further claimed that records relating to the project were later removed from the county’s system.

“Where are we going, surely? Should we keep on summoning the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries to give us second-hand information instead of first-hand information?” he asked.

In his response, Dr. Eregae attributed the poor performance of several irrigation schemes to inadequate budgetary allocations, the spread of Prosopis juliflora (Mathenge), siltation of irrigation canals and persistent insecurity in parts of the county.

However, several MCAs questioned the accuracy of the report, arguing that it did not reflect the actual situation on the ground in their respective wards. The legislators called for an independent verification exercise before the Assembly could rely on the report for oversight and budgetary decisions.

Following the debate, the House resolved that the Assembly’s Committee on Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries conduct a joint inspection of the irrigation schemes with officials from the County Department of Agriculture.

The Speaker directed the committee to table a comprehensive report on the actual status of irrigation schemes in Turkana South and Turkana East by October 1, 2026.

The findings are expected to guide future investments in irrigation infrastructure as Turkana County seeks to strengthen food security and expand agricultural production in its arid and semi-arid areas.

Mental Strength takes Centre stage as Kenya’s U-20 team prepares for World Championships

By
Festus Basabo
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Athletics Kenya has shifted its focus beyond physical preparation by equipping the national Under-20 team with mental resilience ahead of the upcoming World Athletics Under-20 Championships.

The young athletes, currently in a residential training camp at Kasarani, temporarily stepped away from their track and field sessions to participate in a comprehensive psychological training and counselling programme aimed at preparing them for the pressures of international competition.

The session, facilitated by counselling psychologist Dr. Agnes Nthangi, emphasized emotional well-being, confidence building, effective communication, and coping strategies for challenges that athletes often face before and during major championships.

In addition to mental health, the athletes received guidance on managing fame, financial responsibilities, social relationships, and the expectations that come with representing Kenya on the global stage.

Dr. Nthangi said the initiative was designed to ensure the young athletes enter the championships with a positive mindset and the emotional stability needed to perform at their best.

She noted that many young athletes struggle with feelings of shame, anxiety, or embarrassment, especially when they lack supportive communication from those around them. She encouraged the athletes to openly express their concerns whenever they feel overwhelmed instead of suppressing their emotions.

The psychologist also challenged coaches, team managers, physiotherapists, and medical personnel accompanying the squad to create a supportive environment where athletes feel valued, respected, and understood throughout the competition.

According to Dr. Nthangi, mental preparation is just as important as physical training, arguing that emotionally healthy athletes are better equipped to handle pressure, setbacks, and the demands of elite competition.

She further urged the government, Athletics Kenya, and other sports federations to institutionalize counselling and mental health programmes as part of every national team’s preparations, saying psychological support should become a standard component of athlete development rather than an occasional intervention.

Garissa Boda Boda Operators hold leadership elections to push for change

By
Dominic Barasa
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Hundreds of boda boda operators in Garissa County have turned up in large numbers to vote for new leaders in a bid to bring fresh reforms to the sector.

The operators, led by Emily Ndunge, a boda boda rider in Garissa town, said the need for new leadership was driven by concerns over the long period without elections and the challenges facing members of the sector.

Ndunge said that since the current leaders assumed office in 2006, no leadership elections had been held, a situation that prompted operators to take action and seek a new direction.

“For many years, there has been no opportunity for members to choose their leaders through an election. We believe new leadership will bring fresh ideas and improve the welfare of boda boda operators,”Ndunge said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Samson Gitonga, who expressed concern over the difficulties faced by riders, including being associated with criminal activities whenever security incidents occur.

Gitonga said some operators have endured difficult conditions over the past decade, including arrests by security officers, while their leaders failed to offer adequate support or representation.

“Boda boda operators have often been blamed whenever insecurity cases arise, yet many of us are hardworking people trying to earn a living. We need leaders who can stand with us and defend our interests,”Gitonga said.

Meanwhile, Benard Musili, who is contesting for the chairperson position, pledged to provide accountable and dedicated leadership if elected.

Musili said his priority would be to promote registration of all boda boda operators and ensure they acquire valid operating licences to help eliminate individuals tarnishing the reputation of the sector.

“This is a new beginning for boda boda operators. Every rider should be registered and licensed so that we can distinguish genuine operators from those damaging the image of our sector,“Musili said.

Garissa County has an estimated 3,000 boda boda operators, with approximately 2,000 private operators yet to be formally registered.

High Court shields IPOA from Interior Ministry control pending constitutional case

By
Binti Wangila
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The High Court has temporarily preserved the Independent Policing Oversight Authority’s (IPOA) independence after suspending the implementation of President William Ruto’s Executive Order placing the civilian police watchdog under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, pending the hearing of a constitutional petition.

The conservatory orders mean the Ministry of Interior cannot, for now, supervise, administer or exercise authority over IPOA under Executive Order No. 2 of 2023, maintaining the authority’s position as an independent civilian oversight body while the case is determined.

The petition was filed by Obwogi Jonathan, who argues that transferring IPOA to the same ministry responsible for the National Police Service undermines the authority’s constitutional independence and compromises its ability to investigate allegations of police misconduct without external influence. According to the petition, the Executive Order has already been used to alter government reporting structures by placing IPOA under the Interior Ministry, threatening the agency’s impartiality and oversight role.

In granting the conservatory orders, the court held that the status quo should be maintained until the constitutional questions raised in the petition are fully heard and determined.

“The implementation of Executive Order No. 2 of 2023, insofar as it places the IPOA under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, is hereby suspended pending the hearing and determination of the petition,” the court ordered.

The judge clarified that the ruling does not determine the constitutionality of the Executive Order but is intended to safeguard IPOA’s independence while the legal challenge proceeds.

The petitioner argued that allowing the Executive Order to remain in force before the case is concluded could irreparably undermine IPOA’s constitutional mandate.

“Continued implementation of the Executive Order poses a real threat to the constitutional independence of IPOA and its ability to discharge its oversight mandate free from external influence,” the petition states.

President Ruto issued Executive Order No. 2 of 2023 on November 1, 2023, reorganising government functions, including placing IPOA under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. The High Court’s orders suspend that aspect of the Executive Order until the constitutional petition is heard and determined. The matter will be mentioned on September 21, 2026, for further directions.

Three Lions suffer World Cup semi-final heartbreak with loss

By
Newton Ingui
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England were left heartbroken with their World Cup dreams shattered as Argentina struck twice late on to come from behind and win a dramatic semi-final in Atlanta.

Thomas Tuchel’s side looked on course to reach England’s first men’s World Cup final since their win in 1966 when Anthony Gordon gave them the lead in a feisty encounter after 55 minutes.

Argentina, however, were inspired and turned the contest around when Enzo Fernandez struck a magnificent equaliser with five minutes left, before Lautaro Martinez headed in a stoppage-time winner from Lionel Messi’s cross.

England’s wait for success goes on as they now face France in the third-place play-off, while Argentina will attempt to retain their crown against Spain on Sunday.

The searing atmosphere inside and outside Atlanta Stadium was mirrored by a feisty first half littered with 19 fouls, as American referee Ismail Elfath struggled to keep control.

Fernandez came closest with a long-range drive just off target, but it was England who made the breakthrough when Morgan Rogers justified his selection with a perfect right-wing cross for Gordon to score at the far post.

Argentina were stung into action and it required a brilliant reflex save from England keeper Jordan Pickford to keep out Nico Gonzalez’s header.

As England came under severe pressure, Alexis Mac Allister headed against the post before Argentina finally levelled five minutes from time, beating the defiant Pickford with a 25-yard drive.

Tuchel had set up England to defend the box with four central defenders, but Argentina’s momentum was unstoppable, Mac Allister hitting the woodwork once more before England finally crumbled in the 92nd minute and Martinez scored to settle an enthralling semi-final.

Kenya’s Coastal counties pledge unprecedented 2027 ‘block vote’ for president Ruto

By
Vincent Amara
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In what is shaping up to be a historic political realignment, leaders from Kenya’s Coastal region have declared their unified backing for President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, pledging an unprecedented, undivided block vote.

This bold declaration was championed by Tana River Senator Dr. Danson Mungatana during a series of high-profile public rallies held in Matuga Constituency within Kwale County and Likoni Constituency in Mombasa County.

Addressing enthusiastic crowds, Senator Mungatana highlighted the historic significance of this newfound unity, pointing out that since the landmark 2002 General Election, the Coastal region has traditionally split its vote between the ruling government and the opposition.

He declared that while the Coast has historically been a politically divided house, the narrative is officially changing for President Ruto’s second term to ensure the region speaks with a single, unstoppable voice.

This strategic push for a unified Coast is being spearheaded by a powerful coalition of the region’s most influential political figures, bringing together heavyweights under the joint leadership of Cabinet Secretaries Salim Mvurya and Ali Hassan Joho, alongside Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi.

This formidable alliance represents a major shift, uniting former rivals who have agreed to shelve local differences to secure the region’s developmental future at the national table.

During the joint rallies, the Cabinet Secretaries enumerated a host of multi-billion shilling development programmes witnessed across the six Coastal counties during President Ruto’s first term, highlighting tangible progress in infrastructure, blue economy initiatives, and agriculture as the main catalyst for this political goodwill.

The rallies demonstrated a broad, bi-partisan consensus across the Coast’s political spectrum, drawing attendance and passionate speeches from key county bosses and legislators.

Among the prominent leaders who spoke in support of the unity pact were Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, alongside Senators Boy and Chimera.

A host of influential Members of Parliament also threw their weight behind the movement, including MPs Masito, Zamzam, Tandaza, Chiforomodo, and Mishi, signaling a deeply rooted grassroots movement.

As the countdown to the 2027 polls begins, this consolidated front not only signals a major shakeup in Kenya’s electoral dynamics but also promises to secure the Coastal counties’ long-term prosperity and bargaining power under a united banner.

Ol Kalou by-election: Voting underway as IEBC warns against ballot secrecy violations

By
Vincent Amara
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Voting has officially commenced in the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election in Nyandarua County, with polling stations opening at 6:00 AM on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced that while stations are scheduled to close at 5:00 PM, any voter remaining in the queue at that time will be permitted to cast their ballot.

The commission has also assured the public that any polling time lost during the day will be fully recovered at the close of the exercise.  

The by-election is being held to fill the National Assembly seat left vacant following the passing of Member of Parliament David Njuguna Kiaraho of the Jubilee Party on March 29, 2026.

The high-profile contest has drawn significant national attention, serving as a critical indicator of political alignment in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.  

As the exercise progresses, the IEBC has strongly emphasized that the secrecy of the ballot is a fundamental constitutional right guaranteed under Articles 38(3)(b) and 81(e)(i).

To preserve electoral integrity, the commission has issued a strict warning that photographing or recording marked ballot papers is prohibited and constitutes an electoral offense.

The agency noted that such actions compromise the voting process and expose voters to undue influence, coercion, or vote-buying.  

Polling is expected to conclude smoothly, with the official tallying and counting of votes scheduled to begin immediately after the polls close at 5:00 PM.  

How Lamu’s new teacher scholarship program is defeating chronic staff shortages

By
Robert Muteti
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Lamu East MP Ruweida Obbo

A groundbreaking collaborative education initiative is throwing a vital lifeline to remote schools in Lamu County, targeting a decades-old teacher shortage in regions hit hard by insecurity and underdevelopment. Through a new partnership between the Presidential Education Scholarship Program and the Lamu East National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), 106 local high school graduates have been sponsored to join teacher training institutions across the country.

The initiative, actively championed by Lamu East Member of Parliament Ruweida Obbo, aims to train local youth who will return to serve their communities. The program specifically targets volatile border zones and hard-to-reach areas like the Boni Forest and Kiunga, which have historically struggled to attract and retain teaching staff.

For years, the education sector in Lamu East and surrounding border areas has struggled with exceptionally high teacher turnover. Non-local teachers deployed to these regions often flee due to security fears posed by Al-Shabaab insurgents operating from neighboring Somalia. When teaching vacancies are advertised, local application numbers remain low, forcing the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to recruit heavily from outside the county.

According to Lamu County TSC Deputy Director Bute Shongolo, a recent recruitment drive for Junior Secondary School (JSS) interns laid bare the severity of the deficit. Out of the 95 JSS teacher interns deployed to the county, only 27 were local residents. The remaining 68 had to be sourced from neighboring Kilifi County and other parts of the country. Mr. Shongolo urged local high school graduates to embrace the teaching profession as a powerful way to uplift and empower their communities.

To break this cycle, MP Ruweida Obbo has pushed hard for a “grow-your-own” teacher strategy. By training local youth who are already accustomed to the region’s unique terrain, climate, and security challenges, the community hopes to build a resilient, permanent teaching workforce. Speaking recently on Pate Island, Ms. Obbo expressed disappointment over previously missed employment opportunities but voiced strong optimism for the future.

The lawmaker revealed that President William Ruto had previously allocated 35 direct employment slots for teachers from Lamu, but less than 10 qualified local applicants were available to fill them. With 106 local youths now actively undertaking teaching courses in various colleges and universities, Ms. Obbo noted there is finally immense hope for the region. Plans are already underway to expand this successful sponsorship model to other critical sectors, including nursing, medicine, and engineering.

Beyond filling empty classrooms, the scholarship program has emerged as a vital social safety net for vulnerable young people in the region. It is already proving to be a lifeline for young women facing early marriage and young men with limited economic options.

For Ilham Shafii Muhidin, now a first-year student pursuing a Diploma in Teacher Education at Mombasa’s Mikindani Islamic Teachers Training College (ITTC), the scholarship completely rescued her future. Coming from a poor family, she shared that without this initiative, she likely would have been married off early.

Similarly, Muadh Jamal, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education in Mathematics and Computer Studies at Mount Kenya University, had lost all hope of higher education after completing high school in 2023. He expressed deep gratitude for the sponsorship, noting that his parents’ financial struggles would have otherwise cut his academic journey short.

Local parents are equally relieved by the program’s reach. Ms. Kassim, a resident and parent in the community, noted that the initiative is keeping young men from being funneled solely into dangerous, low-yield artisanal fishing due to a lack of school fees. She thanked the program for relieving parents of an otherwise impossible financial burden. As these 106 trainees progress through their studies, local leaders and residents alike are hopeful that Lamu’s schools will soon be staffed by a dedicated, homegrown workforce capable of transforming the region’s academic landscape.

Official voting protocol for the Ol Kalou constituency by-election

By
Vincent Amara
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As registered voters in the Ol Kalou Constituency cast their ballots in today’s by-election on July 16, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has instituted a systematic seven-step voting protocol designed to guarantee a seamless, secure, and transparent process at every polling station.  

The electoral procedure begins the moment a voter enters the designated station, where they are required to present a valid national identity card or an official passport to the election officials for primary identification.  

Upon successful identification, the voter proceeds to the second stage, where their registration and eligibility are biometrically verified using the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kit. Once electronic authentication is complete, polling clerks issue the voter a single, officially stamped ballot paper.  

The voter then moves independently to a secure voting booth to mark their preferred candidate in complete secrecy, safeguarding the integrity of their franchise.  

After making their choice, the voter folds and deposits the marked ballot paper into the designated secure ballot box. Before exiting the immediate voting area, polling officials apply indelible ink to the voter’s finger as a mandatory security measure to prevent double voting and protect the integrity of the ballot.  

The entire process officially concludes with the seventh step, as the voter immediately departs the polling station to maintain an orderly flow of traffic and prevent overcrowding.  

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