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New IFAW-funded hub to curb human-wildlife conflict in Taita Taveta

By
Immanuel Mwakori
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Community rangers in Taita-Taveta County can now deploy across the region more effectively following a major donation of field gear and the launch of a new communication center funded by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Kasigau, Ken Omaria, the Regional Security Coordinator for the Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancy Association (TTWCA), stated that the intervention eliminates the severe logistical bottlenecks that have previously hampered ranger operations.

“With this support, our rangers can now reach every corner of the conservancies without disruption,” Omaria said upon receiving the equipment. “They can establish temporary field camps right where wildlife conflict is happening, eliminating the exhaustion and logistical strain of traveling back and forth every day.”

Francis Maghanga, a community ranger who was among the recipients, echoed these sentiments. The donation included essential field equipment such as cameras, GPS devices, high-powered flashlights, tents, and sleeping bags.

“These tools are a major shot in the arm for our daily operations,” Maghanga noted. “Having GPS units and proper camping gear means we can track wildlife movements accurately and stay in the field longer to protect both the animals and the community.”

The newly established facility in Kasigau will serve as a central communication hub, receiving real-time data from all conservancies operating under the TTWCA umbrella. Mr. Omaria emphasized that the center will directly benefit residents living adjacent to the protected areas.

“This facility is a game-changer for local communities,” Omaria explained. “We now have the capacity to track wildlife patterns closely, anticipate potential run-ins, and issue early warnings to residents in high-risk zones before conflicts occur.”

TTWCA Chief Executive Officer Alfred Mwanake extended his gratitude to IFAW and the various donors who funded the completion of the project.

“We are immensely grateful to IFAW and all our partners who made this project a reality,” Mwanake said. “This hub represents a milestone in community-led conservation.”

Mr. Mwanake added that the communication center will work in tandem with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to collect and analyze data on reported incidents. This collaborative, data-driven approach aims to systematically reduce the high cases of human-wildlife conflict that have historically plagued the region.

Taita-Taveta residents warned against bushmeat consumption over health risks

By
Immanuel Mwakori
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File photo

Residents of Taita-Taveta County have been strongly urged to desist from purchasing and consuming bushmeat, following rising fears over the spread of deadly zoonotic diseases from illegally slaughtered wildlife.

The warning was issued by Ken Omaria, the regional security coordinator at the Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancy Association (TTWCA), during an exclusive interview with Sifa FM.

Mr. Omaria cautioned members of the public who buy such meat without verifying its origin or the cause of the animal’s death, emphasizing that they are exposing themselves to severe health hazards.

“Poaching not only threatens our wildlife biodiversity but also poses a severe public health risk. When you buy bushmeat from unknown sources, you have no way of knowing how that animal died or what diseases it might have been carrying,” Omaria warned during the interview. “Consumers are unknowingly putting their lives and families at risk of contracting unknown and potentially fatal illnesses.”

Echoing his sentiments, Francis Maghanga, a Community Ranger in the region, noted that many wild animals naturally carry pathogens that are highly transmissible to humans. He pointed out that poachers hunt indiscriminately without any regard for the health status of the animals, subsequently selling the meat to unsuspecting locals and compromising food safety and public health.

Beyond the immediate health risks, the conservation officials made a passionate appeal to the local community to collaborate with authorities in protecting and preserving wildlife.

They highlighted that the conservation sector remains a crucial economic driver for Taita-Taveta County, generating substantial revenue and supporting local livelihoods.

“Conservation is directly linked to the economic empowerment of our people. A thriving wildlife ecosystem ensures that the county receives its fair share of national government revenues,” Omaria stated, highlighting the connection to employment. “Furthermore, tourism creates sustainable job opportunities for our local youth, offering them a viable future away from the dangers of illegal poaching.”

To permanently shift communities away from the illicit wild meat trade, TTWCA partnered with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to implement a project funded by the Darwin Initiative. The mission focuses on empowering residents with sustainable livelihoods that actively foster a peaceful coexistence between local communities and nature.

Following comprehensive livelihood training sessions conducted last year for members of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) in Maktau and Mwashoti (Mwatate Subcounty), as well as Chumvini and Njukini (Taveta Subcounty), the initiative has moved into a vital asset-distribution phase.

In Mwashoti and Maktau, 78 hardy Galla goats have already been officially handed over to organized VSLA groups.

Officials state that these animals are far more than mere livestock assets; they represent a structured alternative path toward total food security, reliable income generation, and climate resilience for families previously vulnerable to the temptations of illegal poaching.

Ol Kalou By-Election Halt Sought

By
Vincent Amara
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A formal petition has been submitted to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) requesting the immediate postponement of the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election scheduled for July 16, 2026, citing severe threats to electoral integrity.

The petitioner, public interest activist Francis Awino, argues that the current political climate fails to meet the constitutional standards required for a free, fair, and transparent democratic process.

According to the petition, the credibility of the upcoming vote has been severely compromised by a combination of widespread electoral malpractice, documented voter coercion, and unlawful state interference. Specifically, the petitioner cites instances of voter bribery through monetary and material inducements, ongoing political confrontations, and acts of violence and intimidation designed to coerce the electorate.

Furthermore, the petition highlights a critical breach of public service neutrality, alleging that Cabinet Secretaries and other senior public officials actively participated in campaign activities

To safeguard democratic standards, the petition urges the IEBC to exercise its statutory mandate by drawing upon key legal provisions, specifically citing Articles 10, 38, 73, 81, 86, 88, and 232 of the Constitution alongside Section 55B of the Elections Act.

This statutory provision explicitly empowers the commission to postpone an election in the event of severe electoral malpractices, a serious breach of peace, or any prevailing circumstances that render a credible poll impossible.

Ultimately, the petitioner is seeking formal orders directing the IEBC to launch an immediate investigation into the reported malpractices, review comprehensive security and observer reports from law enforcement agencies and civil society groups, and postpone the July 16 poll until a peaceful, constitutionally compliant environment is fully restored.

Frace to face Spain tonight

By
Newton Ingui
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Mbappe was withdrawn in the second half of France’s quarter-final but is expected to be fit to start on today despite a minor ankle sprain. Kone also went off with a knee issue that is thought to be precautionary, and he could challenge Tchouameni if the midfielder completes his return from a thigh injury.

On eight goals, Golden Boot contender Mbappe should again partner Ballon d’Or winner Dembele, with the pair creating 19 chances for each other this summer. France still have a decision to make over who joins them and Olise in attack.

Spain’s line-up is also not settled: Oyarzabal (four goals) is set to lead the line, while Torres, Williams and Pino are pushing for starts. Merino and Pedri are in midfield contention too, and Yamal remains on the right alongside Porro, who looks to have beaten Llorente to the spot.

Kenya’s NIF Launches Search for Inaugural CEO

By
Vincent Amara
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The National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) has officially initiated the recruitment process for its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO), marking a pivotal step toward operationalizing the state-backed investment vehicle designed to finance major infrastructure developments.

Operating under the National Infrastructure Fund Act, 2025, the fund aims to mobilize capital for strategic national projects including roads, railways, ports, energy infrastructure, and agribusiness utilizing government allocations, privatization proceeds, private investments, grants, and loans.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the incoming CEO will provide strategic, commercial, and operational leadership to establish the institution, implement its investment strategy, mobilize domestic and international capital, and develop bankable investment opportunities.

To qualify, candidates must possess at least a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, engineering, law, or a related field with advanced degrees or professional designations such as CFA, CPA, or CA highly preferred alongside a minimum of 10 years of experience in investment management, infrastructure finance, private equity, project finance, or investment banking, including five years in a senior executive role.

This executive search follows the recent appointment of a six-member board by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi consisting of James Mworia Mwirigi, Fahima Ali Ahmed Zein, Christopher Kibui Maranga, Latoya Ouna, Lawrence Kibet, and Mohammed Abdirahman Hassan which operates alongside a governing council appointed by President William Ruto in April and chaired by CS Mbadi to oversee the fund’s strategic implementation.

High-Stakes Ol Kalou By-Election: Multi-Agency Intervention

By
Vincent Amara
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A high-profile joint briefing by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the National Police Service (NPS), and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is set to address critical security and electoral integrity concerns ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.  

Led by IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, senior officials from the National Police Service and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission will convene on Tuesday at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi to issue a crucial joint briefing, taking place just two days ahead of the highly anticipated Thursday, July 16, 2026, parliamentary by-election.  

The highly competitive Ol Kalou by-election has transformed into a crucial political battleground between United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau, serving as a vital early litmus test for regional supremacy in the Mt. Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.  

Citing severe infractions such as voter bribery, destruction of campaign materials, unlawful night campaigns, and allegations of misused State resources, both the IEBC and the KNCHR have sounded alarms over a deteriorating campaign environment that has turned violent with organized gang attacks, gunshots, and the loss of one life. The situation has become so critical that the politically motivated unrest is reportedly spilling over into neighboring Gilgil Constituency, prompting IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon to issue a stern warning that the commission could postpone or outright cancel the by-election if security deteriorates any further.  

To reassure the public and safeguard the vote, the multi-agency coalition is expected to outline concrete security and logistical measures, including enhanced police deployments, strict enforcement of the Elections Act, a crackdown on hate speech by the NCIC, and crucial updates on ballot security and voter preparedness. Additionally, the KNCHR has deployed a dedicated monitoring team to oversee compliance with human rights standards throughout the polling period, while the IEBC urges voters to rely strictly on official, verified communication channels to combat online misinformation.  

State Allocates Kes 30.8 Billion for Higher Education as 2025 KCSE Cohort Urged to Apply for Scholarships

By
Vincent Amara
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Following a substantial state allocation of Kes 30.8 billion dedicated to bolstering higher education, the government has issued a rallying call to the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates selected for public universities for the 2026/2027 academic year. Beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to leverage this funding by applying for tuition assistance under the progressive Student-Centred Funding Model.

According to the Universities Fund (UF), these financial provisions are earmarked for the 202,133 students placed in public tertiary institutions by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). Eligible applicants must submit their details through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal before the strict deadline of September 6.

In an effort to preempt administrative bottlenecks, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Universities Fund, Dr. Edwin Wanyonyi, has implored students to initiate their applications expeditiously. Early submissions, he noted, are vital to facilitating thorough verification and ensuring that funds are disbursed well ahead of the matriculation date.

“To guarantee a seamless transition into higher learning, we strongly urge public university students to submit their scholarship applications at the earliest opportunity. Timely registration is paramount, as it allows us to process, allocate, and disburse financial aid efficiently before the academic term commences,” Dr. Wanyonyi stated.

The Kes 30.8 billion funding package for the 2026/2027 fiscal year marks a significant Kes 12.4 billion increase from the Kes 18.4 billion allocated in the preceding financial cycle.

Under the provisions of the Student-Centred Funding Model, students admitted to public universities are eligible for a hybrid package consisting of both Universities Fund scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans. Conversely, those matriculating into private universities are eligible exclusively for HELB loans. The exact quantum of financial aid awarded is mathematically determined by a combination of household financial vulnerability and the specific tuition costs of the student’s chosen academic program.

To minimize friction in the system, Dr. Wanyonyi emphasized the need for precision and honesty during the application process.

“I appeal directly to parents, guardians, and sponsors to actively guide students through this process. It is imperative that all supporting documentation is compiled and verified beforehand, ensuring that applications are not only submitted punctually but are also entirely accurate to prevent avoidable processing delays,” he added.

To support this rollout, the Universities Fund has initiated a comprehensive, nationwide sensitization campaign branded #WahiScholarship. This outreach program is designed to educate applicants on eligibility parameters, application protocols, and critical deadlines, ensuring that no deserving student is disenfranchised by a lack of information.

Since its inception in 2023, the Student-Centred Funding Model has extended financial lifelines to over 400,000 students, with the pioneer cohort scheduled to graduate next year. To maintain institutional transparency, scholarship disbursements are remitted directly to the respective public universities to offset tuition fees.

To qualify for government scholarship funding, applicants must meet the following criteria;Must be a Kenyan citizen,Must have been placed in a public university by KUCCPS,Must have sat the KCSE examination in 2022 or later and finally Must complete and submit an application via the official HEF Portal.

Continuing students are also reminded that their application window remains active. They can apply directly through the HEF Portal or utilize the USSD code *642# via their registered mobile phone numbers.

Applications for both the Universities Fund scholarships and HELB loans remain entirely free of charge and must be submitted once every academic year.

Sen. Mungatana Urges Religious Leaders to Guide Voters for 2027

By
Vincent Amara
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Tanariver County Senator, Dr. Danson Mungatana (MGH, MP, PhD), has issued a strong appeal to religious leaders across the county to stand at the forefront and provide moral guidance to citizens ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking after an invitation by the Maustadhs and Maustadhas of Gwanoni in Maroni town to discuss key societal issues, Senator Mungatana emphasized that spiritual leaders hold a pivotal role in shaping the political and developmental future of the region.

The Senator reminded the religious leaders that the scriptures and history of both Islam and Christianity offer solid frameworks and exemplary models of what public leadership should look like.

“We read that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) guided on how public leaders should conduct themselves, and the Caliphs who followed him strictly upheld and implemented those teachings. Similarly, Christianity is rich with profound teachings regarding leadership values and integrity”, he said

Dr. Mungatana urged the clergy not to limit their sermons to spiritual matters alone, but to also use the pulpit to intellectually empower their congregations so they are not easily swayed by empty political rhetoric.

“I took the opportunity to urge these leaders to guide the citizens from the pulpit regarding leadership values. My goal is that when the time comes, our people will look beyond mere politics and instead evaluate who the most qualified and ethical leaders are.” Dr. Danson Mungatana added

He concluded with a special appeal to all faith leaders both Muslims and Christians to remain active participants in the county’s decision-making processes:

“My humble plea is that our religious leaders do not take a back seat during this upcoming election cycle. May God bless Tanariver.”Dr. Mungatana concluded

How Satellite tech is quietly rewiring Africa’s multi-million dollar FM radio market

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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The most interesting thing happening in African radio right now is not a new station launch or a viral podcast or a celebrity presenter moving to a competitor.

It’s a Belgian satellite company called neXat that most people in the industry have never heard of.

What neXat does is quite elegant. They multicast audio channels from a satellite to small ground terminals, which then feed directly into FM transmitters.

What this means in practice is that a radio station in a location with no internet, no fibre cable, and no mobile network can receive its content via satellite and broadcast it over FM to listeners who still own the same KES 300 radio they’ve always had.

The technology in the middle changes completely, but the listening experience for the person holding the radio doesn’t change at all. They turn it on, they hear their station, they have no idea the signal came from a satellite. It is a satellite solution that keeps FM alive rather than replacing it, which is the opposite of what most people assume satellite technology does to traditional broadcasting.

I think about this a lot because the global conversation about radio’s future tends to assume that everything is moving to the internet and that FM is becoming obsolete. And for connected markets with smartphones and broadband and reliable electricity, that’s probably true.

But for communities in northern Kenya where the nearest fibre cable is hundreds of kilometres away, a technology like neXat’s is not a step backwards into FM. It’s the most practical way to improve radio distribution right now, today, without waiting for infrastructure that might not arrive for another decade.

The future doesn’t always look like the internet. Sometimes it looks like a satellite dish connected to the same FM transmitter that’s been there for twenty years, doing the same job but doing it better.

Have you come across technologies that are quietly changing how radio works in Africa without making any headlines?

Kakamega School and Highway high school secure KSSSA national championship berths as regional giants fall

By
Denilson Muhando
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Kakamega School has secured a place at the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Championships after ending a seven-year wait with a dramatic victory over three-time Kakamega County champions Musingu High School in the Western Region boys’ football final.

The highly anticipated final, played at Kanduyi Stadium in Bungoma County on Saturday, 11 July 2026, attracted thousands of passionate fans and lived up to expectations with an intense contest between two football powerhouses.

After a goalless draw in regulation time, the match headed into extra time, where Kakamega School finally broke the deadlock. Brighton Nacheri, popularly known as “Messi,” delivered a dangerous corner in the 114th minute before providing a superb assist for Fidel Odhiambo, who sealed a memorable 2-0 victory with a late goal in the 121st minute.

The triumph marks Kakamega School’s return to the KSSSA National Championships for the first time since 2019 and earns them the honour of representing the Western Region at the national finals in Thika, Kiambu County, later this month.

In the girls’ football final, defending national champions Butere Girls suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Archbishop Njenga Girls. The decisive goal came after an unfortunate mistake by the Butere goalkeeper, handing Archbishop Njenga the regional title and a place at the national championships.

Meanwhile, in the Nairobi Region, Highway Secondary School continued their impressive dominance under head coach Beldine Odemba by qualifying for the KSSSA National Championships for a third consecutive year. Highway defeated Hill School 4-3 on penalties in the regional final at Jamhuri High School on Sunday, 12 July 2026, after both sides played out a goalless draw in regulation and extra time.

In other disciplines across the Western Region Championships, Malava Boys High School were crowned boys’ volleyball champions after defeating Chesamisi High School in straight sets (3-0). However, the result remains subject to confirmation after Chesamisi lodged an official appeal, with the tournament jury expected to deliver a final verdict.

In the girls’ volleyball competition, St. Mathias Mwitoti Girls emerged as the new regional champions following an impressive campaign. Bokoli Boys claimed the boys’ Rugby Sevens title, while Mbakalo Girls were crowned champions in the girls’ Rugby Sevens category.

In basketball 3×3, Nambale Boys secured the boys’ championship, with Tigoi Girls lifting the girls’ title after impressive performances throughout the tournament. Bukokholo Girls also celebrated success after being crowned the Western Region netball champions.

This year’s regional championships also saw several traditional football powerhouses fail to qualify for the national finals. Among the notable casualties were Musingu High School, JOBO, Solidarity Boys, Kisumu Boys, Agai Secondary School, Shanderema Secondary School, Serani School, Kisumu Day School, and Dagoretti High School.

The qualified teams will now shift their focus to the 2026 KSSSA Term Two National Championships, scheduled to take place from Tuesday, 28 July to Saturday, 1 August 2026, at the MPESA Foundation Academy in Thika, Kiambu County, where they will compete for national honours and qualification to the East Africa Secondary Schools Games.

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