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Argentina complete dramatic comeback to eliminate Egypt and reach World Cup quarter-finals

By
Binti Wangila
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Argentina staged a sensational second-half comeback to defeat Egypt 3-2 and keep their FIFA World Cup title defence alive after overturning a two-goal deficit in a thrilling Round of 16 encounter.

Egypt stunned the defending champions with first-half goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Ziko, while goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir denied Lionel Messi from the penalty spot.

However, Argentina responded in spectacular fashion as Cristian Romero pulled one back before Messi equalised, setting the stage for Enzo Fernandez to score the dramatic winner in stoppage time.

Messi’s equaliser marked his 21st FIFA World Cup goal as Argentina secured a place in the quarter-finals.

Despite the defeat, Egypt protested several refereeing decisions, including a disallowed goal following a VAR review and a red card shown to one of the team’s coaching staff.

Argentina will now face either Colombia or Switzerland in the last eight.

Taita Taveta activists demand immediate disbandment of Tavevo water company over inflated bills

By
Albert Mwanyasi
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The Economic Justice Forum has demanded the immediate disbandment of Tavevo Water and Sewerage Company, accusing the Taita Taveta county utility firm of failing residents despite the region hosting major water sources that supply the wider coastal belt.

Economic Justice Forum Chairman Christopher Mwambingu declared that Tavevo has completely failed in its mandate and should be scrapped. Citing poor service delivery and consistently inflated bills, Mwambingu backed ongoing proposals for the Taveta Sub-county to break away and establish its own independent water company to better serve its local population.

The chairman heavily criticized local leadership and regional water infrastructure, stating that successive administrations have lacked the courage to abolish the utility. He described Tavevo as being on life support, alleging that residents are frequently billed for “air” instead of actual water flow. He further noted that the Coast Water Works Development Agency has similarly failed, calling it a criminal offence that Taveta is blessed with abundant water resources while its people go thirsty.

Mwambingu urged both the national and county governments to heavily invest in local infrastructure to end the perennial shortages. He noted that it is unacceptable for residents to suffer from acute water scarcity when key regional lifelines such as Mzima Springs, River Lumi, Njoro Springs, and Lake Jipe are all located right within the county boundaries.

The severity of the crisis is underscored by data from the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, which revealed that only 36.1 percent of households in Taita Taveta have access to piped water. Meanwhile, an estimated 15 percent of the population still relies directly on untreated water drawn from rivers and streams.

Mwambingu lamented the deep irony of the situation, pointing out that local residents continue to cry for water while major channels like Rivers Lumi, Njoro, and Chala flow right through their backyards. He called for immediate collaboration between the two levels of government to pipe water from these local sources, alongside Mzima Springs, for both domestic and agricultural use.

Outlining a potential roadmap for the region, Mwambingu stated that any decisive leadership would prioritize water infrastructure within its first two financial years. He emphasized that piping water directly from the county’s diverse springs and rivers is the only sustainable way to address the crisis, while still honoring external commitments like Mzima Springs’ supply to Mombasa.

The crisis in Taita Taveta reflects a broader regional challenge. The Coast region currently faces a combined daily water shortfall of 327,000 cubic metres, with the existing supply meeting just 42 percent of the total demand across Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta counties.

Taita Taveta 2027: Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako dismisses running mate rumours

By
Albert Mwanyasi
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Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako

Wundanyi MP Danson Mwashako has dismissed claims that he has already picked a running mate for the 2027 Taita Taveta gubernatorial race, terming the reports circulating online as baseless rumours. In a statement on his official social media pages, the second-term lawmaker clarified that reports suggesting he has settled on a deputy are entirely untrue.

The MP, who has officially declared his interest in the Taita Taveta governor’s seat, assured supporters that he will name his running mate at the appropriate time. He emphasized that the decision will only be made after wide consultations with local residents and will be communicated through his official channels.

“I wish to state categorically that I have not made any selection of a deputy at this time. When the appropriate time comes, we shall undertake the necessary consultations and, together with the people, chart the way forward,” Mwashako stated.

While urging the public to disregard unofficial information, the legislator noted that he welcomes the ongoing public debate surrounding his bid, including suggestions on potential running mates.

For weeks, social media posters have paired Mwashako with several high-profile political figures. Among those touted as potential running mates are former Taveta MP Naomi Shaban, current Taveta MP John Bwire, County Executive for Health Alfred Mlolwa, and gubernatorial aspirant Anderson Mtalaki who has also declared his interest in succeeding incumbent Governor Andrew Mwadime.

UHC workers officially secure permanent and pensionable jobs under county governments

By
Binti Wangila
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Thousands of healthcare workers serving under Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme have officially secured permanent and pensionable employment under county governments following the completion of a long-awaited payroll transition.

In a statement issued on Monday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that the transition took effect on July 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare workforce.

Under the new arrangement, UHC workers have been absorbed into the county public service, with their salaries and allowances aligned to remuneration structures approved by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).

“UHC workers have now been absorbed into the public service on permanent and pensionable terms, with their remuneration aligned to SRC-approved pay structures,” Duale said.

The transition follows the government’s decision to move UHC workers from the national payroll to county government payrolls after the Public Service Commission extended their contracts to June 30, 2026, to allow administrative and financial arrangements to be completed.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, the transition has progressed under the supervision of a Multi-Agency Committee, with ongoing reforms to shift funding from the County Governments Additional Allocation (CGAA) framework to the Division of Revenue Act (DORA), paving the way for counties to assume payroll responsibilities.

The Ministry of Health is working closely with the Council of Governors, the Public Service Commission, the National Treasury, the Commission for Revenue Allocation and county governments to ensure the remaining transition processes are completed without disrupting healthcare services.

Duale commended UHC workers for their dedication and professionalism throughout the transition period and urged them to continue providing quality healthcare services across the country.

“The Ministry of Health remains committed to delivering Universal Health Coverage while safeguarding the welfare of the health workforce,” he said.

The transition is expected to provide greater job security and improve employment conditions for thousands of healthcare workers while strengthening the delivery of public healthcare services across Kenya.

High court declines to suspend Kerich’s jail term, orders immediate imprisonment

By
Binti Wangila
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The High Court has declined to suspend a three-month jail sentence imposed on suspended Nairobi County Finance Executive Committee Member Charles Kerich for contempt of court, ordering him to report immediately to Industrial Area Remand Prison.

In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, Justice Francis Gikonyo dismissed Kerich’s application seeking to set aside or stay the custodial sentence, saying there was no legal basis to interfere with the court’s earlier decision.

“I decline to set aside or suspend the sentence imposed by this court,” Justice Gikonyo ruled, directing Kerich to surrender immediately to begin serving the sentence.

The court found that Kerich had failed to comply with lawful court orders requiring Nairobi County to settle KSh106.7 million in legal fees despite being granted sufficient time to implement the decree.

Justice Gikonyo emphasized that compliance with court orders is a fundamental pillar of the rule of law, adding that public officials are equally bound by judicial directives.

The contempt proceedings arose from Nairobi County’s failure to honour a court decree awarding KSh106.7 million in legal fees. Kerich was cited in the matter because, as the County Executive Committee Member for Finance, he was responsible for overseeing the county’s finances and ensuring compliance with court-ordered payments.

The High Court had previously directed the county to settle the outstanding amount, but the orders were not implemented, prompting the successful litigants to institute contempt proceedings against Kerich.

After finding that the court orders had been deliberately disobeyed, Justice Gikonyo sentenced Kerich to three months’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Kerich subsequently returned to court seeking to have the sentence suspended or vacated. However, the High Court dismissed the application, reaffirming its earlier ruling and ordering the suspended county official to begin serving the custodial sentence immediately.

The ruling underscores the judiciary’s continued insistence on accountability and reinforces the principle that public officials are not exempt from complying with court orders.

St. Anthony’s return as secondary schools in Rift Vally battle for national tickets

By
Denilson Muhando
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The Rift Valley Secondary Schools Sports Association (RVRSSSA) regional games officially kicked off on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Olentimama Stadium in Narok County. The highly anticipated sporting extravaganza drew top RVRSSSA officials, enthusiastic students representing all 13 counties in the region, and hundreds of passionate local fans.

With several schools boasting rich sporting histories making a grand return to the regional stage, this year’s championships promise fierce battles for the coveted tickets to the national stage.

All eyes are on Trans Nzoia powerhouse St. Anthony’s Boys, popularly known as KD, who are making a thunderous comeback after a painful two-year absence from the regionals. In their absence, local rivals St. Joseph’s Boys Kitale ruled the county stage. The rivalry between the two institutions reached boiling point following the arrival of Principal Cosmas Nabongolo at St. Joseph’s, who masterminded St. Anthony’s elimination at the county level for two consecutive years including a humiliating 5-0 drubbing last year.

However, KD exacted sweet revenge this year, with star striker Trevor Nasasiro scoring the lone, decisive goal at the Transcent Zion Stadium county final to book St. Anthony’s ticket back to the big leagues.

St. Anthony’s face a monumental task in Boys’ Football Group D, which has quickly been labeled the “Group of Death.” The pool features a heavyweight clash between six-time regional champions St. Anthony’s and three-time champions Laiser Hill from Kajiado, who are also making a welcome return after a two-year hiatus.

Joining the two titans in Group D are hosts Olmelil Secondary from Narok and Kamoi from Elgeyo Marakwet. The other boys’ groups will see Kabarnet, Tenwek, and Ngiro battle in Group A; Lapkoros, Ortum, Rumuruti, and Kapsoit clash in Group B; while Wareng, Kalokol, and Menengai square off in Group C.

The girls’ football category promises to be equally thrilling, with teams split across four highly competitive pools. Group A features Kapchemibei Mixed, Ndururumo, Soy Girls, and Trinity Girls, while defending Trans Nzoia champions St. Joseph’s Girls headline Group B alongside Christ the King Girls and Bishop Munge Memorial. Group C will bring together Uhuru Girls, Nasokol Girls, Samburu Girls, and Kericho Day. In Group D, hosts Olmelil Secondary will look to utilize home advantage against Mogotio Girls and Kessup Girls.

In volleyball, established powerhouses are ready to assert their regional dominance and defend their reputations. In the boys’ division, seven-time regional champions Cheptil Boys from Nandi enter the court as heavy favorites, looking to replicate the spectacular form that saw them lift the national title last year following a dominant 3-0 clean sweep over Malava Boys.

Meanwhile, the girls’ volleyball segment features national contenders Kesogon Girls from Trans Nzoia, who are heavily tipped to challenge national champions Kwanthanze Girls from Kitui later in the tournament cycle after the two giants clashed in last year’s national finals.

The high-octane RVRSSSA regional games will run from Tuesday, July 7, to Saturday, July 11, 2026, with every team aiming for ultimate glory. Ultimate victory this week secures a direct ticket to the National Championships. For these student-athletes, the nationals represent the final, crucial stepping stone toward earning the ultimate honor of representing Kenya at the prestigious Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) games.

Heavy police deployment disrupts Saba Saba protests as demonstrators arrested in Nairobi

By
Binti Wangila
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A heavy police deployment across Nairobi disrupted planned Saba Saba demonstrations on Tuesday, with security officers sealing off key roads, blocking protest assembly points and arresting several demonstrators attempting to march into the Central Business District (CBD).

From the early hours of the morning, anti-riot police established roadblocks and mounted security checkpoints on major roads leading into the capital, including Thika Road and Jogoo Road, while access to areas surrounding Parliament remained heavily restricted.

Police also cordoned off Jeevanjee Gardens, where activists had planned to begin their march before proceeding to Parliament. After organizers relocated the gathering to Aga Khan Walk, plainclothes and uniformed officers moved in and arrested several protesters who attempted to march along Harambee Avenue.

The protesters later regrouped at All Saints Cathedral, where they accused police of violating their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demonstration by preventing the planned march from taking place.

The operation followed a directive issued on Monday by Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud, who declared the planned demonstrations unlawful, arguing that organizers had failed to issue the mandatory notice required under the Public Order Act.

“We have seen calls for demonstrations on social media, but no formal notification was submitted to the police as required by law,” Mohamud said, warning that anyone participating in the protests would face legal action.

Despite earlier assurances that public transport would continue operating normally, commuters experienced significant disruptions as police diverted vehicles from key entry points into the city. Motorists travelling along Thika Road were redirected to the Kimbo service lane, while traffic along Jogoo Road was turned back at the City Stadium roundabout, resulting in traffic congestion and delays.

The annual Saba Saba commemoration marks the July 7, 1990 pro-democracy protests that paved the way for the reintroduction of multi-party democracy in Kenya. In recent years, the day has evolved into a platform for demonstrations over governance, accountability, the cost of living and human rights.

Elsewhere, Mombasa remained largely peaceful, with Deputy County Commissioner Kalume Kashuru commending residents for maintaining calm and observing the law during the commemorations.

KUCCPS to release 2026 University and College placement results on Wednesday

By
Binti Wangila
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More than 980,000 students who completed the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination and qualified for higher education placement are set to learn the universities, colleges and courses they have been admitted to on Wednesday, when the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) releases the 2026 placement results.

The announcement is expected to be made by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, bringing to an end months of anxious waiting for candidates seeking admission to universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, and other tertiary colleges.

Students will be placed in degree, diploma, certificate and artisan programmes based on their KCSE performance, course preferences and the available capacity in various institutions.

According to data from the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC), 268,700 candidates attained the minimum university entry grade of C+, marking an increase of 24,137 students compared to the previous year, when 244,563 candidates qualified for degree programmes.

KUCCPS has announced 322,396 degree slots across 43 public and 31 private universities, meaning all candidates who attained the minimum university entry grade are expected to secure admission.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have declared a capacity of 1,132,531 trainees, while secondary teacher training colleges have space for 2,480 students.

Successful university applicants are expected to report between August and September, in line with institutional academic calendars, while TVET institutions will admit students according to their respective reporting schedules.

The placement exercise comes at a time of growing concern over the government’s ability to finance the increasing number of students joining institutions of higher learning.

Budget estimates for the 2026/27 financial year show that the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has been allocated KSh56.3 billion against a requirement of KSh112.1 billion, leaving a funding gap of KSh55.8 billion to support an estimated 1.38 million students.

The budget further indicates that “HELB and the Universities Fund face a combined financing shortfall of more than KSh72 billion,” raising concerns that hundreds of thousands of students may not receive adequate loans and government scholarships.

Universities are expected to begin issuing admission letters immediately after the placement results are released. Students will then use the letters to apply for government scholarships and HELB loans ahead of the new academic year.

World marks World Kiswahili Language Day as the language continues to unite nations

By
Binti Wangila
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The world is today marking World Kiswahili Language Day, observed annually on July 7, as Kiswahili continues to gain global recognition as a powerful tool for promoting peace, unity and sustainable development.

This year’s theme, “Kiswahili for Peace, Solidarity and Global Economic Diplomacy,” underscores the language’s growing role in fostering intercultural dialogue, strengthening regional cooperation and advancing international economic diplomacy.

Global celebrations are currently underway at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, France, bringing together Kiswahili scholars, policymakers and cultural stakeholders from around the world to discuss the language’s contribution to global development.

In Kenya, national celebrations are also underway at Kenyatta University, bringing together government officials, scholars, students and language enthusiasts to celebrate the growth and significance of the Kiswahili language.

Meanwhile, another regional celebration is taking place in Bujumbura, Burundi, bringing together stakeholders from the East African Community (EAC) to discuss the role of Kiswahili in strengthening regional integration, trade and socio-economic development.

UNESCO proclaimed World Kiswahili Language Day in 2021, making Kiswahili the first African language to be recognized with an international day in recognition of its contribution to connecting communities across Africa and beyond.

Kenya, Saudi Arabia sign labour agreement to protect over 350,000 Kenyan workers

By
Binti Wangila
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More than 350,000 Kenyans living and working in Saudi Arabia are expected to benefit after Kenya and Saudi Arabia signed a new Labour Recruitment and Employment Agreement aimed at improving recruitment standards, working conditions and the welfare of migrant workers.

The agreement was among four bilateral deals signed during the first Kenya–Saudi Arabia Political Consultations Meeting held in Riyadh.

Kenya’s delegation was led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, while the Saudi delegation was headed by Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

Speaking to Kenyans living in Riyadh, Mudavadi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Kenyans working abroad.

“The government will continue strengthening bilateral labour agreements and expanding consular services to support Kenyans working overseas,” Mudavadi said.

Besides the labour agreement, the two countries also signed three Memoranda of Understanding covering investment promotion, customs cooperation and financing for development projects.

Mudavadi said the agreements would strengthen relations between Nairobi and Riyadh while creating new economic opportunities through trade, investment and job creation.

“Kenya’s foreign policy is increasingly focused on economic diplomacy that creates jobs, expands exports, attracts quality investments and opens new markets for Kenyan businesses,” he said.

He also encouraged Saudi investors to explore opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, technology, infrastructure, healthcare, tourism and financial services.

According to the government, the visit renewed investor confidence and paved the way for faster implementation of existing agreements and new commercial partnerships.

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