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Showing posts from July, 2026

Parliamentary Health Committee Backs Increased Funding, Commercialisation of KEMRI Research

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By Faith wanza mueni  Photo:The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health NAIROBI – The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health has pledged to support increased funding for the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) following an oversight visit that highlighted the institution's growing role in health research, innovation and postgraduate training. Speaking after the committee's budget implementation visit to KEMRI headquarters, Committee Chairperson and Seme Member of Parliament Dr. James Nyikal said the lawmakers were impressed by the institute's achievements but noted that greater investment and stronger commercialization of its innovations are needed to maximize its contribution to the country's healthcare system. The visit formed part of the committee's oversight mandate to assess the performance of semi-autonomous government agencies (SAGAs) under the Ministry of Health and monitor the implementation of government-funded programmes. D...

KENYA SEEKS PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENTS TO RESTORE DEGRADED LANDSCAPES

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  By Faith wanza mueni  Photo: Gitonga Mugambi principal secretary state department for forestry  Nairobi, July 22 – The government has stepped up efforts to mobilise investments and strategic partnerships aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, enhancing climate resilience and unlocking economic opportunities within the forestry sector. Speaking during the Roundtable Breakfast Forum on Forestry Improvement in Kenya, State Department for Forestry Principal Secretary Mugambi Gitonga said Kenya's drylands and coastal ecosystems hold enormous untapped potential that can significantly contribute to sustainable development, biodiversity conservation and economic transformation. Gitonga noted that Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) account for approximately 89 per cent of Kenya's landmass and contain rich natural resources, unique flora and fauna that support livelihoods, tourism and ecological stability. "Today's forum presents an opportunity for us to collectively share and ...

NEW STUDY LINKS INDUSTRY-LED SKILLS TRAINING TO BUSINESS GROWTH, YOUTH EMPLOYMENT

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 By Faith Wanza mueni  Sharon Mosin ,Country DirectorSwisscontact Kenya NAIROBI, July 22 - A new study has found that industry-led skills development programmes can significantly improve business productivity, strengthen enterprise competitiveness and offer a sustainable solution to youth unemployment in Kenya. The Return on Investment (ROI) study released by Swisscontact under the PropelA Dual Apprenticeship Programme shows that investing in skills development yields measurable benefits for both businesses and young people entering the labour market. The findings, unveiled during the PropelA Business Impact and Investment Insights Breakfast in Nairobi, indicate that companies participating in the programme achieve an average 30 per cent return on training investment and recover their investment within three years. Swisscontact Kenya Country Director Sharon Mosin said the findings challenge traditional perceptions about skills development and demonstrate that skills investment...

Calls for Evidence as Group Defends National Lands Commission CEO Against Removal Campaign

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  By Faith wanza mueni  Lwebri Citizens Agency Chairperson Francis Lwenya addresses journalists during a press briefing in Nairobi on July 21, 2026, NAIROBI, July 21 – A lobby group has come out in support of National Lands Commission (NLC) Chief Executive Officer and Secretary Kabale Tache Arero, dismissing recent calls for her removal from office as unsubstantiated and politically motivated. In a press statement issued on Monday, Lwebri Citizens Agency Chairperson Francis Lwenya said documents that had been presented to the organisation alleging wrongdoing by the NLC CEO lacked credibility, arguing that they were not certified copies from relevant investigative agencies. Lwenya said the agency had reviewed the materials and found no verifiable evidence linking Arero to any wrongdoing. “Having reviewed the documents that were presented to us for consideration, we have established that these documents were not certified true copies from the relevant investigative agencies,” he...

Sudi Defends Government, Calls for Peace During Kapseret Press Briefing

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  By Faith wanza mueni  Photo: Hon.Oscar sudi member of parliament kapseret. ELDORET, Kenya, July 19, 2026 — Kapseret  Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi on Sunday addressed the media at his Kapseret residence, where he spoke on the country's political climate and appealed for peace and stability. During the press briefing, Sudi urged Kenyans to uphold law and order, saying the country should remain united despite political differences. He emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through constitutional and democratic means rather than violence. The legislator also defended the government's position on recent national issues, maintaining that the administration remains committed to delivering development and improving the lives of Kenyans. He called on political leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements and to prioritize national cohesion. Sudi further encouraged young people to avoid acts of violence and destruction of property, urging them instead to e...

UDA Accepts Ol Kalou Defeat, Backs IEBC and Hits Out at Gachagua

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By Faith wanza mueni  Photo: United Democratic Alliance secretary general Hassan Omar  The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has accepted the outcome of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, congratulated the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for conducting what it termed a credible exercise, while launching a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Addressing the media on Thursday, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan said the ruling party respected the democratic choice made by the people of Ol Kalou and would use the outcome to reorganise ahead of the 2027 General Election. "The people of Ol Kalou have spoken, and we respect their democratic choice to elect the leader they desired. We equally respect their freedom to determine the future path of their politics," Hassan said. The UDA official thanked party supporters, campaign teams and senior leaders who participated in the campaigns, describing their efforts as a demonstra...

Habitat for Humanity Launches ‘Let’s Open the Door’ Campaign to Address Kenya’s Housing Crisis

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  By Faith wanza mueni  Photo:From left Dr Eileen mokaya national director habitat for humanity,former chairperson habitat for humanity, Edna lenku first lady kajiado county, Dr Wycliffe omondi from ministry of health, wavinya Ndeti governor machakos county ,abi Riak vice chairperson habitat for humanity, Rose sang board chairperson habitat for humanity NAIROBI, July 16, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity Kenya has launched its global “Let’s Open the Door” campaign in Kenya, rallying governments, development partners and communities to recognize housing as a critical driver of health, economic empowerment, climate resilience and human dignity. The launch, held as Habitat for Humanity marks 50 years of global impact, highlighted the urgent need for collaborative solutions to address the housing crisis affecting millions across Africa and Kenya. According to Habitat for Humanity, more than half of Sub-Saharan Africa’s urban population lives in informal settlements, while the region fac...

SMART APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHES STUDENT MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME TO BRIDGE HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY SKILLS GAP

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  By Faith wanza mueni  Photo:Dr. Francis Thiongo, Chairman School of Computing and Information Technology JKUAT (L) receiving a token of appreciation from Isaiah Mosiori, CEO Smart Applications International, Kenya (R) during the official launch of Smart Elevate Mentorship Programme at JKUAT Main Campus, Juja. Nairobi, July 15, 2026 - Healthcare technology firm Smart Applications International has launched the Smart Elevate Student Mentorship Programme at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), in a move aimed at strengthening Africa's healthcare technology talent pipeline and bridging the gap between academia and industry. The initiative, unveiled during the university's Smart Career Fair, seeks to equip students with practical skills, mentorship opportunities and industry exposure needed to thrive in Africa's rapidly evolving healthcare technology sector. According to Smart Applications International Chief Executive Officer Isaiah Mosiori, the pro...

GRASSROOTS WOMEN RAISE ALARM OVER GROWING INTIMIDATION OF ACCOUNTABILITY ADVOCATES

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  By faith wanza mueni  Photo: various grassroots women leaders Grassroots women leaders in Nairobi have condemned what they describe as increasing intimidation, harassment and attacks against civil society organizations and individuals advocating for public accountability, warning that such actions threaten democratic governance and ordinary citizens' rights. In a press statement issued on Monday, the women, drawn from community leadership groups including chama leaders, mama mbogas, salon owners, caregivers and community organizers, said the shrinking civic space was creating fear among citizens seeking answers on the management of public resources. The leaders noted that civil society organizations play a critical role in promoting good governance and often raise concerns affecting ordinary Kenyans, including stalled development projects, poor service delivery and alleged misuse of public funds. "When these organizations are threatened for asking such questions, it is not o...

Kenya Assures Stable Fuel Supply Despite Middle East Tensions, Extends Tax Relief

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  By faith wanza mueni  Photo: Energy cabinet secretary Opiyo Wandayi  The government has assured Kenyans of adequate petroleum supplies across the country despite rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that continue to disrupt global oil markets. Speaking on Monday ahead of the announcement of new fuel prices by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said Kenya's fuel supply chain remains stable, with all scheduled cargoes arriving on time under the Government-to-Government (G2G) fuel import arrangement. Wandayi noted that renewed military escalation in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, has created uncertainty in international energy markets, leading to reduced oil tanker traffic and volatile global petroleum prices. "The market remains unsettled and the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained, with commercial traffic running well below its usual levels," Opiyo said. He, however, emp...

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Defends Media Freedom While Accusing Sections of Press of Abandoning Professional Ethics

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  By Faith wanza  Photo: Hassan Omar Hassan UDA secretary general  The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has defended media freedom while accusing sections of Kenya's media of abandoning professional standards in favour of political interests, sensationalism and unverified reporting. Speaking during a press conference on July 3, 2026, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said the party remains committed to constitutional freedoms, including press freedom, but insisted that the media must equally uphold accuracy, fairness, impartiality and professional ethics. "A free press remains an indispensable pillar of democracy and public accountability. At the same time, media freedom carries an equally important responsibility to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, impartiality and professional ethics," Omar said. The party expressed concern over what it described as an increasing trend where some media outlets prioritise commentary, speculation and sensationalism over...

Kalonzo Condemns Government Over Safaricom Stake Sale, Vows Legal Challenge

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  By Faith wanza  Photo from left:Tony Gachoka, Kalonzo Musyoka,wiper party leader,Justin Muturi party leader PNU Wiper Party leader Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has criticised the government's decision to complete the sale of its 15 per cent stake in Safaricom PLC to Vodacom before the High Court delivers its judgment on a constitutional petition challenging the transaction. Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Kalonzo accused the National Treasury of rushing the sale despite the substantive constitutional case having already been heard and awaiting determination by the High Court. "We are deeply concerned that the National Treasury has proceeded to complete the sale of the Government's 15 per cent stake in Safaricom PLC to Vodacom while our substantive constitutional petition remains pending before the High Court," Kalonzo said. He argued that although the Court of Appeal lifted conservatory orders on June 26, it did not rule on the legality of the transacti...