‘The IMF can wait’ - CBK Governor Thugge
‘The IMF can wait’
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Ruto: Kenya must cut Sh3 trillion food import bill
Ruto calls for increase in domestic production of commodities that account for a large share of the import burden.
Read briefingRuto unveils plan to transform Kenya’s agriculture into a food economy
President William Ruto has outlined an ambitious plan to transform Kenya’s agricultural sector from commodity production into a fully-fledged food economy, with increased irrigation, value addition, financing and market access at the centre of the strategy. Speaking at the Agriculture Summit in Nairobi, President Ruto said the Government had made progress in improving productivity and incomes across key agricultural value chains, but acknowledged that significant challenges remained. The President said the livestock and leather sectors were creating more economic opportunities, with employment in leather rising from 17,000 to 35,000 jobs. In fisheries, the value of the catch has increased from Ksh 37 billion to Ksh 54 billion, while the sector now supports 1.6 million livelihoods, up from 1.2 million. However, Ruto noted that Kenya still faces major challenges in agriculture. Coffee production, he said, remains at only a third of the country’s target, while less than a tenth of tea is exported after value addition. Commercial banks also direct only about three per cent of their lending to agriculture, while food insecurity remains a challenge, with one in six households still considered food poor. The President said the recent drought had reinforced the need for Kenya to reduce its dependence on rainfall by investing heavily in water infrastructure and irrigation. “Rain is a bl...
Read briefingCBK raises economic growth forecast to 5% as inflation risks remain
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has revised upwards its economic growth projection for this year to 5% from its earlier projection of 4.9% as volatility in the global oil prices remain. CBK Governor Dr Kamau Thugge said the 2026 growth forecast will be supported by expansion in the agriculture, services and industry sectors. “The projected growth of the economy in 2026 has been revised upwards to 5pc from 4.9pc mainly reflecting stronger industry and services sector. This is up from 4.6pc in 2025. According to CBK projections, agriculture sector is expected to expand by 3% this year, industry 5.2% and services 5.6%. The bank further projects the economy to grow by 5.3% next year. Speaking a day after the Monetary Policy Committee maintained interest rates at 7.5pc, Dr Thugge said the high energy costs continue to impact food inflation, though government interventions such as subsidies and Value Added Tax reduction on fuel have helped to mitigate pressure on inflation. Overall inflation increased from 6.6% in August to 6.8% last month on account of an increase in core inflation from 3.4% to 4%. The bank also noted the impact of higher milk prices which have contributed to a rise in inflation rate last month. “The inflation for milk as of September was above 8% and that meant it was contributing in the overall inflation from 6.6% to 6.8% was largely for milk inflation. Had the mi...
Read briefingHigh Court quashes DPP decision to drop corruption case against CS Oparanya
The High Court in Nairobi has quashed the Director of Public Prosecutions’ decision to withdraw corruption charges against former Kakamega Governor and Cabinet Secretary for Co-operatives and MSMEs Development Wycliffe Oparanya.Justice Benjamin Mwikya Musyoki declared the DPP’s decision contained in a July 8, 2024 letter irregular and unconstitutional, finding that the prosecution agency had unlawfully considered fresh evidence presented by Oparanya’s lawyers without referring it back to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for further investigation.“In view of the above, it is my finding and holding that whereas this court cannot term the decision contained in the 1st Respondent’s letter dated 8-07-2024 as irrational, the same was not done within the confines of the law and was in breach of the 1st Respondent’s duty to act transparently and with accountability,” ruled the court.The judge further found that the DPP had usurped the EACC’s investigative mandate in reviewing its earlier decision to prosecute Oparanya.The case arose from investigations into allegations that Oparanya received Sh56.7 million from directors of Sabema International Limited and Sesela Resources Limited, in connection with tenders awarded by the Kakamega County Government and the purchase of property in Karen, Nairobi.The EACC had recommended that Oparanya be prosecuted for offences including conflict of interest, abuse of office, money laundering and conspiracy to commit corruption.The commission had earlier obtained search warrants and conducted searches at properties associated with Oparanya in Butere, Muthaiga and Karen in August 2023.On December 18, 2023, the DPP concurred with the EACC’s recommendation to prosecute Oparanya.However, on July 3, 2024, Oparanya’s lawyers wrote to the DPP seeking a review of the decision to charge him. Five days later, the DPP reversed its position and directed that the inquiry file be closed, citing insufficient evidence.It was this decision that public interest litigant Fredrick Mulaa challenged before the High Court.In his judgment, Justice Musyoki said the DPP had the constitutional authority under Article 157 of the Constitution to review decisions to prosecute but had exercised that power outside the legal framework.The judge said the process through which the DPP arrived at the July 8, 2024 decision was not transparent or accountable.“It was shrouded in mystery and therefore worked against the public interest,” Justice Musyoki ruled.The court held that once the DPP received what was described as fresh evidence from Oparanya’s lawyers, the proper course would have been to refer the material to the EACC for investigation before making a fresh decision on whether to prosecute.“The correct, legal, lawful and constitutional procedure it should have adopted was to direct the 2nd Interested Party pursuant to Section 5(2)(b) of the ODPP Act to investigate the fresh evidence and reconsider its recommendations,” the judge held.The EACC had supported the petition and told the court it was not involved in the process that resulted in the DPP’s decision to terminate the prosecution.According to an affidavit sworn by EACC official Wako Jattani, the commission reiterated its recommendation to prosecute Oparanya after receiving the DPP’s July 8, 2024 letter.The commission had also notified the National Assembly on July 29, 2024, of the intended criminal proceedings and pending civil proceedings in which it had obtained orders preserving Sh28.9 million suspected to be proceeds of corruption.Oparanya had opposed the petition, arguing that he had acquired a legitimate expectation that he would not be prosecuted after the DPP reversed the earlier decision to charge him.Justice Musyoki rejected the argument, holding that legitimate expectation cannot arise contrary to the Constitution or clear provisions of the law.The judge also dismissed a cross-petition by the DPP seeking to have several letters relied upon in the case removed from the court record.The DPP had argued that the documents, including the July 8, 2024 decision and the December 18, 2023 decision to prosecute, had been obtained illegally and in breach of the Access to Information Act.Justice Musyoki found that the documents had been exchanged between public bodies, referred to in the EACC’s court filings and were already in the public domain through media reports and an EACC quarterly report published in the Kenya Gazette.The court, however, declined to interfere with Oparanya’s nomination and appointment to the Cabinet.Justice Musyoki said the National Assembly had vetted and approved Oparanya and that the court had not been provided with the relevant vetting proceedings or report.The judge therefore invoked judicial restraint and deferred to Parliament on the matter.In the final orders, the court declared the DPP’s July 8, 2024 decision to review and withdraw the earlier decision to charge Oparanya irregular and unconstitutional and issued an order of certiorari quashing it.
Read briefingMurkomen moves to operationalize county policing authorities amid push for community-led security
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8— Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has moved to accelerate the operationalization of County Policing Authorities, in a push to give communities a more structured role in policing and strengthen accountability at the county level.Murkomen on Thursday met senior security officials led by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to review ongoing security reforms, with the meeting focusing on the legal and institutional arrangements needed to make the county policing structures fully functional.The move could deepen community participation in security planning by creating a formal platform bringing together national security agencies, county governments and representatives of local communities.He said the reforms would seek to strengthen public participation while ensuring policing remains anchored in the Constitution.“We remain committed to strengthening public participation in security matters, entrenching accountability and community policing, while ensuring that the implementation is undertaken within the Constitution,” Murkomen said.The County Policing Authorities are already provided for under the National Police Service Act, which establishes an authority in every county chaired by the governor and comprising representatives of the National Intelligence Service, National Police Service, county assemblies and community interests.The law also assigns the authorities a role in implementing community policing, including facilitating training, receiving reports from local policing structures and preparing county community-policing reports for submission to the Interior Cabinet Secretary.Murkomen said the latest discussions were aimed at addressing the legal and institutional requirements for the authorities to become operational.“We discussed the legal and institutional framework required to operationalise County Policing Authorities and agreed on the need for a coordinated approach involving all relevant institutions,” Murkomen said.The push comes as the government also moves to strengthen the National Police Service Reserve, another component of its wider community-based security strategy.Murkomen said he received an update on the National Police Service Reserve Policy, which is intended to provide a clearer framework for the management, coordination and deployment of National Police Reservists across the country.The National Police Service Act already provides for a National Police Reserve and allows reservists to assist the Kenya Police Service and Administration Police Service in maintaining law and order and preserving peace.The government has recently expanded training of reservists, particularly in areas affected by banditry and cattle rustling. In September, 705 newly trained National Police Reservists passed out at the Magado Field Training Camp in Meru County as part of efforts to strengthen security in vulnerable areas.Murkomen said the two reform tracks were intended to improve coordination and make policing more responsive to changing security threats.“These efforts are aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening coordination and ensuring that our policing remains responsive to the evolving security needs of the country,” he said.Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.
Read briefingGachagua confirms ‘Wamunyoro Texas’ ranch is his US home as he extends tour
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has confirmed that a ranch in Texas that recently came into the public spotlight is his private home, where he plans to spend 15 days after concluding his extended stay in the United States.Mr Gachagua, who left Kenya on August 26, is scheduled to conclude his 50-day US tour in Boston on October 10. He will, however, not return to Kenya immediately, instead proceeding to the Texas property for what his party describes as a 15-day political conclave.The ranch came into the public spotlight on September 28 after Mumias East MP Peter Salasya posted photographs and videos of himself meeting Mr Gachagua at the property.Asked about the property, Mr Gachagua yesterday confirmed to the Nation that it belonged to him.“Why not... yes, the property is mine... It is my other Wamunyoro private home,” he said.His sentiments appear to corroborate a statement he made in an engagement forum Kenyans living in Texas on September 26.“I am happy we have this here and welcome to our Wamunyoro Texas.it was thoughtful of the organisres to come here at home instead of hotels so that we have a homely atmosphere,” he said.On August 2,2025 Mr Gachagua also posted photos of the home with the caption “Feeling at Home, far away from home.”The house is a single-storey, sprawling brick home with a broad, low-pitched, multi-section roof. The exterior is predominantly exposed reddish-brown brick, with large dark-framed windows and several glass doors opening onto the veranda.Also Read: Gachagua US tour exposes DCP’s silent wars with Uhuru’s Jubilee, Nyoro new partyThe house sits on a large, exceptionally well-maintained lawn with neatly trimmed grass extending well out from the building with outdoor seating, tables and chairs arranged beneath it.Photos shared by Mr Gachagua show the property set within a fenced pasture with green grass, horses and Texas longhorn cattle.A white utility golf cart was also seen at the property, which had markings reading “Wamunyoro Texas” and “Riggy G”.“I will one day own one like this. Mr Gachagua told me all I need is hard work, financial discipline and trust in God,” Mr Salasya told the Nation.The property will now become the base for the next phase of Mr Gachagua’s stay in the US, during which he is expected to hold meetings with political allies, international contacts and experts as he works on his party’s plans for the 2027 General Election.According to DCP Secretary General-designate John Methu, Mr Gachagua’s US tour has so far covered five cities.He spent 10 days resting before beginning his political activities in Spokane, Washington, from September 4 to 10, where he held community gatherings.He then travelled to Portland, Oregon, from September 10 to 16, where he attended religious services and an interdenominational fellowship. On September 18, he proceeded to Kansas City, Missouri, for community engagements and one-on-one meetings.Former DP Rigathi Gachagua and his wife, Pastor Dorcus Gachagua, outiside their Texas ranch in United States.He was in Texas from September 24 to October 1, where he held engagements with Kenyans living in the state, before beginning the final leg of his tour in Boston on October 1.Mr Methu said Mr Gachagua’s time at the Texas property would include discussions on the DCP’s political agenda, coalition-building and the selection of a joint presidential candidate to face President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.DCP-USA Chapter coordinator Joseph Warui said several meetings had been lined up at the property.“We are going to review all the 86 public and private sessions that Mr Gachagua has had so far in the USA for the past 50 days,” Mr Warui said.He said some of the meetings had involved international contacts and focused on Kenya’s economic and human rights situation, as well as what he described as the country’s transition towards an alternative government.Mr Warui said the Texas meetings would also be used to refine the party’s economic proposals and prepare its manifesto ahead of the 2027 election.Among the issues to be discussed is a proposed strategy for reducing Kenya’s debt burden, including freezing net new borrowing for recurrent expenditure, restructuring domestic borrowing and increasing reliance on concessional financing.The DCP proposal also includes merging 35 parastatals, reviewing stalled projects, widening the tax base, increasing county own-source revenue and creating a sinking fund for future debt repayments.Mr Gachagua’s return date to Kenya remains unknown and will be communicated later, Mr Methu said.Follow ourWhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.The dilemma is tied to his continuing legal battle over the impeachment that removed him from office in October 2024.The "careful consideration" puts DCP at odds with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the coalition’s convener.The bench often issues a summary judgment on day 14, followed by a comprehensive, detailed ruling later.
Read briefingVenezuela's Nicolas Maduro and wife face new charges
Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have been charged by US authorities with conspiracy to commit torture in a new superseding indictment.
Read briefingParliament moves to scrap 6 agencies
Parliament moves to scrap 6 agencies Howl.link
Read briefing77 Kenyans on Russia-Ukraine frontlines as 84 killed or missing, govt says
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8 — At least 84 Kenyans have been killed or remain missing in connection with the Russia-Ukraine war, while a total of 354 Kenyan nationals have been identified by the government as having become involved in the conflict.The figures released by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs show the scale of Kenyan involvement in the war, with dozens still on the front lines, in military camps, hospitals or at unknown locations.According to the government’s latest records, 77 Kenyans are on the front lines, while another 38 are in camps.A further 52 Kenyans are listed at unknown locations or have yet to be classified, raising concerns over the whereabouts and welfare of dozens of nationals caught up in the conflict.The government has recorded 34 Kenyans as hospitalised, while 62 have been repatriated to Kenya.Five Kenyans are currently being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine, while one is in detention and another has completed their military contract.Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi told Parliament that families often approach the government only after losing contact with relatives believed to be in Russia, making early reporting critical to tracing and verification efforts.“It has been noted that families tend to engage with the State Department often after communication with their relatives in the Russian Federation has been disrupted or ceased. We encourage families to engage the Department as soon as possible,” Mudavadi said.The figures were contained in its response to a parliamentary petition concerning the recruitment of Kenyan nationals into the Russian military and the detention of Kenyans in Ukrainian prisons.The government said Ukrainian authorities confirmed on September 3 that five Kenyan nationals were being held as prisoners of war.They are Kibet Evans, detained since May 2025; Macharia Willi Muniu, detained since November 2025; Haron Kibet Pachenge, detained since March 2026; Joseph, detained since April 2026; and Ndarua Ndungu Francis.Kenya said its Honorary Consul in Ukraine had visited the Zakhid 1 prisoner-of-war camp and reported that the detainees were being held in humane conditions, with access to medical services and medical care.The government is seeking to have the five Kenyans considered as potential victims of human trafficking, saying many reported being recruited under false promises of employment.The proposed reclassification is intended to improve their access to assistance while Kenya pursues their repatriation.The government said it had facilitated the return of 62 Kenyans who had been involved in Russia’s military operation.It is also pursuing the cases of those killed or missing, including efforts to establish the whereabouts of nationals whose remains may be in Ukrainian custody.According to the government, Ukrainian authorities have reported that the remains of four Kenyan nationals are in Ukrainian custody.Kenya has warned that more remains could be located in combat zones in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where Ukrainian authorities say they cannot provide information on people in territories outside their control.The government said Kenya had also secured a measure aimed at stopping further recruitment of its nationals into Russia’s military operation.During an official visit to Moscow in March, Kenya secured inclusion on Russia’s “Stop List”, which effectively prevents further enlistment of Kenyan nationals in the conflict.The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has since confirmed that no additional Kenyans have been enlisted following implementation of the measure.The government said it continues to pursue the welfare and repatriation of Kenyans through diplomatic channels, while strengthening measures to protect citizens from deceptive recruitment and unsafe migration.“Through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, the Ministry continues to complement welfare interventions with preventive measures, including pre-departure orientation and coordination with the relevant regulatory agencies,” Mudavadi said.Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.
Read briefingNTSA Reveals New Driving Licence Collection Timeline
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced a major improvement in driving licence services, saying motorists can now have their licences processed and collected in under two minutes.In a brief statement on Thursday, October 8, the authority said the new service is part of efforts to improve service delivery and reduce the time motorists spend at its offices.However, motorists seeking to benefit from the two-minute driving licence service will have to visit their nearest NTSA office to collect their driving licences.According to NTSA, the latest move marks a shift from the previous system where Kenyans would queue for several hours at NTSA offices and wait to collect their documents.“Happy Customer Week, at NTSA we have transformed service delivery. Visit and collect your driving licence in under two minutes. No more queues at NTSA,” the authority said.The announcement comes as NTSA seeks to ease concerns over long waiting times and delays in the processing and issuance of driving licences to motorists.Nonetheless, the latest changes follow growing frustration among Kenyans over delays in the processing and issuance of smart driving licences and number plates.Some applicants have previously claimed they completed biometric registration and made payments two to three months ago but are yet to receive their driving licence cards.The delays have previously been linked to a large backlog of applications, with sources within the system estimating that hundreds of thousands of applications remain pending.The high number of applications has reportedly put pressure on the authority’s production capacity, making it difficult to process licences and number plates as quickly as they are requested.To ease the processing and issuance of the documents, the agency has been considering changes to the production of driving licences and number plates by involving private-sector investors.Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV in June this year, NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa said the move would help address persistent delays in the production and issuance of the documents.Kondiwa argued that the government should not directly handle the production and sale of driving licences and number plates, noting that several countries rely on licensed private companies to provide the services.“I do not think a government, or any government institution, should be trading in number plates, which is what has been happening in Kenya since independence,” Kondiwa said.
Read briefing259 Kenyans, Police Approved for Ksh 83.65M Compensation
The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations has approved Ksh83.65 million for 259 claims under the sixth phase of its compensation programme. In an update issued on Thursday, October 8, Panel Chairperson Makau Mutua revealed that the latest phase covers both civilians and uniformed officers who suffered human rights violations, including those linked to demonstrations and protests. “The Panel has processed claims under various categories of harm in this Phase VI of the compensation programme that includes both civilian victims and uniformed officers who suffered human rights violations, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests,” the update stated.According to the panel, the verified claims were assessed according to different categories of harm, with four aggravated injury claims receiving Ksh2 million each.Two other aggravated injury claims were awarded Ksh1.5 million each, while another claimant was approved Ksh2.5 million. The panel also approved Ksh35 million for 35 people classified as having suffered severe injuries. A further 54 claims involving moderate injuries were awarded Ksh500,000 each, bringing that category’s total to Ksh27 million. The programme also approved Ksh6.65 million for 133 claims involving minor injuries, with each claimant receiving Ksh50,000. Another 30 claims linked to economic losses were awarded a combined Ksh1.5 million. Mutua said all submissions undergo verification and authentication before compensation decisions are made.The panel urged individuals who believe they qualify but have not submitted claims to come forward through its official channels. The latest figures come after President William Ruto said the government had set aside Ksh2 billion to compensate victims of protests between 2013 and 2025.During the Raila Odinga Mausoleum handover event in Bondo on Wednesday, he said the compensation would be extended to families of people whose bodies were recovered from River Yala and other victims of alleged extrajudicial disappearances.
Read briefingKenya seeks to reclassify Kenyans held as Ukraine POWs as trafficking victims
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8— Kenya is seeking to have its nationals held as prisoners of war in Ukraine designated as victims of human trafficking, in a move the government says could improve their access to international assistance as it pursues their repatriation.The State Department for Diaspora Affairs said many of the Kenyans held in Ukraine reported being recruited into Russia’s military under false promises of employment, circumstances it said could meet the definition of trafficking under the UN Palermo Protocol.The government said the proposed designation would also involve seeking to have their prisoner-of-war status revoked to allow them to access assistance under international standards applicable to trafficking victims.“In the case of Kenyans held as prisoners of war, many of whom report having been recruited under false promises of employment, it is proposed that, while negotiating their repatriation, consideration be given to their designation as victims of international human trafficking,” Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi said in a response to Parliament.MFA said the circumstances surrounding their recruitment and conscription were consistent with trafficking in persons as defined under Article 3(a) of the Palermo Protocol, which Ukraine has ratified.Five Kenyans are currently being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine, according to information provided by the Ukrainian Embassy in Vienna to Kenya on September 3, 2026.They are Kibet Evans, detained since May 2025; Macharia Willi Muniu, detained since November 2025; Haron Kibet Pachenge, detained since March 2026; Joseph, detained since April 2026; and Ndarua Ndungu Francis.The government said Kenya’s Honorary Consul in Ukraine had visited the Zakhid 1 prisoner-of-war camp and reported that the detainees were being held in humane conditions, with access to medical services and treatment in accordance with applicable rules governing prisoners of war.Kenya is pursuing the matter through diplomatic channels, with the State Department engaging the country’s embassy in Vienna, which is accredited to Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian authorities.President William Ruto has also personally raised the matter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a telephone conversation, according to the government.The Ministry said it was also making progress towards accrediting Kenya’s ambassador to Ukraine, with Kyiv having already granted agrément for the appointment.The government said it has records of 354 Kenyan nationals involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.Of these, 77 are reported to be on the frontlines, 38 in camps, 52 at unknown locations or unclassified, while 84 are either killed or missing in action.A further 34 are hospitalized, 62 have been repatriated, five are prisoners of war, one is in detention and another has completed their military contract.The government said it had secured Kenya’s inclusion on Russia’s “Stop List” during a March 2026 official visit to Moscow, effectively preventing further enlistment of Kenyan nationals in Russia’s military operation.The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has since confirmed that no additional Kenyans have been enlisted following implementation of the measure, the Ministry said.However, Russia has informed Kenya that requests to terminate military contracts are considered on a case-by-case basis by individual military unit commanders.Kenya has also been told that Russia’s Defence Ministry cannot meet the cost of repatriating the remains of deceased Kenyan nationals.The government said it continues to engage Russian authorities and affected families on burial, cremation or repatriation arrangements.The Ministry said it had so far facilitated the repatriation of 62 Kenyans who had been involved in Russia’s military operation.It has also provided affected families with updates, facilitated documentation and next-of-kin processes, offered psychosocial support and assisted families with arrangements for the interment or repatriation of remains.The government said it was strengthening measures to prevent further recruitment of Kenyans through deceptive employment offers, including pre-departure orientation, verification of recruitment agencies and employment opportunities, expanded emergency assistance channels and efforts to strengthen bilateral labour agreements.It also urged Kenyans seeking employment abroad to verify recruitment agencies and job offers through the relevant government agencies before travelling.Bruhan Makong is a Senior News Reporter for Capital FM in Nairobi, covering diplomacy, foreign policy, national security, climate, and human rights across East Africa and the wider region.
Read briefingMinistry Issues Notice on Youth Elections After Court Order
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has suspended the upcoming National Youth Council (NYC) elections that were scheduled for October.In a statement on Thursday, October 8, the ministry said the suspension followed a High Court ruling staying the elections.The ministry said it would issue new dates and further directions after the court proceedings.“The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports wishes to inform the public that it has been served with a court order issued by the High Court at Kiambu, staying the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 10421, through which the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports gazetted the 2026 National Youth Council (NYC) Elections,” the ministry stated."In compliance with the court order, the elections will not proceed on the previously gazetted dates, pending further directions or determination by the Court," it added.The National Youth Elections were scheduled to take place in October, with different levels from the Ward level to the national level.According to a Gazette Notice, ward-level elections were scheduled for October 9, 2026, followed by constituency-level elections on October 16.Elected officials were then to convene for the National Youth Congress on October 30, when 580 delegates elected from constituencies across the country would converge to elect 16 national representatives. Meanwhile, the Ministry assured all voter aspirants and all stakeholders of its commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure the electoral process is conducted in accordance with the law.The ministry said the suspension would not affect the ongoing voter education and sensitisation, with the activities set to continue as planned."The Ministry assures all registered voters, aspirants, youth stakeholders, partners, and the general public of its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the electoral process is conducted in accordance with the applicable legal framework," the Ministry said.The National Youth Council is a State Corporation established under the National Youth Council Act No. 10 of 2009 to serve as the official voice of young Kenyans.Since its inception in 2009, it has not held any election of officials, with the ministry citing underfunding and a series of legal battles challenging the attempt to hold an election.The October elections were seeking to end this 14-year wait, but have since been obstructed by the court.
Read briefingKenya seeks Parliament funding to support citizens caught in Russia-Ukraine war
Kenya seeks Parliament funding to support citizens caught in Russia-Ukraine war People Daily
Read briefingNational Youth Council Elections Postponed Following Court Order
The 2026 National Youth Council (NYC) elections have been postponed following a court order issued by the High Court in Kiambu.The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports said on Thursday that it had been served with an order staying the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 10421, through which the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports gazetted the 2026 NYC elections.The order means the elections will not proceed on the previously announced dates pending further directions or determination by the court.The elections had been scheduled to take place in three phases, beginning with the ward-level elections on October 9, 2026.The constituency-level elections were scheduled for October 16, followed by the national-level elections on October 30.The ministry said it would comply with the court order and provide further updates on the election timetable once the court issues further directions.“The Ministry assures all registered voters, aspirants, youth stakeholders, partners, and the general public of its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the electoral process is conducted in accordance with the applicable legal framework,” the ministry said.Despite the postponement, the ministry said voter education and public sensitisation activities would continue in the interim.It said the activities would help keep registered voters and other stakeholders informed as the process awaits further directions from the court.The ministry urged voters, aspirants and other stakeholders to rely on official communication for updates regarding the elections.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefingHigh Court Rules on Auction of 14 Riverside Drive Property
The High Court has stopped the planned auction of a property at the 14 Riverside Drive complex in Nairobi after finding the process leading to the sale defective and invalid. In a ruling issued on Thursday, October 8, Justice Moses Ado set aside the warrants and auction notices that had paved the way for the property’s disposal. The decision came after a court notice ordered that the auction be held on May 26 to recover about Ksh4.9 billion that had accumulated from a failed office-block purchase.The court also dismissed an objection by the creditor seeking to enforce payment through the auction, which had challenged the court’s jurisdiction.Additionally, allegations made against the court by the creditor were also ordered removed from the record.The long-running commercial dispute dates back to 2010, when the creditor agreed to purchase two office blocks within the Riverside development. About Ksh577 million was paid as an advance before the transaction collapsed, with the creditor later seeking a refund over delays in completing the development. The property owner disputed the claim, arguing that some of the delays were linked to design changes requested by the buyer. Eventually, attempts were made to recover the money through the sale of the property, which were challenged by the property owner. The dispute saw an arbitrator order the property owners to refund the buyer in 2015, a decision the High Court overturned in 2016 before the Court of Appeal reinstated it in 2019, with the Supreme Court allowing enforcement on March 24.Now, the latest ruling has stopped the auction process without resolving the underlying commercial dispute.The decision means the planned auction cannot proceed under the notices that had already been issued. Any future attempt to auction the property will have to start afresh and comply with the court’s directions, with the reserve price also set by the court.
Read briefingCourt stops auction of Riverside property over claims of defective execution documents
The High Court has nullified the planned auction of the prime 14 Riverside Drive property after finding that the execution documents used to facilitate the sale were defective and invalid.Justice Moses Ado set aside the warrants of sale, notification of sale and the auctioneer’s notice and advertisement, directing that any fresh attempt to sell the property must begin afresh and strictly comply with the law.The ruling followed an urgent application by Cape Holdings Ltd., the registered owner of the property, filed on May 22, 2026, four days before the scheduled auction.The court issued interim orders on May 23 stopping the sale pending determination of the objections raised by Cape Holdings over the execution process.In his ruling, Justice Ado identified four defects in the execution instruments issued on March 16, 2026.The judge found that the warrant of sale did not contain a court-fixed reserve price, which he held was a mandatory safeguard under the Auctioneers Rules.He rejected an argument by Synergy Credit that the existence of a valuation report was sufficient to satisfy the requirement, holding that a valuation did not amount to the fixing of a reserve price.“The existence of a valuation report is not fixing of a reserve price,” the judge ruled.“A valuation report gives market and forced sale value. The reserve price, on the other hand, is a mandatory minimum figure settled by the court under Order 22, Rule 57, below which its officer cannot sell.”Justice Ado said the reserve price was particularly important because it protected the property from being sold at an undervalue.“The defect is not a technicality. The reserve price is a principal safeguard against sale at an undervalue and it was the very safeguard this court ordered to be put in place,” he said.The court also found that the warrant failed to disclose four registered long leases affecting the property. According to the judge, the omission amounted to a material irregularity that could expose any resulting sale to being set aside.The March 2026 execution instruments were further faulted for having been issued without fresh terms of sale being settled after earlier warrants had been set aside in June 2025.Justice Ado also found that the auctioneer had failed to prepare and serve the required Form 4 Notification of Sale, which is required to specify the value of the property under Rule 15B of the Auctioneers Rules.The judge consequently nullified the impugned execution instruments and directed that any future sale commence through a fresh process.The court dismissed a preliminary objection by Synergy Credit challenging its jurisdiction to determine Cape Holdings’ application.Synergy had argued that the High Court could not intervene after the Court of Appeal declined to grant an interim stay of the auction.Justice Ado, however, held that Section 34 of the Civil Procedure Act gives the court executing a decree exclusive jurisdiction over questions relating to its execution, discharge or satisfaction.“Determining whether execution instruments issued by this court complied with Order 22 and Auctioneers Rules is a statutory function committed exclusively to this court at first instance,” he ruled.The judge further ruled that Synergy’s own counsel had informed the Court of Appeal that Cape Holdings had not approached the High Court to stop the auction and had acknowledged that compliance with the execution rules was a matter for the High Court.The court also expunged from the record allegations by Synergy suggesting collusion between the court and Cape Holdings’ advocates.Justice Ado found that the allegations were not supported by any affidavit and that the material before the court did not support such an inference.The judge ordered that the property first undergo an updated professional valuation.The Deputy Registrar will thereafter settle fresh terms of sale and fix a reserve price after giving the parties an opportunity to be heard.Cape Holdings welcomed the decision, saying the court had affirmed that any sale of the property must comply with the law.“We welcome the Court’s decisive ruling. The Court has confirmed that no sale can proceed outside the law. This auction process was deeply flawed and could not be allowed to stand,” the company said.Cape Holdings said the decision was an important step towards ensuring due process and the rule of law, adding that it remained committed to defending its legal rights and pursuing a lawful resolution of the dispute.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefingKisumu court sentences man to life imprisonment for defiling stepdaughter
A court in Kisumu has sentenced a 37-year-old man to life imprisonment for defiling his nine-month-old stepdaughter in Seme Sub-County.Principal Magistrate Jocelyn Kimetto of Kombewa Magistrate’s Court convicted the man of defilement contrary to Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(2) of the Sexual Offences Act.The prosecution, led by Principal Prosecution Counsel Caroline Kiptum, told the court that the man committed the offence on July 19, 2025, at about 8.30pm in Seme Sub-County, Kisumu County.He also faced an alternative charge of committing an indecent act with a child contrary to Section 11(1) of the Sexual Offences Act.The prosecution called four witnesses, including a clinician who examined the infant after the incident.The court heard that the child had suffered a fracture to the thigh bone and sustained visible lacerations.The medical findings were presented as evidence supporting the prosecution’s case that the child had been defiled.The prosecution further established that the offence occurred after the child’s mother left the house to seek medication from her mother-in-law after experiencing pain in her left hand.The court found that the prosecution had proved the case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt.“Upon considering the entire prosecution and defence evidence, I make a finding that the prosecution has discharged their burden of proof against accused on the main charge and meets the required standard of beyond reasonable doubt,” Magistrate Kimetto said.Elsewhere, the prosecution secured a life sentence against a 19-year-old schoolboy after a Lamu court found him guilty of defiling a nine-year-old boy at a primary school.Principal Magistrate Peter Wasike convicted Ali Hussein Kutu of defilement contrary to Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(2) of the Sexual Offences Act, following a full trial in which the prosecution called five witnesses.Prosecution, led by Principal Prosecution Counsel Derrick Wawire, proved that on 3rd October 2025, at “A” Primary School in Langoni Location, Lamu Central Sub-County, Kutu intentionally and unlawfully sodomised the child.In urging the court to impose a deterrent sentence, Wawire highlighted the lasting psychological impact of the offence on the minor.The court relied on the child’s testimony and medical evidence, which showed injuries in the anal region and a loose anal sphincter. The magistrate found that prosecution had proved the three core ingredients of the offence namely the victim, the act and the perpetrator, beyond reasonable doubt.The court rejected Kutu’s defence that he had been framed, finding no apparent reason for the child to falsely implicate him.“The court believes the minor PW2 entirely. The accused defence is a mere denial and is safely disregarded,” Wasike said.The court also considered the victim impact statement and pre-sentence report, which indicated that the child suffered trauma and nightmares following the incident and was subsequently transferred to another school for his safety.Although Kutu was a first-time and youthful offender with a positive school record, the court held that his circumstances could not alter the sentence prescribed by law for defilement of a child aged 11 years or below.Kutu, who had been in custody since October 15, 2025, was granted 14 days to appeal.Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefingChina extends $2 million support to Kenya for Ebola preparedness, drought relief
The Government of the People’s Republic of China has provided Kenya with a cash grant of Ksh 260 million ($2 million) to strengthen Ebola preparedness and support drought relief efforts. Half of the funding is specifically allocated to enhancing the country’s capacity to prevent and respond to the threat of Ebola. The grant was formally handed over to the National Treasury in Nairobi by the Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, to the National Treasury Principal Secretary, Chris Kiptoo. Mary Muthoni, Principal Secretary for Public Health, was also in attendance. Ambassador Guo and Dr Kiptoo signed the handover certificate, formalising the transfer of funds to the Kenyan government. Of the total, $1 million (Ksh.130 million) will support Kenya’s initiatives to strengthen Ebola virus disease preparedness infrastructure in counties identified as very high-risk and high-risk. The remaining $1 million (Ksh.130 million) will fund government interventions addressing the effects of drought. The support follows a request from the Kenyan government and aims to reinforce public health preparedness while assisting the country in responding to the humanitarian and economic pressures associated with drought. During the handover ceremony, Ambassador Guo stated that the assistance reflected the friendship between the Chinese and Kenyan peoples and the Chinese government’s commitment to supp...
Read briefingSafaricom Unveils SD-WAN Service for Multi-Branch Businesses from Sh9,500
Safaricom has launched a managed Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) service targeting medium-sized businesses with multiple branches, offering network management, equipment, security, maintenance and 24/7 support under a fixed monthly fee.The service starts at Sh9,500 per branch per month on a 36-month contract, with no upfront hardware costs.SD-WAN enables businesses to combine multiple connectivity options, including fibre, 4G, 5G, broadband, dedicated internet access and MPLS, into a centrally managed network. The system can automatically switch traffic to a backup connection when the primary link fails, helping businesses maintain critical operations such as payments, inventory management and online ordering.The service also prioritises business-critical applications, while integrated security and threat protection reduce the need for separate firewall equipment at individual branches.Safaricom is offering the service under Basic Plus, Standard Plus and Advanced Plus packages, with customers able to choose 12, 24 or 36-month contracts. The Basic Plus package costs Sh19,800 per branch monthly on a 12-month contract compared to Sh9,500 on a 36-month contract.The Standard Plus package costs Sh14,100 per branch per month on a 36-month contract, while the Advanced Plus package for headquarters starts at Sh 67,100 per month.According to Safaricom, the solution is designed for businesses including banks, retailers, distributors, manufacturers and healthcare providers that rely on stable connectivity across multiple locations.Through its Ready Mobility offering, businesses can also deploy new branches using 4G or 5G connectivity where coverage is available, before transitioning to fibre when required.Businesses can retain connectivity from other providers while using Safaricom’s SD-WAN service. A central dashboard allows IT teams to monitor network performance across sites, while Safaricom engineers provide round-the-clock monitoring and support.Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa said the service is intended to help businesses reduce downtime and expand their operations without significant upfront investment in network infrastructure.The SD-WAN service is billed separately from connectivity, with the final network design and package determined by each customer’s requirements.Businesses can request an assessment or demonstration through their Safaricom Business relationship manager by emailing business@safaricom.co.ke or by visiting https://business.safaricom.co.ke/products/SDWANEmail your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
Read briefingRevealed: 84 Kenyans killed, 52 missing in Russia-Ukraine war
Revealed: 84 Kenyans killed, 52 missing in Russia-Ukraine war www.standardmedia.co.ke
Read briefingRevealed: 84 Kenyans killed, 52 missing in Russia-Ukraine war
Mudavadi says 84 Kenyans are killed or missing in the Russia-Ukraine war, while 354 are on official records. Five Kenyans remain prisoners of war in Ukraine.
Read briefingNational Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula during the swearing-in ceremony of Fatuma Ibrahim Ali as a Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula during the swearing-in ceremony of Fatuma Ibrahim Ali as a Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner. Facebook
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