Author: Editor

Parents Protest Government’s Plan to Evict Students from Kenneth Marende Primary School Parents of Kenneth Marende Primary School pupils in Luanda, Vihiga County, have strongly opposed a government directive forcing the relocation of the school. The Ministry of Education issued the order after a gold mining company reportedly discovered gold deposits in the area. Angry parents stormed the school premises, protesting the government’s decision to move the school. They expressed suspicion about the timing and handling of the matter, noting that the letter from the Ministry of Education was dated January 3 but was only delivered on January 13, just…

The government has announced plans to introduce mandatory Unique Personal Identification (UPI) numbers and a stricter vetting process for all public employees to address the long-standing issue of ghost workers. These measures were outlined in the Ministry of Treasury’s 2025 Draft Budget Policy Statement (BPS) released on Wednesday, pending approval by Parliament. According to the proposals, the UPI system will be rolled out across all government departments, including constitutional commissions. The system, similar to the one already used for students in Kenyan schools, will help the government accurately track its workforce and prevent fraudulent salary payments to non-existent workers, commonly…

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has opposed a directive from the Controller of Budget barring county governments from issuing bursaries to students in higher learning institutions. In a statement dated January 15 and signed by the party’s leadership, including ODM party leader Anyang’ Nyong’o, the party criticized the decision, expressing deep concern over the imposed financial restrictions on counties. ODM called on the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, to withdraw the directive and introduce a fair approach that ensures students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in colleges, universities, and vocational training institutions continue receiving bursary support from counties. “We urge…

Kenyan consumers are set to face higher sugar prices next month as the government introduces a new tax on the sweetener. Starting February 1, 2025, a 4 per cent Sugar Development Levy (SDL) will be imposed on both locally produced and imported sugar. This tax is part of the government’s broader sugar sector reforms introduced under a new law passed late last year. Agriculture and Livestock Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently announced the Sugar Development Levy Order 2025, officially implementing the new charge. As a result, sugar prices are expected to rise by at least 4 per cent once the…

President William Ruto has recently addressed the issue of individuals posting manipulated images online that depict him and other political leaders in coffins. He expressed deep concern over this trend, warning that such actions could lead to a dangerous erosion of societal morals and potentially incite real-world violence. Ruto emphasized that engaging in these activities not only disrespects leaders but also sets a harmful precedent that could extend to targeting family members and friends. In his statements, President Ruto urged the youth to refrain from participating in these online misrepresentations. He highlighted that some politicians might be exploiting young people…

A recent video has surfaced showing two street children stealing road metals in Ngara along the Thika Road Highway. This incident highlights a growing issue in Kenya, where children are increasingly involved in the scrap metal trade. In Migori County, for example, children as young as seven have been collecting scrap metals to support their families, often resorting to theft and vandalism of public structures. Local leaders have expressed concern over this trend, emphasizing the need for government intervention to ensure these children return to school and are protected from exploitation. The involvement of children in the scrap metal business…

Jackson Kuria Kihara, popularly known as Cop Shakur, a prison officer who was suspended for participating in anti-Finance Bill protests alongside Kenyan citizens, has been arrested. On Wednesday, January 15, renowned activist Boniface Mwangi shared the news of his arrest on his official X account. Mwangi disclosed that Cop Shakur was taken into custody and transported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters. The activist further revealed that police officers had raided Shakur’s residence a day earlier, on Tuesday, but did not find him. Shakur had reportedly left his phone at home, making it difficult for authorities to track…

Youth Leaders Demand Police Action After Nairobi MCA Attacked The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Youth Leadership from Westlands strongly condemned the recent attack on Kitusuru Member of County Assembly (MCA) Alvin Olando, calling for justice and accountability. During a press briefing on Wednesday, the youth leaders linked the assault to Olando’s bold stance against corruption in Nairobi City County. Olando claimed he was targeted after refusing to engage in corrupt practices involving bribery for building approvals. He stated that some developers were being pressured to pay bribes for their construction projects to be approved, and his resistance to this led…

Thousands of students in public schools across Kenya face an uncertain future due to the government’s delay in disbursing over Ksh48.3 billion in capitation funds meant for schools. This funding delay has forced some headteachers to send learners home, claiming they lack the necessary resources to sustain school operations without the funds. The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association chairman, Willy Kuria, has urged the government to release the overdue capitation funds. He explained that the situation has become so severe that some school heads have no choice but to send students home over unpaid school fees. Kuria further emphasized that…

Tension has risen after former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi filed a petition seeking the removal of Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome and all seven judges of the Supreme Court of Kenya. On Monday, January 13, Havi formally submitted the petition and urged the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to direct President William Ruto to establish a tribunal to begin the process of their dismissal. In his sworn affidavit, Havi listed the seven judges: Chief Justice Martha Karambu Koome, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mbete Mwilu, Mohammed Khadar Ibrahim, Dr. Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Ndungu, Isaac Lenaola, and William Ouko.…