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  • Chalwe takes overnight lead at Limuru Open

    Chalwe takes overnight lead at Limuru Open

    Zambia’s Gilbert Chalwe produced a brilliant closing nine to card a three-under-par 69 and seize the outright lead after the opening round of the NCBA Limuru Open & Brackenhurst Trophy at the Limuru Country Club.

    Chalwe overcame a slow start that saw him turn in one-over-par 37 before producing a flawless back nine of four-under-par 32. His back-nine charge featured four birdies on holes 11,12,15 and 18 without a single dropped shot, enough to separate himself from the chasing pack on a demanding course.

    “I wanted to have a strong start in the first day so that I have a chance in the competition. I was not expecting much today but there is a lot of golf to be played now. As things stand, anyone can win it especially when you are being chased by so many good players. I will focus on what I can control, try and be more focused mentally because that is what will decide the winner,” Chalwe said.

    Muthaiga Golf Club’s Jay Sandhu finished Round One in second place after returning a two-under-par 70, surrendering the lead he held for the better part of the day after shooting a bogey on the 17th. However, Sandhu remains within striking distance and will head into the second day just one shot behind the leader.

    Jay Sandhu in action during the Limuru Open

    “I did not have much expectations today. My goal was to find the fairways as much as possible which worked well although I missed a few straight putts but I am happy with where I am. I think putting will be very decisive here,” Sandhu said.

    Teenage sensation Kanana Muthomi of Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club played equal par to finish day one tied at third with Junaid Ayaz Manji (Sigona Golf Club) and Rwanda’s Byiringiro Jacques (Kigali Golf Resort & Villas).

    Kanana’s round started off difficult, with double bogeys on the 12th and 14th, and a bogey on the 13th. However, she raced to a three-under-par 33 after the turn, picking up birdies on the second, third and fourth holes to settle for an even-par 72.

    “Today was a bit difficult, especially in the first nine where I was overshooting everything. I changed my strategy in the second nine and I played a bit better to finish level par. I hope tomorrow will be much better off the tee, and the putts will be dropping,” Kanana said.

    Kanana Muthomi in action during Limuru Open

    Home player Mbachio Kimani, Felix Dusabe, Josphat Rona, and Kapur Pranay all played one over par 73 and are tied at sixth ahead of the second round on Saturday.

    Kamaisi leads the series player rankings on 809.20 points while Sandhu sat second on 640.00 points, Elvis Muigua remains third with 495.26 points, Eugine Wafula is fourth on 472.26 points, and William Odek rounds out the top five on 409.56 points.

     

  • Murkomen warns delayed contractors of replacement

    Murkomen warns delayed contractors of replacement

    The Kenya Kwanza Administration is firmly committed to completing all stalled projects across the country so as to unlock their socio-economic benefits and deliver value for resources invested, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said.

    He warned that contractors who are derailing the Government agenda through inordinate delays will be replaced.

    The CS was speaking when he inspected construction works at Tambach Teachers Training College, Chebara Vocational Training Centre, Chebara Boys High School, AIC Chebara Girls High School, Chebara Comprehensive School, and AIC Chebara Chapel in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

    “We will ensure full implementation of the Presidential directive to mobilise resources and fast-track the work of the new contractor following the previous contractor’s failure to complete the projects,” the CS said.

    He later inspected the ongoing renovation of infrastructure and construction of hostels at Tambach Teachers Training College, as well as the construction site of the new Kerio University.

    “We remain resolute in ensuring that every taxpayer’s coin is accounted for and that public projects are completed within the stipulated timelines and standards,” the CS noted.

    He was accompanied by Housing and Urban Development PS Charles Hinga, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Senator William Kisang, MPs Adams Kipsanai (Keiyo North), Timothy Toroitich (Marakwet West), Caroline Ngelechei (County), and MCAs, among other leaders.

     

  • Three shot in northern Denmark

    Three shot in northern Denmark

    Three people, including a police officer and a suspected gunman, were shot in northern Denmark on Friday afternoon, local police said.

    According to Danish broadcaster DR, police said the three people were in serious condition, without providing further details.

    Police were initially called to a reported fire at an address in Norresundby, just north of Aalborg. Officers came under fire upon arriving at the scene and returned fire.

    The suspected gunman, a police officer and another person at the scene were shot, police said.

    Police later said the shooting had ended, but a large number of officers remained at the scene and were expected to continue working in the area for an extended period. DR reported that firefighters and emergency personnel were also present. The public was urged to stay away.

    The identity of the suspected gunman, the reason for the shooting and any possible motive remain unknown. It is not clear whether anyone had been arrested or whether others were involved.

  • Morocco and France to step up their partnership

    Morocco and France to step up their partnership

    The 15th session of the Morocco-France High-Level Meeting opened yesterday in Rabat, co-chaired by the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, and French Prime Minister SébastienLecornu.

    This meeting is being held to celebrate the strengthened exceptional partnership between Morocco and France, under the leadership of the two Heads of State, His Majesty King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron.
    This high-level meeting, which was preceded by several bilateral meetings between members of the two countries’ governments, was marked by the signing of several agreements aimed at injecting new momentum into Moroccan-French relations.

    Speaking at the opening of this meeting, the Moroccan Head of Government stated that the 15th Morocco-France High-Level Meeting (HLM) between Morocco and France constitutes “the first concrete governmental implementation of the new political framework” established by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, during the French President’s state visit to the Kingdom in October 2024

    Mr. Akhannouch also emphasized that this meeting, far from being a mere reactivation of an institutional mechanism, reflects the strengthened exceptional partnership that has opened a new chapter in relations between the two countries and charted an ambitious course based on a strong political convergence, renewed economic momentum, and a shared commitment to shaping the future together.

    “We have also been entrusted with the mission of developing new projects and ensuring their implementation, in the very best interests of both our peoples, in the spirit of the exceptional partnership that binds us. We are both committed to doing our utmost to ensure that His Majesty’s upcoming state visit to France solidifies this ambition and gives it its full meaning,” explained the French official.

    He continued: “It is also in the interest of our two peoples that we work toward our common security, and I would like to commend the excellent cooperation between our agencies in combating the threat of terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and irregular migration”.

    This 15th Morocco-France High-Level Meeting was marked by the signing of 14 agreements between the two countries, including a letter of intent on cooperation in the area of feminist foreign policy, an annex to the technical arrangement in the field of civil aviation, a partnership agreement between the Écolenationalesupérieure maritime (ENSM) in France and the Institutsupérieurd’étudesaritimes (ISEM) in Morocco, as well as AFD loan agreements for the Rabat RER and for water policy.

    The other agreements cover additional areas of cooperation, including a “declaration of intent on the teaching of Arabic and history and geography in the French education system,” a “strategic partnership agreement between the Arab World Institute and the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication,” and a “draft framework agreement on scientific cooperation between CIRAD and IAV.”

    In addition, the two parties signed a cooperation agreement between Groupe La Poste and Barid Al Maghrib, a framework agreement for cooperation between CEREMA and LPEE, a letter of intent on artist residencies, and a letter of intent on Morocco’s participation in the Fund for African Authors and Producers. These legal frameworks are supplemented by the terms of reference for the bilateral “defense industry” committee and a “technical arrangement on military archives.”

    Regarding the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, during a press briefing following this High-Level Meeting, the French Prime Minister reaffirmed France’s “non-negotiable” position in support of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara. “This position, I repeat here, is non-negotiable. It will not change, and, as you know, we act accordingly,” stated Lecornu.

    The French Prime Minister further emphasized that “France stands by Morocco, loyally and faithfully,” highlighting the “clarity” of the position expressed by French President Emmanuel Macron in his message to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of Throne Day on July 30, 2024.

    In that message, President Macron had officially affirmed his view that the present and future of the Sahara fall within the framework of Moroccan sovereignty.

  • EACC arrests two Nyamache officials over alleged bribery

    EACC arrests two Nyamache officials over alleged bribery

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested the Nyamache District Accountant, Annrose Gakenia, and her deputy, Josphat Ongori Motari, over allegations of soliciting and receiving a bribe.

    In a statement, the Commission said the arrests followed a complaint received by the Commission’s South Nyanza Regional Office from the Children’s Officer for Etago Sub-County, Kisii County.

    According to EACC, the complainant alleged that the District Accountant solicited a bribe in exchange for signing a cheque for Ksh. 46,000 belonging to the Etago Sub-County Children’s Office.

    “Following an operation mounted by the Commission, Gakenia was arrested while allegedly receiving Ksh. 8,000 from the complainant,” read the statement, adding that “Motari was also arrested in connection with the alleged bribery scheme.”

    The two suspects were processed and later released on a cash bail of Ksh.20,000 each pending the completion of investigations.

    EACC reiterated its commitment to combating bribery and other forms of corruption and encourages members of the public to report corrupt practices through the Commission’s reporting channels.

  • Ruto urges Kenyans to put unity above politics

    Ruto urges Kenyans to put unity above politics

    President William Ruto has asked Kenyans not to allow elections to undermine the unity of the country.

    The President noted that there will always be life after elections and urged Kenyans to maintain unity at all times.

    He said once an election is over, Kenyans must remember that the country belongs to all citizens.

    “Elections are not a matter of life and death. There will be Kenya after the election and we must live together as brothers and sisters of one nation,” he said.

    The President told Kenyans not to allow themselves to be divided by leaders along ethnic lines.

    He spoke during a meeting with a delegation of grassroots leaders from Bungoma County led by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa at State House, Nairobi, on Friday.

    He urged leaders to focus on serving the people. The President told leaders, including the newly elected Ol Kalou MP Sammy Kamau Ngotho, that they will be judged by their development record.

    The objective of any leader, the President noted, should be development so that Kenya changes for the better, the lives of citizens are uplifted and the country moves forward.

    “The most important thing is to ensure that the lives of the people who vote for us improve,” he said.

    The President said Kenya can only be transformed through development programmes and projects.

    He called on Kenyans to rally behind visionary leaders who have a plan to take the country forward and cautioned against leaders whose ideas are meant to take the country backwards.

    “We want to take this country forward,” he said.

    He assured Kenyans of the Government’s commitment to developing every part of the country equally, ensuring that no part is left behind.

    “We have the means to transform every part of Kenya,” he said.

    At the same time, President Ruto said the Government is transforming the face of Bungoma County through the implementation of deliberate projects and programmes.

    He said Ksh.30 billion has been invested in affordable housing, including an 18,000-unit smart city in Bungoma town, 15 modern markets and hostels.

    He added that the Government has secured Ksh.8 billion for the construction of a Level 6 hospital in Bungoma to enhance access to quality universal healthcare.

    President Ruto also announced that the Rironi-Mau Summit road will be extended to Eldoret, Bungoma and the Malaba border to ease movement and unlock the region’s economic potential.

    On agriculture, he said reforms in the sugar sector have benefited farmers, ensuring prompt payment of growers and factory workers.

    The President explained that the Social Health Authority (SHA) has registered 32 million people and continues to enhance access to affordable healthcare.

    “When you go to villages, there are testimonies of people whose medical bills have been paid for by SHA,” he said.

    On his part, Barasa noted that SHA works much better than the defunct National Hospital Infrastructure Fund (NHIF).

    He also said the people of Bungoma appreciate the Government’s transformation agenda in the county and nationally.

    Speaking on behalf of professionals, Dr Flora Fedha pointed out that on the delegation’s way to Nairobi, they witnessed the construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit road which, she said, was a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to transformation.

    “Whether they like it or not, they will recognise you for your work,” she said.

     

  • PGK Equator tour heads to Ruiru as battle for 2027 Kenya Open slots intensifies

    PGK Equator tour heads to Ruiru as battle for 2027 Kenya Open slots intensifies

    The 5th leg of the Professional Golfers Association Of Kenya, PGK Equator Tour heads to Ruiru Golf Club with over 50 golfers taking part in the championship that’s being used by the competitors to acquire ranking points in the race to qualify for the 2027 Magical Kenya Open and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

    The four-day tournament which culminates Sunday 19th July has attracted a more than 50 professional golfers.

    The entry is led by top golfers Samuel Njoroge, Njoroge Kibugu, Mutahi Kibugu, Greg Snow, Mohit Mediratta, Dismas Indiza, David Wahu, Daniel Nduva, and Edwin Mudanyi, among others.

    “I am looking forward to competing at Ruiru and building on the progress I have made over the last four legs. This tour means a lot to me, not only as a young golfer but also for other local professionals. The competition is always intense, and it is difficult to predict who will come out on top. My focus is to remain consistent and put myself in a strong position throughout the week,” said Mutahi Kibugu.

    The Ruiru leg comes barely a week after the fourth round of the circuit at Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa, where Njoroge Kibugu emerged victorious after an impressive performance.

    Heading into the Ruiru leg, Thika Golf Club’s Samuel Njoroge, one of the four golfers sponsored by Safaricom, continues to lead the Order of Merit standings with 2,377 points, following a string of consistent performances across the opening four legs of the Tour.

    He is followed closely by Kakamega’s Dismas Indiza, who sits second with 1,890 points, while Greg Snow occupies third place with 1,720 points.

    Njoroge will be looking to extend his lead at the top of the standings as his closest challengers seek to close the gap.

    The PGK Equator Tour, organised by the Professional Golfers of Kenya (PGK), provides the country’s top professionals with a competitive platform to showcase their talent through a season-long circuit played across various golf courses nationwide.

  • Government to fast-track rehabilitation of North Rift dams

    Government to fast-track rehabilitation of North Rift dams

    The Government has announced plans to accelerate the rehabilitation and desilting of colonial-era dams across the North Rift region as part of efforts to strengthen water security and protect farmers from the effects of climate change.

    The programme will cover dams in Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Kakamega, Elgeyo Marakwet and Trans Nzoia counties.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit to Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim in Eldoret, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the intervention follows forecasts by the Kenya Meteorological Department indicating the likelihood of enhanced rains associated with El Niño from October.

    The rehabilitation and desilting exercise is expected to increasing water harvesting capacity ahead of the rains, reduce flooding, improve water storage for domestic use and irrigation and strengthen long-term climate resilience for farming communities.

    “This proactive intervention follows forecasts by the Kenya Meteorological Department indicating the likelihood of enhanced rains associated with El Niño from October. By increasing water harvesting capacity ahead of the rains, the Government aims to reduce flooding, improve water storage for domestic use and irrigation, and strengthen long-term climate resilience for farming communities,” said Mudavadi.

    He acknowledged the difficult circumstances facing many farmers following delayed rains and assured them that the Government is actively considering measures to cushion affected households.

    Among the interventions under consideration are support mechanisms, including relief on agricultural input financing, to ease the burden on farmers.

    Mudavadi stressed that as climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, investing in water infrastructure and supporting farmers will be essential to safeguarding food security, protecting livelihoods and strengthening Kenya’s agricultural economy.

  • Over 90-golfers set for NCBA Limuru Open & Brackenhurst Trophy 

    Over 90-golfers set for NCBA Limuru Open & Brackenhurst Trophy 

    A star-studded field of 96 golfers is set to headline the NCBA Limuru Open & Brackenhurst Trophy at Limuru Country Club scheduled July 17th-19th.

    The 2026 Kenya Amateur Golf Championship Series leader, John Kamaisi, headlines the line-up that also has second placed Jay Sandhu and third-placed Elvis Muigua alongside Rwanda’s Jean D’Amour Hitayezu who comes to this leg on the back of his win at the NCBA Coast Open ‘Barry Cup’ last weekend.

    Teenage sensations Kanana Muthomi and Cherono Kipkorir lead the list of women golfers set for the Limuru showdown alongside Kellie Gachaga, Maryam Mwakitawa, and Nancy Wairimu.

    The field features players from Rwanda, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Burundi, Uganda, India, Ghana, China, and Serbia, adding strong regional and international appeal as they compete for a share of the Ksh. 700,000 prize pool.

    NCBA Coast Open Barry Cup winner Jean Damour Hitayezu
    IMAGE:FILE

    Kamaisi leads the standings on 809.20 points, extending his advantage at the top despite the second-place finish in Mombasa. Muthaiga Golf Club’s Jay Sandhu sits second on 640.00 points, Elvis Muigua remains third with 495.26 points, Eugine Wafula is fourth on 472.26 points, and William Odek rounds out the top five on 409.56 points.

    The Limuru Open & Brackenhurst Trophy remains an important stop on the KAGC pathway, offering players a chance to earn ranking points, sharpen competitive form, and test themselves against some of the region’s best amateurs. The strength of the entry list also reflects the continued appeal of Limuru Country Club as a venue capable of attracting elite fields and delivering high-quality championship golf.

    Battle for NCBA Series finale slots intensifies

    At the same time, more golfers will be hoping to secure their NCBA Golf Series Grand Finale slots this weekend during the Nyanza Golf Club Monthly Mug, a mini-qualifier of the series.

    Qualification to the Grand Finale, set to be held at the prestigious Karen Country Club on November 28, will be earned by the Overall Gross Winner, Men’s Gross Winner, Lady Gross Winner, Division 2 Men Winner, Division 2 Lady Winner, Division 3 Winner, and the leading Junior.

     

  • PS Omollo: ID reforms restoring inclusion, expanding access to opportunities

    PS Omollo: ID reforms restoring inclusion, expanding access to opportunities

    The Government’s ongoing reforms to make national identification documents more accessible are helping to eliminate barriers that have historically locked many Kenyans out of government services, development opportunities and democratic participation, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo has said.

    Speaking during the burial of veteran educationist Mwalimu Daniel Oluoch Wandayi, brother to Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, in Ugunja, Siaya County, Dr. Omollo said President William Ruto had directed that all eligible Kenyans be facilitated to obtain identification documents without unnecessary obstacles.

    The PS said the Ministry of Interior and National Administration is implementing the directive fairly and without discrimination to ensure every Kenyan can access government services and participate fully in national development. “Access to identification documents is about citizenship, inclusion and dignity. No Kenyan should be excluded from government programmes or democratic participation because they lack an identity document,” he said.

    Dr. Omollo noted that significant numbers of adults in different parts of the country still do not possess national identification documents or voter registration cards, limiting their access to opportunities and government services. He said the ongoing registration drive seeks to ensure that every Kenyan is counted, represented and able to benefit from national development programmes.

    He observed that the reforms were part of President Ruto’s broader agenda of promoting equity, inclusion and national cohesion by ensuring no region or community is left behind.

    The PS also highlighted progress in strengthening government service delivery through the operationalization of new administrative units across the country.

    In Siaya County, he announced that Sikalame Division is currently being operationalized, with the newly appointed Assistant County Commissioner expected to report next week.

    He further noted that recruitment of chiefs and assistant chiefs for newly created locations and sub-locations is already underway.

    Dr. Omollo acknowledged that Siaya has comparatively fewer administrative units than neighbouring counties and disclosed that consultations with the Ministry, local leadership and county leaders had resulted in an agreement to prioritize the county during the next phase of gazettement of administrative units. “Bringing government closer to the people remains a key priority. We want wananchi to access services conveniently and efficiently without travelling long distances,” he said.

    On healthcare, the PS called on residents to continue registering with the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that registration levels in Siaya currently stand at 52 per cent.

    While commending the progress made, he urged leaders and residents to intensify mobilization efforts to ensure more households benefit from the Government’s universal healthcare programme.

    Dr. Omollo also paid tribute to the late Mwalimu Daniel Oluoch Wandayi, describing him as a distinguished educationist whose contribution to learning and mentorship had positively impacted generations of learners and families across the region.

    He urged parents to continue investing in education, describing it as the greatest equalizer and the surest pathway to opportunity and social transformation.

    The PS noted that the Government had committed unprecedented resources to education, including the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and skills development programmes aimed at preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship.

    As he concluded, Dr. Omollo cautioned against the growing trend of political actors exploiting young people to engage in violence and disruption.

    He appealed to leaders to exercise restraint and responsibility, warning that political violence often results in loss of life, destruction of property and missed opportunities for young people.

    “Young people should never allow themselves to be used to settle political scores. Their energy and talents should be directed towards education, innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building,” he said.

    The PS reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to inclusive development, improved service delivery and national unity, saying President Ruto’s administration would continue implementing programmes aimed at ensuring every Kenyan has an opportunity to participate in and benefit from the country’s progress.

    The burial ceremony was attended by ODM Party Leader Senator Oburu Odinga, National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary FCPA John Mbadi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe, Ugunja MP Hon. Moses Omondi, Rangwe MP Dr. Lilian Gogo, Awendo MP Walter Owino, Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch, Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang’o), Teso North MP Oku Kaunya, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, and other national and county leaders