KBC Channel 1

Author: Beth Nyaga

  • Duale forms 13-member team to probe Mediheal organ trade allegations

    Duale forms 13-member team to probe Mediheal organ trade allegations

    The government has constituted a 13-member committee to investigate allegations of illegal organ transplants and trafficking at Mediheal Group of Hospitals following an exposé by international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW).

    In a Gazette Notice released Wednesday, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale appointed Prof. Elizabeth Bukusi to chair the Independent Investigative Committee on Tissue and Organ Transplant Services, which will conduct a thorough probe into the claims and assess compliance across all health facilities offering transplant services in the country.

    Other members of the committee include Dr. Jonathan Wala Ameyo, Prof. Ahmed Sokwala, Dr. Prexedes Okutoyi, Dr. Patrick Mburugu, Dr. Noelle Atieno Orata, Dr. Ann Kasyoka Barasa, Dr. Diviner Kemunto Nyarera, Dr. Wendy Kimbui, Sara Talaso Bonaya, Dr. Charles Kandie, Joseph Ndirangu and Larica Onam.

    The committee’s secretariat comprises Dr. Stella Kanja, Rueben Tulei and Jedidah Effie Oduor.

    The task force has been mandated to:

    • Investigate the legal and regulatory framework governing tissue and organ transplants in Kenya.

    • Examine compliance levels in all facilities offering such services.

    • Specifically probe Mediheal Hospital’s adherence to ethical and legal transplant protocols.

    • Engage with donors, recipients, and medical professionals involved in transplants over the last five years.

    • Determine if there were cases of commercialisation, coercion, or breaches of the Human Tissue Act.

    These developments come in the wake of serious claims that Mediheal has been harvesting kidneys from vulnerable Kenyans for Ksh.294,000 and selling them abroad for as much as Ksh.3.2 million.

    In response, CS Duale has suspended all kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospitals until investigations are concluded.

    Patients in need of transplant services have been advised to seek care at any of the eight approved facilities: Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, MP Shah Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, St Luke’s Hospital–Eldoret, Nairobi West Hospital and Mater Hospital.

    Meanwhile, the Mediheal Group has dismissed the DW report, calling the allegations false and unsubstantiated. In a statement, Mediheal founder Dr. Swarup Mishra said: “These claims are entirely unfounded and are not supported by any credible evidence. We remain committed to delivering ethical, safe, and world-class healthcare.”

    Group Vice President of Operations, Maryline Limo, also maintained the hospital’s compliance with all legal and ethical standards, stating that the institution does not engage in the commercial sale of organs.

    In a further escalation, President William Ruto has suspended Dr. Mishra from his role as Chairperson of the Kenya BioVax Institute, pending the outcome of the probe.

    Meanwhile, the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Health has launched a parallel public inquiry into the alleged malpractice.

    The investigative committee is expected to conclude its work within three months, after which a report will be submitted with recommendations on legal and regulatory reforms to enhance transparency and safeguard ethical practices in organ transplants.

  • Gov’t assists flood victims in Ruaraka following flooding, landslides

    Gov’t assists flood victims in Ruaraka following flooding, landslides

    Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku Tuesday visited families affected by floods and landslides at Drive-In settlement in Utalii Ward, Ruaraka Constituency.

    The visit comes after a mother and her two children lost their lives following heavy rains that caused flash floods in the area on Sunday night. At least 55 households have been displaced, with homes destroyed by floodwaters and landslides.

    CS Ruku was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Special Programmes, Ismael Maalim and the area Member of Parliament TJ Kajwang.

    The government, through the State Department for Special Programmes, delivered emergency relief supplies including foodstuffs, beddings, kitchen kits, and sanitary items to the affected households.

    “The government is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and is committed to supporting the affected families during this difficult time,” said CS Ruku during the visit.

    The Cabinet Secretary directed the PS to convene an urgent multi-agency meeting involving the National Government and the Nairobi County Government to develop lasting solutions to recurrent flooding and landslides in the area.

    He emphasised the need for proactive emergency preparedness and infrastructure improvement, particularly the drainage system linking the Thika Superhighway and the surrounding informal settlements.

    “This is about saving lives and protecting property. We must ensure that our drainage systems are working and that informal settlements are not exposed to preventable risks,” said CS Ruku.

    The government also highlighted the role of long-term urban planning and disaster mitigation in addressing climate-related emergencies, especially in densely populated areas.

  • JKIA law courts to resume landmark ant trafficking case

    JKIA law courts to resume landmark ant trafficking case

    A case that has captured both national and international attention is set to resume on Wednesday at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Law Courts, where four suspects stand accused in Kenya’s first major prosecution under the Nagoya Protocol on biopiracy.

    The courtroom will once again spotlight an unusual but critical matter: the illegal trafficking of live garden ants, Messor cephalotes.

    At the heart of the case are four individuals: a Vietnamese national, Duh Hung, a Kenyan citizen, Dennis Ng’ang’a and two Belgian nationals.

    All have already entered guilty pleas to charges of illegal possession and trafficking of wildlife and are currently in custody awaiting sentencing.

    What sets this case apart is not just the species involved, but the precedent it sets. Kenya is sending a strong message that its commitment to conserving biodiversity extends to even the smallest of creatures.

    When the case comes up for mention before Senior Principal Magistrate Njeri Thuku on Wednesday, the court will receive and review a set of critical documents: a pre-sentencing report from the Probation Office, an ecological impact assessment from the National Museums of Kenya and a victim impact statement prepared by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

    These reports are expected to guide the court in determining the weight of the offence and shaping the sentencing phase.

    Experts will also present their findings on the environmental significance of the seized ants, underscoring how their removal from their natural habitat could disrupt delicate ecological balances.

    It is alleged that the ants were smuggled in modified test tubes, a tactic designed to bypass airport detection systems, revealing the sophistication of modern wildlife trafficking networks.

    This case is more than just a legal milestone.

    It is a reminder that the exploitation of biological resources, even those as seemingly insignificant as ants,  is a serious offence under Kenyan law.

    It also illustrates how biopiracy continues to evolve, targeting not just iconic wildlife, but lesser-known species critical to ecosystems and scientific research.

    As proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the JKIA Law Courts, where Kenya’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage, no matter how small, will be tested and, perhaps, solidified in law.

  • A voice for Africa falls silent as Pope Francis breathes his last

    A voice for Africa falls silent as Pope Francis breathes his last

    Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, will be remembered across Africa not just as the head of the Catholic Church but as a friend, a voice and a shepherd who held the continent close to his heart.

    From the crowded streets of Nairobi’s slums to the conflict-ridden towns of South Sudan, Pope Francis left an indelible mark, one that went beyond words to action, presence and profound solidarity.

    From the earliest days of his papacy, Pope Francis made it clear that Africa mattered.

    In 2015, his first trip to the continent took him to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic, where he chose to visit some of the most neglected corners of society.

    In Nairobi’s Kangemi slum, he stood shoulder to shoulder with the poor, calling on governments to provide land, housing and meaningful work to all.

    He spoke boldly against the injustices that have long plagued Africa, colonial exploitation, global inequality, neo-liberal capitalism and the degradation of the environment.

    In doing so, he gave voice to the cries of the marginalised, speaking not as an outsider but as one who understood their pain and their hope.

    Pope Francis embodied the spirit of liberation.

    Inspired by the liberation theology of his native Latin America, he preached a gospel rooted in justice, mercy and the dignity of every human being.

    His message resonated deeply across African nations still grappling with the legacies of imperialism and the daily struggles of poverty.

    He called on the Church not to be distant or bureaucratic, but to be close to the people, walking with them in joy and in suffering.

    He consistently challenged the idea that solutions must come from Rome. Instead, he encouraged African Catholics to develop their own pastoral approaches, shaped by the unique cultures and realities of the continent.

    He trusted local leadership, supported autonomy in seminaries and universities and promoted transparency and accountability among the clergy.

    Through this, he helped plant seeds for a more rooted, resilient and responsive Church in Africa, one that could face its own challenges with local wisdom and strength.

    Perhaps most touching was his deep connection with Africa’s youth. In a world where young people often feel unseen, Pope Francis saw them.

    He listened, he encouraged, and he reminded them of their power to transform society.

    On November 1, 2022, in an unprecedented virtual gathering, he spoke with over 1,000 young Africans for more than an hour, fielding their questions, sharing their dreams, and urging them to “fight for what they believe.”

    It was a moment that captured the essence of his papacy: listening with love, speaking with courage, and inspiring action through faith.

    Pope Francis had long battled health complications, including a partial lung removal in his youth.

    His final struggle began in February 2025, when he was hospitalised with bronchitis that progressed into bilateral pneumonia.

    After 38 days in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, he returned to the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery but never regained full strength.

    Despite his frailty, he remained spiritually present, prayerful, and committed to his mission until his final breath.

    His death was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, who announced that the Pope passed away peacefully at 7:35 AM.

    “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” Cardinal Ferrell said.

    “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”

    Pope Francis had requested that his funeral be marked by simplicity. The updated liturgical guide he approved in April 2024 emphasises the pope as a pastor and disciple, not as a figure of power.

    His coffin will be placed directly in the chapel, and the rites will focus on the Church’s faith in the Risen Christ, a final testament to the humility with which he lived and served.

    Africa mourns him deeply.

    Pope Francis may have returned to the house of the Father, but in Africa, his legacy is alive, in the soil, in the spirit, and in the hearts of the faithful.

  • KDF to launch training to combat terrorism financing, money laundering

    KDF to launch training to combat terrorism financing, money laundering

    The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has announced the launch of a five-day training program aimed at combating terrorism financing and money laundering from April 22 to 26.

    The initiative, organised in collaboration with the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC),  is designed to enhance institutional and individual capacities in addressing the financial dimensions of terrorism.

    The program, themed “Initiative for Countering Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering”, will combine legal training, modern technology demonstrations, and international cooperation frameworks to build resilience and public awareness around these threats.

    KDF said the sessions will explore strategies to curb terrorism financing operations through knowledge sharing and expert-led sessions, while also focusing on preventive measures.

    The event will be presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Soipan Tuya.

  • Coffee reforms crush cartels, boost payouts in Kirinyaga County

    Coffee reforms crush cartels, boost payouts in Kirinyaga County

    For years, coffee farmers in Kirinyaga toiled under the stranglehold of ruthless cartels, watching their hard-earned harvests fetch meagre returns.

    But today, a new dawn is brewing, thanks to sweeping reforms under the Kenya Kwanza administration that have finally broken the grip of middlemen.

    In what farmers are calling a long-overdue turnaround, members of Baragwi Coffee Cooperative Society are raking in record earnings, some as high as Ksh 145 per kilogram of cherry, following a government-led crackdown on cartels and the introduction of transparent payment systems.

    “This is the best payout we’ve seen in decades,” said Joseph Gichoya, a retired teacher turned coffee farmer. “The reforms have brought real change. Cartels no longer dictate our prices.”

    Joseph Gichoya, a retired teacher turned coffee farmer, tends to his crop at his farm in Kirinyaga County.

    At the heart of this transformation is the Direct Settlement System (DSS), which now ensures farmers are paid directly and promptly, cutting off exploitative brokers who once dominated the trade.

    Over the past two years alone, the government has injected Ksh 4.3 billion into Baragwi, Kirinyaga’s largest cooperative, marking an unprecedented investment in the region’s coffee revival.

    Of the county’s 75 wet mills, 27 have posted record-breaking payouts, with Gacami Coffee Factory leading at Ksh 145.10 per kilo, followed by Karumandi (Ksh 144.30), Mukure (Ksh 144.25) and Mucagara (Ksh 143.80).

    “These kinds of figures were unthinkable just a few years ago,” said Baragwi CEO Cyrus Chomba.

    Baragwi CEO Cyrus Chomba.

    “With the cartels gone and direct market access in place, farmers are finally getting their due.”

    The government’s broader Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda has also supported farmers with subsidised fertilisers and pesticides, agronomic training and global marketing linkages.

    The reforms are not just boosting incomes, they’re reviving hope.

    Farmers who once abandoned their coffee trees are now reinvesting in the crop, driven by the promise of fair returns and restored dignity.

    “The coffee sector was on its knees. Now, we’re seeing real progress,” said a cooperative official. “For the first time in a long time, farmers believe in coffee again.”

    As Kenya reclaims its status on the world stage as a producer of premium coffee, the farmers of Kirinyaga are leading the charge, one cherry at a time.

  • President Ruto to make State visit to China, deepening ties

    President Ruto to make State visit to China, deepening ties

    At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto will pay a state visit to China from April 22 to 26, 2025.

    The visit comes amid renewed momentum under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which continues to shape Kenya-China cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and investment.

    President Ruto’s visit is expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties, reviewing ongoing development projects, and exploring new areas of partnership, including technology transfer, agriculture and climate resilience.

    Since Kenya joined the BRI in 2017, the initiative has driven transformative projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway and major highway developments, positioning China as one of Kenya’s largest development partners.

    Beyond infrastructure, the visit is also expected to highlight collaborations in media and information exchange.

    Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) has previously partnered with China Media Group (CMG) and Xinhua News Agency in content sharing, capacity building and joint production initiatives, signalling a broadening of engagement beyond trade and transport.

    President Ruto’s state visit will mark his first to China since taking office and is set to reaffirm Kenya’s long-standing diplomatic and economic ties with Beijing.

  • KWS urges early bookings as Easter campaign begins

    KWS urges early bookings as Easter campaign begins

    To avoid delays at the gates, especially on busy days like today, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is urging visitors to make advance bookings via the KWS eCitizen portal as it rolls out its “Easter Moto Moto in Kenya Parks” campaign.

    The campaign, which officially kicked off today, Good Friday, runs through April 27, and is aimed at boosting domestic tourism while maintaining safety and conservation in national parks and reserves.

    With a spike in visitor numbers expected over the Easter weekend, KWS has implemented a series of operational enhancements.

    All parks will operate under their normal hours, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with additional personnel deployed at major entry points to facilitate crowd management.

    Road networks and visitor facilities have also undergone repairs to ensure a smooth experience.

    Security has been ramped up through joint efforts with law enforcement agencies. KWS rangers will be enforcing safety protocols, including designated driving routes, speed limits and responsible wildlife viewing to safeguard both visitors and the ecosystem.

    To enhance the overall visitor experience, dedicated help desks have been set up at major parks, and updated signage has been installed to guide guests on safety and conservation rules.

    The “Easter Moto Moto” campaign includes a host of incentives:

    • Registered tour operators bringing in groups of 10 domestic tourists will be granted a complimentary entry pass during the campaign period.
    • Accommodation bookings at Mbugani Home between April 18 and 27 come with a 10 per cent discount, valid through June 30, 2025.
    • Daily gifts will be awarded to the first domestic visitors at ten selected parks, including Meru National Park and Shimba Hills National Reserve, for the first five days of the campaign.
    • At Nairobi National Park, a free shuttle service will be available from today through Easter Monday to ease congestion and improve access.

    KWS is working alongside park lodges and hotels whose special Easter offers will be featured on KWS communication platforms.

    As part of responsible travel, the service is advising visitors to prepare for changing weather conditions, carry sun protection and enough drinking water, and commit to eco-friendly practices like proper waste disposal and avoiding single-use plastics.

    For emergencies, visitors can reach out to on-site park staff or call the 24-hour toll-free hotline: 0800 597 000.

    KWS says it will provide real-time updates on park conditions and campaign activities via its website and social media platforms, ensuring visitors are well-informed throughout the holiday season.

    With the campaign now in full swing, KWS is confident of delivering a safe, vibrant, and conservation-conscious Easter experience for all.

  • Forgery ring busted: Three in court over fake title deeds, stamps

    Forgery ring busted: Three in court over fake title deeds, stamps

    Three men, including an official attached to the Government Printer, were on Thursday arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi to face 18 criminal charges related to forgery, making false documents and unlawful possession of government stores.

    The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) preferred the charges against Livingstone Ambani Munala, Leonard Clifford Wafula and Paul Muigai Kimani.

    Munala faces 13 counts, including seven related to the forgery of official stamps and possession of public stores, as well as two counts of making false documents.

    According to the prosecution, on March 28, 2025, Munala was found at a residence along Desai Road in Starehe Sub-County in possession of instruments capable of producing stamp impressions in the names of various land officials.

    These included stamps bearing the names and codes of I.R. Jeptanui (439), C.S. Maina (235), V. Njane (478), Mochonge O. Nicholas (014), A.W. Mararia (271) and C.N. Kituyi (215), which he allegedly intended to pass off as genuine stamps belonging to land registrars and administrators.

    He is further accused of forging two title deeds, serial numbers 29131 and 3894792, and presenting them as genuine documents issued by the Government Printer.

    Additionally, Munala was allegedly found in possession of various government documents, including blank land title forms, receipts, and nine green cards bearing serial number (L) 298 from the State Department for Lands.

    These items are suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained.

    Meanwhile, Leonard Clifford Wafula, an official at the Government Printer and Paul Muigai Kimani were each charged with being in unlawful possession of public stores.

    The court heard that on March 28, 2025, Mr. Wafula was found with an International Certificate of Vaccination issued by the Ministry of Health at his residence in Umoja, Nairobi.

    Kimani was allegedly found with two file covers belonging to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), which are also suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.

    The three suspects pleaded not guilty before Senior Principal Magistrate Benmark Ekhumbi.

    The case is being prosecuted by Norah Achieng.

    Munala was released on a bond of Ksh 3 million, while Wafula and Kimani were each granted a bond of Ksh 600,000.

  • Kenya, Uganda launch joint dam project to benefit over 300,000 residents

    Kenya, Uganda launch joint dam project to benefit over 300,000 residents

    In a major step toward regional integration, climate resilience, and food security, Kenya and Uganda have officially launched the implementation phase of the Angololo Water Resources Development Project (AWRDP), a transformative cross-border initiative set to benefit more than 300,000 residents in the Sio-Malaba-Malakisi (SMM) River Sub-basin.

    The ceremonial launch took place in Busia County, where Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa and Principal Secretary Julius Korir joined Uganda’s State Minister for Environment, Beatrice Atim Anywar, to formally kick off the project.

    Representing the host county was Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera.

    The project is closely aligned with President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which emphasizes rural development through modern irrigation to enhance food production and household incomes.

    As part of this agenda, the Kenyan government recently launched the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), a bold 10-year roadmap aimed at revolutionizing irrigation, boosting agricultural productivity, and attracting private investment in the water sector.

    NISIP’s five-pronged approach includes:

    • Farmer-Led Irrigation Development (FLID)
    • Public Scheme Improvement
    • Commercially Oriented Irrigation
    • Revitalization of Irrigation Assets
    • Maximizing Community Scheme Benefits

    According to CS Mugaa, “This investment plan provides the fastest and most cost-effective pathway for Kenya to achieve its agricultural water development and food security goals. It complements our national development frameworks, including Vision 2030, the 2017 National Irrigation Policy, and BETA.”

    Identified in 2010 by the governments of Kenya and Uganda, the Angololo Water Resources Development Project is now entering the construction phase.

    It is being implemented under the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP) of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI), with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the NEPAD Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility (NEPAD-IPPF).

    The project’s goal is to modernize agriculture, improve energy access, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance food security.

    Key project components include:

    • A 40-meter-high composite dam with a storage capacity of 31.6 million cubic meters
    • A 1.3 MW hydropower plant with future plans to install 20 MW floating solar pontoons
    • A 4,000-hectare irrigation scheme enabling year-round food production
    • A domestic and livestock water supply system to serve over 270,000 people
    • Restoration of 30% of the 447 km² upstream watershed to improve catchment health
    • A fisheries and aquaculture program to boost local food security and livelihoods
    • Flood control infrastructure to protect homes and farmlands downstream

    Beyond its infrastructure scope, the project is widely seen as a model of transboundary cooperation, signalling stronger ties between Kenya and Uganda through shared natural resource management, enhanced agricultural trade and climate-smart development.

    “The Angololo project goes beyond infrastructure. It’s about empowering communities, securing water and food, and building lasting peace through shared prosperity,” said CS Mugaa.

    The project is expected to bring wide-ranging benefits, including improved public health, climate resilience and job creation, with special attention to vulnerable groups such as women, youth and people with disabilities.

    With NELSAP providing technical oversight, the project is a strong demonstration of how regional collaboration can deliver inclusive, green growth in the Nile Basin region.

    The launch was attended by dignitaries and stakeholders from both countries, including Teso North MP Hon. Oku Kaunya, Ugandan MPs from Nambale District, NBI Executive Director Dr. Florence Grace Adongo, development partners, and Busia County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga.