KBC Channel 1

Author: Beth Nyaga

  • Joy as road works resume in North Kinangop

    Joy as road works resume in North Kinangop

    Residents of North Kinangop have welcomed the revival of stalled road projects in the region, following the National Government’s fulfillment of its pledge to improve infrastructure in Nyandarua County.

    During a visit to Karai village in North Kinangop Ward, locals expressed renewed hope after the long-awaited tarmacking of the Captain–Wanjohi–Ndunyu Njeru road finally reached their area.

    The ongoing works mark a major milestone for the community, which has long suffered from poor road conditions.

    Known for its vibrant horticultural and dairy farming, North Kinangop stands to benefit significantly from the road upgrade.

    Farmers in villages such as Kwa Mbekenya, Karima Karai, and Kiambariki anticipate a reduction in post-harvest losses, as the improved road network will ease access to markets and reduce transportation costs.

    Ruth Njoki, an elderly resident, emotionally recalled years of hardship, including helping expectant mothers deliver by the roadside due to the impassable roads.

    “We have endured so much. This road will change lives,” she said.

    Residents also recounted how they felt forgotten by the rest of the country, often joking that Kinangopians could be identified by the black rings on their legs, caused by years of trudging through mud in gumboots.

    They extended heartfelt appreciation to President William Ruto for honoring his promise during a recent tour of Nyandarua, and to their MP, Kwenya Thuku, whose relentless lobbying helped unlock funding and political will to complete the long-overdue projects.

  • EACC nabs Kakamega civil registration officials in bribery scandal

    EACC nabs Kakamega civil registration officials in bribery scandal

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on Tuesday arrested two officials from the Kakamega Civil Registration Department over allegations of soliciting and receiving bribes from members of the public seeking civil registration documents.

    The suspects, Boniface Mukaisi Mutsunga, a Civil Registrar based at the Kakamega Huduma Centre and Amos Kiplangat Yegon, a Civil Registration Officer, are accused of demanding bribes to fast-track service delivery.

    According to the Commission, the payments were allegedly channeled through a privately-run M-Pesa Till Number, suggesting the existence of a coordinated bribery syndicate within the department.

    At the time of their arrest, the two officials had reportedly received Ksh 2,500 to facilitate the processing of a birth certificate.

    They were apprehended and detained at Bungoma Police Station pending further processing at the EACC’s Western Regional Offices.

    The EACC has intensified its crackdown on corruption at critical public service delivery points, noting that bribery not only undermines justice but also limits citizens’ access to essential services and erodes trust in public institutions.

    In a statement, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability among public servants and promoting fair and transparent service delivery for all Kenyans.

  • Enough is Enough: Northern Kenya communities unite to end deadly conflicts

    Enough is Enough: Northern Kenya communities unite to end deadly conflicts

    After decades of bloodshed, displacement, and broken promises, communities from four volatile wards in Northern Kenya have come together with a clear and urgent message: Enough is enough.

    At a high-stakes peace-building forum held in Archer’s Post, community elders, morans and women from the conflict-prone Chari and Ngaremara wards in Isiolo County, Waso ward in Samburu County and Laisamis ward in Marsabit County demanded genuine commitment from leaders and stakeholders to end the endless cycle of violence.

    Representing pastoralist communities such as the Borana, Rendille, Turkana, Samburu, and Dorobo, they spoke of lives lost, opportunities missed, and generations raised under the shadow of fear.

    “For years, we have held countless meetings, signed resolutions, and posed for photos. Yet our people continue to suffer,” said Mohamed Abduba, Chairperson of the Merti Sub-County Peace Committee.

    “Our people already struggle to find water and pasture in this dry land—but now, we have taken on an even more difficult task: killing each other.”

    The meeting, part of a three-day inter-county peace forum under the RANGE Programme by the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), focused on shared resources and recurring clashes, mainly cattle rustling and territorial disputes, that have stunted the region’s growth and stability.

    Soyana Lembara, the RANGE Programme Manager, emphasized that long-term peace will only be achieved if every stakeholder, county government, national government administrator, and community moves from firefighting to prevention.

    “These perennial conflicts are not just about cattle or borders—they’re about mistrust, exclusion, and unresolved grievances,” Lembara said. “We are working to shift that dynamic.”

    In a significant shift from past peace efforts, the forum deliberately included groups often overlooked in such conversations: morans, women, and smaller communities like the Dorobo.

    “If we keep excluding those who hold the weapons or those who bear the pain, then we are simply postponing the next clash,” Lembara added.

    At the end of the forum, the stakeholders are expected to sign a peace pact that outlines specific roles for every actor. The document will serve as a community-led roadmap toward lasting peace in Northern Kenya, one that its people hope will finally replace decades of violence with stability and progress.

  • Man arrested for defrauding woman of Ksh 12M in fake Garissa land deal

    Man arrested for defrauding woman of Ksh 12M in fake Garissa land deal

    A 44-year-old man has been arrested by Kilimani detectives for allegedly defrauding a Kenyan woman of Sh12 million in a fake land deal.

    Abdi Yusuf Mohamed was taken into custody after investigations revealed he had lured the victim with claims of owning a prime piece of land in the Garissa Municipality.

    According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Yusuf received the money in multiple installments through his personal bank account between June 29 and November 21, 2023.

    The victim, believing the deal to be legitimate, transferred the funds in good faith, unaware that she was being duped.

    However, a search at the Garissa lands registry exposed the scam.

    Records showed that the parcel Yusuf claimed to be selling was registered to a different individual, who has held the title since it was originally allocated by the government.

    The green card for the land confirmed the rightful ownership, casting doubt on Yusuf’s claims.

    Further scrutiny of documents Yusuf had presented as proof of ownership revealed they were fraudulent.

    Armed with this evidence, detectives tracked Yusuf to his hideout in Eastleigh, where he was arrested and taken to Kilimani Police Station. He is currently being processed ahead of his arraignment in court.

    The DCI has issued a warning to the public, urging caution when engaging in land transactions.

    Authorities are calling on Kenyans to thoroughly verify ownership details and authenticate all documents to avoid falling victim to similar fraudulent schemes.

  • What are the top TaifaCare counties doing right on registration uptake?

    What are the top TaifaCare counties doing right on registration uptake?

    The government’s bold move to overhaul Kenya’s healthcare system through the Social Health Authority (SHA) is already bearing fruit, with over Ksh 21.8 billion in hospital bills cleared for Kenyans since the launch of TaifaCare in October 2024.

    The latest Situation Room report from the SHA Secretariat, dated April 13, 2025 paints a promising picture: the government’s health financing reforms are not just a policy shift, but a practical solution easing the financial burden on ordinary Kenyans.

    The biggest share of the payments, Ksh 13.6 billion, has gone towards surgical procedures, while maternity and newborn care services account for another Ksh 5 billion, a significant boost to maternal health outcomes across the country.

    Other medical packages covered include orthopedic surgeries (Ksh4.1 billion), renal care (Ksh3.6 billion), hematology and oncology (Ksh3 billion), general surgeries (Ksh2.9 billion), and obstetrical and gynaecological surgeries (Ksh1.5 billion), a clear indication of the government’s commitment to holistic health support for all citizens.

    Since its rollout, SHA has not only replaced the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) but has already surpassed it in scale, registering over 21.3 million members, compared to NHIF’s 14 million principal members accumulated since its establishment in 1966.

    Speaking during a live television show, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale reaffirmed the government’s resolve to hit 40 million registered beneficiaries by the end of the year.

    “We are fixing healthcare. This will be the biggest achievement and signature project of President Ruto. We are at about 60 per cent now, it is picking up, and I can show you the numbers,” Duale stated.

    To steer this flagship reform to full maturity, the Cabinet Secretary also announced the appointment of Dr Mercy Mwangangi, the former Health CAS known for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the new SHA Chief Executive Officer.

    On April 12 alone, 19,700 new members were registered, fueled by aggressive public awareness campaigns jointly led by the national government and county governments.

    Interestingly, it is the youth who are leading the registration drive and uptake, with an average age of 34 years.

    Women are slightly ahead of men in enrolment, 50.4 per cent versus 47.7 per cent, and the average monthly contribution is Ksh. 590, marking a 47.9 per cent uptake of the set contributions.

    But what stands out is the performance of some counties in taking up the TaifaCare initiative with vigour. Mombasa leads the pack, having registered 56.1 per cent of its target population. Bomet (48.7%), Nyeri (47.8%), Elgeyo Marakwet (46.2%), and Kirinyaga (45.2%) follow closely, driven by robust county-level coordination, community engagement, Community Health Promoters and health volunteer networks.

    Conversely, some counties are lagging behind: Marsabit (13.5%), Turkana (13.3%), Garissa (13.0%), West Pokot (12.7%), and Samburu (11.0%), underscoring the need for stronger outreach and investment in health awareness.

    As TaifaCare picks up momentum, it is clear that the government’s investment in health is translating into real impact, saving lives, restoring dignity to families, and laying the foundation for Universal Health Coverage.

    The question now is: what are the top-performing counties doing right, and how can the rest of the country replicate their success?

  • Will the decisive duo resuscitate TaifaCare and the promise of UHC? 

    Will the decisive duo resuscitate TaifaCare and the promise of UHC? 

    In what looks like a bold political and technocratic play, President William Ruto has assembled what many are calling a “dream team” to breathe new life into TaifaCare, his administration’s flagship Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme.

    With the redeployment of Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to the Ministry of Health and the subsequent appointment of Dr. Mercy Mwangangi by the Health Cabinet Secretary, as Chief Executive Officer of the Social Health Authority (SHA), the message is clear: The President is serious about delivering on one of his most ambitious reform promises.

    While the duo come from different professional backgrounds, could they be the strategic placements designed to shake up a health sector often plagued by inertia, bureaucracy, cartels and a trust deficit?

    One brings decades of experience from the world of politics and policy-making, the other from health systems and financing. Yet they share striking commonalities: a reputation of boldness, decisiveness, eloquence and persuasive leadership, qualities that will be critical as they navigate the complex landscape and murky waters of Kenya’s ambitious health reforms.

    Duale’s resolute and unapologetically firm and action-oriented leadership style has even earned him the moniker “Bulldozer”. In his own words, he said, “SHA is the President’s most consequential project and a major pillar of his 2027 scorecard.”

    It is clear the weight of political will is behind it. Dr. Mwangangi brings the muscle, the brains, strategy and credibility, having proven herself during the COVID-19 pandemic as a calm but commanding national figure. Her rise to public prominence was no accident.

    As then Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) for Health, Dr. Mwangangi’s briefings during Kenya’s darkest pandemic days were not just informative, they were action oriented, reassuring, authoritative, and steeped in scientific clarity. She became a symbol of competent public health leadership at a time of global uncertainty.

    Her appointment as SHA CEO was met with an outpouring of support, from Kenyans on social media to professional bodies such as the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU).

    In their congratulatory statement, the union described her as “the steady hands needed for SHA to thrive,” referencing her COVID-era leadership and urging her to bring the same energy and vision to her new role.

    SHA, rolled out just over six months ago, is now the engine behind TaifaCare. It is expected to be the institutional anchor for delivering affordable, accessible health coverage to millions.

    The government’s UHC rollout has faced a bumpy takeoff, with criticisms around financing, accessibility, and clarity on how the scheme will operate for the average Kenyan like ‘Mama mboga’.

    The appointment of Dr. Mwangangi is viewed by many observers as a strategic move by the Ministry of Health to inject experienced leadership .

    With over 15 years of experience in Universal Health Coverage, institutional reform, and health systems strengthening, she is no stranger to the complexities of public health. At AMREF Health Africa, she served as Senior Director for Health Systems Strengthening, where she led high-impact initiatives across the continent mobilising development funding and driving investments in primary healthcare and UHC expansion.

    Her new task, however, shifts from the continental to the national stage, where expectations are sky-high and patience is low.

    With the seasoned Dr. Patrick Amoth as Director General and the likely confirmation of Dr. Ouma Oluga as Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Afya House is shaping up to be a supercharged command centre for health reform. What sets this moment apart is the presence of a political heavyweight, Duale, at the helm.

    Having emerged from the political trenches, he brings not only the authority of his office but a deep understanding of the politics of health. This rare blend of technical expertise and political goodwill places health firmly at the priority list of the national agenda where it belongs.

    The country is watching. The expectations are enormous. But if there was ever a team that could pull it off, it might just be this one or not.

  • Odede kicks off elders’ unity bid by hosting Kiama and Kaya elders in Nairobi

    Odede kicks off elders’ unity bid by hosting Kiama and Kaya elders in Nairobi

    Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) Founder and CEO Dr. Kennedy Odede on Wednesday began his unity bid that brings together council of elders across Kenya.

    Dr. Odede hosted Kikuyu Kiama Kia Ma Elders and Mijikenda Kaya Elders in Nairobi for two days in an event that saw them tour SHOFCO projects in Nairobi before having a joint dinner session that lasted for hours.

    “When elders come together, peace is guaranteed. My dream is to unite all the elders from 43 tribes spread across Kenya.

    “If these elders come together, there will be no ethnic conflicts during elections. Our elders are custodian of peace in our communities and we must bring them together, regardless of their tribe,” Dr. Odede said.

    The SHOFCO founder said tribalism is a big challenge in Kenya and has slowed development and encouraged corruption because people do not share opportunities due to ethnic differences.

    “We have always been one as Africans. Colonisers divided us, but it is now time to retrace our routes and culture as Africans.

    “We are one people. Our tribes must not divide us. We should take pride of our cultures and traditions and build one Kenya, free of ethnic conflicts,” he stated.

    Dr. Odede said he is happy to see elders from different communities coming together and sharing ideas on how to take Kenya forward.

    “My heart is fulfilled when I see something like this happening. I am not a politician. My dream is to see one united Kenya.

    “Already, I have engaged elders from Mount Kenya, the Lake side region and coastal region and I’m now on a mission to unite them,” he said.

    The SHOFCO boss said he works with the elders across 35 counties where his organisation has rolled out development programs.

    “The elders know the needs of the community and they are the best people to guide us on what to do because they have lived experience,” Dr. Odede said.

    He also warned the elders not to be misused by politicians for political gains.

    “You must be careful with politicians. Don’t sell your souls for small personal gains. As elders, you must be at the forefront to ensure that politicians keep their promises. You must make them accountable,” he stated.

    On their part, the elders lauded Dr. Odede for bringing them together saying it has never been done before.

    “As elders, we have always been used by politicians without any gain. We have now met the right person (Odede) whose interest is to help the community without expecting anything in return.

    “What Dr. Odede has done is very unique and we commend him for that. We thank God for connecting us to him because he is a man who is ready to help the community, unlike our politicians who have used us since 1960s,” Kaya Elders Chairman Mwalimu Mwinyi said.

    During the two days, the elders toured SHOFCO projects across different sites in Nairobi that include water distribution, education, gender services, and clinics.

    “We have seen good schools and health clinics here in Nairobi. We are requesting Dr. Odede to bring the same services to us in the coastal region.

    “We want to compete in terms of life changing services and not by fighting each other,” Mwinyi added.

    The elders vowed to protect Dr. Odede and warned those who may want distract his development agenda to keep off.

    “We have never seen a leader like him. He has brought development to our communities without asking us for votes. This is the leader we want. We will protect him, and work together to the end,” Mwalimu Mwinyi said.

    Nyeri County Kiama Kia Ma Chairman Patron Njaramba Wanjii said what SHOFCO has done for the community has uplifted the lives of many people, especially children from vulnerable communities who can now access free and quality education.

    “The greatest gift we can give to our children is education. It is the key to lifting up not only the individual but the entire community, unlocking doors to opportunities that benefit all.

    “This is what SHOFCO is doing in Nairobi. We are also glad that it is sponsoring many students across Kenya who are studying in high schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions,” Njaramba said.

    Njaramba said Dr. Odede has been working behind the scenes and his work speaks for itself.

    “Dr. Odede is a true leader. He does not show off, but his work can be seen. Soon, Kenya will know who is because we must let the world know the good work he is doing at the grassroots level,” Njaramba stated.

    Dr. Odede has received international recognition for  his community services that touch over five million Kenyans annually.

    The SHOFCO boss has also received both local and international awards, including TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024, the 2023 TIME100 Impact Award Africa, Schwab Social Innovator of the Year 2022, and the East Africa Philanthropy Jury Award, among others.

  • Gov’t dismisses claims of IG’s political involvement in Nyeri

    Gov’t dismisses claims of IG’s political involvement in Nyeri

    The government has reaffirmed the neutrality of the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja following concerns over his presence during President William Ruto’s development tour in Nyeri.

    Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura clarified that the IG’s role was strictly within his official mandate, ensuring the smooth coordination of security and public order, as provided for under the National Police Service Act, 2011.

    “The Inspector General’s presence in Nyeri was in line with his official duties. His remarks during engagements in his home area were focused solely on the significance of the President’s visit and its successful execution, without reference to political parties or competitive politics,” Mwaura stated.

    He further noted that since mid-March 2025, the IG has been conducting an operational tour across Baringo, Samburu, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Laikipia and Meru Counties.

    These visits, he explained, have focused on impromptu inspections and strengthening law enforcement operations, reinforcing the IG’s commitment to professionalism and impartiality.

    Mwaura emphasized that the presence of security heads during presidential functions is a standard global practice.

    He cited past instances where security chiefs have accompanied heads of state, including:

    • Former IG Hilary Mutyambai accompanying President Uhuru Kenyatta on development tours, including visits to North Eastern Kenya to address security concerns.

    • In Nigeria, former IGP Usman Baba attended national functions alongside President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly in security-sensitive areas.

    • In South Africa, the National Commissioner of the SAPS participated in Presidential Imbizos, public engagement forums similar to those in Mount Kenya.

    • In the United States, the FBI Director and Homeland Security Secretary often speak at presidential events related to national security.

    Mwaura urged the public to disregard misleading assertions that the IG’s presence in Nyeri had political undertones, reaffirming that the National Police Service remains apolitical and committed to its constitutional mandate of maintaining law and order.

    “The government is committed to ensuring citizen-centered service delivery. The President’s ongoing development tours are aimed at engaging directly with the people, assessing the progress of government initiatives, and addressing community concerns in real time. This is not a campaign exercise but a governance approach to enhance responsiveness and efficiency,” he said.

    He assured that security agencies would continue to play their role in ensuring public safety at all official government events, in line with global best practices.

    The clarification comes just hours after Kanja dismissed allegations by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) that he attended a political rally in Kieni, Nyeri County.

    Reaffirming the IG’s commitment to constitutional impartiality, National Police Service (NPS) Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said, “At no point has the IG engaged in activities that could compromise the neutrality of his office.”

    Nyaga emphasized that the IG’s presence in Nyeri was strictly in line with his official duties, including overseeing security arrangements during the President’s development tour, a key mandate of the NPS.

    “The Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) is legally tasked with protecting the President, visiting dignitaries, and other designated VIPs under the direction of the Inspector General of Police,” Nyaga added.

  • Kenya pledges support for global disability inclusion

    Kenya pledges support for global disability inclusion

    Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to the effective implementation of the principles outlined in the Amman-Berlin Declaration on global disability inclusion.

    Social Protection Principal Secretary Joseph Motari said the declaration marks a significant step toward ensuring the full inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, not just in Kenya but globally.

    “We firmly believe that a world where persons with disabilities are fully included in society is a world that benefits us all,” Motari said.

    The PS was speaking during the signing ceremony of the Amman-Berlin Declaration at the Global Disability Summit 2025 in Nairobi on Friday.

    He described the declaration as a comprehensive global commitment that calls for the integration of disability inclusion in all facets of development, including education, healthcare, employment and social participation.

    “By endorsing this declaration, Kenya reaffirms its dedication to advancing the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities,” Motari said.

    He noted that the declaration aligns with Kenya’s national values of equality, dignity, and non-discrimination, as well as the country’s constitutional obligations, particularly Article 54 of the Constitution, which guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities.

    “One of the most significant aspects of the declaration is the inclusion of a target to ensure that at least 15 percent of all international cooperation development programs are directly focused on persons with disabilities,” Motari said.

    The PS emphasized that Kenya is proud to support this commitment, as it will enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities by ensuring they are not left behind in critical development initiatives.

    He added that this target provides the clarity and accountability needed to guarantee that disability inclusion is prioritized and adequately resourced.

    Motari further noted that such reforms are essential to ensuring that persons with disabilities have equal access to opportunities available to every citizen.

    “The commitment to meeting the 15 percent target will help address the systemic barriers that persons with disabilities often face, creating pathways for their full participation in society,” he said.

    He reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring that persons with disabilities are not just recognized but actively included in every aspect of society.

  • Two in custody over Ruai-Kangundo Road carjacking, rape

    Two in custody over Ruai-Kangundo Road carjacking, rape

    Detectives from DCI Dandora, in collaboration with the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, have arrested Ben Waimari and Moses Odhiambo alias Pascal in connection with a robbery and rape incident that occurred on March 11, 2025.

    The two suspects are currently in custody as police intensify efforts to track down their accomplices.

    According to the DCI, the victim was driving along Ruai-Kangundo Road toward her home in Malaa when her vehicle skidded off the road and got stuck.

    As she struggled to free the car, she was approached by Waimari, Odhiambo and five other suspects who pretended to assist her.

    However, their intentions quickly turned sinister when they overpowered her, forced her into the car’s boot and hijacked the vehicle.

    The assailants drove through Kangundo Road and Mowlem area before stopping near Nairobi River at Kwa Mbao in Dandora.

    There, they removed the victim from the boot and took turns assaulting her.

    Her cries for help, however, attracted the attention of a passing motorist, forcing the attackers to flee in her vehicle, leaving her behind.

    The victim was rushed to the hospital for treatment and the incident was reported at Kwa Mbao Police Post.

    Besides the harrowing assault, she lost household items she had purchased, money from her accounts and her vehicle.

    Following forensic analysis and coordinated intelligence efforts, detectives trailed the two suspects back to the crime scene, leading to their arrest.

    Cornered with no escape, the suspects later led officers to Maringo in Buruburu sub-county, where the victim’s vehicle was recovered, albeit vandalized and stripped of its wheels.

    Some of the stolen items were also found.

    The suspects are undergoing processing as detectives continue to pursue their accomplices, who remain at large.