KBC Channel 1

Author: Beth Nyaga

  • Trafficker arrested with 401 rolls of bhang in Kisumu-Bound matatu

    Trafficker arrested with 401 rolls of bhang in Kisumu-Bound matatu

    Police officers from Kamagambo Police Station have arrested a suspected drug trafficker and seized 401 rolls of bhang in a dramatic operation that followed a tip-off from vigilant members of the public.

    The suspect, identified as Calvin Okoth Otieno, was intercepted while driving a public service vehicle, registration number KDM 981Z, heading to Kisumu from Migori.

    Acting on intelligence from concerned citizens, officers laid an ambush and stopped the vehicle for inspection.

    A thorough search revealed two bags containing 401 sizable rolls of bhang, weighing approximately 34.4 kilograms, with an estimated street value of Ksh 1,032,000.

    The contraband was promptly confiscated as evidence.

    In a calculated move seemingly aimed at evading suspicion, the driver had filled the matatu exclusively with students, possibly hoping their presence would act as a cover.

    However, his plan backfired as the alert public and diligent officers saw through the ruse.

    Okoth is currently in custody at Kamagambo Police Station as investigations continue. He is expected to be arraigned in court to face drug trafficking charges.

  • Gov’t to appeal ruling on eCitizen school fees directive, Bitok

    Gov’t to appeal ruling on eCitizen school fees directive, Bitok

    The Government will appeal the High Court ruling that declared its directive requiring parents to pay National Schools’ fees through the eCitizen platform illegal.

    Basic Education PS Julius Bitok said that although the Ministry of Education respects Justice Chacha Mwita ruling on Tuesday, it is liaising with the Attorney General’s office to appeal the decision formally.

    The PS defended the directive to channel fees through eCitizen as a move to protect parents and guardians from exploitation by school heads and promote transparency in schools’ accounts.

    “We will obey the courts. But we are going to appeal the decision because eCitzen is a platform that is very transparent. The reason why the government decided to go in that direction was to make payments by parents and stakeholders as transparent as possible so that everybody can see what is being paid.”

    He said that by insisting on eCitizen payments, the government hoped to tame the entrenched indiscipline of rogue principals and management boards who defied its guidelines on recommended annual fees in public schools.

    “We’ve had a problem for a long time. Sometimes, the government sets fees and some stakeholders increase the fees without consulting it. We are trying to make it as open and transparent as possible for everyone to see how the money goes.”

    The PS was speaking at Kwa Njenga Primary School in Nairobi after officially receiving eight classrooms and three ablution blocks built by the United States Department of Defence.

    U.S. Ambassador Marc Dillard handed over the Ksh84 million project, which also includes a perimeter fence and the grading and drainage in the school, which draws its 2,228 pupils from the nearby informal settlements.

    “We have invested $650,000 in this project, creating space for 600 students to expand their education,” the envoy said.

    The PS hailed the investment as a much-needed boon that will alleviate the strain on the school’s existing infrastructure and the demands of the competency-based curriculum.

    He said the government will prioritise expansion of school infrastructure to cope with CBC saying the new curriculum was essential in preparing Kenyan learners for a fast-changing global environment.

  • Samuel Mwangi appointed new KICC Chairperson after Nyakera’s revocation

    Samuel Mwangi appointed new KICC Chairperson after Nyakera’s revocation

    Samuel Waweru Mwangi has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

    President William Ruto made the appointment under the powers conferred by Section 43 (1) (a) of the Tourism Act and Section 51 (1) of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act.

    The appointment, effective April 1, 2025, will see Mwangi serve a three-year term, taking over from Irungu Nyakera, whose appointment has been revoked.

    Nyakera, appointed last year, had pledged to transform KICC into a premier hub for conference tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events.

    He aimed to position KICC as a top regional destination, comparable to Kigali and Cape Town and expressed his commitment to collaborating with the board and supporting other Kenyan cities in expanding their conference tourism capabilities.

    During his tenure, Nyakera worked closely with KICC’s CEO, James Mwaura, to enhance the facility’s competitiveness and leverage his experience as the former chairperson of the Kenya Medical Supplies Agency (KEMSA).

    The Kenyatta International Convention Centre remains a premier meeting venue in Africa, playing a pivotal role in boosting tourism and supporting Kenya’s economy through high-profile conferences and events.

  • Government pushes for green energy independence by 2030

    Government pushes for green energy independence by 2030

    Kenya’s journey towards achieving clean energy by 2030 remains firmly on track.

    Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the country energy-sufficient and reducing reliance on imported power.

    He emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for investors in the green energy sub-sector, aiming to provide clean, affordable, reliable and efficient energy to all citizens.

    “We are fully committed to providing an enabling environment for investors in the emerging green energy sub-sector as a way of offering citizens clean, affordable, reliable, and efficient energy. This, in our view, is a steady pathway to a nationwide transition to green energy,” Wandayi stated.

    The Cabinet Secretary underscored the critical role of reliable energy in driving national economic growth and prosperity.

    To encourage investments in green energy, he disclosed that he has petitioned the National Assembly to lift the 2023 moratorium on Power Purchase Agreements (PPA).

    Wandayi made these remarks during his inaugural visit to Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) in Loiyangalani, Marsabit County.

    He lauded LTWP’s immense contribution to stabilizing the national energy mix, noting that the project currently supplies 12 per cent of the national grid.

    “It is impressive to note that since 2018, when the firm began commercial operations, it has delivered 9.5 billion KWh of clean energy to the national grid.

    This is an admirable performance, and with an average capacity factor of 54.7 per cent, one of the highest among wind power plants globally, the road to nationwide green energy is real,” Wandayi remarked.

    Lake Turkana Wind Power Chief Executive Officer Max Schiff also spoke at the event, highlighting the company’s positive impact on Marsabit County.

    He pointed out that 80 per cent of LTWP’s employees are drawn from the local community, fostering strong community relations while addressing the region’s unemployment challenges.

    Schiff further noted that LTWP has invested more than Ksh 840 million in Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects, including education, water and healthcare, yielding significant benefits to local residents.

    “We have achieved admirable results through these initiatives and remain committed to doing even more as resources allow,” Schiff said.

    Additionally, Schiff emphasized the company’s commitment to fulfilling its financial obligations, noting that LTWP consistently pays its taxes and remittances on time.

    With investments like LTWP and the government’s dedication to a green energy transition, Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy across the continent.

  • Kwale Governor launches ambitious road upgrade to boost economy

    Kwale Governor launches ambitious road upgrade to boost economy

    Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has launched an ambitious plan to tarmac roads that were once deemed impassable by locals.

    The plan aims to ease transportation and unlock economic opportunities across the county.

    Among the latest projects are the 2.8-kilometer Kona Polisi to Msambweni County Referral Hospital road in Msambweni Sub-County and the 6-kilometer Tiwi-Vinuni road in Matuga Constituency.

    These roads are set to significantly benefit residents by improving access to essential services, including medical care at Msambweni County Referral Hospital and Kwale Sub-County Hospital.

    Governor Achani reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure as a cornerstone for economic growth in the region.

    “This access road is important for our traders, farmers and residents who rely on it daily to transport goods and access essential services.

    By rehabilitating it, we are ensuring smoother movement, reduced transport costs and overall economic empowerment for our people,” said Achani.

    Ali Joto, the Kwale County Executive Committee Member for Roads, emphasized the project’s significance in addressing poor road infrastructure, particularly for patients requiring emergency medical services.

    “This project is crucial in addressing the challenges of poor road infrastructure, especially for patients who need urgent medical care,” said Joto.

    Over the past two years, Kwale County has constructed 20 kilometers of new roads, including the Mwangwei-Majoreni road.

    Additionally, 10.8 kilometers of road construction are ongoing in various parts of the county, including the Tsimba-Vyongwani road in Matuga Constituency and the Mkilo-Kalalani-Mavirivirini road in Kinango Sub-County.

    Local residents, led by Najma Mohammed, have lauded the ongoing efforts while urging for the speedy completion of repairs, especially on roads that have long posed challenges for patients and expectant mothers.

    “For a long time, patients and expectant mothers have suffered due to the terrible state of this road. This renovation will bring much-needed relief to the community,” said Najma Mohammed.

    To boost the tourism sector, the county has also upgraded more than 10 kilometers of beach access roads with cabro paving.

    Additionally, over 92 floodlights and 150 solar-powered streetlights have been installed in key areas, including Diani, enhancing security and promoting nighttime activities.

    Under Governor Achani’s leadership, Kwale County aims to increase its road network from 3,833 kilometers to 6,833 kilometers over the next five years, reflecting a commitment to infrastructure development and sustainable economic growth.

  • GSU officer dies en route to radical church, buried on church grounds

    GSU officer dies en route to radical church, buried on church grounds

    A police officer attached to the General Service Unit (GSU) Headquarters Company died on the night of March 27, 2025, while being escorted by his wife to a church known for its controversial teachings.

    According to a police report (REF OB. 55/28/3/25), the incident was reported at 7:55 p.m. by Lilian Atieno Olal, a resident of Narok Township and the wife of the deceased officer.

    She informed authorities that her husband, identified as PC Dan Ayoo Obura (Service No. 87386/20006034243), succumbed to an unknown illness while they were en route to St. Joseph Missions of Messiah in Africa, located at Opapo Village, East Kamagambo.

    The report indicates that PC Obura, who had been seriously ill, died around 8:00 p.m. in a taxi approximately 10 kilometers north of the police station.

    Despite the tragedy, Lilian proceeded to take her husband’s body to the church, where it remained overnight.

    The following day, March 28, 2025, Lilian obtained a burial permit (No. 1180261) from the area Assistant Chief.

    The officer’s body was then buried within the church compound around midday, in accordance with the church’s burial rites.

    However, authorities have raised concerns regarding the church’s teachings, as investigations revealed that the deceased officer had been exposed to radicalized teachings from the institution.

    Police records show that officers had previously visited the church following complaints from the officer’s father, who expressed worry over his son’s involvement with the congregation.

    Law enforcement agencies are planning to revisit the church to assess the nature of its teachings and investigate further.

    A follow-up report is expected as investigations continue.

  • Kenya unveils blood automation plan at Africa Technology Day

    Kenya unveils blood automation plan at Africa Technology Day

    Kenya is set to roll out whole blood automation technology to modernize blood transfusion services and improve access to safe blood nationwide.

    This groundbreaking initiative was announced by the outgoing Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, during the Africa Technology Day hosted by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies in Nairobi.

    Addressing delegates from across Africa and representatives from Terumo Corporation Japan, Kimtai underscored the critical role of blood in strengthening health systems, emphasizing that timely access to safe blood is essential in emergencies such as surgery, childbirth, cancer treatment and managing conditions like Sickle Cell Disease.

    “Blood is a life-saving resource. Without it, many medical services would come to a halt,” said Kimtai. “Through automation, we will improve the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of blood services in Kenya.”

    The automation technology by Terumo will significantly enhance the processing of donated blood, increasing speed and quality while minimizing wastage.

    Once fully implemented in Kenya’s regional blood centers, the technology will extend the shelf life of red blood cells from six days to 45 days and enable frozen platelets to last up to two years.

    Kimtai also acknowledged the strides made by countries like Zambia and Uganda in adopting modern blood technologies, urging other African nations to follow their lead.

    “Africa has an opportunity to leapfrog in technology, rather than follow traditional evolutionary paths,” he remarked.

    He further appealed to the private sector, academic institutions, and the public to support voluntary blood donation and reduce reliance on high school donors.

    “Blood is a gift we all have and one we can give freely to save lives,” he added.

    The event convened stakeholders from across the continent to explore innovations in blood management, positioning Kenya at the forefront of modernizing health systems in line with the Universal Health Coverage agenda.

  • Kenya reaffirms commitment to democracy, transformation

    Kenya reaffirms commitment to democracy, transformation

    The Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery Management, Eliud Owalo, has reiterated Kenya’s unwavering commitment to democratic governance and global standards as outlined by the United Nations.

    Speaking at the “Democratic Governance: Shaping Future International Cooperation and Partnerships” conference in Nairobi, Owalo emphasized that Kenya remains steadfast in upholding international legal frameworks that advocate for governance and public participation.

    Highlighting the essence of public participation as a cornerstone of Kenya’s governance approach, Owalo noted that the Kenya Kwanza administration is dedicated to fostering citizen involvement in decision-making processes.

    He stressed that the government’s ongoing reforms reflect an inclusive approach aimed at ensuring every stakeholder’s voice is heard and valued.

    One of the administration’s flagship reforms is the transformation of the healthcare sector through the establishment of the Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced the now defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).

    This significant overhaul aims to deliver equitable health services to both salaried and non-salaried citizens, bridging the gap in access to essential healthcare.

    In a bold move to economically empower historically marginalized groups, the government introduced the Hustler Fund, which significantly lowered interest rates on loans from 17 percent to under 10 percent.

    With accessible financing via mobile phones, the initiative empowers youth and women to take charge of their economic future without the burden of excessive requirements.

    Owalo also emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing the high cost of living by reducing agricultural production expenses, resulting in lower food prices and easing financial pressures on households.

    This economic strategy is complemented by a robust digital transformation agenda that includes digitizing over 20,000 government services and constructing ICT hubs in all Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

    Additionally, the government plans to deploy 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable across the country to build a more inclusive digital economy.

    The conference, hosted by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, brought together international policymakers and development experts to discuss economic and governance challenges, including climate change, corruption and debt management.

    Participants underscored the urgent need for international cooperation to tackle emerging threats, including climate change impacts and geopolitical instability.

    Delegates also acknowledged the increasing pressure on national security due to resource scarcity intensified by climate change, stressing that strengthening democratic governance is essential to fostering global stability.

    As the four-day conference concluded, leaders reaffirmed the critical role of international collaboration in advancing democratic values and addressing interconnected global challenges.

  • Kenya secures Ksh 1.8B grant from China to upgrade hospitals

    Kenya secures Ksh 1.8B grant from China to upgrade hospitals

    Kenya has secured a Ksh 1.8 billion (RMB 100 million) grant from the Chinese government to upgrade several hospitals across the country, a move set to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and enhance service delivery.

    The agreement was signed Thursday morning at the Treasury Building by Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, alongside China’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Ms. Guo Haiyan.

    The grant will fund critical upgrades in Londiani Referral Hospital, Baringo County Referral Hospital, Kilifi Hospital, Misikhu Hospital, Bildad Kagia Hospital and Kaimosi Farmers Training College.

    These improvements will enhance medical services, equip hospitals with modern facilities, and ensure more Kenyans have access to quality healthcare.

    Speaking at the signing, CS Mbadi thanked the Chinese government for its continued support, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system.

    He noted that the investment reflects the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations and aligns with the government’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

    The announcement comes as the government makes strides in implementing Taifa Care, Kenya’s new social health scheme under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

    According to a National Development Implementation Committee (NDIC) report, Taifa Care has already collected Ksh 31.56 billion, with Ksh 22.15 billion disbursed to healthcare providers across the country.

    Faith-based organisations (FBOs) have received Ksh 3.49 billion, government health facilities Ksh 7.25 billion, and private healthcare providers Ksh 11.42 billion.

    So far, 20.6 million Kenyans have enrolled in TaifaCare, with 16.6 million actively registered.

    Additionally, over four million people have undergone means testing to determine their premium contributions.

    To stabilize the new scheme, SHIF has also paid Ksh 8.63 billion to clear debts inherited from the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

    With the Chinese-funded hospital upgrades and the continued expansion of Taifa Care, millions of Kenyans stand to benefit from better healthcare infrastructure, improved medical equipment, and enhanced service delivery.

    The government remains committed to ensuring every citizen can access affordable and quality medical care without financial hardship.

  • Police recover stolen goats as banditry escalates in Baringo

    Police recover stolen goats as banditry escalates in Baringo

    Tension remains high in the Loruk area following a bandit raid on Akorean village in Sibilo, Saimo Soi, where 40 goats were stolen Tuesday evening.

    Police officers managed to recover 38 of the stolen animals.

    This incident comes just three days after Loruk Chief Victor Sebei was shot dead in what police described as a crossfire between security officers and bandits.

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen addressed the killing of Chief Sebei on Friday last week during a visit by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.

    The CS attributed the recent surge in banditry across Baringo and Samburu counties to disputes over administrative boundaries affecting Baringo North, Baringo South, Samburu, Laikipia, Isiolo, and Turkana counties.

    Murkomen criticized politicians who publicly advocate for peace during the day but incite violence in secret night meetings.

    However, he commended the police for their efforts in recovering stolen livestock and restoring order.

    He further announced that the Ministry of Internal Security, in collaboration with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), will expand Operation Maliza Uhalifu to Laikipia, Samburu, Meru and Isiolo counties.

    The operation aims to curb security threats in East Suguta Valley, with a new security base set to be established in Kirimon, Laikipia North, near Mugogodo North Sub-County.

    CS Murkomen met with top security officials, including Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy IG Gilbert Masengeli and Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan, to assess the security situation and strategize further interventions.