KBC Channel 1

Author: Christine Muchira

  • PS Oluga calls for integrated, sustainable HIV response at global CQUIN meeting

    PS Oluga calls for integrated, sustainable HIV response at global CQUIN meeting

    The government has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to transforming its HIV response, calling for a shift towards integrated, sustainable and domestically driven systems.

    Speaking while opening the 2026 HIV Coverage, Quality and Impact Network High-Level Meeting in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga, said Kenya is making steady progress towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with about 1.4 million people living with HIV and the country nearing the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.

    The PS however cautioned that these gains remain fragile.

    The PS who was speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, challenged stakeholders to move beyond vertical HIV programmes and adopt integrated, people centred care that addresses broader health needs, including maternal and child health, tuberculosis and non communicable diseases.

    He noted that Kenya is already embedding HIV services across community, primary and referral levels to improve continuity, efficiency and dignity in care.

    The meeting brought together over 260 participants from more than 20 countries to discuss the future of the global HIV response.

    Dr Oluga said investments in laboratory systems, data infrastructure and community platforms under the HIV response should now be leveraged to strengthen the wider health system.

    He added that these efforts are aligned with Universal Health Coverage reforms aimed at improving financing, workforce capacity, service delivery and reducing reliance on external support.

    While acknowledging the role of partners such as PEPFAR, the Global Fund and ICAP at Columbia University, he emphasised the need for greater domestic ownership and sustainable financing.

    Further the PS called for renewed focus on equity, urging action to address stigma, discrimination and barriers to access, particularly among adolescents, young women and key populations.

    Dr. Oluga reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ending AIDS by 2030 and building an integrated, equitable and sustainable health system.

    The meeting was attended by Dr Andrew Mulwa, Head of the National AIDS and STI Control Programme, representatives of the United States Government, ICAP at Columbia University, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other partners and delegates.

  • CS Duale inaugurates new KMPDC Council, outlines regulatory reform agenda

    CS Duale inaugurates new KMPDC Council, outlines regulatory reform agenda

    The government has called for strict adherence to performance contracts, emphasising clear targets, effective monitoring and timely delivery in the health sector.

    Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the new Council of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasised the Council’s central role in safeguarding quality, safety and ethical practice across the health sector, in line with Universal Health Coverage and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

    The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council will be chaired by Prof. Namenya Were, marking a renewed focus on strengthening Kenya’s health regulatory framework.

    The Cabinet Secretary highlighted ongoing reforms, including the development of a clear Scope of Practice to ensure professionals operate within defined competencies, strengthening patient safety and accountability, noting that this aligns with the joint health and education working group aimed at improving training and positioning Kenya within the global health workforce ecosystem.

    Additionally, Duale pointed to progress on the Healthcare Professionals Policy, aimed at improving coordination, workforce planning and service delivery, as well as the Quality of Care and Patient Safety Bill currently before Parliament, expected to enhance regulation and healthcare standards.

    He urged the Council to actively participate in these reforms and adopt a collaborative, whole-of-government approach with counties, training institutions, professional bodies and regulators, while upholding transparency, accountability and good governance.

    The ceremony was attended by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni, Director-General for Health Dr. Patrick Amoth, KMPDC Chief Executive Officer Dr. David Kariuki and other senior Ministry officials.

  • NYOTA Project rolls out 2nd phase of nationwide business training

    NYOTA Project rolls out 2nd phase of nationwide business training

    The second mandatory classroom training of the NYOTA Project Business support component has officially kicked off Monday morning.

    The sessions are taking place in 454 mapped centres in all the 290 constituencies across the country.

    In a statement, Micro and Small Enterprises, Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni noted that the nationwide training has been rolled out simultaneously across the country, with more than 6,000 trainers engaged to support the beneficiaries.

    Nyota

    The mentorship program that preceded this training demonstrated strong entrepreneurial commitment among the youth, with 97 per cent of beneficiaries who received the first tranche of start-up capital participating in the mentorship sessions, and 99 pc of those engaged during the mentorship period having already established their businesses.

    The PS says beneficiaries who successfully completed the mentorship program have been invited to undertake the training, which is designed to address the business skills gaps identified during the mentorship period and enhance the capacity of the beneficiaries to grow their businesses.

    All beneficiaries are required to attend all the training sessions as a mandatory requirement to progress to the next level of the project, including the disbursement of the second tranche of start-up capital and participation in the second mentorship session.

  • Wetangula warns governors of criminal sanctions over snubbing parliamentary committees

    Wetangula warns governors of criminal sanctions over snubbing parliamentary committees

    National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has warned governors that they risk criminal sanctions if they continue to snub appearances before parliamentary committees.

    He said the growing trend of county chiefs failing to appear before the Senate to respond to Auditor-General’s reports on billions allocated to counties sets a dangerous precedent that cannot be tolerated in a democracy.

    Speaking during a youth empowerment programme in Mabera, Kuria West Constituency in Migori County on Friday, the Speaker said Parliament would not relent in its constitutional mandate to scrutinise public spending.

    “As parliament, we will not compromise on oversight. For whom much is given, much more is expected. You cannot take billions of taxpayers’ money and when you are asked what work it has done, you start making noise and refusing to appear before Parliament to account,” Wetang’ula said.

    “I want to sound a very strong warning to all the 47 governors: you must appear before Parliament and explain how you have spent public funds.”

    He cautioned that any governor who defies summons to appear before Parliament risks legal consequences, signalling a tougher stance on accountability.

    Wetang’ula further directed Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo, a Senior Counsel and a key member of his legal team, to spearhead the formulation of criminal sanctions targeting non-compliant county chiefs.

    “Governors are not owners of public funds; they are trustees and custodians of public good. When they err, they must come to Parliament and answer questions,” he said.

    The Speaker was accompanied by a host of leaders, including Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, Suna West MP Peter Masara, Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed, Kuria West MP Mathias Robi, Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, and Rarieda MP Amollo.

    On the cost of living, Wetang’ula lauded Members of Parliament for swiftly passing amendments to the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel, following a request by President William Ruto.

    The changes cut VAT on fuel products by half, a move he said would ease the financial burden on households and businesses.

    “Fuel touches every aspect of our lives from transport to food production and small businesses. Reducing VAT was necessary to cushion wananchi,” he noted, praising MPs for acting with urgency to address public concerns.

    The Speaker also used the platform to call for national unity, urging Kenyans to rise above ethnic divisions.

    He referenced the legacy of opposition politics championed by the late Raila Odinga, noting its role in advancing constitutional reforms and inclusivity.

    “Kenya has no small or big tribes only Kenyans. We must treat one another with respect and dignity,” he said.

    Addressing the youth, Wetang’ula emphasised responsible use of empowerment funds, cautioning against misuse of loans meant to support enterprise.

    “Use the funds to invest in tools of production and build sustainable businesses. Do not squander opportunities meant to uplift your lives,” he advised.

    *ENDs*

  • Oil prices plunge as Iran says Strait of Hormuz ‘open’ during ceasefire

    Oil prices plunge as Iran says Strait of Hormuz ‘open’ during ceasefire

    Oil prices have plummeted after Iran said the Strait of Hormuz would be “completely open” to commercial ships for the remainder of the ceasefire.

    The cost of a barrel of Brent crude fell to $88 dollars a barrel, having been above $98 earlier on Friday.

    The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow strip of water linking the Gulf to the Arabian sea, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and liquified natural gas is typically transported.

    “The passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

    Global markets also rallied on the announcement, with the major US stock indices rising in early trading. The S&P 500 rose by 0.8%, while the Nasdaq and Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) were both up by more than 1%.

    European shares also rose in reaction to the news. The Cac index in Paris and Dax in Frankfurt both climbed by more than 2%, while London’s FTSE 100 rose by around 0.5%.

    The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively shut by Iran since the US and Israel launched military strikes in the country in late February.

    Tankers have been unable to pass through, drastically reducing the amount of oil and gas available on global markets and causing prices to spike.

    Before the conflict, Brent crude was trading at under $70 per barrel. It rose above $100 before reaching a peak of more than $119 per barrel in March.

    Sharp rises in the price of oil have pushed up the price of petrol and diesel for drivers, as well as sparking concerns over the supply of jet fuel, leading to fears airlines will have to ground flights.

    The closure of the key waterway has also cut off a major supply line of fertiliser, used by farmers, raising the prospect of higher food prices as a result of the conflict.

    A third of the world’s key fertiliser chemicals pass through the Strait, and prices have risen steeply since the outbreak of war.

    Iran’s decision to re-open the Strait of Hormuz followed a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

    US President Donald Trump welcomed the move, writing on Truth Social: “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!”

    But, in a follow up post, he said a naval blockade of Iran will remain “in full force and effect” until a permanent deal to end the US-Israel war with the country is agreed.

  • Iran announces reopening of Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping

    Iran announces reopening of Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping

    The Islamic Republic of Iran has announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz allowing passage for commercial vessels during the ongoing Lebanon ceasefire period.

    In a statement of X, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi noted that the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz was now open for the remaining period of the ceasefire.

    “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire on coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of Iran,” said Araghchi.

    The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow strip of water linking the Gulf to the Arabian sea, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and liquified natural gas is typically transported.

    According to BBC, the British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer alongside French President Emmanuel Macron have welcomed the news of the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.

    Starmer said the international leaders came together to promote a unified message that the strait must be opened without tolls and without restrictions adding that said it needs to be a long lasting and workable solution.

    He called for shipping to resume as soon as conditions permit to manage the economic shock.

    Additionally, he noted that France and the UK will lead an international mission to protect freedom of navigation “as soon as conditions allow, strictly peaceful and defensive”.

    Adding that there will be a planning conference in London next week, with a dozen countries set to contribute assets to the mission noting that “our citizens need to see a return to peace and stability”.

    On his part French President Emmanuel Macron began the news conference by setting out the “very severe consequences” the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has had “for the whole of the planet and the global economy”.

    He said he welcomed recent announcements, including the ceasefire between Iran and the US, the recent ceasefire in Lebanon which he says “has to be fully observed” and the reopening of the strait.

    “Diplomacy is taking us forward,” he said.

    He noted that the group of countries who have met today demand “the full immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by all parties”, the “restoration of free passage conditions that existed before the war”, and he noted that they oppose any attempts to privatise the strait and any type of toll system.

    The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says it is in the “immediate interests” of the parties to increase efforts towards peace.

    He says Germany supports the ongoing efforts to achieve “a quick diplomatic agreement” between the US and Iran and also hails the “historic opportunity” for Hezbollah and Israel to make efforts towards a lasting peace.

    Merz repeats calls for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz fully in a way that is lasting, secure and “toll free”, and says despite the recent “good news” on this front, there must be no restrictions on its opening.

    Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni said opening the strait is a fundamental principle of international law, applicable also to “every other strait or shipping channel”.

    She noted that ceasefires in Lebanon and Iran have “to be part and parcel of any serious process of negotiations to resolve the crisis in the middle east,” adding that it is “vital” for Iran to give up its “quest for nuclear weapons”.

  • Security gains unlock development push in Baringo, North Rift, says Kindiki

    Security gains unlock development push in Baringo, North Rift, says Kindiki

    Banditry in Baringo County and North Rift region has been significantly suppressed enabling the region to benefit from the government’s extensive development agenda, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said.

    The DP said security issues that had been a headache for previous administrations have been dealt with in the last three years and residents are enjoying the fruits of peace and tranquility.

    “Baringo was notorious for banditry for a long time but now security has been restored. I thank the President for his resolve to restore peace in the region. The leaders and residents of Baringo have also played a great role and we appreciate them for their cooperation,” DP said.

    The Second in Command spoke on Friday when he inspected development projects in Mogotio Constituency, Baringo County.

    The Deputy President checked the progress of the 78-kilometre Mogotio-Lake Bogoria-Kapkitur-Kisanana-Kamukunji Road, Mogotio Livestock Training and Service Centre and launched Kipkararam Last Mile Electrification Project. Later, he addressed residents at Emining Shopping Centre in the Constituency.

    “Peace has been restored in Baringo. Now we are fully focused on development. We have many projects going on here. I am proud to be associated with the stability, security and freedom of the people of Baringo,” DP revealed, noting that he visited Baringo at least 23 times in an effort to beef up security when he served as Interior Cabinet Secretary between 2022 and 2024.

    He appreciated the efforts by his successor, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen who has enhanced the pace and attention to fully wipe out banditry in the region.

    Prof. Kindiki stated that the focus is now developing the region to be at par with other areas highlighting several projects funded by the government in the region.

    Among them is the construction of the 78-kilometre Road which is being done at 3.7 billion shillings.

    It is one of the road projects totaling 854 kilometres being tarmacked in the County at 32 billion shillings.

    “Baringo County is one of the biggest beneficiaries of road construction because historically it has lagged behind in matters of roads and infrastructure. I urge the contractors to do quality work, speed up the works and prioritise giving the local community job opportunities,” he added.

    Additionally, the County has been allocated 712 million shillings to connect additional 4000 residents to electricity. In Mogotio Constituency, 17 last-mile electrification projects are ongoing to connect an additional 1000 households at a cost of 145 million shillings.

    Further, the Deputy President assured residents that the President is working hard to stabilize fuel prices that have shot up due to the war in Iran. He urged residents not to fall prey to politicians peddling lies without providing any solution to the matter.

    “We will stabilise fuel prices and restore them to where they were. We have a working plan so that citizens do not suffer. We have reduced VAT from 16% to 8%, and we will roll out more short-term and long-term measures to cushion Kenyans from rising fuel prices,” he added.

    The DP also asked eligible Kenyans to register to vote to have the power to choose leaders in the coming elections.

    Present were Baringo Deputy Governor Felix Kipng’ok, Mogotio MP Ruben Kiborek, Senator Kiprono Chemitei, Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma, host of MCAs and thousands of residents.

     

  • Government, Huawei partner to restore endangered Limuru forests through tree growing initiative

    Government, Huawei partner to restore endangered Limuru forests through tree growing initiative

    The government through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, and Huawei Technologies Kenya Friday spearheaded a tree growing initiative in Uplands, Limuru Kiambu County, aimed at restoring endangered natural forests and strengthening climate resilience.

    The initiative forms part of Kenya’s national ambition to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 while addressing the urgent need to protect threatened forest ecosystems.

    Speaking during the exercise, Ambassador Michael Kiboino, Secretary, Management at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said the initiative demonstrates how diplomacy can be translated into meaningful environmental action.

    “Diplomacy is not confined to boardrooms and foreign missions. Today, it is also expressed through practical action that responds to the global challenges we all share,”Amb. Kiboino noted.

    Adding that: “Environmental challenges are global in nature, and through initiatives such as this, we are advancing environmental diplomacy through local action that contributes meaningfully to global environmental goals.”

    The initiative brought together government leaders, local administrators, forest managers, Community Forest Associations (CFAs), Community Based Organizations (CBOs), and residents in a united effort to restore endangered natural forests and strengthen climate resilience.

    Additionally, Amb. Kibino said that the partnership was ‘not just planting trees, but cultivating a lasting legacy of partnership, restoration and conservation of Mother Nature for posterity’.

    According to the 2024 Kenya Forest Service report, Kenya loses more than 84,000 hectares of forest cover annually to deforestation, with a further 15,000 hectares affected by forest degradation. Limuru remains one of Kenya’s critical forest landscapes.

    Lari Sub-County alone hosts six of Kiambu County’s eight forests, underlining the area’s ecological significance for biodiversity, water catchment protection, and environmental sustainability.

    Representing Huawei, Khadija Mohammed, Public Affairs and Media Director, said the company’s participation aligns with its sustainability agenda.

    “Our support for this initiative reflects Huawei’s #Tech4All agenda, which is grounded in using technology and partnerships to create a more inclusive and sustainable future. We are proud to contribute to the protection and conservation of Mother Nature while supporting the Government of Kenya’s goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032,” she said.

    Similarly, Khadija noted that through grassroots empowerment and partnerships, communities can strengthen climate adaptation and create lasting environmental impact. “Huawei’s support for the Limuru restoration initiative builds on the company’s broader sustainability efforts in Kenya under its #Tech4All platform,” she noted.

    In 2025, Huawei partnered with the Kenya Wildlife Service, IUCN and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute under the Tech4Nature initiative to deploy digital conservation tools for the protection of the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve, demonstrating how technology and partnerships can help safeguard both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

    Local leaders emphasized that success in forest restoration depends not only on planting seedlings, but on ensuring long-term survival through community stewardship.

    Samuel Kariuki, Deputy County Commissioner, Lari, noted that collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has been ongoing since 2024 and has strengthened restoration efforts in the region.

    “We now need to move beyond tree planting to tree growing through consistent follow-up, monitoring and community involvement, because true success is measured by survival and sustainability,” said Kariuki.

    Community representatives highlighted the direct connection between healthy forests, rivers, and livelihoods.

    Tom Kimani, Community Forests Association (CFA) Uplands Chairman, said conservation efforts are helping reverse destructive practices while protecting communities downstream.

    “River conservation and restoration is critical to the survival of communities downstream. Before the reforestation efforts began, charcoal burning was widespread, but today we are seeing positive change through collective action,” Kimani noted.

    He added that more than 2,600 CFA and CBO members are actively involved in nurturing and safeguarding forests in the area. Kimani also underscored the importance of indigenous species in restoration programmes.

    “Indigenous trees remain the best choice for conservation and agro-forestry because they protect our ecosystems while also creating sustainable benefits for local communities,” He said.

    Further Kimani said that through the Tree Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme, implemented in partnership with CFAs, communities are benefiting through improved household incomes while contributing to ecosystem restoration.

    The event reinforced the growing importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing environmental challenges through local action.

    By combining public sector leadership, private sector support, and community participation, the Limuru initiative demonstrates how partnerships can help secure Kenya’s natural heritage for future generations.

  • Kenya, France engage media ahead of Africa Forward Summit 2026

    Kenya, France engage media ahead of Africa Forward Summit 2026

    Government has underscored the importance of media as a strategic partner in public communication, noting the need for continued collaboration to ensure clear and coherent messaging, counter misinformation, and promote Kenya’s image.

    Speaking during a media engagement ahead of the Africa Forward Summit 2026, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oei said the media plays a critical role in shaping narratives around key national and international events.

    The PS was joined by Arnaud Suquet, France’s Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia, for an Editors’ Breakfast Meeting at the French Embassy in Nairobi.

    The meeting sought to engage the media ahead of the upcoming Africa Forward Summit scheduled for 11–12 May 2026 in Kenya.

    Discussions focused on raising awareness of the Summit and its strategic significance, while highlighting the media’s role in shaping accurate, balanced, and forward-looking narratives.

    On his part, Ambassador Suquet described the Summit as an opportunity for Kenya and other African countries to attract investment and collaborate on shared global challenges.

    He also noted that co-hosting the inaugural Summit with an English-speaking country reflects Kenya’s growing position as a hub for high-level international engagements.

    Zubeidah Kananu, President of the Kenya Editors Guild, reaffirmed the media’s commitment to responsible reporting in support of national interests.

    She underscored the importance of strong collaboration between the media and government to ensure comprehensive coverage and public understanding of the Summit.

    The Africa Forward Summit is expected to bring together African Heads of State and will feature a business forum, youth engagement platforms, cultural showcases, and sports diplomacy initiatives.

    The Summit presents an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Kenya, France, and the wider African continent, particularly in trade, investment, and financial collaboration.

  • Infrastructure Fund to fast-track Nairobi River revival as Athi Water drives key works

    Infrastructure Fund to fast-track Nairobi River revival as Athi Water drives key works

    The Government is set to leverage a newly established infrastructure fund to unlock financing for critical components of the Nairobi River regeneration programme placing Athi Water Works Development Agency at the centre of delivery.

    The fund is expected to bridge key budget gaps and accelerate ongoing works aimed at restoring the river, strengthening flood control, and modernising Nairobi’s sanitation systems.

    During an inspection by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation, chaired by Bowen David Kangogo, legislators underscored the urgency of sustaining momentum on high-impact projects already under implementation. They noted that delays continue to expose residents to flooding, pollution, and public health risks.

    Across multiple sites, Athi Water is advancing a wide range of interventions including sewerage upgrades, river rehabilitation, wastewater treatment expansion, and flood protection systems marking one of the most significant urban water infrastructure efforts in the city.

    Once complete, the programme will transform the Nairobi River into a functional blue-green corridor, reducing flood risks while restoring environmental integrity and unlocking socio-economic value.

    A key challenge remains a KSh3 billion funding gap for lateral sewer lines needed to intercept raw sewage entering the river.

    The Committee expressed confidence that the infrastructure fund will unlock this final link and keep the project on track.

    Accompanied by CEO Joseph Kamau, the MPs also reviewed progress on the Nairobi Rivers Basin Rehabilitation Project, including treatment plant upgrades, the Kiu River Trunk Pumping Station, and faecal sludge management systems.

    With coordinated support from multiple government agencies, the programme reflects a shift from piecemeal clean-up efforts to a structured, infrastructure-led solution anchored by Athi Water’s execution.