KBC Channel 1

Author: Eric Biegon

  • UHC staff absorption on course, says Duale

    UHC staff absorption on course, says Duale

    Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to finalising the transition of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers to permanent and pensionable terms under county governments.

    Duale confirmed that the transition follows the Government’s decision to absorb UHC workers into the public service. He added that substantial progress has been made by a multi-agency committee overseeing the exercise, which includes reforms to facilitate the transfer of payroll responsibilities to county governments.

    “I wish to reaffirm and assure all Universal Health Coverage workers, County Governments, health sector stakeholders and the public that the Government remains fully committed to the seamless transition of UHC workers from the national payroll to County Government payrolls on permanent and pensionable terms of service,” he stated.

    The Cabinet Secretary assured health workers that their remuneration would align with nationally approved standards once the transition is complete.

    “All UHC workers transitioning to permanent and pensionable terms will be remunerated in accordance with the salary scales and allowances approved by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, ensuring harmonised and equitable terms of service across the country,” he explained.

    According to Duale, the Ministry of Health is collaborating closely with the Council of Governors, county governments, the Public Service Commission, the National Treasury and the Commission for Revenue Allocation to ensure the transition is completed smoothly and efficiently.

    Acknowledging the contribution of UHC workers to the country’s health system, the Cabinet Secretary thanked them for their commitment during this transition period.

    “The Government recognises the invaluable contribution made by UHC workers in strengthening healthcare services across the country and appreciates their patience, dedication and professionalism throughout this transition period,” he said.

    He urged the workers to remain focused on service delivery as the remaining administrative processes are concluded.

    “I wish to encourage all UHC workers to continue dispensing your services diligently at your various stations and assure you that no effort is being spared to conclude the remaining processes expeditiously,” Duale said.

  • Youth leaders protest over delayed national youth council elections

    Youth leaders protest over delayed national youth council elections

    Tension gripped the National Youth Council (NYC) offices at Absa Towers in Nairobi after youth leaders staged a protest over the postponement of the long-awaited National Youth Council elections, which had been scheduled to begin on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

    The demonstration saw youth president aspirant, Fridah Kemunto, symbolically sworn in by her supporters outside the council offices as protesters demanded the immediate commencement of the electoral process.

    The protesters accused the government of delaying the elections despite earlier assurances that the exercise would proceed, saying Kenyan youth had waited for more than a decade to elect their representatives.

    Responding to the concerns, National Youth Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gloria Wawira, acknowledged the frustration among young people but appealed for patience, stressing that the government remains committed to conducting the elections.

    “I understand the fatigue. I am a young person myself. I understand the fatigue amongst young people asking for the elections,” Wawira reiterated.

    She noted that although the elections had been delayed, the government had made significant progress after years of unsuccessful attempts.

    “The last NYC elections were held in 2012, 14 years ago. For the first time in 14 years, we actually have Cabinet approval for the elections,” stated the CEO.

    While explaining that the exercise could not proceed as planned because of logistical challenges, Wawira however disclosed that the government had already received Cabinet approval to conduct the elections and had published the proposed election dates in the Kenya Gazette.

    “We had tentative gazette dates that we’ve not been able to meet. But that is progress because over the last 14 years, young people agitated for the elections and did not get them,” noted Wawira.

    She further emphasized that despite the postponement, the government had made more progress than in previous years when young people repeatedly demanded elections but no approval or official election dates had been issued.

    To this regard, the CEO urged young people to recognize the progress made so far while the remaining challenges are being addressed.

    “Even as we count our glass half empty, I ask that we count just the little, the fact that we have, at the very least, Cabinet approval for those elections. We will work and do everything within our power to work towards these elections,” she vowed.

    Likewise, Wawira assured the youth that the National Youth Council, the State Department for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports remain committed to ensuring the elections are held.

    “We have done everything within our power to mobilize the logistics and to get the process off the floor. We have hit a wall. We have not stopped. It is a hurdle along the way, but the commitment to Kenya’s youth remains to deliver these National Youth Council elections,” Wawira reported.

    Meanwhile, the postponement sparked frustration among youth leaders and aspirants, who pointed out that further delays deny young people the opportunity to elect leaders who will represent their interests.

    During the demonstration, supporters of Fridah Kemunto who conducted a symbolic swearing-in ceremony, declaring her the youth president, called on the government to fulfil its promise of holding the elections without further delay.

    In the meantime, the National Youth Council elections are expected to elect youth representatives from across the country to champion the interests of young people in national development.

    The elections have not been held since 2012, making this one of the longest delays in the council’s electoral history

    The government has since not announced a new date for the elections.

  • Trump confirms he asked Fifa to review Balogun ban

    Trump confirms he asked Fifa to review Balogun ban

    President Donald Trump has confirmed he asked Fifa to review United States striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension at the World Cup.

    Balogun, 25, was set to miss his side’s last-16 tie against Belgium after being shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round.

    But Fifa made the shock decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban for 12 months – freeing the United States forward, who has scored three goals at this summer’s tournament, to be selected for the match in Seattle.

    Trump said football’s world governing body “made the right decision”, adding it would have left a “big stain” on the tournament had the ban been implemented.

    Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump said he had asked Fifa to review the decision because he “didn’t think it was a foul”.

    He confirmed he had spoken to Fifa president Gianni Infantino but said “all” he did was ask for a review and added he did not tell the Swiss he had to suspend Balogun’s ban.

    “I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled,” said Trump

    “I think it [the suspension] would have left a big stain. I can’t tell them what to do. I don’t believe they made the decision; I believe it was the commission that made the decision. And it was the right decision.”

    Trump said referee Raphael Claus’ decision to send off Balogun was “horrible” and called the Brazilian “a little bit suspect”.

    Earlier on Monday, the Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished” by Fifa’s decision to allow Balogun to be selected for the last-16 tie, which kicks off at 17:00 local time (01:00 BST on Tuesday).

    Asked by BBC Sport to comment on Trump’s comments, his view on Claus, Belgium’s claims and the appeal process, Fifa said it had “nothing more” to add “for now”.

  • Nigeria says two nationals killed in South Africa amid rise of anti-migrant attacks

    Nigeria says two nationals killed in South Africa amid rise of anti-migrant attacks

    Nigeria says two of its citizens have been killed in South Africa “at a time when foreigners are being unduly targeted” there.

    A statement from the foreign ministry said Emeka Charles Iroegbu was “reportedly killed” on 28 June by police officers “using gruesome interrogation techniques”, while unidentified assailants had killed shop owner Musa Yunana Joe on the same day.

    The authorities in South Africa’s capital, Pretoria, say they are investigating.

    Nigeria’s foreign ministry said the incidents came amid a rise in anti-migrant sentiment in South Africa, which has led to roughly 25,000 citizens from other African countries being repatriated by their nations, including some 700 Nigerians.

    Protesters in South Africa have urged the government to do more to curb illegal migration. They say foreigners are taking jobs and unfairly benefiting from public services.

    In its statement, Nigeria’s foreign ministry said Iroegbu was reportedly killed in Pretoria by officers from the Tshwane Metro police department.

    The South African body that investigates police conduct told the BBC on Monday the Iroegbu case was reported to it last week and that “our investigation is underway”.

    Last week, Ghana last week said it had received reports that one of its citizen had been killed in Cape Town during anti-migrant protests, a claim dismissed as “false information” by South African authorities.

    Joe, killed on 28 June, was attacked outside his shop in the city of eMalahleni, the ministry said.

    Abuja said it was placing the South African government “on notice” and that “all options remain on the table… if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour of South Africa against foreigners is not addressed”.

    Nigeria has said it will seek compensation from South Africa for its citizens who have left the country, adding that Abuja had begun documenting businesses and properties left behind by Nigerians.

    However, at a media briefing on Friday, South African cabinet minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said her government would not pay compensation and that Nigerians can sell registered properties they left behind on the South African market.

    She also said: “We would be interested to know where the drug dens of Nigerians are, so they can show us where they have been holding the drugs so we can clean the drugs in South Africa quite urgently.”

    Nigeria’s foreign ministry strongly condemned this comment in their statement on Sunday, calling it “unacceptable”.

    Nigeria’s foreign ministry also accused protest groups in South Africa, including March on March and Operation Dudula, of inciting violence and hatred against other Africans.

    It warned that those responsible could face regional and international legal action, though it is unclear steps Nigeria would take and whether it plans to raise the issue with the African Union.

    Some anti-migrant groups in South Africa had given undocumented foreigners a deadline of 30 June to leave the country.

    Ghana, Malawi and Nigeria are among African countries which repatriated some of their citizens ahead of the deadline.

    South Africa has one of the highest rates of unemployment in the world – at more than 30% – and anti-migrant sentiment has been rising in recent months.

    The continent’s most developed economy remains a magnet for people from poorer countries seeking work often in low-paid jobs.

  • Gas Yetu: Govt rolls out 20,000 subsidised LPG cylinders in Nyandarua

    Gas Yetu: Govt rolls out 20,000 subsidised LPG cylinders in Nyandarua

    The government has extended its Gas Yetu Clean Cooking Programme to Nyandarua County, where 20,000 low-income households will receive subsidised LPG starter kits. The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance access to clean, safe, and affordable cooking energy.

    Petroleum Principal Secretary Kello Harsama launched the programme in Ol Kalou, stating that it will accelerate the transition from firewood and charcoal to cleaner fuels, thereby improving household health and reducing energy costs.

    Beneficiaries registered under the programme will receive an LPG starter kit, which includes a quality gas cylinder pre-filled with LPG, a burner, and a grill.

    “We are proud to roll out this programme to beneficiaries drawn from all five wards of Ol Kalou Constituency, ensuring that every ward has an equal opportunity to benefit from this transformative clean cooking initiative,” Harsama remarked.

    The Principal Secretary highlighted that the programme is expected to reduce exposure to harmful indoor air pollution, lower household cooking expenses, protect forests by decreasing reliance on biomass fuels, and support Kenya’s clean energy and climate commitments.

    He also urged beneficiaries to adhere to LPG safety measures and strictly follow the handling guidelines provided by the National Oil Company of Kenya (NOCK).

    Nyandarua is now the fifth county to benefit from the Gas Yetu programme, following rollouts in Nairobi, Kajiado, Machakos, and Kitui.

    The launch was attended by Moses Kuria, Former Cabinet Secretary, Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, the Blue Economy and Fisheries Principal Secretary Betsy Njagi, and National Oil Company of Kenya Managing Director Duncan Waziri.

  • Ruaraka Land Case: EACC to seek Ksh 1.5bn recovery, criminal charges

    Ruaraka Land Case: EACC to seek Ksh 1.5bn recovery, criminal charges

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) now says it will go after the Ksh 1.5 billion paid as compensation in the Ruaraka public land case and to pursue criminal prosecution of individuals implicated in the transaction. This follows last week’s Court of Appeal judgment, which declared the payment unlawful.

    EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud stated that the appellate court’s decision, which upheld an earlier ruling by the Environment and Land Court, vindicated the commission’s investigations into the controversial compensation for land occupied by Ruaraka High School and Drive Inn Primary School.

    “The judgment affirms the findings of investigations conducted by the Commission into allegations of irregular compensation relating to the 13.5 acres of land on which the two public schools stand,” Mohamud said.

    According to the commission, investigations established that the land had already been surrendered to the Government free of charge, as a mandatory condition for the approval of the subdivision of LR No. 7879/4, effectively making it public land.

    The EACC noted that the Court of Appeal affirmed the land had been validly surrendered to the Government and, therefore, could not legally be subjected to compulsory acquisition by the National Land Commission. The court also declared the acquisition process and the subsequent payment of Ksh 1.5 billion to the purported landowners illegal, null, and void, affirming that the compensation constituted a loss of public funds.

    Following the judgment, the commission stated it would now begin recovering the money paid to Afrison Export Import Limited and Huelands Limited through Whispering Palms Estate Limited, describing it as a fraudulent compensation scheme.

    “The Commission will now pursue the recovery of the Ksh 1.5 billion unlawfully paid to Afrison Export Import Limited and Huelands Limited through Whispering Palms Estate Limited under the fraudulent compensation scheme,” Mohamud confirmed.

    The anti-graft agency further disclosed that investigations into the criminal responsibility of public officials and other individuals involved in processing and facilitating the compensation have been completed.

    Mohamud noted that the inquiry file had initially been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on 11 February 2025, but prosecution was deferred pending the determination of the appeal before the Court of Appeal. With the appeal now concluded, the EACC says it will resume action on the matter too.

    “Following the determination of the appeal, the Commission has resumed action on the matter and will resubmit the inquiry file to the DPP. Those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Mohamud stated.

    The commission also called on the Ministry of Education and the National Land Commission to expedite the processing and issuance of title deeds for the land occupied by the two public schools to safeguard their continued use and protect the public interest.

    Mohamud reiterated the commission’s commitment to safeguarding public resources, enforcing accountability, and recovering assets lost through corruption and fraudulent schemes.

  • Ruto signs laws reforming CBK operations, parliamentary pensions

    Ruto signs laws reforming CBK operations, parliamentary pensions

    President William Ruto has signed into law the Central Bank of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing comprehensive reforms designed to strengthen Kenya’s financial system, enhance banking oversight, and improve the country’s capacity to respond to financial crises.

    The new legislation establishes a clear legal distinction between the Central Bank of Kenya’s routine monetary policy operations and Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA). This provides a dedicated framework for addressing periods of financial distress while protecting public resources.

    According to President Ruto, the reforms are intended to enhance Kenya’s preparedness for financial shocks by ensuring emergency support is only provided under clearly defined circumstances.

    “The new law introduces a distinct legal framework separating the Central Bank’s routine monetary policy operations from Emergency Liquidity Assistance (ELA). The move will improve Kenya’s preparedness to respond to financial crises while protecting taxpayers and the banking sector.” he said after signing the bill into law

    Under the amendments, emergency liquidity will only be accessible to financial institutions that meet strict requirements regarding solvency, long-term viability, and systemic importance.

    “Under the amendment, ELA can only be extended to banks that meet strict conditions on solvency, viability, and systemic risk. The provision aims to separate ordinary liquidity management from extraordinary interventions during periods of financial distress.” he said

    The legislation also expands the Central Bank’s mandate by formally recognising financial system stability and sound banking regulation as secondary objectives, while retaining price stability as its primary responsibility. This strengthens the regulator’s role in promoting the integrity, resilience, and proper functioning of Kenya’s financial sector.

    Governance reforms are also a prominent feature of the new law, with Presient Ruto confirming that “Nominees for Deputy Governor positions will now be vetted and approved by the National Assembly before appointment. The provision aligns their process with that of the Governor and reinforces parliamentary oversight of senior leadership at the monetary authority.”

    The law further grants statutory recognition to the Central Bank of Kenya Institute of Monetary Studies, providing a legal basis for the institution’s training role and facilitating collaboration with regional and international partners to strengthen research, professional development, and knowledge exchange.

    Another amendment aligns the Central Bank Act with Kenya’s current financial architecture by replacing references to the former Deposit Protection Fund Board with the Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation.

    Additionally, the legislation clarifies the Central Bank’s authority to hold and trade in gold and other precious metals as part of reserve management.

    “It also expands legal clarity on CBK’s authority to deal in gold and other precious metals as part of reserve management. This will support the growth of Kenya’s mining sector and aligns Kenya with practices in Tanzania, Ghana, and South Africa.”

    At the same time, President Ruto also assented to the Parliamentary Pensions (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which updates Kenya’s parliamentary pension framework to reflect the country’s bicameral Parliament established under the 2010 Constitution. The new law formally extends pension benefits to members of both the National Assembly and the Senate, ensuring senators are covered under the same legal framework as Members of Parliament.

    Key reforms include raising the legal definition of a child eligible for benefits from 16 to 18 years, in line with the Constitution, and reconstituting both the Parliamentary Pensions Management Committee and the Appeals Committee to include representation from both Houses of Parliament.

    The law also preserves the existing public service pension policy by retaining gratuity payments only for legislators who serve less than five years.

    The Head of State that the legislative changes are intended to strengthen financial governance, modernise Kenya’s monetary policy framework, and align public institutions with constitutional and international best practices.

  • Kuramo Capital Management announces investment platform closings

    Kuramo Capital Management announces investment platform closings

    Kuramo Capital Management (“Kuramo”) today announced the closing of several mandates, totalling approximately $500 million equivalent, primarily from African Pension Funds and African Development Finance Institutions (DFIs). These mandates include the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) with the Bank of Industry, MEMA (the East African pensions vehicle), and Kuramo Africa Opportunity Fund IV Nigeria (KAOF IV), supported by Nigerian Pension Funds.

    Kuramo’s Investment Platform consolidates commitments from African pension funds and expands Kuramo’s existing mandates. These include the management of the Wholesale Investment Impact Fund (WIIF) and Moremi Capital Management, Kuramo’s Gender-Lens Initiative platform.The Moremi Accelerator has identified 45 first-time women-led fund managers and has already helped to mobilise over $100 million in capital for women-led businesses.

    The announcement of our Investment Platform, alongside the strategic transition of the majority of our legacy assets, marks the next phase of Kuramo’s evolution. This allows us to fully focus our human and financial resources on bringing “African capital to African opportunities.”

    Since its founding in 2010, Kuramo has catalysed over $3.5 billion for African private equity firms and businesses, supported more than 20 fund managers, anchored over 15 funds, invested across more than 200 companies directly and indirectly, supported over 500,000 jobs, and contributed measurable impact to over 3 million lives.

    Walé Adeosun, CFA, Founder & CEO, Kuramo Capital Management, commented on the Investment Platform: “Kuramo is appreciative of the support provided over the last 15 years by our Western endowments and foundation investors, as their support enabled the transformation of the African private equity landscape.Kuramo is very excited about its Investment Platform and the progress in mobilising African capital, as it helps drive faster economic growth towards the sustainable development of Africa.”

    Shaka Kariuki, Co-CEO, Kuramo Capital Management, commented on the opportunity to assist local pension funds with their alternative investment portfolios in the future: “We believe that our experience, track record, and local networks will strengthen our efforts towards mutually beneficial outcomes with our local strategic partners and promote impactful investments in the region.”

    Kuramo Capital Management LLC was founded in 2010, with offices in Lagos, Nairobi, and New York. It operates a multi-asset class investment platform championing catalytic commercial capital for fast-growing African businesses and positively impacting local communities.

  • Kericho Housing project sparks MSME growth around construction site

    Kericho Housing project sparks MSME growth around construction site

    The ongoing Affordable Housing Project in Kericho County has led to the offshoot of many accompanying small businesses around the construction site, creating numerous opportunities for local entrepreneurs and improving household incomes.

    The Majengo Talia Affordable Housing Programme (AHP), just a stone’s throw away from the Kiprugut Chumo Stadium on the outskirts of Kericho Town, has attracted a business spur, with various small and medium enterprises cropping up around the government project, which has employed hundreds of workers, both skilled and semi-skilled.

    A spot check by KNA shows that the growth has seen small restaurants and cafeterias, barber shops, furniture shops, chemists, phone repair shops, boutiques, and mitumba businesses spring up, making the nearby Eland area more economically active.

    The AHP Majengo-Talai site, where 324 housing units are being constructed at a cost of Sh778.2 million, has attracted workers, engineers, contractors and visitors, boosting demand for goods and services in the area.

    Franklin Omondi, a mobile phone repair technician operating near the project site, revealed that he started his business after identifying a ready market among workers at the construction site.

    He said most of his clients are workers from the site who use ordinary mobile phones, adding that many come with damaged screens, battery problems and charging faults, which he repairs, including screen and battery replacements, as part of his daily work.

    “My charges are affordable and my services are quick and efficient. I have been eking out a living from this business for a year now and I am happy,” added Omondi.

    Still within the area, Constance Nzinza owns a cafeteria named “Affordable Cafe”, where she serves workers from the project as well as other passers-by in the area.

    She said the business was inspired by the construction project and the steady flow of customers it brought to the area.

    The cafeteria offers simple Kenyan meals including githeri, ugali with sukuma wiki, meat, omena, fish, uji and tea, which she says are popular among her clients.

    “This Housing project inspired me and my business partner to open this cafeteria and I am happy we are earning a decent living from this cafeteria business, and we hope in future it will even get better,” she said.

    However, she noted that she faces challenges, including customers who accumulate debt, some who fail to pay, others who pay in instalments, and a few who disappear without settling their bills, which at times affects the business.

    “Apart from that businesses are coming up well, even the number of mama mboga traders has increased because of the growing population brought by the project, and we expect business to improve further once the housing units are completed and occupied,” she said.

    The housing project has also attracted several other businesses to the area, including furniture shops established to meet the growing demand for household items, as well as boutiques, a chemist and a private clinic.

    Beyond creating hundreds of skilled and unskilled jobs for the local youth, the AHP has also attracted increased participation from Jua Kali artisans and local suppliers supplying doors, windows, metal works, masonry services and other essential inputs.

  • KSG at 100: Ruto to unveil Raila Academy, open summit on Kenya’s future

    KSG at 100: Ruto to unveil Raila Academy, open summit on Kenya’s future

    President William Ruto will today lead the Kenya School of Government (KSG) in commemorating the institution’s century of excellence in public service. A highlight of the three-day centenary celebrations will be the “unveiling of a plaque for the Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga Regional Leadership and Governance Academy,” named after the late former Prime Minister.

    The act is seen as a further testament to the former Prime Minister’s lasting legacy in the country’s governance and leadership development. It acknowledges Odinga’s decades of experience in democratic struggle, regional diplomacy, and pan-African engagement.

    “President Ruto will open the celebrations by unveiling a commemorative plaque of the KSG Centennial, signing the visitors’ book, and receiving a briefing on the centennial journey before proceeding to the presidential dais to preside over the day’s proceedings,” the event programme indicates.

    Journey to First World Status

    Beyond the centenary celebrations, the event also serves as a high-level policy dialogue on “Building National Wealth and Global Competitiveness”. The conversation will draw on international experience and domestic expertise to chart Kenya’s development path.

    The opening dialogue, moderated by President Ruto, will feature a panel of ambassadors and policy thinkers examining Kenya’s prospects for achieving First World country status.

    Panellists include Kisumu Governor, Professor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who will deliver the preamble on Kenya’s development journey, alongside ambassadors from China, France, Italy, and Azerbaijan.

    Subsequent panels over the three days will address transformational themes such as high-value agriculture, education and economic development, public service reform, public-private partnerships, resource mobilisation, and the role of public policy research in national transformation. Speakers from government, academia, the private sector, and international organisations will present case studies, share best practices, and propose policy shifts necessary to accelerate Kenya’s competitiveness.

    The centenary celebrations, running from today to Wednesday, at the KSG Lower Kabete Campus in Nairobi, will bring together representatives of international organisations, ambassadors, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, governors, academics, and public service professionals.

    Founded in 1926, the Kenya School of Government has, over the past hundred years, served as the engine room of Kenya’s public service, training generations of administrators, policymakers, and government officials who have shaped the nation’s development trajectory.

    The celebrations will also feature a graduation and recognition ceremony for participants of various KSG programmes, with President Ruto personally awarding certificates to the top candidates.

    The occasion recognises the thousands of public servants who annually complete KSG’s programmes, the human capital that ultimately drives Kenya’s development agenda.