The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has called for increased awareness and education programs to empower more women to participate in politics and leadership roles.
IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan underscored the need for targeted training on electoral processes in preparation for the 2027 elections to ensure women take part in the exercise.
He was speaking during a training workshop by FAWE in Machakos for 30 young women leaders and aspirants on existing electoral processes for effective participation and early preparations for elections.
Marjan further called upon political parties to enforce the two-thirds gender rule and reduce nominations fees for women vying for various seats.
He noted that the implementation of such strategies would increase women’s participation in elections.
The number of women elected to leadership positions in the 2022 elections increased, with 7 women elected as Governors, 30 as Members of Parliament and 114 as ward representatives.
Richard Chalagat, a Financial Officer at FAWE stressed the importance of motivating young women to take up leadership roles.
However, participants like Rahma Issa pointed out the lack of adequate education among women has widened the leadership gap between men and women.
President Ruto has instructed universities to issue new admission letters that clearly indicate the amount of fees each parent will be required to pay.
Speaking Wednesday in Ogembo, Kisii after commissioning the Bomachoge Chache Affordable Housing Project, the President noted that previous admission letters issued to students indicated a higher amount of the costs of the courses offered which were not affordable to the majority of the parents.
The President however assured parents that the government would offer loans and scholarships for students who cannot afford fees for higher learning
“Parents will not pay the full cost of the university programmes because the Government will provide up to 95 percent support to each student,” he said.
The President at the same time said that the capitation for higher learning had been increased from Ksh 45B to 82B to ensure no child is left out.
He asked learners to take advantage of the support being offered by the government to pursue higher education
The new model has caused an uproar with MPs saying the variables being used to determine which category a student falls in to get funding which the MPs cannot be validated.
The government uses the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) model which incorporates the Kenya poverty report, family background, Gender and the previous schools a student had attended.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has opened up on the recent demonstrations that were planned by Kenyan youth (GenZ) that led to the formation of the now broad-based Government.
Odinga, during a burial service in Elgeyo Marakwet County said that a call from former President Uhuru Kenyatta led him to reach out to the Head of State to quell the protests.
“When the country was in turmoil, former President Kenyatta asked me to reach out to President Ruto about the concerns of Gen Z and Kenyans in general,” Raila said.
Odinga, who formally submitted his bid for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, noted that Uhuru’s call placed him in a position to call for dialogue with President Ruto.
“While I am running for the AUC chairperson’s position, my priority remains stabilizing my home country for future generations,” he further said.
While reflecting on the recent GenZ protests over 2024/25 Finance Bill, governance and the country’s cost of living that led the President to dissolve his Cabinet, the ODM leader said that he told the President that a majority of Kenyans were unhappy by members of his administration.
“You know I don’t hide my words. I say direct. It’s only the media that are reporting my association is about a handshake. Kenyans are unhappy by the people you have appointed to serve them,” he said.
Both President Ruto and Raila have distanced themselves from sentiments of a handshake government, reports widely spread on the media, according to them.
Speaking in Kisii County, the Head of State said that the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement had not entered into a coalition agreement but have agreed to unite the country and serve Kenyans.
The President said the two political formations have agreed to join forces to help confront the challenges facing Kenyans.
He said the arrangement is not guided by selfish, personal or political party interests but by the well-being of the people of Kenya.
“There comes a time when the most important thing is not what benefits leaders or political parties, but what benefits the people,” he said.
On International Youth Day (12th August), it’s vital to spotlight the pressing issues faced by young people in Kenya, such as teenage pregnancies, inadequate education, lack of comprehensive age-appropriate sexuality education, and youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health centres, mental health struggles, and high unemployment rates.
Five Change Leaders from the Nguvu Collective are actively advocating for youth rights, and urging the Kenyan government to address these challenges to ensure equal opportunities for all.
Teenage Pregnancies
Tasline Otieno
In 2022, 15pc of adolescent girls in Kenya aged between 15 and 19 became pregnant and 12pc had a live birth, according to the Kenya Demographic & Health Survey released by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.
Cultural taboos and insufficient sexual and reproductive health education lead to school dropouts and increased health risks.
Tasline Otieno is championing the inclusion of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in school curriculum. Her petition seeks to empower young people by providing age-appropriate information, ultimately aiming to reduce teenage pregnancies and promote healthier futures.
Lack of Quality Education
Rosemary Kyalo
A report by USAWA Agenda says that in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), the number of school-aged children aged 5 to 15 years who are out of school increased from 7.5pc in 2021 to 8.5pc in 2023.
Rosemary Kyalo is petitioning the Ministry of Education and regional authorities to collaborate with stakeholders to modernise Low-Cost Boarding Schools in these areas. Her initiative aims to enhance access and retention rates, ultimately securing a brighter future for marginalised youth.
Claris Oyunga
Sexual Health and Rights Education
Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education is severely lacking, leaving many children vulnerable. Claris Oyunga is addressing this by petitioning for the inclusion of SRHR education in junior high school curricula.
Her initiative aims to empower children with knowledge about their rights and health, helping them recognize abuse and seek help when needed.
Amondi Awour
Mental health
Mental health issues are rising in Kenya, particularly among youth facing economic pressures.
Amondi Awour, who has faced mental health challenges, has initiated a petition to the Ministry of Health to increase the mental health budget by 20pc and establish free mental health programs in schools.
Her goal is to ensure that youths receive necessary support in a non-discriminatory environment.
Unemployment
Mercy Mwende
According to Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in 2023, the gender gap in STEM remains significant, with women making up only pc of the STEM workforce.
Mercy Mwende, an automotive engineer, is advocating for a 30pc increase in internship and employment opportunities for women in automotive field. Her petition aims to empower women in STEM and address gender discrimination.
Professionals and religious leaders from the Oromo community are calling on Kenyans to cherish peace and avoid anything that might lead to instability.
The leaders who met in Nairobi said Kenya has been a beacon of hope and a shining example of functioning democracy which should not be taken for granted.
The leaders were speaking at Sir Ali grounds, Nairobi where they had met for a thanksgiving event for Kenya’s hospitality extended to the community for the last 30 years.
They further lauded the strides the country has made and the freedoms enjoyed by it citizens saying is something to envy.
The leaders urged the Kenya government to consider and issues them with critical identification documents to allow them access employment opportunities.
Nairobi City County Secretary, Godfrey Akumali accompanied by County Chief Officer Sports, Oscar Igaida on Sunday unveiled the 3rd edition of the Africa Tchoukball Championships to be held at the Kasarani gymnasium.
The continental competition brings together 22 countries from across Africa, showcasing the best talent in Tchoukball as teams fight for the top honours in the sport, which seeks to promote unity and sportsmanship.
“Among the countries set to take part in the championships include the hosts Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Cameroon, Benin, Rwanda, DRC Congo and Botswana, Others are Togo, Ghana, Chad, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Egypt, Madagascar, South Sudan, and Algeria.’ said County Secretary, Godfrey Akumali.
“Tchoukball is a relatively new ball game in the country. We look forward to introducing this ball game in our respective county schools and growing its following. We hope to qualify for the world championships in the near future. Our critical mandate as the county sports department is to grow the sport, nurture talent, and provide opportunities for Nairobi youth to grow,” said County Chief Officer Sports, Oscar Igaida,
In Tchoukball, either team can score at either end of the court.The objective for the team with possession of the ball is to throw the ball at the rebound surface after a maximum of three passes. After the ball hits the rebound surface, the ball must touch the floor outside of the forbidden zone to score a point.
Reproductive health stakeholders in Homa Bay County have raised concerns over a shortage of free condoms supplied by the government and development partners.
The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council South Nyanza Regional Manager Steven Oyugi said that the shortage has been experienced over the past three months and that it was widespread nationally.
He attributed the problem to delays in the procurement process.
Youth Advocacy Council for Health (YACH) President Mercy Kwamboka said the shortage was compromising the fight against the spread of HIV/Aids and other sexually transmitted diseases as well as unwanted pregnancies.
“Without condoms in dispensers in public places, youths are likely to engage in risky sexual behaviour which will lead to a rise in infections and unplanned pregnancies,” Kwamboka said.
During the International Youth Week celebrations, youths in the county raised concern about the shortage.
Reproductive health stakeholders who spoke during the meeting called on concerned agencies to act fast to address the matter.
They said it was worrying that condom dispensers in the majority of the public places were empty.
Homa Bay County leads nationally in HIV Aids prevalence at 19.6 percent according to the Kenya Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (Kenphia) report.
Ms Kwamboka said youth in the county have begun a social media campaign to push the government to supply condoms.
County HIV Coordinator Omondi Obunga however asked residents to exercise more patience.
“Condoms may be in short supply but the issue will be resolved soon,” Mr Obunga said.
The County Director at the State Department of Youth Affairs Elector Opar said that the triple threat of new HIV infections, gender-based violence, and defilements was still a major challenge in the County.
She added that another major concern was mental health which affects the youths.
Zahra Hassan, an official from the office of Governor Gladys Wanga, said leaders have a role in ensuring youth and children live in an environment that is free from any form of violence.
“The county government is running programmes that are meant to empower youth and children. It includes scholarships and mentorship programmes,” Ms Hassan said.
She added that the county government will leverage on digital communication to reach the youth.
In a move to support traders who were severely affected by the recent inferno at Toi Market, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has donated 5,000 iron sheets.
To further alleviate the burden on the traders, Governor Sakaja announced a three-month waiver on daily market charges to help them recover from the losses caused by the frequent fires.
“Due to the fire loss, I have directed that you will not pay daily charges for three months to recover from the loss,” he confirmed.
The fire, which broke out last week, razed the market to the ground and tragically claimed the lives of four people. Governor Sakaja, who visited the site to assess the damage, expressed his deep sympathy and assured traders of his unwavering support during this difficult period.
“I will never run away from my people,” the Governor stated, and vowed; “I will personally support you to ensure that Toi Market is rebuilt and no one is displaced.”
In addition to the iron sheets, Governor Sakaja revealed that the county government has allocated KSh 100 million for the reconstruction of the market. The funds will also be used to erect a perimeter wall around the market, a project that will be overseen by county officers in collaboration with the local community.
“Youths in this area will have an opportunity to work and build this perimeter wall; it’s a job opportunity,” he said.
Despite facing a hostile reception during a previous visit, Governor Sakaja reaffirmed his commitment to stand by the traders in their time of need.
“Even when things got tough last time, I didn’t run away. I walked out calmly because you are my people, and we must support each other,” he said,
“Si mliona sikutoroka, hata wale walinipiga mawe, nilitoka pole pole kama Rambo, kwa sababu nyinyi ni watu wangu na lazima tusaidiane.” He said
The construction of the perimeter wall and the market is expected to commence immediately, bringing much-needed hope to the traders as they begin the process of rebuilding their businesses.
One suspect was arrested and more than 1,000 cartons of second-generation alcohol valued at Sh1.8 million seized in a crackdown on illicit liquor undertaken by a multi-agency team led by Bomet County Commissioner Dr. Ahmed Omar.
The operation carried out at a liquor storage facility in Kimulot centre was conducted in partnership with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), the Kenya Bureau of Statistics (KEBS), and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), following a tip-off from concerned members of the public.
According to Dr. Omar, the operation faced unexpected resistance when the owner of the facility, who operates an alcoholic retail outlet, incited local youths to disrupt the operation by throwing stones at security officers.
“During the night-time operation, our officers encountered significant difficulty accessing the liquor storage due to the interference from incited youths. We had to deploy reinforcements to secure the crime scene and continue with the operation,” Dr. Omar said.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect was operating the liquor storage under the guise of a retail business while actually engaging in wholesale transactions, a violation of the Alcoholic Drinks Act.
Dr. Omar also disclosed that the suspect had been running a distribution network, funneling illicit alcohol to unsuspecting customers throughout the county, including areas like Sotik.
“We have confirmed that alcohol from this depot has been distributed widely across the county,” Dr. Omar stated. “Our ongoing multi-agency operations are focused on tracking down all individuals involved in this illicit network.”
Dr. Omar commended the public for their vigilance and support in combating second-generation alcohol and other substance abuses.
“Our Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) has been crucial in this fight, and we greatly appreciate the community’s involvement in addressing these serious issues,” he added.
The arrested individual is currently held at Kimulot Police Station and is expected to face charges to be instituted by KEBS and KRA on Monday.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recalls that all authorities concerned have the duty and responsibility to ensure the safety of journalists covering protests around the world, in accordance with international norms and human rights obligations.
In times of crisis, as in times of peace, journalists are crucial lifelines to verified information for citizens. They facilitate public debate and dialogue that are pathways to democratic solutions. Authorities must guarantee the safety of journalists covering protests, in line with international freedom of expression standards.
Within the UNESCO Series World Trends in Freedom of Expression and Media Development, UNESCO has previously highlighted the growing risks to the safety of journalists covering protests (Issue Briefs in 2020, in 2021 and 2023)
A UNESCO report on the safety of journalists covering environmental issues, published for World Press Freedom Day in May 2024, revealed that 194 journalists, groups of journalists and media houses have been attacked in the context of environmental protests in the past 15 years.
UNESCO is monitoring attacks and threats against journalists that undermine their legitimate role of informing populations with accurate and verified information. UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising and capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
