Author: Margaret Kalekye

Murkomen hails return of peace in Samburu, announces scale-up of ID registration

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has hailed the return of peace and security in Samburu County following recent security operations.

Speaking in Ewaso Rongai, Samburu North Sub-County, during a resource mobilisation exercise for 10 local women groups, the CS said the government is consolidating the gains made through new administrative units and police stations, improvement of access roads in banditry hotspots, and expansion of security operations.

“I am also pleased to report that our security and peace-building interventions have borne fruit, and the county is now calm and peaceful. To consolidate these gains, the government will operationalise more administrative units and police stations, improve access in banditry hotspots, and expand security operations”, he announced.

He added “In the next few weeks, we will officially launch the new Samburu West Sub-County and construct more offices,” he said.

The CS also announced the commencement of the second phase of the mobile national ID registration exercise in Samburu and other historically marginalised areas to ensure that all eligible citizens can acquire the vital document.

Local leaders and government officials present included Governor Jonathan Lelelit, Senator Dr. Steve Lelegwe, Pauline Lenguris (County MP), Eli Letipila (Samburu North), Dr. Jackson Lekumontare (Samburu East), Samburu County Commissioner John Cheruiyot, County Police Commander Dickens Njogu, and County AP Commander Boru Buke, among other leaders.

May 9, 2026
Africa Forward Summit to focus on jobs, investment and partnerships

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said the upcoming Africa Forward Summit 2026 will focus on unlocking investments, creating jobs and positioning Africa as a driver of global economic transformation.

Speaking during the official handover of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) venue ahead of the summit, Mudavadi said Kenya expects the gathering to deliver practical outcomes that directly benefit African citizens.

The Africa Forward Summit will be held in Nairobi on May 11 and 12 and is expected to attract more than 30 Heads of State and Government, over 4,000 delegates, business executives, investors, innovators and development partners from Africa, France and across the world.

Mudavadi said the summit would prioritise investment, enterprise and technology as key pillars for Africa’s future growth.

“We are determined to deliver visible, life-changing outcomes — new jobs, thriving industries, empowered African enterprises, improved livelihoods, and a brighter future for our citizens,” he said.

He noted that while governments play a role in creating enabling environments, the private sector would be central in driving sustainable economic transformation across the continent.

“Governments can provide policy direction and enabling environments, but sustainable transformation at scale will be driven by investment, enterprise, innovation, technology and entrepreneurship,” Mudavadi stated.

A major Business Forum has been lined up as part of the summit and is expected to bring together approximately 1,500 chief executives, investors, entrepreneurs and innovators from Africa and France.

According to Mudavadi, the forum is expected to catalyse investment pipelines, commercial partnerships, financing opportunities and technology transfer in various sectors. The summit is being co-hosted by Kenya and France under the leadership of President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Mudavadi described the event as a milestone for the continent, noting that it would be the first summit of its kind to be hosted in Anglophone Africa.

“This will be the first summit of its kind to be hosted in Anglophone Africa — a significant milestone that reflects the broadening and deepening of Africa–France engagement across the continent,” he said.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary said leaders attending the summit would discuss key issues shaping Africa’s future, including reform of the international financial system, energy transition, green industrialisation, the blue economy, food security, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, resilient health systems, and peace and security.

He added that the summit comes at a critical time when African countries are seeking stronger partnerships capable of addressing emerging global economic and geopolitical challenges.

“For Kenya, this is not simply another summit. The Africa Forward Summit represents a defining statement about where Africa is headed, how Africa intends to engage the world, and the kind of partnerships that must shape the future of global cooperation,” Mudavadi said.

He said Kenya was proud to host the summit because of its growing reputation as a diplomatic, financial and innovation hub on the continent.

“Nairobi has increasingly emerged as one of Africa’s leading diplomatic, financial, innovation and multilateral capitals,” he said.

Mudavadi noted that Nairobi continues to play a strategic role in global conversations on peace diplomacy, climate action, entrepreneurship, regional cooperation and development finance.

“Today’s handing over sets pace for Monday ans Tuesday. The venue, KICC is symbolic since it sits between the symbol of Justice which is the Judiciary on its right and Parliament as the legislative arm and symbol of democracy which is on the left. This symbolises that Kenya is a country that respects the rule of law and stands on the tenets of democratic leadership.” Mudavadi explained.

“Infront of KICC is City Hall, the headquarters of of the Capital City Nairobi and along Harambee avenue that is behind KICC are strategic offices for the executive. So, when the great minds will convene at KICC good things will emerge not only for Kenya but for Africa.” The Prime CS added.

He thanked France, development institutions, private sector players and participating countries for supporting Kenya’s hosting of the summit.

Mudavadi also called on journalists to provide in-depth coverage of the summit, saying the media had a responsibility to shape international understanding of Africa’s development agenda.

“You are not merely covering an event. You are helping shape global understanding of what this moment represents for Africa and for the future of international partnerships,” he told journalists.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary said Kenya expected the summit to generate stronger partnerships, unlock opportunities for young people and strengthen African industries to compete globally.

Among the anticipated outcomes, he cited increased investments, stronger trust between nations and future-focused collaborations capable of helping Africa seize opportunities in a rapidly changing world.

In his closing remarks, Mudavadi urged African countries to embrace confidence and ambition in shaping the continent’s future.

“Let this Summit ignite a new spirit of African confidence and global partnership,” he said.

“Let it mark the beginning of an era where Africa does not merely participate in the future — but leads it with vision, innovation and determination.”

Present were Cabinet Secretary for tourism and wildlife Rebecca Miano, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’oei, French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet and Chief Executive Officer for KICC, James Mwaura among other diplomats and senior government officials.

May 9, 2026
SA’s Airlink crew told to stay home over hantavirus exposure

South African (SA) airline Airlink has advised some of its crew members to stay home until further notice.

This is due to potential exposure to the hantavirus.

The airline says one of its passengers who flew from St Helena to Johannesburg died on Saturday last week.

The Health Department says at least 62 people have been identified as having possible contacts with infected persons.

Airlink says there were at least 82 passengers, including the deceased, and six crew members onboard the flight.

The passenger was part of a cruise ship, which experienced an outbreak of hantavirus.

The ship was travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde.

Three people from the ship have since died.

Airlink’s Linden Birns says as of last night health authorities had not instructed the crew or anyone to isolate, and they would only undergo observation if they started feeling unwell.

May 9, 2026
Four injured in Lamu boat collision

Four people sustained serious injuries after two boats carrying 19 people Saturday morning collided and capsized in the Kilindi area of Lamu County.

The casualties were evacuated to King Fahad Hospital for specialised treatment, while 14 others who suffered minor injuries were attended to at the scene.

Emergency response teams from the Kenya Red Cross, Community Disaster Responders, and local divers swiftly responded to the incident and assisted in rescue efforts.

Investigations have commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and capsize incident.

May 9, 2026
Maseno School set for facelift as Ruto promises new classrooms, dormitories

President William Ruto Saturday, joined alumni, parents and friends of Kisumu’s Maseno School in an effort to upgrade the facilities of the institution, one of Kenya’s oldest premier schools.

The President and friends pledged to build 40 modern classrooms to benefit 1,600 students at the institution.

He said 20 classrooms would be ready before the end of the year to enable the institution to admit an extra 800 students in January 2027.

“There is no reason why we cannot admit 5,000 students to this school to benefit from the culture of this great institution,” he said on Saturday during celebrations to mark 120 years since the founding of the school

Despite its illustrious history, Maseno School has had little infrastructure upgrade, and is largely dependent on facilities built by the missionaries 12 decades ago.

Consequently, he announced that the Ministry of Lands and Housing will build dormitories to accommodate 2,000 students while the Education ministry will put up a multipurpose hall.

Present were Cabinet Secretaries Migos Ogamba (Education) and Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, Anglican Church Maseno West Bishop Emeritus Joseph Wasonga, Maseno Board of Management Chairman Ambrose Weda, and Maseno School Alumni Association Chairman Joe Ager, who is also the President’s advisor on governance.

Maseno School was established in 1906 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) initially meant to spread Christianity and to educate sons of African paramount chiefs.

President Ruto said the school is inextricably linked to Kenya’s history and future destiny.

“Empires have risen and faded. Governments have changed. Political seasons have come and gone. Yet Maseno has endured, producing leaders, scholars, clergy, scientists, public servants, and patriots, who have helped shape Kenya and East Africa into what they are today,” he said.

Notable alumni include Kenya’s first Vice-President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, father of late Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.

Others include Barrack Obama Senior, the father of the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama, independence freedom fighter Achieng’ Oneko, renowned scientist Thomas Odhiambo, prominent historian Bethwell Ogot, and the late Festo Olang’, the first African Archbishop of the ACK, then known as the Church of the Province of Kenya.

President Ruto was taken through important sites and landmarks at Maseno School, including the Oseno tree under which the first six students began their journey, the house where Jaramogi lived while teaching at the school between 1943 and 1945, and the chapel built by the missionaries in 1906.

“These are not ordinary places. They are living chapters of Kenyan history,” he said while congratulating the school management for maintaining the school heritage.

The President also commended Maseno School for its impressive discipline record, noting that they have not had a students’ strike in its history.

“While many schools rise and fall with seasons and circumstances, Maseno has consistently remained among the leading centres of academic excellence in Kenya,” he said.

He added: “That consistency is not accidental. It is the product of culture, discipline, institutional pride, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

The President said his administration regards education as a strategic investment for the future of the country, and thus deserving more resources.

He pointed out that the education budget has grown from KSh500 billion in 2022 to KSh702 billion in the current financial year, and will further rise to KSh767 billion in the 2026/2027 financial year.

“Today, nearly 30 per cent of our budget is allocated to education, one of the highest commitments on the continent,” he said.

He added that the government has employed 100,000 teachers in the past three years, and has built 23,000 classrooms and constructing 1,600 laboratories in schools across Kenya.

He directed the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to immediately absorb 25 of the 40 teachers currently employed by Maseno Board of Management, saying the rest would be recruited in the course of the year.

May 9, 2026
Six killed, scores injured in passenger vehicle ambush in Mandera

Six people have been confirmed dead while several others sustained injuries following an ambush on a passenger vehicle in the Ber Cawayon area of Harer i Hosle, Arabia Subcounty, in Mandera County.

The vehicle, which was travelling towards Arabia town, came under attack by gunmen on Saturday around midday in an incident that has shocked residents.

According to local sources, the deceased and the injured victims were rushed to Arabia Subcounty Hospital as emergency rescue efforts continued at the scene.

A rescue team from Arabia responded swiftly to the incident, while security personnel were deployed to the area to pursue the attackers and establish the circumstances surrounding the ambush.

Authorities are yet to release the identities of the victims as investigations into the deadly attack continue.

May 9, 2026
Hantavirus: WHO boss arrives in Spain to coordinate cruise ship passengers’ evacuation

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanomis in Spain to oversee the safe disembarkation of the passengers, crew members and health experts from the Hantavirus-hit MV Hondius cruise ship.

Tedros, together with Spanish health and interior ministers, will travel to Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, off West Africa, to ensure coordination between administrations, health control, and the application of the planned surveillance and response protocols.

Tedros will join Spanish health and interior ministers at a command post on the island “to ensure coordination between administrations, health control, and the application of the planned surveillance and response protocols.

“I arrived in #Spain, where I will join senior government officials in a mission to Tenerife to oversee safe disembarkation of the passengers, crew members and health experts from MV Hondius cruise ship”, he said on X.

Regional authorities said the evacuation must take place between Sunday and Monday due to worsening weather conditions in the Canary Islands.

The WHO boss said he was in direct communication with Captain Jan Dobrogowski and WHO colleague on board, Dr Freddy Banza-Mutoka.

He said he had been assured there are no additional people on board showing symptoms of the deadly virus.

“WHO continues to actively monitor the situation, coordinate support and next steps and will keep Member States and the public updated accordingly”, he said ahead of a live update on WHO channels: X, YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn at 16:00 CEST.

WHO maintains the risk for the population of Canary Islands and globally remains low.

May 9, 2026
Four feared trapped in Kajiado building collapse

Four people are reportedly trapped after a building under construction collapsed at Ole Nairi area in Oloolua, Kajiado County

Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

” Reports indicate that four people may be trapped under the debris. A multi-agency response team comprising Kenya Red Cross Action Teams, police, the County Government and the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU) is currently on site conducting rescue efforts, supported by an excavator”, Kenya Red Cross said.

More updates to follow.

May 9, 2026
FIDA to Karen Nyamu: Children should not be used for public entertainment

Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu’s controversial comments directed at a student during Senate proceedings continue to draw condemnation.

The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) expressed deep concern, stating that the incident, which occurred during a voluntary service programme at Parliament, sent a harmful message to young girls across the country that public leadership spaces are unsafe and disrespectful to women and girls.

“FIDA-Kenya strongly condemns the growing acceptance of language and behaviour that humiliates or belittles girls in public. These remarks not only harm the dignity and emotional well-being of the child involved, but also send a harmful message to young girls across the country that public leadership spaces are unsafe and disrespectful to women and girls”, the statement read.

The organisation said Nyamu’s remarks on the floor of the house were inappropriate, demeaning, and did not meet the constitutional duty of leaders to uphold dignity, integrity, respect, and protect children.

“The comments made in Parliament were inappropriate, demeaning, and did not meet the constitutional duty of leaders to uphold dignity, integrity, respect, and protect children. Parliament and all public institutions should be safe spaces where everyone, especially children and young girls, can learn, engage, and participate in leadership”

Through its chairperson, Christine Kungu, FIDA-Kenya also raised concern over the rising exposure of minors on social media, in interviews, and through online comments that violate their dignity, privacy, and emotional well-being.

It warned that Children should never be used for sensationalism, ridicule, or public entertainment.

“The recent sharing of videos involving underage girls, even when claimed to be for public discussion or accountability, shows a growing lack of respect for child protection principles and safeguarding standards”

Consequently, FIDA-Kenya called for leaders to be held accountable whenever their actions undermine child protection.

“We urge strict enforcement of child safeguarding standards in Parliament and all public institutions, an immediate stop to sharing content that identifies minors, and better training for public officers and political leaders on child protection, gender sensitivity, ethical leadership, and preventing sexual harassment”.

It further appealed to social media users, including media houses, bloggers, and digital platforms, to follow ethical and trauma-informed reporting standards when covering issues involving minors.

The Senator was forced to apologise over the suggestive comments about the services the young learner was offering.

“I hereby tender my unreserved apology to the Senate, the student under the School Voluntary Service Scheme, the family of the student and the public,” Nyamu said.

“I acknowledge that the utterances were inappropriate and fell short of the dignity, decorum and respect expected of a state officer, particularly towards a young female learner.”

According to Speaker Amason Kingi, the statement undermined the dignity of the student.

May 9, 2026
Demand for Lamu ‘White Gold’ sparks scramble for BT Cotton Seeds

The government and private investors have moved to avert a seed shortage as cotton farming records a renewed boom in Lamu County.

Farmers in Lamu are scrambling for BT cotton seeds following a surge in demand for the region’s “white gold,” with available supplies running out barely weeks into the planting season.

The rush has prompted the government and private textile investors to step in with fresh interventions aimed at preventing a major seed shortage that could derail the county’s cotton revival drive.

The renewed excitement was evident in Mpeketoni during the launch and distribution of BT cotton seeds, pesticides, spraying equipment and a modern cotton seed pressing machine, where hundreds of farmers turned up hoping to secure the highly sought-after farm inputs.

The government, through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), distributed 3,000 kilograms of BT cotton seeds, 10,000 containers of pesticides and 16 spraying machines to farmers in a move aimed at boosting production in one of Kenya’s leading cotton-growing regions.

Despite the intervention, farmers said the demand for BT seeds remains far higher than the current supply, attributing the growing interest to increased cotton prices and improved yields associated with the variety.

Many farmers described cotton farming as a rapidly transforming economic activity capable of uplifting thousands of households in the coastal region if supported consistently with inputs, markets and processing industries.

Speaking during the exercise, AFA Chairman Cornelly Serem assured farmers that the government, in collaboration with county governments and private sector partners, was working around the clock to guarantee continuous access to quality BT cotton seeds and pesticides.

He said reviving the cotton sector remains a key pillar in strengthening Kenya’s textile and manufacturing industries while improving farmers’ incomes under the Buy Kenya Build Kenya initiative.

Thika Cloth Mills Chief Executive Officer Tejal Dhodhia said the textile firm had intensified its support for cotton farmers in Lamu and other parts of the country through strategic partnerships with both the national and county governments.

She revealed that the company last month procured and distributed six tonnes of BT cotton seeds worth Ksh21 million to farmers in Mpeketoni to cushion growers against shortages and accelerate cotton production.

Dhodhia praised President William Ruto for prioritizing cotton farming and local textile manufacturing, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration had become the first government since independence to directly purchase cotton seeds, pesticides and other farm inputs for farmers.

She noted that collaboration between the government, textile industries and stakeholders in the cotton value chain had restored order and renewed investor confidence in the sector.

“The President has demonstrated great commitment to cotton farmers by supporting the purchase of BT seeds, pesticides and other inputs and also directing an increase in cotton prices from Ksh52 to Ksh72 per kilogram,” said Dhodhia, adding that the reforms had rekindled hope among thousands of farmers across cotton-growing regions.

Lamu Deputy Governor Mbarak Mohammed said the county government had already set aside Ksh7.5 million for the purchase of additional BT cotton seeds, with plans underway to increase the allocation to Ksh12 million in the next financial year. He said the county administration was determined to position Lamu as a leading cotton production hub in the country.

Lamu County currently has more than 10,000 farmers actively engaged in cotton farming, with the sector witnessing renewed optimism amid increased government support, private sector investment and growing demand for locally produced cotton and textile products.

May 9, 2026