KBC Channel 1

Author: Muraya Kamunde

  • MoH commits to fostering partnerships to expand specialized healthcare

    MoH commits to fostering partnerships to expand specialized healthcare

    The Ministry of Health’s has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that will expand access to specialized healthcare technologies, strengthen health systems, improve patient outcomes and accelerate the realization of Universal Health Coverage.

    Speaking on Friday, Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr. Ouma Oluga, said that investments in specialized care are critical to improving patient outcomes and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

    Addressing a delegation consisting of County Chief Officers of Health from all 47 counties on a visit to the JOOTRH Victoria Annex Hospital (Sickle Cell and Surgical Centre), Dr. Oluga commended the partnership for supporting technology transfer, clinical training and capacity building that have enabled local healthcare professionals to independently deliver advanced therapeutic apheresis procedures.

    The visit highlighted efforts to strengthen specialized healthcare services and improve access to advanced treatment for patients living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and other complex medical conditions.

    The County health leaders toured the facility and received updates on the Red Blood Cell Exchange (RBCx) programme established through a partnership between Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) and Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies.

    The collaboration has enabled JOOTRH to become the first public hospital in Kenya to deploy the Spectra Optia Apheresis System and establish a dedicated Red Blood Cell Exchange service for patients living with Sickle Cell Disease.

    The programme has expanded access to specialized treatment for patients across Western Kenya and the Lake Region, helping reduce complications associated with SCD, including stroke, recurrent painful crises and organ damage.

    The partnership has also supported the training of physicians, nurses and operators, strengthened treatment protocols and enhanced local expertise in advanced blood and cell therapies.

    “These efforts have positioned JOOTRH Victoria Annex Hospital as a regional centre of excellence for Sickle Cell Disease management and specialized blood services,” said the Health Ministry.

    The visit also formed part of activities leading up to World Sickle Cell Day 2026, which will be commemorated on 19 June in Busia County.

    The event is expected to bring together the Ministry of Health, county governments, healthcare professionals, patient organizations, development partners and people living with Sickle Cell Disease to raise awareness, promote early diagnosis and strengthen access to quality care.

  • Kenya moves closer to realising Marine Spatial Plan as five coastal counties conduct second validation

    Kenya moves closer to realising Marine Spatial Plan as five coastal counties conduct second validation

    Kenya has taken another step towards developing its first National Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) following a series of stakeholder validation meetings being held across the five coastal counties of Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa, Lamu and Tana River.

    The validation exercise that brought together representatives of coastal communities, county governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, national government agencies and other stakeholders reviewed and validated proposals that will form part of the Draft Marine Spatial Plan.

    “The stakeholders met to confirm that the issues they presented during previous consultations had been addressed in the plan proposals. They also gave feedback on how the planned proposals impact them suggesting mitigation measures.”

    The Marine Spatial Plan is a 20-year framework designed to guide the sustainable and integrated use of Kenya’s approximately 250,000 square kilometres of ocean space. The plan seeks to balance economic development, environmental conservation and social interests while reducing conflicts among different users of marine and coastal resources.

    Following publication of the Intent to Plan in January, 2025, a draft Marine Spatial Plan has since been prepared following extensive technical studies, data analysis and stakeholder consultations conducted over the past year.

    In line with the principles guiding the preparation of the MSP, particularly the principle of stakeholder participation, which promotes inclusivity, transparency and shared ownership, the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries, in collaboration with its technical partners, has convened the second series of stakeholder engagement forums across the five coastal counties.

    The engagement process aimed at ensuring that the draft plan “accurately reflects stakeholder views, available scientific data and the diverse interests of ocean users while providing a shared vision for the sustainable development and management of Kenya’s marine space.”

    Stakeholders including Islam Abdallah from Kipini in Tana River County, the MSP has come at a time when they needed order so that there is a win-win situation in the utilization of marine resources. “We are supporting the MSP, we know that the ocean belongs to no one, and with this plan we want when it is implemented, consider the locals in Kipini first who should benefit from the MSP,” said Islam in an interview at Minjila in Tana River County.

    For Saida Azur Idris a member of the Beach Management Unit (BMU) and the Chairperson of Tuna Women Group, the Marine Spatial Plan is an idea that has come at the right time, it is important because it is aiding in the planning on how to utilize the ocean sustainably, “they have shown us how the industrial fishers will ensure they do not interfere with the artisanal fishers to avoid conflicts,” she noted.

    According to Mwanajuma Hiribae the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock development, the MSP when implemented will help reduce resource-use conflicts, protect marine ecosystems and enhance benefits to local communities.

    “It is an important exercise as it is a dream that we have been yearning for, for a very long time, as residents of Tana River, the ocean has not been seen as being of value, except for the communities that live within Kipini area Ozi and Chara, but after the stakeholder engagements began, on issues dealing with the Blue economy, our people have begun to see the importance blue economy together with the green economy,” she noted.

    Marine Spatial Planning is an internationally recognized process that helps governments and stakeholders decide how marine and coastal resources can be used efficiently, safely and sustainably. It provides guidance on where different activities such as fishing, tourism, shipping, conservation, energy development and marine infrastructure can take place while protecting critical ecosystems and supporting economic growth.

    The Marine Spatial Plan is expected to strengthen governance of Kenya’s marine resources, support sustainable blue economy growth, protect marine biodiversity and provide a clear framework for future investments and development activities in the ocean space.

    Development of the MSP is spearheaded by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs through the State Department for the Blue Economy and Fisheries, in collaboration with other government agencies relevant to the blue economy. The initiative is supported by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank through the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) Project.

  • New Nanyuki Rotary President urges peaceful engagement

    New Nanyuki Rotary President urges peaceful engagement

    Newly installed Rotary Club of Nanyuki President Alex Kamau used his inaugural address to deliver a message that stretched beyond Rotary service projects and club leadership, urging Kenyans to embrace peaceful dialogue and reject violence as the country grapples with periods of political and social tension.

    Kamau, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, was installed as president for the 2026-2027 Rotary year during a ceremony attended by Rotary District Governor Wairimu Njage, Rotarians from across the region, business leaders and community stakeholders. While outlining an ambitious agenda centered on education, membership growth and community impact, Kamau devoted a significant portion of his speech to peacebuilding, one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus.

    “As Rotarians, we are guided by one of our key areas of focus: Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention,” Kamau told guests, reflecting on recent episodes of unrest that have resulted in destruction of property and loss of life.

    The remarks came at a time when public demonstrations and political tensions continue to shape national discourse, placing Kamau’s message squarely within broader conversations about governance, civic participation and social cohesion.In a carefully worded appeal, Kamau urged both citizens and leaders to embrace constructive engagement and mutual understanding.

    “To those who protest: may your voices be strong, but your methods peaceful. To those in government: may your ears be open, and your engagement constructive,” he said.

    The newly installed president warned that violence ultimately undermines the very communities seeking progress and reform.

    “A nation cannot build when it is bleeding. A community cannot thrive when it is burning. And a people cannot progress when they are divided,” he said, arguing that lasting development can only be achieved when peace serves as the foundation.

    The call for restraint and dialogue reflected Rotary’s long-standing commitment to conflict prevention and community harmony, values that Kamau said should guide both citizens exercising their democratic rights and leaders responding to public concerns. His appeal for peaceful expression was among the strongest themes of an address otherwise focused on service, education and leadership.

    Kamau succeeds outgoing president Becky Ngatia, whose tenure was marked by a series of high-impact community projects that strengthened the club’s visibility and reach across Laikipia County.

    During Ngatia’s tenure, the club expanded its scholarship programme, renovated classrooms, planted thousands of trees, donated books to schools and rehabilitation centres, and increased its membership by 36%. It also deepened international partnerships through a vocational training initiative with Rotary counterparts abroad.

    As she handed over leadership, Ngatia expressed confidence in her successor, describing the Rotary Club of Nanyuki as an organisation capable of achieving ambitious goals when its members work together.

    “As I hand over to our incoming President, Alex Kamau, I know the next chapter will be even better. President-Elect Alex, Do not be afraid to dream big, because as this year has proved, the Rotary Club of Nanyuki can achieve anything when we work together. You are taking over an exceptional club. It is in very safe hands, and I promise my full support to you as a Past President. Let us all stand behind President Alex as he writes the next chapter of our club.” The outgoing President Ngatia called on the Rotary community of Nanyuki

    Kamau pledged to raise the profile of the club’s projects and achievements, arguing that greater visibility would make it easier for prospective members, development partners and donors to understand Rotary’s impact and identify areas where they can plug in and support community initiatives.

  • Govt pushes for increased research funding to drive innovation

    Govt pushes for increased research funding to drive innovation

    The Government is stepping up efforts to boost funding for research, technology, and innovation as part of its agenda to drive economic growth and sustainable development.

    Speaking during Zetech University’s Eighth Research and Innovation Week in Mangu campus in Juja, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Professor Shaukat Abdulrazak said Kenya aims to increase research funding from the current 0.8pc of the Gross Domestic Product to at least 2pc

    He noted that the government is working closely with development partners and institutions of higher learning to mobilize more resources for research, saying innovation and technology are critical pillars in addressing challenges facing the country.

    Professor Shaukat said the government has embraced evidence-based policy making and is keen on utilizing research findings from universities and other institutions to formulate effective policies in sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.

    The PS emphasized that sustainable development can only be achieved through stronger collaboration between research institutions, industry, and government, adding that innovation must be supported by robust infrastructure and industry partnerships to create meaningful impact.

    He further noted that research institutions generate knowledge, while industry provides opportunities for application, commercialization, and scaling of innovations.

    “We are optimistic that through partnerships at university and international levels, as well as with our development partners, we will be able to raise sufficient funding for research in our country,” said PS Shaukat.

    Zetech University Chancellor Professor Susan Alfano Nkinyangi called for increased investment in science, technology, research, and innovation, noting that nations across the world are grappling with challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, healthcare disparities, and rapid technological changes.

    She said higher learning institutions have a critical role in generating solutions that can drive sustainable development and economic transformation.

    The event brought together stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and local communities to explore practical solutions under the theme “Driving Sustainable Futures Through Research, Innovation and Industry.”

    The Government says strengthening research and innovation ecosystems will be key to unlocking Kenya’s development potential and enhancing its global competitiveness.

  • Kenya fully supports UN expansion project in Nairobi-DP Kindiki

    Kenya fully supports UN expansion project in Nairobi-DP Kindiki

    Kenya is looking forward to hosting more United Nations agencies and has allocated billions of money to support the ongoing expansion project in Nairobi, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said.  

    The DP said the Ksh 140 billion financial allocation by the government is a show of Kenya’s solid commitment to boost the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) Expansion Project that the global body has allocated Ksh 44 billion.

    The Deputy President spoke on Wednesday when he hosted the President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ms. Annalena Baerbock, who paid him a courtesy call at the Harambee Annex Office in Nairobi.

    “To ensure the success of this historic modernization, the Government of Kenya has invested USD 1.1 billion of domestic resources into matching infrastructure. This massive state investment has fundamentally upgraded the road networks, security frameworks, and sustainable utility systems around the Gigiri diplomatic enclave, aligning the campus with global net-zero climate goals,” Prof. Kindiki revealed.

    He said Kenya considers it a great privilege for the UN to prove its belief in the country by expanding the offices in Nairobi thus elevating it to the same level as other headquarters elsewhere in the developed world.

    “Nairobi offers the global community a highly competitive, low-cost duty station backed by aggressive public investment. The elevation of UNON’s operational and diplomatic status to achieve true parity with UN Headquarters in the Global North will fulfill the promise of equitable geographic representation,” DP noted.

    “Against the backdrop of a highly fragile global security landscape, marked by a troubling resurgence of militarization and the erosion of traditional disarmament frameworks, Kenya continues to serve as a vital anchor for regional stability.

    Kenya is hosting the United Nations Environment Programme and UN-Habitat offices but through the expansion programme it will be home to three more agencies: the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and UN Women.

    Ms. Baerbock commended Kenya for its support for the UN saying that has been reciprocated by the expansion of the body’s only office in the Global South saying the role of Kenya and Africa is critical for the UN’s future.

    “The coming of more agencies to Nairobi proves the attractiveness of Nairobi and Kenya and the UN is looking forward to increasing this global partnership,” she noted.

  • Ruto congratulates India’s PM on his leadership milestone

    Ruto congratulates India’s PM on his leadership milestone

    President William Ruto has congratulated India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modia for attaining a major milestone in his career by becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister.

    Through his official social media platforms, President Ruto said Modi’s leadership reflected the trust and confidence by the people of India accross three consecutive mandates in the world’s largest democracy.

    “Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on attaining a historic milestone in public service, as today you become the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history,” said President Ruto.

    “Your journey from humble beginnings to this position is a testament to dedication, perseverance and public service,” he added.

    In his message, the Head of State said that Kenya valued its partnership with India and looked forward to deepening cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

    Modi took office on May 26th, 2014 and surpassed Jawaharlal Nehru’s previous tenure record of 4,398 days as an elected leader.

    He is India’s first non-Congress Prime Minister to complete two full terms and be re-elected for a third consecutive term.

    PM Modi previously served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat for over 12 years (2001–2014), making him one of the longest-serving heads of an elected government in India’s history.

  • Mediation Committee breaks revenue impasse, agrees on Ksh428B for counties

    Mediation Committee breaks revenue impasse, agrees on Ksh428B for counties

    The Mediation Committee on the Division of Revenue Bill, 2026 has reached a breakthrough after agreeing on an equitable share allocation of Ksh 428 billion for County Governments, ending weeks of intense negotiations between the National Assembly and the Senate.

    The agreement, reached after seven meetings, also paved the way for the reinstatement of Clause 5, a provision aimed at protecting County allocations from arbitrary cuts arising from national revenue shortfalls.

    Announcing the agreement, co-chairperson and Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson Samuel Atandi welcomed the compromise, saying it reflected the spirit of consensus and national interest.

    “We have settled on Ksh 428 billion. This is a constitutional imperative and Kenyans are going to be happy,” said Atandi.

    Senate Finance and Budget Committee Chairperson Sen. Ali Roba described the negotiations as difficult but necessary.

    “It has been a very difficult but cordial engagement with the objective of pushing the country forward. Mediation happens in one of the most difficult settings,” said Sen. Roba. “We need to finish processing the Division of Revenue Bill so that we can process the County Allocation of Revenue Bill and get the disbursement schedule on time to unlock funds for counties.”

    He further urged county governments to dedicate part of the allocation towards clearing pending bills.

    Lawmakers hailed the compromise as a victory for devolution and fiscal responsibility.

    “We have come to an agreement,” said Hon. Japheth Nyakundi.

    Hon. Christopher Aseka supported the settlement, noting that both levels of government required adequate resources.

    “This Ksh 428 billion is agreeable. We need our counties to run as well as national programmes and projects,” he said.

    Senator Ledama Olekina, while supporting the deal, challenged the National Assembly and the National Treasury to guarantee that counties receive the agreed funds in full.

    “Let’s take this Ksh 428 billion. I am happy that we have agreed on Clause 5,” he said, while calling for stricter oversight of expenditure under Article 223 of the Constitution.

    On his part, Senator Eddy Oketch applauded the goodwill demonstrated during the negotiations but emphasized the need for stronger accountability mechanisms at the county level.

    “I want to applaud the National Assembly for pushing us on accountability,” said Oketch. “As much as we are fighting for funds to counties, we as the Senate need to hold county governors to account and prevent misappropriation.”

    Senator Mohammed Faki said the agreement would provide stability for counties but expressed hope that additional conditional allocations and Equalisation Fund arrears would also be addressed.

    “This afternoon we have agreed on Ksh 428 billion, but we hope to receive conditional allocations and the deficit of the Equalisation Fund to ensure counties remain running,” said Faki.

    Following the agreement, the Members National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Senate Committee on Finance and Budget will table reports in their respective House for subsequent consideration.

  • US strikes Iran in response to downing of military helicopter

    US strikes Iran in response to downing of military helicopter

    The US says it has carried out a series of strikes on Iranian military and surveillance sites in response to the downing of an American helicopter in the Gulf.

    Air defence systems, ground control stations and radar sites were targeted near the Strait of Hormuz, the US military Central Command (Centcom) said.

    In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it launched strikes on 21 targets at US bases in the region, one in Bahrain and the other in Jordan, while Kuwait’s army said it was also intercepting an attack.

    The US has described its strikes as “a proportional response” for the Apache helicopter downing on Monday, while the IRGC described the attacks as “vicious”.

    Centcom earlier said two crew members from the helicopter were rescued by an American sea drone. It was the first time the US military publicly confirmed that type of vessel was used in such an operation.

    According to US officials, Iran used a drone to launch the attack on the helicopter. But it is not clear whether the Iranian drone had deliberately attacked, an unnamed US official told CBS News, the BBC’s US partner. The semi-official Mehr News Agency reported that Iran had not claimed responsibility for the downed aircraft.

    In response, Centcom said US fighter jets “struck Iranian air defense, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites near the Strait of Hormuz”.

    The IRGC said US strikes had damaged a telecommunications tower and two water tanks.

    Iran said the US had targeted the cities of Jask and Sirik, and Qeshem – an island in the Gulf.

    Centcom released the statement saying the mission was “completed” just over three hours after it announced an initial wave of strikes triggered by the downing of the US helicopter on Monday.

    US officials are yet to comment on reports of attacks on its bases and it is unclear if there has been any damage. However, an air raid alert was issued in Bahrain, according to local authorities who said Iranian attacks had been repelled.

    US President Donald Trump said earlier on Tuesday the downed helicopter had been patrolling the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping channel that was effectively closed days after the US launched its first strikes on Iran in late February.

    “There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.”

    In Washington, US House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was in the room with Trump when he decided that US attacks on Iran should resume.

    “We lament that it became necessary,” said the top Republican in Congress, adding that “we’re going to have to take care of this business”.

    Iran’s foreign minister issued a threat to the US in the aftermath of the renewed US attacks, saying the country “will leave no attack or threat unanswered”.

    “Despite its defeats on the battlefield, the US opted to test our determination,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X.

    He added: “Leave our region if you want to be safe.”

    Araghchi said on Tuesday that foreign forces near Iran’s territory were at “constant risk on account of their own human errors, plain accidents or potentially being caught in crossfire”.

    “To reduce risk, best solution is for them [foreign forces] to leave,” the Iranian leader said in a post on X.

  • Ruto urges Norwegian entrepreneurs to invest in Kenya

    Ruto urges Norwegian entrepreneurs to invest in Kenya

    President William Ruto has called on Norwegian entrepreneurs to take advantage of the many opportunities in Kenya as they pursue business in Africa.

    Citing a youthful population and the country’s strategic location in the continent, the President said Kenya is the ideal destination for investors from Norway.

    “Kenya brings a young and dynamic workforce, a rapidly growing economy, a strategic location at the heart of Africa, and one of the cleanest energy systems in the world,” he said at the Norway-Kenya Business Forum in Oslo on Tuesday.

    He added: “Norway brings world-leading expertise in clean energy, maritime technology, sustainable fisheries, and long-term capital backed by a sovereign wealth fund of $2 trillion that stands as a global model of patient and responsible investment.”

    President Ruto said Norway is playing an increasingly important role in Kenya’s transformation, citing Kenya’s National Electric Mobility Policy as well as other partnerships in the blue economy and fisheries.

    Noted that though trade between Kenya and Norway is comparatively low at $54 million in 2025, there is an opportunity to grow it to $500 million by 2030.

    Present were First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, among other officials.

    Earlier, President Ruto held discussions with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association in Oslo on ways of advancing Kenya’s blue economy sector.

    During the meeting, the President secured a commitment from Wilhemsen Ship Management and other Norwegian shipping companies to hire 120 seafarers by the end of this year, and an extra 1,000 by 2030.

    Later, President Ruto met Norway’s Finance minister Jens Stolenberg at Government House. The minister explained Norway’s successful management of the $2.1 trillion Government Pension Fund and the country’s Sovereign Wealth Fund.

    Currently, Kenya is in the process of legislating the creation of a similar fund to manage future revenues from the country’s natural resources.

    Meanwhile, the President also met Norway’s Crown Prince Haakon at the Royal Palace.

    He also paid a courtesy call on the president of Norway’s Parliament Masud Gharakhani.

    Later, he addressed the Oslo Forum 2026 High-Level Public Event where he championed reform of the global multilateral system to make it more responsive to the needs of Africa and the Global South.

  • Kindiki says Govt ready to respond to Ebola, warns against disease politicization  

    Kindiki says Govt ready to respond to Ebola, warns against disease politicization  

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the Government is alert and ready to handle any reported case of Ebola virus in the country, warning against politicization of preventive measures being rolled out.

    The DP said adequate resources have been allocated for the measures that include thorough surveillance in all entry points, establishment of isolation and treatment centres, acquisition of requisite equipment and personnel training.

    “We have set aside enough resources to make sure we satisfactorily manage the situation. Our response capacity is being upscaled. The Ministry of Health has received the full government support to protect our people from this dangerous disease,” DP said.

    The Second in Command on Tuesday engaged Ministry of Health officials led by Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale at Harambee House Annex Office, Nairobi on the status of the Ebola response preparations.

    “The government through the Ministry is making every effort to ensure we prevent an occurrence of Ebola in our country. We are doing this in collaboration with regional and international partners including WHO, the Africa CDC and US CDC and other partners,” DP added.

    Kenya has not reported an Ebola infection and all the 64 cases tested so far turned out negative.

    Nonetheless, the DP said the country is on high alert, asking Kenyans not to panic but be on the lookout for any suspicious symptoms and present themselves for medical attention in case of such.

    “We have heightened surveillance in our points of entry. We are calling on members of the public not to panic but in case of symptoms they feel are unusual they should get medical attention. We are also encouraging Kenyans to postpone travelling to places where the disease has been reported unless it is really essential,” DP stated.

    The DP warned against attempts to politicise the measures to prevent the deadly virus encouraging the Ministry of Health to press ahead with plans to protect Kenyans from exposure.

    “We cannot politicise an epidemic. We don’t want the politicization and sensationalism that some of the members are bringing into a straightforward public health issue like this,” he noted.

    So far, 23 isolation and treatment centres have been set up across the country in anticipation of an outbreak. Also, more health professionals are being trained on quick response.

    “We have a core number of health professionals who have experience on treatment of this disease. We are building capacity to raise the number,” DP said.

    The Deputy President called on the Ministry to ramp up its communication on disease awareness, response preparation and other preventive measures being put in place.

    “I assure the members of the public that we are taking measures for infection prevention control and provision of necessary operational and logistical support so that in the unlikely event of occurrence of an incident it can be taken care of early and quickly,” DP indicated.

    Also present were Principal Secretaries Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), Director General for Health Patrick Amoth and senior Ministry officials.