Author: Muraya Kamunde

  • Mediation Committee moves closer to resolving Division of Revenue Bill 

    Mediation Committee moves closer to resolving Division of Revenue Bill 

    ­The Mediation Committee considering the Division of Revenue Bill, 2026, has made progress towards resolving differences between the National Assembly and the Senate over the equitable share of revenue allocated to County Governments.

    The joint sitting, co-chaired by National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairperson Samuel Atandi and Senate Finance and Budget Committee Chair Sen. Ali Roba, noted “tangible goodwill” as both sides moved closer to compromise on the contentious fiscal framework governing county allocations.

    At the centre of the talks is Clause 5, which seeks to shield counties from abrupt budget disruptions in the event of revenue shortfalls.

    “The purpose of Clause 5 is to insulate counties from arbitrary expenditure cuts due to revenue shortfalls. This clause is critical as it gives effect to Article 219 of the Constitution,” Senator Roba said, stressing that counties lack borrowing flexibility compared to the national government.

    Atandi confirmed that the National Assembly had agreed in principle to reinstate the clause after consultations with the National Treasury.

    “We are here to undertake a constitutional responsibility. The economy is not capable of raising sufficient revenue to meet all competing demands. We must be realistic,” he said.

    On her part, Senator Tabitha Mutinda welcomed the agreement on Clause 5, describing it as a major step forward in strengthening predictability of county budgets.

    On the fiscal figure, the two Houses have progressively narrowed their positions from an initial Ksh 420 billion proposal by the National Assembly and Ksh 450 billion by the Senate.

    MP Atandi indicated that the House had moved its ceiling upward to Ksh 425 billion, “We have moved from Ksh 420 billion to Ksh 425 billion on our side. We believe this is factual and realistic given the revenue environment.”

    Senator Ali Roba, however, maintained that counties require stronger support, proposing Ksh 440 billion as a balanced outcome, noting that both sides had already demonstrated flexibility.

    “The counties will smile at Ksh 440 billion. We are aware of the economic situation, but we must still support devolution,” he said.

    Senator Eddy Oketch echoed the push for stronger county financing, arguing that scientific assessment places optimal allocation at approximately Ksh 445 billion, citing stalled development projects and pending obligations including the Equalisation Fund arrears.

    Other legislators, including MPs Mwengi Mutuse and Christopher Aseka, pushed for consensus noting that revenue shortfalls and global economic pressures must guide final determination.

    MP Mutuse noted that allocations had risen steadily over recent years and proposed that any future revenue surpluses could trigger supplementary adjustments through amendments to the Division of Revenue framework.

    In his closing remarks, Senator Ali Roba said both sides had demonstrated goodwill and agreed to adjourn to allow further consultations.

    “We have made significant progress from Ksh 450 billion to Ksh 440 billion and from Ksh 420 billion to Ksh 425 billion. We adjourn and reconvene tomorrow at 1.00pm. Whatever we agree here must pass both Houses,” he said.

    The Mediation Committee agreed to undertake further consultations before reconvening, expressing confidence that a consensus would be reached to facilitate the timely enactment of the Division of Revenue Bill, 2026, and ensure continued funding for county governments and national programmes.

  • Second Lady urges youth-led partnerships in environmental action

    Second Lady urges youth-led partnerships in environmental action

    Second Lady Dr. Joyce Kithure has called for stronger collaboration between young people, community organisations and institutions in driving environmental protection efforts, saying sustainable change will only be achieved through collective responsibility.

    Speaking during a World Environment Day clean-up exercise in Kibra, Nairobi, Dr. Kithure said the climate crisis demands sustained partnerships across all sectors of society, particularly at the community level where environmental challenges are most visible.

    She noted that issues such as waste management, pollution, and environmental degradation cannot be addressed by government alone, stressing the need for citizens, schools, community groups and development partners to work together in building cleaner and healthier neighbourhoods.

    “The challenges we face, including waste management, pollution, deforestation and climate change, require more than goodwill. They require sustained partnerships between government institutions, academia, community organisations and citizens. No single institution can solve these challenges alone,” she said.

    The event, held in Kibra to mark World Environment Day 2026 under the global theme of Climate Action, brought together students, youth groups, volunteers, community leaders and residents who participated in a large-scale clean-up exercise aimed at promoting environmental responsibility.

    Dr. Kithure said the participation of young people in such initiatives was a positive sign, noting that youth are not only beneficiaries of environmental programmes but also key drivers of innovation and leadership in climate action.

    “I am especially encouraged by the active participation of young people in today’s exercise. The youth are not just beneficiaries of environmental action; they are leaders and innovators of today. Their energy, creativity and determination are essential in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future,” she said.

    Through her initiative, Science Adding Value to the Environment and the Communities (SaVE Communities), Dr. Kithure said efforts have been made to turn environmental awareness into practical, community-based action across the country.

    Over the past year, SaVE Communities has conducted clean-up exercises in several informal settlements, including Dandora and Kawangware, working closely with local residents, youth groups and community leaders to promote environmental stewardship and responsible waste management.

    Dr. Kithure said these engagements have demonstrated that when communities are empowered with knowledge and resources, they are capable of leading meaningful environmental change from the ground up.

    She further called for stronger civic responsibility among Kenyans, urging households, schools and workplaces to adopt simple but consistent practices such as waste reduction, recycling and proper disposal of waste materials.

    According to her, small actions, when replicated across communities, have the power to create significant environmental impact over time.

    Dr. Kithure also emphasised that World Environment Day should not be treated as a symbolic annual event, but rather as a continuous call to action that reinforces long-term behavioural change and collective responsibility.

    She thanked Kibra residents, community leaders, volunteers and partners who participated in the clean-up exercise, saying their involvement reflects a growing awareness of the importance of environmental conservation at the grassroots level.

    “Let this World Environment Day not be an isolated event, but a renewed commitment to continuous action. Together, we can build cleaner neighbourhoods, stronger communities and a more resilient Kenya for present and future generations,” she said.

  • Partnerships drive major progress in Mau Forest conservation efforts

    Partnerships drive major progress in Mau Forest conservation efforts

    In a major push for climate resilience and economic empowerment, the Government has mobilised private sector leaders, development partners, and communities to accelerate the restoration of the Mau Forest Complex, the country’s largest water tower.

    A critical national asset, the Mau Forest sustains millions of livelihoods, feeds major rivers and lakes, supports agriculture and provides essential water to urban centres across Kenya.

    Speaking at a resource mobilisation exercise at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi, Dr Engineer Festus Ng’eno, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Environment and Climate Change, unveiled ambitious plans for the upcoming Second Edition of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP).

    He emphasised that the Mau Forest Complex remains Kenya’s most strategic water tower, underpinning national water security, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and clean energy production.

    The initiative, launched in 2025 while being presided over by President William Ruto, highlights a critical shift in modern conservation methods as forest conservation is no longer just about planting trees but also a vital pillar for sustaining national economies and boosting household incomes.

    A standout feature of the MFC-ICLIP model is its emphasis on a community-driven approach. Rather than locking local communities out, the program actively integrates them into the conservation fabric through the innovative Trees Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (TELIS), an evolved version of the traditional Shamba System.

    Under TELIS, community members are granted land allocations to grow food crops while simultaneously tending to young tree seedlings. This dual approach has proven to be an absolute game-changer.

    PS Ng’eno noted that since its launch, MFC-ICLIP has generated immense political goodwill and served as a blueprint for other ecosystems.

    The model has successfully birthed other initiatives across Kenya, including the Mt. Elgon ICLIP Programme, Oloolua Ecosystem Restoration Programme, the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem CHERISH Programme and the Nandi Forest Ecosystem Programme, currently under development.

    These regional initiatives tie directly into Kenya’s broader National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy, which targets the growing of 15 billion trees to restore degraded wetlands, forests, and critical water catchments to achieve increased tree and forest cover.

    “While the first phase achieved remarkable milestones using only about 40% of its budget, the challenge ahead remains vast,” Dr. Ng’eno highlighted. “The upcoming Second Edition aims to scale up these delivery mechanisms and restore an additional 4,000 hectares of land,” he said.

    To solidify these goals, the State Department signed several pivotal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with programmatic partners, including Takataka ni Mali CBO, Farm life and Somo Africa.

    The fundraising event was attended by partners and from both the government and the private sector who echoed the sentiment that investing in the Mau is an investment in long-term water security, clean energy, and national prosperity.

    The Chief Guest at the function, KCB Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo, while addressing partners noted that “the success of our customers, communities, and economies depends on our ability to mitigate climate risks and adapt to a changing environment.”

    Through deliberate investments in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable enterprises, afforestation, and reforestation, the private sector vowed to continue to support solutions that strengthen climate resilience while creating long-term value.

  • Ruto challenges African entrepreneurs to prioritize Intra-Africa trade

    Ruto challenges African entrepreneurs to prioritize Intra-Africa trade

    President William Ruto has challenged African businesses and entrepreneurs to stop looking overseas for markets and begin trading more aggressively in Africa.

    The President noted that Africa’s market is increasingly becoming the next biggest frontier for trade and investment, and innovation in the world.

    Addressing a joint Kenya-South Africa Business Forum in Midrand, Johannesburg on Thursday, alongside South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, President Ruto said the two nations, as “economic anchors” of Eastern and Southern Africa, must take the lead in building integrated value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    “My hope is that we leave here with concrete opportunities, not merely good intentions,” he told the audience comprising government officials and top business leaders from the two countries.

    He added: “Transformation begins here. Together, our two nations command the financial strength, industrial capacity, entrepreneurial talent, and innovation ecosystems to power Africa’s next chapter.”

    Bilateral trade between Kenya and South Africa reached about $680 million in 2025, with President Ruto calling the result “meaningful progress, but also a measure of how much potential remains untapped”.

    Kenya exports tea, coffee, horticulture, cut flowers and manufactured goods to South Africa and imports machinery, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, steel and industrial inputs.

    More than 60 South African companies operate in Kenya across various sectors, including banking, insurance, retail, manufacturing, telecommunications, infrastructure, and real estate.

    South Africa is one of Kenya’s leading sources of foreign direct investment even as Kenyan companies expand southwards.

    President Ruto said that complementarity between the two countries and businesses should translate into deeper industrial cooperation.

    “Let us collaborate boldly in automotive assembly, mineral beneficiation, agro-processing, and green manufacturing,” he said.

    The President pointed out that the AfCFTA is “among the greatest economic opportunities of our generation”, but noted that intra-African trade still lags far behind the global average.

    He commended progress towards the convergence of COMESA, Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) under the Tripartite Free Trade Area, and offered Kenya as host for this free trade area ecosystem to unlock a market of 800 million people, which feeds into the AfCFTA.

    He also pushed for investment in agro-processing and logistics to cut Africa’s food import bill.

    “Africa cannot keep spending billions importing food while our own farmers and agro-industries stand ready to feed the continent,” President Ruto noted.

    He positioned Kenya as a hub for global business services, citing a young, English-speaking workforce, digital infrastructure and a time zone bridging Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

    He invited South African and multinational companies to use Kenya as a regional base for Business Processing Outsourcing and technology services.

    On infrastructure, President Ruto highlighted the Port of Mombasa and the Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor in Eastern Africa, and the ports of Durban, Cape Town, Richards Bay and Ngqura as critical transport and logistical corridors.

    In addition, he welcomed the partnership talks between Kenya Airways and South African Airways to boost trade, tourism and regional integration.

    President Ruto also urged African financial institutions, pension funds and private equity to mobilise long-term capital for development in the continent, noting that Kenya’s new National Infrastructure Fund and Sovereign Wealth Fund were vehicles for patient investment in energy, housing, logistics and industry.

    “Governments can build enabling environments, but it is the private sector that drives transformation,” he said. “I therefore urge business leaders to convert the opportunities of this forum into concrete investments, joint ventures, and lasting commercial partnerships.”

    Kenya, he explained, is rolling out reforms to ease doing business, strengthen investor protection and deepen regional integration through its Investment One-Stop Centre.

    On his part, President Ramaphosa expressed South Africa’s commitment to reducing import duties on Kenyan agricultural products, joking that “we need to bring in more Kenyan tea and have more South Africans drinking more Kenyan tea”.

    He called for business fora in the future to be judged “in terms of rands and shillings” of the deals closed.

    The forum was co-hosted by both Presidents on the second and last day of President Ruto’s State Visit to South Africa aimed at elevating Kenya-South Africa relations to a Strategic Partnership.

  • Nyamira County Assembly Clerk to appear in Court over graft

    Nyamira County Assembly Clerk to appear in Court over graft

    Nyamira County Assembly Clerk Duke Simeon Onyari is set to appear before the anti-corruption court in Nyamira to face graft charged charges including abuse of office.

    Onyari was arrested yesterday by officers from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over alleged corruption and loss of Ksh 30 million in the construction of the Nyamira County Assembly office block.

    Confirming the arrest, EACC said their investigations revealed alleged irregularities in the procurement and award for the construction of an office block to Jetta Builders Limited by the County Assembly of Nyamira.

    Speaking to the press at the EACC South Nyanza Regional offices in Kisii town, the Regional Manager Alfred Mwachugha noted the County Assembly of Nyamira had recommended the award of the tender to Jeta Builders, despite not being the lowest evaluated bidder.

    The Commission said that it is also pursuing other suspects believed to be linked to the case.

    More to follow…

  • Gatunga market project creates jobs, sparks hope

    Gatunga market project creates jobs, sparks hope

    Residents of Gatunga in Tharaka Nithi County are eagerly awaiting the completion of the modern Gatunga Market, a project already transforming lives through job creation and improved business opportunities.

    Speaking at the construction site, site foreman Benson Rangira said the project has created employment opportunities for many local residents since construction began last year.

    “I came here in August last year, though I had been visiting the site even before the project officially started,” said Rangira. “Since the work began, people from this area have really appreciated the project because many of them have been getting jobs here.”

    According to him, most of the workers currently employed at the site are residents from Gatunga and the surrounding areas, although the project has also attracted workers from other regions due to the growing labour demand.

    “At times we have more than 50 workers on site, so we cannot rely only on people from this area only. We also employ people from outside, especially students and women,” he explained.

    A central pillar of President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) is the modernization of local trading hubs to improve the dignity and productivity of traders.

    President Ruto has frequently emphasized that his administration aims to move traders from “the streets and mud” into “modern markets with electricity, water, and storage facilities” viewing these as the engines of the local economy.

    The foreman said excitement among traders and residents has continued to grow as the market nears completion, with many locals frequently visiting the site to check on the progress.

    “People are very happy with this project and they keep asking us when it will be completed so they can move in. For now, due to regulations, not everyone can access the site, but market leaders are allowed in and they already know how impressive it looks,” he said.

    He added that the modern market is expected to boost economic activities in Gatunga by supporting small-scale traders, boda boda operators and suppliers within the region.

    “The government’s target was to support ‘mama mboga’ traders and boda boda riders, and this market will really help them. Traders will no longer struggle to transport goods by themselves because suppliers will be bringing products directly to the market.” He said.

    “Even boda boda riders are already benefiting from the increased activity,” Rangira added.

    The facility is also expected to improve convenience for traders and customers through modern amenities such as a kitchen, ICT section and cold storage facilities.

    He further explained that the inclusion of cold rooms will help traders dealing with perishable goods such as tomatoes and vegetables reduce post-harvest losses.

    Once complete, the Gatunga Market is expected to become a major economic hub in Tharaka Nithi, improving trade, creating more employment opportunities and offering modern services to local businesses and residents.

    The region is also set to benefit from development activities within the county as the Mioponi- Gatunga road road also surges towards completion. This will complete a cycle making trade activities in the region more fluid.

  • Health Ministry dismisses reports of Ebola case in Kenya

    Health Ministry dismisses reports of Ebola case in Kenya

    The Ministry of Health has dismissed reports of a suspected Ebola case in the country.

    This follows after reports circulating on social media regarding a suspected case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) from AAR Hospital in Kiambu County

    According to Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, relevant public health experts took samples from the suspected patient for analysis which later turned out negative for Ebola Virus Disease.

    “The Ministry wishes to inform the public that laboratory analysis has confirmed that the patient tested negative for Ebola Virus Disease. Based on the epidemiological investigations conducted and the laboratory findings, the reported case is not Ebola,” said PS Muthoni.

    She said the Ministry still remains on high alert with surveillance systems across the country continue to operate at heightened readiness, and preparedness to manage any suspected public health threat.

    Following the public scare, PS Muthoni urged members of the public to seek information from official and verified sources and to refrain from sharing unconfirmed reports that may cause unnecessary alarm or confusion.

    “Timely, accurate, and responsible communication is essential in supporting effective public health action and safeguarding our communities,” she added.

    Meanwhile, senior health officials in Africa led by Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni have called for concerted efforts to deal with the spread of Ebola even as they seek to have a common stand.

    The virtual meeting held Wednesday morning; the over 50 health officials from the Continent were concerned about stopping the devastating Ebola outbreak before it spreads further across the continent.

    The discussions also focused on the challenges slowing containment efforts, including inadequate contact tracing, porous borders, weak surveillance systems, and limited access to medical resources needed to respond quickly to outbreaks.

    Leaders agreed on a series of priority actions, including strengthening cross-border surveillance and contact tracing, harmonizing screening measures at points of entry, improving laboratory and diagnostic capacity, enhancing community engagement, protecting frontline health workers, and mobilising sustainable financing for outbreak preparedness and response.

  • EACC arrests Nyamira County Assembly Clerk over graft

    EACC arrests Nyamira County Assembly Clerk over graft

    Nyamira County Assembly Clerk Duke Simeon Onyari has been arrested over alleged corruption and the loss of Ksh 30 million in the construction of the County Assembly office block.

    According to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), the arrest comes after investigations indicated that the alleged irregularities relate to the award of the construction tender to Jetta Builders Limited, against the procurement laws.

    The Commission is also pursuing other suspects believed to be linked to the case.

    More to follow…

  • 10 convicted in Ksh51M Kilifi County payout scandal

    10 convicted in Ksh51M Kilifi County payout scandal

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has secured a major victory in its fight against corruption following the conviction and sentencing of 10 individuals and companies involved in a Ksh 51 million fraud linked to the County Government of Kilifi.

    In a sentencing ruling delivered by Chief Magistrate E.K. Usui of the Malindi Anti-Corruption Court, the Court observed that the offences occasioned significant economic loss to Kilifi County and undermined development efforts intended to improve the welfare of residents. The Court further noted that the proceeds of crime were largely utilized for personal enrichment and had not been refunded.

    The convicted persons and entities were found to have benefited from the illegal and fraudulent transfer of public funds between 19 September and 7 October 2016, during which officials of the County Government of Kilifi irregularly paid out Ksh 51,569,775 for services not rendered and goods not supplied to six private companies.

    The companies include; Daima One Enterprises, Zohali Services Limited, Makegra Suppliers Limited, Kilingi Investments Limited, Leadership Edge Associates and Jahazi Investments Company Limited.

    While considering mitigation, the Court acknowledged that the convicts were first offenders, family breadwinners, and had endured lengthy trial proceedings and financial strain during the pendency of the case.

    However, the Court emphasized the growing prevalence of corruption and economic crimes in the country and underscored the need for deterrent sentences.

    The Court imposed substantial fines, mandatory penalties equivalent to the benefits derived from the offences, and custodial sentences in default of payment. All sentences relating to each accused person are to run consecutively.

    Among those sentenced was Sarah Wangui Kamau  who was fined Ksh 17,461,880, including mandatory penalties equivalent to benefits derived from the offences. In default of payment, she will serve a cumulative prison term of 5 years and 8 months.

    Mary Munyiva Kamau was sentenced to cumulative fines totaling Ksh 26,026,356, including mandatory penalties equivalent to benefits derived from the offences. In default, she will serve 13 years’ imprisonment.

    Makegra Supplies Limited through its director Mary Munyiva Kamau, was fined a cumulative Ksh 25,726,356, with a default custodial sentence of 10 years.

    Stephen Mutua Nguzi received cumulative fines totaling Ksh 16,301,904. In default, he will serve 7 years’ imprisonment.

    Kilingi Investment Company Limited through its director Stephen Mutua Nguzi, was fined Ksh15,901,904, with a default custodial sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment.

    Samuel Buku Macharia was sentenced to cumulative fines totaling Ksh 18,581,820. In default, he will serve 7 years’ imprisonment.

    Leadership Edge Associates through its director Samuel Buku Macharia, was fined Ksh18,181,820, with a default custodial sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment.

    Lucy Wanjugu Kibogo received cumulative fines amounting to Ksh 38,288,054, inclusive of mandatory penalties tied to benefits obtained from the offences. In default, she will serve 15 years and 6 months’ imprisonment.

    Jahazi Investment Company Limited through its director Lucy Wanjugu Kibogo, was fined Ksh 15,205,900 and faces 6 years and 6 months’ imprisonment in default.

    Zohali Services Limited through its director Lucy Wanjugu Kibogo, was fined a cumulative Ksh24,461,290, with a default custodial sentence of 13 years’ imprisonment.

    The Court granted all convicts 14 days within which to lodge an appeal.

    Welcoming the ruling, EACC described the judgment as a strong affirmation of Kenya’s commitment to accountability, integrity in public service, and the fight against corruption and money laundering.

    “The ruling sends a clear message that individuals and entities involved in the theft and laundering of public funds will be held personally accountable for their actions,” said EACC.

    EACC said it will remain steadfast in its mandate to investigate corruption, recover stolen public assets, and safeguard public resources for the benefit of all Kenyans

  • Isiolo doctors commence strike after County fails to address grievances

    Isiolo doctors commence strike after County fails to address grievances

    Doctors in Isiolo have officially commenced an industrial strike after the expiry of a 21-day strike notice issued to the County Government.

    The strike, which began Tuesday evening, was announced by officials of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Upper Eastern Branch following what they described as the County Government’s failure to address longstanding concerns affecting healthcare workers.

    Speaking during the official commencement of the strike, KMPDU Upper Eastern Branch Chairperson, Dr. Kananu Kubai, said the decision to down tools was reached after repeated efforts to engage the county government yielded no meaningful results.

    She stated that doctors in Isiolo have endured months of salary delays, non-remittance of statutory deductions, threats, intimidation, and poor working conditions.

    According to Dr. Kubai, the County Government has failed in its responsibility to ensure that healthcare workers receive their salaries remittances on time and lack of medical cover despite doing high risk job. She noted that many doctors have been forced to work under difficult circumstances despite going for several months without pay.

    Dr. Kubai further urged residents of Isiolo County who may have patients admitted in public health facilities within Isiolo or in referral facilities in neighboring Meru County to consider seeking medical care in private hospitals or healthcare facilities outside the county during the period of the strike.

    She emphasized that the union’s decision was not taken lightly but was necessary to compel the county administration to address the doctors’ grievances.

    She also pointed out that doctors in Isiolo have for a long time been subjected to threats and intimidation whenever they raised concerns about their welfare and working conditions. The union, she said, remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of healthcare professionals.

    Also speaking during the announcement, Dr. Dima Adan, a gynecologist and union official working in Isiolo County, called on the county government to treat doctors with the respect and dignity they deserve. He expressed frustration over what he described as stagnation in career progression among medical personnel.

    Dr. Adan revealed that he has remained in the same job group for thirteen years despite his experience, qualifications, and continued service to the people of Isiolo. He argued that the lack of promotions and career advancement opportunities has significantly affected the morale of healthcare workers in the county.

    The strike is expected to affect healthcare services across public health facilities in Isiolo County, raising concerns among residents who depend on government hospitals for medical care.

    Union officials have maintained that the industrial action will continue until the county government addresses the issues raised and implements lasting solutions to improve the welfare of doctors and the delivery of healthcare services.

    As the standoff continues, residents and stakeholders are hoping for swift negotiations between the county government and KMPDU to restore normal healthcare services and prevent further disruption of medical care in the region.