KBC Channel 1

Author: Muraya Kamunde

  • Groundbreaking Chogoria ESP market now 92pc complete

    Groundbreaking Chogoria ESP market now 92pc complete

    The groundbreaking construction of Chogoria ESP Market that is expected to significantly boost the local economy is now 92pc complete, according to the latest inspection report from the State Department of Housing.

    According to the report, the contractor is currently putting the final touches on the project whose completion is expected to boost trade and socioeconomic development in Tharaka Nithi County and surrounding areas.

    Once opened, the market will provide small scale vendors, who have been operating in the open for years, with a dignified environment to do their business, complete with ICT hub, social hall, cold and dry storage as well as a room for lactating mothers to breastfeed their babies, among other things.

    The new market which has seen local small-scale traders and Mama Mboga beaming with optimism has already boosted business in the area since hardware and other building materials were locally sourced.

    The project opened employment opportunities as skilled and unskilled labourers were hired from the surrounding community, the report says.

    “Labour sourced within the locality while local sourcing of construction materials has boosted the area ‘s economy,” it adds.

    Mr Lawrence Kirimi, who sells fast-moving household goods, plastics and utensils, the traders further said that the new market is going to cushion them from losses since they will no longer be operating in the open.

    The main market also has supporting facilities such as the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) hub and internet infrastructure to boost e-commerce, ablution blocks, social hall, hotel, sanitation and waste management and modern and secure vendor stalls.

    “I have been doing this job for fifteen years and we are very grateful to President Ruto for building a market for us here because we have been experiencing many challenges. For instance my goods were at one time swept away by water,” said Kirimi.

    “It was raining and then all my merchandise was swept away with the water. We are very grateful because we  didn’t even have land to build the market here but our President  intervened until we found a space to build a market for us,” he said.

    “Very soon, we are moving in ,” he said, heaping praise on President Ruto for honouring his 2022 election pledge.

    According to him, President Ruto’s pledge to transition the country from a third-world to a first-world was steadily becoming a reality citing infrastructure development such as modern markets, Affordable Housing Program (AHP) and roads.

    “We are honouring our promise to give Mama Mboga and other traders decent places of work, one market after another. The traders have been conducting their activities in open air, exposed to rain, scorching sun, mud and dust,” President Ruto said recently.

    “Now they have a dignified market, with cold storage among other facilities. This is the true meaning of bottom up,” he added.

    Forming the bulk of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women traders in Chogoria have been keeping a close watch on the construction, some even doing their own separate inspection to ensure that project is completed within the time given.

    “I am very happy, because we were selling outside in the open, getting rained on, battling mud and braving hot temperatures; there were a lot of challenges because Chogoria had no land to build a market but this has been made possible through the leadership that we have of our President President William Ruto,” said Mrs Bundi.

  • National Prayer Breakfast to be held on Thursday

    National Prayer Breakfast to be held on Thursday

    The 23rd annual National Prayer Breakfast is set to be held on Thursday, at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.

    The event will be graced by President William Ruto and members from the National Assembly and the Senate among other invited dignitaries.

    Preceding the main event, there will be a Women Leaders’ Convention and Convocation on Wednesday, 27th May 2026.

    The annual event takes place on the last Thursday of May every year.

    The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual ecumenical event offered under the auspices of the Co-Patrons, the Speaker of the Senate and the National Assembly; and organized by a group of dedicated volunteers who make up the National Prayer Breakfast Organizing Committee.

    The purpose of the National Prayer Breakfast is to meet, engage, interact and together pray for the nation in the company of fellow leaders from all sectors of society.

  • Ruto commissions fully energized KETRACO’s 400/220KV Mariakani Substation

    Ruto commissions fully energized KETRACO’s 400/220KV Mariakani Substation

    President William Ruto on Monday commissioned the fully energized 400/220KV Mariakani sub-station- in Kilifi County, developed by the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO).

    The Mariakani Substation is the most strategic power substation in the Coast region and forms a critical gateway linking the Coast to Nairobi through the national transmission grid. The project significantly strengthens electricity transmission capacity while advancing the Government’s Vision 2030 agenda of achieving 100pc renewable energy.

    For decades, the Coast region has heavily relied on expensive thermal generation to meet its electricity demand due to limited renewable energy generation within the region. Following the energization of the Mariakani Substation and associated transmission infrastructure in December 2025, thermal power generation at the Coast has reduced drastically from 100MW to 35MW representing a 65 percent reduction in reliance on fossil-fuel based energy.

    Originally developed as a 220kV facility, the Mariakani Substation has now been upgraded to 400kV, greatly improving power quality, reliability and transmission efficiency across the Coast region, while further enabling the region to draw more power from Olkaria and Suswa Substation, a major national and regional switching center. The enhanced capacity is expected to support rapid industrialization, investment growth and the expansion of Kenya’s Blue Economy initiatives.

    Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, President Ruto reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to accelerating Kenya’s transition to clean and sustainable energy.

    “My Government is committed to adopting innovative, clean and sustainable energy technologies that will drive economic growth while protecting our environment. Projects such as the Mariakani Substation are critical in strengthening our national grid, expanding access to reliable electricity and advancing Kenya’s vision of achieving 100 percent clean energy,” said President Ruto.

    The substation forms part of the Nairobi–Mombasa Transmission Line designed to carry more than 1,000MW of electricity between the two regions while easing pressure on the Coast’s power network.

    The 400/220kV Mariakani Substation is also a strategic component in strengthening Kenya’s national transmission system and the broader East African regional interconnected power network. Reinforcing the national grid is critical in maximizing the operational benefits of the 500kV Ethiopia–Kenya HVDC Interconnector and the 400kV Kenya–Tanzania Interconnector.

    “The Mariakani transmission infrastructure has significantly reduced the Coast region’s reliance on expensive diesel-powered electricity generation by enabling efficient transfer of power between Nairobi and Mombasa through the 400kV Mariakani–Isinya double circuit transmission line. The project has also improved voltage stability and enhanced overall power quality across the region, resulting in a more reliable and efficient electricity supply for homes, businesses and industries,” Said Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias, KETRACO Ag. Managing Director.

    Financing for the Mariakani Substation was provided through a partnership between the Government of Kenya and the African Development Bank (AfDB) at a total project cost of Ksh 4 billion.

    China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd served as the project contractor under the supervision of KETRACO engineers,

    The commissioning of the fully energized Mariakani Substation further cements Kenya’s position as a regional leader in clean energy transition, regional power integration and modern electricity transmission infrastructure.

  • No one is above the law, NCIC warns leaders fueling hate

    No one is above the law, NCIC warns leaders fueling hate

    The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has said that it will not hesitate to take action on any leader found culpable of threatening peace in the country.

    Addressing the media on Monday, NCIC Chairperson Bishop Kepha Nyamweya expressed concern over the political intolerance, hate speech, and ethnic incitement witnessed that could threaten peace in the country.

    The new Chairperson cautioned political leaders against using inflammatory statements saying political influence does not confer immunity from accountability.

    “The commission will not be deterred by rank, prominence, or affiliation when discharging its mandate. Any individual, regardless of position, found to have violated the National Cohesion and integration Act, 2008, will be subject to the full range of remedial and punitive measures available, including prosecutions where the evidence so warrants,” said the NCIC Chairperson.

    NCIC called upon political parties to enforce internal discipline and ensure that their officials, candidates, and supporters adhere to constitutional and legal standards of conduct in all political activities and communications.

    “Parties bear direct institutional responsibility for the conduct of their members and cannot distance themselves from the consequences of the toxic environments they permit or encourage,” he said.

    The Commission also took note of deliberate disruptions of political meetings and public gatherings, inflammatory utterances by politicians and online attacks targeting individuals on account of their political opinion and condemned the incidences that also threaten constitutional democracy.

    NCIC urged the political class to exercise restraint and demonstrate genuine respect for their political opponents.

  • Investigations into death of Kenyan in Australia launched

    Investigations into death of Kenyan in Australia launched

    The Government alongside Australian authorities have commenced investigations surrounding the death of a Kenyan in Sidney, Australia, the Kenyan High Commission in Canberra has said.

    Confirming the death of Ms. Sheila Chebii Monday morning, the Embassy said they are actively engaged with the relevant Australian authorities with the view of seeking factual information concerning the incident in accordance with Australian laws and procedures.

    The High Commission noted that it was aware of concerns raised regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident and urged members of the public to refrain from speculation until investigations into the matter are completed.

    “The High Commission urges members of the public to refrain from speculation or dissemination of unverified information while the relevant authorities undertake the necessary investigations and official processes,” the statement read.

    The High Commission said that it is committed in protecting the welfare and interests of Kenyan nations in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Island countries and will continue to engage through appropriate channels.

    The Commission is set to provide further updates on investigations subject to the availability of verified official information.

  • Murang’a County offers relief to businesses affected by protest looting

    Murang’a County offers relief to businesses affected by protest looting

    Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has offered financial support to business owners who suffered losses after their premises were broken into and looted during last week’s nationwide protests against the high cost of fuel.

    The County Government disbursed Ksh 440,000 from its emergency fund to assist the affected traders, noting that the amount may not fully cover the damages but is intended to provide some relief.

    Murang’a Deputy Governor Stephen Munania condemned the widespread destruction witnessed during the demonstrations. He emphasized that while picketing is a constitutional right, it must be exercised lawfully and without destruction of property.

    Township Ward MCA Charles Machigo applauded the county government for the initiative, saying the support will go a long way in restoring hope among the local business community.

    Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance.

    Joyce Wangui, whose phone shop was looted and merchandise worth thousands of shillings stolen, received Ksh 100,000. She said the support would help her recover faster.

    Meanwhile, Jane Njeri, a fruit vendor, received Ksh 10,000 and noted that the funds would help her restart her business.

  • Trump tells US negotiators ‘not to rush’ into deal with Iran

    Trump tells US negotiators ‘not to rush’ into deal with Iran

    US President Donald Trump says he has instructed negotiators “not to rush into a deal” with Iran, after earlier suggesting an agreement was close.

    The deal under discussion reportedly involves a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and a plan for further negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

    In a social media post, Trump said “constructive” talks were proceeding but “both sides must take their time and get it right”.

    Trump said on Saturday an agreement had been “largely negotiated”, prompting speculation an announcement could be imminent.

    Iranian officials gave similar signals over the weekend, with foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei saying the two sides are both “very close and very far” from reaching an agreement.

    According to US media, the mooted deal is not a final settlement and instead leaves some of the thorniest issues to be negotiated later, including the scope and timing of Iranian sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian funds, and Washington’s demands for Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions.

    On Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to journalists in Delhi, said there was a “pretty solid thing on the table in terms of their ability to open up the strait” and “enter into a very real, significant, time-limited negotiation on the nuclear matter.”

    The reported deal has split Republicans, with some publicly arguing it is too lenient on Iran.

    Senator Ted Cruz said it would be “a disastrous mistake”, while Roger Wicker, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, said a 60-day ceasefire would mean “everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury would be for naught!”

    But Representative Mike Lawler, who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the administration has managed to “force the remnants of this regime into a negotiation, a real negotiation”.

    The US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran on 28 February, sparking conflict across the Middle East. Iran responded by attacking Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, and effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas travels. The move sent oil prices soaring globally.

    Shortly after a ceasefire was agreed in early April, the US established a blockade of Iranian ports which Trump says will remain “in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed”.

    In Sunday’s post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated that Iran “must understand” it cannot develop a nuclear weapon. Tehran has repeatedly said its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes.

    Some reports in US media suggest the deal could see Iran agree to eventually hand over its highly-enriched uranium.

    At the start of the war, Iran is thought to have had about 440kg (970 lbs) of uranium that was enriched up to 60% purity – a short process away from being enriched further to the weapons-grade 90%, which theoretically could allow it to create a nuclear bomb.

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told state TV Iran was ready “to assure the world that we are not after a nuclear weapon.”

    Rubio earlier said that “significant” but “not final” progress had been made in the negotiations. He hinted that progress over the past 48 hours could result in a “completely open strait… without tolls”.

    On Saturday, Baghaei told state television that Iran was in the process of finalising a “memorandum of understanding” which would allow additional talks over a “final agreement”

    Trump also described the deal as a “memorandum of understanding” in a Truth Social post on Saturday.

    Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who has been mediating talks, has said that recent negotiations are “grounds for optimism” that a positive outcome is “within reach”.

  • Oil prices slide on hopes of US-Iran peace deal

    Oil prices slide on hopes of US-Iran peace deal

    Oil prices have fallen sharply and Asian stock markets have risen on hopes of a deal that could bring an end to the US-Israel war with Iran.

    On Saturday, US President Donald Trump said an agreement with Tehran had been “largely negotiated” and details would be announced soon but the following day urged his negotiating team not to rush an agreement.

    On Monday morning in Asia, global oil benchmark Brent was down by 5.5% at $97.90 (£72.64), while US-traded crude was 5.8% lower at $90.99.

    Trump had previously said the deal would include the reopening of the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route, without giving further details.

    The narrow waterway, through which around a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) usually passes, has been effectively closed since the conflict started on 28 February.

    The Nikkei 225 stock index in Japan rose above 65,000 for the first time after gaining 2.9% on hopes that the strait would soon reopen.

    Japan, like nearby South Korea, has been particularly impacted by the conflict as they are heavily reliant on energy from the Gulf.

    UK and US energy and financial markets are closed on Monday for public holidays.

    Trump said on social media on Saturday that he had a “very good call” with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and others about a “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE”.

    “An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed,” Trump said.

    “Final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly.”

    He also said he had a call on Saturday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which “went very well”.

    The president did not give any further details on the deal, but has insisted any agreement would “absolutely” prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

    But on Sunday, he said on Truth Social: “Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!”

    Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei earlier told state television that US and Iranian positions had been converging in the last week, but warned that did not mean agreements would be reached on key issues and accused the Americans of “contradictory statements”.

    Global energy markets have seen big price swings since early March after Iran threatened to attack ships trying to use the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US and Israeli attacks on the country.

    While crude oil prices have fallen sharply today they remain significantly higher than before the war.

    In the lead up to the conflict Brent was trading at around $70 a barrel.

    Tehran also attacked Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

    A ceasefire was agreed in early April, and since then Washington and Tehran have engaged in talks over a long-term peace deal.

    “There is now some light at the end of the tunnel, which will bring some near term oil price relief,” Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Financial.

    “But even in the most optimistic scenario from here, oil markets will remain tight through 2027 given the time required to normalise oil flows through the Strait, repair damaged oil facilities, and rebuild global oil stocks that have seen record depletion since the war began,” he added.

     

  • Ebola risk raised to ‘very high’ in DR Congo

    Ebola risk raised to ‘very high’ in DR Congo

    The public health risk from the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been raised from “high” to “very high” by the World Health Organization (WHO).

    In an update on Friday, WHO head Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also said the risk in the wider region in Africa was “high”, but it remained “low” globally.

    The rare species of Ebola, known as Bundibugyo, has no proven vaccine and kills about a third of those infected. So far, the outbreak centred on DR Congo has resulted in 177 suspected deaths and 750 suspected cases.

    It comes as scientists at Oxford University in the UK are developing a new vaccine that could be ready for clinical trials within two to three months.

    Based on the same technology they developed for the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine, there are no guarantees it will prove effective and it will take animal research and trials on people to know if it will be.

    The BBC understands animal testing is already under way in Oxford.

    The Serum Institute of India is lined up to mass produce the Ebola vaccine once Oxford can supply medical-grade material.

    A separate experimental Bundibugyo vaccine is also in development, but it is expected to take six to nine months for any dose to be ready for testing.

    Dr Vasee Moorthy, WHO’s research and development adviser, described that vaccine as “the most promising” earlier this week.

    He said it would be the equivalent of Ervebo, which is already in use for the more common Zaire species of Ebola.

    Speaking at Friday’s news briefing in Geneva, Tedros said: “We are now revising our risk assessment to very high at the national level, high at the regional level, and low at the global level.”

    He said that “so far, 82 cases have been confirmed in DRC, with seven confirmed deaths”.

    Tedros added the situation in neighbouring Uganda – where there have been two confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo species and one death – was “stable”, with both cases from people who had travelled from neighbouring DR Congo.

    Ebola is a rare but deadly disease caused by a virus. Although less deadly than other Ebola species, the rarity of Bundibugyo means there are fewer tools to stop it.

    Ebola viruses normally infect animals, typically fruit bats, but outbreaks among humans can sometimes start when people eat or handle infected animals.

    The WHO chief also said on Friday it was crucial to build trust, warning that violence and insecurity in the war-ravaged region were hampering the response to the Ebola outbreak.

    Some Ebola cases have also been confirmed in rebel-held areas of the DR Congo.

    Tedros was speaking after angry relatives set fire to a hospital in the eastern DR Congo after health workers had refused to release the body of a patient, because of the risk of contamination.

    “They started throwing projectiles at the hospital,” local politician Luc Malembe Malembe told the BBC about the scene he witnessed at Rwampara General Hospital.

    “They even set fire to tents that were being used as isolation wards.”

    In the chaos, police fired warning shots to disperse the crowd.

    The body of a dead Ebola victim is highly infectious and the authorities need to ensure safe burial to stop the spread of the virus.

    Medical workers at the hospital, located near the city of Bunia in Ituri province, where almost all of the cases have been reported, were placed under military protection as the police moved in to restore order.

    Fear has gripped Ebola-hit areas in eastern DR Congo as the suspected number of deaths continues to rise.

    “Ebola has tortured us,” a young taxi rider in Rwampara told the BBC. “I am scared because people are dying very fast… we are really afraid.”

    Fred Kiza, another Rwampara resident, told the BBC that such fear was “normal when there’s a disease like this.”

  • Kindiki tells critics he was part in resolving fuel crisis

    Kindiki tells critics he was part in resolving fuel crisis

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the resolution of the fuel crisis has been achieved through a whole-of-government approach dismissing claims he played no role in it.

    The DP termed reports questioning his whereabouts during the time as uninformed and based on untruths revealing he was at the centre of finding a lasting solution as directed by President William Ruto.

    “They are asking where I was? Where fireman was? They don’t know leadership is not forced. It is about working with everyone that is why you see the President has a Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and other workers who are helping him serve the people,” DP noted.

    Prof. Kindiki said he chaired a meeting with the Cabinet Secretaries before they met the stakeholders.

    “They don’t know I am the one who asked the respective Cabinet Secretaries to meet with the stakeholders after the President directed so. We had a prior meeting together with the CSs before they met the stakeholders. So don’t pay attention to those peddling lies,” he stated.

    The DP spoke on Friday during celebrations to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity and launch of the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration Programme (CHERISH) at Tebe Grounds in Marakwet East, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

    He said he would not hesitate to discharge his duties including being the principal assistant of the President.

    “My principal duty is to assist the President and whenever he asks me to do something I do not hesitate because it is my foremost role as Deputy President,” he emphasized.

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who is Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration Programme (CHERISH) patron, said the Deputy President was actively involved in meetings to solve the stalemate.

    “You work ethic is exemplary. I have known you as my teacher, as my leader in the Senate and a colleague in Cabinet. Many people do not understand your working style because it is results oriented. You called us for a meeting with myself, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir and Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi. When we were done you directed me to chair the meeting with the stakeholders,” CS Murkomen said.

    He accused political opponents of looking for non-existent issues in government because they are not used to people who work as a team.

    “The Deputy President’s work ethic is exemplary. He understands his role very well and does not beat his chest and respects the President,” the CS added.

    Local leaders acknowledged the good work done by the Deputy President dismissing the claims he has not been performing his duties.

    “Since you became Deputy President, everything has fallen in place and we have witnessed a lot of development across the country,” Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich said.

    They urged the DP not to be bothered by idle talk meant to slow him down as he assists the President to deliver the government’s development agenda.

    “We are happy with the work you are doing as Deputy President because we know you are focused and hard working,” said Elgeyo Marakwet Woman Representative Caroline Ngelechei.

    Also present during the event were Enviroment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, PSs Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), Festus Ngeno (Environment), Chris Kiptoo (National Treasury), Salome Beacco (Correctional Services), Joel Arumonyang (Public Works), Belio Kipsang (Immigration), Aurelia Rono (Parliamentary Affairs) and Harry Kimtai (Mining), Governors Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu), Simon Kachapin (West Pokot), Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, MPs Kangogo Bowen (Marakwet East), Timothy Kipchumba (Marakwet West), Adams Kipsanai (Keiyo North) and Gideon Kimaiyo (Keiyo South), host of MCAs and residents.