KBC Channel 1

Author: Prudence Wanza

  • Uhuru arrives in Accra, Ghana for Tana Forum on security in Africa

    Uhuru arrives in Accra, Ghana for Tana Forum on security in Africa

    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived in Accra, Ghana, ahead of the high-level Tana Forum on Security in Africa.

    The continental platform brings together African leaders and stakeholders to discuss African-led solutions to peace, governance, and regional security challenges.

    Upon arrival, Kenyatta was received by Kenya’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Colonel (Rtd) Shem Ishmailidza Amadi.

    According to a statement shared on his official X account, the former president will participate in the forum in his capacity as a member of the Tana Forum Board, a position he assumed in 2024.

    His appointment places him among a select group of former African heads of state providing strategic oversight to the institution.

    Kenyatta’s role at the forum comes amid his broader engagement in continental peace efforts, where he has been serving as an African Union peace envoy and mediator.

    The former president has played an active role in facilitating dialogue processes linked to the Horn of Africa and stabilization efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

  • Kenya records 19,000 snakebite cases annually as deaths top 1,000

    Kenya records 19,000 snakebite cases annually as deaths top 1,000

    Kenya records more than 19,000 snakebite cases each year, resulting in over 1,000 deaths and leaving many survivors with long-term disability, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has said.

    Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Elhadj As Sy on the sidelines of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026, Duale called for stronger national and global action to curb what he described as a growing but neglected burden.

    He said Kenya’s response is anchored in a system-wide approach that integrates snakebite care into Universal Health Coverage, strengthens early detection and referral at the community level, improves surveillance within the national health information system, and applies hotspot mapping to better target high-risk areas.

    Duale revealed that the government is investing in domestic production capacity, with the Kenya Institute of Primate Research advancing locally tailored antivenom designed to address region-specific snake species.

    Plans are also underway to establish a National Antivenom Quality Control Laboratory to enhance safety standards, efficacy and regulatory oversight.

    Additionally, Kenya is positioning itself as a key advocate on the issue at the regional and global level. The CS noted ongoing collaboration with institutions such as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, and the African Union Development Agency to strengthen coordination, accountability and financing for snakebite interventions.

    Kenya has also backed the consolidation phase of the Global Snakebite Taskforce, calling for a results-driven approach grounded in national priorities.

    Focus is now on upcoming milestones, including elevating snakebite as a standalone agenda item at the WHO Africa Regional Committee session in August 2026 and integrating it into the Africa CDC neglected tropical diseases framework at the Conference on Public Health in Africa later in the year.

    Duale was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni and Director-General for Health Patrick Amoth, among other senior officials.

  • Homa Bay: Double tragedy as funeral convoy crash kills two, leaves several injured

    Homa Bay: Double tragedy as funeral convoy crash kills two, leaves several injured

    A double tragedy struck a family in Homa bay when two relatives died after a vehicle in the funeral procession was involved in fatal accident during the collection of the body from a local morgue.

    One of the fatalities was pronounced dead on the sport while three other mourners in the entourage suffered seriously injuries after their vehicle lost control and rolled near Kaduogo trading center along Mbita-Homa Bay County road.

    37-year-old, Austine Ochieng and an unidentified boy who were among the fatalities reported while transporting the body of a relative from MED25 Kirindo Hospital mortuary in Mbita Sub-county to Kalamindi Village in Ndhiwa Sub-county.

    According to the Assistant Chief of Central Kanyabala Sub-location Rose Abot, the impact of the accident threw Ochieng and the boy out of the vehicle before the vehicle ran over them.

    Ochieng died on the spot while the boy died a few minutes later while receiving medication at Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary.

    Meanwhile, three other people sustained serious injuries and were admitted in the hospital.

    The Hospital Chief Executive Officer Vincent Oduor said the three patients were in a stable condition.

    “The boy died on arrival in the hospital. Our health workers are handling the three patients and they are all out of danger.” Dr Oduor said.

    Abot urged road users to be careful while using roads in the area.

    “I advise road users to bide by traffic rules all the times,” Abot said.

    The bodies were moved to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital.

  • WHO warns of immunisation gaps as 20M children miss vaccine doses

    WHO warns of immunisation gaps as 20M children miss vaccine doses

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised concern over gaps in childhood immunisation ahead of World Immunisation Week 2026, observed in the last week of April each year.

    In a statement, WHO indicated that 20 million children missed at least one vaccine dose in 2024, warning that such gaps could reverse progress made in disease prevention.

    The UN health agency noted that disparities in immunisation coverage continue to expose children in different parts of the world to preventable illnesses, despite the availability of effective vaccines.

    WHO said vaccines remain among the most effective public health interventions in modern history, having saved more than 150 million lives globally over the past 50 years.

    “Vaccines have long been one of the most powerful tools in public health,” the agency said.

    It said vaccines continue to prevent more than 30 life-threatening diseases and infections, including measles, diphtheria, pertussis, polio and rotavirus.

    WHO also pointed to newer vaccines targeting malaria, HPV, cholera, dengue, meningitis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Ebola and mpox, saying they are expanding protection across different stages of life and improving health outcomes globally.

    The global health body called on governments and health systems to strengthen vaccine delivery and ensure equitable access, noting that scientific progress alone is not enough without consistent uptake.

    This year, World Immunisation Week 2026 is being held under the theme, “For every generation, vaccines work.”

  • PS Muthoni warns against cholera, typhoid risks as heavy rains persist

    PS Muthoni warns against cholera, typhoid risks as heavy rains persist

    Public Health PS Mary Muthoni has cautioned Kenyans to remain alert against waterborne diseases as heavy rains persist across the country.

    Muthoni urged households to adopt strict hygiene measures, including boiling and chlorinating drinking water, warning that untreated water heightens the risk of infections such as cholera and typhoid during the rainy season.

    She pointed to increased contamination driven by flooding and open defecation in some areas, stressing that rainwater and water from natural sources should not be considered safe without proper treatment.

    The PS spoke in Gatundu South during a sensitisation forum for widows on their rights and access to healthcare, where she maintained that prevention remains the most effective safeguard against disease outbreaks linked to heavy rains.

    Muthoni further said the government is expanding access to healthcare by enrolling more than one million widows into the Social Health Authority (SHA).

    She added that the State will cover premiums for those unable to pay to ensure continuity of medical services.

    The initiative, she said, targets vulnerable groups as part of efforts to advance universal health coverage.

    Widows who attended the forum welcomed the programme, noting that the engagement had improved their understanding of their rights and access to care.

    Officials from Come Together Widows Organisation, led by Diana Kamande, said many widows still face social and economic marginalisation, but commended the government for incorporating them into key healthcare programmes.

    They also backed the Lipa Mdogo Mdogo SHA initiative, terming it a relief for financially constrained widows seeking access to quality healthcare.

  • Two robbery suspects arrested as police recover stolen goods in Kisauni

    Two robbery suspects arrested as police recover stolen goods in Kisauni

    Police in Mombasa have arrested two suspects linked to a series of robberies and recovered stolen household items in an operation in Kisauni, Mombasa County.

    According to the National Police Service (NPS), officers from Mjambere Police Station conducted the operation across Barsheba, Kagujo and surrounding areas, leading to the arrest of the two suspects and the recovery of a cache of electronics and household goods believed to have been stolen.

    The duo is believed to be part of a criminal network behind several robberies and burglaries reported in Kisauni and neighbouring Kadzandani.

    Some of the recovered items have already been identified by a 21-year-old student from the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM), who had earlier reported a theft incident.

    The suspects are in custody at Mjambere Police Station and are expected to be arraigned in court on Monday to face charges related to the offences.

    NPS attributed the arrests to information shared by members of the public, reiterating their commitment to strengthening security operations in the area and maintaining public safety.

  • Iran War: UN Chief welcomes reopening of Strait of Hormuz

    Iran War: UN Chief welcomes reopening of Strait of Hormuz

    The United Nations has welcomed Iran’s decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing efforts to stabilise tensions in the Middle East.

    In a statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the move by Iran to allow full passage of commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire period marks a step in the right direction.

    “The United Nations’ position remains clear: we need the full restoration of international navigational rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz to be respected by all parties,” Guterres stated.

    Guterres expressed hope that the reopening, alongside the ceasefire, will help build trust among parties and reinforce ongoing diplomatic engagement to resolve the conflict.

    He reiterated the UN’s support for dialogue efforts currently being facilitated by Pakistan, stressing the need for a sustained and peaceful path forward.

    The reopening follows an announcement by Tehran that vessels will be permitted safe transit through the critical waterway during the ongoing ceasefire in Lebanon.

    Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the decision was coordinated and will remain in force throughout the ceasefire period.

    “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire,” Araghchi said in a statement.

    The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical transit chokepoints, linking the Gulf to the Arabian Sea.

    Approximately a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass through the narrow corridor, making its accessibility central to global energy security.

  • IEBC registers 1.3M new voters since March 30

    IEBC registers 1.3M new voters since March 30

    The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has registered 1,370,930 new voters since the rollout of the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise on March 30, 2026.

    In a status update released Friday, the commission said it recorded 495,429 new registrations within one week since its last update on April 9.

    IEBC attributed the spike to increased turnout among young, first-time voters.

    Nairobi County leads in new registrations with 150,166 voters, followed by Kiambu at 72,055 and Kakamega at 61,797.

    Nakuru and Machakos recorded 57,068 and 47,348 new registrations, respectively.

    The Commission described the turnout as a strong affirmation of confidence in the country’s democratic process, noting that the exercise has drawn participation across all demographics, including elderly citizens in remote areas.

    “Since the launch of this national drive on 30th March 2026, we have not only witnessed numbers being added to the Register, but also the unmistakable heartbeat of a nation resolute in shaping its own democratic destiny,” IEBC said.

    With 11 days remaining before the exercise concludes on April 28, the commission has urged eligible Kenyans to take advantage of the ongoing mass registration.

    The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, credible, and high-integrity electoral process.

    “We have extended our reach to the ward level to ensure every single vote is protected by a credible Register of Voters. Existing voters are encouraged to confirm their details via our online portal,” IEBC said.

  • Court hears testimony in Danish Embassy labour suit as ex-manager seeks Ksh7M

    Court hears testimony in Danish Embassy labour suit as ex-manager seeks Ksh7M

    The hearing on a petition in which a former senior employee of the Royal Danish Embassy in Nairobi is challenging his dismissal continued on Thursday at the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nakuru.

    The court heard that Dr. Silas Malemo served the Embassy since 2018, initially as a Programme Officer before rising to Programme Manager for Somalia at the Mogadishu Representation Office.

    However, Dr. Malemo was fired in May 2025 over what he describes as an unfair and retaliatory dismissal after raising workplace concerns during his tenure at the Embassy when he acted as a staff representative on the Joint Staff Committee (JSC).

    In his testimony in court, Dr. Malemo alleged that his role in questioning internal processes led to hostility from senior officials at the embassy including Ambassador Steen Sonne Andersen and Ms. Gertrud Kümmel Birk culminating into disciplinary action that he described as irregular and flawed.

    He recounted an incident which he was summoned to the Ambassador’s office and issued with a show-cause letter accompanied by documents written in Danish, a language he said he does not understand.

    He further claimed he was compelled to surrender his SIM card, containing mobile money services, and was escorted out of the embassy premises under what he termed as duress.

    During cross-examination, the embassy’s lawyer questioned Dr. Malemo’s employment history and leave records.

    Dr. Malemo clarified that while he took annual leave in January 2023, he did not apply for study leave, maintaining that such provisions did not exist within the embassy’s employment framework.

    He also disputed claims that he sent emails alleging discrimination while on leave, insisting that he had already resumed duty at the time.

    However, according to a replying affidavit, the Danish Embassy denied the accusations by Dr. Malemo maintaining that his dismissal complied with all requirements under the Employment Act and had nothing to do with his role as a staff representative on the staff committee.

    “The provision of emails in their original Danish format was not an act of discrimination but a measure to preserve the integrity of the evidence as it appeared on the Respondent’s server. The petitioner was not prejudiced by this as he substantively responded to the allegations against him,” the affidavit reads in part.

    Dr. Malema is now seeking compensation equivalent to 12 months gross salary amounting to Ksh 7,159,596, calculated from a monthly pay of Ksh 596,633, alongside general damages for alleged violations of his constitutional rights and costs of the suit.

    The hearing is scheduled to proceed on May 11, 2026 when Dr. Malema’s legal team is expected to cross examine Ambassador Andersen.

  • Education Ministry clears Grade 11 textbooks for printing

    Education Ministry clears Grade 11 textbooks for printing

    The Ministry of Education has issued Letters of Award to publishers whose Grade 11 textbooks were approved for printing under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.

    In a statement, the Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) said the approval paves way for issuing of formal contracts to allow publishers to begin large-scale production and distribution to public schools nationwide.

    KPA said preparatory work is already underway, with printing expected to begin in May 2026.

    “KPA expresses its sincere appreciation to the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba, and the Principal Secretary, State Department for Basic Education, Amb. (Prof.) Julius Bitok, for facilitating the release of these critical award letters. This milestone is significant not only for publishers, but also for the education sector and the nation at large,” the statement reads.

    KPA expressed confidence that timelines will be met, assuring stakeholders that textbooks will be delivered to schools by October 2026, ahead of the January 2027 first term.

    The association maintained that the timeline eliminates the risk of shortages or delays that have previously affected curriculum transitions, enabling schools to begin the academic year with all required materials in place.

    “This development marks an important step in supporting the timely and effective implementation of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum. As responsible stakeholders in the education sector, KPA remains committed to ensuring that high-quality, approved learning materials are accessible to all learners in good time,” KPA affirmed.

    Grade 11 manuscripts were submitted to KICD on December 9, 2025, with evaluation results released on February 10, 2026.

    Approved publishers subsequently undertook a detailed quality assurance process with the institute to refine content and correct errors before final approval.