KBC Channel 1

Author: Prudence Wanza

  • Kindiki: Talanta Stadium nearing completion, to be one of the best in the world

    Kindiki: Talanta Stadium nearing completion, to be one of the best in the world

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that they will soon enjoy the magnificent Talanta Stadium that is nearing completion as the government works hard to deliver it on time.

    Prof. Kindiki said the 60, 000-capacity modern sporting facility along Ngong Road in Nairobi is being finalized and will be one of the best stadiums to ever be constructed in Kenya and will be among the top in the world.

    “The magnificent 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City is near ready. Awesome in size and beautiful to behold, this is the first international stadium to be built in this country since the completion of Kasarani Stadium in 1987,” DP stated.

    The Deputy President made an impromptu inspection of the ongoing construction works at the stadium early on Tuesday where he expressed satisfaction with the pace of the works and the tireless efforts by workers stationed at the site.

    “A country is built by its citizens. Developed countries like the United States and Singapore have good roads, good stadiums and flyovers such as what we are building here. That is the work done by the citizens of those countries,” DP noted.

    He added: “We are now talking about our own Talanta Stadium. History will record that you built this stadium with your own hands, and this good work will remain for years to come even after we leave this earth.”

    Prof. Kindiki said Kenya is witnessing historic establishment of massive sporting infrastructure courtesy of President Ruto’s administration, which he assured, is keen to tap talent through upgrading of sporting facilities across the country. He said the government targets at least one good sports facility in each of the 47 counties.

    “Across Kenya, we have 31 stadiums outside Nairobi that are under construction. They meet international standards and will each be able to host more than 10,000 people for sporting events,” DP said.

    Others including Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums in Nairobi have received major facelifts in a bid to make them fit to host local and international sporting events.

    Further, the Second in Command said he was encouraged to see that young people are at the centre of the realization of Talanta stadium and other key projects nationally, saying their efforts will always be remembered.

    “You are contributing to one of our country’s milestone legacy projects. I sincerely thank you so much. I want you to know that, despite the fact that you are earning your livelihood from this work, the most important thing is that you are helping the Republic of Kenya develop modern amenities,” DP reiterated.

    He urged them not to be swayed by those propagating cheap politics saying they have nothing to offer them.

    “We will continue constructing affordable houses, stadiums and push ahead with the Nairobi River Regeneration Project so that many young people can get jobs, earn an income and not be misused by politicians engaging in cheap politics,” he emphasized.

  • Police mount roadblocks across Nairobi ahead of Saba Saba protests

    Police mount roadblocks across Nairobi ahead of Saba Saba protests

    The National Police Service (NPS) on Tuesday rolled out enhanced security measures across Nairobi, mounting roadblocks and checkpoints on key roads ahead of the anticipated Saba Saba protests.

    This follows an earlier notice by the NPS that additional checkpoints will be established across the city to regulate the movement of people and vehicles as part of efforts to maintain law and order.

    By Tuesday morning, police had mounted a roadblock at the 87 Junction along Waiyaki Way barring Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) from accessing the Nairobi Central Business District.

    Along Jogoo Road, commuters were forced to alight at the City Stadium Roundabout and walk to town after public transport was unable to proceed beyond the checkpoint.

    There was also minimal movement of Public Service Vehicles along Thika Road with a roadblock mounted at All Sops.

    In a statement issued on Monday evening, the NPS said the measures were informed by past experiences during Saba Saba commemorations, when some individuals allegedly breached the peace and disrupted normal business operations.

    The Service said the enhanced checkpoints were aimed at preventing disorder and ensuring public safety while allowing essential services to continue.

    “The National Police Service wishes to inform all members of the public that, in light of past experience during the Saba Saba commemoration, which is usually observed on 7 July, some members of the public have caused breaches of the peace, thereby interfering with the normal conduct of business for those not participating in the demonstrations,” the statement read.

    The NPS urged members of the public to cooperate with police officers and comply with lawful instructions at the checkpoints.

  • Ruto urges Kenyans to reject tribal politics

    Ruto urges Kenyans to reject tribal politics

    President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to shun tribal politics and those who preach it, saying national unity is the foundation of a strong and prosperous society.

    The President said the Government was focused on unity-driven development, noting that economic progress depends on collective effort and trust among Kenyans.

    Speaking at the Full Gospel Church Gatunduri in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, Sunday, President Ruto said he would not allow tribal politics to thrive in the country.

    “I will not allow tribal politics to thrive in Kenya. No one will be allowed to divide Kenyans on a tribal basis,” he pointed out.

    He termed those dividing the country along tribal lines as enemies of development.

    The President told Kenyans not to be bothered by such leaders, noting that “empty vessels make the most noise”.

    “Politicians should know that Kenyans will elect leaders depending on their development record, and not on the basis of the public outbursts they blurt out,” the President explained.

    He also made it clear that no individual delivered the Mt Kenya vote to him during the 2022 General Election, insisting that he personally campaigned across the region and directly sought the support of residents.

    “I came here and asked you to vote for me. And you did. Do you remember? You saw me looking for votes here, including in your churches, and I asked you to pray for me. And you subsequently gave me your votes,” President Ruto told the congregation.

    He said it was misleading for some leaders to claim they single-handedly persuaded the people of Mt Kenya to support his presidential bid.

    “I hear some people arrogantly saying they are the ones who asked you to vote for me. They imply that I did not come to seek for votes in Embu, and they are the ones who looked for votes for me,” the President pointed out.

    At the same time, the President took the opportunity to enumerate the achievements of his administration in the past three and half years.

    On education, he explained that pointed the Government has undertaken major initiatives that are transforming the sector, including the hiring of 100,000 teachers, building 23,000 classrooms at Junior and Senior schools and streamlining the financing of higher education.

    He noted that the Government is determined to eliminate barriers that hinder the provision of quality education so that all learners get equal opportunities in school.

    “This financial year, the education sector will receive KSh784 billion, the highest allocation in the country’s budget history, from KSh500,000 in 2022. Education remains an equaliser for all Kenyans,” President Ruto explained.

    Additionally, the President pointed out that since the establishment of Social Health Authority (SHA) in October 2024, more than 31 million Kenyans have been registered.

    He commended the residents of Embu County, under the leadership of Governor Cecily Mbarire, for mobilising them to register with SHA. The President said the county is among the top five counties nationally in SHA registration.

    “In Embu County, 72 per cent of the population is registered with SHA. The hospitals in the county have also been paid KSh2.5 billion in the past 20 months for the various services they have offered,” he said.

    President Ruto noted that the Government has increased funding for the purchase of drugs in public hospitals across the country from KSh13 billion in the last financial year to KSh19 billion in 2026/2027.

    On the Affordable Housing Programme, he noted housing units, modern markets and student hostels are being built across the country, including Embu County.

    He explained that the programme has created jobs for close to 700,000 Kenyans in affordable housing and boosted manufacturing in the building and construction sector.

    At the same time, the President announced that KSh350 billion has been mobilised for the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), noting that the Kenya Pipeline Company Initial Public Offering raised KSh106 billion and the Safaricom share sale KSh244 billion.

    With these funds, the NIF will leverage private capital that will drive mega infrastructure development projects across the country, he said.

    In agriculture, President Ruto said the cost of agricultural inputs had reduced significantly while reforms in the coffee sector had improved farmers’ earnings.

    “We agreed that we would reform agriculture. You know the price of fertiliser has reduced. We also promised to improve coffee prices, which we have done. A kilo of coffee cherry in Embu is selling at between KSh140 and KSh150 up from KSh60 in 2022,” the President said.

    The dairy sector has also grown substantially, with Kenya producing 5.4 billion litres of milk up from 4.5 billion in 2022 and making it the largest milk-producing country in Africa.

    Governor Mbarire and local MPs praised the Government for giving priority to development projects that have a direct impact on the lives of l Kenyans.

    Ms Mbarire said Embu County is benefitting from the construction of 300km of tarmac roads during President Ruto’s three years in office compared to 80km during former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s period.

    “I also want to particularly thank President Ruto for the plans to have the Italian Government build a Level Five Hospital in the county at a cost of KSh1 billion. We don’t take it for granted,” Ms Mbarire said.

    The leaders assured the President of their support for his re-election next year, saying he was the only who has a plan to transform Kenya and make it a first-world economy.

  • DP Kindiki tells off opposition over National Infrastructure Fund

    DP Kindiki tells off opposition over National Infrastructure Fund

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has defended the government’s proposal to establish a National Infrastructure Fund, saying it is aimed at ensuring proceeds from the sale of selected State assets are invested in long-term development projects.

    Speaking during interdenominational prayers at Soliat Secondary School in Soin Sigowet Constituency, Kericho County, Kindiki said the sale of shares in strategic assets such as Safaricom and the Kenya Pipeline Company is not a new practice, noting that the funds will be managed by an independent private-sector-led board to ensure transparency, accountability and prudent use of public resources.

    He DP the money made from the of state assets will no longer be channeled to recurrent expenditure as was witnessed in the past.

    “The money that we are collecting from the sale of government stake we are taking it direct to the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) which is governed by an independent board, we cannot again use the proceeds of government stake in government owned entities for recurrent expenditure,” he said.

    The Deputy President lashed out at the opposition for selective criticism saying the past regimes used the funds largely to meet recurrent expenses, while the current administration intends to channel the money into the proposed National Infrastructure Fund to finance roads, bridges and other critical development projects.

    “In the past government sold Kenya Airways shares but we cannot account for what we did with that money because we used it to pay salaries, to buy vehicles for government officials for recurrent expenditure, so we cannot trace what happened to the proceeds of the sale of Safaricom shares twice in the past and the sale of Kenya Airways shares in the past,” he said.

    Kindiki hinted that the partial sale of Safaricom and Kenya Pipeline shares has fetched Ksh350 billion and is expected to generate Ksh3.5 billion shillings in the agreed formula with the private sector, insisting that the initiative is designed to guarantee sustainable financing for infrastructural projects without overburdening taxpayers.

    He maintained that the government’s economic reforms are already bearing fruit, citing the revival of stalled roads projects where the government invested Ksh260 billion in the past year.

    “I’m proud to announce that 6,000km of roads has resumed, roads that had stalled more than six years ago because President Ruto has paid the debt owed to contractors totaling to Ksh177billion,” said Kindiki.

  • DCI summons MP Zaheer Jhanda over Kisii-Keroka convoy attack

    DCI summons MP Zaheer Jhanda over Kisii-Keroka convoy attack

    Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda has been summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over the alleged attack on a Linda Mwananchi convoy that occurred on July 3 in Keumbu along the Kisii-Keroka Road.

    The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed in an update on Sunday that the lawmaker has been directed to appear before the Kisii County DCI office in connection with the ongoing probe into the incident.

    Meanwhile, four additional suspects have been arrested, bringing the total number of individuals in custody to seven.

    The NPS said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and identify other individuals who may have been involved.

    “The National Police Service remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property, and will continue to take decisive action against anyone who threatens public safety or disrupts public order,” the NPS said.

  • Traders lose millions as fire razes Machakos Mitumba Market

    Traders lose millions as fire razes Machakos Mitumba Market

    Hundreds of traders at Mitumba Market in Machakos Town are counting losses running into millions of shillings after a fire razed the entire market in a late-night inferno.

    The traders said the incident, which occurred Saturday night, has wiped out their source of livelihood, urging both the national and county governments to urgently intervene and support them in rebuilding their businesses.

    Machakos Police have launched investigations into the cause of the fire, which is reported to have started around 11PM.

    County fire fighters managed to contain the blaze, even as the county government engaged the affected traders this morning.

    Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, who led the visit, called for swift investigations to establish the cause of the fire.

  • Laikipia County disburses Ksh100M to cooperatives to boost value addition

    Laikipia County disburses Ksh100M to cooperatives to boost value addition

    The Laikipia County Government has disbursed more than Ksh100 million to cooperative societies to support value addition of local products, in a programme aimed at boosting earnings for members across various groups.

    The Laikipia County Cooperative Revolving Fund has also enabled residents to create wealth and generate employment opportunities, particularly for young people in the county.

    Governor Joshua Irungu said the fund has grown from Ksh20 million to the current Ksh100 million, attributing the increase to improved management and the strong repayment culture among beneficiaries.

    Speaking during the 104th Ushirika Day celebrations at Matanya Grounds in Laikipia Central, Irungu noted that several projects initiated during his first term are yet to be completed, but assured residents they would be finalised by the end of his second term.

    “In Laikipia, cooperatives continue to drive growth across key value chains including dairy, livestock, coffee, apiculture, cereals, potatoes, beans, poultry, pig farming and avocado production,” said Governor Irungu.

    “My administration remains committed to strengthening the cooperative movement by creating an enabling environment for growth, improving market access, enhancing value addition and empowering our communities to build a resilient, peaceful and prosperous Laikipia,” he added.

    Meanwhile, major savings and credit cooperative societies, particularly those in the transport sector, have called for an increase in loan limits from Ksh3 million to Ksh6 million, saying the current ceiling is insufficient to cope with rising costs of purchasing public service vehicles.

    Cooperative leaders have, however, been urged to adhere to regulations set by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) to avoid the risk of deregistration.

  • Isiolo women warn climate change eroding indigenous cultures, call for action

    Isiolo women warn climate change eroding indigenous cultures, call for action

    Women from diverse communities in Isiolo County have expressed concern over the growing non-economic losses caused by climate change, warning that the impacts are eroding indigenous cultures, traditional knowledge and ways of life.

    The women, drawn from different communities and working under the Queen of Peace Community-Based Organisation (CBO), met at Daaba Ya Juu in Ngaremara Ward to discuss strategies for preserving indigenous foods, medicinal plants, cultural artefacts and traditional seed banks, which they said are increasingly disappearing due to changing climatic conditions.

    Speaking during the meeting, Kuresha Bille from the Somali community and Lucia Ekwam from the Turkana community said climate change is affecting more than livelihoods, noting that it is also accelerating the loss of cultural identity.

    They said traditional dress, cultural ceremonies and indigenous medicinal herbs are gradually disappearing as communities adapt to changing environmental conditions.

    The women noted that such losses are rarely reflected in conventional economic assessments despite their significant impact on community identity, heritage and social cohesion.

    Mariam Abdullahi from the Borana community said a recent benchmarking tour by women’s groups to Narok County offered practical lessons on how indigenous communities can adapt to climate change while preserving their cultural heritage.

    She said communities in Narok have integrated conservation with sustainable livelihoods by coexisting with wildlife and generating income through tourism, attracting both local and international visitors.

    The women urged the Isiolo County Government to incorporate cultural preservation initiatives into the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP), saying this would help protect indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage and biodiversity for future generations while strengthening community resilience to climate change.

  • Pope urges Europe to do more for migrants as he visits gateway island

    Pope urges Europe to do more for migrants as he visits gateway island

    Pope Leo XIV has called on European leaders to rise to the “momentous challenge” of handling migration as he visited the Italian island of Lampedusa.

    The pontiff urged Europe to help new arrivals integrate better and improve conditions in their home countries, during a mass on the island, which receives tens of thousands of migrants a year.

    “Those who have lost their lives in this sea are victims both of decisions that were made and of decisions that were not made,” the Pope said.

    Since becoming the head of the Catholic Church in May 2025, the Pope has repeatedly called for greater support for migrants and criticised anti-migrant policies.

    His trip comes two weeks after the EU approved tougher migrants rules that allow stricter border controls and broader detention powers.

    It marks a wider trend of governments hardening their stance on undocumented migration, with many, including the UK and Italy, adopting measures aimed at deterring it.

    The Pope began the trip with a visit to a cemetery on Lampedusa and prayed at the graves of migrants who had died while making the dangerous journey from Africa to Europe across the Mediterranean Sea.

    He also stood at the “Door of Europe” memorial for those who had perished attempting the crossing and spoke to a migrant family.

    “Europe is capable of addressing the crisis in this region in a comprehensive manner, integrating immediate relief efforts into a long-term strategic plan capable of receiving, protecting, supporting and integrating migrants” while “assisting developing countries so that no one is forced to emigrate”, he said.

    The island of Lampedusa – which sits 90 miles (145km) off Tunisia’s coast – is home to a migrant reception centre that is overcrowded with challenging living conditions.

    Those who make the journey often travel in poorly maintained and overcrowded vessels, making sea crossings more perilous for those aboard.

    More than 1,400 people have died or gone missing while attempting to cross the ⁠Mediterranean this year, including 28 children, according to the UN’s International Organization for Migration.

    New migrants, rescue officials, members of aid groups and the Italian Coast Guard were among those to gather to see the Pope.

    The Pope “continues to accompany you, support you and encourage you”, he told the gathering.

    “The pope’s visit speaks to every one of us,” Kandeh Abdourahman, a migrant who arrived in Lampedusa in 2015, told news agency Reuters.

    It was “a reminder that our stories are seen, that welcome is not just a word but an act of humanity”, said Abdourahman, now a cultural mediator with the International Rescue Committee.

    The Pope has made support for migrants a central theme of his papacy, frequently putting him at odds with US President Donald Trump, whose anti-immigration stance he has called “inhuman”.

    In a letter addressed to fellow Americans on the 250th anniversary of US independence, the pontiff said the Catholic value of defending life included “welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants”.

    He recalled how “immigrants’ sacrifices and contributions have shaped the nation’s history”.

    “To receive them with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person,” he wrote.

  • Three arrested over alleged attack on Linda Mwananchi convoy in Kisii

    Three arrested over alleged attack on Linda Mwananchi convoy in Kisii

    Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged attack on a convoy linked to the Linda Mwananchi political movement along the Kisii-Keroka Road.

    In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) said investigations are ongoing identify and apprehend more people believed to have taken part in the incident.

    The suspects, identified as Allan Masese Onyambu, Godffrey Bosire Mokaya and Stanley Okeyo, are currently in police custody awaiting processing before being arraigned in court.

    The incident occurred on Friday, July 3, along the Kisii-Keroka Road, where several vehicles travelling in the convoy were allegedly stoned and damaged.

    According to the NPS, analysis of videos circulating on mainstream and social media established that the attack was targeted at Linda Mwananchi leaders.

    “The NPS strongly condemns the events depicted. Political intolerance, in whatever form, is unacceptable and will be rigorously pursued through the criminal justice system.”

    Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has also directed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to fast-track its assessment of all aspects of the incident, including identifying any operational gaps that may have contributed to the violence.

    Additionally, IAU officers have already been deployed to the affected area as part of the ongoing investigations.