President William Ruto’s claim that small-scale tea growers were earning an average of Sh56 per kilogramme of green leaf supplied to factories has sparked a storm in the sector, with farmers saying he was completely off the mark. This comes as the High Court in Nairobi gave small-scale tea growers in Nyamira and Kisii counties the go-ahead to initiate judicial review proceedings over the 2025/2026 second tea payment, popularly known as the bonus, citing alleged discrimination, irregular financial calculations and violations of the Tea Act, 2021. Published Date: 2026-10-09 17:30:07 Author: Source: The Standard
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When four key ODM officials relinquished their positions to take up Cabinet slots in the broad-based government in 2024, then ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna believed he had found a way out of an increasingly uncomfortable job. The party was preparing to fill positions left vacant by the departure of two deputy party leaders – Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya – as well as National Chairperson John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, who had joined the Cabinet. The Nairobi senator saw an opportunity to relinquish his position as secretary-general and take up one of the deputy party leader slots. Published Date: 2026-10-09…
A man accused of sending a threatening message to a Nairobi magistrate will remain in custody pending the hearing of the case. The trial court denied Francis Kamau Karanja bail, noting there were concerns regarding possible interference with witnesses if he is released on bail. Mr Kamau was charged with cyber harassment over a message he allegedly sent to a magistrate at the Milimani Law Court. He denied the charge of cyber harassment contrary to Section 27(1)(a), as read with Section 27(2), of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. According to the charge sheet, Kamau committed the offence on September…
The Court of Appeal has been asked to suspend a High Court judgment upholding a rule requiring Kenyans living outside the East African Community (EAC) to use passports to register as voters ahead of the 2027 election. A Kenyan living in the United Kingdom, Eliud Karanja Matindi, wants the Nairobi appellate court to suspend the judgment pending determination of his appeal, which is expected to resolve whether Kenyans outside the EAC can register as voters using national identity cards. Published Date: 2026-10-09 15:51:32 Author: Source: The Standard
Navi Pillay, a former ICC judge who oversaw a UN report that concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza, won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday “for her efforts to promote peace and international law”. Giving the prize to Pillay, 85, who has been a judge on several international courts, including the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, underlined the importance of maintaining an organised international order, the Nobel committee said in its citation. The Hague-based ICC has long been a target of US President Donald Trump, whose campaign against it has escalated since the court…
The Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) Secretary General Eric Gichane.The Ministry of Health has dropped disputed rules that would have stopped diploma-trained pharmacy workers from running pharmacies in health centres.The ministry also agreed to lift a ban on diploma holders handling strong medicines used to treat some mental illnesses and other conditions.The decision follows protests by the Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA), which represents pharmaceutical technologists, many of whom are diploma holders.The ministry, Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) and KPA reached the agreement on Tuesday after a meeting chaired by Health CS Aden Duale at Afya House in Nairobi.Under the agreement, licensed…
Kenya can end child marriage if it strengthens the enforcement of laws and regulations in communities where the harmful practice remains deeply rooted. Despite years of advocacy, legislation and public awareness campaigns, thousands of girls continue to be married before they reach adulthood, denying them their rights and limiting their prospects. The practice remains particularly prevalent in some pastoral communities, including Kajiado and Tana River. National statistics show that 18 per cent of girls in Kajiado are married before the age of 18, while 4.5 per cent are married before 15. The situation is even more worrying in Tana River,…
KNH when it conducted Ebola simulation. Kenya has placed travellers from 10 countries under enhanced surveillance following the country’s first confirmed imported Ebola case and death.Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Wednesday that passengers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, Zambia, Ethiopia, South Sudan and the Central African Republic will face additional screening at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).Speaking at Nairobi Hospital, where the first Ebola patient was treated before dying on Tuesday, Duale said aircraft arriving from the 10 countries will be directed to Gate 16 at JKIA, where passengers will undergo…
President William Ruto has outlined plans to transform Kenya’s agriculture sector through expanded irrigation, lower production costs, increased domestic food production, stronger agricultural industries and improved access to export markets, promising farmers better returns on their investments. The President said the Government was prioritising food security, reducing dependence on imports, creating jobs and positioning Kenya to export more agricultural produce by addressing longstanding challenges affecting farmers across different value chains. Speaking on Thursday evening during an interactive discussion with farmers at the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Summit 2026 at the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Showgrounds at Jamhuri Park…
Baron&Cabot Managing Director Mark Pearson/ HANDOUTKenyans are being offered an opportunity to invest in the UK residential property market with a minimum investment of about $27,000 (Sh3.5 million), as interest in overseas assets grows.The investment opportunity, being promoted by Dubai-based Tokinvest, gives eligible professional and high-net-worth investors exposure to a residential property in Birmingham.It comes at a time when Kenyan investors are gaining access to more international investment products, including the planned participation in the Dangote Petroleum Refinery IPO through a Global Depository Receipt structure approved by the Capital Markets Authority.The UK property investment is tied to Great Hampton Street Works, an…
In a burst of anti-Somali and anti-Muslim rhetoric, President Donald Trump cast the Somali American community as a threat to Minnesota on Thursday, hours after he labelled Muslim US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed a radical extremist. “The once Great State of Minnesota is being taken over by Somali Immigrants. There is Violence, Murder, and Mayhem all over the State. The people of Minnesota must fight back,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Trump urged authorities in Minnesota to ask for federal intervention. Civil rights advocates have criticised the Republican president’s rhetoric towards minorities and immigrants, including when he previously…
When police officers responded to reports of an accident on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway on September 21, they expected to assist injured persons before proceeding with the protocols for traffic incidents. A private car heading towards Nairobi was overtaking other vehicles when it collided with a truck near Shiners Boys School. Published Date: 2026-10-09 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
The race to identify the politician who will carry the opposition’s flag against President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election is increasingly taking on a generational dimension, with younger politicians and technocrats seeking to break into a field long dominated by familiar names. On one side are politicians such as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, MPs Ndindi Nyoro (Kiharu), Babu Owino (Embakasi East), George Natembeya (Trans Nzoia Governor) and Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga senator) who are seeking to present themselves as part of a new political generation. Published Date: 2026-10-09 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
A legal dispute pitting the foreign biological father of two minors against their Kenyan uncle is playing out at a Meru court, following the death of their mother, with each seeking sole guardianship of the children. The uncle, a Kenyan businessman, filed the application in October 2025, after his sister died the previous year. Published Date: 2026-10-09 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
What can you do in three seconds? Count three fingers, sip a glass of water, and blink your eyes. Hardly enough time for anything life‑changing. Yet in those same three seconds, somewhere in Kenya, a girl too young even to spell out her full name is handed over as a wife to a man old enough to be her grandfather. In a flash, her childhood vanishes, replaced by the burdens of adulthood. Those three seconds are what the United Nations keeps urging the world to guard, to protect a girl’s future. A future Mapema* never had. When the sun dips behind the…
Can Ebola be transmitted through semen? Can a man infect a woman through sex before symptoms appear or after he has recovered? Dr Samoel Khamadi, an infectious disease scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), says blood remains the standard specimen used by doctors to diagnose people suspected of having the Ebola virus. Published Date: 2026-10-09 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and security agencies are failing in their key responsibilities despite clear mandates. The NCIC, the National Police Service (NPS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) have substantial financial allocations to carry out their duties but are not doing enough. It will, of course, get worse as the campaigns for next year’s General Election pick up. Already, the performance and effectiveness of the NCIC, NPS, DCI and EACC are a matter of public debate. The security agencies operate under immense pressure and in difficult conditions, but that…
A parliamentary Bill that seeks to invalidate traditional community settlements in sexual offences is required to seal a loophole that allows culprits to escape punishment. Should it be passed, sex pests will be cornered, as out-of-court deals will be discontinued. This is a long-overdue move that will see justice done and be seen to be done by having suspected sexual offenders face prosecution. Only the courts will determine their guilt or otherwise and hand out appropriate sentences. As the lawmakers have pointed out, such deals shield even repeat offenders and deny minors justice for the violations. This is why the…
Audio By Vocalize Harambee Starlets forward Valerie Nekesa contests for the ball with Seychelles’ Lisa Dubois during their Olympic qualifier at Ulinzi Sports Complex. [Stafford Ondego, Standard] Harambee Starlets launched their quest for a ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games in style as they drubbed Seychelles 11-0 in the first leg of the second round of Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifiers at Ulinzi Sports Complex. Eager to erase the painful memories of their scoreless exit at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), the Kenyans unleashed total offensive dominance from the start to the final whistle.…
Amit Sharma, General Manager of Voco by IHG Nairobi Airport Suites, during the launch of the facilityInternational hospitality giant IHG Hotels & Resorts has entered the East African market with the opening of Voco Nairobi Airport Suites.This is a global hotel brand in the Nairobi corridor, benefiting from rising business, transit and tourism travel.The 112-suite property is located about eight kilometres from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, close to the Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway terminus and the Nairobi Expressway.The hotel is targeting corporate commuters, transit passengers and long-stay business travellers, with an all-suite concept featuring one-bedroom, two-bedroom and presidential suites equipped with…
Talks to end the one-week strike that has ground learning and other operations in public universities on Thursday, October 8, failed to unlock the stalemate as contentious issues remain unresolved. The meeting was attended by technical teams from the three unions whose members have downed tools since Friday last week, the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) and the Ministry of Labour. Why lecturers and university staff are on strike again Published Date: 2026-10-08 19:28:31 Author: Source: The Standard
President William Ruto has called for an overhaul of Kenya’s food production system, saying the country must urgently reduce its Sh3 trillion food import bill by increasing domestic production of commodities that account for a large share of the import burden. Speaking on Thursday at the ongoing Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Summit (AFSS) 2026 at the Jamhuri Showgrounds in Nairobi, President William Ruto said edible oils, fats, wheat and rice were among the leading imports, warning that Kenya could not prosper when households spend more than half their income on food. The President said the government had responded through…
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has confirmed that a ranch in Texas that recently came into the public spotlight is his private home, where he plans to spend 15 days after concluding his extended stay in the United States. Mr Gachagua, who left Kenya on August 26, is scheduled to conclude his 50-day US tour in Boston on October 10. He will, however, not return to Kenya immediately, instead proceeding to the Texas property for what his party describes as a 15-day political conclave. Published Date: 2026-10-08 18:31:11 Author: Source: The Standard
Audio By Vocalize Harambee Starlets players prepares for the match against Sycheles on October 7, 2026. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] Harambee Starlets announced the beginning of a new era in emphatic fashion on Thursday, tearing Seychelles apart with an extraordinary 11-0 victory in the first leg of the opening round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers. Under newly appointed interim head coach Geoffrey “Solo” Oduor, Kenya produced a ruthless attacking display that left Seychelles overwhelmed from the opening whistle, turning the encounter into a one-sided exhibition of speed, movement and clinical finishing. Valerie Nekesa and Airin Madalina led the…
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has called for closer collaboration among security agencies, political actors, communities and other stakeholders to prevent violence and protect the integrity of the 2027 General Election. Speaking in Mombasa with less than a year to the elections, the IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the country was entering a critical period in which public confidence in electoral institutions, political competition and democratic participation would be tested. Mr Ethekon noted that the Commission is implementing its election operation plan, with voter registration ongoing and preparations for electoral operations, technology, personnel and stakeholder engagement progressing. “Preparedness must also be measured by the confidence of a first-time voter, the safety of a woman seeking office…
The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved murder charges against five suspects, including two police officers, a politician and her two children, over the killing of city lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu last year. Rose Mbithe Mulwa, her children Chris Mulwa and Angela Mulwa, and police constables Julius Kipkoech Cheruiyot and Kennedy Kipkemei Borbor are accused of murdering Mbobu on September 9, 2025, along Magadi Road near Brookhouse International School. Kipkoech and Borbor were presented before Justice Diana Kavedza at the Kibera High Court but did not take a plea after the judge ordered that they undergo mental assessments at Mbagathi Hospital.…
Audio By Vocalize “The Safari was born on Kenyan soil. It belongs on Kenyan soil,” Ruto said. Kenya will host the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally in 2027, with drivers expected to tackle the challenging roads around Naivasha. Confirming the news, President William Ruto said the rally would return to Kenya for the third round of the 2027 WRC season, scheduled for March 18 to 21. The President said the event plays a significant role in supporting the hospitality and business sectors while promoting Kenya internationally. “Every edition fills our hotels, energises our businesses and carries the beauty of…
Audio By Vocalize Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne in action in the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya. [AFP] Kenya has retained its place on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar for 2027, ending earlier uncertainty over the future of Safari Rally as the championship expands to a record 15 rounds. Safari Rally Kenya will once again form part of the WRC season, maintaining the country’s position on rallying’s biggest global stage as the championship prepares for a major transformation under the new WRC27 technical regulations. The confirmation is significant for Kenya after concerns had emerged over whether Safari Rally would retain…
The High Court has quashed notices issued earlier this year seeking interested buyers for Nairobi’s 14 Riverside Drive, which houses the DusitD2 hotel. The court ruled that the process Synergy Industrial Credit and Moran Auctioneers followed in the proposed public auction scheduled for May 26, 2026, was defective and invalid. Published Date: 2026-10-08 16:15:48 Author: Source: The Standard
Members of Parliament now want the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) locked out of conducting or hearing disputes arising from party nominations, citing interference with the independence of political parties. During the consideration of the Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the lawmakers argued that political parties are like clubs and the commission has no business in how they conduct their nominations. Published Date: 2026-10-08 15:55:24 Author: Source: The Standard
Audio By Vocalize Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy in a past match [FKF Media] Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has urged Kenyans to temper expectations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that winning the continental title is currently beyond the country’s realistic reach despite the national team’s steady progress. McCarthy, who has guided Kenya through the early stages of its AFCON qualifying campaign, believes the country must first build the foundations for sustained success rather than expect to challenge Africa’s established football powers immediately. The South African was particularly candid about the scale of the…
It begins with a cry. A baby enters the world, her tiny fists clenched, her lungs filled with possibility. She knows nothing yet of the costs that will shape her journey, attached to the hidden price tags of her gender. From the maternity ward to the classroom, from the salon to the crowded matatu, being a girl in Kenya carries a bill that is rarely counted but always felt. The numbers tell the story. Between April and May 2026, the cost of sanitary towels rose by 0.6 per cent, hairdressing services by 0.2 per cent, and toilet paper by 1.4…
Kenyans have been invited to give their views on a Bill that seeks to dissolve all six regional development authorities. The National Assembly’s committee on Regional Development is set to commence public participation on the proposed Regional Development Authorities Laws (Repeal) Bill, 2026. Published Date: 2026-10-08 09:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
The government has ruled out compensation to victims of cattle rustling. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told MPs on Wednesday that systemic marginalisation had led to underdevelopment of the affected regions. He said communities are the common underlying factors in banditry-prone areas across the country. “We have no legal policy framework for compensation. From a criminal justice standpoint, if we were to compensate, the affected families then other people in town who had their phones stolen or houses broken into would demand compensation,” Mr Murkomen said. Mr Murkomen appeared before the committee chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo to…
TikTok ran an experiment on thousands of users who tried to turn on a safety feature on the platform, giving them non-functional versions of the tool, according to allegations in New York’s lawsuit against the company unsealed on Wednesday. In the so-called “ghost” or placebo experiments, TikTok selected thousands of users, including teens and children, who opted to use safety features like “Algo Refresh,” a tool designed to reset recommendations for users seeking to escape unwanted or potentially harmful content. According to the lawsuit, those users believed they had activated the feature, but their feeds did not change, unlike users…
Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) Chairperson Dr John Munyu speaks during the official closing of the 6th PharmaReg & MedDevReg AfriSummit 2026/HANDOUTPharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) Chairperson Dr John Munyu has called for stronger collaboration among African regulators to improve access to safe, effective and affordable health products across the continent.Munyu said African countries must translate discussions and partnerships forged during the 6th PharmaReg & MedDevReg AfriSummit 2026 into practical action that strengthens regulatory systems.He said the success of the summit should ultimately be measured by the actions taken after the meeting rather than the number of presentations and discussions…
Some 26 publishers have been awarded tenders to supply textbooks for Grade 11 learners in public schools as the government prepares for the transition of the first cohort of learners to the newest class under the competency-based education (CBE) in senior school in January 2027. With the number of learners currently in Grade 10 being about one million, winning a tender for supply (especially for core subjects) comes with huge rewards as it guarantees bulk sales for the publisher. Published Date: 2026-10-08 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is tapping scientific data from the National Registration Bureau (NRB) and immigration services to set its voter registration targets ahead of the 2027 General Election, shifting away from the traditional census-based model. IEBC commissioner Anne Nderitu says the shift has been informed by the fact that relying on census data to set voter registration targets “has proven inaccurate, unsustainable and not veritable.” Published Date: 2026-10-08 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
Just hours before the groundbreaking of the Dangote East Africa Refinery, the Sh2 trillion project in Lamu nearly ground to a halt after 133 residents filed a case at the Environment and Land Court in Malindi seeking orders to stop its implementation. The court, however, declined to certify the case as urgent and directed the residents to serve the court papers on the respondents, including government agencies and the Office of the President. Aliko Dangote speech during launch of Dangote oil refinery in Lamu Dangote: We’re not scared of people taking us to court Dangote: Lamu Refinery to source crude…
It is close to midnight in Doha, but Esther Wawira’s working day is not over yet. Her last client has left, the gym has quietened down, and for the first time that day, the equipment is hers to use. This is when Esther finally gets to train. “My job shift is from 11 am to 11 pm, so I normally train between 11.45 pm and 1.30 am,” she says. Published Date: 2026-10-08 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
Moi University has suffered a setback in its long-running Sh1.25 billion dispute with a contractor after the Court of Appeal declined to extend time for the institution to challenge an award in favour of Vishva Builders Limited. A three-judge bench dismissed the university’s application, finding that it had failed to give a satisfactory explanation for its failure to file and serve notices of appeal within the prescribed period. Published Date: 2026-10-08 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
Audio By Vocalize Harambee Starlets Corazone Aquino in their 1st leg of 2026 WAFCON Qualifiers campaign against Tunisia Eagles at Ulinzi Sports Complex. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] Eager to wash away the bitter memories of their scoreless outing on the continental stage, Harambee Starlets return to action this afternoon yearning for a fresh start. They will be looking to begin a new chapter when they host Seychelles in the first leg of the second round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers at the Nyayo Stadium. Having received a first-round bye, Starlets head into today’s duel under immense pressure to…
The proliferation of criminal gangs across the country poses a grave threat in the run-up to the General Election set for August 10 next year. These gangs are likely to be used to cause violence as rival groups and crooked individuals plot to illegally influence the outcome of the vote. Keen to secure the country ahead of the elections, the government has launched a crackdown in which it targets 109 criminal gangs and other organised groups for hire. The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has intensified security operations ahead of the elections. By August, 1,827 suspects had been arrested…
The once-much-touted free secondary school education has become an increasingly unattainable dream. A new survey has just found that 64.9 per cent of day-school learners are sent home or denied access to class because of illegal levies. The comprehensive study highlights how rampant hidden costs undermine the country’s constitutional commitment to free and compulsory basic education. Bearing the brunt are these learners as their families struggle to pay the various fees. In contrast, 40.5 per cent of learners in boarding schools are affected. This makes a mockery of the free day secondary education policy, with the learners it was meant…
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has ordered Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia to withdraw remarks it found could undermine national cohesion. In two separate determinations issued on Wednesday, NCIC Chairperson Bishop Kepha Omae said Mr Ruku’s remarks in Tharaka-Nithi amounted to divisive ethnic generalisation and collective blame. The commission said Mr Kaguchia’s remarks at a political gathering in Kieni, Nyeri County, amounted to threats, intimidation and coercion against people because of their political choices. Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia speaks to the press about the recent dismissal of the University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor…
The High Court has faulted the Ministry of Agriculture for allowing the distribution of substandard fertiliser to farmers in 2024, saying the commodity did not conform to the declared specification or applicable standards, in violation of farmers’ rights. The fertiliser was distributed under the National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme (NFSP), was suspended midway following public uproar and claims that some of the products supplied to farmers were fake. The court also faulted the government for failing to constitute the Fertiliser and Animal Foodstuffs Board as required by law, saying the failure was unlawful and inconsistent with Articles 10(2)(c) and 129(2) of…
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has formally resigned as the Azimio La Umoja Coalition Council Chairman, paving the way for major leadership restructuring amid rebranding in readiness for the 2027 contest. Mr Kenyatta resigned in a letter dated October 5, 2026. Azimio Coalition has since rebranded as The Ukombozi Alliance (TUA). Published Date: 2026-10-07 19:10:03 Author: Source: The Standard
Audio By Vocalize Kenya Sevens players celebrate after winning the Africa Sevens title. [Rugby Africa] Kenya’s next generation of rugby sevens players will get a chance to shine when the Safari Sevens returns to Nyayo Stadium this weekend, with both Shujaa and Morans naming squads that combine experience with fresh talent. Kenya Sevens head coach Kevin Wambua has handed several players their first opportunity to play for Shujaa as the hosts begin their quest for a fifth consecutive Safari Sevens title. Co-captain George Ooro will lead the defending champions alongside Samuel Asati, with John Okoth, Gabriel Ayimba and Brian Mutua…
The political contest in the Mt Kenya region has taken a new turn after Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) National Organising Secretary Mithika Linturi announced a truce with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, saying his party will shift its attacks to President William Ruto. Mr Linturi said the Rigathi Gachagua-led opposition outfit had resolved to stop attacking Prof Kindiki because “he is our son”, opening the possibility of an alliance with the Deputy President should he fall out with the ruling party. Published Date: 2026-10-07 16:03:41 Author: Source: The Standard
Audio By Vocalize Fans confront and attack centre referee John Sulwe after he awarded Mombasa United a controversial penalty vs Kariobangi Sharks, forcing the second leg of the SportPesa Premier League promotion/relegation playoffs to be halted at Ulinzi Complex, Nairobi, October 6, 2026. [Stafford Ondego, Standard] Outrage erupted in Kenya on Wednesday after a referee was attacked and chased out of a Nairobi stadium by fans for awarding a penalty during a key match. Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United were vying over who would get to play in the top division next season. The Nairobi-based Sharks were leading 2-1 when…
He is being remembered for playing Nils Krogstad in ‘A Doll’s House’, and the narrator in ‘Blossoms of the Savannah’, among other roles. His main activity, until his death on a Sunday night, was breathing life into stories in various school-set books. Now, actor Ian Njoroge is having the final stage planned for him – his eternal resting place. Ian was among 10 thespians who were in a 16-seater van that collided head-on with a pick-up on Mombasa Road on Sunday night. He was the only one in the group who died, as his nine colleagues sustained injuries. Liberty Theatre…
The High Court has cleared the government’s mandatory travel health insurance scheme requiring foreign visitors to carry cover worth at least Sh6.4 million. Justice Francis Rayola Olel dismissed a petition by three Marsabit residents challenging the programme and ruled that the policy was lawfully introduced. Published Date: 2026-10-07 15:32:55 Author: Source: The Standard
The September 19 coronation of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the Mt Kenya kingpin has exposed deep divisions within the Kiama Kia Ma Council of Elders, with two rival factions claiming legitimacy and each disputing the authority of the other. A seven-hour secret meeting of 63 elders convened on September 28 by Kiama Kia Ma patron Kung’u Muigai, who is chairman of the Kenya Cultural Council Board, concluded that the council founded in 2010 is fractured and lacks a legitimate mandate to coronate anyone until the dispute is resolved through reconciliation or the courts. Published Date: 2026-10-07 13:22:05 Author: Source:…
On January 21, 2013, Ruth Odinga appeared on national television to announce her withdrawal from the Kisumu gubernatorial race. Her words were calm, but the decision was heavy. “I’ve been vying for governor of Kisumu County, and on this breath I would like to say that I have stepped down and come out of the race,” she said. “My main reason is that I would like peace in my country. I would like to state clearly that for the sake of the Prime Minister (Raila Odinga, my brother), who’s vying and coming from the same area, I would like to…
Audio By Vocalize Argentina’s midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Benin’s Sessi D’Almeida fight for the ball during the international friendly at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026. (Luis ROBAYO / AFP) Football fans in Benin declared that it was “an honour” that the West African nation provided the opposition for Lionel Messi’s final international appearance — and most only had eyes for the Argentinian superstar. Benin lost 3-0 in Buenos Aires in front of more than 80,000 spectators on Tuesday — but the result was almost meaningless on a night on which one of the…
Audio By Vocalize Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo is pictured before the international friendly vs Nigeria at Magalhaes Pessoa Stadium in Leiria, on June 10, 2026. [AFP] Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday accused Portugal coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word about giving him game time in Nations League matches, but said he remained available for his country. In a statement of nearly 2,000 words, the 41-year-old superstar apologised for walking out on the national team and said he would serve a suspension if necessary. “I will be available, as I have always been until today, to compete and win for our…
Audio By Vocalize Wada’s Director of Intelligence and Investigations Gunter Younger (left), Wada President Witold Bańka and Sports CS Salim Mvurya during a media briefing in Nairobi yesterday. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] Criminals who are smuggling performance-enhancing drugs into the country and destroying the lives of Kenyan athletes have been warned. This warning was sounded by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) President Witold Banka, even as he expressed confidence in Kenya’s doping fight. Wada officials who had lengthy and separate discussions with athletes, the National Olympic Committee-Kenya, the Sports Ministry, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) and President William Ruto during…
Cedrick Todwell Turaco, Chief Commercial Officer, Africa./HANDOUTTuraco has promoted Cedrick Todwell to Chief Commercial Officer, Africa, as the microinsurance company steps up its expansion across the continent and Asia.Todwell, who joined the company in 2024, took up the new role on October 1 and will oversee commercial strategy, revenue growth, partnerships and market expansion across Africa.His promotion comes as Turaco says it has reached more than eight million people through partnerships with banks, microfinance institutions, fintechs, telecommunications companies and other distributors.The company operates in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia and Tanzania, with expansion opportunities in Rwanda. It entered Pakistan in…
Your child shouts at you, lies about something they have done or refuses to take responsibility, and suddenly you find yourself wondering: Where did they learn this? It gets even more uncomfortable when you realise that some of the behaviour looks familiar. Maybe you also have a short temper. Perhaps you struggle to admit when you are wrong, or you have been known to avoid difficult conversations. And now your child seems to be doing the same. Published Date: 2026-10-07 11:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
Audio By Vocalize Argentina’s forward #10 Lionel Messi gestures as he speaks following the international friendly football match between Argentina and Benin at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026. [AFP] Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career on Tuesday, bidding farewell to adoring Argentina fans in an emotional final appearance for the former world champions in Buenos Aires. In a perfectly scripted finale, the 39-year-old widely regarded as the greatest football player in history signed off with his 126th international goal in front of 85,000 supporters as Argentina cruised to a…
Professor David Ndetei has urged the High Court not to grant bail to his ex-wife and her two children, as he fears for his life. Prof Ndetei says that after divorcing Rose Mbithe Mulwa (also known as Rose Mbithe Ndetei) in 2001 and marrying Dr Victoria Mutiso, his estranged wife and her two children continued to threaten him and his new wife. “After the dissolution of the marriage, I married Dr Mutiso. I confirm that we were continually threatened by the accused (Rose Mbithe Mulwa, her son Chris, and Angela), and those threats eventually culminated in the death of my wife,”…
Kenya’s Ebola preparedness has come under scrutiny after screening protocols failed to detect a case at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with the patient testing positive for the virus in Nairobi barely 24 hours before dying. Health Services Director-General Patrick Amoth on Tuesday said that the symptoms usually detected during screening before travel may have been masked by medication that the patient was on. Ebola alert: Kenya registers first fatality in Nairobi Is Kenya prepared to curb the Ebola threat? Published Date: 2026-10-07 10:26:54 Author: Source: The Standard
Senior government officials met on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing strike by lecturers and non-academic staff that has paralysed operations in all public universities and constituent colleges. The Daily Nation has also established that there are ongoing informal negotiations with senior officials of the unions that called the strike. Why lecturers and university staff are on strike again Published Date: 2026-10-07 10:02:01 Author: Source: The Standard
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo appeared before a Senate committee without an official agenda, invitation or scheduled meeting date, setting a precedent that could give county bosses leeway on when and how to appear before the Senate. Governor Guyo, who was still under an arrest warrant at the time of his appearance, proceeded to table his administration’s responses to queries raised by the Auditor-General, potentially in violation of parliamentary procedures and Standing Orders. Published Date: 2026-10-07 09:57:49 Author: Source: The Standard
A junior police officer attached to the Administration Police Service was found dead in a suspected suicide incident at Mugumo Assistant Chief’s compound in Ithanga/Kakuzi, Murang’a County.Corporal Patrick Munene Muriithi, attached to the APS Ithanga/Kakuzi headquarters, was found hanging from a tree behind the Assistant Chief’s office on Thursday, October 1, 2026, police said.Police said the officer had visited the Assistant Chief’s office at about 4:30pm, where they held a general conversation before he left.Witnesses observed nothing unusual during the conversation and later left the office, only to be informed that the officer had been found dead.Police said the officer…
The African Union will launch the continent’s first credit rating agency on Wednesday, seeking to provide an alternative to the “big three” global ratings agencies as debt burdens weigh on many African economies. The launch of the Africa Credit Rating Agency will take place in Port Louis, capital of Mauritius, where the agency will be based. The project has been nearly a decade in the making, with African leaders endorsing its creation in 2018. “AfCRA complements existing global credit rating agencies by offering a perspective rooted in African data, expertise and realities,” the African Union said in a statement. African…
The political succession question in one of Kenya’s most prominent families has entered a new and delicate chapter, with the symbolic coronation of Winnie Odinga as her late father Raila Odinga’s political heir. The Saturday event has exposed competing currents over who should carry the family name into the 2027 elections, weeks after the veteran opposition leader’s widow, Ida, endorsed her son Raila Odinga Junior for the Kibra parliamentary seat in Nairobi. Published Date: 2026-10-07 06:40:00 Author: Source: The Standard
In Kenya, Members of County Assembly (MCAs) serve as the direct link between local communities and the county government. While their key roles are like those of MPs to legislate, provide oversight of the Executive and represent their constituents, on a day-to-day basis, this is what they do. Published Date: 2026-10-07 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
Day school learners are bearing the brunt of illegal levies, with nearly two-thirds being sent home or locked out of class when their families fail to pay, a new survey shows. The survey by the Elimu Bora Working Group (EBWG) found that 64.9 per cent of day-school learners are sent home or denied access to class because of levies, compared with 40.5 per cent of learners in boarding schools. Published Date: 2026-10-07 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
Dear Wakili, Our brother has been missing for eight years, and we now have to address matters relating to his estate on the assumption that he may be dead. We are concerned that taking any legal steps could have serious and unforeseen consequences. We have also been informed that the Registrar of Death might require physical proof of death, such as viewing the body. What legal options are available to us in this situation? Published Date: 2026-10-07 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
What this country, and especially the health authorities, have been dreading has just happened. The officials have confirmed the first Ebola fatality in Kenya since the new pandemic broke out a few months ago in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with hundreds of deaths reported and positive cases dealt with in Uganda. More than 4,000 people have died from Ebola in DR Congo this year, in what is believed to be the second most deadly outbreak of the disease. The Kenyan, who has been living in the DRC for seven years, is said to have arrived in the country…
As the country prepares for the national examinations and assessments, it is quite commendable that they will be administered under new tough rules. The Kenya National Examinations Council (Knec) is determined to curb cheating. However, this seems to have become a ritual that the Knec and education authorities engage in year after year. There is no doubt about the need to safeguard the examinations and assessments. Strict rules are necessary to ensure that the true verdict of the administered tests emerges so that the candidates can be placed in career pathways determined by their real abilities and potential. The Knec…
The High Court has declined to jail the chief executive officer of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over failure to pay a supplier a Sh5.84 million debt, saying the contempt application was wrongly directed at an office rather than the individual occupying it. Justice William Musyoka dismissed a case by Soloh Worldwide Enterprises seeking to have the IEBC chief executive cited for disobeying a court order requiring payment of the money. Published Date: 2026-10-06 23:16:40 Author: Source: The Standard
Kenya’s Ebola preparedness has come under scrutiny after screening protocols failed to detect a case at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with the patient testing positive for the virus in Nairobi barely 24 hours before dying. Health Services Director-General Patrick Amoth on Tuesday said the symptoms usually detected during screening before travel may have been masked by medication that the patient was on. Ebola alert: Kenya registers first fatality in Nairobi Published Date: 2026-10-06 20:39:03 Author: Source: The Standard
MPs have rejected a proposal by the electoral commission to increase the number of voters per polling station from 700 to 1,000. The lawmakers cited the agency’s failure to increase the number of polling stations, which would be needed to accommodate the increase in voters. Published Date: 2026-10-06 19:02:25 Author: Source: The Standard
Audio By Vocalize Kenya’s Emerging Stars survived a late scare from Tanzania to reach the second round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) U23 qualifiers despite losing 3-1 in the return leg at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday. The result saw Kenya advance 5-4 on aggregate after their commanding 4-1 victory in the first leg at Nyayo National Stadium last week. Kenya now face a tougher test against Ivory Coast in the second round, with the first leg scheduled for November. Tanzania started the match with urgency, knowing they needed a big win to overturn…
The government has arrested 1,827 suspects and secured 729 convictions by August as security agencies step up a crackdown on 109 criminal gangs and organised groups ahead of the 2027 General Election. The suspects have been arrested and arraigned between January 1 and August 31 over offences relating to goonism and organised criminal activity, with Trans Nzoia recording the highest number of arrests at 491. A further 716 cases are still before the courts, according to the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, which said the figures demonstrate that the crackdown has moved beyond arrests to investigations, prosecutions…
The High Court has certified urgent a case seeking disclosure of agreements and public commitments behind Kenya’s planned stake in Dangote’s Sh2.2 trillion Lamu refinery. Justice David Mburu ordered the State and other parties to respond within seven days, as petitioner Francis Onyango Awino questions the proposed use of public money, land, tax measures and guarantees. The petition comes days after President William Ruto and Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote broke ground on the 700,000-barrel-a-day refinery at Mokowe, Lamu County, on September 30. The project is known as Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals SEZ. Ruto says Dangote refinery in…
Audio By Vocalize Fans attack referee at Ulinzi Sports Complex after he awarded a pemalty to Mombasa United against Kariobangi Sharks in the SportPresa League promotion-relegation playoff on Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026 [File] The Kariobangi Sharks-Mombasa United promotion-relegation playoff descended into ugly scenes on Tuesday after angry fans stormed the pitch following the award of a penalty to the visitors, with security officers forced to intervene as tensions boiled over at Ulinzi Sports Complex. The incident occurred during the second leg of the SportPesa Premier League playoff, with the tie delicately poised at 3-3 on aggregate following Mombasa United’s 2-1…
Audio By Vocalize Fans attack referee at Ulinzi Sports Complex after he awarded a pemalty to Mombasa United against Kariobangi Sharks in the SportPresa League promotion-relegation playoff on Tuesday, Oct 6, 2026 [Screengrab] The Kariobangi Sharks-Mombasa United promotion-relegation playoff descended into ugly scenes on Tuesday after angry fans stormed the pitch following the award of a penalty to the visitors, with security officers forced to intervene as tensions boiled over at Ulinzi Sports Complex. The incident occurred during the second leg of the SportPesa Premier League playoff, with the tie delicately poised at 3-3 on aggregate following Mombasa United’s 2-1…
The High Court in Nairobi has struck out a petition challenging provisions of the Finance Bill 2026, leaving National Treasury’s revenue measures under the enacted Finance Act available for implementation. Justice David Mburu ruled that the petition by Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek) was filed prematurely while the Bill was still undergoing the legislative process before Parliament. “This petition, as filed, is premature. The process of the bill when this petition was filed had not ripened to a law. This court reiterates that its constitutional mandate does not extend to reviewing broad policy suggestions or draft Bills that have not…
How do I cope after my relationship ended just months before our wedding? I discovered that my partner was having an affair with another woman, and it wasn’t the first time. I had invested so much emotionally in our future together that walking away has been painful. Sometimes, I still find myself questioning whether I did the right thing. That must have hurt, and I hope you are in psychological therapy. It is strange how people give up something they don’t want to lose for something they don’t want to keep. However, it helps to put such losses in perspective.…
Audio By Vocalize Argentina’s Lionel Messi in action during the 2026 World Cup final vs Spain at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (FRANCK FIFE / AFP) A defining era in modern sports reaches its curtain call tonight at the Estadio Mâs Monumental, as 39-year-old captain Lionel Messi leads Argentina out one final time in an international friendly against Benin. Dubbed “The Last Tango” by organisers and local media, the match brings to an end a monumental 21-year international career that transformed Argentine football and cemented Messi’s place among the greatest athletes in history.…
Audio By Vocalize Kenya’s marathoner Sebastian Sawe. [Courtesy] Kenya will have two representatives in the running for the prestigious 2026 World Athletics Athlete of the Year awards after Agnes Ngetich and Sabastian Sawe were named among the 20 nominees for the men’s and women’s honours. The nominations cap a remarkable season for the two Kenyans, who have excelled in road running. Ngetich has combined success on the track and roads, while Sawe has produced one of the most extraordinary marathon performances in athletics history. Ngetich, the reigning world cross-country champion, strengthened her credentials by winning the women’s half marathon at…
Audio By Vocalize Kenya Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira at the launch of 28th edition of the Safari 7s at Nyayo Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] Kenya Lionesses captain Sheila Chajira is very optimistic that her side will defend the Safari Sevens women’s trophy at the 28th edition of the global championship that kicks off at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Friday. Lionesses, who beat Uganda 14-0 to lift the trophy last season, are upping training at the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Grounds along Ngong Road ahead of the showdown. Lionesses have been training alongside Tunisia, who are the first side to…
Audio By Vocalize 2026 Tea Fields Trophy champion Isaac Makokha at the Kericho Golf Club over the weekend. [Mose Sammy, Standard] Isaac Makokha held his nerve in a razor-thin finish at the Kericho Golf Club to capture the 2026 Teafields Trophy, outlasting a relentless chasing pack in a weekend of high-octane golf. Makokha of Kenya Railway Golf Club, who has a hearing impairment, clinched the coveted championship title on Sunday with a winning aggregate score of 228. His signature consistency across the tournament proved to be the ultimate difference, keeping him just two shots clear of rivals Daniel Mwangi of…
The High Court in Makueni has temporarily suspended the implementation of new admission criteria for the Advocates Training Programme (ATP) for the 2027/2028 academic year, pending the hearing of a petition challenging their legality. Justice John Onyiego issued conservatory orders restraining the Kenya School of Law (KSL) and the Council of Legal Education (CLE) from admitting or enrolling students under the disputed criteria. The orders followed a petition by Elizabeth Achieng’ and Kioo Cha Jamii, who argue that KSL has introduced new admission pathways through an advertisement without a valid legislative or regulatory framework. The court certified the application as…
The annual economic survey report consistently provides information on the status of gender equality, particularly in the social sector. The 2026 version shows clear advances, but also disparities, in the education sector. For example, girls accounted for 49.6 per cent enrolment in pre-primary schools in 2025 and 49.1 per cent and 48.7 per cent in primary and junior schools, respectively. But they experienced a general decline from 49.3 per cent in Grade 1 to 48.7 per cent in Grade 9. Overall, there were slightly more boys than girls enrolled in all cohorts. There was a clear gender disparity regarding trained…
The executive director of UNAIDS Winnie Byanyima has firmly dismissed reports of any behind-the-scenes negotiations for the release of her husband, veteran opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, describing the ongoing legal proceedings against him as persecution rather than prosecution. Her remarks come amid reports by a section of the media indicating that a multi-faction committee coordinated by Gen Salim Saleh had been established to negotiate the release of the opposition icon. The reports suggested that Dr Besigye, who is facing treason charges in the High Court, was expected to appoint an opposition team to engage Gen Saleh’s group. Read: Weak and…
More women will be nominated to Parliament for the next 20 years under a plan to bridge the persistent imbalance in the election of women to the two Houses. The measure, designed to ensure that neither gender accounts for more than two‑thirds of representation, is contained in the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill No. 29 of 2025, now before the National Assembly. The Bill is co‑sponsored by Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, Dagoretti North Member of Parliament (MP) Beatrice Elachi and Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri. It allows for one extension of the top‑ups, capped at 10 years, but only…
Priscilla Abwao was the first African woman nominated to the Legislative Council, Kenya’s legislature, in 1961. She also attended the Lancaster House constitutional talks on Kenya’s independence and presented a 10-point agenda for women. Records show that she entered the Legislative Council in April 1961. Her name came up at the recent launch of the Gender Resource Centre (GRC), an online platform by Community Advocacy and Awareness Trust (Crawn Trust). It brings Kenya’s women’s rights organisations, women’s political data and advocacy tools together in one place, at grckenya.org. The record on Abwao said she entered the Council in April 1961.…
Jeffrey Archer, the bestselling British novelist and former politician who was jailed for lying in a high-profile libel case, has died aged 86, his publisher HarperCollins said on Monday. Archer sold over 300 million copies worldwide and was known for pacy thrillers like his 1976 debut “Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less” and 1979’s “Kane & Abel”. His final novel, “Adam and Eve”, is due to be published on Tuesday. Kate Elton, HarperCollins’ UK CEO and Archer’s editor, said in a statement: “We’re all devastated to have lost a writer who has brought joy to generations of readers…
The Equitable Party (TEP) leader Edwin Sifuna, for the first time on Sunday, hinted at his vision for Kenya, centring his 2027 presidential bid on economic opportunity, accountability, constitutionalism and a reduction of government waste. At the heart of Mr Sifuna’s agenda, which he presents as a sharp departure from President William Ruto’s leadership style, is a promise to expand citizen participation, create more opportunities for young people, cut taxes, intensify the fight against corruption and eliminate wastage in government. Published Date: 2026-10-06 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
What was to be veteran politician Raila Odinga’s solemn first anniversary of his death on October 15, 2025, is quickly morphing into a 2027 campaign battleground. Top politicians have jumped into the fray to identify with the ideology and legacy of the country’s long-time opposition supremo, who died on October 15, 2025. Published Date: 2026-10-06 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
For years, residents living near dumpsites, factories, oil spills and abandoned exploration sites have complained about pollution, unsafe water and hazardous living conditions, often with little visible action from the authorities. The neglect then forced them to move to court seeking protection and enforcement of their rights. Published Date: 2026-10-06 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
As the clash of titans between Nairobi City Thunder and KPA Dockers reached its climax in the final match of the Kenyan Basketball National League Series, a sinister operation was underway in the parking area of the Kasarani Indoor Arena. Nairobi City Thunder eventually won, completing a three-peat in the national basketball league, sending their supporters into celebration after watching their team once again lift the coveted title. Published Date: 2026-10-06 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
A proposed law giving the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) full ownership of election technology and unhindered access to election result servers has cleared a major hurdle after sailing through the debate stage in the National Assembly. The Elections (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which progressed in the House last week, seeks to have election servers hosted in Kenya and ensure they are accessible for scrutiny by candidates, courts and other authorised persons. Published Date: 2026-10-06 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard
The World Teachers’ Day, marked on October 5, is a great global occasion that reminds all of the pivotal role these professionals play in imparting knowledge to young people. This special day honours the role teachers play in shaping society and helping parents by guiding their children to become useful future citizens, who contribute to the success of their families, communities and the country. The day offers us an opportunity to not only celebrate our teachers for their sterling job of nurturing our young learners, but also to confront more fundamental challenges facing the noble profession. As much as teachers…
The Judiciary has warned that it is facing a huge financial deficit that is likely to hamper access to justice. There is also concern that this budget shortfall could compromise the Judiciary’s ability to properly handle disputes arising from next year’s General Election. This will, of course, substantially increase the workload. A Sh50.7 billion budget is being sought for the 2025/26 financial year to expand access to justice by, among other measures, reducing case backlogs. The Judiciary requires Sh46.2 billion for recurrent expenditure and Sh4.5 billion for development. The current ceiling stands at Sh30.4 billion, leaving a financing gap of…
A record 3,634,846 candidates have been registered for national assessments and examinations that will be administered under new, tough rules by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to safeguard their integrity and credibility. The council will administer two competency-based assessments, the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA) and Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) as well as the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). The rules were spelt out on Monday by senior government officials during the launch of the examination season at the KNEC headquarters in Nairobi. “Let me affirm today that we will have no mercy on anyone…