Author: News Central

Teachers are set to get a new career progression framework within the next two weeks, with President William Ruto saying the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) had concluded its evaluation of the proposed guidelines. The revised Career Progression Guidelines (CPG), which introduce dual career pathways and cut the time required to reach the highest grade from 30 years to 18, are expected to address years of stagnation among teachers in various cadres. President Ruto: 20pc of affordable houses reserved for teachers Published Date: 2026-10-05 19:32:22 Author: Source: The Standard

Nation Media Group on Monday launched its Customer Service Week celebrations at Nation Centre, reaffirming its commitment to audience satisfaction, independent journalism and accelerated digital growth. Addressing staff and management at the main reception in Nairobi, Group Managing Director and CEO Geoffrey Odundo urged employees to act as brand ambassadors while upholding high standards of service and accountability.   “What we are here to do is to serve customers. We are here as a media house to respond to our audiences out there, to respond to the public, and to make sure that we become brand ambassadors for this organization,”…

Jubilee Party leader Dr Fred Matiang’i has acknowledged the uphill task facing Kenya’s opposition as rival parties and presidential hopefuls seek to forge a united coalition against President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election. Dr Matiang’i said opposition parties and presidential candidates are still holding discussions on how to settle on a single presidential candidate and running mate. Speaking in Mombasa a day after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna unveiled The Equitable Party (TEP) as his political vehicle for the 2027 presidential race, Dr Matiang’i said the outcome of the ongoing discussions would be announced once they are concluded.…

A fresh jostling for influence in ODM is emerging as senior leaders move to assert themselves in the party during the prolonged absence of party leader Dr Oburu Oginga from the public eye. Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Kisii Governor Simba Arati have increasingly taken centre stage in party activities, each building a distinct political profile as ODM navigates the vacuum left by the death of party leader Raila Odinga. Published Date: 2026-10-05 17:17:04 Author: Source: The Standard

The Inspectorate of Government has arrested Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Kenya, Ambassador Herbert Kiguli, over allegations of causing a financial loss of more than Shs494 million to the government. According to a statement released by the anti-graft agency, the 59-year-old diplomat allegedly caused a direct financial loss amounting to Shs 494,097,270 to the Republic of Uganda. The Inspectorate confirmed that Ambassador Kiguli is scheduled to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo, Kampala, to face formal charges. Ambassador Kiguli, a human resource management specialist and veteran public servant, was appointed to the Mombasa mission in October 2024. In his…

The government has formed an inter-agency team to fast-track implementation of a High Court order requiring new regulations for managing public demonstrations and police conduct. The team comprises the Attorney-General, Interior Ministry, National Police Service, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), National Police Service Commission (NPSC), Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other agencies. Published Date: 2026-10-05 15:54:21 Author: Source: The Standard

A former Kitui MCA who resigned to become the Kitui County Assembly clerk has opened up about the decision that has set the stage for a political showdown between President William Ruto and Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Harrison Maluki was the Migwani Ward representative until he resigned on August 6, triggering a by-election that has quickly become a test of political influence in Kitui ahead of the 2027 General Election. Published Date: 2026-10-05 15:00:31 Author: Source: The Standard

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has been barred from pursuing the removal of Environment and Land Court judge Anthony Ombwayo over allegations linking him to former President Daniel arap Moi’s aide, Joshua Kulei. The Employment and Labour Relations Court found that a litigant’s March 2025 letter accusing Justice Ombwayo of a conflict of interest and financial dealings with Kulei was not a valid petition for his removal under Article 168 of the Constitution.  Published Date: 2026-10-05 13:47:45 Author: Source: The Standard

Fredah Onduso sings to make sense of the world. She does this in the way a teacher or preacher may use a familiar chorus to crack open a difficult idea. In a two-hour interview at Nation Centre, Nation, she broke into song more than 10 times. A line from a Congolese rhumba to explain political betrayal, a few bars of a Kisii folk tune to illustrate how women carry stories that reflect communities and norms, a snatch of Miriam Makeba to talk about exile and courage. “If I come to you and tell you, you know you are ugly, or…

President William Ruto has pledged to support funeral arrangements for the 17 families who lost their loved ones in the Salama road accident. Jomvu MP Badi Twalib said President Ruto called him after the crash and pledged to support all the bereaved families with the burial arrangements. “President Ruto called me personally as the area MP following this loss. He has also promised to support all the 17 families who lost their loved ones in the road accident. Some will travel to Nyanza, Ukambani and Central Kenya, so we are grateful to the President for his support. This would have…

Nairobi and Nakuru are owed Sh75.7 billion in revenue, a sum that exceeds the combined arrears owed to the remaining 45 counties and accounts for more than two-thirds of the Sh113.3 billion owed to all 47 second-tier governments. According to the County Governments Implementation Review Report for the 2025/26 financial year by Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o, Nairobi had the highest revenue arrears at Sh59.09 billion as of June 30 this year, followed by Nakuru at Sh16.64 billion. Published Date: 2026-10-05 11:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

Right-wing Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro will face leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a runoff of the presidential election later this month, after he exceeded expectations in Sunday’s first-round vote with a slight lead over the incumbent. The election, which centered around the cost of living, corruption and insecurity in Brazilians’ daily lives, follows a string of wins across Latin America by right-wing parties aligned with US President Donald Trump. Bolsonaro’s stronger-than-expected performance, at 47% of votes versus Lula’s 45%, is expected to buoy his campaign and may bolster Brazil’s currency and stock market, which have risen on the prospects of the business-friendly challenger. Private surveys in the run-up to the election had forecast Lula leading the…

Audio By Vocalize Wakili Golf Day fourth edition overall winner Patrick Kanjuki in action. [Mose Sammy, Standard] The Thika Sports Club roared to life as a stacked field of over 250 golfers descended on the fairways for the fourth edition of the Wakili Golf Day. This is a premier legal fraternity tournament that blends high-stakes competition with professional networking. First established in 2020, the tournament delivered its largest turnout yet, earning praise from legal leaders as one of the best-organised lawyers’ golf events in the country. The presentation gala began on a solemn note with a moment of silence observed…

Audio By Vocalize Overall winner Susan Stokes in action at Nyali Golf and Country Club. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard] A week after lady golfer Joyce Kamau floored 204 players, colleague Susan Stokes continued with ladies’ dominance, beating a team of 180 players at the Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa, over the weekend. Susan produced a performance full of heart and class to emerge the overall winner of the Jamu Imaging Foundation (JIF) Charity Golf tournament at the iconic par 71 course. Playing off handicap 10, Susan returned a superb 43 stableford points to lift the coveted overall title. “I…

Paul* knew something was wrong when he allegedly saw his friend Julius Cheruiyot run to the boda boda and bark at him to speed off. A few minutes earlier, Paul claims Cheruiyot had alighted from the boda boda and told him to wait. In his account, during the wait, he heard a what sounded like a gunshot. And then another, and another. Published Date: 2026-10-05 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

In the history of Kenya’s political “moles”, Bruce McKenzie occupies an intriguing place. He sat in Jomo Kenyatta’s Cabinet while maintaining connections with British officials and, according to subsequent accounts, foreign intelligence services. He supplied information to the British High Commission, represented settlers and British opinion, and was later alleged to have worked with MI6 and Israeli intelligence. Here was an independence minister whose relationships raised questions about where service to Kenya ended, and service to another power began. Published Date: 2026-10-05 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

Kenya has long reported cases of elderly persons lynched or burned alive over claims of being involved in witchcraft. In villages across Kisii, Kilifi and beyond, cases have been documented where an old woman accused of bewitching a child does not live long enough to defend herself. Published Date: 2026-10-05 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

In his book The Art of War, Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu advocates the use of infiltrators, double agents, and spies as the ultimate foundation for military success. In Kenya, this maxim has gained currency and is being exploited as a crucial political tool, especially for those seeking to maintain power and control opposition politics.  Published Date: 2026-10-05 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

Teresia (identified only by her first name) remained in her wheelchair inside her flooded house for three days last March during a downpour. The water had risen around Mathare, an informal settlement in Nairobi County, leaving the physically disabled mother raising her children alone stranded. No one was there to care for them. This is one of the women featured in a video of women from informal settlements in Nairobi sharing their experiences with extreme weather patterns. The video was shared on September 29, 2026, during a gender and climate justice summit in Nairobi. The summit, organised by Xolani Women…

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on Sunday unveiled The Equitable Party (TEP) as his political vehicle for the 2027 presidential contest, ending months of uncertainty over the party he would use after his efforts to register the Linda Mwananchi Movement ran into legal and regulatory hurdles. The decision to take over an existing party gives Mr Sifuna a ready-made electoral vehicle as the countdown to the August 10, 2027 General Election gathers pace, while leaving the door open for his preferred Linda Mwananchi brand. Published Date: 2026-10-04 19:32:06 Author: Source: The Standard

The Judiciary has proposed a Sh50.7 billion budget for the 2027/28 financial year to expand access to justice, reduce case backlogs and prepare for possible disputes arising from the 2027 General Election. Despite the strides made over the years to improve judicial services, financial constraints remain a major setback to the effective delivery of justice. Speaking in Kajiado during a public hearing on the proposed 2027/28 budget for the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Judiciary, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya said the Judiciary requires Sh46.2 billion for recurrent expenditure and Sh4.5 billion for development expenditure. She said…

East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga was on Saturday symbolically crowned by a section of Luo elders as the political heir of her late father Raila Odinga, in a ceremony that could mark a defining moment in the battle over his political succession. The ceremony took place during a memorial service for elders and veterans at Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County, where elders invoked tradition to urge Ms Odinga to step into a bigger political role. Published Date: 2026-10-04 17:28:28 Author: Source: The Standard

Audio By Vocalize Onassis Ndegwa in action on October 2, 2026. [Mose Sammy, Standard] A studded field of over 150 golfers gathered on Friday at the Vet Labs Sports Club to pay tribute to the late Dr Francis Wahome, a distinguished and beloved figure in the game of golf, during the inaugural Dr Francis Wahome Memorial tournament. The emotional yet celebratory event was spearheaded by Dr Wahome’s former clubmates, golf players, schoolmates, colleagues, and family. As their shared vision culminated in a remarkably well-attended memorial tournament aimed at celebrating his lasting legacy while raising funds for his children’s education. There…

President William Ruto has consistently led the emerging 2027 presidential race in a series of opinion polls released over the past four months. However, the latest figures show a contest where the incumbent has yet to secure the level of support required to win the presidency in the first round. While the Head of State has consistently had the largest share of support across the surveys, his numbers have remained below the constitutional threshold of more than 50 per cent of the votes cast required to avoid a runoff, as well as securing at least 25 per cent of the…

For years, the marriage between Dutch businessman Tob Cohen and Sarah Wairimu was marked by disputes that increasingly drew the attention of their friends, employees and police. Witnesses have told the High Court of arguments, alleged assaults and police complaints that marked the couple’s troubled marriage before Cohen disappeared in July 2019, while a musician recalled him singing “Love Gone Sour” at a City hotel hours earlier the disappearance. Published Date: 2026-10-04 14:49:32 Author: Source: The Standard

Global causes of deathNon-communicable diseases now account for nearly three out of every four deaths worldwide, as people live longer and chronic illnesses take a larger toll, the World Health Organisation says in its latest estimates.NCDs accounted for 74 per cent of all deaths globally in 2023, up from 58 per cent in 2000.Eight of the world’s 10 leading causes of death were NCDs, with heart disease, stroke and chronic respiratory disease among the biggest killers.The new WHO Global Health Estimates, released on October 2, show that global life expectancy has also recovered following the disruption caused by Covid-19.Life expectancy…

The National Gender and Equality Commission (Ngec) and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties have embarked on a joint audit of all 98 political parties, setting guidelines for their nominations, a process that could determine whether women are included or locked out of elective seats. According to the election calendar the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) released in August, political parties must have their nomination rules certified by the Registrar of Political Parties by October 30. They must thereafter submit the rules to the commission by November 6. “A party that lodges rules making no provision for…

They leave home carrying faith, rosaries and songs of praise. But for some pilgrims travelling to shrines and prayer gatherings across East Africa, the journey has ended in tragedy. In the early hours, pilgrims gather their belongings, say goodbye to their families and set off for a place they believe will bring them closer to God. Some board buses. Others walk, sometimes for hundreds of kilometres along highways. Published Date: 2026-10-04 13:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

Politician unimpressed by publicists An opposition leader is reportedly unhappy with his communications team, which he believes has failed to adequately counter speculation that he is wavering on his commitment to opposition unity. Despite repeated assurances, the politician is said to be increasingly surprised that his public speeches continue to be interpreted as signs of a possible rapprochement with the government. The growing speculation is reportedly unsettling some of his supporters as the 2027 presidential contest becomes increasingly competitive. Insiders say the politician is now considering bringing on board experienced public relations strategists to sharpen his messaging and project a…

Two Kenyan cabin crew members found themselves at the heart of a terrifying mid-air emergency after a Flydubai captain was seriously injured during a confrontation on board. As panic spread through the aircraft, the two flight attendants, identified by American news outlet CNN as David Kimotho and John Muchina, rushed to the aid of the wounded pilot, checking his condition and helping to keep him safe as crew and passengers battled to bring the unfolding crisis under control. As Flight FZ1073 descended into crisis, the two Kenyan crew members became calm voices amid the chaos, rushing to the injured captain’s…

Patiala Distillers K Limited has denied allegations linking the company to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki amid claims by politicians that he is associated with the manufacture and distribution of illicit alcohol in Mt Kenya region. The company, through its legal director and lawyers Brian Murithi, Danstan Omari and Stanley Kinyanjui, said Prof Kindiki has no connection with the legally registered alcohol manufacturer. The lawyers said the company’s directors and shareholders are duly listed at the Registrar of Companies and dismissed claims that Kindiki is associated with the firm either directly, through an agency arrangement or through proxies. “Patiala has nothing…

President William Ruto has consistently led the emerging 2027 presidential race in a series of opinion polls released over the past four months. However, the latest figures show a contest where the incumbent has yet to secure the level of support required to win the presidency in the first round. While the Head of State has consistently had the largest share of support across the surveys, his numbers have remained below the constitutional threshold of more than 50 per cent of the votes cast required to avoid a runoff, as well as securing at least 25 per cent of the…

A year after the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a new contest is emerging over his political and public legacy, with his family and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) running parallel programmes to commemorate the man who founded and led the party for more than two decades. The differences have become most visible in activities marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death on October 15. The family has insisted on a family-led programme, while ODM has mounted its own month-long “Mwezi wa Baba” celebrations. Published Date: 2026-10-04 06:15:00 Author: Source: The Standard

Josephine Naramat took a bold stand in 2013 against a decision that would change the course of her life forever. After completing her primary education, Josephine learnt that her father could not afford her secondary school fees. He was already supporting her siblings. She was heartbroken at the thought of ending her education. Her father later suggested that she marry a man who would support her schooling. However, before marriage, she was expected to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM) in line with their culture. Determined to protect her future, Josephine rejected her father’s plan. She confronted him and made it…

President William Ruto’s eight-day Coast tour exposed the difficulty of keeping UDA and ODM united nationally while their leaders compete for county seats ahead of the 2027 General Election. The tension was most evident in Mombasa and Kwale counties, where politicians publicly staked claims to gubernatorial seats as Dr Ruto urged them to stop fighting. Published Date: 2026-10-04 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

President William Ruto on Saturday ended his eight-day development tour of the Coast with renewed promises to address the region’s longstanding squatter problem, but the low number of title deeds issued in Mombasa has raised questions over the pace of land adjudication in the county. Mombasa received only 4,360 title deeds, far below allocations in other coastal counties during the President’s tour. Kwale received 94,175 title deeds, while Kilifi was allocated 36,826 and Taita-Taveta 31,318. Lamu and Tana River counties jointly received 22,770 title deeds. The disparity has renewed debate over why thousands of Mombasa residents living on land affected…

University lecturers have rejected the proposed overhaul of tertiary education financing, warning it could shift the cost of running public universities from the Government to students and institutions. The lecturers, through their union, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), are demanding substantial amendments to the Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026, rather than mere technical changes. In submissions to Parliament, UASU says the Bill fails to clearly distinguish between student and institutional financing, potentially paving the way for public universities to shift from Parliamentary funding to student fees and loan proceeds. “UASU recommends the Bill be amended to ensure…

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday took on his successor, William Ruto, and accused him of wasting time hurling insults at him instead of addressing the problems facing Kenyans. He told Dr Ruto to leave him alone and work for Kenyans who need quality services, even as he reminded the Mt Kenya region that they had gone against his advice in 2022 to elect his former deputy and that they should not repeat the same mistake in 2027. Speaking at Mugumo Primary School in Kirinyaga County during a funeral service for Mwalimu Jackson Karua, the father of People’s Liberation Party…

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo speaking at Kanyamfwa High School in Karachuonyo, Homa Bay County, during a school development driveInterior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has called on residents of Karachuonyo to turn their support for President William Ruto into votes in the 2027 election, saying the administration’s development record should guide their choice at the ballot.Omollo urged residents aged 18 and above to register as voters and obtain identification documents ahead of the election as he mobilised the region behind Ruto’s bid for a second term.“President Ruto is a done deal for us,” Omollo said.He was speaking at Kanyamfwa High…

Members of Parliament are plotting to re-introduce academic qualifications for aspirants seeking various elective positions in the 2027 General Election, requirements that were quashed by the court four years ago. Ugenya MP David Ochieng has vowed to introduce amendments to the Elections Act to set a minimum education requirement for each elective seat. Published Date: 2026-10-03 16:13:31 Author: Source: The Standard

A 50-year-old woman died after accidentally falling into an underground water tank at a construction site in Kariobangi South, Nairobi.Police said Thabita Nduta had been working at the construction site for about two months when the incident occurred on Thursday morning.She was among workers at the site.According to police, Nduta slipped and fell into an underground water tank used at the construction site for curing building materials.Police officers visited the scene and confirmed the incident, while Scenes of Crime personnel from Buruburu processed and documented the scene.Police said the deceased had no visible injuries.Her body was subsequently removed and taken…

Article 138(4)(a) of the Constitution requires that for a candidate to win Kenya’s presidential election in the first round, he or she must secure more than 50 per cent of the total valid votes cast (50%+1). According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), after vote counting is completed, the 50%+1 threshold is among the factors considered in determining the winner in a presidential race. Published Date: 2026-10-03 14:48:44 Author: Source: The Standard

Ethiopia’s federal military has recaptured the main airport in the capital of the northern Tigray region, three sources said on Saturday, dealing a major setback to an opposition alliance in its stronghold. Clashes pitting a rebel alliance led by Tigray’s ruling party against the government and its allied forces broke out in northern Ethiopia last week, in the most serious escalation of violence since a 2020-2022 civil war. The fighting has stoked fears that it could escalate into a wider regional conflict, potentially drawing in neighbouring countries in the Horn of Africa and the Gulf. The federal government in Addis…

Police officers who apprehend terror suspects face tough new rules requiring them to immediately notify the next of kin or the suspect’s lawyer and record the detention centre if a new Bill is enacted into law. The draft legislative proposal, sponsored by Nominated MP Umulker Harun, would require the arresting police officer to immediately record his or her name and force identification number, the date, time and precise place of arrest, the reason for the arrest, the police station or authorised facility to which the person is taken, and the registration number of the vehicle used in the arrest. The…

The co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, which was bound for Israel, attempted to carry out a “terrorist attack” with an axe during the flight, the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general said on Saturday. The co-pilot was identified as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, a source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. A second source briefed on the investigation confirmed the co-pilot’s name. UAE authorities did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation of his identity. Disaster was averted on Wednesday after passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot, who had attacked the captain in what Israeli officials said…

The Government has allocated Sh6.4 billion to re-engineer and expand training infrastructure for the National Youth Service (NYS) as it moves to increase the number of young people recruited into the Service to 100,000 by 2028. This is according to Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who presided over the pass-out parade of 15,361 NYS recruits at the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on Friday on behalf of the President. CS Ruku said the allocation is expected to fund the construction and expansion of classrooms, workshops, barracks, kitchens and administration facilities across…

Lecturers and other workers in public universities have rejected the latest government proposal in the 2025–2029 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), saying it falls short of the demands they had placed on the table, to forestall a nationwide strike. The dispute centres on the wide gap between what the three university staff unions initially demanded and what the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), representing the employers, recommended for approval by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC). Why lecturers and university staff are on strike again Published Date: 2026-10-03 13:50:24 Author: Source: The Standard

The Monday announcement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that it is expanding diaspora voter registration to 14 new countries to make a total of 26 is set to open a new battleground for the 2027 presidential contest. In a country where elections are won by just over 200,000 votes and the constitutional requirement is a 50 per cent+1 threshold, the diaspora constituency is set to provide a critical voting bloc for those in the State House race. Published Date: 2026-10-03 13:23:11 Author: Source: The Standard

Women in Meru, Nyamira and Kisii want political parties to give them nomination certificates in seats where they have a realistic chance of winning, seeking to break a pattern of low representation in elective positions in the three counties. The demand is contained in declarations adopted in the three counties at the close of dialogues convened by the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) on inclusive electoral preparations and participation ahead of the 2027 General Election. The declarations come as NGEC warns that barriers to women’s political participation arise before voters cast their ballots, with women accounting for only 1,962…

Audio By Vocalize Nine-year-old boys were winners at Vipingo last week, with Coast JGF representative Mary Mariga. [Maarufu Mohamed, Standard] Fresh from last weekend’s showdown at Vipingo Baobab course in Kilifi County, youngsters are back to revive their rivalry at the par 71 Nyali Golf & Country Club course in Mombasa County tomorrow. The junior talents aged 6 to 8 years old will be converging in the NCBA US Kids Mombasa local Tour golf tournament for a day that blends competition, character and celebration. Set against Nyali’s palm-fringed fairways, the juniors will compete in the age-based divisions using the globally…

Audio By Vocalize Kamonjo Kiburi was the guest winner. [Mose Sammy, Standard] Home player Anthony Nganga scored 67 nett to beat a field of 186 golfers who took to the fairways for the inaugural AM Communications Golf Day at the Ruiru Sports Club on Thursday. Nganga, playing off a handicap of 22, had an amazing outing on the course in the tournament that celebrated October-born members, including AM Communications lead partner, Anthony Mutua and the club chairman, Jesse Ndegwa, who were serenaded by fellow golfers during the festivities. Kamonjo Kiburi, the travelling golfer, led the field to take the guest…

Audio By Vocalize Harambee Starlets midfielder Corazone Aquino in a past training session. [FKF Media] Former Nairobi United coach Godfrey Oduor has named a 43-player provisional squad as he begins his tenure as Harambee Starlets interim coach ahead of their two-legged 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against Seychelles. Oduor replaces Beldine Odemba, who parted ways with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) after guiding Starlets at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The two-legged tie is scheduled for October 8 and October 12, with both matches set to be played at Nyayo Stadium. The squad which reported to…

Audio By Vocalize Th3 Swish’s Cynthia Gbihi and Terencill Lihanda of Strathmore Swords in action during a Kenya Basketball Women Premier League match at the Nyayo Gymnasium, Nyayo National Stadium. Swish face KPA today in Mombasa. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] The hunt for the 2026 Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Women’s Premier League title hit fever pitch today when the last four sides clash in three of the best-of-five semi-final play-offs in Mombasa and Nairobi. Reigning champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) will be looking to seal a final play-offs slot when they welcome Th3 Swish Basketball Club at Makande Gymnasium. The Dockers,…

Audio By Vocalize 2005 World 5000m champion Benjamin Limo (second from the right) with other retired athletes and government officials during a past event in Eldoret. [Courtesy] As the clamour for reforms at Athletics Kenya (AK) gathers momentum, calls by athletes, coaches and officials for adequate representation continue to intensify. They are demanding urgent reforms to guarantee their participation in crucial decisions at their federation, particularly their right to vote. A public participation report seen by Standard Sports reveals a push by athletes and their support personnel, a majority of them retired athletes, for better governance. Distance runners have explained…

Audio By Vocalize Harambee Stars midfielder Mohammed Bajaber dribbles the ball past Guinea players during their 2027 AFCON Qualifiers Group D match at Stade 28 Septembre, Conakry, on Thursday. [FKF Media] I’m sorry but we are …. We can’t compete at Afcon,” tweeted Brian Skippa, a Harambee Stars fan, moments after Kenya’s latest setback in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers. The blunt verdict captured the growing frustration among Kenyan fans after Stars suffered a 1-0 defeat to Guinea in Conakry on Thursday, leaving coach Benni McCarthy under increasing pressure after two matches without a win. Serhou Guirassy’s…

A farmer selling avocados in Murang’a CountyKenya could attract significant private investment in avocado, mango, medical manufacturing, and coastal tourism over the next five years if policymakers quickly remove existing constraints.This is the outlook by the World Bank as contained in the latest Country Private Sector Diagnostic (CPSD) 2.0.It takes an investor’s perspective in identifying sectors where relatively targeted public-policy changes could unlock private capital.Unlike a broad assessment of the entire economy, the diagnostic deliberately narrows its focus to sectors with the potential to generate investment, jobs and wider economic activity. According to the survey, the two fruit value chains offer…

After two weeks in China, it would be easy to return home and declare that Beijing has figured out everything while Nairobi has figured out very little. That would be both unfair and, frankly, lazy. Nairobi has warm people, wonderful food and a character that is second to none in the world. Published Date: 2026-10-03 06:15:00 Author: Source: The Standard

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement has finally secured the green light to reserve its preferred political name, but the legal breakthrough has opened a fresh set of political and organisational questions that appear to have complicated plans for the unveiling of the party. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties on Thursday approved the reservation of the name Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM) for 90 days, following an order by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal directing it to reconsider the application. Published Date: 2026-10-03 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

How many people were killed? How many animals were stolen? Where and when did the attack take place? These questions may sound like routine details in an incident report on the Turkana-West Pokot counties border. Government officials, however, say the answers can have consequences far beyond paperwork. Published Date: 2026-10-03 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

The groundbreaking of the Sh2 trillion Dangote East Africa Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals may have marked the start of construction, but also brought contentious questions into focus: how much Kenyan land is being committed to the project? Who has a claim to it? What will the country get in return? President William Ruto says the government has identified 9,000 acres in Lamu County for the project and is seeking another 3,000 as the development expands to include a refinery, a special economic zone (SEZ) and a “new big city”. Published Date: 2026-10-03 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

When our second child was born, my spouse had several weeks of paternity leave under his parental leave policy at work. I am a certified family life educator, and parental leave comes up regularly in my teaching and community work. So I was aware of the benefits his leave could have for our family – in theory. Still, I could not have imagined how significantly his leave would end up affecting our family and our connections with community. During his leave time, my spouse took our oldest child to playdates and birthday parties. He quickly became connected with our small-town…

A high-stakes political storm is brewing along the Kenya-Uganda border over the alleged illegal registration of foreign nationals as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election. The controversy has consequently ignited a fierce national debate: where does the constitutional right of Kenyans living abroad to participate in elections end, and where does the unlawful registration of foreigners begin? Published Date: 2026-10-03 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced a fresh crackdown targeting manufacturers and dealers of illicit alcohol, with the government set to intensify inspections of premises and move against traders selling poisonous substances as alcoholic drinks. Prof Kindiki said the government would not allow traders to hide behind the sale of alcohol while distributing products that are harmful to consumers, warning that those involved in the trade would be pursued. “There are people who are selling counterfeit alcohol that is destroying the young people. I want to tell you that we will not allow anyone to sell alcohol, yet they are…

A swab was taken from the wound and grown in the laboratory.Researchers have found in Nairobi a notorious fungus that resisted all four major classes of antifungal medicines tested, making it the first such case documented in Africa and only the second in the world.The fungus, called Candidozyma auris, formerly Candida auris, was found in a 28-year-old woman who developed an infection at a surgical wound while being treated at a tertiary hospital in the city.Researchers from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research-Africa, who reported the finding, said this is concerning because…

The Sh200 billion Rironi-Naivasha-Mau Summit highway under construction is one of the biggest infrastructure undertakings by President William Ruto’s administration, which is expected to ease transport and open up the Northern Corridor to investment. The 233-kilometre road, the government’s flagship project, stands out as one that has been fast-tracked, apart from the 32 stadiums under construction, with an eye on the 2027 General Election. Published Date: 2026-10-02 21:04:48 Author: Source: The Standard

Lecturers and non-academic staff in public universities on Friday grounded operations in various campuses across the country as their unions launched a nationwide strike to push for a better pay deal, among other demands. A section of student leaders also threatened to mobilise students to join their lecturers in the strike if negotiations between the government and workers fail to unlock the impasse. At Egerton University, the strike was led by the chapter secretary of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Dr Grace Kibue. She said that university workers should be paid from the Exchequer, and called for negotiations for…

First Assurance Managing Director Stephen Lokonyo, during a forum in NairobiEmployees have been urged to use employer-sponsored medical insurance responsibly as unnecessary claims can increase the cost of workplace health cover.Stephen Lokonyo, managing director of First Assurance Company, said misuse of medical insurance affects the wider pool of employees because workplace policies are based on shared risk.He said misuse does not always involve deliberate fraud and can include everyday decisions such as using emergency departments for minor illnesses, requesting unnecessary medicines or allowing another person to use a medical card.“Eventually, treating medical insurance like an unlimited buffet leaves everyone at…

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has received a reprieve after the Registrar of Political Parties approved the reservation of Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM), the political vehicle he has been developing since his break with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. The name approval follows the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal’s September 30 judgement setting aside the Registrar’s earlier refusal and ordering reconsideration of the application. Sifuna’s bid to secure UDP for 2027 presidential bid hits new hurdle Linda Mwananchi settles on Sifuna as its 2027 presidential candidate Published Date: 2026-10-02 17:31:44 Author: Source: The Standard

The High Court has barred the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from processing petitions seeking the removal of Supreme Court judges until regulations governing the process are put in place. The court also ruled that judges cannot be targeted collectively through a single removal petition, holding that complaints under Article 168 of the Constitution must be directed at individual judges and contain clear particulars of the alleged misconduct. Justices Charles Kariuki, Lawrence Mugambi and Bahati Mwamuye held that the constitutional language requires an individualised process because judges are appointed, sworn in and held accountable as individuals, even when they sit as…

Businessman Wicknell Chivayo’s final public encounters with President William Ruto have come under renewed scrutiny following his death in a helicopter crash in Zimbabwe. Their last known meeting was a private three-hour dinner at State House, Nairobi, on September 9, 2026, where Chivayo reportedly discussed a planned $200 million (Sh25.94 billion) infrastructure investment. Published Date: 2026-10-02 17:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

Washington’s incoming ambassador to Kenya, Henry Wooster, has signalled a more pragmatic US approach to Nairobi, rejecting the idea that Kenya’s growing ties with China amount to a shift away from Washington. The US Senate confirmed Mr Wooster by voice vote on Wednesday, September 30, after unanimously advancing his nomination through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He succeeds Meg Whitman, who left the Nairobi post in 2024. His confirmation clears the final hurdle for the veteran career diplomat to become the next US ambassador to Kenya, as he prepares to take up the Nairobi post at a critical time ahead…

With the groundbreaking of the proposed Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu on Wednesday, attention in Turkana County is shifting beyond the familiar demands for jobs and contracts to a bigger question of how the oil-rich county can secure a lasting stake in the value created from its crude. At the centre of that debate is the infrastructure needed to connect Turkana’s oilfields to the coast and, ultimately, the proposed Lamu refinery. Published Date: 2026-10-02 16:43:45 Author: Source: The Standard

Ms.Shakira Khawaja, Founder SUQOON Kenya, Dr. Daniel Nyamongo, JKUAT Centre for Healthy Ageing, Dr. Rita Arogo, WHO, Prof. Marianne Mureithi, Dr. Tasneem Yamani,Hamat Health Hospital and Senior Advisor Suqoon.FELIX ASOHAAs the country marks the International Day of Older Persons, concerns over inadequate specialised healthcare, inaccessible infrastructure, limited data and gaps in legal protection raise questions about how well Kenya is preparing for an ageing population.For many older Kenyans, growing old should be a time to enjoy the fruits of years of hard work, spend time with family and watch younger generations build on the foundations they laid.But the reality can…

Audio By Vocalize The Etihad Stadium, the home ground of Manchester City football club. [AFP] Manchester City confirmed on Friday that it had launched a “comprehensive appeal” after an independent commission ruled the club had broken Premier League financial rules. The Premier League announced on Tuesday that an independent commission had found the Abu Dhabi-backed club guilty on more than 100 charges. The 10-time English champions, who have always vehemently denied wrongdoing, said in a statement on Friday they had lodged an appeal on Thursday — a day before the deadline. “Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7:00…

When Wicknell Chivayo’s relationship with his first wife broke down in early 2024, their private dispute quickly became a multimillion-dollar battle in court. At the centre was 34-year-old Sonja Louise Madzikanda, mother of his two children, who announced their separation and brought forward explosive claims over multimillion-dollar assets, luxury vehicles and child access disputes. Published Date: 2026-10-02 13:57:02 Author: Source: The Standard

OFFICE OF the Registrar of Political Parties approves Senator Edwin Sifuna’s application to reserve Linda Mwananchi Movement name. The Registrar of Political Parties has approved the name for a 90-day reservation period. This follows the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal’s decision on  September 30, to set aside the Registrar’s earlier refusal and order a reconsideration of the application. It comes at a time when Charles Wanyonyi is seeking priority for his February 24, 2026 application for the Linda Mwananchi Party of Kenya, which he claims predates Sifuna’s June applications. More follows… Published Date: 2026-10-02 13:47:12 Author: Source: The Standard

Earlier this year, this column wrote about how women are mocked over whether they have children. The topic is back because it has worsened and keyboard warriors are leading the way. Critics of Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, who dislike her politics, went after her personal life instead of addressing her stance. They mocked her for not having children. A fellow MP also took a swipe at her childlessness during a debate in Parliament. If a lawmaker can do that in the House, what hope does an ordinary woman who has no children have at a family meeting or in…

Members of Parliament are planning a one-day retreat with education experts over the six Bills currently under consideration by the House that are set to transform the sector. Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula termed the Bills as critical as they touch on every facet of the education sector, hence the need for lawmakers to understand their implications before debate. Mr Wetang’ula said he will give directions on Tuesday next week, October 6, 2026, on whether MPs should hold an informal meeting (kamukunji) or have a one-day retreat with education experts to take them through the Bills. “Nothing is…

Ethiopia ordered the closure of its embassy in Eritrea and declared 10 Eritrean diplomats persona non grata on Thursday, prompting Asmara to sever all diplomatic ties with its neighbour after overnight blasts heard in Addis Ababa sparked fears about renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia spreading. Addis Ababa has accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of supporting an opposition alliance led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) that has battled troops loyal to Ethiopia’s federal government since last week. The three countries deny the accusation. The African Union Commission urged the three countries to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions…

A US lawmaker has called on Starbucks to close its first stores in China’s Xinjiang, calling it a “morally bankrupt decision” to do business in a region where Uyghurs face repression. China denies widespread accusations about abuses of the Uyghurs, a mainly Muslim people, saying its policies there were aimed at combating terrorism, separatism and religious extremism. Starbucks opened its first two stores this week in Xinjiang’s capital, Urumqi, including one at the city centre’s grand bazaar and a second at its international airport. John Moolenaar, chairman of the Select Committee on China of the House of Representatives, called on Starbucks…

After months of tension, fighting has erupted in northern Ethiopia between federal troops and a rebel alliance headed by Tigrayan forces. On the surface, the clashes look like the revival of the 2020-2022 civil war that pitted the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) against the federal government and killed hundreds of thousands of people. This time, however, the Horn of Africa region with Ethiopia at its heart is much more unstable. Tangled alliances and rivalries The opposing sides in the fighting have ties to countries embroiled in a string of other interconnected conflicts, rivalries and alliances, all driven by past…

https://www.tnx.africa/features/article/2001559225/tob-cohen-murder-trial-former-housekeeper-details-marital-disputes-final-months Published Date: 2026-10-02 11:08:11 Author: Source: TNX Africa

A party nomination is defined by Section 2 of the Political Parties Act as a process by which a political party selects its candidates to run for elective seats, such as President, Governor, Senator, Member of Parliament, Woman Representative and Member of County Assembly, in an election. In Kenya, political party nominations, often called party primaries, are heavily regulated by law, governed by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) and overseen by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Published Date: 2026-10-02 11:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

Kenya Association of Manufacturers CEO Tobias Alando / HANDOUTManufacturers want clear rules, sufficient transition time and practical solutions before the new eTIMS stock management system is fully operational.The concerns come as Kenya Revenue Authority moves to introduce an additional function requiring businesses to electronically account for movements of goods through their operations, including purchases, receipts, sales, transfers, returns, adjustments and disposals.KRA issued a public notice on September 7, 2026, requiring taxpayers engaged in business to maintain accurate and up-to-date stock records through TIMS/eTIMS.The authority has since embarked on consultations with businesses and other stakeholders before implementing the functionality.The consultations are expected…

Central Bank of Kenya building in Nairobi /FILEKenya’s digital credit market has crossed a new regulatory milestone after the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) licensed 29 additional Digital Credit Providers, bringing the number of licensed lenders to 281.The latest approvals come as digital lenders deepen their role in providing small, short-term credit to households and businesses, while regulators seek to address concerns over high borrowing costs, hidden charges, aggressive debt collection and misuse of customer data.The new licences follow the licensing of 25 DCPs in July 2026.CBK yesterday said it has received more than 900 applications since March 2022 and…

Farmers must turn to digital tools, climate-smart practices and scientific soil management to withstand increasingly erratic weather, rising production costs and declining soil fertility, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has said. Mr Kagwe said technology should help farmers decide what and where to plant, which inputs to use, when to plant and where to sell as climate change disrupts production. “The future of Kenya’s agriculture will not be determined by the government alone. It will be determined by the strength of the partnerships we build between farmers and government, research and industry, innovators and investors, and national…

A normal blood pressure reading is usually around 120/80 mmHg. Every year, health experts continue to raise concern over the growing burden of high blood pressure and its devastating consequences. Thousands of people suffer strokes that could have been prevented with one simple action: checking and controlling their blood pressure. Yet many people walk around with high blood pressure without knowing it because they rarely get screened or do not feel sick.The Kenya Ministry of Health estimates that nearly 7 out of 10 Kenyans with hypertension do not know they have the condition. This highlights the urgent need for regular blood…

Siaya Governor James Orengo has announced plans to launch a new political vehicle for his 2027 presidential bid, opening a fresh front in the opposition’s contest over leadership and electoral strategy. The governor said he remained committed to opposition unity and a single presidential candidate, even as he prepares to unveil his own vehicle. Siaya Governor James Orengo announces plans to launch his own political party Published Date: 2026-10-02 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

MPs in the National Assembly are locked in an argument over a proposal that would ban “outsiders” from taking the 770 special nomination slots in the county assemblies, potentially forcing political parties to only select individuals who are “locally” registered as voters. Clause 19 of the Elections (Amendment) Bill 2024, as passed in the Senate, proposes to amend the principal Act to provide that for an individual to be nominated in a county assembly, they must be registered voters in the counties they seek nomination. Published Date: 2026-10-02 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

More than half of the 47 county governments can not account for billions of shillings that were spent under hidden budgetary allocations, raising fresh concerns over transparency and accountability.  A new report by the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, has revealed how the county governments are using a vague expenditure code of “Other Operating Expenses” to conceal secret and irregular spending. Published Date: 2026-10-02 06:00:00 Author: Source: The Standard

ChapatiSome of the things that threaten our hearts do not look dangerous. Sometimes, they are hidden in ordinary foods we buy and eat every day.This World Heart Day is a reminder that we can prevent some of the risks that threaten our hearts, including one that has been hiding in plain sight in our food supply for far too long. The 2026 World Heart Day campaign focuses on the message “Don’t Miss a Beat” and highlights the importance of recognising signs and symptoms of cardiovascular disease.In 2015, Kenya amended its food regulations through Legal Notice No. 115 of 2015 to introduce provisions addressing…

Health CS Adan Duale speaking during the 6th PharmaReg & MedDevReg AfriSummit 2026 on September 28, 2026/HANDOUTHealth Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the 2026–2030 Health Products and Technologies (HPT) Local Manufacturing Strategy aims to have at least 50 per cent of essential health products manufactured locally.Speaking in Nairobi on Monday during the official opening of the sixth PharmaReg AfriSummit, Duale said the government was actively building what he described as health sovereignty through investments in local manufacturing and Universal Health Coverage.“Our 2026–2030 HPT Local Manufacturing Strategy sets an ambitious target: to manufacture at least 50 per cent of our essential…

WACI Health Executive Director Rosemary Mburu. The Nairobi meeting brought together a coalition of community and civil society organisations from Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Senegal and Tanzania, under the SUPREME project.Maternal health advocates have urged governments and drug manufacturers to involve women and communities in designing maternal health solutions, including medicines and tools for treating pre-eclampsia and maternal anaemia.WACI Health Executive Director Rosemary Mburu said that some pregnant women are reluctant to seek medication to prevent or treat the conditions because they fear being given medicines that may not be suitable for them or could cause side effects.She called for Community Advisory…

Participants during the #RunForHer marathon at Ulinzi Complex Stadium to raise awareness about postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) on September 27, 2026/Kenya Red CrossFor a Kenyan woman who has survived nine months of pregnancy and delivered a baby safely, the danger should be over.But for some mothers, severe bleeding after childbirth can turn a moment of joy into a life-threatening emergency within minutes.Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), or excessive bleeding after childbirth, remains the leading cause of maternal deaths in Kenya.The Ministry of Health says PPH accounts for between 25 and 45 per cent of maternal deaths.Kenya’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 355 deaths…

This is attributed to households and businesses increasingly turning to mobile platforms for quick access to cash.The sharp increase came as the number of regulated lenders more than doubled, with CBK Bank Supervision Annual Report 2025 indicating that gross outstanding loans held by licensed Digital Credit Providers (DCPs) rose 99.6 per cent from Sh55.2 billion in December 2024, to Sh110.1 billion a year later. Over the same period, the number of loan accounts increased 71 per cent from 3.9 million to 6.74 million.The banking regulator licensed 110 DCPs during 2025, with 41 in June, 27 in September and 42 in December,  taking…

Kirinyaga County Woman Rep Njeri Maina speaks in Parliament on September 29, 2026/SCREENGRABKirinyaga County Woman Rep Njeri Maina has called for urgent action to address the growing burden of endometriosis among women and girls in Kenya.Njeri said endometriosis remains poorly understood, frequently misdiagnosed and often dismissed as ordinary menstrual pain, leaving many women to suffer for years before receiving an accurate diagnosis.Making a General Statement in the National Assembly, Njeri said the condition affects approximately one in every 10 women and girls of reproductive age globally.Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissues similar to the lining of the uterus…

President William Ruto interacts with exhibitors during the 2026 World MSME Day celebrations at KICC, Nairobi/PCSContinued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could pile undue pressure on smaller firms that account for 70 per cent of global employment, the UN Trade and Development has cautioned.Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for around 90 per cent of businesses globally, 70 per cent of employment and 50 per cent of GDP.In Kenya, MSMEs account for approximately 98 per cent of all businesses, contribute around 24 to 34 per cent of the GDP, and employ over 14 to 15 million people.This represents about…

Naom Monari.Two Kenyan innovators have been selected among four finalists for the 2026 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation for developing technologies aimed at improving access to healthcare.Naom Monari, a former student nurse, is behind Renal Roads, a mobile dialysis clinic designed to take kidney treatment to rural and hard-to-reach communities.Dr Alice Muhuhu, a medical doctor and entrepreneur, developed MoyoECG, a portable heart-monitoring system that uses artificial intelligence to help health workers identify possible heart conditions and refer patients for specialist care.The two Kenyans will compete against innovators from Niger and South Africa for the 2026 Africa Prize, run by the…

Audio By Vocalize Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium is 95 percent complete. [Courtesy] The Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium is expected to be ready by December 31, with construction of the 60,000-seater facility now 94 per cent complete as Kenya steps up preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Uganda and Tanzania. The Ministry of Defence, which is undertaking the project, assured the National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee that the construction deadline set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) would be met. The Committee, led by Chairperson Daniel Wanyama, inspected the Nairobi stadium on Thursday as…

Mohamed Birik, Secretary Administration in the State Department for Petroleum (C) with EPRA and other government officials during the launch of the energy and petroleum annual statistics report in Nairobi/ HANDOUTGrowth in cooking gas use, electricity and petroleum products has driven growth in Kenya’s energy sector, piling pressure on infrastructure development and supply reliability.Latest data by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), released on Tuesday, shows LPG use rose 14.62 per cent to 475,943 metric tonnes in the six months to June 2026.This has lifted per capita consumption (the average amount used by a single person, per year) from…