Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe during the 9th Joint Comesa ministerial meeting on agriculture, natural resources and environment in Lusaka on Friday. [Courtesy] Kenya is now calling for a regional crackdown on hazardous pesticides within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) bloc. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned that the continued use of chemicals banned in some member states is compromising food safety, public health, and the integrity of regional agricultural trade. The CS made the remarks during the 9th Joint Comesa ministerial meeting on agriculture, natural resources and environment in Lusaka on Friday. Follow The Standard…
Author: By Irene Githinji
Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i addressing the press during the unveiling of the new registration plates in GSU Recce Squad Unit headquarters on 30th August 2022. [File, Standard] Former Cabinet Secretary, Dr Fred Matiang’i has said that he would prioritise healing the nation should if elected president. He said the country is suffering from heavy divisions. Matiang’i noted that the country is facing a myriad of challenges, a majority of which are man-made, saying the time to lead in seeking solutions has come, optimistic that better days for the country are coming. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp “My item…
DCI Mohamed Amin present his views when he appeared before the Senate ADHOC Committee investigating the Shakahola deaths at Parliament on October 13, 2023. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] In a country still reeling from a wave of State killings, countless abductions coupled with mounting international scrutiny over human rights abuses, Kenya’s law enforcement machinery appears to have shed its last shred of restraint. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) now openly operates more like a political hit squad than a national investigative agency all while willing to play pawn to the political elite enforcing vendetta, intimidating critics and violating fundamental rights.…
Esther Passaris at Parliament on August 8, 2024. [FILE/ Standard] Just about a week after presenting her proposals on the Public Order (Amendment) Bill 2025, Nairobi Woman MP Esther Passaris has shelved it, at least for the moment. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 60px; z-index: 1; background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0), rgba(255, 255, 255, 1)); } .paywall-container { position: relative; max-width: 100%; margin: 0 auto; padding: 25px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); background-color: #ffffff; } .paywall-container h2{ text-align: center;…
Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Pasaris during deliberations on the Proposed Public Order (Amendment) Bill, 2025 at Bunge Towers, Parliament, Nairobi. July 1st,2025 [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris is seeking an amendment to the Public Order Act to manage future protests and ostensibly tame destruction of property as evidenced from last week’s protests. Passaris made her submissions to the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security, chaired by Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, which attracted divided opinion from members. /* Container styling */ .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 60px; z-index: 1;…
Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua during a political rally at Mulu Mutisya grounds in Machakos town on May 30, 2025. [John Muia, Standard] Former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua has absolved himself from blame that he funded goons to infiltrate Gen Z protests, even as he took a swipe on Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen over his claims that a coup was in the offing. Gachagua said that Murkomen would not have walked on the streets of Nairobi, in the first place, if he knew too well of an attempted coup and accused…
PS Agriculture Kiprono Ronoh and other officials inspect one million bags of fertilizer at the NCPB store in Eldoret. March 24, 2025. [Peter Ochieng, Standard] Kenya has signed an agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) worth Sh34.1 billion (US$262.6 million) to implement the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme (INReMP). INReMP is an eight-year initiative to uplift rural communities through climate-smart sustainable agriculture, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture. Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr Kipronoh Ronoh, who spoke when the agreement was signed yesterday, said the government is working to ensure transformative agricultural reform. He said the programme will…
Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe during a consultative meeting with the tea producers, buyers and brokers at East African Tea Traders auditorium in Mombasa, on March 13, 2025. [Kelvin Karani, Standard] Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has now banned 77 harmful pesticides, citing safety concerns. Kagwe said the ministry has completed a comprehensive review of pesticide active ingredients currently registered in the Kenyan market. This was undertaken by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), which is mandated to ensure all Pest Control Products (PCPs) authorised for use in the country are safe for human health and the environment. “PCPB undertook a…
The Foreign Affairs Ministry sought Sh523.8 million to support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s campaign, as he ran for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position, in line with the foreign policy of Kenya, 2024. The Controller of Budget (CoB) Margaret Nyakang’o has however said in the Budget implementation review report of the first nine months for Financial Year 2024/25, that her office approved Sh216.3 million. The initial amount was approved by National Treasury on November 14 but CoB approved the Sh216.3 million on February 5, just about two weeks to the AUC elections date. This came as the third quarterly…
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu before the Senate’s CPAC committee chaired by Moses kajwang. March 4, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) now wants the National Assembly to amend the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act, 2012, to include sanctions, as part of instilling fiscal discipline. Auditor General Nancy Gathungu told the National Assembly Committee on Budget and Appropriations that the Act should be amended to include sanctions for non-implementation of audit and parliamentary recommendations to instil fiscal discipline. She is also seeking Parliament to amend the PFM Act 2012 to require public sector entities to submit financial statements to the Auditor General within one month after…
Human Rights Activists Chant outside Pangani Police Station after visiting Rose Njeri, Who is detained there after was arrested on Friday for creating a website that allowed Kenyans to comment on the 2025 finance Bill. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] Last week, during the national prayer day, the spotlight fell on President William Ruto’s apology to Gen Z, a gesture some hailed as the dawn of a new era. While many Kenyans welcomed the apology as a positive step forward, others dismissed it as mere rhetoric, insisting it must be backed by meaningful action. .fade-out-overlay{position:absolute;top:-80px;left:0;width:100%;height:60px;z-index:1;background:linear-gradient(to bottom,rgba(255,255,255,0),rgba(255,255,255,1))}.paywall-container{position:relative;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;padding:25px;border:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,.1);background-color:#fff}.paywall-container…
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa during the release of the telco’s full-year results for the 2021/22 financial year. [File Courtesy] Telecommunication companies Safaricom and Airtel are opposed to the proposal limiting the carry-forward period of tax losses to five years, as proposed in the Finance Bill, 2025. According to Safaricom, intensive infrastructure projects rely heavily on the indefinite carry-forward of tax losses to remain financially viable over long investment horizons Presenting their memorandum to the National Assembly Committee on Finance, Safaricom said predictable tax policy is essential for long-term investment planning, and abrupt changes, such as capping tax loss carry-forwards, undermine investor…
Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWPOA) Members led by Kisii County MP Donya Dorice at Magena Dispensary in Kisii County. They toured the facility following a recent death of a woman and her unborn twins when she was giving birth. The 27 year old died of prolonged labor according to the postmortem report. The leaders recommended closure of the facility until it meets proper medical standards. [Sammy Omingo/Standard] Kenya’s tax system has limited trust and support from taxpayers, leading to low compliance levels, submissions to the National Assembly Finance Committee say. According to a memorandum prepared by the Institute of Public…
National Assembly’s Finance Committee Chair Kimani Kuria during the commencement of public hearings on the Finance Bill, 2025 and the Virtual Asset Providers Bill, 2025 at Edge Convention Center, South C, Nairobi, on May 22, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Stakeholders presenting their views on the Finance Bill, 2025 have called for reconsideration of some of the proposals contained, saying majority of them could have heavy implications on the cost of services they render. The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) said the Finance Bill 2025 seeks to reintroduce Value Added Tax, Import Declaration Fees and Railway Development Levy on aircraft,…
NSSF Board of Trustees Chairman David Kariuki Njeru, CEO David Koross and other trustees during the 7th Annual General Meeting at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, on April 25, 2025. [File, Standard] The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is on the spot over the treasury bonds flagged by the Auditor General’s report, which led to the loss of billions of shillings for being sold at a cheaper rate. According to the Auditor General Nancy Gathungu’s NSSF report for 2023/24, the schedule of treasury bond purchases, sales and redemption and bank statements reflected bonds purchased at a nominal value of Sh5.1 billion…
MSMEs Development Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni says so far Sh53.8 billion has been repaid out of Sh65.5 billion loans taken. [File, Standard] Some 10 million hustlers borrowed Sh6 billion and vanished. The government is now contemplating writing off the ‘bad debts’. According to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni, Kenyans in this category borrowed the money once or twice in November and December 2022 immediately after the Hustler Fund was launched. “Repayment rate for personal loans is at 80 per cent. However, we had at least 10 million Kenyans who borrowed as low as…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, addresses press on 19th May 2025 at home in Karen. Gachagua claims his life is in danger. This comes after police were stationed at his Wamunyoro home on Sunday, prompting Gachagua to go into hiding after learning of plans to arrest him.[Edward Kiplimo,Standard] Questions are now emerging over an alleged trend where Government critics are finding themselves on the edge, with a majority of them claiming to be unfairly targeted. This comes amid growing calls for political tolerance, even as the country’s political temperatures rise well ahead of the next election cycle. .fade-out-overlay{position:absolute;top:-80px;left:0;width:100%;height:60px;z-index:1;background:linear-gradient(to bottom,rgba(255,255,255,0),rgba(255,255,255,1))}.paywall-container{position:relative;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;padding:25px;border:1px…
President William Ruto addresses residents after the launch of the Sogoo-Melelo-Ololung’a Road on the second day of his tour of Narok County, May 7, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] For much of his presidency, President William Ruto has been dogged by adverse reports of extrajudicial killings and abductions of critics, allegations that often resurface during visits of foreign dignitaries. .fade-out-overlay{position:absolute;top:-80px;left:0;width:100%;height:60px;z-index:1;background:linear-gradient(to bottom,rgba(255,255,255,0),rgba(255,255,255,1))}.paywall-container{position:relative;max-width:100%;margin:0 auto;padding:25px;border:1px solid #e0e0e0;border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,.1);background-color:#fff}.paywall-container h2{text-align:center}.paywall-container a{text-decoration:none!important}.paywall-header{font-size:24px;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:15px;color:#333;text-align:center}.price-highlight{font-size:20px;font-weight:bold;color:#d40511;margin:15px 0;text-align:center}.price-highlight .original-price{text-decoration:line-through;color:#777;margin-right:0}.divider{border-top:1px solid #e0e0e0;margin:20px 0}.subscribe-button{display:block;width:100%;padding:12px;background-color:#d40511;color:#fff;border:none;border-radius:4px;font-size:25px;font-weight:bold;cursor:pointer;margin-bottom:20px;transition:background-color .3s;text-decoration:none}.subscribe-button:hover{background-color:#b0030e;text-decoration:none}.features-list{margin:20px 0;padding-left:20px;list-style:none}.features-list li{margin-bottom:10px;list-style-type:none;position:relative;padding-left:25px;list-style-type:none!important}.features-list li:before{content:”✓”;color:#d40511;position:absolute;left:0;font-weight:bold}.existing-subscriber{text-align:center;color:#555;font-size:14px}.existing-subscriber a{color:#d40511;text-decoration:none}.existing-subscriber a:hover{text-decoration:underline} Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get Started Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, during an interview with KTN at his Karen Residence on April 7,2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said he is firmly in the race to become the next president should his opposition counterparts deem him fit to be the best candidate to unseat the incumbent William Ruto in 2027. Gachagua said he will launch his much-awaited party in the course of this week and insisted that it will not only comprise leaders from different regions in the country but will also field candidates for all elective positions. He made the remarks as…
President William Ruto addresses residents after the launch of the Sogoo-Melelo-Ololung’a Road on the second day of his tour of Narok County, May 7, 2025. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard] Whenever President William Ruto embarks on his frequent weeklong tours outside Nairobi, one thing has become almost routine, pledging land or promising to resettle the landless. From issuing title deeds to affirming his commitment to addressing historical land injustices, the President has made land reforms a central theme of his administration. His latest visit to Narok county has stirred debate after he underscored the need for Government to issue title deeds, notably handing over key documents related to Mau Forest…
Energy and Petroleum Regulatory authority Director General Daniel Kiptoo, during the release of Energy and Petroleum Statistics Report on March 27,2025.[Benard Orwongo, Standard] The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has begun integrating captive power generation data into the official energy statistics reports. EPRA Director General, Daniel Kiptoo has said this will ensure a more complete picture of national energy production and consumption, enabling better planning and decision-making. Captive power plants otherwise referred to as Commercial and Industrial (C&I) power plants are those installed at a customer’s premises and are mainly solar rooftop or small hydropower installations in tea farms in Kenya’s case. This would also include sugar processing companies installing their own generation…
President William Ruto, with Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku during Easter Sunday service in Ntulele, Narok County. [PCS] That President William Ruto’s government has received heavy criticism, especially in the last one year, over his leadership style is not in doubt. From his style of governance to claims of running a one-man show to being accused of muzzling independent organisations to reports of abductions and being intolerant to those who criticise the Government, Ruto has received all manner of backlash. The President, who is known for finality in his pronouncements, has also found himself on the receiving end over some…
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro speaking during the launch of the institute’s annual national shadow budget for 2025-26 financial year. [Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard] After months of political hibernation, which culminated with his ouster from the prestigious Budget and Appropriations committee, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro is stealthily making a comeback, with guns blazing against his government. Nyoro has broken his silence in style, spicing his scathing criticism with his deep understanding of the budget-making process to demonstrate the debt trap Kenya is in and the financial crisis it is heading into. Nyoro said it is important for leaders to spend time dealing with…
National Bank of Kenya branch in Nairobi. [File, Standard] The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has approved the acquisition of National Bank of Kenya (NBK) by Access Bank Kenya. The deal was approved by CBK on April 4, and subsequently by the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary on April 10. “The CBK welcomes this transaction as it will ensure continued stability and enhance the resilience of the Kenyan banking sector,” the banking regulator said in a statement on Monday. KCB Group acquired 100 per cent stake in NBK in September 2019. As part of the transaction, CBK said it approved the…
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua speaking with People’s Liberation Party (PLP) Leader Martha Karua at Liberation House in Nairobi on February 27, 2025. [Standard, Kanyiri Wahito] Another season of political parties is at hand, and political mules and donkeys are now positioning themselves in readiness to race against the thoroughbred horses in the 2027 presidential race. And in the unfolding scenario, the ground has been shifting, and so have the alliances at dizzying speed as political parties move in and out of alliances. Consequently, the alliances of 2022 are now forgotten, political sins forgotten or forgiven as hitherto foes embrace…
Managing Director of Ecobank Kenya sephine Anan-Ankomah.[Courtesy] Ecobank Kenya has strengthened its capital base with a $27 million (Sh3.5 billion) boost to support business growth in the country and the East African region. The cash injection raises the bank’s total capital to $65 million (Sh8.5 billion) as it seeks to meet the Sh10 billion core capital requirements by 2029. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Group Chief Executive Jeremy Awori was optimistic that the investment will enable the institution to support business expansion, facilitate regional trade, and promote financial inclusion. With the additional capital injection, Ecobank Kenya also aims to strengthen its capacity to provide greater financing…
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro addressing the press at his Nairobi office on March 18th 2025. [Collins Oduor, Standard] After months of loud silence even as a purge on major parliamentary committees was carried out, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has come out to state his stand in what ended up an underwhelming show. Despite being the subject of discussion in Parliament last week over what was described as skewed allocation in favor of his constituency, Nyoro declined to answer back his colleagues and chose to keep it modest. In the heat of political moments that happened last year, Nyoro kept off…