A Kenyan digital startup is turning alumni connections into a structured business model, positioning school identity as both a social anchor and a source of income for young people navigating a tough job market. Patachuo is an alumni-focused digital platform founded by two young graduates that allows former students to reconnect based on the institutions they attended, while also embedding a referral-based income system that rewards users for growing the network. The platform brings structure to a space that has long been fragmented across informal WhatsApp groups and scattered social media pages. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp The idea…
Author: By Juliet Omelo
Former Deputy President and DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua during an exclusive interview with KTN at his Karen Residence on October 5, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has declared that it is a growing national force after clinching three out of five MCA seats in last week’s by-elections, setting its sights on the 2027 General Election. Speaking during the reception of the three ward representatives in the just-concluded polls, DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua said the victories demonstrate the party’s increasing popularity across the country. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now…
Members of the Nubian Community. [File, Standard] The Nubian community has renewed its call for formal ethnic recognition, saying decades of administrative ambiguity and historical injustice continue to deny them equal access to citizenship rights, land security and political representation. Speaking on behalf of the Nubian Council of Elders Dr Musa Mohamed said the community has endured more than a century of discrimination despite its deep historical roots in Kenya. “For generations, we have been treated as if we are not part of this nation. Formal recognition is not a favor, it is a right and a correction of a…
The Kenya Nubian Council of Elders hands over a report on citizenship grievances to Prof Makau Mutua during a meeting at Kibra Primary School on November 30, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] The Nubian community has renewed its call for formal ethnic recognition, saying decades of administrative ambiguity and historical injustice continue to deny them equal access to citizenship rights, land security and political representation. Speaking on behalf of the Nubian Council of Elders Dr Musa Mohamed said the community has endured more than a century of discrimination despite its deep historical roots in Kenya. Uncover the stories others won’t tell.…
Equity Group Holdings, Managing Director and CEO James Mwangi and Deputy Chairman, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, the Lord we Swire during a panel session of Kenya Trade and Investment mission in Kenya on Friday, November 28, 2025. [Juliet Omelo, Standard] Global investors have been urged to consider the East African Community as a mature investment destination. Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi on Friday said the EAC region, specifically Kenya, now offers the scale, stability and demographic advantage for long-term growth. Speaking at a Trade and Investment Roadshow held in Nairobi, Mwangi said the region’s fundamentals are aligning in a…
The Apache line, which enjoys a cult following globally for its racing DNA, now joins Kenya’s increasingly competitive performance bike segment. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard] India’s TVS Motor Company has set its eyes on Kenya’s fast-growing premium biking community with the rollout of the TVS Apache RTR 180. Unveiled in Nairobi in partnership with long-time distributor Car & General, the launch signals a strategic push by the manufacturer to deepen its footprint in East Africa, marking the brand’s first official entry into the local market. The Apache line, which enjoys a cult following globally for its racing DNA, now joins Kenya’s…
President William Ruto aid Farauk Kibet and Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka campaigns for UDA candidate David Ndakwa at Shipala in Malava on October 23, 2025. [File, Standard] Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has cast doubt on the opposition’s ability to remain united ahead of the 2027 General Election, suggesting that widening internal rifts may trigger a collapse long before the country heads to the polls. Speaking in Matete, Malava Constituency, where he joined the campaign trail for UDA parliamentary candidate David Ndakwa, Lusaka said the cracks within the opposition coalition were already visible. He pointed to escalating confrontations among senior opposition figures as evidence of deeper…
Kenya’s long-entrenched dependence on collateral and guarantors in its credit markets is facing new criticism as lenders re-examine what truly drives repayment performance. For decades, the two requirements have been treated as non-negotiable pillars of responsible lending. But new insights from Demulla, a financial services firm working closely with MSMEs, indicate that these conventions may be less protective and more obstructive than once believed. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp According to Demulla executives, the traditional safeguards increasingly slow loan access, frustrate borrowers and skew credit decisions. “Collateral and guarantors were supposed to protect repayment. But what we found is…
A disappointed woman after being fired. [Courtesy/GettyImages] A lack of risk management knowledge is being blamed for the closure of numerous businesses, a factor that is also driving up unemployment in Kenya. Experts are urging the government to take a leading role in educating companies to help prevent avoidable failures. According to Erad Organization’s Managing Director, Stephen Gathai, many managers lack the necessary skills to identify and mitigate business risks. “Most businesses are unable to identify and assess risks when starting out, leaving them vulnerable to catastrophic outcomes that often lead to closure,” he explained. Follow The Standard channel on…
Tourism CS Rebecca Miano. [File, Standard] Tourism industry stakeholders have warned that Kenya risks losing visitors to competing African destinations due to an increase in park fees. In a petition to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, tour operators say the new prices are eroding Kenya’s advantage in a region. They say that unless the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) fees are reviewed and the new 8.5 per cent gateway surcharge scrapped, the country could lose a growing share of international travellers especially to neighbouring countries. “Last year, 20 to 30 per cent of travel into East Africa shifted to other…
The People’s Liberation Party leader, Martha Karua, and former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, address a media briefing on the Tanzania elections in Nairobi, on November 2, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] Human rights defenders in East Africa are sounding the alarm over what they describe as a state-sanctioned massacre in Tanzania, accusing neighbouring governments of aiding or turning a blind eye to the violence during the country’s general election. Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, representing regional human rights organisations, said Tanzania is in a digital and humanitarian blackout with hundreds feared dead and the government working to erase evidence of its…
Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU)Secretary General Dr.Constantine Wasonga and his Kenya University Staff Union (KUSU) counterpart Dr.Charles Mukhwaya, during a media briefing, demanding the immediate release of kshs 7.9b arrears on October 31,2025.[Benard Orwongo,Standard] Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba has called on university staff to resume work as negotiations continue over the payment of a verified Sh7.76 billion owed under the 2017–2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), acknowledging that budgetary limitations have slowed the process. The CS said the government is committed to honouring its obligations but is currently constrained by what he termed a budgetary mutation that left no immediate allocation…
BuruBuru Estate in Nairobi.[FILE] It‘s a weekday morning in Nairobi’s Buruburu estate, 27-year-old Brenda Mureithi is already on her second Zoom call of the day. Her ‘office’ is a corner of her living room, a small wooden desk holding a laptop, a ring light, and a cup of instant coffee that’s gone cold twice. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; } else { teaserEl.innerHTML…
Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Live Published Date: 2025-10-28 00:00:00 Author: By Juliet Omelo Source: The Standard
A teen mother with her baby during a previous interview. [File, Standard] On a warm Friday night in Kilimani, Tracy and her friends gather in a small apartment lit by amber bulbs, soft music drifting beneath their laughter. The air is light, scented faintly with jasmine and red wine. Their conversation dances between freelance gigs, travel deals, therapy breakthroughs, astrology charts, and perhaps, just perhaps, moving abroad. What no one in that room is planning, or even entertaining, is a child. .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute; top: -80px; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 60px; z-index: 1; background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(255, 255,…
Military officers pay last respects during the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, on October 19, 2025. [PCS] Kenya is a different country today—quieter and heavier—as though a familiar voice has suddenly gone silent.For as long as I can remember, Raila Amolo Odinga was a constant presence in our public life—a man whose courage shaped our politics, whose resilience stirred our conscience, and whose dreams forced us to imagine a better nation. His passing feels like the end of a long chapter in our history, and as the country mourns, I find myself reflecting on the journey…
Published Date: 2025-10-19 15:16:48 Author: By Juliet Omelo Source: The Standard
Fly Dubai and Kenya Tourism officials during the innaugural launch of new flights. [Courtesy] Kenya’s tourism industry has applauded the government for its aggressive drive to expand international air connectivity after Dubai-based Flydubai launched a new route to Nairobi, marking the fifth airline to enter the Kenyan market this year. The inaugural flight touched down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Wednesday with 80 passengers on board, in what industry players say will strengthen accessibility and boost the country’s competitiveness as a global destination. Flydubai will now operate four weekly flights to Nairobi, complementing its existing daily service to…
Patricia Nalyanya,customer experience and PR manager at Demulla engaging clients during a client education forum. [Juliet Omelo, Standard] As customer service week unfolds, fintech companies across the country shifted their focus from product innovation to the heart of customer satisfaction, experience and education. The digital finance sector, known for its rapid technological growth, is recognising that long-term success depends on how effectively users understand and engage with financial tools. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp Demulla, one of fintech in western Kenya is among many institutions that put client experience as their top priority. This year’s celebrations have seen…
Ford Kenya Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga (left) and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula (at Chwele market, on March 1, 2020. [[File, Standard] A simmering row in Ford Kenya has erupted after Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga publicly declared his intention to challenge National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula for the party’s leadership after the 2027 General Election. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login Already a subscriber? Log in `; }…
Police in Bungoma have launched investigations after a nurse at Elgon View Hospital allegedly raped a teenage patient. .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-header { font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 15px; color: #333333; text-align: center; } .price-highlight { font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; color: #d40511; margin: 15px 0; text-align: center; } .subscribe-button-green…
A man kisses the belly of his pregnant wife. [Getty Images] Kenya is witnessing a major shift in reproductive choices as more women openly express their desire to stop or delay childbearing. Recent data presented by Dr Edward Serem, the head of the division of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (DRMCH) under the Ministry of Health, shows that 46 per cent of women say they do not want any more children. .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 {…
The South Sudanese Longhorns and the Starlets were crowned mens and womens champions, respectively in the inaugural Ask Foundation Basketball Tournament. Published Date: 2025-09-19 18:44:17 Author: By Juliet Omelo Source: The Standard
Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has handed a direct ticket to Seth Ambosini Sindani Panyako to contest the Malava parliamentary seat. [Juliet Omelo,Standard] The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) has handed a direct ticket to Seth Ambosini Sindani Panyako to contest the Malava parliamentary seat, in what party leader Eugene Wamalwa described as a decisive step towards capturing one of the most hotly contested by-elections in the country. Announcing the decision in Nairobi, Wamalwa said the nomination followed a scientific poll commissioned by the party and its coalition partners, which placed Panyako head and shoulders above all the…
Jomvu MP Badi Twalib and other leaders during the hand over new loan-free motorbikes and a fully-equipped car wash machine to various Bodaboda CBOs across the constituency, fully owned by the beneficiaries. employment. [Kelvin Karani, Standard] Every morning at 6 a.m., 27-year-old Brian Otieno rides his boda boda through the busy streets of Nairobi, ferrying passengers before heading to his second hustle of selling thrifted clothes on Instagram. By evening, he is delivering fast food orders for an app-based company. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium…
Lean Energy Solutions Managing Director, Dinesh Tembhekar (left), and Finance Director, Leena Tembhekar (right), present the winner’s cheque and trophy to Alex Otieno of the University of Nairobi during the Lean Energy Essay Award Competition 2025. [Courtesy] Lean Energy Solutions has launched its inaugural University essay award competition on renewable energy. It is aimed at aligning youth innovation with Kenya’s renewable energy agenda. The initiative, which attracted 846 student submissions from universities across the country, culminated in an award ceremony at the Kenya School of Government last week that saw students bag various prizes. The competition earlier saw university students…
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki (left) during the official opening of the Africa Employers Summit in Nairobi, on September 8, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] Youth unemployment in Africa has reached a critical tipping point, with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimating that 27 per cent of young people across the continent are currently unemployed. Even more alarming, over 70 million youth are neither employed nor enrolled in any educational or training institutions, numbers that might be signalling a deepening social and economic emergency. Yet, Africa’s youth population continues to grow and is expected to double by 2050. Follow The Standard channel…
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba claimed the Parliament is “captured” by corruption and accussed President William Ruto of complicity. [File, Standard] Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba’s 20-day suspension from the National Assembly has ignited outrage among women leaders in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), who accuse President William Ruto of betraying pledges in the Kenya Kwanza Women’s Charter. Wamuchomba was suspended by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula after protesting in Parliament over what she termed the government’s lax response to the 2024 Kware Dumpsite femicide. “Our women were killed, yet no one seems to care enough,” she said. Follow The Standard channel on WhatsApp…
Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi has been endorsed for the 2027 Bungoma gubernatorial race by several MPs from the county. [File, Standard] The 2027 Bungoma gubernatorial race has taken a decisive twist after eight Members of Parliament from the county endorsed Westlands MP Timothy Wanyonyi as their preferred candidate to succeed outgoing Governor Kenneth Lusaka. In a show of political unity, the MPs declared their support for Wanyonyi, an ODM lawmaker with deep roots in Bungoma, signaling a potential shift in the county’s political dynamics ahead of the next general election. The endorsement was led by Sirisia MP and Western Parliamentary…
Brian Okeyo: Bungoma’s youthful engineer building a green future in organic farming Published Date: 2025-05-03 15:03:00 Author: By Juliet Omelo Source: The Standard
Brian Okeyo Demonstrationg how his home made Nawiri bio fertilizer is applied to the crops on April 22, 2025. [Juliet Omelo, Standard] In the quiet outskirts of Bungoma town at Sinoko village, where the sun filters through banana leaves and the soil is rich with promise, a quarter-acre plot is transforming the land and lives too. At the centre of this green revolution is 31-year-old Brian Okeyo, a trained civil engineer who traded in his hard hat for a hoe and never looked back. As one steps closer to his small farm, the air feels different, and there is a rich scent of earth…
Sirisia MP John Waluke addresses mourners during the burial of Mzee Nathan Sirengo on April 19, 2025. [Juliet Omelo, Standard] Sirisia MP John Waluke has accused Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka’s administration, of allegedly spending an estimated Sh35 million monthly on garbage collection, terming it gross misuse of public resources. Speaking during the burial of Mzee Nathan Sirengo in his constituency over the weekend, Waluke claimed that county officials were looting public funds under the guise of waste management. “Bungoma County towns cannot generate the amount of garbage that justifies expenditure of Sh35 million monthly,” he said. “In fact, I have…