President William Ruto and his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping. [Ruto, X] Kenya and China have signed 20 Memoranda of Understanding and cooperation frameworks covering major sectors including trade, education, digital economy, and infrastructure. President William Ruto and his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping met in Beijing on Thursday where they announced a raft of bilateral agreements and economic deals aimed at deepening cooperation between the two nations. In the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Nairobi and Beijing, China committed to financing and supporting major infrastructure projects, including the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to Malaba, the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit…
Author: By Mate Tongola
The incident was reproted at the Naroosura Police Station, Narok South. [Courtesy] The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into disturbing allegations of police brutality in Narok after graphic images of an injured woman, purportedly assaulted by an officer, went viral on social media. In a statement released on Monday, April 21, 2025, IPOA through its chairperson Issack Hassan confirmed that it had reached out to the victim’s family and commenced an independent probe into the incident. “An independent investigation is underway to establish the facts surrounding this incident,” IPOA stated. The authority emphasized its commitment to…
The incident was reproted at the Naroosura Police Station, Narok South. [Courtesy] The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into disturbing allegations of police brutality in Narok after graphic images of an injured woman, purportedly assaulted by an officer, went viral on social media. In a statement released on Monday, April 21, 2025, IPOA through its chairperson Issack Hassan confirmed that it had reached out to the victim’s family and commenced an independent probe into the incident. “An independent investigation is underway to establish the facts surrounding this incident,” IPOA stated. The authority emphasized its commitment to…
The late Pope Francis died on Easter Monday aged 88. [AFP] As the Catholic Church convenes its highest authorities to replace the late Pope Francis, the preservation of his body remains an immediate concern. Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday aged 88, will lie in state for three days and top priority is ensuring that his body does not decompose ahead of his funeral rites. Thousands of mourners are expected to pay their final respects to the first Pope from Latin America at St. Peter’s Basilica. According to Roman Catholic traditions, the papal embalming techniques have transformed over the…
Easter eggs have become a beloved symbol of the holiday. [Pinterest] Easter remains one of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in the Christian calendar. According to the New Testament, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which occurred three days after his crucifixion. Although not synonymous with the festivities in Kenya, Easter in other parts of the world is celebrated with a variety of customs and traditions that include decorating eggs, Easter egg hunts, festive meals, and the arrival of the Easter Bunny. At its heart, Easter is a celebration of life, hope, and new beginnings—values that resonate…
Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi.[Screengrab] Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi has apologised to Butere Girls High School drama students following police action against them, after they declined to perform their play, Echoes of War, at the national drama festivals in Nakuru. Itumbi also criticised the decision to bar the school from staging the play, describing the move “absolutely unnecessary.” Speaking on Citizen TV on Wednesday night, Itumbi distanced himself from the decision and said that not all government officials shared the same position. “Let me take this with the full…
German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth during the launch at Westgate Mall, Nairobi. [Mate Tongola, Standard] Global sportswear and lifestyle brand adidas Originals has officially expanded its footprint in Kenya with the launch of its new store at Westgate Mall in Westlands, Nairobi. The store, brought to the region by WAMA International Group, marks the brand’s first standalone adidas Originals outlet in East Africa. WAMA International, which operates more than 30 retail locations across various regions, has ambitious plans for further expansion across East Africa. “We are thrilled to launch our first adidas Originals store in East Africa,” said Ismael…
Parliamnet approved the nomination of Geoffrey Ruku as CS for Public Service and Hanna Cheptumo as CS for Gender. The National Assembly has endorsed the appointment of two Cabinet nominees to lead critical government ministries, following recommendations by the Committee on Appointments. In a report tabled before Parliament and signed by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who also chairs the Committee, lawmakers approved Geoffrey K. Kiringa Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo was also cleared to assume the role of Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage. The approvals were made…
Parliamnet approved the nomination of Geoffrey Ruku as CS for Public Service and Hanna Cheptumo as CS for Gender. The National Assembly has endorsed the appointment of two Cabinet nominees to lead critical government ministries, following recommendations by the Committee on Appointments. In a report tabled before Parliament and signed by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who also chairs the Committee, lawmakers approved Geoffrey K. Kiringa Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo was also cleared to assume the role of Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage. The approvals were made…
Parliamnet approved the nomination of Geoffrey Ruku as CS for Public Service and Hanna Cheptumo as CS for Gender. The National Assembly Committee on Appointments has endorsed the appointment of two Cabinet nominees to lead critical government ministries. In a report tabled before Parliament and signed by Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who also chairs the Committee, lawmakers approved Geoffrey K. Kiringa Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo was also cleared to assume the role of Cabinet Secretary for Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage. The approvals were made in accordance with Article…
The Nissan X-trail T30 marks it 25th anniversary this year. [Courtesy] The Nissan X-Trail T30, the inaugural model in the X-Trail series, marks its 25th anniversary this year. First unveiled by Japanese automaker Nissan in 2001, the compact SUV has stood the test of time, maintaining a steady presence in a highly competitive market segment. While positioned below its more premium counterparts like the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V, the X-Trail T30 has carved out a loyal following—particularly in Kenya—thanks to its dependable performance and practical design. A design built for the road less traveled Since…
The Nissan X-trail T30 marks it 25th anniversary this year. [Courtesy] The Nissan X-Trail T30, the inaugural model in the X-Trail series, marks its 25th anniversary this year. First unveiled by Japanese automaker Nissan in 2001, the compact SUV has stood the test of time, maintaining a steady presence in a highly competitive market segment. While positioned below its more premium counterparts like the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V, the X-Trail T30 has carved out a loyal following—particularly in Kenya—thanks to its dependable performance and practical design. A design built for the road less traveled Since…
The Nissan X-trail T30 marks it 25th anniversary this year. [Courtesy] The Nissan X-Trail T30, the inaugural model in the X-Trail series, marks its 25th anniversary this year. First unveiled by Japanese automaker Nissan in 2001, the compact SUV has stood the test of time, maintaining a steady presence in a highly competitive market segment. While positioned below its more premium counterparts like the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V, the X-Trail T30 has carved out a loyal following—particularly in Kenya—thanks to its dependable performance and practical design. A design built for the road less traveled Since…
The Nissan X-trail T30 marks it 25th anniversary this year. [Courtesy] The Nissan X-Trail T30, the inaugural model in the X-Trail series, marks its 25th anniversary this year. First unveiled by Japanese automaker Nissan in 2001, the compact SUV has stood the test of time, maintaining a steady presence in a highly competitive market segment. While positioned below its more premium counterparts like the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V, the X-Trail T30 has carved out a loyal following—particularly in Kenya—thanks to its dependable performance and practical design. A design built for the road less traveled Since…
The Nissan X-trail T30 marks it 25th anniversary this year. [Courtesy] The Nissan X-Trail T30, the inaugural model in the X-Trail series, marks its 25th anniversary this year. First unveiled by Japanese automaker Nissan in 2001, the compact SUV has stood the test of time, maintaining a steady presence in a highly competitive market segment. While positioned below its more premium counterparts like the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V, the X-Trail T30 has carved out a loyal following—particularly in Kenya—thanks to its dependable performance and practical design. A design built for the road less traveled Since…
The Nissan X-trail T30 marks it 25th anniversary this year. [Courtesy] The Nissan X-Trail T30, the inaugural model in the X-Trail series, marks its 25th anniversary this year. First unveiled by Japanese automaker Nissan in 2001, the compact SUV has stood the test of time, maintaining a steady presence in a highly competitive market segment. While positioned below its more premium counterparts like the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V, the X-Trail T30 has carved out a loyal following—particularly in Kenya—thanks to its dependable performance and practical design. A design built for the road less traveled Since…
Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok. [File, Standard] The Ministry of Education has pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of the events surrounding the aborted staging of the play Echoes of War by Butere Girls High School. Speaking on the matter, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok confirmed that the ministry will also re-examine the rules and regulations governing the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF). The review aims to ensure stricter compliance and prevent similar incidents in the future. PS Bitok reiterated Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba’s earlier remarks, emphasizing that Section 9.0 Note C of the KNDFF…
Butere Girls arriving at Melvin Jones Academy in Nakuru. [Julius Kipsang, Standard] Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has criticised the administration of Butere Girls High School for breaching national regulations by allowing a non-teacher to direct a school drama production. In a press statement issued on Thursday, Ogamba said the school contravened Section 9.0 Note C of the Kenya National Drama and Film Festival (KNDFF) guidelines, which stipulate that only teachers registered with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) or qualified lecturers from registered post-secondary institutions are permitted to train or direct student performances. The controversy surrounds the play Echoes of…
NACADA has vowed to intensify the raids as it fights drug abuse and trafficking in the country. [NACADA,X] The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) intensified its nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking with a successful raid in Kabaa Village, Mbiuni, Makueni County, resulting in the arrest of two suspected bhang traffickers. The Thursday mid-morning operation, led by NACADA enforcement officers was conducted following a tip-off from vigilant members of the public. During the raid, officers seized a significant quantity of illicit substances, including 20 brooms and 87 sticks of bhang. They also recovered drug-related paraphernalia…
Chaos erupted shortly after former Deputy President Gachagua’s entourage arrived at the church. [Screengrab] A Sunday church service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was briefly disrupted after unknown individuals attempted to storm the PCEA Mwiki Church in Kasarani Constituency. The incident occurred shortly after Gachagua and his entourage arrived for the morning service. A group of unidentified people reportedly tried to force their way into the church, momentarily compromising the safety of congregants. Witnesses described a tense scene as the group shouted and pushed against church members who stood their ground to block the intrusion. Gunshots were heard…
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga with his long time aide George Oduor. [Courtesy] George Oduor, a long term aide and bodyguard to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has passed away while undergoing treatment at Nairobi West Hospital. A source close to Odinga confirmed Oduor’s death, stating that he had been hospitalized for the past two weeks. “Yes, it is true we have lost him,” the source told The Standard. Oduor’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from political figures and close associates. Among those mourning him is Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) communications director Philip Etale and Kileleshwa Member…
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Newly appointed Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has vowed to collaborate with key stakeholders to enhance healthcare delivery across the country. Expressing his gratitude to President William Ruto for his appointment, Duale took to social media to reaffirm his commitment to improving healthcare services. His reassignment follows a cabinet reshuffle that moved him from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry to the health docket. “In my new role, I remain committed to ensuring accessible and quality services for all Kenyans. A key priority will be advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC)…
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna. [Collins Kweyu, Standard More than 25 political leaders from across Southern Africa, including Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, have been denied entry into Angola ahead of a two-day political retreat in Luanda. Speaking to The Standard, Sifuna confirmed he was among those barred from entering the country. “We have been deported and are currently on a flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We were lucky to get out, but some of our colleagues are still held up in Luanda,” he said. Sifuna also shared an official invitation from Angola’s opposition leader Adalberto Costa requesting border…