Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the initiative during a televised interview, saying the project will link identity records with facial recognition technology to help police identify suspects faster than they can today. Currently, investigators often scan CCTV footage manually and then share images of suspects with the public to generate leads.

Murkomen said the existing approach is slow and frequently ineffective because Kenya has no centralized system that can match surveillance footage with official identity records. He added that the country also lacks a facial recognition database that can compare camera-captured images with government-held records to confirm a person’s identity.

The technology will be integrated into an upgraded Integrated Command, Control and Communication Centre (IC3). Once the system is fully operational, police will be able to compare CCTV images with photographs stored in national identification records.

Murkomen said the system will build a larger dataset over time, enabling officers to verify identities in real time. He added that Nairobi will receive the technology first, with deployment planned within six months after procurement begins.

The government aims to finish procurement within two months and set spending at a maximum of KSh25 billion. As part of the project, authorities plan to install surveillance cameras in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Nyeri.

Murkomen said the government will maintain privacy protections and install cameras only in public spaces. He also stated that authorities will not extend the system to private areas such as homes or hotels.

The project signals a major expansion of Kenya’s use of biometric technology in policing. The Interior Ministry said the system will modernize criminal investigations by speeding up suspect identification through the integration of surveillance footage and official identity records.

The post Nairobi to Get Facial Recognition Cameras First in Kenya’s KSh25 Billion Security Push appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

In a post shared on X on Thursday, June 25, 2026, the doctor called on the ministry to step in after videos surfaced showing Nairobi Birdman living and eating alongside a range of wild birds, including scavenger species.

“Dear MOH Kenya, there is this character in FB who lives with wild birds, including scavengers, and eats with them from the same plate,” Miskellah wrote.

Miskellah warned that although many Kenyans may find the videos entertaining, the practice could lead to serious health problems if authorities do not act. He explained that frequent contact between people and wild animals can raise the risk of zoonotic diseases – illnesses that can pass from animals to humans.

“While this looks funny, it won’t be funny when he contracts and spreads zoonotic diseases,” he added.

The KMPDU official also urged public health officers to engage Nairobi Birdman and educate him about the potential dangers of prolonged contact with wild birds.

“Kindly send public health officers to advise him accordingly because we are not ready to pay for his folly with our lives,” he added.

Nairobi Birdman, whose real name is Rodgers Oloo Magudha, has attracted a large following on social media by posting videos that highlight his one-of-a-kind relationship with birds.

The content creator is often seen feeding, carrying, and interacting with birds that roam freely around his home. In several of his videos, he shares meals with the birds and allows them to perch on his shoulders and head, as well as on his dining table.

The post KMPDU Official Urges Health Ministry to Probe Nairobi Birdman Over Wild Bird Contact appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

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In a statement issued on Thursday, June 25, 2026, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Kenya remains at high risk of an imported Ebola case because of its role as a major regional transport and travel hub, with close links to neighbouring countries.

“First and foremost, I wish to assure all Kenyans that Kenya has not reported any confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease,” Duale said. He added that even without confirmed cases, the government has put in place proactive measures to ensure the country can respond quickly if an imported case is identified.

The CS said lessons from previous Ebola outbreaks across Africa show the value of early preparedness in protecting lives, health systems, and national economies.

As part of the response, the Ministry of Health, through the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI), activated the national Ebola Incident Management System on May 20, 2026.

Ongoing preparedness measures include heightened screening of travellers arriving from affected countries at airports and land border points. Health authorities also strengthened disease surveillance and rapid response systems in counties, expanded laboratory testing capacity, and identified and prepared isolation and treatment facilities. The ministry is also training healthcare workers to support timely detection and care.

The government added that it has stockpiled personal protective equipment (PPE) and intensified public awareness campaigns to improve risk communication.

Duale said Kenya has screened more than 140,000 travellers arriving from affected areas and investigated over 100 alerts, and all results have tested negative for Ebola.

“As of today, Kenya has screened more than 140,000 travellers arriving from affected areas and investigated over 100 alerts, all of which have tested negative for Ebola,” he said.

The CS also responded to public concerns about the establishment of quarantine and isolation facilities, clarifying that their presence does not mean Kenya has detected any Ebola cases. He explained that isolation and quarantine centres form part of routine public health preparedness measures that help authorities contain suspected infections quickly and prevent spread if a case emerges.

“Just as a country prepares fire engines before a fire occurs, public health authorities must prepare isolation and quarantine facilities before an outbreak occurs,” Duale said.

The government advised Kenyans to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda, and to rely only on official Ministry of Health communication for updates.

Duale urged community leaders, religious organisations, healthcare workers, transport operators, the media, and the public to support the ongoing preparedness measures. He added that the government will continue to share timely updates as the situation develops.

“Together, let’s keep Kenya safe,” he said.

The post Aden Duale Addresses Ebola Fears After Screening 140,000 Travellers appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

In a statement, the embassy said the arrangement took effect on June 25, 2026, and applies to holders of ordinary Kenyan passports and their accompanying family members, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

The embassy added that the visa-on-arrival programme is available to Kenyans with valid residence permits from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, and New Zealand.

“Effective June 25, 2026, the United Arab Emirates will grant visas on arrival to ordinary passport holders from the Republic of Kenya, and their accompanying family members who hold valid residence permits from these countries,” the embassy said.

The embassy added that the eligible residence permits include those issued by the US, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Canada, and New Zealand. It said the initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to making travel easier and to reinforcing the country’s appeal as a global destination for tourism, business, and investment.

The new policy is expected to reduce travel friction for thousands of Kenyans living abroad by eliminating the need to secure a UAE visa before departure. The UAE Embassy said the change also forms part of broader efforts to promote easier travel and deepen connections between the UAE and international visitors, particularly those from Kenya.

However, the embassy clarified that the visa-on-arrival programme applies only to travellers who hold valid residence permits from the specified countries. Kenyans who do not have the qualifying residence permits will still need to apply for visas through the normal channels before travelling to the UAE.

The post UAE Introduces Visa on Arrival for Eligible Kenyan Travellers appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

The change comes under the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules, 2026, which formally extends the mandatory inspection regime to private vehicles.

Under the rules, any vehicle older than four years from its date of manufacture must undergo an inspection test once every year. This requirement will apply to private and public vehicles; government vehicles; and commercial vehicles, including tractors, golf carts, motorized pedal cycles, and all-terrain vehicles (with the specified exemptions).

The regulations will affect thousands of Kenyan motorists, given that many vehicles on local roads are imported used cars that are already older than four years.

In addition to the inspection requirements, NTSA has released a new fee schedule for all vehicle categories, including charges for inspection bookings. Vehicle owners with engines below 3,000cc will pay a booking fee of KSh 1,000 to NTSA and an inspection fee of up to KSh 1,000 set by the inspection centre.

Motorcycle and three-wheeler owners will pay a KSh200 booking fee and a maximum inspection fee of KSh300, for a total of KSh500.

The regulations also provide for the licensing of privately operated vehicle testing centers. These centers will be allowed to conduct inspections alongside government facilities.

A vehicle that passes inspection will receive an inspection report and an inspection sticker, which owners must display on the vehicle. If a vehicle fails, it will receive a defect report outlining the faults that must be fixed before the owner can book another inspection.

Under the new rules, motorists will not be permitted to operate vehicles on public roads without a valid inspection sticker.

NTSA also requires inspections for vehicles that have been modified, including those with engine changes, as well as vehicles that were involved in accidents and vehicles undergoing re-registration.

In addition, NTSA has introduced a new framework for managing salvage vehicles, requiring severely damaged vehicles to undergo inspection before authorities allow them back on the road.

Motorists whose vehicles fail inspection will receive a free re-inspection if they return to the same inspection center within 14 days after repairing the identified defects.

NTSA says drivers who operate vehicles in violation of the rules, including using invalid inspection stickers, could face a fine of up to KSh20,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

The inspection changes form part of the government’s broader push to improve road safety by ensuring that vehicles running on Kenyan roads meet required mechanical and safety standards.

The post NTSA to Begin Mandatory Vehicle Inspections for Private Cars From July 1, 2026 appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

He delivered the directive during the 46th Annual Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya Conference in Mombasa, describing it as part of reforms meant to tighten oversight across the sector.

Duale said every player in the pharmaceutical supply chain must register and maintain active compliance with three national digital platforms that the government plans to roll out beginning next month. He added that, from July 1, 2026, pharmacists, pharmaceutical technologists, pharmacies, chemists, manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, and healthcare facilities handling pharmaceutical products will be required to register, integrate with the platforms, and stay compliant.

The platforms include the National Track and Trace System (NTTS), Practice360, and Facility360. The government says they will improve monitoring, licensing, and regulation of pharmaceutical products and professionals.

According to the Health Ministry, the National Track and Trace System will provide end-to-end monitoring of pharmaceutical products, covering everything from importation and manufacturing to distribution, prescription, dispensing, and consumption.

Practice360 will act as the national licensing and professional management platform for pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists, while Facility360 will oversee licensing.

“To strengthen pharmaceutical governance, combat counterfeit medicines, and ensure compliance with national health regulations, the Ministry of Health shall implement three national digital platforms across the pharmaceutical sector,” Duale said.

In addition to the registration requirement, the ministry says pharmaceutical manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, pharmacies, chemists, and healthcare facilities must also comply with GS1 Global Standards for product identification, serialization, authentication, and traceability.

The ministry says the institutions will also have to capture and report pharmaceutical products and transactions through the National Logistics Management Information System and the National Track and Trace System.

The directive further requires stakeholders to keep accurate electronic records covering pharmaceutical inventory, distribution, dispensing, and utilization data.

The Health Ministry added that the requirements will be implemented under the Digital Health Act, 2023; the Health Act; and relevant provisions of the Pharmacy and Poisons Act.

The post Duale Unveils Plan to Track Medicines From Importation to Patient Use appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

In a video posted to his X account on Thursday, June 25, 2026, Sudi said Gachagua pretended to discourage people from taking to the streets while secretly pushing tensions across the country.

“Mr Quarter Term pretends to tell Kenyans to stay away from demonstrations, but his real agenda is evil – inciting Kenyans to fight each other. Wickedness will never take you anywhere, Mr. Dorcas!! #FormNiPeace,” Sudi wrote.

In the clip, Sudi directly blamed Gachagua for creating fear around the demonstrations. He accused the former deputy president of discussing violence and “goons” publicly, while allegedly planning chaos behind the scenes.

“Ninaona unajaribu kuchochea wananchi hapo kuanzia juzi, ooh msiende maandamano, kutakuwa na goons. Wewe badala uambie Wakenya wewe ndio unapanga uhalifu,” Sudi said.

RELATED – “You Cannot Vote When You Are Dead,” Gachagua Warns Gen Z Protesters

The MP also revisited Gachagua’s impeachment, mocking him for failing to complete his term as deputy president.

“Wewe ni mtu ulishindwa kumaliza term, mpaka ukakuwa impeached na more than 200 MPs,” Sudi said in the video.

He further accused Gachagua of insulting leaders who once supported him politically, including Farouk Kibet.

“Hii akili niko nayo ndio ilikusaidia ukakuwa Deputy President. Ukashindwa ukaenda kushikilia kiti nilikupigania, Farouk alikupigania. Saa hii hao watu ndio unatusi,” Sudi added.

The outspoken lawmaker told Gachagua he would never regain political influence.

“That’s why ulikuwa quarter term, na hutawai kuwa ata chief,” he said.

The post ‘You Were a Quarter Term DP’ Sudi Fires Back at Gachagua appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

In a statement issued on Thursday, June 25, 2026, the Academy said it extended invitations to 529 artists and executives who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to motion pictures. Murimi received one of the invites under the documentary branch, and the Academy cited his acclaimed works The Battle for Laikipia and I Am Samuel.

“We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in the statement.

Murimi accepted the invite and will now join the Academy’s voting membership and help determine Oscar nominees and winners.

“Guess who’s now a member of @TheAcademy? I’m thrilled to join the documentary branch and contribute to recognizing the best in our craft,” he tweeted Thursday.

The Academy also noted that the 2026 invitees include 95 Oscar nominees, 21 Oscar winners, and three recipients of Scientific and Technical Awards.

The recognition reflects a career that spans more than two decades and reaches well beyond the two documentaries highlighted by the Academy.

Murimi first won continental attention in 2004, when he received the CNN African Journalist of the Year Award for Walk to Womanhood, a documentary that examines female genital mutilation (FGM). Since then, he has worked across more than 30 African countries, producing documentaries and investigative films.

His portfolio includes The Baby Stealers, which investigates child trafficking and illegal adoption practices, as well as Slum Survivors, filmed in Nairobi’s Kibera informal settlement. I Am Samuel also earned widespread acclaim for its intimate storytelling, and it screened at major festivals, including Hot Docs, the BFI London Film Festival, and the Human Rights Watch Film Festival.

Meanwhile, The Battle for Laikipia premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it drew global interest in the land, climate, and conservation conflicts in Laikipia County.

Murimi joins a small but growing group of Kenyan creatives who have received invitations or recognition from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu received an invitation in 2020, and Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has also been recognised. Award-winning animator Ng’endo Mukii joined the Academy’s animation branch in 2022, while veteran filmmaker Judy Kibinge received an invitation that same year.

According to the Academy, membership invitations go to individuals based on their professional achievements and contributions to the film industry.

The post Filmmaker Peter Murimi Receives Prestigious Oscar Academy Invitation appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

Tthe Land and Environment Court in Meru has once again halted the construction of a proposed airstrip, state lodge, and golf course inside the Imenti Forest.

Justice Oguttu Mboya issued the temporary freeze after five Meru residents – Mugambi Imanyara, Charles Mutuma, Mwenda Kirera, Michael Koome, and Douglas Mwiti – filed a fresh petition against the project. The residents are suing the Meru County Government, the Kenya Forest Service, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Attorney General.

The court gave the respondents 14 days to disclose and file all project-related documents, including approvals, Environmental Impact Assessment reports, licenses, permits, maps, acreage surveys, feasibility studies, public participation records, and agreements.

Furthermore, the orders authorized the petitioners or court-appointed experts to inspect the flagged portions of Imenti Forest to prepare a comprehensive status report. The court order firmly maintains the current status quo, effectively blocking any ongoing or planned developments until a judge hears and determines the matter.

“In the meantime, and taking into account the provisions of Articles 69 and 159[2][b] of the Constitution, 2010; and bearing in mind the likely consequences of the intended project, there be and is hereby granted an Interim Conservatory Order in terms of prayer two of the application pending the return date or until further orders of the Court,” Justice Mboya ordered.

The court will hear the matter next on June 30, 2026.

The petitioners argue that the proposed development threatens a gazetted public forest, which serves as a vital water catchment zone, biodiversity habitat, and environmental resource for both Meru County and the wider nation.

“The Respondents have failed to disclose Environmental Impact Assessment reports, feasibility studies, approvals, maps, acreage surveys and other statutory documents relating to the project. The proposed development threatens to cause irreversible environmental degradation and destruction of forest resources,” the petitioners told the court.

Despite the court order, Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi defended the project, maintaining that the airstrip aims to protect Mount Kenya forest. Speaking at the Meru University of Science and Technology Innovation Conference, Mugambi explained that the facility would allow authorities to conduct aerial surveillance over the expansive ecosystem.

“The Mt Kenya forest covers 600,000 acres and some of it has been destroyed. We have even noted bhang growing in Tharaka Nithi area. We cannot know what is happening in the forest because we do not have aerial surveillance. I have been accused of destroying the forest but what we are doing is setting up a KFS operation base to strengthen surveillance and monitoring,” he said.

Mugambi dismissed critics of the ongoing airstrip project, asserting that many opponents are the very individuals destroying the forest, and stated that the government intends to launch flights to stop them. He explained that authorities will use the airstrip to deploy surveillance drones and aircraft for aerial reseeding with seed balls.

The Principal Secretary defended the decision to build inside the ecosystem, arguing that sacrificing eight acres will ultimately help save the entire 600,000-acre forest. PS Mugambi also expressed frustration with the frequency of lawsuits in the country, noting that fifteen separate court orders previously stalled his department’s efforts to revive Panpaper Mills.

The post Govt Defends Sacrificing 8 Acres of Imenti Forest to Save 600,000-Acre Mt Kenya Ecosystem appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

Kituo Cha Sheria had sued the director-general of the National Intelligence Service, the Attorney General, the National Police Service, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior, and the county governments of Kisii and Kilifi. In the petition, the organization argued that the respondents failed to prevent the women from being killed.

In a written judgement delivered on Thursday, June 25, 2026, Judge Lawrence Mugambi said the petition did not meet the required standards and also failed to substantively prove the case it advanced.

The court also noted that Kituo Cha Sheria relied on witness statements, news reports, and affidavits from the court record. However, the judge found that the petition effectively depended on newspaper cuttings as its main proof.

However, the judge said the statement of fact in the newspaper amounted to hearsay and therefore could not be admitted as evidence unless the person who made the statement appeared in court and faced the opportunity to be questioned about what had been reported.

The court noted that the petitioner failed to call the creators of the newspaper cuttings to testify and did not submit a supporting affidavit. Justice Lawrence Mugambi explained that while newspapers carry a presumption of genuineness, they remain legally inadmissible if the authors are not present to testify, produce the documents, and face cross-examination regarding the reported facts.

“The sources of facts that led to the publication of those newspaper articles cannot be verified, as not even the authors of these reports show affidavits to authenticate the reports derived by the petitioners,” Justice Mugambi added.

Ultimately, the judge found the evidence insufficient to establish liability under the civil standard of proof.

“On a balance of probabilities, I would not regard this as credible evidence to be used as a basis of finding liability. The conclusion that this court must inescapably reach is that this petition fails for want of proof on a balance of probabilities,” the judge ruled.

The post Nairobi Court Dismisses Petition Over Killings of Elderly Women Labeled Witches appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

Chief Magistrate Abdulqadir Ramadhan on Wednesday, June 24, ordered the release of one suspect in the Utumishi Girls’ Academy fire case.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the court found that the suspect was not culpable for the arson that killed 16 learners at the institution. The magistrate directed that she be released to her parents after investigations established she had no role in the offense.

The ODPP also said the court granted an application allowing eight other suspects connected to the tragedy to remain in custody for an additional two days. The suspects are set to appear in court for arraignment following that extension.

Chief Magistrate Ramadhan further ordered that the remaining suspects be remanded at either the Nakuru Children’s Remand Home or the Nairobi Children’s Remand Home.

The suspects are expected in court on Friday, June 26, for the mention and plea-taking after the DPP approved charges for the offense of murder, contrary to Section 203, as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code.

Earlier, the DPP confirmed that the suspects will face 16 counts of murder linked to the suspected arson attack that resulted in the deaths of the 16 learners.

The ODPP also expressed deep concern about a recent rise in reported cases of arson and other forms of criminal conduct in educational institutions across the country.

The prosecutors warned students and the public that anyone found culpable of such offenses will face legal consequences in line with the law.

The post Court Frees One Suspect in Utumishi Girls Fire Case appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

Posting on social media, Ms Nyathi warned her followers not to buy the copies being sold on Ronald Ngala Street. She added that she is working to ensure legitimate copies of the book are available in Kenya through a proper distributor.

The Netflix series has been trending at the top of the Top 10 list in Kenya and in 12 other countries, including Romania, Slovakia, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Nigeria, South Africa, and more.

“There are pirated copies of #ThePolygamist being sold at Affordable Books in Nairobi along Ronald Ngala Street,” she tweeted.

“I know the book is in demand, & I’m working to make it available there through a reputable supplier. Copyright infringement is a crime. Don’t support the violation!”

Although no Kenyan distributor currently holds authorization to sell The Polygamist, readers can still buy an original copy on Amazon for Ksh 1,124.

The Kenya Copyright Board, the state corporation established under Kenya’s Copyright Act to administer and enforce copyright and related rights, urged Ms Nyathi to file an official complaint. The board said this step could help curb piracy of her book.

Sue Nyathi, a Bulawayo-born investment analyst, self-published her debut novel in 2012 after facing repeated rejections from mainstream publishers in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

On June 12, Netflix released all 22 episodes of The Polygamist. Within a week, the series had generated 19.1 million viewing hours and opened at number four on Netflix’s global non-English TV chart before rising as high as number three.

The post Netflix Hit Sparks Piracy Row as The Polygamist Appears on Nairobi Streets appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) plans to petition Parliament to introduce legislation that sets minimum academic qualifications for people seeking elective office.

IEBC National Steering Committee chairperson Evans Masiti said the commission is concerned about court rulings that have weakened how educational requirements for candidates can be enforced. He argued that Kenya should adopt well-defined academic thresholds for aspiring political leaders, saying leadership roles must come with minimum qualifications.

Masiti said the commission is ready to work from the courts’ guidance as it seeks legislative action. He added that without statutory requirements, the system could allow extreme differences in educational attainment among candidates, such as a PhD holder and a Form Four dropout meeting the same conditions.

“I’m happy the presidents of the courts are here. We have had pronouncements from the courts regarding educational standards. We shall be petitioning Parliament to ensure that we legislate some of the requirements because we are going to see a situation where a PhD holder and a Form Four dropout will be the same, as per what IEBC has told us. As a country, we must have some educational standards,” he said.

He also noted that political parties were invited to participate in the development of the IEBC Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and the Election Operations Plan. Masiti said the engagement helped ensure that the preparations for the 2027 general election reflected input from a wide range of stakeholders.

Masiti spoke on Wednesday during a stakeholder engagement forum focused on the IEBC Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and the Election Operations Plan (EOP) 2025–2027.

He delivered the remarks as the commission rolled out key milestones under the Election Operations Plan, a framework meant to guide how the body plans, coordinates, implements, and monitors activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.

IEBC Lists Key Deadlines for Candidates

Commissioner Ann Nderitu, who chairs the Election Operations Committee, said the plan builds on the IEBC Strategic Plan 2024–2029 and targets transparency, accountability, compliance with electoral laws, stakeholder engagement, and institutional resilience.

Nderitu also announced that the next General Election will take place on Tuesday, August 10, 2027. She said public officers who intend to contest for elective seats must resign by February 9, 2027, six months before polling day.

She further stated that political parties must submit their membership lists and details of party primaries by March 16, 2027, and conclude nominations and resolve internal disputes by May 9, 2027.

For independent candidates, the commission set May 9, 2027, as the deadline to stop being members of any political party and to submit their names and symbols to the IEBC.

The IEBC scheduled the nomination of political party and independent candidates for the period between May 29 and June 11, 2027. It requires nomination disputes to be filed no later than June 12 and directed the commission to determine them within ten days.

Nderitu instructed candidates: “Nomination papers shall be delivered by the candidates to the Chairperson of IEBC between the hours of eight o’clock in the morning and one o’clock in the afternoon and between the hours of two o’clock and four o’clock in the afternoon at a place designated by the Commission.”

The commission also said campaign activities will run from May 29, 2027, to August 7, 2027, ending 48 hours before voters go to the polls.

The post IEBC Confirms August 10, 2027 Election Date, Demands Law on Candidate Education Levels appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

The Opposition warned that opaque systems could erode public confidence in the electoral process. Speaking during a press briefing on the IEBC’s Election Operations Plan (EOP) for the 2027 General Election, former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi said election technology must face scrutiny from stakeholders, independent auditors, and the courts to ensure credibility and accountability.

“Technology must serve democracy; democracy must never become captive to technology,” Muturi said.

He noted that Kenya’s electoral experience shows how technology can shape public trust, especially when IEBC transmits and tallies election results. Muturi therefore urged the electoral commission to hold vendors accountable and to avoid shielding any part of the election infrastructure from public oversight.

“There can be no secret servers, no hidden systems, no untouchable vendors, and no black boxes in a democratic election. Every stage of the process must be transparent, auditable, and verifiable,” he said.

The leader of the Democratic Party of Kenya (DP) said transmission of election results remains one of the most sensitive parts of any election, arguing that past polls have shown public confidence can rise or fall depending on how results get handled.

“The transmission of election results remains one of the most sensitive stages of any election. Kenya’s electoral history demonstrates that public confidence can rise or fall based on how results are managed and transmitted,” he said.

To strengthen credibility, Muturi proposed several safeguards, including independent security audits of election systems, end-to-end encryption for transmitted results, immutable audit trails, and the full disclosure of system logs whenever electoral disputes emerge.

He also urged the commission to build in unique security features on constituency results forms to improve authentication and reduce the risk of manipulation.

Muturi said transparency should also extend to electoral accountability. He argued that reforms must cover more than the commissioners, pointing to the IEBC Secretariat, which handles procurement, voter registration, logistics, election operations, and the deployment of election technology.

“For years, public attention has focused on changes at the top of the Commission while the administrative machinery responsible for implementing elections remains largely untouched,” he said.

Muturi reiterated his call for stronger stakeholder involvement in the development of the Election Operations Plan, saying Kenyans will judge the credibility of the 2027 General Election based on how openly the commission consults and how accountable it remains throughout the electoral process.

“The 2027 General Election must not only be free and fair. It must also be seen to be free and fair. That process begins today, with transparency, consultation and accountability,” he said.

The post 5 Safeguards Opposition Wants IEBC to Adopt for 2027 Election Technology appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

They want fees set using a unit-cost formula that calculates the real cost of delivering key services per learner per day. That includes tuition, meals, accommodation, and other operational expenses.

Under the current arrangement, the government provides a flat capitation grant of Sh22,244 per learner each year for tuition in secondary schools. Parents then cover accommodation and operational costs depending on the school’s category.

For Cluster 1 (C1) schools, parents currently pay Sh53,554, bringing the total annual cost per learner to Sh75,798 when government capitation is included. But proposals submitted to the new Basic Education Principal Secretary, John Ololtuaa, by the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (Kessha) indicate that the actual annual cost of educating a learner in a C1 school stands at Sh110,025.

Kessha is therefore proposing that parents contribute Sh87,781 annually, an increase of Sh34,227.

For Cluster 2 and Cluster 3 schools, the current annual fee totals Sh62,779, made up of a parental contribution of Sh40,535.

Kessha says the actual annual cost of maintaining a learner in Cluster 2 and Cluster 3 schools is Sh105,866. It argues that this would require parents to pay an additional Sh43,087.

The school heads also report that the cost of feeding a learner three meals a day has risen to Sh242. They said this figure covers breakfast, lunch, and supper, but it excludes spending on kitchen equipment, firewood, cooking gas, cleaning supplies, boarding facilities, and wages for cooks.

For day secondary schools, categorized as Cluster Four (C4), where government capitation covers all costs, Kessha proposes fees of Sh29,919 per learner. The association said that arrangement would require parents who currently pay nothing to contribute Sh7,675 more than the existing capitation allocation.

Kessha chairperson Willy Kuria said the proposed increases would protect schools from inflation and the rising cost of living – factors he said were not adequately considered when the current funding framework was developed in 2015.

“It is therefore no longer possible to sustainably run our institutions under the existing framework,” Kuria said.

He added that the prices of goods and services have risen substantially over the past decade, and he pointed to how government spending has grown alongside that trend.

Kessha said the national budget increased by 115% between the 2015/16 and 2026/27 financial years, rising from Sh2.25 trillion to Sh4.82 trillion. The association argued that the figures show the government’s recognition of the rising costs of delivering public services, including education.

Kessha presented the proposals to Ololtuaa during the 49th Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association annual conference held in Mombasa from June 22 to 26, 2026.

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Speaking on Tuesday after he assented to the Finance Bill, 2026, at State House in Nairobi, Ruto said the revised threshold would allow travellers to bring back more gifts and personal items without paying duty charges.

“To address concerns raised by returning travellers, including Kenyans who travel abroad and members of the diaspora, we have increased the duty-free allowance from Ksh.39,000 to Ksh.260,000 for gifts and personal effects that Kenyans can buy as they travel or as they come home from their jobs abroad,” Ruto said.

The increase marks a rise of more than six times the previous duty-free allowance and is expected to benefit Kenyans returning from overseas employment, members of the diaspora, and other travellers bringing personal goods into the country.

The announcement followed measures contained in the Finance Bill, 2026, which President William Ruto signed into law on Tuesday. The National Assembly passed the bill last week with amendments, after which lawmakers transmitted it to the president for assent before it took effect.

Ruto also assented to the Appropriation Bill, saying the two laws provide the legal framework and funding needed to drive Kenya’s transformation priorities. He said the measures aim to create jobs, strengthen livelihoods, and expand programmes and projects under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

“The vision is clear, the agenda is set, the plan is funded and on course, the transformation is happening and, together, we are building the prosperous, inclusive and modern nation that we all deserve,” he said.

The president cautioned Kenyans against propaganda and misinformation about the Finance Act, 2026, which he said the opposition promoted to pursue political goals. He urged the public to reject propaganda, fake news, hate, ethnic bigotry, and other forms of division.

Ruto added that the Finance Act does not introduce taxes that burden ordinary citizens. Instead, he said it improves fairness by strengthening compliance, closing loopholes and ensuring that every individual and business pays what the law requires.

“We are pursuing tax avoidance, not taxpayers; offshore schemes, not ordinary wages; and leakages, not livelihoods,” he said.

He also dismissed claims made through misinformation, noting that the law does not levy taxes on freehold land, does not tax mitumba, and does not change rental income tax. He further stated that it includes no tax on bottled water and imposes no new charges on M-Pesa or mobile money transactions, mobile phones, airtime or data, and locally manufactured packaging.

Ruto said the Finance law supports livelihoods by providing incentives for motorcycles, electric buses and bicycles, solar batteries, and locally assembled mobile phones.

The post Kenyan Travellers Can Now Bring Home 6 Times More Duty-Free Goods appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) expansion deal, valued at Ksh. 154.2 billion, will begin after the parties signed the contract on Tuesday.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir confirmed that the government awarded the contract to China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), an engineering contractor based in China. Chirchir said CRBC has the experience needed to deliver the expansion works.

He witnessed the signing between CRBC general manager Yu Xiaodong and Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika.

“The procurement process has been ongoing over the past three months following the completion of the JKIA Master Plan in February 2026. More than 40 companies participated in the pre-bid conference held in April 2026, which clarified the project expectations and scope of work,” said CS Chirchir.

The ambitious 36-month expansion project includes the construction of a brand-new terminal building alongside advanced support facilities. Workers will also upgrade existing infrastructure, streamline both airside and landside operations, and elevate overall service delivery and operational efficiency.

The overhaul aims to nearly triple the airport’s annual capacity, scaling it up to 22 million passengers from the current 7.5 million. As a result of these massive upgrades, air traffic controllers will be able to handle up to 31 arriving aircraft per hour, a significant bump from the current limit of 25.

To fund the modernization, the State will borrow up to Ksh.100 billion and inject an additional Ksh.50 billion in equity.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir indicated that the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) will serve as the project’s implementing agent. This major rollout follows the government’s decision last year to halt the expansion after cancelling a 2024 agreement with India’s Adani Group, a move prompted by the indictment of the group’s founder in the United States.

The post Ksh154 Billion JKIA Expansion Deal Signed, Works Set to Begin appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

KeNHA said the 233-kilometre road will be built over two years through a public-private partnership. It added that motorists will pay Ksh 8 per kilometre. The authority also noted that any future changes to the toll will follow the terms of the project agreement and the required government approvals and regulatory requirements.

The project, carried out by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) in partnership with Kenya’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF), will expand two existing sections: the A8 and the A8 South Road. The A8 corridor, about 175 kilometres long, runs from Rironi through Naivasha to Gilgil, while the A8 South Road covers 58 kilometres from Rironi through Mai Mahiu to Naivasha.

KeNHA said that, under the agreed contract, the construction phase will take two years. It added that the two concessionaires will then operate the road for 28 years to recoup their returns before handing the project back to the government.

“Upon expiry or termination of the concession, the Project assets shall be transferred to KeNHA in the condition and quality prescribed under the project agreement,” the authority said.

Using the stated toll rate, motorists travelling the full route will pay a total of Ksh 1,864. KeNHA said the project is expected to improve road safety, reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs, and strengthen connectivity between Nairobi and Kenya’s Rift Valley region.

The government has also indicated that the Rironi–Mau Summit Road will begin in Rironi as a four-lane dual carriageway up to Naivasha. From Naivasha to Nakuru, where traffic volumes are highest, the highway will expand into six lanes on each side to handle heavy commercial and passenger traffic.

KeNHA said the road will run elevated through Nakuru town to ease movement and reduce local congestion.

Under the planned design, the highway will bypass congestion in urban areas and improve safety for local road users. From Nakuru to Mau Summit, it will return to a four-lane dual carriageway.

The post KeNHA Reveals Toll Charges for New Rironi-Mau Summit Highway appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

The world’s premier football tournament has already picked up steam, and Matchday 3 of the group stage will be the deciding factor for many teams.

The best sports betting site 1xBet takes a look at the standout games and analyzes what to expect from the key clashes before the final group placements are determined.

Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire

Odds for the main outcomes: W1 – 25.0, X – 8.65, W2 – 1.16

Curaçao are playing in their first tournament at this level and have already made their mark with some historic achievements: the team scored their first goal and earned their first point.

Dick Advocaat’s side are, as expected, bottom of Group E, but still have a theoretical chance of qualifying for the knockout stage.

In their second match, Côte d’Ivoire came close to securing a crucial victory over Germany. The Elephants were leading 1-0 until the 68th minute, but then conceded 2 goals to substitute Deniz Undav.

In stoppage time, the Ivorians had the chance to come back, but Simon Adingra hesitated to shoot from a promising position.

On Matchday 3, Emerse Faé’s team will be the favorites. It’s important for Côte d’Ivoire to quickly demonstrate their superiority, prevent their opponents from believing they can pull off another upset, and comfortably secure their spot in the round of 32.

Norway vs France

Odds for the main outcomes: W1 – 4.97, X – 4.41, W2 – 1.70

Norway and France have already secured their places in the knockout stage following convincing victories in their first two games. Now, their H2H clash will decide the winners of Group I and who will have an easier path in the next round.

The biggest intrigue is the duel between Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé. Both forwards have made a brilliant start to the tournament and continue to chase Lionel Messi in the race for the top scorer’s award.

Haaland and Mbappé have never played against each other while representing their national teams, which makes this battle particularly interesting.

France are the favorites for this fixture. Even Haaland acknowledged his opponents’ strength in an interview. However, Norway have already shown that they are capable of capitalizing quickly on mistakes and making the most of their chances.

The winners of the group may well be decided not only by the quality of the attacking stars, but also by which side’s defense can better withstand the pressure.

Senegal vs Iraq

Odds for the main outcomes: W1 – 1.24, X – 7.02, W2 – 14.7

Senegal proved weaker than the two European teams in their opening games: the Lions of Teranga lost 3-1 to France and 3-2 to Norway.

Despite these defeats, the African side still have a chance of finishing third in the group and go into Matchday 3 as clear favorites. However, even a victory over Iraq may not guarantee the team a place in the round of 32.

Iraq ended up in one of the tournament’s toughest groups and have so far failed to put up a fight against the favorites. On Matchday 1, the Lions of Mesopotamia lost 4-1 to Norway, and then went on to lose 3-0 to France.

Therefore, even one point from their final match would be a good result for the Asian team.

For Senegal, this is a match in which a narrow victory isn’t enough. Sadio Mané and his teammates need not only to secure 3 points, but also improve their goal difference in order to keep their hopes of progressing in the tournament alive.

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan

Odds for the main outcomes: W1 – 1.84, X – 4.25, W2 – 4.25

The DR Congo have become one of the teams that have already managed to spring a surprise at the tournament in North America. In their opening match, the Leopards held off Portugal’s onslaught to secure a 1-1 draw, before narrowly losing 1-0 to Colombia.

Ahead of their final group stage match, the team still has a good chance of progressing to the round of 32 and goes into the fixture as favorites.

Uzbekistan are struggling to adapt to the level of the competition. The debutants lost 3-1 to Colombia and then went on to lose 5-0 to Portugal.

These results have highlighted the gap in quality, but the team is still fighting for its first points and will aim to finish the group stage on a high note.

For the DR Congo, the task is clear: a win could see the Leopards advance to the knockout stage with 4 points. It’s vital for the team to maintain discipline in defense, prevent Uzbekistan from believing they have a chance, and capitalize on their speed and physicality.

Croatia vs Ghana

Odds for the main outcomes: W1 – 1.80, X – 3.44, W2 – 5.79

Croatia are the slight favorites. Zlatko Dalić’s side have beaten Panama and are back in business after their defeat to England, but their play hasn’t been flawless so far. The Croats need to control the rhythm of the game, prevent their opponents from building up attacks, and make the most of their experienced midfielders.

After two matches, Ghana have shown that they cannot be considered clear underdogs. The Black Stars gained 3 points against Panama and then stopped England, preventing the Three Lions from scoring.

If Ghana can once again maintain their defensive discipline and organize effective transitions from defense to attack, they’ll certainly be able to compete for a positive result.

The Croatia vs Ghana game looks set to be a battle for second place in Group L. England remain favorites in their parallel fixture against Panama, so it’s this clash between the Vatreni and the Black Stars that could determine who secures a better position in the race for the round of 32.

As the World Championship unfolds, 1xBet adds even more excitement to the football season with the WORLD WIN 26 promo. From June 2 to July 20, deposits and bets on tournament matches from 2 USD bring promo tickets and 1xCoin, which can be used to unlock football roles and access rewards including freebets, cash prizes and valuable gadgets.

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The post Top-level football reaches the decisive stage of the group phase: 1xBet presents the key clashes of Matchday 3 at the World Championship appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

In a strongly worded statement, Kindiki told Gachagua that his “comparative advantage” lies in what he described as “matters of insults, division, and primitive, stone-age bigotry,” and urged him to stay in his lane.

The remarks followed Gachagua’s comments on Tuesday, June 23. Gachagua had argued that Kindiki was embarrassing himself by insisting that the Constitution allows a president to serve two terms. He also questioned why Kindiki would make comments aimed at pleasing President William Ruto, suggesting this came at the expense of his reputation as a legal mind.

“Soprano, please, don’t embarrass us. You are our son. You are thinking like a Standard 1 child and are reading the Constitution upside down,” Gachagua said.

But Gachagua reminded Kindiki that Ruto had previously stated he needed only one term before seeking a fresh mandate from the people.

Gachagua also argued that if the Constitution’s framers had intended a two-term limit, they would have clearly specified that a head of state should serve for 10 years. He added that public indifference toward Ruto among Kenyans stems from the president’s failure to deliver on his promises.

Kindiki fired back on Wednesday, challenging Gachagua’s constitutional literacy and questioning whether Gachagua was trying to provoke an intellectual confrontation.

“I hear you want to teach me Constitutional Law and that you doubt my understanding of not just the Constitution of Kenya but of the over one hundred other national constitutions that I started studying many years ago when you were busy stealing relief food. Are you really looking for an intellectual challenge?” the deputy president asked.

Kindiki then shifted the focus back to Gachagua, arguing that it was Gachagua who had embarrassed the Mt Kenya region.

“Who has embarrassed the Mount Kenya region more than the person whose greed and incompetence is making us spend so much time explaining that you do not represent our change from the values projected by statesmen born in our region of birth, who served our Country in the past with honour, distinction and excellence?”

Despite the sharp exchange, Kindiki said he would not fully engage at the time, adding that he had more pressing work.

“Umenitafuta sana na hii kiburi yako, but at the right time I will answer you. For now niko busy, I won’t descend,” he said.

The post Kindiki Call Gachagua’s Politics an Embarrassment to Mt Kenya appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

In a public notice released on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, SHA told beneficiaries and the general public that the suspension applies to services offered under several healthcare funds, including the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHCF), Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), Emergency, Chronic, and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF), and the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF).

SHA said that patients who were already admitted to M.P. Shah Hospital before the suspension took effect will continue receiving care until their current treatment episode ends and they are discharged.

The Authority added that during the suspension period, beneficiaries who need new admissions, follow-up treatment, or any other services should seek care at other healthcare facilities contracted by SHA.

In the notice, the authority said the current list of contracted facilities is available on its website and through the Afya Yangu platform.

SHA also said beneficiaries who need help with continuity of care or referrals can contact the authority using its toll-free number, 147.

The authority said the temporary suspension is intended to safeguard accountability and ensure beneficiaries continue to access quality healthcare while the investigations are ongoing.

The underfire health facility is being investigated over alleged billing irregularities and complaints. The probe centers on claims that the hospital may have required patients to make out-of-pocket payments for services that should have been fully covered under their Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) benefits.

The post Patients Affected as SHA Drops M.P. Shah Hospital From Panel appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

In a statement on Tuesday, June 23, the Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations Chairperson, Makau Mutua, said the process has formally started for eligible and verified beneficiaries.

“The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests for the period 2013 to 2025, has officially commenced the reparation process by providing compensation to eligible and verified victims,” he wrote.

Mutua said the current phase includes only beneficiaries who completed all required steps and provided their consent.

“It is important to note that only those who have consented to this process are being compensated. Consent is the final act that a beneficiary must give to receive compensation,” he added.

Ksh3 Million Each for 115 Families: Protest Victims Payout Breakdown

According to the panel, the first batch of compensation covers six categories of harm.

The panel awarded Ksh3 million each to 115 victims of fatal incidents, bringing the total to Ksh345 million. It also paid Ksh1 million each to 24 victims classified as having suffered severe injuries, totaling Ksh24 million.

In addition, the panel compensated 137 victims with moderate injuries with Ksh500,000 each, amounting to Ksh68.5 million, while it gave Ksh50,000 each to 60 victims with minor injuries for a combined Ksh3 million.

The panel further compensated eight victims of aggravated sexual offences with Ksh1 million each, totaling Ksh8 million. It also paid four victims who suffered economic losses Ksh50,000 each, amounting to Ksh200,000.

Overall, the panel disbursed Ksh448.7 million in the first phase.

Mutua said the exercise will continue until all verified victims receive compensation.

“This is the first phase of the compensation programme and will be implemented on a continuous basis until every eligible victim has been compensated. We are committed to ensuring every verified victim is compensated, promptly, fairly, and with the dignity they deserve,” he noted.

Speaking to beneficiaries, Mutua said the payments represent a major milestone after years of waiting.

“To the victims, the long wait is over. Today, we begin to make right what was wrong. Your courage in coming forward has made this day possible. We honour your resilience and your dignity,” he added.

Mutua said all approved claims went through a thorough review and verification process before any payments began.

“Every claim approved for compensation has undergone the full administrative process outlined in the Reparations Guidelines developed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), comprising registration, verification, authentication, categorization of harm, approval, and disbursement,” he said.

The panel also announced that it would publish the details of compensated beneficiaries in line with existing legal requirements.

“The Panel further informs the public that the names of all compensated victims shall be published periodically in the Kenya Gazette, guided by the provisions of the Data Protection Act, 2019,” Mutua revealed.

He also urged victims who have not yet submitted claims or provided payment information to come forward so the programme can proceed smoothly.

“Importantly, victims who have yet to file a claim or to share their bank and other payment details are encouraged to do so without delay,” he concluded.

KNCHR Withholds Victims’ Identities

Meanwhile, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) defended its decision to withhold the identities of individuals slated for compensation.

KNCHR Director Cyrus Maweu said the compensation framework and related reports remain publicly available, but victims’ personal information had been submitted with the expectation that it would stay confidential.

He added that victims consented to participate in the compensation process, not to have their personal details disclosed.

The post Govt Pays Ksh448.7 Million to Protest Victims in First Phase appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, the group, which operates under the Amka Changamka Movement umbrella, urged participants to stay vigilant and called on the police to maintain accountability.

They said June 25 remains a painful reminder that Kenyans lost their lives while exercising their constitutional rights. They vowed not to forget the victims or allow the facts to be buried or distorted.

The group also told security agencies that the commemoration remains lawful and warned that any use of excessive force, unlawful arrests, or covert operations against peaceful citizens will be documented and pursued through available accountability mechanisms.

At the same time, they urged protesters to remain alert during the demonstrations, which they said will take place across the country, with a focus on areas where protesters were shot.

They added that they plan to lay flowers and wave the Kenyan flag alongside white handkerchiefs to symbolise their commitment to peace and justice.

“We will be waving the flag and white handkerchiefs and carrying flowers as a sign and commitment to our good intentions. We are asking the state to reciprocate that in equal measure to Kenyans who will be coming out to commemorate by acting with utmost restraint,” Fredrick Ojiro from the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) urged.

The group further urged young people attending the commemoration to stay together in groups and avoid standing alone.

“Do not stand alone. Have at least one trusted friend, brother, or sister who is actively looking out for you at all times,” they said in their joint statement.

They also encouraged young people nationwide to livestream the events, take photos, record videos, and share the content widely. The group said the electronic images would provide evidence against people they described as “goons” seeking to cause chaos and against officers who act outside the law.

In addition, the group said it deployed advanced drone technology to capture real-time footage from different locations. It added that it would document any alleged human rights violations with sufficient, verifiable evidence and would not tolerate what it described as organised criminal groups attempting to infiltrate peaceful commemorators to justify the use of force.

The group also said human rights monitors would be on the ground to observe the proceedings and record any violations.

In case of emergencies, it advised participants to use hotlines provided by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Defenders Coalition, the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), Amnesty International Kenya, Civic Freedoms Forum, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission.

Meanwhile, the group dismissed President William Ruto’s apology to victims of the protests, saying it was meaningless because it failed to acknowledge the role of those it described as perpetrators behind the killings. It argued that healing could only begin after the government establishes the truth, delivers justice, and then seeks reconciliation before issuing direct apologies to each family.

On whether the protests were organised by politicians who submitted a notice to police last week, the group clarified that the commemoration belongs to Kenyans. It said it welcomed all citizens of goodwill to participate while rejecting any attempt to hijack the event for personal political gain.

The post Human Rights Defenders to Deploy Drones, Monitors During June 25 Commemoration appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

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Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku announced the decision on Tuesday, June 23, during Public Service Week celebrations at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). He said the adjustments will cover all public servants.

Ruku said the review will extend beyond basic pay to include major allowances paid to government workers.

“President William Ruto and his government are increasing the salaries of all public servants in July this year. It will be gross pay, housing allowance, and commuter allowance, which will be increased once more in July this year,” Ruku said.

At the same event, Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku directed all government entities to immediately migrate their payroll systems to the government’s Human Resource Information System (HRIS).

Ruku said the directive applies to ministries, state departments, state agencies, and county governments, as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and improve how public resources are managed.

He added that President William Ruto issued the order and warned that institutions that do not comply within one month would face serious consequences.

“To ensure efficiency and proper use of public resources and taxes, the President has directed that all ministries, county governments, agencies, and state departments must be on one payroll platform, the Human Resource Information System,” Ruku said.

He also warned that non-compliant institutions could have their salary remittances suspended until they fully integrate into the HRIS platform.

“All departments that will not have complied within one month will not remit your salaries,” he stated.

The latest pay rise comes months after the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) approved the first phase of the 2025–2029 remuneration review cycle. That approval led to salary and allowance adjustments for civil servants, which the SRC set to be backdated to July 1, 2025.

The SRC said it would roll out the review in phases to keep public sector pay competitive while aligning remuneration with prevailing economic conditions.

The post Civil Servants Get Pay Rise Starting July, CS Ruku Says appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Gachagua said he felt compelled to comment after receiving intelligence reports suggesting a coordinated plan to unleash hired gangs in selected counties. He said the move was driven by concerns about public safety after earlier demonstrations turned deadly.

“I wish to address myself on the planned Gen Z commemoration protests. During the last two demos, lives were lost and businesses were destroyed. To those whose lives have been lost over the last four years, this is not what 55 million Kenyans envisioned,” he said.

The former Deputy President also criticized a senior Cabinet secretary whom he described as a notorious warmonger. He accused the official of saying openly that the demonstrations would be witnessed only in Mt Kenya.

“A very notorious CS and warmonger stated that demos would only be witnessed in Mt Kenya. This is not just a statement from nowhere,” he said.

The post “You Cannot Vote When You Are Dead,” Gachagua Warns Gen Z Protesters appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

Speaking in court on Tuesday during mitigation ahead of his sentencing, Duale told the High Court that he would be the last person to disobey a court order. The court had already found him in contempt over the construction of the US-funded Ebola quarantine facility at Nanyuki in Laikipia County.

“I will be the last person to defy a court order,” Duale told the court, adding that he regretted any actions, omissions, or misunderstandings that may have created the impression that he had disobeyed court directives.

CS Duale also told the court that the Ministry of Health relied on technical and scientific guidance when making decisions about the facility. He said the project aimed to strengthen quarantine and isolation capacity for returning personnel and to support responses to potential public health emergencies.

“At all material time, it was never the intention of the Ministry or myself as the Cabinet Secretary to disregard, undermine, or act in defiance of the orders of this Honourable Court,” he said.

The CS said that any continuation of preparatory work happened only because the government misunderstood the scope of the court’s orders.

In his mitigation, he explained that the state interpreted the directives as stopping only the implementation of cooperation arrangements, rather than pausing all preparatory or technical considerations linked to the project. He added that once the court clarified its position, the Ministry stopped all activities related to the facility.

Duale told the judge that he holds court orders in the highest regard and said that complying with judicial authority forms a constitutional obligation.

Why Judge Gave Aden Duale Benefit of Doubt

As a result, Duale escaped punishment after the High Court rejected calls to impose a jail term for contempt. The court instead discharged him and warned that any future non-compliance with court orders would draw consequences.

Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi said Duale’s quick response to the court’s summons and his personal appearance during mitigation showed respect for judicial authority and worked in his favour during sentencing. She noted that Duale had submitted his mitigation and offered an apology.

“I have noted that Mr Duale has indeed submitted himself to the authorities of this court. He has, as was required of him, tendered his mitigation, and I note he has rendered an apology,” the judge said.

Nyaundi added that, because this involved a first-time incident, she would give Duale the benefit of the doubt and accept his apology. She said his statements reflected that he recognized the court’s authority.

“Since this is the first instance the minister is responding to this, I will give him the benefit of the doubt that he is actually disobeying the court. For that reason, I will accept the apology that has been sent, especially as he has been categorical that he recognizes the authority of the court.”

The judge said Duale’s conduct after the ruling also showed that he understood the court’s authority and intended to engage with judicial processes.

Still, Nyaundi cautioned that the decision should not be read as approval to ignore court directives. She warned the Cabinet Secretary against any future actions that could amount to contempt.

Petitioners Wanted Duale Jailed for 15 Months

The ruling came after mitigation proceedings triggered the court’s earlier finding that activities linked to the US-funded Ebola isolation and quarantine facility in Laikipia County continued despite conservatory orders that suspended implementation of the project.

During sentencing submissions, lawyers for the petitioners – Katiba Institute and the Law Society of Kenya – urged the court to impose a 15-month custodial sentence. Through advocate Malidzo Nyawa, they argued that contempt of court attacks the constitutional order itself and therefore requires a firm response to protect the judiciary’s authority.

“The power to punish for contempt is meant to protect the rule of law. What will it mean to the public when courts are seen to be making orders in vain? If that is allowed to stand, the judiciary will be exposed to ridicule,” Nyawa submitted.

He also warned the court against what he described as the erosion of public confidence in the justice system. He argued that allowing non-compliance to go unpunished would create a dangerous precedent for state officers and litigants alike.

“Once they lose public confidence, the judiciary will be exposed to ridicule. These are aggravating factors,” he said.

In the end, the court declined to impose imprisonment and said Duale’s immediate appearance before the court and his engagement with the judicial process justified a more lenient outcome.

The post CS Duale Escapes Jail But Court Issues Stern Warning Over Ebola Facility Defiance appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi team said the latest move by the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) closely mirrors an earlier attempt to unseat him from office that he challenged in court in February. The team argued that the new decision suffered procedural defects and said it would pursue legal action to challenge it.

“Late last evening, we were made aware of the decision by the ODM party purporting to remove Edwin Sifuna from the office. On the face of it, the decision bears similarities with the first one in February, unprocedural, unfair and contrary to the party’s constitution,” the statement said.

The team added that Sifuna consulted his legal advisers on Tuesday morning and decided to take the matter to court again.

“After consultation with our legal teams earlier this morning, it has been decided once again to test the propriety of the purported ouster in the courts. We are convinced it should suffer the same fate as the first one,” it said.

Sifuna has maintained that the party leadership did not follow the procedures set out in the ODM constitution before attempting to remove him from office.

The ODM National Executive Committee announced Sifuna’s removal on Monday after internal disciplinary proceedings, a move that has further deepened divisions within the party.

Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo defended the decision, saying the ODM followed due process and gave Sifuna an opportunity to respond to the allegations. He said the NEC received a report from the party’s Internal Dispute Resolution Committee indicating that the senator had ample time to present his defence before the final decision was made.

“As the National Executive Committee, we were presented with a report of our internal disciplinary committee. In that report, they made it very clear that they had given ample opportunity to Senator Edwin Sifuna to respond,” Amollo said.

He added that Sifuna responded through his legal representatives, which he said met the procedural requirements for the party’s disciplinary process.

“He actually responded through his lawyers, and therefore, the question of procedural fairness has been taken care of. He was allowed to respond,” he said.

Amollo noted that the ODM NEC had earlier unanimously endorsed the Internal Dispute Resolution Committee’s findings, bringing an effective end to Sifuna’s tenure as secretary general. ODM secretary general Catherine Omanyo said the NEC reviewed the report under Article 74(2) of the party constitution and resolved to adopt the committee’s recommendations.

“The NEC received and considered the report of the party’s Internal Dispute Resolution Committee and, after going through the findings under Article 74(2) of the party constitution, unanimously resolved to adopt the committee’s recommendations and endorsed the removal from office of Senator Edwin Watenya Sifuna,” Omanyo said.

The post Sifuna Fights ODM’s Second Attempt to Remove Him as Secretary General appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

In a video statement on his X account on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Musyoka said the land in question is not public property and lies within an area owned by multiple private individuals. He insisted that the matter does not involve public institutions and called for clarity and fairness in how the issue is discussed.

“Mr. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, has made a very serious claim against me. The claim, according to him, is that I took public land owned by National Youth Service at Yatta,” Kalonzo said.

“Because the land they are talking about, by the way, is right inside land owned by many other people. So, Kenyans must know it has nothing to do with NYS. NYS might be neighbours, but NYS themselves have written to say they have no interest in the matter.”

He added that the dispute had already been dealt with in court. Musyoka said a High Court ruling confirmed that he acquired the land legally and through proper procedures and that the decision should end further public debate on the matter. He urged Kenyans to respect the ruling.

“There is a specific finding by the High Court that stopped anyone from continuing with these claims. The court found that I bought the land legally and properly,” Kalonzo said.

Kalonzo argued that because this issue has resurfaced repeatedly over the years, the matter deserves to be closed once and for all. He pointed out that dragging out the discussion only serves to distort facts that the legal system has already thoroughly tested.

At the same time, Kalonzo turned the spotlight back onto President Ruto, demanding that the Head of State address lingering questions surrounding his own land record and leadership accountability. He called for the public to hold all high-profile figures to the exact same standards.

Insisting that public life demands total openness, Kalonzo urged Ruto to set the record straight regarding his past conduct and history in public office. He maintained that accountability must apply to every single leader without exception.

“We must be open. Kenyans should interrogate all claims, and the President should also respond clearly and put his record on the table,” he said.

Looking ahead, Kalonzo stated that future leadership must introduce strict checks to monitor how politicians acquire wealth and property while holding office. He noted that maintaining public trust hinges entirely on transparency and the consistent scrutiny of everyone in power.

“When we take over, God willing, we will carry out strict audits on the lifestyle of leaders who get elected into office,” he said.

The post Kalonzo Fires Back at Ruto Over Yatta Land Allegations appeared first on Nairobi Wire.