The demands were delivered during a press briefing at the Mathare Ghetto Foundation, where community members, the families of the missing, and prominent rights advocates gathered to denounce what they described as a growing pattern of enforced disappearances targeting activists in the Mathare area.

Lichuma, who belongs to the Social Justice Centre, attended the June 25 maandamano commemorations when he was reportedly taken into custody. His mother, Margaret Lichuma, told journalists that her son visited home on June 24 and asked her to pray for him, noting that his involvement in the protests put him at serious personal risk.

“On June 25 I was told Lichuma had been arrested. Yesterday I was told to go and file a report at Pangani,” she said, adding that others arrested alongside him had since been released, which has intensified her concerns about his whereabouts. She also revealed that her son had a pre-existing stab wound on his abdomen, raising further questions about his health and whether he has received medical care.

The briefing also highlighted the cases of at least three other missing individuals.

Maximilian, known as Maxy, disappeared on June 20 after neighbors said CCTV footage showed a numberplate-less vehicle picking him up outside his gate as he prepared to leave for work. His mother told the press conference that she spoke to him by phone shortly before he went silent.

“It has been eight days. We want our children back,” she said.

A third person, identified only as Zizo, was reportedly taken on June 23 by men driving a double-cabin vehicle near a parcel of land he had recently purchased.

Human rights activist Hussein Khalid said the abductions follow a disturbing pattern and point to state involvement.

“We know Davis Lichuma has been a member of the Social Justice Centre. He was taken in clear violation of his rights. We know those who took them are police,” Khalid said. He said that Kenya should not function as a police state and that officers cannot break the law with impunity.

Salim, a phone repair technician and an MCA aspirant in Kiamaiko, also testified about alleged police extortion, describing what he said happened at his workplace. He told the briefing that armed men arrived in a Tiguan, seized five phones, and threatened to kill him before demanding Ksh. 100,000.

Salim said he negotiated the amount down to Ksh. 60,000 and paid it to secure his release.

“They told me, ‘Even if you don’t have a mistake, we can get one. They also told me today you can have a date with City Mortuary,” he said, adding that the threats left him fearing for his life.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga, who attended the briefing in solidarity, sharply criticized the government. He said the disappearances reflected a wider trend of disregarding the constitution.

“We have a government that does not listen to its people, does not respect the constitution, and does not respect the law. Why should police hide their faces? Why conceal their identity?” Maraga said.

He dismissed government compensation as an insufficient response to killings and disappearances connected to last year’s protests. He argued that Kenyans would not accept a situation in which the same government that authorized violence against citizens then sought to pay compensation using taxpayers’ money.

“The death of over 120 people and abductions will not go without protest. Compensation will not help. We want our children,” he said.

Community organiser Olal said enforced disappearances in Mathare have surged in recent weeks, with at least four people going missing in the past month alone. He accused the police of changing tactics, moving from extrajudicial killings to enforced disappearances.

“Mathare must be a safe space for everyone. We are not at peace. We are giving the police and the government 24 hours to produce Lichuma. Failure to which, this country will not be governable,” Olal said.

The post Activists Threaten Fresh Protests if Government Fails to Produce Missing Activist Lichuma appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

Speaking during a Thanksgiving service at Burieruri High School in Meru County, Ruto expressed concern about cases of arson and damage to school property. He said education builds character as much as it delivers academic success.

“Education is not only about passing examinations but also about forming character, resolving differences peacefully, and understanding that every action carries consequences,” Ruto said.

He challenged learners to pause and reflect before acting in ways that could derail their future.

“Every choice you make writes a chapter of your future. Some mistakes pass with time; others leave scars that last a lifetime. Before you act, ask yourself: will this decision make my future greater or diminish it?” he added.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed the President’s call, urging students to air their grievances through peaceful and lawful channels rather than through acts of indiscipline.

He told learners that the government stands ready to listen, but he warned that violence undermines their future and that of their classmates.

“Whenever there are grievances, let us resolve those grievances because we want to listen to you, understand you and support you. It is improper to use concerns to involve yourself in acts of indiscipline because you destroy not only your own future but also that of your brothers and sisters,” Kindiki said.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba added that the government will bring together teachers, parents and other education stakeholders to develop lasting solutions to the rising unrest in schools.

“We have agreed to form a multi-stakeholder team to discuss the issues affecting students in all our schools. Without discipline in our schools, we cannot develop the leaders of tomorrow,” Ogamba said.

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The Jubilee Party deputy leader said the rollout moved forward without enough public participation. He argued that while road safety remains a legitimate national goal and many Kenyans want safer roads, fewer accidents, and vehicles that meet acceptable standards, the process must remain transparent.

“Public policy must be evidence-based, proportionate, transparent and sensitive to the economic realities facing citizens. The proposed inspection regime fails that test,” Matiang’i said.

In a statement issued Sunday morning, the former interior cabinet secretary said motorists already face heavy financial pressure from high fuel prices, multiple taxes and levies, rising insurance premiums, expensive spare parts, parking charges, licensing fees, and a growing cost of living.

“Introducing another compulsory annual payment without demonstrating its necessity places yet another financial burden on households and businesses that are already under immense pressure. Road safety is essential. Excessive financial extraction is not,” he said.

“We therefore call upon the Government to immediately suspend the implementation of this directive and subject it to a comprehensive public review. This is also a constitutional issue. Public power must always be exercised reasonably, proportionately, and in the public interest. Citizens should never be treated merely as sources of revenue,” Matiang’i added.

Matiang’i said the Jubilee Party will urge Parliament to subject the policy to immediate scrutiny and require the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to present all supporting evidence before it proceeds.

“We call upon all Kenyans to reject this policy in its current form and to demand a transparent, evidence-based, and affordable road safety framework that protects both lives and livelihoods.”

He said Kenyans deserve clear responses to concerns surrounding the planned inspections. “Specifically, Kenyans deserve clear answers to the following questions: How many active private vehicles will be affected by this policy? How much revenue does the Government expect to collect annually?”

Matiang’i also asked NTSA to explain what evidence shows that annual inspections for vehicles older than four years will significantly reduce road accidents. He questioned how often mechanical defects contribute to crashes compared with human error, poor road engineering, and traffic congestion. He further asked whether NTSA currently has the inspection capacity to serve millions of motorists efficiently without long delays or opportunities for corruption.

The former minister further said NTSA must explain what safeguards it has put in place to ensure the programme does not turn into another route for rent-seeking and harassment of motorists.

“Road safety cannot be reduced to the collection of inspection fees. Before imposing mandatory costs on citizens, the government must publish the data, the policy analysis, the cost-benefit assessment, and the implementation plan that justify such a far-reaching decision,” he added.

Matiang’i also argued that if the government truly wants to save lives, it must tackle the major causes of road accidents in a comprehensive way. He listed reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, poor road design, inadequate road maintenance, weak enforcement of existing traffic laws, and traffic congestion.

“Vehicle condition is only one part of a much larger road safety strategy,” he said.

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Gachagua said peaceful resistance, through a tax boycott, would be the next option if the government does not change course.

“If William Ruto continues to harass people, continues to bring violence, chaos and kill people, we will not fight him with violence. I will issue a directive to Kenyans to suspend the payment of taxes until William Ruto comes to his senses,” he declared.

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader said withholding taxes would serve as a peaceful weapon if the government keeps using violence and intimidation.

“We are peaceful people. Since we cannot match you in violence, we will suspend the payment of taxes until you come to your senses.”

He insisted he does not support violence and argued that Kenyans should pursue peaceful, constitutional ways to push for political change.

Gachagua also urged motorists not to comply with the government’s planned mandatory vehicle inspection programme for vehicles older than four years.

He claimed the inspection exercise aims to raise billions of shillings for political purposes and called on Kenyans to reject it.

“Nobody should take their vehicle for inspection and give William Ruto money.”

His remarks come days after Gen Z-led protests rocked parts of the country.

Gachagua defended his decision to urge residents of the Mt. Kenya region to stay away from last week’s demonstrations, saying the move helped protect lives and businesses.

He thanked residents, traders, and young people for heeding his advice, saying they listened when he warned business owners that shops could face destruction, when he urged residents to organise youth to protect property, and when he asked Gen Z participants to stay at home. “I want to say thank you.”

He added that he received intelligence warning that the region had been targeted for violence. He alleged that organisers planned to kill thousands of people and destroy businesses in Mt Kenya to intimidate the community into abandoning him politically.

“They wanted to create fear by killing our people and destroying our businesses so that the community would ask me to stop fighting William Ruto.”

Gachagua further alleged that senior government officials coordinated the plan, naming President Ruto, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Moses Kuria, and Mwangi Kiunjuri.

He also claimed that some police officers and civil servants secretly shared information with him, including allegations that Sh200 million had allegedly been set aside to fund gangs intended to disrupt the Mt Kenya region.

Despite his criticism of the government, Gachagua urged his supporters to avoid violence. Instead, he called on Kenyans to prepare to vote President Ruto out of office in next year’s General Election.

“The Constitution has given us an opportunity to remove William Ruto next year. We should organise ourselves and remove him peacefully through the ballot.”

He argued that protecting lives and livelihoods now would allow Kenyans to participate in the elections. “A good soldier must live to fight another day.”

The post Gachagua Warns Ruto: Kenyans Will Withhold Taxes if Violence Continues appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

Murkomen made the remarks at Kimwogo Grounds in Elgeyo Marakwet County during the Kabiemit Community Empowerment Programme, where he alleged that Gachagua relies on violence and misinformation to drive his political agenda.

“The reason Gachagua fears me is that I know him, and I know he’s the father of violence in our country,” Murkomen said, adding that Gachagua has a “twisted mind” and rejects Kenya’s governance systems. He also accused Gachagua of misleading Kenyans through what he described as political double-speak.

“He has conned people for far too long, but I want to tell him, ‘You can con some people some of the time, but you cannot con all the people all the time,” he said.

Murkomen’s latest remarks came two days after the June 25 Gen Z anniversary demonstrations, which the government described as largely peaceful. They also followed weeks of increasingly bitter exchanges between the two leaders.

He further alleged that some politicians exploited the public protests by recruiting criminal gangs to trigger violence. Murkomen warned that the government would move decisively against anyone found responsible.

“Any person who is involved in recruiting gangs and criminals, we will deal with them decisively and in accordance with the law,” he said.

The post ‘Father of Violence’: Murkomen Claims Gachagua Recruits Criminal Gangs to Fuel Chaos appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

Prosecutors concluded their case before the Shanzu Chief Magistrate’s Court after presenting testimony from 12 witnesses during the high-profile international drug trafficking trial.

Investigating officer Inspector Shadrack Kemei told the court that the Anti-Narcotics Unit received intelligence on October 19, 2025, indicating that the Kenya Navy had launched an operation to intercept a suspicious vessel suspected of carrying narcotic drugs. The next day, the Kenya Navy intercepted the vessel identified as Mashaallah, which officials described as a “dark vessel” because it allegedly operated without an Automatic Identification System (AIS).

The prosecution said the navy escorted the vessel into Kenyan waters before investigators obtained search warrants from the Mombasa Law Courts authorising officers to board, search, seize, and detain the ship.

In a dramatic high-seas operation, investigators teamed up with the Kenya Navy and Kenya Coast Guard Service to board a suspicious vessel in international waters. Testifying in court, Inspector Kemei recounted how the joint team served a warrant directly to the ship’s captain, Jaseem Darzadeh Nia.

Initial searches on board quickly turned up two packets of a white crystalline substance, which rapid field tests identified as 98 percent pure methamphetamine.

Once the team escorted the vessel back to the Kenya Navy’s Mtongwe Jetty, a deeper search exposed the true scale of the cargo. Rummaging through the ship, investigators discovered 769 packets of methamphetamine hidden across six of the vessel’s seven compartments. Authorities told the court that the seized narcotics weighed a massive 1,036.044 kilograms, carrying a staggering estimated street value of KSh8,288,352,000.

Alongside Captain Nia, prosecutors identified the other five accused men as Nadeem Jadgal, Hassan Baloch, Raheem Baksh, Imran Baloch, and Imtiyaz Daryay. To build their case, the prosecution introduced forensic evidence from five mobile phones and four SIM cards, which experts analyzed at the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) Cyber Forensics Laboratory.

Investigators also noted that the suspects admitted to loading the multi-billion shilling consignment at Pozm Port in Iran, with plans to deliver it to Mauritius. Furthermore, records from the Kenya Maritime Authority confirmed the vessel carried no registration documents, technically rendering it stateless, while official analysis from the Government Chemist definitively verified the white powder as methamphetamine.

The state has charged the six men with trafficking narcotic drugs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act. Prosecutors allege the group committed the offenses between October 17 and 20, 2025, on the high seas about 350 nautical miles east of Mombasa Port.

Wrapping up the session, Shanzu Chief Magistrate Anthony Mwicigi ordered both sides to file their written submissions within 14 days. The court will reconvene on July 13, 2026, to review compliance and schedule a date to rule on whether the suspects have a case to answer.

The post ODPP Closes Case Against 6 Iranians in Sh8.2 Billion Meth Trafficking Trial appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

Speaking at a Nairobi hotel on Saturday during a ceremony honouring Dr Osman Mohamed Osman’s attainment of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Duale said the opposition no longer holds the political leverage needed to mobilise mass demonstrations. He added that the “maandamano brand” belonged to Raila.

The event celebrated Dr Osman, the husband of Nominated MP Ummulkheir Harun, and brought together political leaders, senior government officials, professionals, and members of the academic community.

Duale also took a swipe at the opposition over Thursday’s demonstrations marking the anniversary of the deadly 2024 Gen Z anti-government protests. He argued that the demonstrations failed to draw meaningful public support.

“They could not even raise enough people to participate in the maandamano. They do not understand that the maandamano brand belonged to one man. The brand of maandamano belonged to the late Raila Odinga. May he rest in peace,” Duale said.

He further claimed that the demonstrators could not sustain the protests, saying they dispersed soon after they started.

“They had to return to their vehicles after barely a five-minute walk. They could not even reach the Nyayo House roundabout,” he said.

Duale maintained that the Kenya Kwanza administration’s broad-based government remains intact, describing it as the political path President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga agreed on.

He said the current government’s priority involves preserving national unity and political stability rather than pursuing divisive politics.

“We are in the broad-based government to stay. That is where the late Raila Odinga and President William Ruto left us. We are not into the politics of division, tribalism, hatred, or shoring people up along ethnic lines. We have absolutely no time for such politics. We want a peaceful and stable country,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 General Election, Duale expressed confidence that the ruling coalition would retain power comfortably despite mounting opposition criticism.

“Ask me; I have been around. We shall show them dust come 2027. They will be shocked,” he declared.

The post Duale Says Maandamano Era Ended With Raila, Mocks Opposition Protests appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

Nyoro, a former close ally of President William Ruto who has since emerged as one of the government’s most outspoken critics on economic issues, said Kenyans have flooded him with calls seeking clarity on where he stands ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“I have seen the overwhelming feedback from Kenyans, and I appreciate that many people want to hear my political position,” Nyoro said. “I request Kenyans to give me three to four weeks to share my specific views on political formations and the direction we need to take as a country.”

Nyoro also said he can no longer be regarded as part of the Kenya Kwanza administration, arguing that his public criticism of how the government manages the economy reflects that position.

“There is no way I can continue speaking the way I do about the economy if I was still supporting the government. We no longer support the government in the way it is running the affairs of the economy,” he said.

Nyoro, however, said he would not rush into any political alliance, adding that he wants to avoid repeating past mistakes.

“This decision is not about my political convenience. It is about what Kenya will become. If I wanted popularity, I know exactly what I should say today, and I would become a political sensation immediately. But after that, where do we leave Kenyans?” he asked.

Although Nyoro said he still counts many leaders across the political divide among his friends, he added that any future partnership would depend on what benefits the country rather than on personal relationships.

“I do not want to be in a situation where a government is formed and by December 2027 Kenyans are once again disappointed. The decision I make must be one I can defend for many years to come,” he said.

The post “It Is About What Kenya Will Become”: Nyoro Explains Delay on 2027 Plans appeared first on Nairobi Wire.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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