Nairobi MPs demand review of KDF recruitment schedule, cite unfairness

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September 18, 2025

Members of Parliament representing constituencies in Nairobi County have protested the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruitment advertisement published on Sunday, September 14.

In a joint statement on Thursday, September 18, MPs representing Nairobi’s 17 constituencies, the Senator and the Woman Representative, demanded an urgent review of the recruitment itinerary, terming it discriminatory and unfair.

The leaders argued that the current plan sidelines the county’s residents by consolidating multiple constituencies into a handful of recruitment centres.

According to the advert, applicants from Embakasi Central, Embakasi East, Embakasi South, Embakasi West, Kamukunji, Makadara, and Starehe are all required to report to Nyayo Stadium.

Meanwhile, Kasarani, Ruaraka, Mathare, and Roysambu candidates have been directed to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, while Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Lang’ata, Kibra, and Westlands have been grouped at Jamhuri Grounds.

The legislators argue that this arrangement is contrast to other counties, where recruitment centres are provided at the sub-county level.

“The consolidation of recruitment centers for over a dozen constituencies presents a logistical nightmare and is in stark contrast to other counties, where recruitment centers are designated for each sub-county, reflecting a more decentralized and equitable approach,” the MPs said.

The MPs insisted that the plan offends the principles of fairness and equality, pointing to Article 27 of the Constitution which guarantees equal protection of the law and prohibits discrimination, as well as Article 10, which outlines national values and principles of governance.

“Nairobi County is a unique administrative and demographic reality. With a metropolitan population of more than 5.7 million people in 2025, it is the most populous urban area in Kenya, and accounts for about 9.5% of the country’s population. A significant portion of this population is comprised of young, qualified individuals seeking gainful employment.

“The logistical parameters of this recruitment exercise, as currently structured, demonstrably fail to account for the unique demographic challenges and high population density of Nairobi,” the MPs added.

The MPs warned that crowding thousands of applicants into a few recruitment centres would create logistical chaos, security risks, and an environment that undermines the principles of fairness and transparency.

As such, the legislators have demanded the Ministry of Defence to review the itinerary and establish separate recruitment centres for each of Nairobi’s 17 constituencies.

Additionally, the MPs have demanded that an affirmative action be introduced to expand opportunities for urban youth, who face limited prospects due to population density and unemployment.

“We expect a formal reply to this demand within seven (7) days of the date of this letter. Failure to take immediate and decisive action on this matter will be seen as a deliberate act of discrimination against the constituents we represent. We trust that you will give this matter the serious and urgent attention it deserves and will act swiftly to rectify these glaring disparities,” the MPs further said.

In a notice on Sunday, KDF announced that a recruitment exercise is set to take place in October.

KDF said the exercise will target General Service Officer (GSO) Cadets, both Regular and Graduate, Specialist Officers, General Duty Recruits, Tradesmen and women, as well as Defence Forces Constables.

The Ministry of Defence added that the recruitment process is free and open to all eligible and qualified candidates.

It also cautioned the public against engaging in bribery or corruption in a bid to influence the process, warning that any such act constitutes a criminal offence.

The ministry urged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, military camp, or through the provided hotline numbers.

“Any individual found to be involved in recruitment-related malpractice will be arrested and prosecuted.

“The Public is urged to report any incidents of recruitment malpractice to the nearest Police Station or Military Camp or call the dedicated Hotline numbers: 0726419706/0726419709,” the notice read.

KDF noted that successful applicants in the various categories will undergo verification and training at designated KDF institutions.

Minimum academic qualifications have also been outlined, including a KCSE grade of B (Plain) with C+ in English, Mathematics and one science subject for GSO Cadets (Regular), while graduate cadet applicants are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

Two Dead, 7 Injured in Road Accident Along Isebania-Migori Highway

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John Mutiso

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September 18, 2025

At least two people lost their lives and seven others sustained injuries following a tragic road accident in the Mabera area, Kuria North, Migori County, on Wednesday, September 17.

The accident occurred after a speeding Toyota Probox lost control and rammed into an oncoming trailer at a bridge along the Isebania-Migori highway.

According to reports, the two vehicles were moving in opposite directions when the Probox veered off its lane and crashed head-on into the trailer.

Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, and the injured victims were rushed to various health facilities within Migori County for treatment.

Those who sustained critical injuries were taken to Akidiva Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were transferred to the facility’s mortuary.

Among the fatalities was the driver of the Probox, who was reportedly ferrying passengers to Isebania at the time of the crash.

Speaking at the scene, residents raised concerns over the safety of the highway, particularly the narrow stretch where the accident occurred.

“If I were to make my appeal to the government, I would ask them to come and look at this road so it can be widened, because it is very small. It’s narrow; when cars pass each other one must stop or slow down. If a vehicle comes at speed, an accident is bound to happen,” Emmanuel Nikira, a local resident, said.

This comes days after three people lost their lives and three others sustained serious injuries after a vehicle transporting miraa collided with a motorbike in Makutano, Mwea, Kirinyaga County.

The accident occurred on Sunday, September 14, in the mid-morning along the Mwea-Embu highway.

Eyewitnesses reported that two cars carrying miraa were traveling at high speed side by side from Ngurubani toward Makutano.

One of the vehicles collided head-on with a motorbike attempting to overtake a tuk-tuk. The motorbike rider and the driver of the car died instantly at the scene.

A pillion passenger on the motorbike, who sustained severe head injuries, later succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Earlier, several people were injured following a grisly road accident at Kijabe Junction along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway.

The collision, which involved a personal vehicle and a truck, occurred in the afternoon, leaving both vehicles badly mangled at the scene.

Eyewitnesses reported that the crash was a head-on collision, with the smaller car taking the brunt of the impact.

According to photos and videos from the accident scene, area residents and passing motorists rushing to help the victims.

In a desperate rescue effort, some were seen using axes and other tools to cut through the twisted wreckage in order to reach those trapped inside.

KRA Announces 4-Hour Service Disruption on iTax System

By

John Mutiso

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September 18, 2025

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)has announced another scheduled system maintenance that will temporarily affect its digital services.

In a notice shared on Thursday, September 18, the tax authority informed all stakeholders that there will be a scheduled maintenance of iTax from Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 10:00 PM to Friday, September 19, 2025, at 2:00 AM.

The maintenance window is set for four hours, during which the iTax system will be entirely unavailable for all users.

The authority has apologized in advance for any inconvenience the service disruption may cause to taxpayers and other users.

“During this period, iTax will be unavailable,” the notice states, advising users to plan their tax-related activities accordingly to avoid any disruptions.

The affected system serves all iTax users, making this a comprehensive service interruption that will impact various tax compliance activities typically conducted through the platform.

This latest maintenance announcement continues KRA’s recent pattern of regular system updates across its various digital platforms.

Earlier this month, the revenue authority had conducted similar maintenance on its iCMS platform.

That operation was scheduled for September 14, running for eight hours from 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Sunday, temporarily making the customs management system inaccessible to users.

Prior to that, KRA had undertaken maintenance of its iSCAN system on September 7, with the six-hour operation running from 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The scanning system was completely offline during this period, affecting customs and border operations.

The pattern of maintenance activities extends back to late August, when the authority conducted another iTax system maintenance on August 30-31, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to regular system upgrades and improvements.

All these maintenance operations have been strategically scheduled during off-peak hours, typically over weekends or late evening hours, in an apparent effort to minimize disruption to business operations and taxpayer services.

20-Year-Old Man Arrested After Shooting and Robbery of Sh50,000 in Maralal

By

John Mutiso

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September 18, 2025

A twenty-year-old man has been arrested in Maralal, Samburu County, following a series of violent robbery incidents in the area.

According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations on Thursday, September 18, acting on intelligence, Samburu detectives tracked down Lemarkele, who had been terrorizing Maralal town and its surroundings with violent robberies.

Armed with an AK-47 rifle and accompanied by an accomplice who remains at large, the suspect had stormed a local shop in Maralal, initially posing as an ordinary customer.

The situation quickly turned deadly when the duo drew firearms, aiming them directly at the cashier.

In a moment of courage, the cashier managed to push the weapon away, but not before Lemarkele fired a shot that grazed her left breast, inflicting a painful soft tissue injury.

The injured cashier was immediately rushed to Samburu County Referral Hospital, where she received treatment and was later discharged in stable condition.

The assailants made off with Sh50,000 during the incident.

Following the robbery, a comprehensive manhunt was launched. Through diligent detective work and intelligence leads, investigators tracked down Lemarkele from his hideout, leading to his successful arrest.

Upon his capture, detectives uncovered incriminating evidence, including a green jungle hat, smoke jacket, jungle green jacket, and jungle belt.

Lemarkele is currently in custody, undergoing processing, and awaiting his day in court.

KMTC Dispatches June-July Exam Results Transcripts, Urges Prompt Verification and Collection

By

John Mutiso

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September 18, 2025

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has released academic transcripts for students who completed their June–July 2025 qualifying exams.

In a statement on Thursday, September 18, the institution said it dispatched 13,000 transcripts to its campuses on Wednesday, September 17.

KMTC also noted that thousands of requests continue to come from recruitment agencies seeking verification of academic documents.

“Our reforms are designed to ensure graduates do not miss opportunities. With automation, students can now verify transcripts online, and with decentralization, they can collect documents at their campuses three weeks after completing exams,” KMTC CEO Kelly Oluoch said.

Oluoch added that the college has scaled up its Transcript Mashinani initiative, issuing transcripts to graduates on the spot during national events.

He noted that transcripts are now processed within just one day once requirements are met, and always within the 10 days outlined in the Citizens’ Service Delivery Charter.

“These measures ensure our graduates remain competitive in the job market,” Oluoch added.

This comes a month after KMTC opened applications for alternative programmes for students who missed the main September intake.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 5, the college invited interested candidates to apply for Higher Diploma, Upgrading Diploma, and Short Courses.

“You’ve been searching for the perfect College, and you were lucky to get one. And in the next couple of weeks, you will be joining the mighty KMTC.

“If you haven’t secured a slot for the September 2025 intake, consider applying for our Higher Diploma, Upgrading Diploma, or Short Courses. We can’t wait to welcome you home,” the statement read.

Applications are being processed through the official KMTC admissions portal, https://admissions.kmtc.ac.ke/login.

Earlier in the year, the institution called on prospective students to apply for the Pharmacy course, touting it as one of the most marketable and rewarding careers.

In a statement on Thursday, April 24, KMTC emphasized the diverse opportunities that await graduates of the program.

The institution highlighted that pharmacy graduates can secure roles in top pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and even non-governmental organizations.

“Pharmacy is one of the most marketable and rewarding careers today, offering diverse local and international opportunities.

“Graduates work in top pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, research institutions, regulatory bodies, and even NGOs,” the institution said.

KMTC also stressed the vital role pharmacy technicians play in the healthcare system, from dispensing medication and guiding patients to managing administrative responsibilities.

“Pharmacy technicians play a key role in dispensing medication, offering patient guidance, and handling administrative tasks in pharmaceutical practice.

“Pharmacists also contribute to public health programs, clinical trials, health policy, insurance, and academic research, making it a dynamic and future-proof profession,” the institution added.

Raila X Account With Over 4.9 Million Followers Hacked!

By

John Mutiso

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September 18, 2025

Former Prime Minister and ODM leader Raila Odinga’s X account has been hacked by suspected crypto bros.

The account had pinned a Kenya Digital Token link that redirected his 4.9 Million followers to a ficticious site.

However, to make the message more believable, a deep fake video of Raila Odinga explaining the token was posted.

Kenyans have been urged to beef up their accounts with available security features to stop users accounts from being hijacked and used to spread toxic information and scammy links.

Air India crash victims’ families sue aerospace firms Boeing and Honeywell

By

John Mutiso

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September 18, 2025

BBC – The families of four passengers who died on an Air India jet that crashed in June have filed a lawsuit in the US against planemaker Boeing and aircraft parts maker Honeywell, accusing the companies of negligence.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday, and seen by the BBC, said faulty fuel switches caused the accident and accused the companies of doing “nothing” despite being aware of the risks of the aircraft’s design.

Air India Flight 171 bound for London Gatwick, a Boeing 787, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 260 people.

Fuel switches have become a focus for investigators after a preliminary inquiry found that fuel to the engines was cut off moments after the plane left the ground.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has said earlier that fuel control switches in Boeing aeroplanes are safe.

The BBC has contacted Boeing and Honeywell for a response.

The US plane manufacturer did not comment on the case. Instead it pointed to India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB) preliminary investigation report into the crash.

The lawsuit alleges that both firms knew about the risk of a crash since they developed and marketed the 787 Dreamliner and its components.

It cited a 2018 FAA advisory that urged – but did not mandate – operators to inspect the fuel switches’ locking mechanism to ensure that it could not be accidentally moved, thereby cutting off fuel supply.

In the case of Air India Flight 171, the switch was moved from “run” to the “cut-off” position, hampering the thrust of the plane, according to the AAIB’s preliminary investigation report.

The families said this amounted to a design “defect” that “allowed for inadvertent cutoff of fuel supply and total loss of thrust necessary to propel” the plane.

They said: “And what did Honeywell and Boeing do to prevent the inevitable catastrophe? Nothing.”

The companies also failed to warn airlines that the switches required inspection and repair, and did not supply replacement parts to enable its customers to install them, according to the lawsuit.

Boeing and Honeywell “sat idly” behind a gentle advisory that merely recommended inspecting the switches, said the families, who are represented by Texas-based Lanier Law Firm.

A more detailed report of the crash is expected sometime in 2026.

A total of 229 passengers, 12 cabin crew and 19 people on the ground perished when the plane crashed.

Former UDA Senator Gloria Orwoba Withdraws Petition Against Party, Senate and IEBC

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Editor

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September 18, 2025

Written by Joyce Nzomo

Former nominated UDA Senator Gloria Magoma Orwoba has formally withdrawn a constitutional petition in which she had challenged her removal from the Senate.

Orwoba had filed the case at the Milimani Constitutional and Human Rights Division, contesting a gazette notice of May 21, 2025 that declared her seat vacant. She also sought to invalidate a subsequent IEBC notice, which nominated Consolata Wabwire as her replacement.

In the petition, the former senator requested conservatory orders to bar the Senate from swearing in Consolata, who was later listed in Gazette Notice of August 18, 2025, as scheduled to take oath on August 20, 2025. Orwoba argued that the IEBC’s decision and the Senate’s subsequent gazettement were unlawful, procedurally flawed, and therefore null and void.

She further sought declarations that her expulsion from UDA and removal from the party register by UDA, the National Senate, the IEBC, and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties were unconstitutional. Her application claimed these actions violated her political rights, her right to fair administrative action, and her right to a fair hearing.

However, when the matter came up before Justice Chacha Mwita on Thursday, September 18, 2025, her advocate, Ombaso, notified the court that a notice of withdrawal had already been filed on August 20, 2025. He requested that the case be marked as withdrawn and the file closed.

Justice Mwita granted the request and issued a brief ruling: “The petition is marked withdrawn.”

IEBC Chair Ethekon Meets Returning Officers, Staff Gazetted To Conduct Upcoming By-Elections

By

John Mutiso

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September 18, 2025

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, HSC and Members of the Commission today met gazetted Returning Officers and staff involved in planning and conducting the 24 by-elections across the country.

The planning meeting is looking at the operations and logistics requirements to conduct by-elections including 1 Senatorial, 6 Member of National Assembly, and 17 Member of County Assembly on 27th November 2025.

“As Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission(IEBC) plans for these by-elections, know that the expectations are high and scrutiny will be intense and you should rise to the occasion. The country is anxious and keen to evaluate the kind of Commission in place under my leadership. I believe in this Secretariat staff and will work with them to deliver the sovereign will of Kenyans. As Chairperson I’m not only here to provide leadership, but to be led by you to conduct these by-elections. I expect collegiality, mutual respect and collective responsibility from all of us,” said Ethekon.

The Chairperson urged Returning Officers to remain focused and adhere to the rule of law.

“Time and again you have displayed high mastery of your job. I have no doubt in your professionalism and credibility to deliver on this exercise. This team led by Returning Officers in each of the 24 by-election has been vetted and found to be trustworthy and can go beyond the normal call of duty to deliver the results. Let Kenyans feel the values of integrity, impartiality and transparency when we deliver these by-elections, which are competitive. Show your integrity, be professional, do the right thing and stand up for what is right,” said Ethekon.

The Chairperson observed that Kenyans were asking IEBC to improve on the duration of time in results transmission, enhance information sharing and communication.

He urged staff to engage all stakeholders, inform and educate them on Commission processes and timelines.

Commissioner Marykaren Sorobit urged the Returning Officers and their teams to do proper planning and assured them of the Commission’s support.

“We have faith in our staff because you have the experience. You can only perfect it. Planning is everything, if we get it right we will deliver the results,” said Sorobit.

Commission Secretary/CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan, MBS noted that the by-elections matter deeply to Kenyans and scrutiny of the processes will be intense.

“For voters it is a democratic right, for the Commission it provides a platform to prove its credibility and dependability. Priorities are clear including logistic readiness, staff training, effective stakeholder engagements, security coordination and accurate results management. Each of you carry a responsibility that will define the credibility of the Commission. This is an opportunity to show we are not only ready for the 24 by-elections in November but also the 2027 General Election,” said Marjan.

Nvidia Buys $5 Billion Stake in Intel, Joins U.S. Government as Major Shareholder

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September 18, 2025

FILE PHOTO: Illustration shows NVIDIA logo and computer motherboard — FILE PHOTO: An Nvidia logo and a computer motherboard appear in this illustration taken August 25, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo/2025-09-16 16:22:47/

By Michelle Ndaga

Nvidia has announced a $5 billion investment in Intel, acquiring a 4–5% stake in the struggling chipmaker as part of a broader strategic partnership. The move positions Nvidia alongside the U.S. government, which earlier this year took a roughly 10% stake in Intel to stabilize the company.

The purchase, made at $23.28 per share, marks a significant step for the world’s most valuable semiconductor firm as it deepens collaboration with Intel.

Under the agreement, the two companies will co-design chips for data centers and PCs, with Intel supplying custom x86 processors for Nvidia’s AI infrastructure and developing PC chips that integrate Nvidia’s graphics technology.

The partnership does not include Intel’s foundry business, which remains independent. However, the tie-up is seen as crucial for Intel, which has struggled with financial losses, competitive pressures, and delays in advanced manufacturing, even as Nvidia dominates the booming AI market.

News of the deal sent Intel shares surging nearly 30% in pre-market trading, while Nvidia’s stock also gained modestly. Analysts say the collaboration could help Intel regain relevance in next-generation computing while providing Nvidia with greater synergy in CPUs and GPUs.

The agreement still requires regulatory approval but underscores a broader U.S. push to secure domestic chipmaking and counterbalance Asian supply chain dominance.

For Intel, the partnership provides both financial relief and technological lifelines. For Nvidia, it secures a powerful ally in the CPU space and broadens its reach beyond graphics and AI accelerators.

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