Kenya to Meet its AFCON 2027 Obligations, CS Mvurya Tells Senate

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March 25, 2026

Kenya will meet all its obligations ahead of the African Cup of Nations tournament scheduled for 2027, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya has told the Senate.

Appearing before the Senate Plenary on Wednesday to respond to questions from Lawmakers, CS Mvurya assured the House and Kenyans that the Government has put in place the necessary measures to ensure all requirements are met ahead of the tournament.

“As a Ministry, we are working very closely to ensure that we meet our financial and infrastructural compliance obligation. The facilities that will be used are Talanta, which is Raila Odinga International Stadium that is almost complete and Kasarani. Nyayo, Ulinzi, Police SACCO will be training grounds,” said the CS.

He stated that the Government is working on all recommendations raised by CAF following its visit to the country in February 2026 adding that the State will also ensure all financial obligations are met.

“Kenya is supposed to pay Ksh 3.9 billion, we are working with the National Treasury and the relevant Parliament Committee to make sure that we comply to the financial obligation,” revealed the CS.

Responding to a question by Sen. Prof Tom Ojienda SC (Kisumu) posed on his behalf by Sen. Beth Syengo, CS Mvurya said the Ministry has continued to actively support sports development initiatives in Kisumu County through infrastructure improvement, talent identification and youth empowerment programmes.

Among the key initiatives, he cited the rehabilitation and upgrading of major facilities such as Moi Stadium and Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground to enhance their capacity to host major national events. He noted that the Ministry is working with the Ministry of Defence, which is already on the ground undertaking construction and rehabilitation works at the facilities.

The Ministry has also supported grassroots tournaments through capacity building for coaches and technical officials while strengthening collaboration with the County Government and sports federations to promote inclusive participation and position Kisumu as a regional hub for sports development.

On the status of national government support, including funding for tournaments, clubs and community based programmes, the CS revealed that the Ministry organised the Talanta Hela Football Tournament through the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) in collaboration with county governments.

He said the tournament was conducted in twelve regions across the country between August and December 2023.

The Nyanza North Region comprised Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay counties. Kisumu County’s boys’ and girls’ teams emerged top in their respective categories and progressed to the national finals held at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi. The Kisumu boys’ team finished second and received a cash award of Ksh 3 million.

On the criteria used to identify and support sports clubs and tournaments at county level, the CS told the House that the identification of technical personnel and athletes for training and development programmes is undertaken through structured school sports systems coordinated in collaboration with the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) and the Kenya Primary and Junior Schools Sports Association (KPJSSA).

“Technical personnel, including coaches are nominated through these associations based on their active involvement in school sports programmes and their role in nurturing emerging talent at the grassroots level. Athletes are identified primarily during the national and regional competitions organised by the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association and the Kenya Primary and Junior Schools Sports Association which serve as key platforms for talent identification,” submitted the CS.

On the mechanisms the Ministry will implement to ensure transparency, equity and sustainability in the allocation of sports development funds particularly to grassroots and youth driven clubs, CS Mvurya said the Ministry is supporting grassroots sports development through national federations, infrastructure development via Sports Kenya in collaboration with county governments and talent development through the Kenya Academy of Sports.

He added that the Ministry has undertaken several collaborative initiatives with the Kisumu County Government to strengthen sports infrastructure including the upgrade of Moi Stadium, Kisumu, which is being undertaken pursuant to a Presidential directive aimed at accelerating the development of key sports infrastructure across the country.

The CS revealed that the National Government has allocated Ksh 800 million for the modernisation of the facility into a 10,000-seater stadium.

During the supplementary questions segment, Senators raised concerns over the criteria used to identify talent, arguing that the system discriminates against some regions, with certain counties appearing to be favoured.

They also cited delays and stalled construction of various stadia across the country.

In response, the Cabinet Secretary acknowledged disparities in talent identification but assured the House that the Ministry will roll out an affirmative action plan from April 2026 to address the concerns raised by Senators.

Two Al-Shabaab Militants Killed, Four Others Injured in Mandera Ambush

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John Mutiso

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March 25, 2026

Security officers killed two Al-Shabaab fighters and injured four others during an ambush operation in Mandera County conducted during Eid celebrations.

In a statement on Tuesday, March 24, Counter Terrorism Policing said the operation was intelligence-led and targeted militants attempting to cross into Kenya.

“As Kenyans were engaged on Eid celebrations, our brave and resilient SOG officers undertook intelligence led operation against terrorists who attempted to infiltrate the Kenya border,” the statement read.

CTP detailed how the officers strategically positioned themselves before launching the attack on the militants near the border area.

“SOG officers laid ambush for a group of terrorists in the outskirts of Sarira, Mandera. The officers backed by intelligence aerial assets waited for radical elements,” the statement added.

Authorities also outlined the outcome of the ambush, including casualties and the militants’ retreat following the confrontation.

“SOG carried out the assault, killing 2 terrorists and critically injured 4 terrorists while the rest of Al Shabaab fighters ran away deep into Somalia under heavy firepower from our officers,” the statement concluded.

Gachagua Dismisses President Ruto’s Claims of Extorting Liquor Distributors

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Editor

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March 25, 2026

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed President William Ruto’s claims that he extorted businesspeople during the fight against illicit alcohol.

In a statement on Wednesday, March 25, Gachagua said while serving as the Deputy President, the fight against drugs and substance abuse was 70 percent won.

He accused President Ruto of using Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior PS Raymond Omollo to frustrate the initiative.

“The fight against Drugs and Substance Abuse was 70% won under my stewardship. Our young men stopped taking illicit alcohol as it was not available.

“You were angry that an entire generation had been saved. You used Mr. Kindiki and Raymond Omollo to frustrate the success,” said Gachagua.

The DCP party leader went on to allege that President Ruto appointed drug barons to his Cabinet, and since then, Kenya has reportedly become an international drug transit and destination.

Gachagua claimed that he pleaded with the Head of State several times over the fight against drugs and illicit alcohol.

He noted that he once publicly told President Ruto off during a church function in Nyandarua County.

“I pleaded with you several times not to sabotage my efforts and allow me to save lives and the next generation. All this fell into deaf ears.

“Fed up with your actions, I had no choice but to tell you off publicly in Nyandarua at Ndogino AIPCA Church on Sunday, July 14th, 2024,” Gachagua stated.

This comes a day after President Ruto accused his former deputy of failing in the assignments he had entrusted to him.

Speaking on Sunday, March 22, in Homa Bay County, Ruto claimed that Gachagua engaged in extortion and aligned with cartels.

“I gave him a chance to help me with coffee matters, but he joined the coffee cartels and asked farmers to pay him three shillings per kilo.

“He said he was fighting illicit alcohol, but he ended up becoming an extortionist, extorting people who run businesses,” President Ruto stated.

Ruto further dismissed Gachagua’s leadership credentials, saying he has no capacity to lead anyone in Kenya.

“I want to tell that character, you will lead nowhere, you will lead nothing and nobody,” he added.

IEBC Commissioner Reveals Number of Newly Registered Voters

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John Mutiso

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March 25, 2026

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana has revealed that only 250,391 Kenyans have registered as new voters so far.

Speaking on Tuesday, March 24, Mukhwana noted that the majority of the new registered voters are mostly in Urban and peri-urban areas.

The IEBC Commissioners named Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Nakuru, and Mombasa as the leading counties in new voter registrations.

“As of today, we have registered 250,391 new voters. The new enrollments are principally in the urban areas and the peri-urban areas; Nairobi is leading, followed by Kiambu, Machakos, Nakuru, and Mombasa,” said Mukhwana.

The IEBC commissioner pointed out that voter registration is lowest in Isiolo, Mandera, and Tana River counties.

File image of a voter registration process.

Mukhwana attributed the low registrations to the population density and migration patterns of the residents in the three counties.

“Regrettably, the arid areas continue to perform dismally; Isiolo, Mandera, and Tana River are almost stagnant, and that is because of the lower population density and the migration patterns,” he stated.

Mukhwana also highlighted that youth engagement in the registration still remains in the ongoing mass voter registration.

The IEBC commissioner observed that the overall percentage of youth stands at 32.65 percent of the newly registered voters.

“Youth engagement as of today remains low, but the overall percentage of the youth 35 and below stands at 32.65% of this new registration. 18-20-year-olds are the worst hit. We only have 67,808. There is low motivation or awareness, which means we need to have civic education,” Mukhwana added.

This comes as the young people are mobilizing themselves under the Niko Kadi campaign to register themselves as voters.

The campaign leverages social media, with participants documenting their registration process and sharing it online.

IEBC launched the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Eligible Kenyans can visit their constituency offices to register as new voters or transfer their current registration to another electoral area.

They may also update or correct their voter details, as well as verify their registration status.

The electoral body is targeting to register 6.8 million new voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Return of Honor: The Nation Receives Its Peacekeepers From Haiti

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Editor

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March 25, 2026

The arrival of the third squad of Kenyan officers who had been sent to the International Security Assistance Mission in Haiti was not just a return home, but it was also an opportunity for reflection, pride, and national gratitude. T

he squad landed safely yesterday 24th March 2026, and was received with respect and placenta, a step that highlighted the success of their mission and recognition of their dedication.

The highlight of the event was paying a special tribute led by the Guest of Honor, Ambassador Dr. Monica Juma, National Security Adviser to the President, together with the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja.

The message of the Guest of Honor was clear and consistent: the contribution and dedication of those officers is forever written in Kenya’s glorious history of protecting peace and providing services even beyond its borders.

In his speech, Inspector General Kanja congratulated the returning officers for their bravery, discipline, and resilience they displayed in a challenging operational environment.

Mr. Joseph Boinet, Deputy National Security Advisor to the President, accompanied by Mr. Eliud Lagat, Deputy Inspector General – Kenya Police Service; Mr. James Kamau, SAIG Chief of Staff – APS; together with Mr. Muchiri Nyaga, AIG Director of Communications – NPS, had traveled to Haiti to lead and Supervising the safe return of officers who were deployed to the mission.

Representing the Deputy Inspector General – APS, Mr. Gilbert Masengeli, Dr. Masoud Mwinyi, SAIG Deputy General to DIG – APS, delivered a congratulatory message stating that the message is an evidence and a great sign that Haiti can achieve lasting peace. He stressed that more officers were ready to put on nuts and join their colleagues in Haiti to ensure peace was maintained.

Each returning squad carries stories of courage, sacrifice, and service, adding weight to the stories that continue to inspire within the Service and across the nation at large.

Those who were also present were Mr. Ranson Lolmodooni, SAIG Commander of GSU; Mr. Jackson Kangani, SAIG Director of Security Operations – APS; Mr. Davies Lomwatu, SAIG Commander BPU; Mr. Isaac K. Alimaa, SAIG Commander of NPCE ‘A’ College; Mr. Aggrey Shamala, AIG Commander of RDU; Mr. Mohammed I. Alike, Deputy Director of Security Operations – APS; Mr. Benard Mbatha, AIG Deputy Commander of ASTU; and Mr. William Samoei, AIG Chief Officer of NPCE ‘B’ Campus, among others.

Welcome home, our heroes. Your service has brought pride to the nation.

By Anthony Solly

Senator Cherargei Calls for Full Probe into Kericho Mass Graves as Body Count Rises To 33

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Editor

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March 25, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Nandi Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei has called for a comprehensive investigation into the discovery of mass graves in Kericho County following a rise in the number of bodies recovered.

In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Cherargei expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the graves, where initial reports of 14 bodies have since risen to 33 following ongoing exhumations.

“The presence of mass graves in Kericho County must be fully investigated on the circumstances of 14 bodies buried that has risen to 33 bodies upon exhumation,” he stated.

The senator emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging authorities to establish how the bodies ended up buried and whether due process was followed.

He also raised concerns over the handling of unclaimed bodies by health facilities, stressing that hospitals must adhere strictly to the legal procedures governing the disposal of such remains.

“The hospitals who dispose unclaimed bodies must follow the legal procedures set out in the law,” Cherargei added.

The discovery has sparked public concern, with pressure mounting on investigative agencies to determine the identities of the deceased, the cause of death, and whether any laws were violated.

Authorities are yet to issue a comprehensive report as exhumation and investigations continue.

First female Archbishop of Canterbury to be enthroned

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Editor

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March 25, 2026

By Peter John

Dame Sarah Mullally is to be installed as the first ever female leader of the Church of England at Canterbury Cathedral.

On the eve of the religious service, the Archbishop of Canterbury told the BBC that it would have “women’s voices right the way through it”.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will be part of the congregation representing King Charles and will see Dame Sarah’s first sermon as archbishop.

Among the 2,000 guests will be nurses and carers from Canterbury, invited to reflect the new archbishop’s long career as a nurse.

Although the city has been at the centre of a fatal meningitis outbreak, no changes to planned events were deemed necessary.

The installation – historically known as an enthronement – marks the symbolic start of Dame Sarah’s public ministry as the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The 105 previous Archbishops of Canterbury, from St Augustine in 597 AD, have all been men. Women were only allowed to become priests in the Church of England from 1994.

“Once I try and get my head around being the archbishop, I recognise the significance of being the first female archbishop, but I am also aware of the women that have supported me in my ministry,” Dame Sarah told the BBC.

The archbishop said men had also supported her but that this afternoon’s service – would give the sense of being “something about celebrating women”.

“But [it’s] also being able to say to other people, in a sense, it’s entirely possible for you to follow your dreams and what you want to do,” she said.

From 1980, Dame Sarah had been a nurse, eventually becoming the youngest ever chief nursing officer for England in 1999.

She was still performing that role when she was ordained as a priest in 2002 and became the first female Bishop of London in 2018.

In the days leading up to the service, Dame Sarah walked nearly 90 miles over six days in a pilgrimage from St Paul’s Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral.

The theme of “pilgrimage” continues into this afternoon’s installation service too, with religious rites performed in locations through the cathedral from its western most to eastern most ends.

It will begin with Dame Sarah knocking three times on the West Door of the cathedral with her pastoral staff after which she will be welcomed by local schoolchildren.

In the nave she will swear an oath on the Saint John’s Bible, the first time a new bible has been used since 1945, in what is being seen as a reflection of modernisation.

In the choir she will be installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury in the “Cathedral Chair” before moving to the famous “Chair of St Augustine” to be installed as Primate of All England.

While the service is rooted in historical significance, Dame Sarah has had a hand in choosing some of the hymns.

As well as the dignitaries and faith leaders invited to be part of the congregation, will be NHS nurses and carers from the Canterbury area.

There will also be nods to the diversity of the global Anglican Communion – with singing in Urdu, a Gospel reading in Spanish and a prayer in the Bemba language of Zambia.

Senator Seki Demands Accountability Over Working Conditions at Bomas of Kenya

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Editor

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March 25, 2026

Kajiado Senator Kanar Seki has sought a Statement from the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding the ongoing construction project at the Bomas of Kenya.

The Senator characterized the matter as one of significant national concern, specifically focusing on the safety and welfare of the laborers currently engaged at the site.

Senator Seki’s request follows mounting reports from both workers and members of the public who have raised alarms over potential non-compliance with occupational safety and health regulations.

“Concerns have been raised by workers and members of the public regarding safety standards, welfare of workers and possible non-compliance with occupational safety and health regulations at the site,” Senator Seki said.

Consequently, he demanded a detailed assessment of the level of compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act to ensure that the site meets legal standards.

Senator Seki’s intervention aims to scrutinize the adequacy of worker protection, including the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the effectiveness of existing first aid and emergency response mechanisms.

He further requested a full disclosure of whether any workplace accidents or incidents have been reported since the commencement of construction works, insisting on a detailed outline of the measures taken in response to such events.

In his quest for transparency, the Kajiado Senator called for an audit of oversight and compliance monitoring conducted by the contractor and relevant government agencies.

He highlighted the need for a thorough review of employment terms, including contractual status, working hours, and statutory compliance on wages and social protections.

Senator Seki underscored the urgency of this oversight, seeking to determine the measures taken by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to “ensure compliance and safeguard workers’ welfare” at the Bomas of Kenya site.

By Anthony Solly

Three Arrested Over Violent Ngong Robbery as Police Recover Firearm

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Editor

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March 25, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Three suspects linked to a violent robbery incident in Ngong have been arrested following a joint police operation in Kirinyaga County.

The operation, carried out at around 1:04 a.m., involved officers from Ngong Police Station and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), working in collaboration with police from Mwea–Makutano Police Post.

Acting on intelligence, the team tracked the suspects to the Makutano–Ngomongo area, where they had reportedly gone into hiding.

The suspects were identified as Alex Wanjiku alias Aleko, Job Wachira Wanjohi, and Francis Kinyanjui Wanjiku alias Kinyaa. Authorities believe the trio was involved in a robbery with violence incident that occurred in Ngong on March 12, 2025, during which a victim was shot and seriously injured.

During the arrest, police recovered a Glock 17 pistol loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition from one of the suspects, Francis Kinyanjui Wanjiku. Investigators say the weapon is a key piece of evidence linking the group to the crime.

Officers also recovered a red TVS motorcycle, registration number KMGD 970K, which is suspected to have been used as a getaway vehicle during the robbery.

Additionally, items of clothing believed to have been worn by the suspects at the time of the incident were seized, further strengthening the evidentiary basis of the case.

The suspects are currently being held at Ngong Police Station as investigations continue. Authorities are also working to determine whether they may be connected to other criminal activities in the region.

The arrests come amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to tackle violent crime and dismantle criminal networks operating across counties.

Kenya to Require USB-C Chargers for All Phones in New Rules

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Editor

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March 25, 2026

By Peter John

Kenya is set to introduce new rules that will require all new mobile phones to use USB Type-C charging ports starting next year.

The regulations, announced by the Communications Authority of Kenya, will apply to smartphones, tablets, and feature phones.

The move aims to ensure that all devices use a standard charger, making it easier and cheaper for users.

Under the new rules, manufacturers must meet at least 12 minimum technical standards.

These include USB Type-C charging with detachable cables, a minimum of eight hours talk time, support for 5G networks, and accessibility features such as screen readers.

Officials say the changes are meant to improve safety, reduce electronic waste, and cut down the need for multiple chargers.

By standardising charging ports, the government hopes to lower costs for consumers and reduce the number of unused accessories.

However, the new policy is expected to affect low-cost phones, commonly known as “kabambe,” which are widely used by low-income households.

Many of these devices may not meet the new standards, raising concerns about affordability and access to basic communication.

Older devices, including some iPhones that use non-USB-C charging ports, will also not comply with the new requirements.

While the government says the rules will modernise the mobile market and improve user experience, critics warn that the transition could make it harder for some Kenyans to afford basic phones.

The new regulations are expected to take effect next year, giving manufacturers time to adjust their devices to meet the standards.

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