The Senate Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology today held a meeting with the ICT Authority to deliberate on the impact of county wayleave charges as well as regulatory and operational barriers affecting the deployment of ICT infrastructure and the expansion of broadband connectivity across counties.

The engagement forms part of the Committee’s oversight mandate in ensuring the growth of the ICT sector and the realization of Kenya’s digital transformation agenda.

During the session, the Authority outlined its mandate in coordinating the development and implementation of ICT infrastructure across government institutions, as well as its role in promoting secure and integrated digital systems within the public sector.

Members were informed that wayleave charges imposed by county governments remain a significant challenge in the rollout of broadband infrastructure, often leading to increased costs and delays in project implementation.

The Authority noted that efforts are ongoing to address the challenge through collaboration with key stakeholders, including the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, county governments, and the Council of Governors, with a view to harmonizing wayleave frameworks across the country.

The Committee was further apprised of proposals submitted to the Senate aimed at addressing wayleave-related constraints, including contributions to the Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as well as engagements with relevant parliamentary committees to align policy and legislative interventions.

Additionally, the Authority highlighted ongoing stakeholder consultations geared towards streamlining approval processes and reducing regulatory bottlenecks that hinder infrastructure deployment.

Members emphasized the need for a coordinated approach between the National and County Governments to eliminate duplicative levies and create a conducive environment for investment in ICT infrastructure.

The Committee further underscored the importance of affordable and reliable broadband connectivity in driving economic growth, enhancing service delivery, and promoting digital inclusion across all regions of the country.

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting legislative and policy measures aimed at addressing existing barriers and accelerating the expansion of ICT infrastructure to ensure equitable access to digital services nationwide.

By Anthony Solly

The Government has issued flood warnings in Kisumu, Tana River, and Uasin Gishu counties after rivers burst their banks, causing extensive inundation in multiple communities.

Emergency teams are on the ground conducting rescue operations as residents remain on high alert. Recent flash floods have resulted in 84 fatalities, with three people still missing nationwide.

In a press release issued by the government on Tuesday, it says that River Nyando in Kisumu County has overflowed, spilling into multiple locations, including Kakola, Onjiko, Kochogo, East Kano, Okanja, Kamidumbi, and Panadol.

Other affected areas include the lower parts of Kakola Ombaka Sub-Location and regions bordering several streams, including Awach, Agala, Nyalbiego, Chamrogi, and Nyaidho.

Emergency operations are underway, with the Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Red Cross, and Kisumu County disaster management team actively assisting residents.

National Government Administrative Officers are closely monitoring river levels to prevent further escalation.

Field reports indicate a rapid rise in river levels, with strong currents flowing across Awasi, Onjiko, Kochogo, and Kakola, increasing the risk of flash floods.

Some overflows in Magina Sub-Location remain contained within existing dykes, but authorities have raised concerns about potential breaches, particularly along weakened sections of both Eastern and Western dykes.

Heavy rainfall upstream may worsen the situation, threatening flooding around Okanja, Kamidumbi, Panadol, as well as areas surrounding Ahero Girls and Kakola Ombaka, along with some stretches of the Kisumu-Nairobi road.

Locals have been urged to remain vigilant while multi-agency emergency teams are on high alert.

In Tana River County, rising water levels in River Tana have caused flooding in Asako Village, Mbalambala Location, affecting nearby farms.

Similarly, in Uasin Gishu County, assessments of River Sosiani in Lower Elgon View, Racecourse Location, have revealed flooding of residential and hospitality facility lawns due to the rising river levels.

The floods come amid a period of heavy rainfall in several parts of the country. Government authorities are warning that continued precipitation may exacerbate river overflows and pose risks to additional communities.

Recent nationwide flash floods have resulted in a total of 84 fatalities, with three people still reported missing.

These statistics highlight the severity of the flooding situation, even beyond the three rivers currently under alert. Emergency teams are working to reach affected residents and mitigate further losses.

Authorities continue to advise residents to avoid low-lying areas, stay away from fast-flowing waters, and adhere to guidance from local disaster management officials.

Multi-agency coordination remains a priority as rescue operations continue in Kisumu, Tana River, and Uasin Gishu counties.

The Government has emphasized that the situation remains dynamic, with water levels fluctuating due to both upstream rainfall and ongoing river flows.

Residents in affected areas are being encouraged to remain indoors or evacuate to higher ground where necessary. Rescue teams are equipped to provide assistance to those stranded or affected by the floods.

Authorities are also monitoring infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and dykes for damage.

While some dykes have contained minor overflows, weakened sections are being reinforced to prevent potential breaches.

Roads in vulnerable areas, including stretches of the Kisumu-Nairobi highway, may be affected by floodwaters, prompting authorities to advise caution.

With continued vigilance and coordinated emergency response, the Government aims to minimize the impact of these floods on communities and infrastructure. Updates will be provided as the situation develops and rescue operations progress.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) on Tuesday, March 24, expressed concerns about the sensational headlines by the Standard Group.

In a statement issued by MCK Chief Executive Officer, David Omwoyo, noted the persistent pattern of sensationalism and publication of unverified news by Standard Group.

The Council particularly worried about the ‘Abducted’ headline, following the disappearance of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju.

Omwoyo claimed that the Standard had presented the information on an alleged factual basis and official verification, only for Tuju to come out and dispute that he had been kidnapped.

“This alarming report was published despite Mr Tuju subsequently re-emerging at his residence, safe and unharmed.

“Such high-stakes misinformation is not only irresponsible but poses a direct threat to national stability and to the personal safety of the individuals concerned,” the statement read in part.

MCK stated that the editorial publication trying to explain the misreporting was an admission of guilt. The Council wondered why the media house had not issued a retraction or apology.

In addition, Omwoyo revealed that the ‘Abducted’ headline was not a unique case and was part of a troubling pattern of publishing unverified claims.

“It reflects a troubling pattern of yellow journalism in which the Standard Group has consistently prioritised provocative, unverified claims over factual accuracy,” the statement continued.

The Mombasa Road-based media agency was accused of repeatedly using banner headlines to drive a narrative without affording the right of reply – a blatant violation of the Code of Conduct for Media Practice (2025).

Consequently, MCK reminded the Standard Group that sensationalism through clickbait headlines was unsustainable and eroded public trust.

“Once a news organisation loses its credibility, its commercial and social viability is permanently compromised,” Omwoyo wrote.

The CEO further condemned the attacks on MCK after the media house tried to portray it as “compromised” for enforcing professional standards.

He opined that attacking the regulator when reminded to uphold the law weakens the entire industry by suggesting that the media is above accountability.

MCK explained that accountability is not censorship, stating that professionalism is the greatest safeguard of a free press.

The Standard Media Group has been asked to verify news before publishing and align its operations with the Code of Conduct for Media Practice (2025).

This is not the first time the media giant has come under scrutiny over its headlines.

Several politicians, including President William Ruto and his Cabinet Secretaries, have come out to dispute multiple headlines.

Pro-government politicians have also accused the media house of being biased against Ruto’s administration.