Govt. bans right turns at Coptic Roundabout, outlines safety redesign plan

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March 18, 2026

The government has banned right‑turn movements at the Coptic roundabout in Kisumu and introduced a raft of safety measures as part of ongoing efforts to reduce accidents at the crash‑prone junction.

Speaking before the Senate on Wednesday, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, stated that the restriction on right turns is part of temporary traffic control measures introduced to minimise the risk of collisions as authorities prepare for a permanent redesign of the area.

According to the CS, the Kenya National Highways Authority conducted site visits and a safety review of the Coptic section in response to persistent concerns about frequent accidents.

The review resulted in a redesign proposal that will convert the roundabout into a traffic road to allow smoother vehicle flow and reduce conflict points.

“To address the safety concerns at this Roundabout, KENHA conducted site visits in August 2025 and subsequently redesigned the Coptic area crash road section,” said Chirchir.

Planned works include the construction of new pavement layers, improved drainage, and enhanced safety features to ensure safer, more efficient movement for road users. However, the Ministry noted that reconstruction has not yet begun due to budgetary limitations.

CS Chirchir told the Senate that the project has been prioritized for funding in the current budget cycle and will be implemented as a long-term corrective measure once funds become available.

In the meantime, several interim safety measures have been implemented to mitigate risks at the junction. These include the installation of crash barriers, refreshed road markings, and the placement of reflective road studs to improve visibility, particularly during low‑light conditions.

The ministry further updated senators on ongoing road safety audits and black spot mapping along key roads leading to Kisumu City. According to CS Chirchir, multiple assessments have been conducted to identify hazards, evaluate compliance with safety standards, and recommend corrective actions.

Targeted inspections were also carried out at roundabouts along the Kisumu–Kakamega corridor, including Coptic, Konambaya, and Riyadh, focusing on road design, signage, and overall junction safety.

In addition, road safety audits have been undertaken on several highways serving Kisumu County through collaboration between national road agencies, county authorities, and the National Transport and Safety Authority.

The implementation status of the recommended measures has been detailed in an annex tabled before the Senate.

The ministry also addressed concerns over rising fatalities involving long-distance passenger buses, particularly in western Kenya, saying a multi-agency team has been deployed to conduct urgent safety audits on accident-prone road sections.

According to Chirchir, road safety agencies have adopted measures, including intensified operations along high-risk corridors, mandatory vehicle inspections, driver sensitization programmes, and stricter enforcement of regulations on driving hours, rest periods, and staffing requirements for long-distance public service vehicles.

“The enforcement of the laws on maximum hours of driving by Public Service Vehicles (PSV) drivers will be enhanced,” noted Chirchir.

Chirchir added that the combined engineering, enforcement, and awareness measures are intended to reduce accidents and improve road safety at the Coptic roundabout and across the wider road network.

Sen. Syengo Raises Alarm Over Antivenom Shortage and Snakebite Response Gaps in Kitui

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March 18, 2026

Sen. Beth Syengo (Nominated) has raised concerns before the Senate Standing Committee on Health regarding the availability of antivenom and the overall support framework for snakebite victims in Kitui County.

The Senator noted that snakebites remain a persistent public health challenge in the county, with hundreds of cases reported annually, while many more incidents are believed to go unrecorded due to gaps in surveillance and reporting.

She observed that despite ongoing efforts to stock antivenom, inconsistencies in supply, limited access to species-specific treatment and inadequate public awareness continue to expose communities to avoidable deaths and long-term health complications.

Sen. Syengo further raised concern over the lack of structured support for victims and their families, noting that snakebite cases have largely been excluded from government compensation frameworks, leaving affected households to shoulder the financial and social burden.

She emphasized the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response that strengthens medical preparedness, ensures equitable access to treatment and enhances community sensitization, particularly in high-risk and snake-prone areas.

In her request, the Senator asked the Committee to provide an updated assessment of Level Four hospitals in Kitui County, including measures in place to ensure consistent availability of antivenom across all sub-counties.

She also called for details on plans to equip health facilities with species-specific antivenom and to enhance the capacity of healthcare workers to accurately diagnose and manage snakebite cases.

Additionally, Sen. Syengo requested information on strategies being implemented to reinstate and streamline compensation mechanisms for snakebite victims and their families.

She further urged the Committee to outline measures aimed at strengthening public awareness on snakebite prevention, first aid response and access to compensation, including collaboration with relevant agencies such as the Kenya Wildlife Service.

By Anthony Solly

Community Progress: Transformative Water Works at Emitiot in Bomet County

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March 18, 2026

Emitiot Community members, in Longisa Ward, during community engagement session to review the ongoing progress of water works at the Emitiot Water Pan.

This life-changing project, funded under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program, represents a significant leap forward in local climate resilience.

The event brought together Climate Change Unit officers, the Area Chief and his assistant, and community members.

The forum allowed locals to share their views on the technical milestones, including pipe laying, the construction of animal watering troughs, and the installation of communal water taps.

Through the interaction community expressed the positive impact they already feel: clean water is now being brought closer to homes. Historically, residents trekked long distances to the pan, facing the constant risk of drowning.

Today, the project ensures safer, more efficient access for both domestic use and livestock.

By Anthony Solly

Decentralised Funds Accounts Committee Examines Nyakach, Awendo, Isiolo South & Bonchari Constituencies’ Audit Reports

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March 18, 2026

Today the Decentralized Funds Accounts Committee met with NG-CDF Account Managers from four Constituencies to review various pending issues raised by the Office of the Auditor General.

Chaired by Mwingi Central Legislator Hon.(Dr.) Gideon Mulyungi, the Audit Committee first met with current and former Fund Account Managers of Nyakach Constituency, who only had two pending matters to address since the period of 2013/14 to 2022/23.

Second to appear before the MPs was a team from Awendo Constituency, who commendably, had no pending Audit Queries as all previously reported matters had been resolved by the Mangers and Auditors.

Appearing third was the current Fund Account Managers for Isiolo south Constituency, who had no sufficient documentation necessary for the examination process to proceed.

“We were previously not able to conclude the examination of your audits because your documents are with the EACC, and that seems to be the case again today.” Stated Hon. Mulyungi.

According to the Office of the Auditor General, it has been difficult to make any verification of reported resolutions to audit questions, since the Constituency has an active graft case being handled by the EACC, which has not yet released documentation seized during the investigations.

The Committee directed the Manager, in consultation with the NG-CDF Board CEO to take a month to put together the necessary documents in order to conclude the examination of the Audit Reports.

Last to make an appearance before the Legislators was a former Fund Account Manager of Bonchari Constituency Mr. Stephen Onserio, to answer one pending matter of kshs. 3.6Million having been irregularly withdrawn from the Constituency’s Account during his tenure.

Appearing before the Committee today, Mr. Onserio accepted liability for the fraudulent withdrawals, and assured the Committee that he would repay the sum in a span of 3 Months, with the first Kshs. 1Million being paid this month and the balance cleared from his gratuity payments.

The Committee members expressed skepticism with his statement, prompting the chairman to direct that the former manager makes an appearance before them next week Tuesday, alongside the NG-CDF Board CEO to determine a more conclusive way forward, warning that Mr. Onserio risks being jailed for his actions.

By Anthony Solly

Man Arrested at JKIA Over Alleged Fake Degree Used to Secure Kenya Pipeline Job

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March 18, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a man accused of forging academic documents to secure employment within the public service.

The suspect, Victor Ochieng Odhiambo, was intercepted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) shortly after arriving from South Korea aboard an Etihad Airways flight.

Immigration officers acted on a prior stop order issued by the Officer in Charge of Immigration, leading to his arrest upon arrival.

According to the DCI, Odhiambo is wanted for offences of forgery contrary to Section 345 as read with Section 349 of the Penal Code, as well as uttering a false document contrary to Section 353.

Investigations indicate that he allegedly forged a Bachelor of Engineering degree certificate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, purportedly issued on December 19, 2008.

The document is said to have been used to fraudulently secure employment at the Kenya Pipeline Company as a Senior ICT Officer.

“Detectives believe the falsified academic credentials were used to unlawfully secure employment as a Senior ICT Officer, a position of significant responsibility that demands high integrity and technical competence,” the DCI stated.

Following his arrest, Odhiambo was detained at Muthaiga Police Station before being arraigned in court.

He appeared before the Milimani Law Courts, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court granted him a cash bail of Ksh300,000 or an alternative bond of Ksh500,000 with a surety of a similar amount.

The case is scheduled for mention on April 2, 2026, for pre-trial directions as investigations continue.

Blow to Tuju as Firm Claims Lawful Ownership of Ksh450M Karen Property

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March 18, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

A company at the centre of the ongoing dispute over a prime Karen property has told the court that it lawfully acquired the land through a public auction and faced resistance when attempting to take possession.

In a replying affidavit, Jackson Kiplimo Chebett, a director of Ultra Eureka Limited, stated that the company purchased the property known as L.R No. 1055/165 (now Nairobi/Block 47/1399), which includes Tamarind Karen and Dari Business Park, for Ksh450 million during a public auction held in October 2024.

Chebett told the court that the company received all completion documents necessary to formalise the transfer and maintains that it is the lawful registered owner of the property.

He further alleged that on March 10, 2026, attempts to take possession of the property were met with resistance from individuals said to be supporters of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju.

According to the affidavit, the situation escalated into violence, with security personnel deployed by Ultra Eureka reportedly attacked and several guards sustaining serious injuries.

Chebett stated that police later intervened to restore order and directed both parties to present ownership documents to SSP Mwanthi at Lang’ata Police Station.

He claimed that representatives linked to Tuju declined to submit documentation, reportedly stating that “documents would not tell the whole story,” before leaving the meeting while accusing the officer of bias.

Ultra Eureka Limited maintains that any claims over the property by the plaintiffs, including Tuju, are no longer valid following the auction and transfer process.

The company’s legal team has further argued that if the court were to find any irregularities in the auction process, the appropriate remedy would be damages rather than reversal of ownership.

Education Committee Raises Alarm Over Ballooning University Debt, Stalled Projects in Supplementary Budget

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March 18, 2026

Members of the National Assembly Committee on Education have questioned the escalating pending bills and stalled infrastructure projects in the State Department for Higher Education’s Supplementary Estimates for the 2025/26 financial year.

Appearing before the Committee, Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala defended the proposed Sh14.36 billion adjustment, even as lawmakers pressed for accountability on rising debt and funding priorities.

Committee Chairperson, Hon. Julius Melly warned that the State Department risks insolvency if urgent measures are not taken to address pending bills, which have surged dramatically.

“Two years ago, pending bills stood at Sh15 billion. Today, they have hit Sh60 billion and are now at Sh98 billion. You must explain to this country how these obligations keep rising. At this rate, the State Department will be insolvent,” Melly cautioned.

Official documents tabled before the Committee indicate that public universities had accumulated pending bills amounting to Sh98.06 billion as at December 31, 2025, with no provision for their settlement in the upcoming financial ceilings.

Lawmakers also took issue with stalled projects across universities, questioning why new projects continue to receive funding while existing ones remain incomplete.

The Department listed nine stalled projects across four universities, including Laikipia, Egerton, Moi and the University of Nairobi, some with completion rates as low as 0.31 percent.

Hon. Clive Gesiro criticized the prioritization of new infrastructure over critical student support programmes. “We have stalled projects, yet we are still funding new ones. Why are we putting money into infrastructure instead of supporting HELB or exploring partnerships with the Housing Department to build hostels?” he posed.

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) remains severely underfunded, with a cumulative deficit of Sh43.6 billion, leaving over 453,000 eligible students without financial support in the current financial year.

Hon. Dick Maungu echoed the concern, warning that such allocations may result in unutilised funds. “We are barely two months to the end of the financial year. This money cannot be absorbed. Is it a genuine project or a disguised pending bill?” he queried.

The Committee further scrutinized funding to private universities, where a historical deficit of Sh60.28 billion has accumulated under the Differentiated Unit Cost model.

Hon. Makilap demanded a clear strategy to address the debt burden. “What concrete plans do you have to ensure we dispose of this escalating debt in private universities?” he asked.

On policy direction, Hon. Nabii Nabwera questioned the continued placement of government-sponsored students in private institutions despite underutilized capacity in public universities.

In response, PS Inyangala stated that the government had halted new placements to private universities but clarified that students already enrolled remain eligible for loans.

“We have stopped sending students to private universities. However, those already there can still apply for HELB support,” she said.

The Committee also flagged inconsistencies in budget documents, with Hon. Gesiro citing abrupt changes in pending bill figures for Kisii University, raising concerns over data integrity.

The Committee on Education further demanded a verified list of pending bills and clearer justification for supplementary allocations.

By Anthony Solly

Ps For Medical Services Dr Ouma Has Called On Health Stakeholders

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March 18, 2026

Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has called on health stakeholders to take decisive action in integrating health service delivery and strengthening domestic healthcare financing to build a resilient and self-sustaining health system.

Speaking at the ongoing 11th Health Integration Summit 2026 in Mombasa, Dr Oluga said the case for integrated health services is already well established, urging stakeholders to move beyond discussions and address barriers slowing progress.

“We have heard the data, the case studies, and from all stakeholders. The evidence for integration is not in question,” he said, calling on participants to leave the summit with clear, time-bound actions to accelerate implementation.

About UzalendoThe Principal Secretary cautioned that declining donor support underscores the urgent need for Kenya to strengthen domestic health financing mechanisms to sustain essential services and reduce reliance on external funding.

He emphasised that the country’s goal is to build a resilient, integrated health system capable of delivering efficient, accessible and continuous care to all Kenyans.

Dr Oluga reassured the public that essential health services remain uninterrupted, including maternal care, immunisation and treatment for chronic conditions.

He noted that integration goes beyond clinical care, calling for stronger linkages between services such as tuberculosis screening, maternal health services and the management of non-communicable diseases, enabling patients to receive comprehensive care during a single visit.

The PS added that integrated systems would also ease the burden on health workers by reducing duplication and improving coordination across patient records, supply chains and community referral systems.

He further urged communities and patient advocates to demand accountability in ongoing health reforms to ensure equitable access to care and the removal of barriers that prevent patients from receiving services.

The Health Integration Summit, running from 15 to 19 March 2026, is convened by the Ministry of Health through the National AIDS and STI Control Programme (NASCOP) and has brought together stakeholders from national and county governments, civil society and development partners to strengthen collaboration and advance integrated service delivery in support of Universal Health Coverage under the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

By Anthony Solly

Judiciary Clarifies Tuju Debt Case, Says Court Ruling is Based on Long-Settled Dispute

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March 18, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The Judiciary has issued a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the Dari Limited and Raphael Tuju case following public debate over a High Court ruling delivered on March 9, 2026.

In a statement dated March 18, 2026, the Judiciary said the dispute arises from efforts by lenders to realise securities over two properties owned by the plaintiffs after a long-standing debt obligation.

According to the statement, the plaintiffs had moved to the High Court seeking injunctions to stop the auction and transfer of the properties pending determination of the case, prompting the court to initially issue interim orders preserving the properties.

However, the defendants challenged both the jurisdiction of the court and the validity of the proceedings, leading to a review of the matter.

The Judiciary noted that the case has a lengthy litigation history, including a final judgment issued in 2019 by the High Court of Justice in England and Wales requiring repayment of over USD 15 million under a financing agreement.

That judgment was later recognised and enforced by the High Court in Kenya in 2020 and upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2023, while the Supreme Court declined to grant interim relief to halt enforcement.

The court also observed that earlier attempts by the plaintiffs to obtain similar injunctive orders had been dismissed by the High Court in 2024.

As a result, the court found that the latest application was barred by the doctrine of res judicata, meaning the issues raised had already been conclusively determined by competent courts.

“The Court found that reintroducing substantially similar claims, even if framed in constitutional terms, amounted to an attempt to re-open concluded matters and constituted an abuse of the court process,” the Judiciary said.

The High Court subsequently struck out the amended plaint and the application for injunction and lifted the interim orders that had previously stopped the realisation of the properties.

The Judiciary confirmed that the plaintiffs have since filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal.

Judiciary spokesperson Paul Ndemo urged restraint, calling on all parties to allow the appellate court process to proceed without external influence or commentary that could prejudice the case.

Safaricom to Mask M-Pesa Names and Numbers in New Privacy Changes

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John Mutiso

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March 18, 2026

Safaricom is rolling out a major privacy upgrade to M-Pesa that will change how customer information is shared in transactions.

Starting March 24, M-Pesa users will see less personal information in transaction notifications, with Safaricom introducing data minimisation across peer-to-peer payments.

With data minimization, only two names (first and last) will be displayed and the phone numbers will be partially masked (e.g. 0722***000). Key transaction details like amount, date and reference number will remain unchanged.

According to Sharon Holi, the move is driven directly by customer concerns.

“We receive regular feedback from our customers… one of the key questions is: how do we keep our identities safe when we transact?”

She explained that while identity is deeply personal and often tied to multiple names and family heritage, full identity disclosure is not necessary for completing transactions.

“From a transaction point of view, the first name and the last name are all you really need.”

One of the biggest issues Safaricom is addressing is what happens after a transaction is completed.

Customers have reported receiving unsolicited calls, being contacted after making payments and exposure to potential scams

By masking phone numbers, Safaricom aims to limit how easily this information can be captured and reused.

“People have had a habit of contacting you after you make payments. We want to avoid that as much as possible,” Holi said.

Safaricom leadership says the move is part of a broader effort to strengthen trust as digital transactions continue to scale.

According to Peter Ndegwa, protecting customer data is becoming just as important as enabling seamless payments.

“As more Kenyans rely on M-Pesa for everyday transactions, we must ensure that convenience does not come at the cost of privacy,” he said.

“This is about giving customers confidence that their data is secure, while still delivering the simplicity they expect from M-Pesa.”

Safaricom is also giving users control over whether to reveal their full details. A recipient can request full details by sending the transaction message to 334. The sender will receive a prompt asking for consent. The full name and number will be shared if the request is approved and declined if the request is rejected.

To prevent abuse, only one request per transaction is allowed and the the request is valid for 24 hours.

Despite the reduced visibility of personal data, Safaricom says key processes will remain intact. Reversals rely on transaction codes and not names or phone numbers so they will still work normally.

The update comes as M-Pesa continues to grow with over 137 million daily transactions and 14.1 million daily active P2P users. A small data exposure risk can have wide-reaching consequences at this level.

The new data minimisation feature is set to go live on March 24, 2026.

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