The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has requested KES 14.93 million for ICT infrastructure modernisation to enhance its operational efficiency.
While making his presentation, the Authority’s CEO, Mr. Elema Halake, noted that IPOA has expanded its services to three new offices in Mandera, Marsabit, and Turkana counties, necessitating additional funding for ICT equipment to support service delivery.
He further stated that the Authority requires additional funding for the purchase of motor vehicles and other transportation equipment.
“To support operations in both existing and newly established regional offices in Mandera, Marsabit, and Turkana, the Authority is requesting an additional KES 165.4 million to facilitate the purchase of ten Land Cruiser vehicles, given the challenging terrain,” said Mr. Halake.
A document tabled by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, revealed that the allocation for domestic travel and subsistence has increased from KES 653.8 million to KES 1,353.8 million.
The Committee, chaired by Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo, sought clarification on the specific security operations that justify the KES 700 million increase in domestic travel expenditure.
In his response, Dr. Omollo noted that the State Department undertakes extensive travel, particularly in the coordination of national celebrations.
The Committee also met with the State Department for National Government Coordination, led by Principal Secretary Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim.
The State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, together with its Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), today appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Health to present the Supplementary Estimates aimed at strengthening Kenya’s health system.
During the session, officials outlined a strategic shift from a predominantly curative model towards a more preventive and promotive approach to healthcare, prioritising investments in disease prevention, health promotion, and strengthened early warning and response systems to reduce the burden of preventable illnesses.
Key priorities highlighted included strengthening disease surveillance and emergency preparedness, expanding access to Primary Health Care through Primary Care Networks, and supporting Community Health Promoters through training and deployment to enhance service delivery at community level.
The presentation also emphasised ongoing efforts to scale up the prevention and control of communicable diseases, including tuberculosis and malaria, strengthen community-based health interventions, and advance health research, innovation, and quality assurance systems.
The department called for increased resources to support these priority programmes, strengthen frontline health services, and sustain progress towards Universal Health Coverage in Kenya.
The State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs on Tuesday appeared before the National Assembly’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by George Kariuki, to present its case on the Financial Year 2025/26 Supplementary Estimates.
The Department’s Principal Secretary, Mr.Aden Milah, told lawmakers that the State Department’s budget had been revised from KES 5.684 billion to KES 5.754 billion. The revised allocation includes KES 3.529 billion for recurrent expenditure and KES 2.225 billion for development, noting that the Department operates under a single programme—Shipping and Maritime Affairs.
PS Milah highlighted persistent funding challenges, revealing that the Department has faced cumulative budget cuts of about KES 200 million over the last two financial cycles. He warned that the constraints have hampered delivery of its expanded mandate, prompting a request for an additional KES 100 million to address critical operational gaps.
Among priority areas identified for funding is the strengthening of the Government Clearing Agency, whose revenue potential remains underutilized due to poor facilities at key entry points, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the Port of Mombasa.
The Department also cited the need to operationalize international agreements with partners such as Denmark and South Korea, complete key maritime policies, and implement a presidential directive on fuel oil bunkering to boost jobs and port competitiveness.
The PS also raised concerns over financial sustainability at the Bandari Maritime Academy, which faces an annual deficit of approximately KES 225 million. While the Academy expects to generate KES 210 million in Appropriations-in-Aid (AiA), its operational needs stand at KES 435 million. Revenue has been significantly affected by reduced fees for the mandatory STCW Basic Safety course, following a presidential directive that lowered charges from KES 70,000 to KES 15,000 per student.
Additional constraints include inadequate training equipment and limited infrastructure, which have delayed the rollout of revenue-generating courses.
PS Milah urged the Committee to support the fast-tracking of the construction of the Maritime Survival Training and Certification Centre, whose budget was reduced from KES 550 million to KES 166 million, creating a funding gap of KES 384 million.
The Department is also seeking reinstatement of KES 43 million for personnel costs at the Kenya National Shipping Line Limited (KNSL), which currently relies heavily on government support. KNSL’s allocation had been reduced to zero despite earlier provisions in the Budget Policy Statement.
Further funding needs include KES 100 million to upgrade training simulators at Bandari Maritime Academy and KES 250 million for the Lake Turkana Maritime and Transport Investment Project, aimed at improving safety and connectivity in northern Kenya through the construction of search and rescue centres.
However, Members of the Committee questioned the Department’s strategic direction, citing the absence of a clear roadmap to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Lawmakers emphasized that strengthening Kenya’s position as a global hub for well-trained maritime professionals would significantly enhance competitiveness.
The Committee is expected to deliberate on the proposals and hold follow-up sessions as it reviews the Supplementary Estimates.
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has signed a contract for the upgrade of the 23.5-kilometre Muthaiga-Kiambu-Ndumberi Road.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 17, KURA confirmed that the agreement was formalized in the presence of Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir.
“Today, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, witnessed the signing of the EPC Contract for the dualling of the Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi Road Project at Transcom House,” the statement read.
KURA added that the project will be implemented by Stecol Corporation and is expected to improve transport along the corridor.
“The 23.5 km project will be undertaken by Stecol Corporation and is expected to significantly enhance mobility, ease congestion, and support economic growth along the corridor,” the statement added.
File image of Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Stecol Corporation officials
Meanwhile, the Kenya Shipyards Limited has commenced the construction of its first-ever public ferry on Lake Victoria.
In an update on Tuesday, March 17, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo confirmed that the development is part of the government’s efforts to invest in water transport infrastructure.
“As part of the government’s ongoing strategy to harness the Blue Economy, Kenya Shipyards Limited has commenced construction of a 29-metre shallow-draft ferry at the Kisumu Shipyard. The vessel will be the first public ferry operated by Kenya Ports Authority on Lake Victoria,” he said.
Omollo revealed that construction of the vessel is already at an advanced stage, with key structural work nearing completion.
He added that additional technical works are currently underway as the project moves closer to completion.
“The project is now at 50% completion, with most welding works finalised, structural joining and fitting completed and the passenger area ready. Ongoing works include electrical piping and painting of sub-structural components,” he added.
According to Omollo, once operational, the ferry is expected to boost movement across Lake Victoria, benefiting residents in remote and island areas.
“The ferry will bridge a critical gap in public maritime transport, improving connectivity to island-rich areas such as Homa Bay County, including Mfangano Island, while linking the riparian counties of Busia, Siaya, Kisumu and Migori,” he further said.
Beyond the ferry project, Omollo said the Kisumu Shipyard is also playing a role in local boat manufacturing, supporting both transport and fishing activities across the lake.
“In addition to large vessel fabrication, the shipyard also manufactures smaller fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) boats, commonly used for fishing, patrol and transport operations across Lake Victoria,” he concluded.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on Tuesday, March 17, announced the nomination of Danish Otieno Onyango as her new deputy.
In a press statement, Wanga stated that she nominated Onyango pursuant to the vacancy in the Office of the Deputy Governor and in compliance with the County Governments Act.
The position was declared vacant after Oyugi Magwanga tendered his resignation, citing irreconcilable differences with his boss.
“I hereby Nominate Mr Danish Otieno Onyango to serve as the Deputy Governor of Homa Bay County, subject to approval by the County Assembly,” the statement read in part.
Onyango is currently serving in the Homa Bay County Government as the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Roads and Public Works.
A file image of newly nominated Homa Bay Deputy Governor, Danish Otieno Onyango
Wanga explained that she nominated him to take over as her deputy owing to his track record while heading the county roads docket.
“Through his result-based performance and leadership, we have expanded our road network and connectivity. Given his wide experience, I am confident he will handle the functions of the Office of the Deputy Governor,” the statement continued.
Odhiambo hails from Kabondo Kasipul Constituency and has a background in Political Science and Public Administration (Bachelor’s Degree) and a Master’s in Development Studies.
He joined the public service in 2003 and even served as Undersecretary in the State Department of Infrastructure.
Wanga also nominated Elijah Obiny Dede to serve as the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Trade, Industry, Tourism, Marketing and Co-operative Development.
Other persons nominated as County Executive Committee Members include Isaac Victor Ongiri (Governance, Administration, Communication and Devolution) and Dr Joash Aloo, who was re-assigned to the Agriculture docket.
Wanga fell out with Magwanga, who accused her of locking him out of his office, therefore rendering him unable to perform his role.
The former Deputy Governor revealed that he would challenge the Homa Bay County Governor’s re-election in the 2027 polls
The visit was led by Chief Officer for Cooperatives, CPA Benard Koros, alongside Commissioner Ngeno and other county officials.
They engaged members and the board in discussions focused on restructuring the cooperative and finding sustainable solutions to improve its performance.
Key deliberations centered on practical strategies to restore operations, enhance efficiency, and ensure better service delivery to local dairy farmers who rely on the cooperative for milk handling and marketing.
In his closing remarks, Chief Officer Koros reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting cooperative societies, noting that strong cooperatives are vital drivers of local economic growth and farmer empowerment.
Nema Kenya today hosted a delegation from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) of the United States to introduce the Chemical Security Program (CSP) and explore areas of collaboration with NEMA and other partner agencies.
The meeting highlighted NEMA’s critical role in the management and regulation of hazardous chemicals including licensing and enforcement, disposal of chemical waste, and implementing measures addressing Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) inorder to safeguard public health and the environment.
Discussions also focused on strengthening partnerships to enhance chemical security in Kenya, including capacity building, improved emergency preparedness, development of a national CBRN register, and enhanced coordination among agencies.
This collaboration marks a significant step towards sound chemicals management and chemicals security for sustainable development, a safer and more resilient future.
The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Lands has met the PS for Lands and Physical Planning Hon. Nixon Korir for Consideration of Supplementary Estimates No. 1 FY 2025/2026.
The Committee led by the Chairperson Hon. Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango) also separately met the National Land Commission (NLC) team led by CEO Ms. Kabale Tache; on the Commission’s proposed supplementary budget.
The supplementary budget has been necessitated by additional funding requirements to address emerging priorities and critical expenditure shortfalls.
WIth regard to the State Department for Lands and Pgysical Planning, the Supplementary Estimates proposes to increase the approved budget estimates by Kshs. 316.71 Billion.
It also proposes increasing recurrent and development expenditure and Consolidated Fund Services (CFS) by Kshs. 201.13 Billion, Kshs. 86.3 Billion and Kshs. 29.27 Billion respectively.
Hon. Korir indicated that although the State Department had projected to raise Kshs. 4 Billion from Appropriations in Aid collections but had only managed to collect Kshs. 1.543 Billion as at December 31, 2025 which was below the half year target.
“As a result of this underperfomance we had proposed to the National Treasury during our supplementary estimates to revise our (AIA) allocation downwards from Kshs. 4 Billion to Kshs.3.36 Billion; a reduction of Kshs. 650 Million,” noted Hon. Korir.
Regarding the NLC, the supplementary estimates proposes to increase th3 Commission’s allocation by Kshs. 1.5 Billion (representing 44.7%).
The Committee raised a concern regarding the increasing routine of the NLC losing land related court cases, thus raising eyebrows on the Commission’s commitment to help prot3ct the Government against continued loss of court cases related to land.
“We have a concern that when we have cases where NLC is accused does not turn up in court, and when they do they do it so casually that NLC and by extension loses,” noted Hon. Nyamoko.
Ms. Tache indicated that NLC was strained in terms of legal proffessionals compared to the number of cases actively in fourt against the Vommission.
“We have only 33 legal officers against over 9,000 cases that we have in court against the NLC. We need support to build capacity. However, part of what we have done is posting legal across all the regions, with proper reporting channels to the Headquatters,” noted Ms. Tache.
Committee Members also raised other land related matters of concern with the PS.
Githunguru MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has called for a public apology from Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa following controversial remarks made during the senator’s mother’s burial.
Wamuchomba accused him of spreading false claims and politicizing the funeral.
In a pointed public letter to Senator wa Thangwa, Wamuchomba explained that she had initially planned to miss the funeral due to a parliamentary trip to the United Kingdom, a detail she shared with both the senator and his brother, Father Michael, during a prior conversation.
“I am pleased that you have laid your mother to rest today. I had not intended to attend the funeral because of my parliamentary trip to the UK, as I communicated to you and your brother during my last visit to your home,” she stated.
The MP expressed that she visited the family home to offer condolences and contributed Ksh50,000 to assist the grieving family.
“I came to your mother’s house to offer my condolences peacefully and contributed Ksh50,000. When I was leaving, my office team and supporters encouraged me to take a photo in a UDA scarf, as your DCP party officials standing by me wore their green party caps,” she clarified.
Wamuchomba emphasized that the photograph, which later ignited controversy, was taken after the prayer meeting concluded.
“The photo was captured after the prayer meeting had ended, and most attendees had already left. I am generally a joyful person—why create unnecessary drama?” she questioned.
She pointed out that Senator wa Thangwa was present when she signed the official condolences book, confirming that she did not wear the party scarf at that moment.
“Karungo, you were by my side when I signed the official condolences book. I wasn’t wearing the UDA scarf then, correct?” she asked.
Wamuchomba further criticized the senator for transforming the funeral into a political event, highlighting her good relationships with other family members.
“It is disheartening that you have turned your mother’s funeral into a political platform, disregarding that your other siblings are our friends, colleagues, and neighbors with whom we maintain good relations,” she remarked.
She also dismissed allegations made by the senator that she had attempted to dismantle tents set up for the funeral.
“You claimed that I tried to pull down the tents on Friday. Are you certain they were erected on Friday? Were they to remain standing from Friday to Monday? The funeral was today (Monday). Do you have witnesses to support this claim? Do you have photos or videos as evidence? If so, please share them,” she stated.
The MP insisted that the senator should publicly apologize for what she labeled as false allegations.
“I demand a public apology because you know you misrepresented the facts to garner public sympathy,” she asserted.
During the funeral service, Senator Thangwa stated that the family had prayed for and forgiven the MP, hoping she would not engage in similar behavior in the future.
“We have prayed and forgiven her as a family, and we hope she avoids such actions with others,” Thangwa said.
Wamuchomba recounted previous discussions regarding funeral arrangements, asserting that she had assisted the senator when he faced difficulties securing a venue.
“When the school management and OCPD denied you entry, you reached out to Hon Kimani Ichungwa for help, who then contacted me, and we agreed to assist you,” she explained.
She added that Eric Methu also reached out to her concerning this matter.
“Senator Methu called me about the same issue, and I assured you that no one would interfere. We all agreed that your late mother transcended these issues. You even called me directly to request assistance, Karungo,” she noted.
The legislator accused the senator of making misleading public statements.
“You have misrepresented the truth on camera, and it is time to reconsider your actions. I regard you as a brother, which is why I came to your home. Using your mother’s funeral as a political stage to undermine me is unacceptable. May God defend me in this situation,” she expressed.
She reiterated that, given the public nature of the allegations, she had the right to clear her name.
“Since you have gone public with these false allegations, I have every right to defend my reputation, and I will do so. I urge you to provide the evidence as claimed,” she added.
Wamuchomba concluded her statement by extending her condolences to the family while firmly maintaining her position.
“May your mother rest in peace. May your other siblings find solace. May God advocate for me in this matter,” she said.
She also encouraged the senator to reveal details of their previous conversations regarding the funeral arrangements.
“Now, let the public know about our other discussions and the truth that Hon Ichungwa contacted the security team to facilitate your entry,” she urged.
In her letter, the MP also claimed that Thang’wa had received a Sh3 million donation from State House, which he allegedly instructed to be delivered to his partner on Kenyatta Road to prevent other siblings from accessing the funds.
“Tell the public you were also given Sh3 million from State House and advised that it be delivered to your baby mama who lives on Kenyatta Road, so that your siblings don’t claim it,” Wamuchomba alleged.
The MSEA Kisii Office, in collaboration with Social Protection Services, conducted a sensitization session for members of the Mwamogusii Self Help Group in Kisii County to equip them with knowledge on business formalization, government opportunities, and programs that support MSEs.
Participants were also informed about opportunities under the Affordable Housing Program and how artisans, suppliers, and small businesses can benefit by positioning themselves to participate in the projects.
The team further highlighted key government initiatives including the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation (KJET) project and the NYOTA Program, which support entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and access to business opportunities.
Members were also introduced to the role of County Industrial Development Centres (CIDCs), which provide affordable workspaces, access to machinery, and capacity-building support for small enterprises.
The session was interactive, with members actively engaging through questions and sharing their business experiences while gaining clarity on registration processes and how to access available support programs.
