Ksh 20.5 Million Kwale Bursary cheques issued to Dzombo and Vanga Wards students

By

-

March 13, 2026

Kwale Deputy Governor H.E. Chirema Kombo, on behalf of Governor H.E. Fatuma Achani, has issued bursary cheques worth Ksh 20.5 million to high school students from Dzombo and Vanga Wards in Lungalunga Sub-County.

Addressing parents and guardians at Vanga and Dzombo Social Halls, the Deputy Governor reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to ensuring that students across Kwale continue pursuing their education without disruption.

“We are all aware of how the delay in the bursary programme threatened school retention for some of our students. We now want all learners, including Grade 10 students who are yet to join school, to report to school because the bursary support is here to ensure their education continues smoothly” said Chirema.

He further called on residents to continue supporting Governor Achani’s administration and not be swayed by individuals who had politicized the bursary programme.

A resident from Dzombo, Mzee Kithuka, praised the initiative, noting that it has greatly eased the burden on parents.

“I used to mobilise harambees to raise school fees for most of our students due to our limited resources. When this bursary programme was introduced, it brought great relief to many families because the harambees became a thing of the past,” said Mzee Kithuka.

A total of 2,322 students from the two wards have benefited from the bursary cheques, with the disbursement for college and university students expected to follow soon.

Also present at the events were Chief Officers for Education and for Social Services and Talent Management, Juma Nzao and Riziki Mwasoza respectively, Lungalunga Municipal Manager Grace Mbeyu, among other county officials.

By Anthony Solly

NPS Cuts KSh1.4 Billion from Personnel Budget After Overestimation

By

John Mutiso

-

March 13, 2026

The National Police Service (NPS) has reduced its personnel emoluments budget by Ksh1.4 billion.

While appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security, NPS Accounting Officer, Bernice Lemedeket, said the budget had been overestimated.

She explained that the adjustment was necessary to align the budget provision with the actual number of officers currently in service.

The NPS Accounting Officer said the variance was caused by the exits of police officers from the service and delays in the recruitment of new officers.

“NPS Accounting Officer Ms Bernice Lemedeket explained that the adjustment was necessary to align the budget provision with the actual number of officers currently in service. She attributed the variance to staff exits and the delayed start of the recruitment process for uniformed officers, which affected the projected expenditure,” Parliament stated.

File image of IG Douglas Kanja and DCI boss Mohamed Amin appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security

During the session, the Gabriel Tongoyo-led committee raised concerns over the frequent adjustment of predictable expenditures such as salaries, noting that such obligations should ordinarily be accurately projected during the budget formulation stage.

The committee also warned against the misuse of Article 223 of the Constitution, noting that some expenditures being introduced through the provision were not of an emergency nature.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, said the NPS required an additional Ksh21 billion to finance its operations and provide security ahead of the 2027 General Election.

IG Kanja mentioned that some of the police stations have no electricity, and almost half of the stations have no vehicles.

The police IG emphasised the stations need vehicles to help them respond to emergencies promptly.

“Fifty per cent of our police stations have no form of transport, and that is an impediment to the provision of services. We would request this committee to support us in that direction so that many stations can have transport,” said Kanja.

The service had initially been allocated Ksh127 billion at the start of the 2025-2026 financial year.

Governor Achani Launches Cabro Road Projects To Boost Accessibility And Business In Ukunda And Bongwe/Gombato

By

Editor

-

March 13, 2026

Residents of Ukunda and Bongwe/Gombato are set to benefit from improved road connectivity after H.E Governor Fatuma Achani presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for several cabro-paved roads aimed at enhancing accessibility and supporting local businesses

The projects include the cabro paving of roads at the Kenya Power and Lighting Company–Catholic Church stretch, the Gurumbe Landing Site–Watatu Watano road, and the Moiz–Veterinary Offices road, Ukunda and Bongwe/ Gombato wards respectively in Msambweni Sub-county.

The works are expected to significantly improve movement for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and traders operating in the busy areas.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Achani said the initiative forms part of the county government’s broader plan to upgrade infrastructure and stimulate economic growth across the region.

“Accessible roads are the backbone of development. By improving these key access routes, we are making it easier for residents to move, businesses to thrive, and essential services to reach our communities,” said Governor Achani.

Governor Achani emphasized that the county administration remains committed to expanding road networks to ensure no part of Kwale is left behind in development.

Ukunda Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Hamisi Kitengela lauded the project, noting that collaboration between county leadership and local representatives is key to delivering meaningful development.

“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when leaders work together for the common good. Improved roads will ease transport, boost trade, and enhance the daily lives of our residents,” said Kitengela.

His Bongwe/Gombato counterpart Tumaini Mwachaunga echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of partnership in service delivery.

“Through cooperation with the county government, we are ensuring that development reaches every ward. These roads will connect communities and support economic activities in our area,” Mwachaunga said.

Local residents also welcomed the development, saying it will address long-standing challenges associated with poor road conditions.

BAK Kwale Chapter Chairman, Mahmoud Rajab Mwanyumba, and also a boda boda operator at the event said the new cabro roads would make transport safer and faster, “During the rainy season, these roads become muddy and difficult to use. With cabro paving, we will be able to operate smoothly, save time, and serve more customers,” the rider noted.

The Kwale County Government has continued to prioritize infrastructure development as part of its commitment to improving service delivery across the county. In recent years, the county has undertaken the opening and upgrading of numerous access roads to link markets, schools, health facilities, and fishing landing sites.

Improved road access is expected to enhance mobility for residents, facilitate the transportation of goods and agricultural produce, and attract more business investment. Better roads also make it easier for emergency services, healthcare providers, and security agencies to reach communities, thereby improving overall quality of life.

County officials say such infrastructure projects are key to unlocking local economic potential and supporting sustainable development in Kwale.

By Anthony Solly

Edwin Sifuna Launches Drive to Enlist Kenyans into Linda Mwananchi, How to Register

By

John Mutiso

-

March 13, 2026

More than 2,500 Kenyans have officially signed up to join the Linda Mwanachi within hours of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna launching the movement’s website.

In a statement shared on Friday, March 13, Sifuna formally launched Linda Mwananchi online, sharing details of its website and its official social media handles.

Sifuna invited Kenyans to enroll with the movement on the website or by following Linda Mwananchi on social media.

So far, 5,000 loyalists have followed the Sifuna-led movement across Facebook, X, TikTok and Instagram.

Kenyans supporting the political faction can confirm that they are registered as voters on the website. Fans will have to pay Ksh10 for the registration.

“We are asking for a token of Ksh 10 as a measure to combat Kasongo bots so that we know the real number of the movement,” a pop-up message in the registration process reads.

Upon payment, all registered users will receive a message saying ‘Ahsante! Umejoin Mbogi’. The website also provide fora for other ways Kenyans can support the movement.

Registered members can either offer to volunteer for the movement or make monetary donations to Lina Mwananchi from as low as Ksh10.

“This fight is not easy. We are up against a regime that has unlimited access to your public funds and is not ashamed to abuse it to retain power,” the donation box read in part.

The website has an events section where Kenyans can access information on when and where the next Linda Mwanachi rallies will be held.

For instance, the next rally will be held in Mombasa County on March 22. The Sifuna-led faction announced plans to hold a delegates’ convention dubbed ‘The People’s NDC’ on March 27.

Earlier, Sifuna had claimed foul play, accusing the government of using proxies to register Linda Mwanachi and patent it so that his team could not register the movement as a political party.

Daily Tree Planting Progress During The Long Rains Season 2026

By

Editor

-

March 13, 2026

Tree growing activities continued across several conservancies in Kenya as part of the national effort to increase forest cover and contribute to the government’s target of planting 15 billion trees. The activities were largely coordinated by the Kenya Forest Service in collaboration with partners such as Community Forest Associations (CFAs), schools, farmers, government departments, and conservation organizations.

‎In the Central Highlands Conservancy, a major plantation establishment exercise took place at Nanyuki Forest Station in Nyeri County, where 66,272 seedlings of Cupressus lusitanica were planted across 53.7 hectares in sub-compartments 4(U) and 4(O). The activity involved KFS officers and PELIS farmers who committed to monitor and maintain the seedlings to ensure their survival during the rainy season.

‎‎Within the Eastern Conservancy, several counties recorded significant planting progress. In Meru County, tree planting was conducted at Marania Forest Station and Sirimon Block where 22,004 Cupressus seedlings were planted in plantation areas with sufficient soil moisture.

Additional rehabilitation and replanting activities were carried out in Ngaya Forest and other sites in Tharaka-Nithi County, where 8,000 seedlings were planted in forest and institutional sites including Chuka Vocational Training Institute.

‎‎Further planting activities were undertaken in Machakos and Makueni counties where farmers and partners supported woodlot establishment and forest enrichment planting. In Machakos, several private farms received 800 eucalyptus and assorted seedlings, while 5,000 Acacia seedlings were planted in Kibwezi Forest through a partnership with Women for Water and Natural Conservation.

‎‎In the Western Conservancy, schools in Busia and Bungoma counties participated in tree planting activities that established boundary trees and woodlots totaling 1,255 seedlings.

Species planted included Cupressus, Markhamia, Casuarina, Tamarindus, and Jacaranda to enhance environmental conservation and provide future tree resources.

‎The Nairobi Conservancy also recorded progress in Kajiado County, where 100 seedlings were planted at the Department of Trade compound to improve environmental aesthetics and support conservation efforts.

In the Ewaso North Conservancy, 100 assorted exotic and indigenous seedlings were planted at Ladala Primary School in Samburu County through collaboration between Marwell Wildlife, KFS, and other stakeholders.

‎Additional tree growing initiatives were implemented in Embu County, where four sites including schools and rehabilitation areas recorded a combined planting of 4,800 seedlings under the coordination of the Kenya Forest Service in partnership with organizations such as ACK Mbeere Diocese and local Community Forest Associations.

‎In the North Eastern Conservancy, tree planting exercise were conducted on at Gedithure Secondary School in Wajir East Sub-County, Wajir County.

The activity was led by the Kenya Forest Service in collaboration with stakeholders from the education sector. During the exercise, 30 seedlings of Azadirachta indica (Neem) were planted on 0.03 hectares to establish a school woodlot aimed at promoting environmental conservation and increasing tree cover in the area.

‎Overall, these activities demonstrate continued collaboration between government agencies, communities, institutions, and conservation partners in supporting Kenya’s ambitious national tree growing campaign aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and strengthening climate resilience.

By Anthony Solly

Items Prohibited at WRC Safari Rally 2026

By

John Mutiso

-

March 13, 2026

Fans attending the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally 2026 risk being turned away or arrested if they arrive with drones, flash-enabled cameras, or other banned items at any designated spectator zone.

The Interior Ministry has released a strict list of dos and don’ts ahead of the World Rally Championship Safari Rally, which runs from Thursday, March 12 to Sunday, March 15, 2026, across Kenya.

Unauthorised drones top the list of prohibited items, with authorities warning that operating one near rally cars poses a direct safety risk to both competing drivers and the thousands of fans watching from the roadside.

Flash photography near competing vehicles is equally banned, since a sudden flash can momentarily blind a driver navigating a high-speed stage, a split-second distraction that could have devastating consequences out on the course.

Fans are also barred from standing on the rally road or crossing it during a live stage, rules that carry serious weight considering rally cars regularly hit speeds well above 160 kilometres per hour.

Spectators are also warned against entering restricted or unsafe areas, with security officers posted along all routes to enforce the boundaries and redirect anyone who drifts too close to the main action.

Blocking emergency access routes is strictly prohibited, with authorities insisting that ambulances and rescue teams must be able to reach any incident on the course without delays, regardless of how large the crowds grow.

Lighting fires and damaging the environment also feature on the banned list, a reminder that several stages of the event span through ecologically sensitive terrain, including areas close to the Maasai Mara ecosystem.

Disorderly behaviour rounds off the prohibited list, with security personnel fully empowered to remove or arrest anyone causing disturbances at any of the spectator points spread along the rally route.

Regarding what fans can do freely, the ministry says spectators should arrive early, since roads close before each stage begins, park only in approved areas, and watch exclusively from the clearly marked designated zones.

On March 13, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) warned that trucks will be threatened with arrest if found unlawfully parked along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway during the mad rush expected this weekend, while also offering fans alternative routes to the event.

Fans are also encouraged to carry water, sunscreen, and comfortable footwear for the long outdoor hours, while being reminded to dispose of waste responsibly and respect local communities whose land the stages pass through.

The Interior Ministry has called on all attendees to familiarise themselves with the full Spectator Safety Guidelines before heading out, stressing that keeping the four-day event safe is a shared responsibility for everyone present.

“Please familiarise yourself with the Spectator Safety Guidelines. Respect the rules and take responsibility in helping keep the event safe,” stressed the Ministry.

Safari Rally 2026: Interior ministry bans use of drones in Naivasha

By

John Mutiso

-

March 13, 2026

The Ministry of Interior has issued a safety notice warning members of the public against using drones in restricted areas during the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally.

In an update on Friday, March 13, the ministry clarified that drone operations will not be allowed in designated areas around the rally stages and spectator zones.

“The use of drones is NOT permitted in designated areas within Naivasha and surrounding areas during the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya 2026,” the notice read.

Meanwhile, the ministry has also released a spectator safety advisory outlining several guidelines for fans planning to attend the rally.

The advisory urges spectators to follow instructions from marshals and security officers, watch the race only from designated spectator zones, and arrive early since roads will be closed before rally stages begin.

Fans are also advised to stand well away from the rally road, park vehicles only in approved areas, and carry essentials such as water, sun protection, and comfortable footwear.

Authorities further called on attendees to dispose of waste responsibly and respect local communities and property while enjoying the rally.

At the same time, the safety notice lists several prohibited activities aimed at preventing accidents during the high-speed competition.

Spectators have been warned not to stand on the rally road, cross the road during a live stage, enter restricted or unsafe areas, or block access routes reserved for emergency vehicles.

The advisory also specifically cautions against the use of unauthorized drones or flash photography near rally cars, lighting fires, damaging the environment, or engaging in disorderly behaviour.

This comes a day after KeNHA warned motorists of anticipated traffic during the Safari Rally scheduled to take place between March 12 and 15.

In a traffic advisory published on Wednesday, March 11, KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli advised drivers to adhere to all traffic and road safety rules.

The authority further warned of severe punishment for truck drivers found parking at undesignated stations along the highway.

“The Authority advises all truck drivers not to park at any undesignated locations on the highway, as violation of this directive shall lead to immediate arrest,” the advisory read in part.

KeNHA further issued alternative routes that motorists could use to beat the traffic jam: the scenic, adventure, Thika Trail, and Suswa routes.

The Scenic Route starts from Nairobi to Lanet, passing through Flyover (Magumu), Njambini, Ol Kalou, and Dondori.

On the other hand, the adventure route from Nairobi passes through Rironi, Naivasha, Engineer, Ol Kalou, Dundori, and offloads traffic at Lanet.

Motorists have been asked to explore the route that goes through Thika, Magumu, Ol Kalou, Dundori, then Lanet, or the Ngong-Suswa-Narok-Nakuru highway.

Strategic Partnerships To Offer Training/ Education On Business Sustainability And Resilience In Asals

By

Editor

-

March 13, 2026

MSEA Meru Office, in collaboration with the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) and Food for the Hungry, engaged Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Committees formed after Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction (CMDRR) trainings in Ruiri and Rwarera.

The trainings equipped community members with skills in hazard identification, mapping vulnerable populations and livelihood assets, and developing Community Action Plans (CAPs) and contingency plans to strengthen resilience.

CAPs focus on long-term solutions to reduce vulnerability, while contingency plans outline short-term responses during disasters.

MSEA also sensitized the committees on government opportunities such as the Women Enterprise Fund, Uwezo Fund, and Youth Enterprise Development Fund, and encouraged group formalization through the Registrar of MSEs.

Leaders were further briefed on the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation Program and the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement Project (NYOTA), with MSEA and NDMA committing to support viable groups through Business Development Services training focused on enterprise sustainability and resilience.

By Anthony Solly

DCI Arrests Two Suspects, Recover 65 Phones, 7 Laptops in Runda

By

John Mutiso

-

March 13, 2026

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested two suspects in connection with operating a black-market network dealing with stolen mobile phones in the Githogoro area of Runda.

In a statement on Friday, March 13, DCI said the two suspects were apprehended during an operation conducted on Thursday night.

“The late-night operation, conducted yesterday at around 2037hrs, followed credible and actionable intelligence received by detectives concerning a disreputable syndicate involved in receiving and trading stolen mobile devices.

“Acting swiftly on the information, detectives from the DCI Operations Action Team (OAT) in collaboration with officers from DCI Gigiri, and augmented by their counterparts from Runda Police Station, discreetly mobilized and set out to dismantle the illicit enterprise,” DCI stated.

According to the DCI, the detectives visited a shop operating under the name “E7 Cosmetics” in Githogoro, which is believed to be used as a front for the illicit business.

Upon arrival, the detectives found two adult males, Tobias Oduor and Nickson Indasia, inside the establishment who identified themselves as the proprietors of the business.

The sleuths conducted a thorough search of the premises and uncovered a staggering cache of suspected stolen electronic devices.

The recovered items included 65 serviceable mobile phones, 7 laptops, and 52 dismantled assorted mobile phones.

“When confronted and interrogated about the recovered items, the suspects were unable to provide any credible or satisfactory explanation regarding the ownership or source of the electronics, further heightening suspicions that the premises served as a conduit for the disposal of stolen property,” DCI stated.

The detectives positively identified one of the recovered mobile phones as a device that had earlier been violently snatched from a victim at the Ruaka stage by unknown assailants.

The phone was found actively being used by one of the suspects and has since been conclusively identified by its rightful owner, who is a resident of Ruaka.

All the recovered items were documented and secured through a formal inventory process as investigations continue to unravel the suspected criminal network.

Meanwhile, the two suspects are in police custody, waiting to be arraigned in court to face appropriate charges.

KeNHA Gives Traders along Mombasa Road’s Mtito Andei 21-Day Notice to Vacate

By

John Mutiso

-

March 13, 2026

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a 21-day notice to traders and other occupants operating along a section of Mombasa Road.

In a notice on Thursday, March 12, the authority announced that it has notified all individuals occupying the road reserve illegally along the Mtito Andei stretch of the highway to vacate the area.

“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) hereby notifies all illegal roadside occupants, including traders and unauthorized structures, along the Mtito Andei section of the A8 Road (Mombasa Road) in both directions, to remove their wares and vacate the road reserve within twenty-one (21) days from the date of this notice,” the notice read.

KeNHA explained that the directive is intended to allow the implementation of planned improvements along the busy highway.

“This directive is issued to facilitate the planned service road improvements and drainage rehabilitation works along this section of the A8 Road,” the notice added.

According to KeNHA, the works form part of broader safety initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and ensuring the safe flow of traffic.

“The project forms part of the ongoing road safety improvement initiatives aimed at reducing road traffic accidents and ensuring the safe and unobstructed flow of traffic along the Mombasa Road highway,” the notice further read.

KeNHA reiterated that all traders and occupants currently operating within the road reserve must comply with the directive by clearing their goods and dismantling any structures erected in the area.

“All affected traders and occupants are therefore required, through this notice, to remove their goods, structures, and any other encroachments from the road reserve within twenty-one (21) days from the date of this notice to allow for the implementation of the project works,” the notice continued.

KeNHA cautioned that failure to comply will lead to enforcement action, with the agency removing any remaining structures or goods without additional notice once the deadline expires.

“Upon the expiry of the twenty-one (21) days – Wednesday, 8th April 2026 – any structures, goods, or encroachments remaining within the said section of the road reserve shall be removed without further reference to the owners, in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations governing the protection and management of road reserves,” the notice concluded.

Create a free account, or log in.

Upgrade your subscription