Nominated Sen. Kibwana Raises Alarm over Rising Burden of Uterine Fibroids among Women and Urges Action on Nairobi Flooding and Drainage Failures

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March 10, 2026

Senator Hamida Kibwana (Nominated) has called for urgent intervention on two pressing public concerns, urging relevant Senate Committees to address the growing burden of uterine fibroids among women in Kenya and the recurrent flooding caused by drainage failures and poor urban planning in Nairobi City County.

The Senator noted that uterine fibroids non-cancerous growths in the uterus are increasingly affecting Kenyan women, particularly those aged between 35 and 39 years. She observed that the condition is associated with severe health complications including heavy menstrual bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, anaemia and infertility.

According to the Senator, available estimates indicate that between 10 and 20 percent of Kenyan women may be affected by fibroids. She further raised concern over the high cost of treatment, which ranges between KES 100,000 and KES 500,000, placing effective care beyond the reach of many patients who lack comprehensive health insurance coverage.

Sen. Kibwana requested the Standing Committee on Health to provide updated data on the national prevalence and distribution of uterine fibroids, including age-specific trends and the county-level burden across the country.

She also asked the Committee to outline measures being undertaken by the Ministry of Health to enhance public awareness and promote early screening in order to encourage timely diagnosis and reduce complications associated with the condition.

Further, the Senator sought clarification on government efforts to fund research into the causes, prevention and treatment of fibroids, including initiatives aimed at expanding access to modern and minimally invasive treatment options.

She additionally called for details on the affordability and accessibility of fibroid diagnosis and treatment under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), including the extent of coverage available and any plans to make treatment more affordable and accessible to women nationwide.

The Senator also asked the Committee to outline policy measures being implemented to strengthen reproductive health services in public health facilities in order to ensure comprehensive, equitable and sustainable support for women’s health across the country.

In a separate request to the Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing, Sen. Kibwana raised concern over recurrent flooding in Nairobi City County linked to drainage failures, encroachment on riparian reserves and weak urban planning controls.

She noted that heavy rainfall experienced on March 6, 2026 resulted in widespread flooding across several parts of the city, leading to road closures, property damage, displacement of residents and disruption of economic activity.

The flooding reportedly affected several neighbourhoods including Embakasi, Pipeline, Mukuru, Kibra, Mathare, Huruma, South B and C, Lang’ata, Umoja, Njiru, Ruai, Utawala, Roysambu, Githurai, Loresho and parts of Westlands.

Major road corridors were also rendered impassable during the rains, including sections of the Central Business District, Uhuru Highway, Mbagathi Way, Mombasa Road, Thika Superhighway, Jogoo Road, Lunga Lunga Road, Enterprise Road and Lang’ata Road.

Sen. Kibwana asked the Committee to outline immediate actions being undertaken by the Nairobi City County Government and relevant national agencies to manage the flooding, including drainage clearance, rescue operations, reopening of roads and measures to protect residents and property.

She further requested details on areas identified as chronic flooding hotspots, the status of any audits conducted on Nairobi’s storm-water drainage system and the corrective measures being implemented to improve its capacity.

Additionally, the Senator called for information on steps being taken to remove illegal developments on riparian reserves, waterways, road reserves and drainage corridors, as well as measures to prevent further encroachment.

She also asked the Committee to clarify the planning and development control measures currently in place to ensure that future infrastructure projects incorporate adequate drainage systems, flood mitigation mechanisms and climate-resilient urban planning.

Sen. Kibwana emphasized that as the country’s capital and economic hub, Nairobi requires resilient infrastructure systems capable of safeguarding lives, protecting property and sustaining mobility and economic activity during periods of heavy rainfall.

By Anthony Solly

High Court Strikes Out AI-Generated Application Over Procedural Defects

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March 10, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The High Court in Nairobi has struck out a Notice of Motion after finding that the supporting affidavit bore an electronic signature and appeared to have been generated using artificial intelligence.

In a ruling delivered at the Milimani High Court, Justice Bahati Mwamuye held that the application failed to comply with procedural requirements under the Civil Procedure Rules and the Constitution of Kenya (Protection of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms) Practice and Procedure Rules.

The court noted that the supporting affidavit attached to the application did not meet the legal requirements governing affidavits and raised concerns about how it had been commissioned by a Commissioner for Oaths, given that it was electronically signed.

Justice Mwamuye further observed that a review of both the application and the supporting affidavit suggested they were machine-generated. The court stated that outputs produced by artificial intelligence cannot replace documents drafted by a party or their legal counsel.

“As the law stands today, computer-generated or outputs of artificial intelligence cannot be a proper substitute for human-drawn documents,” the judge stated in the ruling.

The court concluded that the defects in the application were not mere procedural technicalities and could not be cured through amendment.

Consequently, the Notice of Motion dated March 5, 2026 and its supporting affidavit were struck out.

However, the court granted the applicant liberty to file a fresh application and supporting affidavit that comply with the law.

The case arises from Petition No. HCCHRPET/E393/2024, filed by Nayan Mansukhlal Savla against the Kenya Psychiatric Association, with the Commission on Administrative Justice listed as an interested party.

Kenya Power Launches New Meter Reading System, Issues Notice to Customers

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John Mutiso

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March 10, 2026

Kenya Power has issued a notice to customers across the country as it begins rolling out a new electricity meter reading system.

In a notice on Tuesday, March 10, Kenya Power said the new technology will modernize how its teams capture meter readings, replacing the traditional manual process.

According to the company, the system works by scanning the meter display rather than relying on staff to manually input numbers.

“Kenya Power has introduced an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system for electricity meter reading.

“The OCR system allows our teams to scan meter displays directly, instead of manually typing meter numbers and readings. This improves the accuracy and efficiency of billing, helping ensure customers receive correct bills,” the notice read.

Kenya Power noted that some challenges have emerged during the early stages of the nationwide rollout, particularly when meter readers are unable to access meters located inside locked premises or secured boxes.

“As the system is being rolled out across the country, we have noted that locked premises and meter boxes are the main challenge affecting meter reading,” the notice added.

Because of this, the company is asking customers to cooperate with staff when they visit homes or business premises to take meter readings.

“Customers are therefore kindly requested to allow our staff access to meters within their premises, including opening meter boxes where necessary,” the notice continued.

Kenya Power reassured customers about safety and verification procedures when staff visit their premises to take readings.

“For your safety, all Kenya Power staff visiting customer premises will carry official identification cards with their staff number and national ID details. Customers can also verify anyone claiming to be a Kenya Power employee by dialling *977# and selecting the Jua for Sure option,” the notice concluded.

MP Ndindi Nyoro opposes National Infrastructure Fund, warns it will fuel more borrowing

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John Mutiso

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March 10, 2026

Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has opposed the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund, which was assented to by President William Ruto on Monday, saying it could open the door for more borrowing instead of promoting genuine development projects.

Speaking during the official opening of the new Mwai Kibaki Senior School in Gaturi ward, Nyoro stated that the country is currently borrowing about Ksh.1.5 trillion annually, warning that the growing debt continues to increase the financial burden on Kenyans.

Nyoro criticised the new fund, arguing that it could allow the government to borrow additional funds outside the normal budget framework.

“As we talk, Kenya is borrowing about Ksh.1.5 trillion… hii kizungu mingi tunapewa ati for every Ksh.1 Kenya wants to crowd in another Ksh.12; it is another name for saying for every Ksh.1 Kenya wants to borrow another Ksh.12,” he said, cautioning that continued borrowing risks worsening the country’s debt situation.

“That fund is meant to borrow more money outside the budget. It is not good to continue burdening Kenyans now and still burden them tomorrow. Let’s stop overborrowing.”

He faulted the leaders affiliated with the government, warning that the country risks accumulating unsustainable debt.

“To our leaders, who has told you that Kenya is going anywhere such that you want it to carry the debt burden mpaka ivunjike? Yes, we want development now, but we also want it in posterity,” he added.

The MP further lamented that social investments such as education have already been affected by low funding, noting that the situation has crippled the education sector.

The remarks come a day after President Ruto signed into law the National Infrastructure Bill, 2026, which establishes the Ksh.5 trillion National Infrastructure Fund that is aimed at financing key development projects across the country.

The law, sponsored by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, seeks to shift infrastructure financing towards an investment-led model designed to attract private capital into large-scale national projects.

According to the government, the fund will operate as a corporate investment vehicle rather than a traditional government fund, with plans to mobilise about Ksh.5 trillion over the next 10 years to finance infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, ports, irrigation and energy.

President Ruto said the expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will be the first project undertaken under the fund, structured with approximately Ksh.20 billion in equity participation from the NIF and domestic institutional investors.

The President noted that the model mirrors similar infrastructure funds used globally, including in Nigeria, Ghana, India, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa, which have been used to mobilise private capital for national development projects.

Among projects listed as potential beneficiaries of the fund are the Loosuk–Lessos power transmission line, the Galana-Kulalu irrigation project, the Rironi–Naivasha–Mau Summit highway and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to Malaba.

2026 Budget Policy Statement Approve;Citizens to Benefit from Stategic Allocations

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Editor

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March 10, 2026

Kenyans can now get a clearer picture of how government plans to spend public money after the National Assembly approved the 2026 Budget Policy Statement (BPS), setting the broad spending limits and priorities for the 2026/2027 financial year.

The approval of the policy statement means the National Assembly has agreed on how much the national government can spend and which sectors will receive priority funding before the detailed budget estimates are prepared.

The total national government budget ceiling has been set at KES2.878 trillion.

Out of this amount, the Executive will receive KES2.797 trillion, while Parliament has been allocated KES50.78 billion and the Judiciary KES30.44 billion. These ceilings guide how ministries, departments and agencies will prepare their budgets in the coming financial year.

Counties are set to receive KES420 billion as the equitable share to county governments, ensuring funds flow to the devolved units for services such as health, agriculture and local infrastructure.

Education remains one of the largest beneficiaries, with more than KSh 160 billion proposed for university education and research, and about KSh 134.7 billion for basic education.

The security sector also receives a large share. The National Police Service is allocated about KSh 143.2 billion, while the Ministry of Defence is set to receive over KSh 241 billion to support national security operations and defence programmes.

Infrastructure development is another priority. The State Department for Roads is projected to receive more than KSh 232 billion, while the housing sector will receive about KSh 139 billion to support housing development and urban programmes.

Following approval, the Budget Policy Statement and accompanying resolutions will provide the fiscal foundation for the 2026/2027 national budget and guide the preparation of detailed spending plans to be presented to Parliament in the coming months.

By Anthony Solly

Two men charged with terror offences after homemade bomb thrown outside NYC mayor’s home

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March 10, 2026

BBC -Two men have been charged with terror offences after police said they attempted to bomb a protest outside the New York City mayor’s home in an attack allegedly inspired by the Islamic State group (IS).

The suspects, 18-year-old Emir Balat and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, allegedly told police that they aimed for the Saturday attack to be “even larger” than the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 that left three dead.

New York police say the pair attempted to detonate two explosives outside Gracie Mansion, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani lives. Authorities found a third bomb in their car.

The incident happened during an anti-Islam protest. None of the explosives went off as intended.

Footage of the incident shows one of the suspects being detained just seconds after igniting one of the explosives, which did not detonate.

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the two suspect had admitted to being inspired by IS and had watched IS propaganda videos. The two did not have any previous criminal history, she said.

They are facing charges, including attempting to provide material support to IS and using a weapon of mass destruction.

“We were fortunate that the devices used this weekend did not cause the kind of harm that they were certainly capable of causing,” Tischsaid during a news conference on Monday. “But luck is never a strategy. Devices like these have the potential to cause devastating harm.”

Tisch said one of the defendants, Balat, made several statements about IS while being transported to the police station, including saying: “If I didn’t do it, someone else will come and do it”.

Later, she said, Balat allegedly said he hoped the attack would be “even bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing, which he noted resulted in only three deaths”.

That attack, which happened in 2013 as runners were crossing the finish line of the Boston Marathon, left three people dead and hundreds of runners and spectators injured, including many who lost limbs.

During their first court appearance on Monday, the two wore prison jumpsuits and a federal magistrate judge ordered them to be detained until their next court appearance on 8 April.

Following the hearing, Balat’s lawyer said his client is a high school senior and a US citizen with no prior arrests and that he has “complicated stuff going on” in his personal life, the New York Times and Associated Press said.

The BBC has contacted both Balat and Kayumi’s lawyers for comment.

According to court documents, both waived their constitutional rights to remain silent after their arrest.

Balat requested a piece of paper and wrote on it that he pledges allegiance to IS and called for death of nonbelievers or infidels, according to the criminal complaint obtained by the BBC.

Kayumi stated that he was affiliated with IS, watched IS propaganda on his phone and was partly inspired to carry out his actions that day by IS, court records say.

In a statement on Monday, Mamdani said that the two men charged “should be held fully accountable for their actions”.

“We will continue to keep New Yorkers safe. We will not tolerate terrorism or violence in our city.”

Tisch said the New York City Police Department remained vigilant in its counter-terrorism investigations and noted the heightened state of alert in the city and across the US due to the US-Israel war in Iran.

She thanked two of the officers who stepped forward “without hesitation and without regard for their own safety”, after the devices were lit.

Tisch said an analysis of one of the devices showed it was made of triacetone triperoxide – “a dangerous and highly volatile homemade explosive”. That material, she noted, has been used in other terror attacks and could have led to many deaths and injuries.

Tisch also said that officers had found a car in the city’s Upper East Side that was tied to the two suspects. The NYPD used a robot that found another explosive device inside that was “consistent with the first two explosive devices”.

In an earlier update, over the weekend, Tisch told reporters the protest outside the mayor’s residence was organised by Jake Lang, a far-right influencer and pardoned 6 January rioter. That group was outnumbered by the counter-protest, which had over 100 participants.

As the two groups clashed, video from the scene confirmed by the BBC’s media partner, CBS News, showed Balat throwing the first “ignited device”, which extinguished itself after striking a barrier.

Balat then retrieved a second device from Kayumi, lit it, and started running before later dropping it, Tisch said. In the updates provided on Monday, Mamdani said both devices had been thrown.

The devices were reportedly made from glass bottles filled with explosive material and surrounded by fragmentation, or nuts and bolts, with a firework-type fuse.

“The FBI and NYPD confirmed the suspicious items to be improvised explosive devices (IEDs)”, the FBI wrote on X.

“Additionally, the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) will be conducting interviews, reviewing videos, collecting evidence, and chasing down all leads.”

Police also arrested Ian McGuiness, 21, for allegedly using pepper spray on counter-protesters. He and three others were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction.

Officers Sensitised on the Britam Trust Fund Under the Group Life Assurance Scheme

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March 10, 2026

The ongoing nationwide sensitisation programme on the National Police Service Staff Group Life Insurance Scheme continued to equip officers with important information on how the scheme safeguards the welfare and financial security of their dependants.

Today, the sensitisation programmes were carried out in various areas across the country, including Machakos, Kapsowar and Garissa, where officers had the opportunity to engage directly with the National Police Service Human Resource Officers and Britam teams to gain a deeper insight into the scheme.

The sessions highlighted the Britam Trust Fund, an important financial arrangement within the scheme designed to protect insurance benefits intended for minor beneficiaries.

Officers were informed that when a claim becomes payable to a beneficiary who is below the age of majority, the funds can be placed in a Trust Fund to ensure they are safeguarded and properly managed.

Britam acts as the trustee and manages the funds according to agreed instructions to ensure the money serves its intended purpose.

Such instructions include the utilisation of the funds only for specific essential needs, such as education and medical emergencies.

The beneficiary is then able to access the full amount of the funds, together with any interest earned, once they attain the age of 23 years.

Officers were encouraged to familiarise themselves with this provision, as it ensures that insurance benefits meant for children or young dependants are protected from misuse, while also guaranteeing long-term financial support for their welfare.

The National Police Service remains committed to enhancing the welfare of its personnel by ensuring that every officer is adequately informed and empowered to access the protections provided under the National Police Service Staff Group Life Insurance Scheme.

By Anthony Solly

Government Announces Plans to Operationalise and Strengthen Services in the KMTC at Mutyambua Sub-County Hospital in Makueni County

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Editor

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March 10, 2026

The Government has announced plans to operationalise the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Mutyambua Campus and strengthen services at Mutyambua Sub-County Hospital in Makueni County, in a move aimed at expanding medical training and improving access to healthcare in the region.

The announcement was made during a public participation forum held under the Inua Jamii Mashinani initiative and led by Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni in Mutyambua, where residents were briefed on key government programmes aimed at improving service delivery and livelihoods.

Plans include the construction of a 10-classroom tuition block and a 340-bed hostel to support the operationalisation of the KMTC campus and enhance medical training capacity.

Mutyambua Sub-County Hospital will also be equipped through a partnership between the national and county governments under the National Equipment Support Programme (NESP) to strengthen healthcare service delivery in the area.

Residents were further updated on other ongoing government initiatives, including the Affordable Housing project in Wote, construction of modern markets in Wote and Kathonzweni, support to farmers through subsidised fertiliser, and the Emali–Matiliku road construction project.

The forum brought together representatives from several government agencies, including officials from KeNHA, Konza Technopolis, KIMC and the State Department for Housing, as well as Ministry of Health officials and KMTC representatives.

By Anthony Solly

Committee Tightens Oversight on TVET Institutions Over Audit Queries

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Editor

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March 10, 2026

The Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, chaired by Hon. Wanami Wamboka (Bumula), convened to examine pending audit queries across several Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.

For Kibwezi West Technical and Vocational College, the Committee directed that officers from the Ministry of Education who received irregular payments from the institution be surcharged. In a separate audit query involving alleged financial misappropriation amounting to KSh2 million linked to a former finance officer, the Committee suspended consideration of the matter to allow the officer to appear before it for further interrogation.

For Borabu Technical Training Institute, management was granted three months to finalize the acquisition of the institution’s title deed and two years to comply with ethnic diversity requirements in staffing. The Committee also directed the institution to present missing financial records and recover KSh98,000 irregularly paid to members of the Council as allowances.

Chamasiri Technical and Vocational College is scheduled for reappearance before the Committee, with legislators stating the former principal should appear to respond to outstanding audit concerns.

At Kitu East Technical and Vocational College, management explained that missing procurement quotations cited in the audit arose during the institution’s early months of operation when procurement processes were handled through its parent institution.

Proceedings involving Riatirimba Technical and Vocational College were rescheduled after the institution failed to submit the required audit documentation in time for review.

Meanwhile, Riamo Technical and Vocational College was granted six months to complete the acquisition of its title deed and two years to comply with ethnic balance requirements.

The Committee remains steadfast in ensuring proper accountability, sound governance and prudent use of public resources within the education sector.

By Anthony Solly

Forget Linda Mwananchi, Focus on Linda Nairobi – Cherargei blasts Sifuna

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Editor

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March 10, 2026

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei on Tuesday, March 10, asked Nairobi counterpart Edwin Sifuna to focus on Nairobi instead of national politics.

Speaking in the Senate, Cherargei, who rose on a point of order on the issue of flooding in Nairobi, stated that Sifuna should shoulder part of the blame for the crisis.

He stated that the county government had failed to address the poor drainage, and Sifuna had failed Nairobi residents by not keeping Governor Sakaja on his toes.

“I would also like to point out the lack of oversight. I want to encourage my brother, Omwami Sifuna, instead of saying ‘Linda Mwananchi’, you should start Lindaring [sic] Nairobi First.

“If he can oversee Sakaja the way he is overseeing NADCO and the board-based government, we would not be having these problems today. Can you use the same passion for Linda Nairobi because that is where your vote is?” Cherargei posed.

A file image of Nandi Senator, Samson Cherargei

The Nandi Senator proposed that the county and national governments should compensate families that lost their loved ones in the floods and those who suffered damage to their property.

“We should compensate them because this is criminal negligence. Kenya Power should also compensate Kenyans,” the Senator reiterated.

On his part, Sifuna apologised to all flood victims. He added that there was only so much he could do as far as his oversight was concerned and that the buck stopped with the governor.

“If the expectation from anyone in this House is that the Nairobi Senator’s responsibility is to open drainages, I think it is the height of hypocrisy. Even with our political differences, you should not swing low blows,” he stated.

Earlier, the National Police Service revealed that at least 49 people died in Nairobi County following the heavy downpour.

NPS stated that 2,624 families had been displaced from their homes and property worth millions had been destroyed during the floods.

The police asked Kenyans to remain vigilant during the rainy season and report any emergencies to the authorities.

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