Sponsored Ad

Ad 1
Ad 2
Ad 3
Ad 4
Ad 5
Ad 6
31.4 C
Kenya
Friday, May 8, 2026
Home Blog Page 286

KMTC Flags Fake March Admission Letters Circulating Online

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has issued a warning to prospective students over the circulation of fraudulent admission information on social media.

In a statement on Monday, March 9, the institution said an image circulating online claiming to show KMTC admission details is fake and misleading. 

According to the college, fraudsters are using the fake document together with unofficial WhatsApp numbers to trick applicants into sending money in exchange for purported admission letters.

KMTC noted that it does not process admissions through WhatsApp, Gmail, or any unofficial communication channels. 

The college urged applicants to remain vigilant and rely only on official government systems when applying or making payments related to admissions.

KMTC clarified that all applications must be submitted through the official portal managed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).

The college noted that the application window for the March 2026 intake will close on March 13, 2026.

Prospective students are required to log into the KUCCPS student portal to submit their applications. 

Those experiencing difficulties with the process have been advised to visit any KMTC campus across the country where staff are available to provide assistance.

File image of KMTC CEO Kelly Oluoch

The institution also reminded applicants that all payments related to KMTC must be made digitally through the government’s eCitizen system using the Jiunge platform.

Under the process, applicants are required to first register on the Jiunge platform via its website or mobile app. 

After creating an account, they must search for KMTC, enter their student registration number, and select the relevant fee type before completing the payment via M-Pesa.

Once the transaction is confirmed by entering the M-Pesa PIN, applicants can download their official payment receipt directly from the portal.

KMTC confirmed that cash payments are not accepted, warning that any individual asking for money outside the official digital system is likely a scammer.

This comes a week after KUCCPS reopened its portal for applications to diploma and certificate courses offered at KMTC for the March 2026 intake.

In a notice on Tuesday, March 3, KUCCPS said the application targets KCSE holders who have not been placed at KMTC, including those who applied in January 2026 but were unsuccessful.

“The application targets Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) holders who have not been placed at KMTC, including those who applied in January 2026 but were not placed,” read the notice in part.

The new deadline for submitting applications is on Friday, March 13, 2026.

To apply, interested candidates should visit the KUCCPS website at www.kuccps.ac.ke, click on the students’ portal in the menu, and log in.

Once logged in, candidates should navigate to view KMTC Programmes and click on the Application tab. 

They should then follow the application process as outlined on the placement portal.

CJ Koome Establishes New Court of Appeal Stations

The Judiciary has announced an expansion of its court network across the country following a move by Chief Justice Martha Koome aimed at improving access to justice.

In a statement on Monday, March 9, the judiciary confirmed that Chief Justice Martha Koome had gazetted new Court of Appeal stations and Small Claims Courts to strengthen the country’s judicial infrastructure.

“The move is intended to enhance access to justice for citizens by bringing critical judicial services closer to the people and improving the efficiency of the courts.

“Chief Justice Martha Koome has gazetted additional new Court of Appeal stations as well as Small Claims Courts (SCC) in a bid to expand access to justice across the country,” the statement read.

The judiciary explained that two new Court of Appeal stations have now been created in Kakamega and Meru, expanding the presence of the appellate court system in the country.

“The CJ established a Court of Appeal at Kakamega Law Courts and another at Meru, sitting at Nkubu Law Courts, bringing the total number of Court of Appeal stations to eight,” the statement added.

Additionally, the Chief Justice has introduced a new administrative office to support appellate operations in the eastern region.

“Chief Justice Koome has also established a Court of Appeal Sub-Registry at the Embu Law Courts in line with the Court of Appeal (Organization and Administration) Act. The total number of Sub-Registries are now five,” the statement continued.

The judiciary further clarified that several other Court of Appeal stations had already been operating across the country before the latest expansion.

“Other Court of Appeal stations include Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kisumu and Eldoret, while Malindi, Garissa, Kisii and Busia, are the other Sub-Registries established earlier by the CJ,” the statement further read.

File image of Martha Koome

According to the judiciary, the expansion of the appellate court network will reduce the burden on litigants who previously had to travel long distances to access appellate services.

“The establishment of additional Court of Appeal stations in the country is part of ongoing efforts to decentralize appellate services and enhance access to justice. The expansion is expected to reduce distances travelled by litigants, advocates and other court users to access courts. The move will also reduce costs for litigants seeking appellate justice, particularly in the Eastern and Western regions of the country,” the statement noted.

At the same time, the judiciary expanded the Small Claims Court system by establishing several new courts across multiple counties.

“The Judiciary has scaled up the reach of the Small Claims Court in the country by establishing new courts in Maua, Mumias, Molo, Kapsabet, Ngong, Kenol, Kiambu, Mavoko, Makueni, Kilifi, Kikuyu, Vihiga, Homa Bay, Bungoma and Nyamira. 

“The additional stations bring the total number of Small Claims Courts across the country to 55. This will significantly expand the availability of fast, affordable and simplified resolution of commercial and civil disputes involving relatively low monetary value,” the statement read.

The judiciary said the expansion is expected to improve efficiency in the court system while ensuring faster resolution of cases.

“By increasing the number of appellate and small claims court stations, the Judiciary aims to ease case backlog, improve turnaround time and ensure that Kenyans can access justice more conveniently, within their local jurisdiction,” the statement concluded.

The establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund is the most consequential initiative in the development history of our nation

The fund marks a new chapter in financing our transformation, making us the architects of our own future. It will close the infrastructure financing gap by raising over KSh5 trillion to fund key projects, including the production of 10,000 megawatts of clean energy, 50 mega dams, 200 micro-dams and more than 1,000 small dams, 2,500km of dual carriageways, and 28,000km of roads.

Additionally, we will have the necessary financing for extending the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Malaba and Kisumu and expanding Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, among many others.

The fund will help us structure our priorities, and package them into investable instruments. It will also de-risk our economy by providing a framework that attracts investors rather than merely encourage them to invest.

The Kenyan National Infrastructure Fund is not an experiment; it is a model that has succeeded in other jurisdictions. With it, our journey to attaining first-world economy status is within reach.

Glad that today, we have delivered a pledge we made to the people of Kenya in our manifesto.

Assented to the National Infrastructure Fund Bill, State House, Nairobi, in the presence of captains of industry from Kenya, Africa and the world.

By Anthony Solly

Ruto Signs Law Establishing Judges’ Retirement Benefits Fund

President William Ruto has signed into law the Judges’ Retirement Benefits Bill, establishing a new retirement benefits framework for members of the Judiciary.

In a statement on Monday, March 9, Ruto said the new framework would enhance the independence of the courts while protecting judges after they leave office.

“The enactment of the Judges’ Retirement Benefits Act strengthens the Judiciary and reinforces its independence by guaranteeing retirement benefits and safeguarding security of tenure,” he said.

Ruto noted that the law introduces a contributory retirement system in which both judges and the government will make regular contributions to a dedicated fund.

“The new law establishes a Judges’ Retirement Benefits Fund for judges appointed after the commencement of the Act, with judges contributing 7.5 per cent of their basic salary and the Government contributing 15 per cent,” he added.

In addition to pension provisions, the law outlines several other benefits intended to recognise the demanding responsibilities associated with judicial service.

“It also provides additional benefits, including medical cover, diplomatic passports and access to government airport lounges, recognising the demanding nature of judicial service,” he further said.

File image of President William Ruto and the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya

At the same time, Ruto has signed the National Infrastructure Fund Bill 2026 into law.

The event was attended by senior government officials from both the executive and the legislatures including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, leader of the Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung’wah, Treasury CS John Mbadi, Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo, and CBK Governor Kamau Thugge.

The event comes days after the National Assembly passed the National Infrastructure Fund Bill, 2026, which was sponsored by Ichung’wah.

The National Infrastructure Fund Act 2026 aims to mobilize Ksh5 trillion to shift infrastructure financing from a debt-driven model to a sustainable, investment-led approach.

The new law will establish a National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), which is expected to mobilize resources for key projects across sectors, including transport, energy, water, irrigation, and digital connectivity.

The Fund will also support development of highways, railways, ports, agribusiness infrastructure and other strategic national projects.

NIF will be a corporate body that will be able to enter into contracts, borrow money, purchase, charge, and dispose of movable and immovable property.

The Fund will predominantly source money from infrastructure finance, including domestic pension funds and collective investment schemes, sovereign wealth funds, and climate finance.

NIF will be managed by a Board of Directors and a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The board will be tasked with mobilizing resources for the Fund through investment in projects and entering into contracts on its behalf.

It can also invest in projects on behalf of the NIF through equity investment or debt, based on the bankability of the projects.

Kenyans Concerned About Health PS Mary Muthoni After TikTok Video

A video shared by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni on her TikTok account on Sunday, March 8, has left Kenyans concerned about her well-being.

In a video posted on her account, PS Muthoni recorded herself upclose while singing along to gospel music.

Kenyans easily noticed her teary eyes, with some speculating that the PS was or had been crying when she recorded the reel.

“Health PS Mary Muthoni has posted a video of herself crying on TikTok. We hope she is alright,” a user named Mwangi questioned.

Citizens were also drawn to the lyrics of the music she was listening to, which spoke of witnessing the glory of a supreme being.

A file image of Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni.

They questioned whether PS Muthoni was giving thanks after surviving a road accident in Kisumu, where a motorcade belonging to Health CS Aden Duale is alleged to have been involved in a multiple-car crash.

“Why is she appearing to be crying? Is the Health PS okay after yesterday’s accident?” Dan Chepta posed.

Seasoned journalist Saddique Shaban stated that  Kenyans were concerned that the video could have been a cry for help, but also wondered whether it was just an innocent post.

Others argued that Muthoni could just be suffering from fatigue after attending Medical Services PS Ouma Oluga’s thanksgiving ceremony.

Some Kenyans sensationally claimed that maybe her job had taken a toll on her and urged her to resign for the sake of her health.

PS Muthoni has not responded to any of the comments on her TikTok page and other social media platforms.

However, she appeared to be in high spirits when she attended International Women’s Day and Women in PR Dinner Awards.

Oburu Odinga: ODM Will Deliver Kenya’s Third Liberation

ODM party leader Senator Oburu Odinga on Monday, March 9, declared that the Orange party would deliver economic liberation to Kenyans.

Oburu claimed that freeing up the economy was the third liberation after the first two, which offered Kenyans the right to vote and the freedom of speech.

He reiterated that ODM had entered into a covenant with the people to ensure that they received value for money.

“We offer a covenant that will build a society where your hard work is rewarded, where your taxes are respected, and where ‘Maisha Bora’ is not a slogan, but the lived reality for every Kenyan,” the statement read in part.

Oburu ascertained that ODM would lead the third liberation to free Kenyans’ pockets and asked Kenyans to join the march towards achieving it.

A file image of ODM Leader Oburu Odinga.

The party leader explained that political freedoms that were earned through the first two liberations without economic dignity were a hollow victory.

“​ODM’s vision for Economic Justice and Shared Prosperity is built from the ground up, ensuring that the wealth of our nation is not a luxury for the few, but a right for the many,” he stated.

Oburu’s statement came amid concerns that the ODM Linda Ground faction was focused on politics instead of Kenyans’ needs.

The Siaya Senator appeared to be reading from the same script as the leaders in the  United Opposition, who have been campaigning on restoring the economic well-being of ordinary Kenyans.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been championing under the ‘Okoa Payslip’ banner, in a bid to save Kenyans from punitive taxes.

Gachagua claimed that while Kenyans work very hard to make a living, most of their wages are taken by the government through tax and other statutory deductions.

Kenyans in formal employment are subjected to Pay As You Earn (PAYE), SHA, NSSF and Housing Levy Deductions.

Since February, Kenyans have been paying more for NSSF following the implementation of the fourth phase of the NSSF Act of 2013.

ODM Acting SG Catherine Omanyo Launches Scathing Attack on Gachagua

ODM Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, on Monday, March 9, went gloves-off on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a radio interview where she questioned his character.

Omanyo described Gachagua as a selfish, divisive, tribal leader who prioritised his personal interests ahead of others.

She argued that his selfishness was in full display when he demanded 50 per cent of the Kenya Kwanza government be reserved exclusively for his community.

“Whenever I hear the name Gachagua, I associate it with selfishness and the division of Kenyans. He is a tribal individual who puts his personal interests ahead of those of others,” she stated.

Omayo hinted that ODM would ask for the same percentage of government if the party entered into a pre-election pact with UDA, but assured that the party’s ‘shares’ would be distributed nationally.

A file image of ODM Acting SG Catherine Omanyo

“If ODM asks for 50 percent of the government, we will distribute it to Turkana, Coast, Western, et-cetra, because we are a national party,” she reiterated.

The Acting SG, who also serves as the Busia County Woman Rep, weighed in on the ongoing verbal altercation between Gachagua and DP Kithure Kindiki.

She took sides with Kindiki, terming him a better principal assistant to President William Ruto than the DCP leader.

Omanyo reckoned that Gachagua should have retired from politics after his impeachment, instead of constantly attacking the government and engaging in inflammatory rhetoric.

She questioned the former DP’s remarks during a media interview, where hr claimed that the death of former ODM party leader, the late Raila Odinga, was a blessing in disguise.

The SG stated that Raila had made it clear that the party would not work with Gachagua, no matter the cost.

“Baba told us that if between the two devils, it is better Ruto than Gachagua,” Omanyo reiterated.

Her sentiments came amid political grapevine that some of the leaders of ODM’s Linda Mwananachi faction would work with the DCP leader.

During the interview with media stations from Meru, Gachagua declared that he was open to working with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna

The former DP explained that both he and Sifuna had a similar objective: to remove Ruto from office through the ballot in 2027.

Government explains 3-acre tree clearing inside Karura Forest

The Ministry of Environment has explained the clearing of a section of trees inside Karura Forest.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, March 9, Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa said the cleared area will be used to establish a large-scale seedling propagation site that will supply millions of trees.

“In Karura, we cleared space for us to propagate 2 to 10 million seedlings for us to green our city and ensure that the forest is well covered,” she said.

Barasa clarified that the cleared land covers only a small portion of the forest and is specifically meant for a nursery that will produce millions of seedlings to support national tree-planting efforts.

“Around 2 to 3 acres is being cleared to propagate around 5 million seedlings to plant in our highways, to plant in our highways, schools, institutions, and urban cities,” she added.

File image of a section of Karura Forest

This comes days after the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) moved to clarify the status of ongoing construction works within its headquarters at Karura Forest.

In a statement on Thursday, February 26, KFS stated that the current construction involves housing facilities for National Youth Service (NYS) personnel who will collaborate with the agency in environmental restoration efforts.

The agency explained that the initiative is not limited to Karura but is part of a broader national rollout across multiple forest stations.

“Currently, there is development of barracks for National Youth Service (NYS) personnel who will be partnering with the Service to support the raising of tree seedlings.

“Setting up of barracks for NYS is happening not only in Karura forest, but in other forest stations around the country including Ngong Hills forest where the barracks are nearing completion,” the statement read.

According to KFS, the collaboration with NYS is intended to increase labour capacity for seedling production in line with Kenya’s long-term environmental targets.

“The partnership between KFS and NYS is meant to provide labour and boost tree seedling production to support realization of the national strategy of growing 15 billion trees by 2032 for realization of 30 percent tree cover,” the statement added.

KFS further clarified that the structures under construction are temporary in nature and located within an already designated administrative and residential zone at the headquarters.

“The barracks are being set up in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and they consist of prefabricated metal containers and the works are confined to an existing administrative and residential service zone,” the statement continued.

Responding directly to allegations of land grabbing, forest excision, or encroachment into conservation areas, KFS dismissed the claims, maintaining that no protected sections of Karura Forest have been affected.

“There has been no excision of Karura forest land, allocation to private developers or encroachment into protected indigenous forest or core conservation areas as alleged by a section of the civil society. In addition, no trees have been felled, only removal of old tree stumps,” the statement further read.

Traders Count Losses as Uhuru Market Demolished Overnight

Small-scale traders in Uhuru Market along Jogoo Road are counting losses after their stalls were demolished.

The market structures were flattened on the night of Sunday, March 8, by bulldozers and excavators.

The demolitions in Uhuru Market followed an eviction notice issued by the Nairobi City County government.

File image of demolished stalls at Uhuru Market in Nairobi. 

The county gave the traders a 72-hour ultimatum to vacate the premises, failure to which it will proceed to demolish their stalls.

Photos and videos of the aftermath of the demolitions showed several stalls destroyed, with traders digging through debris to salvage their property.

On Friday, March 6, the Uhuru Market traders staged demonstrations and barricaded Jogoo Road, protesting against the eviction notice.

File image of the aftermath of the Uhuru Market demolitions. 

The traders faulted the Nairobi County administration for failing to give them an alternative space to conduct their business.

Police officers were deployed to the scene to disperse protesters and clear bonfires along the busy highway.

This comes days after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) demolished structures erected along the road reserve in Roysambu along the Thika Superhighway.

The authority carried out the demolitions on the night of Wednesday, March 4, and targeted stalls that encroached on the road reserve.

File image of stalls demolished in Uhuru Market. 

KeNHA had issued a notice to traders in Roysambu to vacate the road reserve.

In the notice dated Monday, January 9, the authority directed roadside traders operating at Roysambu in both directions to vacate within seven days.

“Kenya National Highways Authority wishes to notify all roadside traders along the Thika Superhighway at the Roysambu (Both directions) and Githurai (Nairobi direction) sections to clear their wares from the road reserve within seven (7) days of this notice,” the notice read.

On February 18, KeNHA also carried out demolitions in Githurai 45, leaving several traders who had erected structures on the road reserve counting losses.

Police officers were also deployed to the area to provide security and oversee the demolition of the roadside structures.

KeNHA explained that the structures had created safety concerns in the busy market area, contributing to accidents over time.

45-Year-Old Mom of 3 Priscah Cherono Shocks Rivals to Win Los Angeles Marathon

Priscah Cherono, a 45-year-old mother of three from Kenya, crossed the finish line first among the elite women in the LA Marathon today and snared the coveted Marathon Chase title, too — moments before a dramatic “photo finish” among the men.

Cherono led pretty much wire to wire, recording an unofficial time of 2:25:18.31, a second shy of her personal best. Cherono nagged the Marathon Chase and a $10,000 bonus. The elite women started 15:45 ahead of the elite men, with the overall first finisher receiving the extra payday.

The men’s race, however, was no runaway. American Nathan Martin, 36, chased down a fading Michael Kamau of Kenya to win the men’s race by -00:01, in what marathon officials called the closest finish the event has ever seen. Martin’s time was 2:11:16.50, technically the same as Kamau’s. Enyew Nigat of Ethiopia was third with a time of 2:14:22.22.

After Martin rallied in the final steps to eclipse his foe’s huge lead, Kamau tumbled to the ground at the finish; he was taken from the course on a stretcher but later walked away from the area.

Martin is the second American man to win the race, after last year’s winner, Matthew Richtman.

Cherono represented Kenya in the 5000 meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She had stepped away from the sport for as while around the time of the coronavirus pandemic before mounting an unlikely comeback, winning the 2025 Marathon Project in Chandler, Arizona.

“I’m so happy, I won the race. That’s so good for me, the course was so good,” Cherono told NBC4 moments after finishing Sunday’s race. “It is no matter,” she said of her age. “I’m only 45, but I am feeling I am OK.”

The elite chase was part of the marathon from 2004 to 2014, with women winning seven times and men four. It was discontinued in 2015 when the race served as the USA Marathon Championships. It was revived in 2022 with women winning each of the first three times since its revival, with Richtman winning last year.

American Kellyn Taylor, 39, took second place for the women in a time of 2:27:36:00, while Antonina Kwambai of Kenya was third in 2:28:49.09.

Create a free account, or log in.

Gain access to read this content, plus limited free content.

Yes! I would like to receive new content and updates.

Sponsored Ad

Ad 1
Ad 2
Ad 3
Ad 4
Ad 5
Ad 6