The MoH Signs Performance Contracts for the Financial Year 2025/2026 at the KEMRI Headquarters in Nairobi

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March 2, 2026

The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed the governance and accountability framework guiding Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) following the signing of Performance Contracts for the Financial Year 2025/2026 at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) headquarters in Nairobi.

Speaking during the ceremony, Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale stated that all SAGAs operate under the authority and policy direction of the Ministry, noting that any legislative proposal relating to these agencies must be channelled through the Ministry in strict conformity with established legal and policy frameworks.

He underscored that it is unconstitutional for any agency to function outside this structure or to encroach on the mandate of another SAGA, emphasising that each institution must remain within its legally defined scope to preserve order, reinforce accountability, and ensure coherence across the health sector.

The CS observed that the performance contracting process is a key instrument for aligning institutional mandates with national health priorities and strengthening results-based management across the Ministry and its agencies.

The afternoon session mirrored an earlier engagement with Principal Secretaries, reflecting a unified leadership approach anchored on accountability, policy alignment, and a shared commitment to delivering measurable outcomes for Kenyans.

Addressing agency heads and regulators, Hon. Duale emphasised the importance of teamwork, discipline, ethical leadership, and prudent management of public resources, particularly in the face of fiscal constraints and ongoing sector demands.

He reiterated that health remains a cornerstone of national development and urged institutional leaders to uphold the public trust placed in them.

He further stressed that the signed performance contracts must translate into tangible improvements in service delivery, including reduced patient waiting times, reliable access to essential medicines, well-equipped health facilities, strengthened community health systems, and improved overall health outcomes.

The ceremony was attended by Principal Secretaries Dr Ouma Oluga (Medical Services), Ms Mary Muthoni (Public Health and Professional Standards), and Mr Ahmed Ibrahim (National Government Coordination), alongside senior Ministry officials.

By Anthony Solly

President Ruto Pays Tribute to Fallen Emurua Dikirr MP Ng’eno, Says He Supported Content Creators

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John Mutiso

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March 2, 2026

President William Ruto has joined Members of Parliament, leaders, friends, and citizens across the country in mourning the late Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament, Hon. Johana Ng’eno, who perished alongside five others in a tragic helicopter crash in Nandi County.

Speaking at the family’s home in Karen, Nairobi, where he condoled with the widow and children of the late MP, the President paid tribute to Hon. Ng’eno’s contribution to national development, particularly through his leadership as Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works.

“You did your best. You contributed to the welfare of the community, the nation, and humanity,” President Ruto said, noting that Hon. Ng’eno played a pivotal role in the passage of the Affordable Housing Act and in steering the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.

The President hailed the late legislator’s service to his constituents and the nation with humility, courage, and conviction.

President Ruto urged Kenyans to stand together with the bereaved families in prayer and unity as the nation comes to terms with the loss.

He further assured the bereaved families of the government’s support.

“We will extend support to all of the members who died alongside Ng’eno.” he stated.

Deadly Texas bar shooting ‘potentially act of terrorism’, FBI says

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John Mutiso

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March 2, 2026

Two people were killed and over a dozen injured in a shooting outside a beer garden in Austin, Texas, in an incident the FBI says may be related to terrorism.

Austin police identified the suspect as 53-year-old Ndiaga Diagne. He was a naturalised American citizen born in Senegal, according to the BBC’s US partner CBS News and other US media.

After responding to calls of an active shooter at around 02:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Sunday near Buford’s bar in the southern US state’s capital, police said they shot and killed the suspect, bringing the death toll to three.

Police have not offered a motive for the shooter. Of the survivors, 14 were taken to hospital, three in a critical condition.

Two sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News that the gunman was wearing a sweatshirt with the words “Property of Allah”.

CBS was also told by an official with knowledge of the investigation that officers who searched the gunman’s home found an Iranian flag and pictures of Iranian leaders. The attack came on the weekend that the US and its ally Israel launched multiple strikes on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Reuters Police tape cordons off the area around Buford's bar in Austin, Texas

Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said officers who were on patrol in the more popular, crowded bar district known as East Sixth Street quickly responded to reports of a man with a gun at Buford’s, located farther down on West Sixth Street.

She said a man in a large SUV driving by Buford’s put on the vehicle’s hazard lights, rolled down his window and fired a pistol, striking people on the patio and pavement outside the bar.

He parked the vehicle nearby, got out with a rifle and started walking back towards the bar, according to Davis. Three police officers confronted the suspect at an intersection, and shot and killed him.

The SUV was searched and was not carrying explosives, officials said.

However, Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran, from the FBI’s San Antonio office, said there were indications in the SUV and on the suspect that suggested a “nexus to terrorism”.

But Doran said the investigation was in its early stages and he was “not prepared to release those details”.

“We are committed to seeing this process through to the very end,” he said.

Kelson Lee, 25, was within earshot when gunfire erupted at Buford’s. He walked inside to look for a friend, according to the Austin Current.

“I see about seven to eight bodies on the floor,” Lee told the local news outlet. “No-one should ever have to see that.

“I kind of blacked out, froze up. I felt kind of helpless because I wanted to help people.”

Of the 14 people taken to the hospital, three were in a critical condition Austin-Travis County Emergency Management Services head Rob Luckritz said.

US President Donald Trump has been notified of the shooting, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who represents Texas, condemned the deadly attack in a post on social media.

“What happened early this morning in Austin was a senseless act of violence. My team and I are co-ordinating with local, state, and federal authorities,” he wrote.

“I’m grateful for the heroic and quick response from law enforcement.”

Davis said that because of increased police and emergency resources in the entertainment area over the weekend, they were able to “rapidly” respond to the scene.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson also praised the response by police and rescuers, which officials said took 57 seconds. “I’m very thankful for the speed,” he said. “They definitely saved lives.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott vowed that “this act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans”.

Austin is home to both the Texas capitol and one of the state’s largest public universities, the University of Texas, which is near the city’s downtown, less than two miles (3.2km) from Buford’s.

East Sixth Street and West Sixth Street are popular destinations for the roughly 55,000 students, who frequent the area most weekends.

Jim Davis, president of the University of Texas, said in a statement: “Our prayers are with the victims and all those impacted, including members of our Longhorn family, and my heart goes out to their families, friends, classmates, professors, and loved ones.”

Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga Fails to Appear in Court Again, Granted 30 More Days Over Illness

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Editor

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March 2, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga has once again failed to appear before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, citing illness, marking the second time he has been absent from proceedings related to alleged forgery and fraud charges.

Wanga was initially scheduled to take plea on February 6, 2026, but did not attend court after his lawyers informed the court that he had undergone surgery at the time.

When the matter came up on Monday, March 2, 2026, before Chief Magistrate Harrison Barasa, the defence told the court that Wanga was still unwell and unable to attend proceedings.

“Your Honour, our client is still unwell. We request 30 more days for him to regain his health and be able to attend court,” his lawyers submitted.

The defence further indicated that the accused requires additional time to fully recover before he can appear in court to answer to the charges.

The prosecution did not object to the request, and the court granted the application, directing that the matter be mentioned on April 7, 2026, for further directions.

Wanga is facing serious allegations, including claims that he fraudulently obtained Ksh 8,701,091 from the Kisumu County Government between September 2020 and November 2024 while serving as City Manager.

He is also expected to face charges of forgery and presenting a false Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) certificate, serial number 268532, to the Kisumu County Public Service Board to secure employment.

During the proceedings, the defence also informed the court that they had previously written to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) seeking a review of the charges, but had not received any response.

“We wrote to the DPP on November 26, 2025, seeking intervention to complete the file and make it ready for plea, but there has been no feedback so far,” lawyer Ogolla told the court.

The case is now expected to return to court in April, where the court will determine the next course of action depending on the status of the accused and the readiness of the prosecution.

High Court Declines to Summon Top Security Chiefs in Missing Busia Businessman Case

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Editor

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March 2, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

The High Court in Busia has declined to summon senior security officials in a case involving the alleged disappearance of a man, after finding that the identity of the missing person had not been sufficiently established.

In a ruling delivered on February 27, 2026, in Constitutional Petition No. E002 of 2026, Justice W. Musyoka held that it would be premature to compel top security officers to account for the whereabouts of the alleged missing person, Ahmed Mohamed Ibrahim, without clear proof of his identity.

The case was filed by petitioners led by Okiya Omtatah, who had moved the court under a certificate of urgency seeking orders of habeas corpus to compel state agencies to produce the missing individual, either alive or dead or provide a full account of his arrest, detention or whereabouts.

Upon initial consideration of the application, the court granted interim orders requiring the respondents to either produce Ahmed Mohamed Ibrahim or explain his whereabouts through sworn affidavits.

The matter was then set down for inter partes hearing.

However, when the case came up for hearing, the respondents, including the police, the National Intelligence Service, and other state agencies, denied having arrested or detained the individual.

In an affidavit sworn by a senior police officer, the state maintained that the case was not one of unlawful detention but of a missing person.

According to the respondents, a report had been filed at Busia Police Station indicating that the individual, identified as Ahmed Ibrahim, had boarded a bus from Busia to Nairobi but was allegedly abducted by unknown persons at Korinda.

They supported their position with various documents, including police reports, witness statements, call logs and a bus ticket.

Despite these submissions, the court noted that the respondents had not complied with the primary order requiring production of the individual or his body.

While an affidavit had been filed, it did not provide a definitive account of the alleged arrest or current whereabouts of the missing person.

The petitioners, on their part, sought further orders compelling senior officials, including the Inspector-General of Police, the Director of Criminal Investigations, the head of the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit and the Director General of the National Intelligence Service, to personally appear in court and explain the situation.

In declining to grant those orders, Justice Musyoka emphasized that the burden lay with the petitioners to first establish the identity and existence of the missing person.

“One thing that bothers me is that the papers filed by the petitioners have no annextures… They have attached no documents to establish that such a person exists or existed,” the judge observed.

He further noted inconsistencies in the name of the alleged victim, pointing out that the documents presented by the respondents referred to a person identified as Ahmed Ibrahim Ali, raising questions as to whether this was the same individual cited by the petitioners.

“So, who disappeared? Was it Ahmed Mohamed Ibrahim or Ahmed Ibrahim Ali? Are these two the same person?” the court posed, adding that the lack of clarity made it difficult to proceed with the orders sought.

The judge underscored that cases involving alleged disappearance are serious and often involve grave accusations against public officials, and therefore require precise and verifiable identification of the person in question.

“It would be a ‘leap in the dark’ to require accounts for an individual whose identity is not established. The law treasures precision and abhors uncertainty,” the court stated.

As a result, the court declined to summon the senior security officials at this stage, directing the petitioners to provide proper identification documents to substantiate the existence and identity of the alleged missing person.

The matter will be mentioned on March 11, 2026, for further directions.

The court also noted that some parties who had been joined in the proceedings had expressed surprise at their inclusion, indicating that any party against whom no allegations had been made would not be required to participate in the case.

DP Kindiki outlines Ksh.49B Meru projects, rallies residents behind Ruto’s two-term bid

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John Mutiso

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March 2, 2026

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the government is speeding up completion of projects amounting to billions of shillings in Meru region to raise the economic profile of the area.

Prof. Kindiki said Meru is fully behind President Ruto’s administration as it continues rolling out massive projects and programmes in the area.

Speaking on Monday after he inspected the ongoing upgrading of Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital to Level 6 and the preparations for the upcoming Gakoromone Modern Market in Meru town, the DP assured residents that all the projects will be completed on time.

“Meru is fully behind the President because of the development projects that are ongoing. That is why we are saying he should serve for two terms,” he said.

Gakoromone Market has been allocated 1 billion shillings and will be among the biggest in the country. Additionally, 17 other modern markets are at various stages of construction in all the constituencies in the county.

“We are starting the construction of Gakoromone Modern Market in a few weeks. I will bring the contractor here to commence the works and will make sure it is completed on time. It will cost us 1 billion shillings,” DP noted.

Roads projects costing over 39 billion shillings are also ongoing in Meru County; all the nine constituencies-Igembe North, Igembe South, Igembe Central, Tigania East, Tigania West, North Imenti, South Imenti, Central Imenti and Buuri-have benefitted.

At the same time, roads in Meru town are being revamped at a cost of 3.7 billion shillings to enhance movement within the town.

“We will build a total of 17 kilometres of town roads and we will also connect the Eastern and Western bypasses to elevate the town’s status,” DP stated.

The construction of a new Nithi bridge, which is a critical link in the region, is set to commence at a cost of 7 billion shillings.

Meru County has also received 2.3 billion shillings to connect an additional 26, 000 households to electricity.

The DP said he will continue pushing for more development for the region as he does so for other regions in the country.

“There is a difference between talkers and doers. It is a huge difference. We are fulfilling what we promised, we are not just talking like our opponents,” he said.

Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia said they will continue throwing their weight behind the President and Deputy President.

“Meru is fully behind President Ruto and Deputy President. We have benefitted from various development projects including the upgrading of Meru Referral Hospital to Level 6, Gakoromone Modern Market, roads and many more,” the Governor said.

KTDA partners with KIPPRA to review policies amid tea sector pressures

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John Mutiso

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March 2, 2026

The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has unveiled a reinforced institutional reform initiative aimed at strengthening governance structures.

The initiative is also aimed at enhancing compliance mechanisms, and advancing its Farmers First commitment through a strategic partnership with the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA).

The engagement was formalised at Majani Plaza in Nairobi during a high-level meeting bringing together senior leadership from both institutions.

KIPPRA’s delegation was led by Executive Director Eldah Onsomu supported by senior directors and policy analysts.

Operating within a dynamic and at times challenging industry landscape, KTDA has faced regulatory adjustments, market volatility, and competing stakeholder expectations.

“Under the partnership, KIPPRA will conduct an in-depth, evidence-based assessment of KTDA’s governance instruments, marketing frameworks, and operational guidelines,” a statement from KTDA said.

It said the review will identify policy gaps, update outdated provisions, clarify compliance obligations, and strengthen accountability across KTDA-managed factories.

During the engagement, Chege Kirundi emphasised that sustainable institutional growth depends on clear rules, transparency, and disciplined implementation.

Stronger policies, he noted, will reduce operational disputes, enhance oversight, and build a culture of compliance throughout the organization.

Miano reaffirmed that the reform journey is aligned with KTDA’s Strategic Plan and is designed to restore operational stability while safeguarding farmer returns.

The reform initiative also advances KTDA’s transition toward a more market-responsive institution capable of navigating global trade dynamics while preserving Kenya’s reputation for quality tea.

By reinforcing governance oversight and aligning strategy with market intelligence, KTDA aims to unlock greater export value and improve financial sustainability.

Ultimately, the reforms are structured around measurable outcomes for smallholder farmers improved revenue management, enhanced marketing performance, greater transparency, and sustainable returns.

As KTDA moves forward, it continues to demonstrate that compliance with the law, institutional accountability, and the welfare of farmers remain the non-negotiable pillars of its transformation agenda and the enduring foundation of the Farmers First vision.

KTDA is a farmer-owned organisation that manages the production, processing, and marketing of tea for smallholder farmers across Kenya.

Established to support sustainable tea farming, KTDA provides extension services, financing, and access to international markets.

It oversees numerous factories and works to enhance productivity, quality, and livelihoods, making it a cornerstone of Kenya’s tea industry and a major contributor to the national economy.

169 killed in South Sudan massacre

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John Mutiso

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March 2, 2026

At least 169 people have been killed and buried in a mass grave in northern South Sudan, two local officials told AFP Monday, as the country sees a dramatic increase in violence.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, has been beset by civil war, poverty and massive corruption since it was formed in 2011.

The United Nations warns of a return to “all-out civil war” as a power-sharing deal between President Salva Kiir and his long-time rival, Riek Machar, has unravelled over the past year.

The desperately poor east African country also faces chronic ethnic violence and violent cattle-raiding.

The latest massacre happened early on Sunday in Abiemnom County near the Sudan border.

“A total of 169 bodies have been laid to rest in a mass grave,” Elizabeth Achol, health minister in northern Ruweng administrative area, told AFP by phone.

Local information minister James Monyluak gave the same toll, saying it included women, children and elderly people and could increase further as more bodies are found.

A diplomatic source, speaking to AFP anonymously, placed the death toll at 70 but said it could rise.

Initial reports indicated the attack was carried out by an ethnic Nuer group, potentially in revenge for the killing of some traders, the diplomatic source added, though no group has claimed responsibility.

– Humanitarian workers hit –

Many residents have fled to nearby villages, while others have sought protection at a local UN compound, Monyluak said.

“The security situation has since stabilised, with government security forces deployed and now in control of the area,” he added.

UN peacekeepers were “temporarily sheltering some 1,000 civilians within our base in the area and providing emergency medical care to the injured,” a spokesperson for the UN Mission in South Sudan said.

Clashes between government and opposition forces have focused on Jonglei state in the last two months, where some 280,000 have been displaced according to the UN.

Humanitarian workers have also been targeted.

On Monday, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said 26 members of staff were missing following an airstrike on one of its facilities.

The organisation has suspended medical services in Lankien and Pieri in Jonglei state.

UN rights chief Volker Turk voiced alarm Friday at the country’s deteriorating situation, calling for swift action to avert a return to full-scale civil war.

President Ruto recalls Ng’eno’s love for music as he eulogises late Emurua Dikirr MP

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John Mutiso

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March 2, 2026

President William Ruto has paid tribute to the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng’eno, describing his death as a heavy blow and hailing him as a passionate leader who played a key role in pushing the government’s affordable housing agenda.

“It is a delicate moment for the family… The news of the crash was heavy. It was our wish that Ng’eno and the other five members had survived,” the President said.

Ruto said he shared a close relationship with the late legislator and noted that Emurua Dikirr residents were facing a difficult moment because Ng’eno was deeply committed to his work.

“I know what Ng’eno stood for… I know how difficult it is for the residents of Emurua Dikirr because Ng’eno was passionate about what he did,” he said.

The President described Ng’eno as a leader of great promise, recalling his love for music and support for artists.

“Ng’eno enjoyed music… If there is one thing Ng’eno bothered me with, it is artists,” Ruto said, adding that the MP once asked him for Sh20 million for an artists’ competition he hosted.

Ruto also singled out Ng’eno’s role as chair of the committee overseeing the affordable housing programme, saying it had been one of the most challenging undertakings of his administration.

“When we rolled out housing it was one of the most difficult assignments… it has tested my resilience, but the chair of the committee, the Hon Ng’eno, I knew he will deliver,” he said.

The President said the affordable housing programme remains a key pillar of his administration, adding that Ng’eno will have a special place in the project.

“Today housing is the most consequential undertaking of this administration… Johana Ng’eno will have a special place in housing,” he said.

Ruto further said the government will support the families of all those who died alongside Ng’eno and confirmed that a joint mass will be held for the MP and the other victims.

“We will extend support to all of the members who died alongside Ng’eno. We will do a joint mass of Ng’eno and his team,” he said.

The President also recalled Ng’eno’s political commitment, saying the MP recently travelled to Isiolo during the by-elections to campaign for the UDA candidate.

Kisumu City Manager Michael Abala Wanga skips Court for the Second Time

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Editor

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March 2, 2026

As of Monday, March 2, 2026, the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court has issued a warrant of arrest for Kisumu City Manager Michael Abala Wanga.

This follows his failure to appear in court for the second consecutive time to answer to multiple charges of forgery and fraud.

Principal Magistrate Selesa Okore issued the arrest warrant after the prosecution argued that Wanga’s absence was causing undue delay in the case.

Wanga’s lawyers claimed he was undergoing surgery in a Kisumu hospital this morning, but the prosecution insisted on his arrest after previous medical documents were flagged for verification.

The charges include forging his KCSE certificate (claiming a C+ while KNEC records show a D+), forging a University of Lagos invitation to claim Ksh 283,402 in travel allowances, and fraudulently acquiring Ksh 8.7 million in public funds.

EACC officers are now under direction to locate and produce the City Manager in court to take his plea.

By Anthony Solly

– Humanitarian workers hit –

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