MoH launches Maternal Perinatal death Surveillance and Response committee to curb maternal deaths

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February 24, 2026

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has launched the National Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) steering committee in a move to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

During the launch on Monday in Nairobi, Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale emphasized that no woman should lose her life while giving birth, and no newborn should die from preventable causes.

He added that the committee will play a pivotal role in transforming childbirth by protecting the lives of every woman and child.

“Every woman matters. Every newborn matters. And every preventable death must be prevented. Together, with unity of purpose and unwavering resolve, we will ensure that every woman and every newborn survives and thrives—everywhere in Kenya,” Duale noted.

The committee will be tasked with having routine meetings that are structured and action-oriented.

“Where deaths occur, corrective action must immediately follow,” Duale said.

“When reviews reveal gaps—whether in emergency response, referral systems, blood and commodities availability,or staffing challenges—this Steering Committee must ensure that those gaps are addressed through policy reform, financing prioritization, and coordinated national action.”

He further noted that the committee’s framework will be required to function effectively at every level of care—facility, sub-county, and county.

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni said that insisted that motherhood should be prioritized and deaths during childbirth must be made preventable.

“Motherhood must never be a near death, we sit in Nairobi yet our mandate goes beyond. We are here because behind every statistic is a name, a face, a family. Preventable deaths are not misfortune but failed systems that can be corrected,” she noted.

CS Duale noted that the move will further be operationalized through the Every Woman Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) acceleration plan, which will be launched nationally.

The move comes after alarming maternal mortality rates in 20 counties were recorded in 2025, as CS Duale pledged to make an immediate intervention to reverse the worrying trend.

Manchester United beat Everton 1-0 to Move into Fourth Place.

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February 24, 2026

The Slovenia international was left on the bench by Michael Carrick again on Monday night but for the third time in his last four games, scored the goal off the bench that sealed all three points for Michael Carrick’s side.

The victory moves United into fourth place, three points clear of Chelsea and now just three behind third place Aston Villa.

Sesko came off the bench late on against Fulham and West Ham United to score last-gasp winners with Carrick turning to his striker slightly earlier this time around, entering the fray after 58 minute.

It paid off soon after with United scoring the game’s opening goal with a classic counter attack goal.

Just outside his own area, Matheus Cunha freed Bryan Mbeumo with a sublime ball from deep. All three summer signings combined with Mbeumo sliding across goal for Sesko to drill past Jordan Pickford.

Sesko had a chance to double his tally late on in a near-identical counter move but this time Jordan Pickford was able to race out of goal and deny him.

A fifth win in six games for Carrick sees United tighten their grip on a Champions League spot ahead of the visit of Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Coast General Hospital CEO suspended amid probe on office conduct

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February 23, 2026

The General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) has suspended its CEO Dr. Iqbal Khandwalla, over concerns on his conduct and performance while in office.

In a statement on Sunday, the office of the County Secretary & Head of County Public Service of Mombasa said that the hospital’s board made the decision during a special sitting to discuss the state of the institution’s operations that have been affecting public confidence.

“The Board noted with concern a sustained deterioration in institutional governance climate and stakeholder relations affecting the Hospital’s leadership interface with the community it serves, and general members of the public,” the statement noted.

The board noted that the institution plays a crucial role in the County health system, and the need to preserve institutional stability, credibility must be upheld.

Accordingly, Dr. Khandwalla’s suspension was approved pending a full governance review process and Dr. Sood Mohamed was appointed as CEO in an acting capacity.

The County Government of Mombasa further noted that the hospital remains fully operational as all clinical services, emergency care, and hospital programs continue as scheduled.

“The County Government remains committed to strengthening governance, accountability, and public confidence across all County health institutions. Further updates will be communicated as appropriate upon conclusion of the governance processes.”

Kenya expands HIV prevention options as Lenacapavir rollout begins Thursday

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February 23, 2026

Kenya is set to begin the national rollout of the long-acting HIV prevention injection Lenacapavir on Thursday, February 26, 2026, as the country steps up efforts to cut new infections to zero by 2030.

However, health experts say not everyone at risk of contracting HIV will qualify for the jab, which will be administered only to individuals who test negative and who have not had potential exposure to the virus within the past 72 hours.

The experts have also cautioned clients to disclose any other medication they are using — including sexual performance enhancement drugs and tuberculosis treatment — to healthcare providers, warning of potentially harmful drug interactions.

Kenya recorded just over 19,000 new HIV infections in 2024, translating to about 52 new infections every day, figures officials hope to reduce to zero by 2030.

Lenacapavir, a form of long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), will be offered as an additional prevention option alongside existing methods such as oral PrEP and Cabotegravir, officials said.

Studies show that when administered correctly, Lenacapavir is up to 96 per cent effective in preventing HIV. Eligible clients will receive two injections, administered once every six months.

Kenya has outlined a three-phase rollout of the drug. The first phase will cover 15 counties selected based on high rates of new infections and overall HIV burden, followed by a second phase covering another 15 counties, before a final phase targeting 17 counties.

The rollout is expected to expand access to HIV prevention services, particularly for individuals who may struggle with daily oral medication.

19 Killed, Several Injured in Nepal Bus Crash

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February 23, 2026

A 24-year-old British man is among 19 people who were killed in a bus crash in Nepal, police say.

The bus – which had been carrying tourists – had been travelling to the capital, Kathmandu, when it lost control and fell 200m on to the bank of the Trishuli river, in the country’s central Dhading district, in the early hours of Monday morning.

There were 44 people onboard including the driver, 25 of whom suffered injuries. The bus had been travelling from Pokhara, a popular tourist spot.

Nepal’s Home Ministry has created a five-member taskforce to investigate the cause of the incident. The UK Foreign Office said it was assisting the family of the Briton who was killed.

Nepalese authorities identified him as Stewart Dominic Ethan. His name has not been confirmed by the Foreign Office.

Nepalese police say they have identified all 19 bodies, including a 40-year-old Chinese woman and a 32-year-old man from India. Among the injured is a Chinese national and a New Zealander.

All the injured had been taken to hospitals in the capital, they added. Children were among those onboard.

Multiple teams were sent to the site, including police units, the army and a rescue team of divers, authorities said.

Police spokesman Abinarayan Kafle said 17 people died at the scene, with two more dying while receiving treatment, BBC Nepali reported.

Road accidents are relatively commonplace in Nepal, due to a range of factors including poor road maintenance and narrow paths in mountainous areas.

In 2024, at least 14 people died after a bus travelling from Pokhara to Kathmandu fell into the Marsyangdi river in the Tanahun district.

“We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Nepal and are in contact with the local authorities,” a Foreign Office spokesman told the BBC.

Nepal is a popular destination for many international visitors, especially climbers, who travel there to access a key section of the Himalaya mountain range that includes Mount Everest.

Home to eight of the world’s tallest peaks, mountaineering is a significant source of revenue for the country – in 2024, climbing fees brought in $5.9m (£4.4m).

Former Deputy President Gachagua Slams Rift Valley Leaders ‘Worshipping’ Ruto in Bomet Impromptu Rally.

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February 23, 2026

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has scoffed at Rift Valley leaders, accusing them of elevating President William Ruto to almost divine status while sidelining the region’s pressing development needs.

Speaking on Monday, February 23, 2026, in Mulot, Bomet County, Gachagua argued that constant praise and public adulation for Ruto have become a distraction, diverting attention and resources away from projects that could uplift local communities.

“Wabunge wenu wote wamenunuliwa. Hawaongei. Senator haongei. Wajumbe hawaongei. Sasa Riggy G atakuwa mtetezi wa Kipsigis kwa sababu mmedhulumiwa,” he said.

In his charm offensive to counter Ruto in his turf, the Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) party leader has said the united opposition will address the pressing needs, urging the residents to vote out leaders who have neglected them in the 2027 general elections.

Gachagua and other opposition bigwigs stopped at Mulot on their way to the Gusii tour, where they are expected to hold rallies in Kisii and Nyamira counties to shore up political votes as they strategise on making Ruto a one-term president.

Since his ouster from the Kenya Kwanza government, the DCP boss has embarked on a political revenge plan to unseat the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leader, who is now courting the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to cement his reelection plan.

Moreover, he has ruled out mending fences with the president ahead of the next general election. Instead, he would seek the support of Kenyans across the country after consolidating his support in the Mt Kenya region.

“I will be going out to listen to the people of Kenya, as part of the public participation process, on the reforms they want in government when we (the opposition) take over power,” Gachagua said during a joint interview on Friday, February 20, 2026, with some radio stations which broadcast in the Kalenjin language.

“I am not sure I can work with UDA since our agenda as United Opposition is to kick President Ruto out of the State House through the ballot in the next general election.”

The DCP boss claimed that the residents of Rift Valley were warming up to DCP as a result of the win by the party’s candidate in last year’s Narok Town ward by-election.

Gachagua said DCP will conduct free and fair nominations for the various elective positions in the 2027 general election and that some of the leaders who departed his political corner in the Mount Kenya region either wanted direct tickets or were the President’s spies in the opposition.

At the same time, he said the economy needed to be fixed, and there should be policies to ensure the agriculture sector thrives, should the opposition take over. He also talked of free primary education and rolling out infrastructure projects.

“Business enterprises are collapsing due to over-taxation and a poor working environment. Some of the informal business structures have been demolished by the government, denying the people the right to carry out business and feed their families,” the former DP said.

“We are his key opponents and we can not work with him now as we want to take over power and carry out reforms in government to the benefit of the people.”

However, he said, the affordable housing levy, which he previously supported while in government, will be scrapped and the deductions reinstated in the payslips of the workers.

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot dismisses Opposition criticism of Ruto administration

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February 23, 2026

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has castigated United Opposition leaders, saying they have no moral authority to lecture the Kenya Kwanza administration on governance or development matters.

Speaking during the presentation of milk coolers to Kericho Dairy Farmers at Moi Gardens in Kericho Town on Monday, Cheruiyot said opposition leaders should stop what he termed as political theatrics aimed at reminding President William Ruto of his campaign pledges.

“We know what he promised, we know what has been done, we know what is pending and when it will be done,” he stated.

The Senate Majority Leader accused the opposition of attempting to position themselves as the voice of ordinary Kenyans without any legitimate mandate.

“Nobody has appointed you to speak on behalf of the people and stop pretending that you are fighting for Kenyans,” he said.

Cheruiyot also revisited the politically charged impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, recalling that he led the Motion in the Senate. He maintained that he has no regrets about his role in the process.

“If that Motion is to come again, I will impeach you again,” he declared.

In a direct warning ahead of the next General Election, Cheruiyot told opposition figures that their political strategy would not bear fruit.

“You cannot lecture us, and remember that you will not get any votes in 2027,” he said.

The Kericho event was attended by Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke and Kericho Governor Eric Mutai. The leaders reiterated the government’s commitment to improving farmers’ livelihoods, with Cheruiyot emphasising that farmer welfare will remain a top priority.

He outlined plans to further modernise the dairy sector to ensure farmers get maximum returns from their hard work and investments. The senator also underscored the importance of leveraging technology to boost milk production and streamline value chains.

Cheruiyot’s remarks came as United Opposition leaders toured the Gusii region in a show of unity and political mobilisation ahead of 2027.

During the tour, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i was coronated as the Abagusii spokesman in a ceremony steeped in tradition.

The event was attended by key opposition leaders, including Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa.

Kisii elders blessed Matiang’i and handed him traditional instruments symbolising his new role as the voice of the Abagusii community on the national stage.

Gachagua said the show of unity demonstrated a shifting political tide in a region that has traditionally backed the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

After receiving the blessings, Matiang’i expressed gratitude to the elders and pledged to honour the trust bestowed upon him. He assured the community that he would not take the responsibility lightly and promised to deliver victory for the opposition.

Kiambu Governor Wamatangi defends Senate appearance, says counties must account for public funds

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February 23, 2026

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has defended his decision to appear before the Senate Standing Committee on Public Accounts, saying the county government bears direct responsibility for accounting for public resources.

Wamatangi said it was his interpretation of the Constitution that the duty to account for funds allocated to Kiambu residents rests squarely with the county government and the governor as its chief executive.

“I want to be on record because of the comments that have been made by Senators that, as the governor of Kiambu, it is my individual interpretation of the law and of the Constitution that the responsibility to account for the resources allocated to the people of Kiambu is distinct and lies squarely on the county government itself and the governor,” he said.

He added that the Constitution recognises the governor as the county’s chief executive officer, leaving the administration with no option but to appear before the Senate when required.

“That is why I have asked my team to come so that we can deal with the issues that have been raised by the Auditor-General,” Wamatangi told the committee.

The governor expressed hope that any institutional differences between the Senate and the Council of Governors would be resolved to allow smooth progress of devolution oversight.

He described the Senate and the Council of Governors as key pillars of devolution, crediting the Senate with supporting counties, particularly in resource allocation battles.

Wamatangi assured senators of the Council of Governors’ continued respect for the Upper House.

“Our appearance here is not by mistake; it is by intention and by decision, and we shall appear again when required to account for the resources allocated to the people of Kiambu,” he said.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei praised the governor’s leadership, saying Kiambu had experienced improved stability under Wamatangi.

“Kiambu has never been stable as a county government until the era of Kimani Wamatangi,” Cherargei said.

The senator added that the Senate’s role is oversight rather than political persecution.

He cited progress in early childhood development centres, the county feeding programme, and health sector investments as indicators of improved service delivery.

Cherargei urged the governor to remain focused on serving residents and to ignore political distractions, noting that oversight findings are based strictly on audit reports.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang said the county was now in a better position for objective scrutiny compared to previous administrations.

Kajwang’ noted that earlier governors had faced questions over various expenditures but said the committee was now focused solely on Wamatangi’s tenure.

He pointed to reported growth in Kiambu’s own-source revenue and suggested the committee would be keen to understand the drivers behind the increase.

“If on-source revenue has grown by two billion over a period of three years, we would want to understand what changed,” Kajwang’ said.

Kim Jong Un re-appointed leader of North Korea’s ruling party

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February 23, 2026

BBC -North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party has again chosen Kim Jong Un to be its general secretary, state media report.

The announcement, which was made at a rubber-stamp party congress in Pyongyang on Sunday, comes as little surprise given the Kim family has ruled by dictatorship since the late 1940s.

State-run KCNA said that under Kim’s leadership North Korea “radically improved” its “war deterrence”, “with the nuclear forces as its pivot”.

Despite long-standing international sanctions, North Korea has continued to build its nuclear capabilities, regularly testing banned intercontinental missiles. But the secrecy of the regime makes it harder to evaluate how much progress the military has made.

Kim, who took control of the regime after his father’s death in 2011, has invested heavily in the nuclear weapons programme, turning Pyongyang into a far bigger challenge for the West, and especially the US.

He is expected to announce the next phase of the country’s weapons programme during the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea, which began on 19 February and is now in its fourth day. Before it started, North Korea unveiled what it said was a range of nuclear-capable rocket launchers.

The congress has been held once every five years in the last decade.

With some 5,000 party members in attendance, according to KCNA, it offers a rare glimpse into the structure of political power in North Korea, which remains quite opaque to even the keenest watchers.

The meetings are considered to be the most important political event and provide insight into where the country’s priorities lie, from foreign policy to its nuclear ambitions.

While Kim has remained at the top of North Korean leadership, the party congress’ presidium, or executive committee, has been reshuffled since the last meeting in 2021. More than half of its 39 members have been replaced, according to state media.

In his opening speech last week, Kim vowed to boost the country’s economy and people’s standard of living, which he described as “heavy and urgent historic tasks”.

All eyes are on whether Kim’s daughter, Ju Ae, will make an appearance at the congress.

Earlier this month, South Korea’s spy agency said that Kim had chosen Ju Ae as his heir. Believed to be 13 years old, she has become an increasingly prominent figure at official events, inspecting missiles and attending Beijing’s military parade with her father.

That parade was the first time that the leaders of North Korea, China and Russia had stood together, sending a message of solidarity to the US and its allies.

Chinese president Xi Jinping called Kim to congratulate him on his re-appointment on Monday, saying he would work with Kim to “write a new chapter in the China-North Korea friendship”, Chinese state media reported.

Beijing has long been Pyongyang’s most significant ally: it is North Korea’s largest trade partner and source of aid.

But at the same time, China is wary of Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions, which could destabilise the region, and its growing ties with Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

Comedian Eric Omondi Announces Five-Day Charity Walk From Nairobi to Busia

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February 23, 2026

Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has announced plans for another long-distance fundraising walk, this time from Nairobi to the Busia Border.

The walk is scheduled to start Monday, March 2, 2026, and is expected to last five days, with the aim of raising more funds for the Sisi Kwa Sisi Help and Rescue Centre project.

Omondi shared the announcement on his social media pages, calling on Kenyans to support the initiative as he makes the journey across the country.

The walk comes as part of his ongoing commitment to mobilising public support for vulnerable communities.

This is not Omondi’s first fundraising trek. Earlier this year, he completed a 486-kilometre walk from Nairobi to Mombasa, which drew nationwide attention.

That walk helped generate funds and awareness for the Sisi Kwa Sisi initiative, setting the stage for the construction of the rescue centre.

The Sisi Kwa Sisi Help and Rescue Centre is a community-focused project aimed at supporting vulnerable Kenyans. Once completed, the centre is expected to provide emergency response services, a medical clinic, storage for donations, and other social support programmes.

The initiative seeks to create a sustainable model where public donations and community engagement directly contribute to helping those in need.

Omondi’s approach combines activism, performance, and public engagement, turning long-distance walks into both a fundraising tool and a national conversation.

The upcoming Nairobi–Busia trek is expected to pass through multiple counties, allowing for direct interaction with communities along the route and increasing public participation in the project.

With the new walk, Omondi continues to demonstrate how creative activism and celebrity influence can be harnessed to fund social initiatives, while also keeping the Sisi Kwa Sisi mission in the national spotlight.

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