Kenya adopts Japanese policing model to ease traffic congestion in major towns

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February 23, 2026

The Ministry of Interior has announced a new plan aimed at addressing rising traffic congestion in major towns by adopting elements of Japan’s urban traffic management systems.

In a statement on Monday, February 23, the ministry said it is benchmarking against advanced global systems to strengthen traffic control and enforcement mechanisms.

“We are currently studying models such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Police to design a system that can handle our growing urban population and heavy traffic flows,” the statement read.

The ministry further revealed that a collaborative framework has already been put in place to support the initiative.

“Through partnership between the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Transport and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, our officers are already undergoing training under the Kenya – Japan Safe System Approach to Road Traffic Accidents Project,” the statement added.

The ministry added that the project is being implemented in collaboration with key agencies to improve road safety and accident data management.

“The JICA Kenya Chief Representative, Shinkawa Makoto, briefed the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo on the three-year project being implemented by the National Police Service and the National Transport and Safety Authority to establish a digitized traffic accident reporting system,” the statement concluded.

The three-year programme is currently 25 percent complete.

File image of Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo

Elsewhere, the ministry has issued an update on the ongoing redevelopment of the Homa Bay Lake Victoria Gateway project.

In an update on Monday, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the transformation of the Homa Bay lakefront marks a major shift from years of neglect, with Phase II of the project currently 70 per cent complete.

Omollo noted that the area had long remained idle before the State intervened to unlock its economic potential.

“A few years ago, the Homa Bay lakefront stood as a neglected swampland; underutilized, disconnected and largely forgotten. Today, it is being deliberately reclaimed and reimagined into a vibrant, integrated economic zone anchored on the redevelopment of the Homa Bay Pier,” he said.

Omollo explained that the pier is being redesigned to serve as a modern transport and trade hub within the lake region.

“The project is transforming the pier into a modern feeder port and a strategic hub for Lake Victoria’s blue economy, positioning Homa Bay as a critical node for trade, transport, tourism and livelihoods within the lake basin,” he added.

Omollo outlined the infrastructure works currently underway at the site, further detailing additional facilities being installed to support operations and security at the port.

“Ongoing works include the construction of modern terminal buildings, warehouses supported by three power houses, a ferry waiting bay and a permanent Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) office.

“The phase also incorporates enhanced security and operational facilities, including a pedestrian security check booth and two 32-cubic-metre water storage tanks to support port operations and service delivery, with coordinated oversight from the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration to ensure secure, orderly and uninterrupted implementation,” he continued.

Beyond the pier itself, Omollo highlighted complementary projects already completed to support traders and tourism activities.

“Adjacent to the pier is a modern fish market that has already been commissioned, serving over 2,000 traders and equipped with cold storage facilities and hygienic trading stalls to support value addition and food safety. Complementing this is a newly established lakefront amphitheatre, one of the first of its kind along Lake Victoria, designed to enhance tourism, cultural activities and community events,” he further said.

Police Deployed as Nakuru gangs attack motorists and passengers

By

Editor

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February 23, 2026

In response to a surge in violent attacks by criminal gangs targeting motorists and passengers, more than 400 police officers have been deployed in Nakuru as of February 22, 2026.

Officers are focusing on the Nakuru-Muggotei road, where gangs have been robbing motorists and pedestrians in broad daylight.
At least 20 suspects were arrested in Nakuru West during intelligence-led raids on multiple hideouts.

Three specific suspects were apprehended following clashes between rival gangs in the London, Gioto, and Hilton areas.The crackdown aims to dismantle notorious groups such as “Confirm,” which are known for orchestrating robbery with violence and muggings in informal settlements.

The escalation follows a wave of stabbings in Nakuru that left three people dead and 38 others injured within a three-day period. Criminals sometimes pose as police officers to flag down private vehicles, as seen in incidents along the Ol Kalou-Nakuru highway.

Attacks frequently involve knife-wielding individuals who target victims for cash and mobile phones; those who resist are often stabbed.
While many robberies occur at night, there has been a notable increase in daylight attacks on public transport passengers and private motorists.

Authorities, led by Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara, have placed all security agencies on high alert and assured residents that operations will continue until order is fully restored.

By Anthony Solly

KAA refutes Sifuna’s claims of armed goons at Kisumu International Airport

By

John Mutiso

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February 23, 2026

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has dismissed claims that unauthorized individuals accessed Kisumu International Airport on Saturday, February 21.

In a statement on Monday, February 23, the authority denied allegations surfacing online and from political leaders claiming that goons had gained entry into the airport premises ahead of their travel.

“KAA wishes to clarify that at no time were unauthorized individuals, groups, or organized unlawful elements present within the airport premises,” the statement read.

The authority explained that security systems remained intact throughout the period in question.

“Airport access control measures remained fully operational and were strictly enforced in accordance with KAA security protocols and national civil aviation security regulations,” the statement added.

KAA also noted that security teams were actively monitoring the situation in coordination with relevant agencies.

“The Airport Security Committee and the Border Management Committee (BMC), working jointly with state security agencies, maintained full situational awareness and operational control throughout the period,” the statement continued.

File image of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino in Kakamega County for the Linda Mwananchi rally

According to the authority, airport services were not disrupted at any point.

“Airport operations remained normal, secure, and uninterrupted. There was no security breach, disturbance, or compromise to passenger safety, aircraft operations, or airport intrastructure,” the statement noted.

KAA additionally addressed images circulating on social media, clarifying that they were taken outside the airport.

“KAA further notes that images circulating online was outside the airport perimeter and beyond KAA’s security jurisdiction,” the statement concluded.

The clarification followed claims by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who alleged that individuals had been mobilized at the airport to target him and other leaders.

In an interview on Sunday, February 22, the MP claimed that over 200 goons were armed with crude weapons to attack his entourage.

“We were supposed to go via Kisumu International Airport. PS Interior was the one who sponsored goons to access Kisumu International Airport, waiting for Babu Owino and Edwin Sifuna, and to be involved in clashes. They did not want us to go to Kakamega. Over 200 goons were given pangas, knives to attack us yesterday at the airport,” he claimed.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also raised concerns over their travel arrangements, claiming that their flight details were leaked.

“We were all booked on commercial flights from JKIA. The Airlines shared our itinerary with the ghouls in the Ministry of Interior knowing full well they were endangering our safety,” he stated.

Sifuna pointed an accusing finger at the government, as he alleged there was a well-orchestrated plan to disrupt his tour. The Senator went ahead to share images showing several individuals in what looked like an airport runway.

“We need to hear from KAA whether Kisumu is still an International Airport and whether they can still guarantee the safety of all passengers transiting through there. How they allowed goons to barricade the airport needs to be explained,” Sifuna stated.

Coast General Hospital CEO suspended amid probe on office conduct

By

John Mutiso

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February 23, 2026

The Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) has suspended its Chief Executive Officer, Iqbal Khandwalla, over concerns related to his conduct and job performance.

In a statement on Sunday, February 22, the Mombasa County Secretary’s office announced that the hospital’s board reached the decision during a special meeting convened to deliberate on operational issues that have impacted public trust in the facility.

While explaining the move, the board cited governance and stakeholder concerns that have affected the hospital’s leadership standing.

“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 read in part.

The board underscored the hospital’s position within the county’s healthcare system, stressing the importance of maintaining stability, accountability and credibility.

Khandwalla will remain suspended as a comprehensive governance review is undertaken.

Sood Mohamed has since been appointed to serve as acting CEO.

File image of ambulances at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH)

This comes over a year after the hospital issued a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of a patient who died by suicide while receiving treatment at the facility.

In a statement dated Monday, March 24, 2025, Khandwalla confirmed the incident, and expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased patient.

“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the unfortunate loss of a patient who had been receiving care at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH). We extend our heartfelt condolences to all affected by this tragic event,” the statement read.

According to CGTRH, the deceased was a homeless member of the community who had been admitted for the treatment of septic arthritis.

The hospital clarified that the patient was still under medical care at the time of his passing and had not been discharged.

“The individual in question was a homeless member of the community who was admitted to our facility for the treatment of septic arthritis. He was progressing well under medical care and had not yet been discharged from the hospital. As such, the issue of an unpaid hospital bill does not arise,” the statement added.

CGTRH further revealed that the patient had a documented history of mental illness, which had been noted by both medical personnel and local authorities.

“The patient had a known history of mental illness, which had been previously noted by both our medical team and local authorities. Throughout his admission, our staff – including mental health professionals – provided counseling and psychosocial support as part of his care plan,” the statement further read.

Despite these efforts, CGTRH said the patient made a decision that resulted in the loss of his life.

“Despite the best efforts of our team, the patient sadly made a decision that led to the loss of his life. This deeply saddens us all, especially those who had come to know and care for him during his time in the hospital,” CGTRH concluded.

Esther Passaris Declares Bid for Makadara MP Seat in 2027

By

John Mutiso

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February 23, 2026

Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris has declared she will contest for the Makadara Member of Parliament seat in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Monday, February 23, Passaris said she has picked Makadara because she believes she can contribute significantly to the constituency’s development.

“I want to run in Makadara, I can see I can contribute a lot in terms of development in that area,” Passaris announced.

The Nairobi Women Representative noted that she had been considering both Westlands and Makadara but decided on Makadara after incumbent MP George Aladwa informed her that he would be contesting the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in next year’s election.

“There were vacancies in Westlands and Makadara. Aladwa was going to Vihiga, but he changed his mind. When I asked him, he said he is now going to Nairobi County,” she added.

Passaris’ remarks come months after she announced that she would not seek re-election as Nairobi Women Representative.

In a statement on November 22, 2025, Passaris said that after serving two terms, it was time for another woman to take over the role.

“By 2027, God willing, I will have completed two full terms as Nairobi Woman Rep. This is an affirmative action seat, and I believe it is time for another woman to lead,” she explained.

However, Passaris denied endorsing any politician to be her successor in the position.

“To be clear, I have not endorsed anyone for the seat. It is far too early for that, and I will not be drawn into political games, misinterpretations, or manipulated graphics,” she stated.

Passaris was first elected as the Nairobi Women Representative during the 2017 General election under an ODM ticket.

She was re-elected in the 2022 General Election under ODM, defeating Millicent Omanga, who was running on a UDA ticket.

Gov’t Announces 70% Progress on Homa Bay Ferry Project Linking Kisumu to 4 Counties

By

John Mutiso

-

February 23, 2026

The Ministry of Interior has issued an update on the ongoing redevelopment of the Homa Bay Lake Victoria Gateway project.

In an update on Monday, February 23, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the transformation of the Homa Bay lakefront marks a major shift from years of neglect, with Phase II of the project currently 70 per cent complete.

Omollo noted that the area had long remained idle before the State intervened to unlock its economic potential.

“A few years ago, the Homa Bay lakefront stood as a neglected swampland; underutilized, disconnected and largely forgotten. Today, it is being deliberately reclaimed and reimagined into a vibrant, integrated economic zone anchored on the redevelopment of the Homa Bay Pier,” he said.

Omollo explained that the pier is being redesigned to serve as a modern transport and trade hub within the lake region.

“The project is transforming the pier into a modern feeder port and a strategic hub for Lake Victoria’s blue economy, positioning Homa Bay as a critical node for trade, transport, tourism and livelihoods within the lake basin,” he added.

Omollo outlined the infrastructure works currently underway at the site, further detailing additional facilities being installed to support operations and security at the port.

“Ongoing works include the construction of modern terminal buildings, warehouses supported by three power houses, a ferry waiting bay and a permanent Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) office.

“The phase also incorporates enhanced security and operational facilities, including a pedestrian security check booth and two 32-cubic-metre water storage tanks to support port operations and service delivery, with coordinated oversight from the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration to ensure secure, orderly and uninterrupted implementation,” he continued.

Beyond the pier itself, Omollo highlighted complementary projects already completed to support traders and tourism activities.

“Adjacent to the pier is a modern fish market that has already been commissioned, serving over 2,000 traders and equipped with cold storage facilities and hygienic trading stalls to support value addition and food safety. Complementing this is a newly established lakefront amphitheatre, one of the first of its kind along Lake Victoria, designed to enhance tourism, cultural activities and community events,” he further said.

On regional transport links, Omollo said a new ferry is being built to enhance connectivity across the lake.

“Maritime connectivity is also being significantly strengthened. A new public ferry, currently under construction by Kenya Shipyards Limited, will link Homa Bay to Kisumu, Mbita and remote islands such as Mfangano, improving mobility for people and goods while unlocking economic opportunities across the lake region,” he explained.

Omollo added that once completed, the facility will serve as a major entry point for the region.

He noted that the benefits of the upgraded facility will extend beyond Homa Bay County.

“Once fully commissioned, the redeveloped Homa Bay Pier will function as a critical regional gateway, significantly strengthening connectivity across the Lake Victoria basin.

“Beyond cross-border linkages within the lake region, the upgraded facility will serve as a strategic connector for counties along the lakeshore, supporting seamless movement of goods and people and catalyzing economic integration across at least four other lake-region counties including Migori, Kisumu, Siaya and Busia, underpinned by strengthened security coordination along lake transport corridors,” he stated.

Earlier in the month, President William Ruto issued an update on the ongoing construction works at the Ngong Road-Naivasha Road Junction in Nairobi.

In a statement after a tour of the site on Wednesday, February 4, Ruto explained the nature of the works currently underway and their intended impact on traffic congestion in the area.

“This evening, toured the Ngong Road-Naivasha Road junction, Nairobi, where we are building a 255-metre viaduct that is expected to ease traffic congestion on the western part of the city,” he said.

Ruto further provided an update on the project’s cost, progress, and the estimated completion timeline.

“The Ksh3.8 billion project is 85 per cent complete and will be done later this year, 12 months ahead of schedule,” he added.

Babu Owino Responds to John Mbadi Over Drugs Consumption Allegations

By

John Mutiso

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February 23, 2026

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has hit back at Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi over claims touching on his past drug consumption.

In an interview on Sunday, February 22, the Embakasi East MP addressed the allegations about his past, maintaining that he had long stopped using drugs and alcohol.

“I used to consume bhang, drugs and alcohol, but I stopped their consumption. 17th January 2020, it has been 6 years since I touched bhang, drugs, alcohol, 6 years, and I just drink water; it is in the public domain,” he said.

Babu then turned his attention to the CS’s performance at the National Treasury, accusing him of shifting focus from key national issues.

“John Mbadi should focus on building the nation; he should focus on working at the Treasury. Focusing on Babu taking bhang while he is focusing on selling Safaricom, there are pending bills he should be focusing on,” he added.

Babu further took issue with what he termed as misplaced priorities, citing leadership rankings and government expenditure.

“He is lucky he has choppers; he is moving around and fueling them. About this ranking of Luo leaders, I was proclaimed by the people. I was ranked at 58% and Mbadi at 2%, that is what is disturbing him, Mbadi boy,” he further said.

Elsewhere, Babu has sent mixed signals about his political future even as he declared interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial seat.

In an interview on Sunday, February 22, the MP suggested that his loyalty lies primarily with the electorate rather than any political outfit.

However, in the same breath, Babu declared his ambition to lead the ODM Party, sending mixed signals about his immediate plans within the party.

“My party is the people. We have seen people being elected even without parties. The first loyalty that I have is to the people. Once you are loyal and you work for the people, you don’t need a party. I will communicate about that. For now, we must be the ODM party leader. I must be the ODM party leader. I know that I deserve it and I am capable,” he said.

At the same time, Babu made it clear that his ultimate target is City Hall, expressing confidence that he will succeed Johnson Sakaja as Nairobi Governor.

He criticised the current county leadership and its working relationship with the national government.

“I will be the next governor of Nairobi County. Sakaja handed over his responsibilities to the president. He was simply saying that he is tired, he can’t do this work, help me. An incompetent national government comes in to help an incompetent county government.

“The governor became a different governor who cannot deliver services. They are saying Nairobi has technical issues, there is nothing technical about Nairobi,” he added.

Babu also drew a sharp contrast between his leadership style and that of Sakaja, pointing to his track record as Embakasi East MP.

“The difference between Sakaja and Babu Owino is that you are looking at a basket of knowledge. The difference is like the ground and the sky. Babu is a performer. Babu has performed at Embakasi East and Babu was ranked as the best MP in terms of performance rating for two consecutive years,” he continued.

Babu further framed his gubernatorial bid as a mission driven by service delivery rather than privilege.

“It shows you clearly that Babu can deliver and has always delivered from the university. We are going there not about beauty but duty. Babu came to Nairobi by bus, and Sakaja came to Nairobi by birth. I want to leave Nairobi a better place for those who came by birth,” he further said.

Babu Owino Issues Two Conditions for Attending ODM NDC

By

John Mutiso

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February 23, 2026

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has laid down two conditions before attending the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Delegates Conference (NDC).

Speaking on Sunday, February 23, Babu said he will only attend the NDC if all the delegates are properly audited.

The ODM MP also said he will attend the NDC if it is convened by the party’s Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna.

“We can only attend an NDC if the delegates are audited one by one and if the NDC is called by the Secretary General, who is Sifuna.

“If Sifuna does not call the NDC, it will not be an NDC; it will be a kangaroo meeting,” said Babu.

File image of ODM party leader Oburu Oginga with Catherine Omanyo.

The ODM lawmaker argued that any NDC convened outside the laid-down party structures would not be legitimate.

“We do not want an NDC that is not procedurally called. We want an NDC called by the Secretary-General. None of the current office holders has followed the procedure to be in office except the SG,” Babu added.

Meanwhile, acting ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo has announced that the party will hold an NDC on March 27, 2026.

In a statement on Sunday, February 22 night, Omanyo said the ODM Constitution is clear on how the NDC should be convened.

Omanyo highlighted that another party official can call an NDC if they have been specifically appointed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) to carry out that task.

“The notice and agenda for convening the meeting shall be issued by the Secretary General. If the Secretary General is unable to do so, another Party official may issue the notice, provided they have been specifically appointed for that purpose by the National Executive Committee,” said Omanyo.

Safaricom Foundation Supports Birongo SDA Secondary School In Kisii With ICT Lab

By

John Mutiso

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February 23, 2026

Safaricom Foundation has funded a Kes 8.9 Million computer laboratory at Biringo SDA Secondary School in Kisii County.

The project funded by Safaricom Foundation’s Pamoja Scheme is set to enhance the learning experience while upskilling learners in digital skills.

The digital hub equipped with 39 computers, printers and projectors are set to integrate and streamline training at the institution, adding value to learners at the institution in line with the Competency Based Education (CBE) requirements.

The Pamoja Scheme by Safaricom Foundation enables Safaricom staff engage in a community project of their choice within the communities they serve.

“Technology has the unparalleled power to unlock the potential of our students by upskilling them digitally, aligning them to growing demands in technology skilling, while allowing them to deepening their research. This laboratory will integrate these learners’ studies giving them an opportunity to access quality education”, said Esther Waititu, Trustee, Safaricom Foundation.

The Foundation is also equipping teachers through a Scaling Digital Skills Program launched in 2024, aimed at supporting 35 Teacher Training Colleges with digital infrastructure.

This programme will upskill 20,000 teachers through technology to improve the quality of education across all 47 counties.

As part of its community investments, Safaricom Foundation set aside Kes 100 Million towards the Ndoto Zetu initiative which gives Kenyans to select projects they want funded in education, health and economic empowerment.

The Usamaria initiative is another project by the Foundation which supports patients from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by offsetting their medical bills in public hospitals.

A Year After the Fires, Mutha Residents Still Long for Home and Security

By

Editor

-

February 23, 2026

By: Josphine Kasimu

A year after suspected camel herders torched homes and forced dozens of families to flee, displaced residents of Mutha Ward in Kitui South Constituency say they are still living in fear and uncertainty, unable to return to their land and rebuild their lives as insecurity continues to cast a long shadow over the once-quiet villages.

Kitui county commissioner Erustus Mbui conducted a high-level security assessment tour of areas whose residents were displaced last year following attacks in which houses and property were allegedly torched by suspected camel herders.

The Commissioner, who was accompanied by senior security officials, said the visit was aimed at evaluating the security situation and finding lasting solutions to the persistent tension and reported invasions that have left many families homeless and living in fear.

While returning from inspecting the remains of Kona Kaliti Police Station — which was destroyed during last year’s unrest — Mr Mbui’s convoy was ambushed at Kalalani by individuals believed to be camel herders. The group reportedly hurled stones at the vehicles, forcing the team to retreat.

Commissioner Mbui speaking during this tour urged residents to refrain from engaging in physical confrontations with camel herders, as the Government intensifies efforts to restore peace and stability in the region

“On our way back we were ambushed, but we did not retaliate. If we want these incidents to come to an end, we must avoid engaging in physical fights that could cost lives,” said the Commissioner.

He later held a tense consultative meeting with displaced residents in Musenge, where he cautioned locals against leasing their land to the herders, warning that such arrangements were undermining security operations.“If you do not want these people in your area, do not accept their money or any form of resources from them. It becomes difficult for security teams to remove them because they will always return to reclaim what they paid for,” he warned.

Residents, however, raised serious concerns over what they termed as collusion between some police officers and the herders, accusing the officers of failing in their duty to provide adequate security.

“The main challenge is that the OCS is allegedly collaborating with the camel herders, making it difficult for us to get justice whenever we report cases,” lamented one resident.

They also called on the Government to dismantle what they described as illegal camps established by the herders across the ward, saying their continued existence was fuelling insecurity and preventing displaced families from returning home.

Security agencies are now under increasing pressure to investigate the allegations, take decisive action against those found culpable, and restore public confidence as efforts to return normalcy to the troubled area continue.

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