The Ministry of Education has directed universities and regulatory agencies to accelerate implementation of the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF) by promptly registering qualifications and graduate records in the national database.The directive was issued amid concerns over the slow registration of universities, qualifications and graduate records under the national system managed by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA). Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala indicated that the push is an effort to strengthen the country’s system for recording and recognising qualifications. “We are emphasising the importance of having a robust, coherent and flexible qualifications framework that helps us put together and recognise our diverse pathways and also to assure that the qualifications from our institutions at the various levels are credible and recognised in this country and others,” she said.She explained that a functional qualifications framework was necessary to bring together different education and training pathways within a coherent national system. The PS noted that the framework would also help ensure qualifications awarded by institutions at different levels meet standards and are recognised both locally and internationally. Currently, 22 per cent of universities have been registered, while 12 per cent of qualifications have been captured in the system so far. Registration of graduate records stands at 34 per cent, leaving a significant portion of academic credentials outside the national database. This comes against the backdrop of the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to establish a national qualifications database and require institutions to notify the KNQA of qualifications awarded within 90 days. The proposed changes would further place registration and database management at the centre of efforts to create a comprehensive and reliable record of Kenya’s academic and professional qualifications.Meanwhile, the government has intensified scrutiny of higher education institutions, moving against providers operating without the required accreditation. The ministry, as well as the Commission for University Education (CUE) have also been tightening oversight of institutions and reviewing regulatory measures governing qualifications.
Read briefing The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has clarified the conditions employees must meet to receive gratuity without paying income tax under the Finance Act 2026.Under the law, the employment contract must run for at least three continuous years or be an extension of a three-year contract.The gratuity must also not exceed 31 per cent of the employee's emoluments earned during the contract period.Employees who satisfy both conditions can receive qualifying gratuity without income tax.“Both conditions must be satisfied for the gratuity to qualify for the exemption. This means that not every employee receiving an end-of-service payment will automatically benefit from the tax relief,” KRA said.Gratuity is a payment an employer may provide to an employee at the end of a contract or period of service, depending on the terms of employment. It is separate from the employee's regular monthly salary.The Finance Act 2026 therefore provides a specific framework for determining when gratuity paid under qualifying employment arrangements can enjoy the tax exemption.For example, an employee whose contract has run continuously for at least three years would need to establish whether the gratuity payable falls within the 31 per cent threshold based on their emoluments during that period.For eligible employees, the benefit provides financial support when they leave employment, particularly after several years of service. Where the gratuity qualifies for the tax exemption under the applicable rules, the employee can keep more of the payment because no income tax is deducted from the exempt amount. The rules also cover employees whose three-year contracts have been extended, provided the employment arrangement meets the conditions set by the law. The clarification comes as taxpayers seek to understand how changes contained in the Finance Act 2026 affect employment income and end-of-service benefits.KRA's explanation provides employees and employers with a basis for determining whether a particular gratuity payment qualifies for the tax exemption before the payment is made.Employees expecting gratuity are therefore required to consider both the length of their qualifying contract and the amount of gratuity against their emoluments to establish whether they meet the conditions for the tax relief.
Read briefing Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdullahi has urged striking nurses to return to work as negotiations continue over the implementation of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that has remained unresolved for years.Abdullahi said the Council of Governors was willing to engage nurses on the outstanding issues, but maintained that the ongoing strike was complicating efforts to reach an agreement.The CoG chair further added that the CBA dates back to discussions held ahead of the 2017 General Election but has never been fully implemented, with the two sides now seeking to resolve the matter through negotiations.“We’ve tried to negotiate with the nurses and while negotiations were still ongoing they called a strike," he revealed.He said the Council had been engaging nurses and was hopeful that an agreement could be reached despite previous positions taken by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) on some of the demands.Abdullahi also raised concern over the continued strike despite a court ruling declaring the industrial action illegal, saying disobedience of court orders was creating additional challenges for county governments.The remarks come days after the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) gave the SRC seven days to resolve the dispute, warning that the strike could be extended to national referral hospitals if the commission failed to act.KNUN Secretary-General Seth Panyako said the union was not seeking fresh negotiations, arguing that some counties had already reached and signed CBAs with nurses and that the outstanding issue was for the SRC to issue letters of no objection required for implementation.Panyako cited counties including Marakwet, where agreements had reportedly been reached, but said nurses had remained on strike because the required approval from SRC had not been issued.Abdullahi, on the other hand, said the Council had taken a position that governors and county public service boards should handle cases of employees who continued to remain absent from work in line with established human resource procedures.He warned that this could result in disciplinary action against nurses who defied lawful directives to resume duty, although the Council would seek to address any resulting cases through established procedures.The CoG chair said the Council was prepared to continue discussions with nurses and explore a possible agreement that could then be presented jointly to SRC, rather than allowing the dispute to continue disrupting healthcare services.He urged the nurses to return to work as negotiations proceed, saying the long-running CBA dispute could be resolved through dialogue while allowing patients to continue accessing essential healthcare services.
Read briefing The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has summoned nine public service vehicle operators after flagging serious safety concerns in their operations across the country.The Authority made the announcement through a statement issued on Monday, August 31, listing the companies required to respond to these concerns."In exercising its powers, the Authority has summoned a number of public service vehicle operators after observing serious safety concerns," NTSA stated.Among those named is Moyalé Raha Transporter's Company Limited, which has been given a slightly earlier date of September 3 to appear.The remaining eight operators are expected to show up before NTSA on September 8, as directed in the same notice.They include Etams Classic Limited, Eastern Link Travellers Company Limited, and Manchester Travellers Coach Limited, all mentioned in the NTSA's list of summoned firms.On the list also includes Lake Naivasha Mai-Mahiu Line Service Limited and Sabaki Travellers Saving and Credit Co-operative Society Limited.Lumasa County Sacco, Bluemarks Shuttles Sacco Limited, and Nyamira Luxury Express Company Limited complete the list of nine operators facing scrutiny.The aforementioned saccos mostly operate outside Nairobi City, ferrying travellers to and from various counties across the country on a daily basis.Long-distance buses often violate traffic laws. Drivers often speed to meet tight schedules, while operators overload buses with excess passengers and luggage. Fatigued drivers also skip mandatory rest breaks, working beyond legal hours, raising accident risks.Additionally, dangerous overtaking on narrow, winding highways adds further risk, along with poorly maintained buses, with worn tyres, faulty brakes, or broken lights, which compounds the danger, while passengers rarely wear seatbelts and operators fail to enforce the rule.NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa reported an 11 per cent rise in road traffic deaths, with 2,150 lives lost between January and June 2026. Pedestrians suffered the highest fatalities at around 836, followed by motorcyclists and passengers.Kiambu, Nairobi, and Nakuru remain the worst-hit counties due to heavy traffic and rapid urbanization. NTSA estimates road crashes cost Kenya roughly 5 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually through healthcare expenses, property damage, and lost productivity.Additionally, the NTSA’s July 2026 Road Safety Status Report shows that the weekends, particularly from Friday to Sunday, accounted for more than half of all road accidents recorded during the month, indicating that weekends are the most dangerous period to travel, where travellers mostly travel long distances to their families.
Read briefing Kenya Railways has announced additional special train services for travellers planning to move between Nairobi and Mombasa over the next two days, offering commuters an alternative as the aviation sector grapples with disruptions linked to the ongoing standoff between the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) and the government.In a statement released on August 31, the corporation said the extra trips are meant to ease congestion and give passengers a wider window to book seats on the popular Madaraka Express route, at a time when thousands of air travellers remain stranded at airports countrywide."Kenya Railways wishes to inform members of the public that additional special train services will be available for booking on August 31, 2026 and September 1, 2026," the corporation stated.For the two days, between August 31 and September 1, there will be a special train departing from Mombasa Terminus at 8.40 p.m., offering an evening option for those heading to Nairobi.On Tuesday, September 1, two additional trips have been lined up, starting with a morning departure from Nairobi Terminus at 9.40 a.m. A second train on the same day will leave Mombasa Terminus at 4.30 p.m., rounding off the additional schedule for the two days.Ordinarily, the Madaraka Express SGR service runs three daily departures between Nairobi and Mombasa, with trains leaving both cities at 8.00 a.m., 3.00 p.m., and 10.00 p.m., giving passengers morning, afternoon, and overnight travel options.To pull off the special services, Kenya Railways draws on standby locomotives and carriages, which are assigned new train numbers and fresh time slots. Additional coaches are attached only when spare fleet stock is available, since operators generally prefer lengthening existing trains by coupling on extra carriages. Platform lengths and equipment shortages, however, often limit this option, at times forcing officials to acknowledge that no more coaches are on hand. Seat capacity can also be expanded through reconfiguration rather than simply adding more carriages.Meanwhile, the country's aviation crisis remains unresolved, with Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) standing firm on its industrial action over unmet demands from the government, a standoff that has left thousands of travellers stranded at airports nationwide.The timing of Kenya Railways' announcement could prove significant, as it may help ease pressure on stranded air travellers by giving them a reliable alternative for journeys between Nairobi and Mombasa.
Read briefing Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has threatened to sever ties with United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over what she terms perpetuated hate speech from President William Ruto's allies.While speaking during an interview on a local radio station on August 31, the outspoken lawmaker says she can no longer stand by quietly as inflammatory remarks from within the ruling party's ranks go unpunished and unchecked.Her frustration has been building for weeks, and she is now accusing the government of running a two-tier justice system that shields its own, with leaders aligned to President Ruto's administration appearing to enjoy a form of immunity that ordinary citizens accused of similar offences would never receive.“We cannot have a selective party leadership, where those close to the President cannot face consequences of their own actions as opposed to those who are not,” Wamuchomba said. She insisted this selective treatment is dangerous, warning that unresolved ethnic tension within the political class could easily spiral into something far worse for the country.Wamuchomba says her patience has run out, especially after watching what she describes as repeated provocations targeting her own Kikuyu community go without consequence."I have been supporting him, believing that he can improve. I felt I had the responsibility to support him, pray for him and advise him. But the more we support him, the more he is messing, the more his people are messing up," she added.Her anger is rooted in two recent incidents that have stirred public debate around ethnicity and political loyalty inside President Ruto's UDA fold.The first ultimatum centers on nominated MP Joseph Wainaina, whose leaked remarks suggested Kikuyus opposed to Ruto's re-election bid should leave Uasin Gishu County altogether.Wainaina has denied the accusation, insisting his comments were taken out of context and that he has never encouraged any form of ethnic hostility.The second ultimatum targets Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who came under fire in July for remarks widely perceived as demeaning to the Kikuyu community, describing them as ‘hyenas’.Duale, who was summoned by the National Cohesion Integration Commission (NCIC), has since defended himself, explaining that his words were drawn from a Somali proverb about entrenched habits and were never meant to target any specific group.Wamuchomba is now giving President Ruto exactly three days to have both leaders arrested, or risk losing the support of Mt Kenya politicians who have long backed him, vowing to lead mass protests and defections from the party in the region."We are going to speak, and we are going to demand the arrest of the culprits. If the arrest of Joseph Wainaina and CS Duale is not going to happen in the next three days, I am going to lead a massive protest of the party within Mt Kenya, and some of us who have been supporting William Ruto will walk away when he really needs us," Wamuchomba stated.Wamuchomba, who rejoined the UDA in January after quitting at the height of the Gen-Z protests, has been quiet on her position in the party, coming at a time when UDA party leaders within the Mt. Kenya region are camping outside Rigathi Gachagu’s Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP) camp in masses.However, over the past months, she has distanced herself from the UDA Party, yet has consistently maintained that she remains loyal to President Ruto and the party through the current term.
Read briefing Google is tightening its rules for Android apps, with developers facing new memory and performance requirements from February 2027 as the company moves to stop apps from consuming excessive amounts of a phone's RAM, which is basically your phone’s or computer’s short-term working memory.Under the new rules, apps and games on Google Play will have to meet set thresholds for memory usage and code optimisation. Developers whose apps repeatedly fail to meet the requirements could face consequences on the Play Store.The changes are designed to prevent memory-hungry apps from slowing down phones, causing crashes or forcing other apps running in the background to close. Google says the requirements are being introduced as the industry faces growing pressure on device memory.For Android users, the changes could eventually mean lighter and more efficiently coded apps, particularly on phones with limited RAM. Google is introducing thresholds covering areas such as dynamic memory use, bitmap memory and code optimisation.The move could be particularly significant for budget and mid-range phones, where users may have less RAM available. More efficient applications could allow such devices to handle everyday tasks without requiring consumers to constantly upgrade to phones with larger memory capacities.Google's Android system is also introducing per-app memory limits based on the total RAM available on a device. Apps that exceed their allocated limits can be terminated by the system, making memory efficiency increasingly important for developers.The changes come as the global technology industry faces a growing memory squeeze partly driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. AI data centres require huge amounts of advanced memory, putting pressure on supplies of memory used in consumer electronics.Additionally, the situation has created a challenge for smartphone makers and software developers. Consumers want increasingly sophisticated applications and on-device AI features, but those same features can require more memory at a time when RAM is becoming more expensive and difficult to source.Google is responding by pushing developers to make their applications do more with less memory. Developers will also receive diagnostic tools to identify memory problems and optimise their applications before the requirements take effect.For Kenyan Android users, this could be particularly relevant because many consumers rely on affordable and mid-range smartphones. If applications become more efficient, older devices could potentially remain responsive for longer, reducing the pressure to replace them simply because newer software requires more memory.The changes will not require Android users to immediately change anything on their phones. Instead, the biggest impact will come gradually as developers update their applications to comply with Google's requirements and manufacturers respond to changes in memory availability and costs.Google's move could ultimately mark a shift in smartphone development, where software efficiency becomes just as important as having more RAM. For consumers, that could mean smoother apps, fewer crashes, and longer-lasting devices even as the global demand for memory continues to rise.
Read briefing Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has confirmed that workers will be on strike after airports across the country experienced a go-slow.While issuing a formal press statement on August 30, KAWU Secretary General Moses Ndiema said the strike took effect Sunday morning, affecting members working for the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) among other stakeholders.“We wish to inform the public and the users of our services rendered by our members that, effective this morning, our members went on strike, more specifically. This is Kenya's Civil Aviation Authority and Kenya Airports Authority,” Ndiema stated.Ndiema said the action followed the union’s decision to lift the suspension of a strike notice issued on July 20.According to the official, the union had initially issued notices covering four organisations, including the national carrier, after raising several grievances concerning workers’ welfare and employment conditions.KAWU, Ndiema noted, later reached a framework agreement with the Ministry of Transport, and four more aviation employees to resolve the dispute, providing each employer to engage directly with KAWU and address the outstanding grievances raised in the July strike notice.With this in mind, Ndiema stated that some stakeholders had continued engaging the union, while the other three organisations failed to hold what KAWU considered productive discussions, thus the statement that saw thousands stranded across various airports nationally. “We agreed on a framework agreement Where each employer was going to sit down with the union and address the grievances, sadly With the exception of one airline,” Ndiema said.Adding, “We therefore, on Friday, on Thursday this week or last week, paved the way for the strike action that has commenced this morning.” The union has insisted that for things to go back to normal, several unresolved issues have to be resolved, among them including alleged violations of collective bargaining agreements, salary concerns based on the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) recommendations, prolonged contracts, limited job security, and stalled career progression.Meanwhile, KAA has warned passengers about delays affecting departing flights at airports countrywide, advising travellers to confirm their flights with airlines before leaving.Airlines across the country have also remained active, updating their customers on the progress of the standoff, but most have promised to actively monitor the situation and provide updates on the situation to their customers.
Read briefing Kenyan farmers and exporters are set to gain wider access to the Chinese market after a new trade arrangement removed import duties on about 98.2 per cent of tariff lines covering Kenyan exports.The agreement opens duty-free access for a wide range of Kenyan products, including avocados, tea, coffee, macadamia nuts, fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, hides and skins and other value-added products.For farmers, the change means eligible products can enter the Chinese market without the import charges that previously made Kenyan goods more expensive and less competitive against supplies from other countries.Avocado farmers are among those expected to benefit, with Kenya already having established access to the Chinese market. The removal of duties could make Kenyan avocados more competitive and encourage exporters to increase shipments to China.Tea and coffee producers are also positioned to benefit as eligible products gain duty-free entry, giving exporters greater room to compete on price while seeking to expand Kenya's presence in China's growing consumer market.Trade Principal Secretary Regina Ombam said the arrangement is designed as an early step towards a broader free-trade agreement with China, allowing the two countries to first remove barriers on products that can deliver immediate value to their economies.Ombam explained that an Early Harvest Agreement allows countries to liberalise selected products before concluding negotiations for a comprehensive free-trade agreement, which can take considerably longer. For Kenya, the approach targets products where local producers already have the capacity to supply the Chinese market.The opportunity comes as Kenya seeks to expand its agricultural exports and reduce its heavy reliance on traditional markets. China's population of about 1.4 billion people provides a potentially huge customer base for Kenyan agricultural and processed products.The arrangement also creates opportunities for macadamia farmers and processors, particularly as Kenya seeks to increase local processing instead of exporting raw agricultural products. Processed macadamia products can target China's growing middle-class market, where nuts are increasingly viewed as a healthy snack.Cut flower growers could similarly benefit from the removal of import duties, allowing Kenyan flowers to compete more favourably in the Chinese market and opening another destination beyond the country's established European markets.The deal also covers value-added products such as avocado oil, processed hides, packaged coffee and other products, creating opportunities for businesses that process Kenyan agricultural produce before exporting it.The opportunity comes against a major imbalance in Kenya-China trade. Kenya imported goods worth about Ksh557.9 billion from China in 2024, compared with exports worth approximately Ksh25.4 billion, highlighting the need to increase Kenyan products entering the Chinese market.
Read briefing South Sudan Vice President Taban Deng Gai has renewed tensions over the disputed Ilemi Triangle 14,000 square kilometre territory, warning Kenya over its possession.While speaking during a Cabinet meeting in Juba on August 29, he could not hide his dissatisfaction with Kenya, stating that he was not happy with the map, openly rejecting the version of East Africa's boundaries that was presented before him, insisting it wrongly excluded key South Sudanese territory.According to him, the map failed to show important areas, including what he described as the ‘two horns of the bull’, referring to specific northern regions.“That section, it is the land of South Sudan. Now the Kenyans are almost agreeing on taking Ilemi,” VP Taban stated. He also pointed out that other locations, which he identified as Kafia Kingi and Horfart an Hasa, both South Sudan territories, now claimed by Kenya, are now missing from the map altogether.“The two horns of the bull, one in the eastern area of the Western Bahr el Ghazal should not be there. Horfart an Hasa and Kafia Kingi of our territory have also been cut out by the Kenyan Government,” VP Taban stated. For Deng Gai, this was not just a cartographic error but a deliberate distortion that needed to be corrected immediately and publicly.The Vice President then turned his attention to the Ilemi Triangle, a long-contested stretch of land claimed by Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. He argued that the area should never be treated as settled territory, but instead remain officially recognised as a subject of ongoing discussion between the two nations.Deng Gai recalled a moment from Kenya's political history, referencing the late President Daniel arap Moi's decision to deliberately alter Kenya's map to include the Ilemi Triangle because, at the time, South Sudan, still part of the greater Sudan, was in war; thus, Deng Gai insisted that one cannot take control of another country’s territory just because they are in war.He claimed that the move sparked public protests at the time, with supporters of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga among those who pushed back.“I remember one evening, one midday, late President arap Moi decided to change the map of Kenya to include the Ilemi Triangle,” Deng Gai stated.Adding, “Those of Raila Odinga went protesting because you cannot annex the land of our brothers because they are in war.”The Ilemi Triangle remains disputed among three countries, Kenya, South Sudan and Ethiopia, as Kenya administers the territory, patrolling historical lines dating to 1950, viewing continued control as essential to protecting local Turkana herders who depend on the land's resources.South Sudan inherited its claim from Sudan after 2011 independence, with officials periodically challenging the Kenyan administration and asserting that the territory rightfully belongs to South Sudan's Equatorial region. Ethiopia, on the other hand, makes no official claim, though the Dassanech and Nyangatom communities regularly cross into the area, while nomadic groups from Kenya, such as the Turkana, Toposa, Didinga, and Dassanech, clash recurrently over shrinking pasture and water access.
Read briefing Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has issued a warning to Linda Mwananchi Members who are propagating division within the movement, urging them to support its agenda fully.While speaking during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Meru County on August 30, the Linda Mwananchi Principal said members cannot remain divided while supporting opposing political camps, warning those unwilling to commit themselves to the movement.He maintained that individuals seeking to support Linda Mwananchi must fully embrace its activities instead of attempting to influence the movement from within, warning that those who do not support the movement’s direction should instead back President William Ruto rather than create divisions within the opposition."You came and found Linda Mwananchi continuing with its journey; you must therefore support whatever we are doing. If you want to support us, do it 100 per cent, otherwise, go support President Ruto. We won't allow any character who wants to have a foot in Linda Mwananchi and the other outside," Babu Owino stated.Owino, who has many a time made it clear that he will be vying for the 2032 Presidential seat, also took the opportunity to address claims that he has not fully supported Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna on his 2027 Presidential ambitions by affirming his full support for Sifuna. He said his longstanding association with Sifuna had given him a close understanding of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) official and strengthened his decision to support him fully."I am supporting Edwin Sifuna. No one in Linda Mwananchi knows him more than I. We have endured a lot together in ODM until where we are today. I am with him 100 per cent," Owino added. This warning also comes at a time when Siaya Senator and co-principal in the Linda Mwananchi movement, James Orengo, announced he will also be vying for the 2027 presidential seat, an announcement that stirred a buzz within the faction.He positioned himself as one of the most experienced active politicians from the region, noting his historical ties to political pioneers like Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Raila Odinga, and this deserves an opportunity to lead this country.The MP also turned his attention to bloggers, insisting that those covering opposition politics should clearly identify where their political allegiance lies.Owino argued that bloggers supporting the government should not simultaneously present themselves as opposition voices while reporting on or promoting Linda Mwananchi.“And if you are a blogger, you cannot be a government blogger, and then the opposition blogger, you must take a stand,” Owino stated.
Read briefing The Rironi-Naivasha section of the Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway is expected to have a new tarmac surface by December as construction advances into key stages. During a tree-planting exercise along the project corridor on Friday, August 28, officials from the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) provided an update on the works, with the contractor saying work remains on schedule to deliver the Rironi-Naivasha stretch within the year.“We are still on course to finish this stretch. For this year we will have a new tarmac road from Rironi to Naivasha,” he stated.A project official disclosed that construction is currently concentrated on earthworks and major structures, with overall progress standing at about 20 per cent. He explained that the early phase can appear slow because much of the work involves foundations and other activities that are less visible, but the pace is expected to increase once pavement construction and asphalt works begin over the next month. Motorists should begin seeing completed road sections as the project moves into the surfacing stage. “Once pavement and asphalt works begin, progress will pick up significantly, and motorists will start seeing completed sections. We expect pavement works to begin within the next month, and by December we should have made considerable progress,” he said.KeNHA officials said the most critical section from Rironi to Nakuru is expected to be usable by Madaraka Day next year, while the wider 233-kilometre Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway project remains targeted for completion within 2027. The wider highway project aims to ease congestion, improve safety and restore travel times between Nairobi and destinations such as Nakuru, Eldoret and Kisumu to about four hours, from the current 8 to 10 hours.The upgraded road will also feature interchanges at major junctions to improve traffic flow along the busy corridor. Officials said most land acquisition, compensation and utility relocation have been completed, with remaining work focused on areas where construction can proceed with minimal disruption to existing buildings.Additionally, the contractor explained that the project will also incorporate solar power at facilities including the operations and maintenance centre, toll stations and some road slopes. On security, officials said the project will involve National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and local communities to help prevent vandalism and protect the infrastructure.
Read briefing The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association of Kenya (LoDDCA) has issued a fresh advisory to truck drivers operating in South Sudan following a reported abduction and assault of a Kenyan driver.The incident allegedly occurred at around 4pm on Friday, August 28, at the Pilpham Roadblock along the Juba–Wau route, with LoDDCA claiming that security personnel were involved in seizing and harming the driver. Graphic footage shared by the association shows the driver being treated after his return, with visible knife wounds, bruises and swelling. The incident comes less than a week after Kenyan driver Ahmed Salat was reportedly shot dead while transporting cargo to Wau, while his turnman was left in critical condition. In a notice, LoDDCA instructed drivers at Elegu, Malaba and Busia to park their trucks and suspend movement until further notice, while those at loading points have been urged to stop taking on cargo.“Drivers currently at Elegu, Malaba and Busia are advised to park and hold off movement. Those at loading points are urged to stop loading until further notice. Enough is enough! Our drivers deserve safety and protection,” LoDDCA wrote in a notice.Additionally, the association has advised foreign drivers in South Sudan to leave the country where possible amid increased cases of violence. The latest advisory adds to previous warnings over attacks, harassment and other security challenges affecting Kenyan truckers using the South Sudan corridor. LoDDCA has appealed to South Sudanese authorities and security agencies to strengthen patrols and provide transporters with timely security information.Previously, drivers had been reminded to follow the 2021 operating guidelines, including travelling in convoys and avoiding solo journeys. The guidelines also restrict truck movements to between 8am and 4pm South Sudan time, while drivers passing through high-risk areas are advised to obtain police escorts.LoDDCA further criticised what it described as inadequate action to protect drivers who transport goods along the regional trade route.“We risk our lives keeping the economy moving, yet our safety continues to be ignored. How many more drivers must be abducted, assaulted or killed before this regime takes action?” the association wrote.
Read briefing Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has refuted claims circulating on social media that a mother and her newborn were denied treatment at the facility before the baby allegedly died. In a statement issued on Saturday, the hospital said it reviewed available records after the allegations emerged but found no matching case. According to KNH, its records indicate that the mother did not give birth at the hospital, leaving the circumstances surrounding the claims unverified.“Following the posts, the Hospital reviewed available patient and maternity records but found no corresponding record to verify the account. Available information indicates that the mother did not give birth at KNH, contrary to the allegation,” the statement read.The hospital acknowledged the possibility of documentation or communication gaps but said such lapses are not deliberate and should not affect patient safety. While expressing condolences to the family, KNH urged those involved, the person who raised the concerns, or anyone with relevant information to contact the Chief Executive Officer, Senior Director of Clinical Services, or Director of Nursing Services so the matter can be properly investigated.“We invite the affected family, the individual who raised the concerns, or anyone with relevant information to contact KNH through the channels below so that the facts can be established and the matter reviewed,” the statement added.KNH explained that patients are assessed according to the urgency of their medical needs, with cases stabilised, escalated or referred when necessary. The hospital disclosed that its maternity department is currently facing unusually high demand, partly because of industrial action affecting health services in several counties. It further explained that pressure has also been compounded by renovations in maternity and other wards, which have temporarily reduced the number of available beds. To cope with the situation, the national referral hospital said it has added medical staff and strengthened triage and referral arrangements. Bed availability and critical-care capacity are also being monitored as it handles increased patient numbers. The clarification comes days after KNH advised patients seeking non-emergency care to consider facilities closer to home amid a sharp rise in patient numbers.
Read briefing Motorists and passengers were stuck for more than 15 hours along the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway after heavy traffic brought movement to a near standstill on the busy route.The congestion was reported from around 9 pm on Friday, August 28, with motorists and passengers still stranded along the Sachangwan-Salgaa stretch by Saturday, August 29.Most of the motorists who found themselves stuck in the gridlock reported traffic moving at a very slow pace, with long queues reported as motorists approached Salgaa from Sachangwan.“I have been stuck in traffic along the Sachangwan-Salgaa stretch since 9 pm with traffic barely moving,” said one of the motorists.The congestion affected travellers using the Nairobi-Nakuru, Nakuru-Eldoret and the Kisumu-Busia routes, with motorists forced to spend several hours on the road.The exact cause of the traffic jam was not immediately established, although ongoing construction works, lane indiscipline and overlapping were reported to have worsened the situation.Attempts by the traffic police to ease the congestion proved futile, as the gridlock escalated, blocking both lanes of the single carriageway.The latest incident comes as construction of the six-lane Rironi-Mau Summit Highway continues, with physical works currently underway on sections of the major project.The Ksh184 billion project is being implemented in phases, with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), in partnership with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), undertaking the first phase.The first phase covers the Rironi-Naivasha-Gilgil section and the route from Rironi through Mai Mahiu to Naivasha, with the works being implemented for Ksh96.1 billion.A second Chinese Company, Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International, is expected to undertake the second phase from Naivasha towards Mau Summit interchange.The first phase is expected to be completed by June 2027, with the expanded highway expected to reduce travel time, ease persistent traffic congestion and improve connectivity towards Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Read briefing Civil servants could soon have more opportunities to advance their careers under a proposed Public Service Commission (PSC) policy that introduces multiple progression routes. According to a statement issued by the Commission on Saturday, the Career Management Policy would introduce clearer pathways for promotion, including advancement within a team, movement to another department at the same grade, or taking up a higher-grade position in a different area of the public service.The policy also proposes two career pathways for technical and professional staff, allowing them to either advance into management or continue progressing as specialists and experts.“The proposed policy provides for greater career mobility through vertical, horizontal and diagonal movement. It also introduces dual career paths for technical and professional cadres, allowing highly skilled public officers to progress either through managerial positions or specialist and expert pathways,” the statement read.By creating alternative progression pathways, the proposed system would give public officers greater flexibility in professional development while serving.Commission Chairperson Francis Meja said the policy would strengthen career planning across public institutions. The proposed framework also seeks to better connect career management to other human resource practices within the public service.“Once implemented, the policy is expected to mainstream best practices in human resource management, including career planning, career pathing and career development. It will also strengthen linkages with other human resource practices, prioritise resources for career management and broaden employee development to include coaching and mentorship,” Meja said.Additionally, the PSC said the framework would place greater emphasis on employees’ competencies and performance, an approach recently adopted by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).It would further promote employee development through initiatives such as coaching and mentorship.The commission outlined the proposed changes after a stakeholder feedback workshop and is currently reviewing input gathered during a public participation exercise conducted between June 10 and July 13 as it works towards finalising the policy.Stakeholders are expected to assess the feedback and resolve outstanding issues before the document is completed.
Read briefing A court has ruled that workers who suffer permanent disability may still secure compensation for reduced earning ability even when they cannot prove their exact salary. A Chief Magistrates Court on August 26 ordered the Nakuru County Government to pay Ksh4.1 million after finding it fully liable for injuries that left a worker permanently disabled.Although the worker did not provide sufficient records to establish his actual salary, the court found that this did not prevent him from seeking compensation for his reduced ability to earn. “There is no reliable evidence of his monthly or annual income from which such a mathematical calculation can properly be made. That, however, does not defeat his claim for loss of earning capacity. The evidence establishes that the Plaintiff was working as a driver before the accident and that he has now lost his right leg,” read an official court document obtained by Kenyans.co.ke.According to the document, the case was filed after the worker lost his right leg following complications that arose while he was receiving treatment for injuries sustained in a road accident.The worker told the court that negligence in the treatment and monitoring of his injuries contributed to the deterioration and left him unable to continue working as a driver. He had been driving a public service vehicle when a December 2021 accident left him with serious fractures and extensive injuries to his right leg. The driver was initially treated before being transferred to Nakuru Level 5 Hospital, where his wounds were managed, but his condition later worsened after an infection developed. Subsequently, he was referred for specialised treatment, but doctors were unable to save the leg and eventually amputated it.The Nakuru County Government did not enter an appearance or file a defence and did not provide evidence disputing the allegations or the medical records presented in court. As a result, the court held the county fully liable for the injuries and losses proved by the worker.The court awarded Ksh800,000 for loss of earning capacity, alongside Ksh3 million for pain and suffering and Ksh300,000 for a prosthetic limb. The judge’s determination offers a safeguard to workers who suffer permanent disabilities, allowing them to seek compensation for reduced earning ability even without proving an exact salary, where evidence shows their capacity to work and earn has been substantially affected.
Read briefing The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has cautioned businesses and organisations that they risk penalties if they fail to renew expired registration certificates within 14 days.In a notice issued on Friday, August 28, the ODPC said the warning targets entities whose certificates have lapsed and who are required by law to maintain valid registration before handling personal data.“All affected entities are required to regularise their registration status within fourteen (14) days from the date of this Notice by applying for renewal. Failure to comply within the stipulated period may result in the ODPC initiating appropriate enforcement action in accordance with the law,” the notice stated.Data controllers and processors must submit renewal applications on the ODPC’s official portal by close of business on September 11.The renewal fee for micro and small entities is Ksh2,000, while medium-sized businesses will pay Ksh9,000.Large entities will be charged Ksh25,000, while public institutions, charities and religious organisations will pay Ksh2,000. The notice comes as the data protection regulator continues to enforce requirements governing organisations that collect, store or process personal information, with the ODPC imposing fines of up to Ksh5 million for failing to register.According to the authority’s standing guidelines, registration certificates remain valid for 24 months and renewal applications should be submitted at least 30 days before expiry of the certificate. The ODPC reminded businesses and organisations that any entity whose activities require registration cannot operate in that capacity without valid registration. Its regulations further provide that processing personal data after a certificate expires without renewal constitutes a legal offence.The ODPC has published the names of organisations with expired certificates on its website, urging affected entities to confirm their status and complete the renewal process immediately.Organisations seeking to regularise their certificates have been advised to contact the ODPC for assistance through its email address or check its website for information.
Read briefing For many small business owners, making sales can feel like proof that a business is doing well, but revenue alone does not show how much money a business has actually made.Sarah Khaemba, founder of Rechos Fashion Sense, says entrepreneurs need to account for every cost before determining their real profit or risk making financial mistakes.Khaemba, who has run her fashion business in Nairobi's Central Business District for 12 years, shared the advice during this week's episode of Co-op Bank Youth Forums.The session, themed "Buy Smart, Sell Smart: Getting Better Deals and Maximize Profit," focused on helping young entrepreneurs make better purchasing and pricing decisions.Khaemba said business owners should begin by calculating the full cost of getting a product ready for sale.This includes the cost of stock, receiving goods from suppliers, transportation, rent, deliveries and electricity, as well as less obvious expenses."Everyday stock recording and total accounting at the end of the month can help entrepreneurs track where their money is going,” Khaemba said.She warned that transaction charges can easily be overlooked when calculating profits."You can find you have spent like Ksh36,000 in transaction fees for deliveries and the rest. Those Ksh7 or Ksh15 add up quickly," Khaemba said.For example, selling 10 products for Ksh20,000 does not mean the business has made Ksh20,000 in profit."The Ksh20,000 is not a profit. Your profit is somewhere in there," she said, noting that the cost of the products and moving them from the supplier must first be deducted.Khaemba also advised young business owners to compare suppliers based on quality, delivery costs, payment terms, minimum order quantities and return policies rather than simply choosing the lowest price.
Read briefing Opposition leaders have questioned the procurement process for the newly unveiled police uniforms, demanding details about the company awarded the contract and the selection process used. Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa claimed the uniform procurement involved a contract worth nearly Ksh3 billion and called for transparency over how the deal was made.The demand was issued during a grassroots public engagement tour in Emali Township, Makueni County, on Friday, August 28, hosted by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. “Today, we are demanding to know the company that made the uniform and how, and to whom, the tender was awarded,” Wamalwa stated.He also raised concerns over whether changing the police uniform should be a priority when officers continue to face other challenges affecting their welfare. “Just as Kalonzo has said, there is a contract of almost Ksh3 billion to make new uniforms for the police service. That money will not help our police officers. If you ask any officer today, is their problem the uniform or housing? Is it the uniform, or is it the housing levy and Social Health Authority (SHA) deductions? Currently, police officers, just like other Kenyans, have strained payslips. Changing their uniform does not change their lives,” he added.Wamalwa’s remarks came shortly after President William Ruto officially inspected and unveiled the new police uniform during the passing-out parade of recruits at the National Police College in Kiganjo, Nyeri County. The government had announced the replacement earlier in the week, prompting public debate over the cost and necessity of changing the attire. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen defended the decision during the ceremony, saying the new uniform followed recommendations by the National Taskforce on Police Reforms. Murkomen cautioned against reducing broader police reforms to the uniform, saying the changes recommended for the National Police Service (NPS) went beyond its appearance.“The taskforce established by the President recommended that the national police uniform needs to be changed. And the uniform unveiled today is as a result of rigorous public participation, and the police officers themselves chose it. I have seen some people equate the national police reforms to only the uniform. National police reforms cannot even be covered in one hour if I wanted to speak about them today,” the CS said.The debate comes as former Chief Justice David Maraga, who chaired the police reforms taskforce, said its recommendations are yet to be implemented and pressed President William Ruto to release the full report submitted in November 2023.Maraga gave the President seven days on August 18 to publish the unedited document, saying he would release it himself if the government failed to do so.
Read briefing House prices and rents in Kenya's prime residential areas have risen in the first half of this year, between January and June, with Limuru emerging as one of the most sought-after towns by home seekers.According to Knight Frank Kenya Market Update H1 2026, monthly rents in prime residential areas increased by 0.73 per cent in the first half of 2026 compared to December 2025, while sale prices rose by 6.2 per cent.For instance, in Nairobi, prime locations include Westlands, Muthaiga, Runda, Karen, Gigiri, Kitisuru, Riverside, Lavington, Kilimani, and Kileleshwa.In its report published on Thursday, August 27, Knight Frank attributed the increase to the limited supply of quality residential properties, particularly bungalows, villas, townhouses and maisonettes.The imbalance between demand and available houses has pushed property prices up, making quality houses more expensive for buyers and renters."The increase reflects a continued shortage of quality prime housing stock - particularly bungalows, villas, townhouses, and maisonettes - amid sustained demand from owner-occupiers and renters," the report revealed.Knight Frank identified Limuru as one of the prime locations where most Kenyans are now preferring to buy or rent a house.According to the real estate firm, Limuru, particularly in the Tilisu area, has benefited from the earlier developments within the master-planned Tilisi Special Economic Zone (SEZ)."Its strategic location, proximity to Nairobi, planned infrastructure, and tranquil natural environment continue to attract both developers and homebuyers seeking alternatives to the increasingly congested traditional suburban market," Knight Frank stated.Knight Frank attributed Limuru’s growing appeal among homebuyers and renters to upcoming developments, including gated communities and a residential project by 17 Group.The report also noted a shift in the preferences of Kenyan property buyers and tenants, with gated communities becoming increasingly attractive.Knight Frank noted that buyers are willing to pay more for homes with plenty of green space, with well-landscaped developments attracting more interest than those with limited outdoor areas.
Read briefing Service charges collected on air passengers’ travel costs are set to be channelled towards aviation safety and tourism under changes approved by the National Assembly. Parliament passed the Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on Thursday, August 27, which seeks to change how money raised through the levy is managed and allocated. The proposal would give the charge a more defined role in financing activities within Kenya’s aviation sector.A key focus is strengthening aviation safety by supporting institutions responsible for maintaining safe and efficient air transport operations. Part of the revenue would also support tourism promotion, capitalising on the role of air travel in connecting Kenya to international and domestic visitors. “The Bill seeks to streamline the management and allocation of the Air Passenger Service Charge, with the broader objective of ensuring that funds generated from the charge contribute directly to strengthening aviation safety and promoting tourism,” Parliament explained in a statement.The statement added, “A stronger aviation safety framework will benefit passengers, airlines and other players in the aviation industry while enhancing confidence in Kenya’s air transport system.”For passengers, the change concerns the use of the service charge included in their travel costs rather than the entire amount paid for an airline ticket.The legislation also seeks to bring greater clarity to the administration and distribution of money collected through the charge. Aviation operators and travellers would consequently have a clearer link between the levy and spending on safety and air transport services. The changes come amid increased domestic and regional travel due to strong local tourist attractions and more favourable entry requirements in other countries.Further, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) recently approved a new batch of air service licences, paving the way for additional domestic and international routes for travellers in Kenya and across the region.
Read briefing The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has dismissed claims that politicians purchased a house for IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon so as to influence the outcome of the 2027 general elections, as claimed by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.In a statement on Thursday, August 27, the commission dismissed the claims by saying the allegations made by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader were unsubstantiated and amounted to attempts to undermine public confidence in the electoral body.The commission particularly challenged Gachagua to provide evidence to support claims that politicians had purchased a house for the commission's chairperson, Erastus Edung Ethekon, allegedly to influence him.The commission said the alleged value of the house had shifted from KSh80 million to KSh200 million, and demanded that Gachagua provide evidence of the alleged transaction."The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) takes note of reports and headlines published and circulating in mainstream and social media regarding, among others, the ongoing procurement of electoral technology for the upcoming 2027 General Election. The reports follow an unsubstantiated and false statement issued by the Party Leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party, Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, during a press briefing held on Wednesday, August 26 2026," Iebc stated."The Commission wishes to set the record straight as follows: The allegations that a house has been purchased for the Chairperson of IEBC by some politicians for purposes of influencing him are unfortunate, unfair and unsubstantiated to date," IEBC added.The commission demanded that the DCP leader present evidence he had against the commission to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for any legal action.The demands came after Gachagua claimed that politicians linked to the government had bought Ethekon a house to influence the election's outcome.IEBC further dismissed allegations of planned voter suppression, voter register tampering, and irregularities in the procurement of electoral technology ahead of the 2027 General Election, urging political leaders to refrain from sensational claims that undermine public confidence in constitutional processes.IEBC also addressed concerns surrounding the procurement of technology and ballot papers for the 2027 General Election.The commission disclosed that two major tenders, including the procurement of an Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS), hardware and accessories, as well as ballot papers and other election materials, had been temporarily halted.According to IEBC, the suspension followed a request for review filed at the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board.The commission, however, denied claims that the technology tender had already been awarded or predetermined in favour of a particular company.IEBC said the technology procurement process was still at its initial stages and that no company had been awarded the tender, directing the public to its website for the tender documents."Currently, the procurement process of Tender No. IEBC/OIT/01/2026 – 2027 has been temporarily halted following a notification of request for review filed at the Public Procurement Administrative Review Board. The tender process for Tender No. IEBC/OIT/01/2026-2027 is open and transparent. All documents were uploaded on the IEBC website and PPIP on 11th August 2026," the commission added.The commission's statement comes after Gachagua made a series of allegations against it, accusing IEBC of plans to manipulate the 2027 General Election through a controversial election technology tender involving a South Korean firm.Gachagua had claimed that the procurement process had already been done in favour of the company despite the ongoing tender process by the commission.At the same time, the electoral body also denied claims that it was planning to tamper with the electoral register, rejected claims that it intended to suppress voters from particular regions or tamper with voter data during the migration of electoral systems.According to IEBC, the Register of Voters remains under its exclusive custody and denied allegations that voter registration data was being shared with external parties.
Read briefing Trade unions in the public service have called for a bigger role during the negotiations of the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), stating that the move will ensure that the interests and concerns of workers are adequately represented in the negotiation process.The demands were made during a consultative meeting on Thursday, August 26, when the Caucus of Public Service Trade Unions met to discuss challenges affecting workers. The caucus brings together representatives of several public service unions, with the meeting also discussing possible ways of strengthening their welfare.Among the key proposals was the need for public service trade unions to be formally included in future CBA negotiations.According to the caucus, their direct participation would ensure that the concerns of public sector workers are properly captured during negotiations on salaries, working conditions and other terms of service. "The caucus further proposed the need to study Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) from other countries in order to identify best practices and strengthen the unions’ position in advocating for better terms and conditions of service," the union said in a statement after the meeting.They also proposed studying Collective Bargaining Agreements from other countries to identify best practices that could help strengthen the unions’ position when negotiating better terms and conditions for workers.In the meeting, concerns over continued delays in the payment of salaries to county government employees were also raised.The unions said the delays have a direct impact on workers and their families, calling for urgent and sustainable measures to address the problem.The demands come hours after the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) said it was considering changing how civil servants’ salaries are negotiated as part of the strategies to address the persistent workers’ strikes. Speaking on Thursday, August 27, during the 2026 Katiba Day Symposium in Nairobi, SRC Chairperson Sammy Chepkwony said the proposed changes will particularly target Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), which he identified as one of the gaps contributing to strikes in the public sector.“I want to clarify that all levels and arms of government have been cooperative with SRC during my time in implementing the policy advisories that SRC has been issuing,” Chepkwony stated.According to Chepkwony, SRC is now speeding up efforts to address the gaps following resolutions reached during the National Productivity and Performance Conference held in June this year.
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