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State Department Pushes Funding for E-Procurement, GOE Act

Kipkemboi Collins
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State Department Pushes Funding for E-Procurement, GOE Act

The State Department for Public Investments and Asset Management has urged MPs to increase its budget allocation to support the rollout of a modern electronic procurement system and the operationalization of the Government Owned Enterprises (GOE) Act during budget discussions.

E-Procurement and GOE Act Drive Funding Push
PS Cyrell Odede told the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning that additional funding is required to fully deploy the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system and implement provisions of the GOE Act enacted last year which transforms loss making parastatals into commercially driven public limited liability companies.

The State Department is seeking reinstatement of Ksh 373.3m under recurrent expenditure and Ksh 297.5m under development vote to restore key projects including the e-GP rollout.

It also requested Ksh 200m to establish a dedicated GOE Department including Ksh 20m for the selection panel and secretariat and Ksh 80m for engaging independent directors across 65 government owned enterprises.

State Department Pushes Funding for E-Procurement, GOE Act
State Department Pushes Funding for E-Procurement, GOE Act
Parliament Scrutinises Consolidated Bank Capital Injection
MPs questioned a Ksh 1.125m allocation to Consolidated Bank of Kenya aimed at boosting its capital adequacy ratio with PS Odede defending the intervention as necessary to prevent collapse.

The Department reported that over 45,000 suppliers have registered on the e-GP system against a target of 100,000 users by the end of the financial year.

An additional Ksh 100m was sought for the Public Investment Management Information System (PIMIS) to support digital tracking of public projects from planning to evaluation.

Members raised concerns over pension delays with officials clarifying document requirements while Hon Kuria Kimani criticised inconsistent communication and directed submission of pending application schedules.

Controller of Budget Faces Funding Shortfall
The Office of the Controller of Budget also appeared seeking Ksh 1.6bn but received Ksh 933.4m leaving a Ksh 667m funding gap which officials warned could weaken oversight functions.

Committee Chair Kuria Kimani said the requests would be reviewed within fiscal constraints while urging timely submission of legal amendments to strengthen oversight institutions ahead of the next financial cycle.

The Department emphasised that adequate funding is critical for digital transformation improved accountability and efficient management of public investments as Kenya advances reforms in procurement enterprise governance and fiscal oversight across national and county governments.

 

Kenya Pushes Global Health Reform as Duale Calls for Equity

Kipkemboi Collins
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Kenya Pushes Global Health Reform as Duale Calls for Equity

Kenya has intensified its call for sweeping reforms in global health systems as Health CS Aden Duale outlined a comprehensive agenda aimed at strengthening equity, resilience and preparedness in the face of emerging global health threats.

Speaking against the backdrop of ongoing outbreaks and structural weaknesses in international health systems, Duale emphasized that the world is now confronted not with the question of whether reform is necessary, but whether there is sufficient collective resolve to build a fair, representative and fit-for-purpose global health order.

He noted that Kenya is already undertaking domestic reforms targeting health workforce capacity, service delivery systems and digital health infrastructure to ensure universal access to essential health services and commodities.

Equity as the Foundation of Global Health Governance
Central to Kenya’s position is the principle of equity, which Duale stressed must become the organizing principle of global health governance.

He expressed concern over the ongoing Ebola virus disease outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, calling for an urgent, coordinated and adequately financed global response.

He argued that outbreaks affecting African countries must receive the same level of urgency, solidarity and scientific investment as those occurring elsewhere in the world.

On regional preparedness, Duale highlighted the need to strengthen local manufacturing and supply chain systems as a cornerstone of pandemic readiness.

Kenya Pushes Global Health Reform as Duale Calls for Equity
Kenya Pushes Global Health Reform as Duale Calls for Equity

CS Duale stated that Africa is shifting from dependency to sustainable production, technology transfer and strategic investment, urging multilateral institutions to align with evolving global health realities.

He added that resilient regional systems are essential for reducing vulnerability during health emergencies.

Reforming Multilateral Health Institutions
In addition, Duale underscored the importance of reforming multilateral health institutions, including the World Health Organization, to enhance legitimacy, inclusivity and trust.

He emphasized that bodies such as the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention must remain central to global health governance while being adequately empowered to respond to future crises.

CS Duale called for sustainable global health financing frameworks that support domestic resource mobilization and strengthen country ownership.

He stressed that long-term health system resilience depends on predictable financing mechanisms and stronger alignment between global support and national priorities, reinforcing Kenya’s position that reform of global health architecture is both urgent and unavoidable.

 

 

Interior Ministry Pushes Police Reforms, Accountability Drive

Kipkemboi Collins
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Interior Ministry Pushes Police Reforms, Accountability Drive

The Interior Ministry has outlined an ongoing wave of security sector reforms aimed at improving professionalism within the Police Service.

The reforms come amid public concerns over police conduct during protests, including allegations of excessive force and instances of officers operating while masked.

Speaking on the reforms, PS Raymond Omollo said the government is focused on building a more modern and responsive police force equipped with the skills and technology needed to manage complex and evolving security situations.


Retraining and Technology Push
According to PS Omollo, a central pillar of the reforms is retraining officers to improve situational awareness and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure environments such as protests.

The training is intended to ensure officers are better equipped to assess threats, interact with civilians appropriately, and apply the law within professional standards.

He noted that the reforms are designed to help the service “reap the dividends” of ongoing investments in modernization, including the integration of technology in policing operations and improved operational preparedness.

Interior Ministry Pushes Police Reforms, Accountability Drive
Interior Ministry Pushes Police Reforms, Accountability Drive
Recruitment Shift Toward Professionalisation
The PS also highlighted changes in recruitment policies aimed at strengthening professionalism within the service.

While acknowledging the continued intake of constables, he said the recruitment framework has been expanded to include officers with specialised skills and academic qualifications.

This shift is intended to address long-standing gaps in expertise and bring in graduates who can contribute to a more structured and professional police service. The move is also expected to enhance discipline, ethical conduct, and institutional capacity over time.


Accountability Measures Including Body Cameras
As part of broader transparency efforts, the government plans to introduce body-worn cameras for selected police units.

The devices are expected to improve accountability during operations, particularly in public order management situations such as demonstrations.

The reforms also respond to growing concerns about the use of excessive force during protests and allegations of misconduct by some officers. The PS emphasized that professionalism and adherence to the law remain central to the transformation agenda.

He further noted the need to address issues of welfare, promotion, and discipline within the service, arguing that institutional weaknesses have in some cases contributed to operational challenges.

 

Sports Ministry Tells MPs KSh 11 Billion Required for AFCON 2027 Stadium Completion

Kipkemboi Collins
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Sports Ministry Tells MPs KSh 11 Billion Required for AFCON 2027 Stadium Completion

The government requires an additional KSh 11.02 billion to complete key stadium projects earmarked for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), amid concerns that delays could affect Kenya’s hosting commitments.

The funding gap was revealed during a presentation before the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture by Elijah Mwangi, the PS for the State Department for Sports.

The session focused on the FY 2026/27 budget estimates for the sports sector. According to the PS, the total contractual cost for the identified stadium projects stands at KSh 15.11 billion, but only KSh 3.74 billion has so far been paid out.

He warned that existing financial pressures within the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) have limited the government’s ability to finance the projects at the required pace.

The Committee, heard that although SASDF received an approved budget of KSh 18.38 billion in the current 2025/26 financial year, most of the funds are already committed to other obligations.

These include annual loan repayments for Talanta Sports City amounting to KSh 6.29 billion, sports participation and hosting expenses totaling KSh 6 billion, escrow account deposits and standby letters of credit worth KSh 1.57 billion each, constituency sports academies at KSh 2.1 billion, and community sports grounds upgrades costing KSh 1.4 billion.

“The competing obligations have significantly constrained SASDF’s ability to meet financing requirements for critical AFCON 2027 infrastructure projects,” PS Mwangi told the Committee.

Treasury Support Sought for AFCON Preparations
Earlier, CS Salim Mvurya also defended the need for additional Treasury support, noting that Kenya must invest heavily in infrastructure to meet continental hosting standards.

Mvurya cited the Talanta Stadium project, which is currently at 91 percent completion, but still requires additional auxiliary works, including the installation of a power substation expected to cost KSh 937 million.

Sports Ministry Tells MPs KSh 11 Billion Required for AFCON 2027 Stadium Completion
Sports Ministry Tells MPs KSh 11 Billion Required for AFCON 2027 Stadium Completion
Concerns Raised Over Stadium Readiness
Committee members also questioned the slow pace of construction at some venues. Robert Basil raised concerns over the status of Kipchoge Keino Stadium, which had earlier been listed among the venues for the tournament despite being only 18 percent complete.

However, PS Mwangi clarified that following a review of the hosting plan, Kipchoge Keino Stadium had been removed from the final list of competition venues.

He confirmed that Talanta Stadium and Kasarani Stadium will serve as the main match venues, while Nyayo and Ulinzi stadiums will function as training facilities during the tournament.

 

DCI Intensifies Crackdown as Kilifi Drug Bust Nets Sh4.2 Million Cannabis Haul

Kipkemboi Collins
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DCI Intensifies Crackdown as Kilifi Drug Bust Nets Sh4.2 Million Cannabis Haul

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified its war against narcotics trafficking following a major anti-drug operation in Kilifi that led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of cannabis sativa valued at approximately Sh4.2 million.

The operation, conducted by detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) in Kilifi, targeted a house in the Kisumu Ndogo area of Kilifi town.

According to investigators, the raid was intelligence-led and formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug distribution networks operating along the Coast region.

During the operation, detectives arrested two suspects identified as Eisha Mzungu Kalama and Jamal Chilumo Chiraga. Authorities believe the pair were involved in the storage and distribution of narcotic substances within the region.

DCI Intensifies Crackdown as Kilifi Drug Bust Nets Sh4.2 Million Cannabis Haul
DCI Intensifies Crackdown as Kilifi Drug Bust Nets Sh4.2 Million Cannabis Haul
Large Cannabis Consignment Recovered
A search conducted inside the house uncovered two and a half sacks of cannabis sativa wrapped in brown khaki paper. The haul weighed approximately 142 kilograms and was allegedly prepared for distribution to various destinations.

Investigators say the recovery marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb the circulation of illegal drugs in Kilifi and neighbouring counties, which have increasingly become hotspots for narcotics trafficking.

The suspects were immediately escorted to Kilifi Police Station together with the seized drugs, where they are currently undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment in court.

Authorities confirmed that the narcotics have been secured as exhibits as detectives continue investigations into what is suspected to be a wider trafficking network.

Detectives have in recent months intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering in an effort to disrupt supply chains linked to cannabis and other illegal substances.

 

The DCI has urged members of the public to continue sharing information with authorities to support ongoing operations against drug dealers and traffickers.

 

The suspects are expected to be arraigned once investigations and processing are complete.

 

Sakaja Pushes for Talks After Suspension of Matatu Strike

Kipkemboi Collins
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Sakaja Pushes for Talks After Suspension of Matatu Strike

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called for dialogue between government and transport sector leaders after a planned strike was suspended for one week to allow consultations on rising fuel-related challenges.

The Nairobi Governor said the temporary suspension would allow all parties to engage and find a lasting solution to the crisis affecting public transport and the wider economy.

Sakaja said the decision to halt the strike was necessary to prevent further disruption to essential services, noting that ordinary Kenyans were already struggling with the high cost of living.

“The leaders of the matatu sector, the truck association, boda boda and digital transporters have agreed that we must come together and listen to each other,” he said.

Transport Disruptions Affect Essential Services
He noted that the transport disruption had already affected school-going children, patients seeking medical care and farmers trying to move produce to markets.

“Children have not gone to school, people are sick, others need to go to hospital, and farm produce must be transported. That is why we chose to step aside and engage through dialogue,” Sakaja said.

The Governor emphasised that despite differences between operators and government, all parties shared a common responsibility to protect the economy and support citizens facing financial pressure.

He assured Nairobi residents and Kenyans at large that consultations would continue at the highest level to address the concerns raised by transport operators.

Sakaja Pushes for Talks After Suspension of Matatu Strike
Sakaja Pushes for Talks After Suspension of Matatu Strike
Appeal to Financial Institutions
Sakaja also appealed to financial institutions to show flexibility during the ongoing economic difficulties, saying many Kenyans were under immense strain.

“We are in extraordinary times. The crisis we are facing is global. Let us not take it out on our people,” he said.

He suggested that lenders consider temporary relief measures or amnesty arrangements for affected operators and wananchi struggling to meet financial obligations.

At the same time, the Governor acknowledged that fuel prices had risen sharply and admitted there were limitations on what government could immediately do.

However, he promised that more engagements would take place in the coming days to ease the burden on Kenyans.

Sakaja further thanked the Cabinet Secretaries for Interior, Energy and Transport for supporting the consultations and encouraging continued engagement with the transport sector beyond moments of crisis.

He said the broader goal was to improve public transportation and ensure it remains affordable, reliable and accessible for all Kenyans.

 

Treasury CS Backs Market-Led Financing as SAIF Lists at the NSE

Kipkemboi Collins
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Treasury CS Backs Market-Led Financing as SAIF Lists at the NSE

Treasury CS John Mbadi today presided over the bell ringing ceremony marking the official listing of the Spearhead Africa Infrastructure Fund (SAIF) at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, a milestone aimed at strengthening Kenya’s capital markets and expanding infrastructure financing channels.

The ceremony was attended by NSE Chairman Kiprono Kittony and British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh, reflecting deepening collaboration between Kenya and international partners in advancing financial market development.

CS Mbadi commended the United Kingdom for its continued strategic partnership, particularly through the UK MOBILIST programme, which played a catalytic role in anchoring the listing of SAIF.

Infrastructure at the Core of Economic Growth
Mbadi underscored that transport systems, energy networks, water infrastructure, and digital connectivity remain the backbone of economic transformation.

He pointed out that Africa faces an annual infrastructure financing gap estimated between 68 billion USD and 108 billion USD, which cannot be met through public financing alone.

To bridge this gap, the CS called for a deliberate shift toward market-based financing models that crowd in private capital, institutional investors, and pension funds.

CS Mbadi emphasized that capital markets must evolve from being purely equity-raising platforms into engines of long-term development financing.

Treasury CS Backs Market-Led Financing as SAIF Lists at the NSE
Treasury CS Backs Market-Led Financing as SAIF Lists at the NSE
Kenya’s Financial Depth Strengthens
The CS highlighted that Kenya’s pension assets, now exceeding KES 2.8 trillion, present a significant opportunity to scale infrastructure investment if effectively channelled through structured products such as infrastructure funds and listed investment vehicles.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening capital markets reforms, improving regulatory frameworks, and positioning Nairobi as a leading African hub for infrastructure finance.

The listing of SAIF is expected to broaden participation in infrastructure financing while providing investors with diversified exposure to long-term, stable returns.

 

Gachagua Raises Alarm Over Turkana Oil Revenue Structure

Kipkemboi Collins
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Gachagua Raises Alarm Over Turkana Oil Revenue Structure

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised serious allegations against the government and private partners over oil arrangements in Turkana, claiming the existence of irregular financial structures that could disadvantage local communities.

In his remarks, Gachagua alleges that the deal involving Gulf Oil and the administration of President William Ruto is built around what he terms a “false or forced debt” that inflates production costs and diverts long-term benefits away from residents.

According to the claims, the arrangement linked to Gaff Oil and state-linked actors is said to have been misrepresented as a KSh 350 billion ownership obligation.

Gachagua, however, alleges that the actual transaction value was closer to USD 120 million (approximately KSh 15.6 billion), describing the higher figure as misleading and designed to justify inflated repayments over time.

He further claims that the structure of the agreement effectively locks Turkana oil production into a decade-long repayment cycle, where each barrel is assigned a notional cost of USD 100.

Under this alleged framework, USD 85 per barrel would be directed toward servicing the purported debt, leaving only USD 15 for distribution among stakeholders.

 

Revenue Allocation Claims and Distribution Breakdown
Gachagua alleges that the remaining proceeds are further divided in a manner that significantly limits local benefit.

He claims 75% would go to the national government, 20% to Turkana County, and 5% to the local community.

He describes this distribution as highly inequitable, arguing that it reduces meaningful local participation in resource wealth generated within the region.

He also alleges that political and institutional capture has weakened oversight, claiming that most elected representatives from Turkana have been compromised, with the exception of the senator, limiting accountability and public debate on the issue.

Gachagua Raises Alarm Over Turkana Oil Revenue Structure
Gachagua Raises Alarm Over Turkana Oil Revenue Structure
Community Impact and Development Concerns
Gachagua argues that the Turkana oil reserves have the potential to transform the region through infrastructure developments.

However, he claims that the current arrangement diverts these opportunities away from the community and concentrates benefits among political and private actors.

In his remarks, Gachagua urged residents of Turkana to resist further exploration and exploitation of oil resources until what he describes as fair and transparent negotiations are conducted.

 

DCI Homicide Directorate Takes Over Probe into Murder of Gospel Artist Rachel Wandeto

Kipkemboi Collins
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DCI Homicide Directorate Takes Over Probe into Murder of Gospel Artist Rachel Wandeto

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide Directorate has assumed control of investigations into the murder of gospel artist Rachel Wandeto, who died following a brutal attack in Kasarani, Nairobi.

The transfer of the case signals heightened focus on the matter as detectives seek to establish the motive, identify the perpetrators, and reconstruct the events leading to her death.

Preliminary findings indicate that on May 16, 2026, the victim was walking home when she encountered three unidentified men along 11th Street near Obama Road. The suspects allegedly assaulted her, poured a flammable substance on her, and set her ablaze before fleeing the scene.

She was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital in critical condition with extensive burn injuries covering about 75 per cent of her body. Medical personnel worked to stabilise her, but she succumbed to the injuries on May 18, 2026, while undergoing treatment.

DCI Homicide Directorate Takes Over Probe into Murder of Gospel Artist Rachel Wandeto
DCI Homicide Directorate Takes Over Probe into Murder of Gospel Artist Rachel Wandeto
Investigations Underway
Detectives from the DCI Homicide Directorate are pursuing all leads in the case, with a focus on identifying the suspects and determining whether the attack was premeditated.

DCI has condemned the incident, describing it as a heinous act that violates the sanctity of human life.

The Directorate extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, assuring the public that investigations will be thorough, impartial, and conducted without fear or favor.

Authorities have urged anyone with information to assist with ongoing inquiries.

Authorities reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for Rachel Wandeto and preventing similar violent crimes in the future.

The DCI urged the public to remain vigilant and report any relevant information through official channels to support the ongoing probe.

 

Senator Kibwana Pushes for Action on Maternal Mental Health Gaps

Kipkemboi Collins
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Senator Kibwana Pushes for Action on Maternal Mental Health Gaps

Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana has raised concern over the state of maternal mental health services in Kenya, warning that thousands of women and families continue to suffer in silence due to gaps in healthcare systems, stigma, and inadequate awareness.

Kibwana highlighted the urgent need to address perinatal mental health challenges, noting that World Mental Health Day serves as a key moment to draw attention to conditions affecting women during pregnancy and up to two years after childbirth.

She emphasized that this period is highly vulnerable, with many mothers and families experiencing perinatal and postpartum depression, anxiety disorders, psychological distress following stillbirth, and other related conditions.

Alarming Statistics on Maternal Mental Health
She cited studies showing that approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety during the perinatal period.

According to Senator Hamida, these conditions pose a serious risk to parenting capacity, early childhood bonding, and overall family wellbeing.

Despite this, many cases remain undiagnosed or untreated due to persistent stigma and structural weaknesses within the health system.

Kibwana further urged the relevant Senate committee to appraise the House on the implementation status of a Senate resolution which called for the promotion and strengthening of mental health facilities for mothers experiencing postnatal psychological conditions.

She questioned whether the resolution had been fully operationalized across national and county health systems.

Senator Kibwana Pushes for Action on Maternal Mental Health Gaps
Senator Kibwana Pushes for Action on Maternal Mental Health Gaps
Calls for Public Awareness and Government Action
She also sought clarity on the Ministry of Health and county governments’ plans and activities aimed at commemorating World Maternal Mental Health Day and promoting public awareness on perinatal mental health.

According to Seantor Hamida, awareness campaigns remain critical in reducing stigma and encouraging early diagnosis and treatment.

In addition, the Senator raised concerns over the availability and accessibility of maternal mental health services in public health facilities.

Kibwana called for detailed information on the presence of trained mental health professionals, counseling infrastructure, and referral systems capable of supporting mothers in need of specialized care.

Stigma and Community Education Remain Key Challenges
Kibwana also pressed for updates on measures being taken to combat stigma and strengthen community education around perinatal mental health.

She stressed that support systems must include both mothers and fathers, noting that paternal mental health is often overlooked despite its influence on family well-being.

Her statement reflects growing legislative attention to mental health as a public health priority, particularly within maternal care.

 

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