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KeNHA Announces Temporary Closure of Section of Nairobi Southern Bypass for Marathon

KeNHA Announces Temporary Closure of Section of Nairobi Southern Bypass for Marathon
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a public notice informing motorists of a temporary closure along a section of the Nairobi Southern Bypass. The affected stretch runs between Ole Sereni Interchange and Lang’ata Road Interchange.

The closure is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 10, 2026. According to the notice, the road will be inaccessible from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. during this period.

The authority has stated that the measure is necessary to facilitate the smooth running of the 2026 Nairobi Marathon event.

Road Closure to Affect Key Traffic Corridor
The temporary shutdown of this section is expected to disrupt normal traffic flow for several hours.

KeNHA has emphasized that the closure is limited strictly to the specified timeframe and stretch of the bypass. Motorists planning to use this route during the affected hours are advised to make alternative travel arrangements in advance to avoid inconvenience.

KeNHA Announces Temporary Closure of Section of Nairobi Southern Bypass for Marathon
KeNHA Announces Temporary Closure of Section of Nairobi Southern Bypass for Marathon
Alternative Routes Provided
To mitigate disruption, KeNHA has outlined an alternative route for affected motorists. Drivers are advised to use Mombasa Road (A8) Highway from Ole Sereni Interchange. From there, they should proceed to the Nyayo National Stadium Roundabout in order to access Lang’ata Road.

This diversion is expected to accommodate traffic that would otherwise rely on the closed section of the bypass. However, motorists are encouraged to anticipate possible congestion along the alternative route due to increased traffic volume.

Call for Cooperation with Traffic Authorities
The authority has stressed the importance of compliance with traffic directives to maintain order and minimize delays. Motorists are also encouraged to exercise patience and adhere to all road safety measures during this period.

The temporary closure forms part of logistical arrangements for the Nairobi Marathon, which requires controlled road access to ensure participant safety and event coordination.

 

CS Ogamba Warns Principals Over Illegal School Fees Increases

Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba has issued a firm warning to school principals and heads of institutions against the illegal increment of school fees and the introduction of unauthorized levies.

CS Ogamba stated that any increase in school fees outside the ministry’s guidelines is not allowed and remains outlawed. The ministry has already issued clear directives and circulars outlining the approved fee structure, particularly for senior schools and boarding institutions.

Despite these guidelines, Ogamba noted that the ministry has received numerous complaints from parents reporting that some school heads have increased fees without the required approval.

The CS emphasized that enforcement measures are already in motion. Field officers, including county and sub-county education officials from both the ministry and the Teachers Service Commission, have been directed to ensure full compliance with the issued circulars.

He warned that any principal or head of institution found violating these directives will face consequences in line with the law. Recommendations will first be made by the relevant officers, after which disciplinary procedures will follow as stipulated under existing legal frameworks.

CS Ogamba Warns Principals Over Illegal School Fees Increases
CS Ogamba Warns Principals Over Illegal School Fees Increases
Focus Shifts to Competency-Based Education Model
The CS also highlighted the broader context that informed his remarks, pointing to developments under the competency-based education framework. He referenced the pathway model, which demonstrates the learning process from its conceptual stage through to practical application in the world of work.

According to Ogamba, the model has received strong support from education stakeholders, including peers and ministry leadership, who have advocated for its replication.


Mobile Model Expands Reach of CBC

He noted that the introduction of a mobile model presents an opportunity to expand the reach of this approach. The model is expected to be deployed across different regions to enhance understanding and implementation of competency-based education.

Empowerment of stakeholders remains central to this initiative. The CS emphasized the need to equip parents, teachers, and learners with a clear understanding of the curriculum.

Policymakers are also expected to benefit by gaining deeper insight into its structure and objectives.

Ogamba reiterated that competency-based education is a practical and effective system. He stressed that with proper understanding and support, it is not only achievable but also beneficial in preparing learners for real-world applications.

 

FKF Leadership Meets MPs as Federation Clarifies Spokesperson Role

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has issued a formal statement reaffirming its communication protocols and the role of its leadership.

In the statement dated 05 May 2026, the federation emphasized that, in accordance with its statutes, the President serves as the official spokesperson.

FKF stated that all official communication is exclusively issued through the Office of the General Secretary and disseminated via the federation’s recognized channels. This directive reinforces an internal structure designed to maintain message discipline and institutional accountability.

The federation urged both the media and the public to exercise due diligence when handling football-related information. It cautioned against publishing, distributing, or relying on unverified reports, noting that such actions risk undermining governance standards and public trust.

FKF further warned against the unauthorized use of federation letterhead or issuance of correspondence outside established procedures, describing such actions as breaches of governance that would be addressed under its statutes and applicable regulations.

FKF reiterated its commitment to transparent, accurate, and timely communication, signaling a continued effort to align its operations with best practices in sports administration.

FKF Leadership Meets MPs as Federation Clarifies Spokesperson Role
FKF Leadership Meets MPs as Federation Clarifies Spokesperson Role
Engagement with Parliament Highlights Strategic Priorities
The FKF leadership including President Hussein Mohammed and Acting General Secretary/CEO Dennis Gicheru, also met with the National Assembly Departmental Committee for Sports, Culture and Tourism. The meeting brought together members of the National Executive Committee and the federation secretariat.

Discussions focused on key issues shaping Kenyan football, notably preparations for AFCON 2027. According to the federation, all concerns raised by the Committee were comprehensively addressed, reflecting an ongoing engagement between FKF and government oversight bodies.

FKF used the platform to reaffirm its commitment to transparency, integrity, and good governance as it works to advance football at all levels.

The federation also acknowledged the Committee’s oversight role, noting that such collaboration is essential in strengthening the sport’s institutional framework.

As preparations for major continental events gather pace, such alignment may prove critical in shaping both public confidence and the long-term development of Kenyan football.

 

Senate Approves Sh16.8 Billion Equalization Fund Bill for Marginalised Areas

The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Budget has adopted its report on the Equalization Fund Appropriation Bill, 2025, and resolved to recommend that the Senate approve the Bill without amendments.

This move fulfills the constitutional requirement under Article 204(3), which mandates that all withdrawals from the Equalization Fund must be authorized through legislation. The Bill seeks to allocate Ksh 16.8 billion aimed at improving access to basic services in marginalized areas.

Funding Allocation Targets 1,424 Marginalized Areas
The funds will target 1,424 marginalized sub-locations across 34 counties, focusing on key sectors including water, roads, health facilities, and electricity.

The allocation consists of KSh 6.2 billion from the 2024/2025 financial year and KSh 10.6 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year.

The 2025/2026 allocation is based on 0.5 percent of the most recent audited and approved revenues for the 2020/2021 financial year, amounting to KSh 7.852 billion. This is further supplemented by KSh 2.747 billion to address outstanding arrears.

The Committee noted that, while the Bill includes allocations at the county and constituency levels, the monies are fully ring-fenced. They are especially allocated for sub-locations listed in the Commission on Revenue Allocation’s Second Marginalization Policy.

Senate Approves Sh16.8 Billion Equalization Fund Bill for Marginalised Areas
Senate Approves Sh16.8 Billion Equalization Fund Bill for Marginalised Areas
Arrears and Disbursement Delays Raise Concern
Addressing implementation issues, the Committee emphasized ongoing administrative and economic roadblocks that prevented the Fund’s effectiveness. It said that the total unpaid arrears, including the current allocation, had reached KSh 62.677 billion out of a constitutional right of KSh 79.858 billion.

Senators expressed concerns that just KSh 13.4 billion, or 22.4 percent of the entire entitlement, had been disbursed since the Fund’s creation. The Committee warned that continuous distribution delays might undermine the Fund’s goal of providing basic services to vulnerable areas.

 

Strict Controls Introduced to Safeguard Funds
To safeguard the allocated funds, the Bill introduces strict financial controls. Clause 5 stipulates that the funds will not be deposited into County Revenue Funds but instead into special purpose accounts opened at the Central Bank of Kenya by beneficiary counties.

Withdrawals will require authorization from the Controller of Budget, based on written instructions from the Secretary of the Equalization Fund Advisory Board through the National Treasury.

Additionally, KSh 504 million has been set aside to support the Secretariat and Board, capped at three percent of the annual allocation in line with Public Finance Management regulations.

If approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President, the Bill will authorize the release of the funds, paving the way for development projects in the targeted areas.

 

MPs Call for Review of Sexual Offences Law as Prison Crisis Deepens

Kenya’s Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006 is facing renewed scrutiny after Members of Parliament raised concerns that its strict sentencing framework is contributing to prison congestion and disproportionately affecting young offenders.

The debate emerged during inspection visits by the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) to correctional facilities in Kisumu County, led by Chair Hon. Bernard Kitur, as part of a broader constitutional implementation audit.

Concerns Over Mandatory Sentencing
Stakeholders, including legal experts, prison officials, and inmates, told the Committee that mandatory minimum sentences of 15 to 20 years for defilement remove judicial discretion and fail to consider factors such as age proximity, consent among adolescents, and absence of predatory intent.

The Lawmakers pointed to legal inconsistencies, noting conflicting High Court rulings on the constitutionality of mandatory sentences, which has resulted in uneven application of the law across courts.

Concerns were also raised about what MPs described as discrimination against the boy child, with adolescent boys often prosecuted and jailed while female peers in similar situations are not charged.

Rising Prison Population Linked to Sexual Offences
Statistics presented to the Committee indicated that sexual offences account for over 31 percent of the prison population, with defilement cases making up 78.3 percent, many involving young men.

CIOC Chair Bernard Kitur called for urgent reforms, including scrapping mandatory minimum sentences to allow fair and individualized rulings by courts.

“A lot of our men, especially the youth, are wasting away in jail because of this Act. There is a need for review, and I will champion this agenda to save the boy child,” he said.

MPs Call for Review of Sexual Offences Law as Prison Crisis Deepens
MPs Call for Review of Sexual Offences Law as Prison Crisis Deepens
Calls For Broader Prison Reforms 
Inmates who engaged the Committee submitted a memorandum calling for broader prison reforms, including improved rehabilitation programmes, access to healthcare, education opportunities, and enhanced skills training.

While the Sexual Offences Act remains a key tool in combating sexual violence, stakeholders said the concerns raised highlight the need to balance protection of victims with fairness and proportional justice.

The MPs urged Parliament to review the law to ensure it protects vulnerable groups while upholding constitutional rights and equitable sentencing.

Legal experts told the committee that restoring judicial discretion would allow courts to differentiate between predatory offenders and consensual adolescent cases, reducing unnecessary incarceration and easing pressure on overcrowded correctional facilities across the country.

KHRC, Okoa Uchumi Petition National Assembly Over IMF Governance Report Disclosure

The Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Okoa Uchumi Campaign have formally written to the National Assembly seeking the public disclosure of the International Monetary Fund Governance and Corruption Diagnostic (GCD) Report for Kenya.

The petition highlights growing public concern over economic pressures, including the rising cost of living, increased taxation, and questions surrounding public resource management and debt.


Concerns Over Transparency and Public Access
According to KHRC, Kenya has been implementing economic reforms under IMF-supported programmes aimed at fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic stability. As part of this process, the government invited the IMF to conduct a Governance and Corruption Diagnostic assessment.

The assessment, conducted between March and June 2025, looked at governance issues in key areas such as public financial management, procurement processes, tax administration, state-owned companies, and anti-corruption measures.

Throughout the process, government institutions, oversight organizations, and civil society organisations, including Okoa Uchumi Campaign representatives, were consulted.

Despite being finished and handed over to the government, the report has not been made public. The petition contends that the lack of information undermines openness and restricts public engagement.

KHRC, Okoa Uchumi Petition National Assembly Over IMF Governance Report Disclosure
KHRC, Okoa Uchumi Petition National Assembly Over IMF Governance Report Disclosure
Selective Implementation Raises Questions
The petition further notes that reports indicate the government has already begun implementing recommendations from the diagnostic through internal consultations.

This amounts to selective engagement with the report while denying Parliament and the public the opportunity to scrutinise its findings.

They maintain that the report is a document of significant public interest, particularly as it addresses corruption risks, governance weaknesses, and institutional gaps affecting public resources.


Constitutional Mandate for Oversight
The petition cites several constitutional provisions, including Article 95, which mandates Parliament to oversee national revenue and expenditure, and Article 201, which emphasizes openness and accountability in public finance.

KHRC and Okoa Uchumi argue that access to the IMF report would enable Members of Parliament to better interrogate governance issues and guide reforms.

The report’s findings are expected to influence key policy decisions, including fiscal consolidation, revenue mobilisation, debt management, and the governance of state-owned enterprises.

The petition also links the issue to the National Infrastructure Fund Act, noting concerns about transparency and accountability in managing public resources outside the standard budget framework.

At a time of increased taxation, the Human Rights Commission argue that public access to the report is essential for accountability and restoring public confidence.


Key Demands to Parliament

Okoa Uchumi and the Human Rights Commission calls on the National Assembly to compel the government to table the full, unredacted report and publish it within 30 days.

Additionally, it urges that no new IMF-supported lending programme be concluded until the report is reviewed and subjected to public scrutiny.

The petition emphasizes that disclosure would align with constitutional values of transparency, accountability, and democratic participation.

 

Mariga Moves to Halt Chapa Dimba Season 5 Launch Over Approval Dispute

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga has moved to stop the planned launch of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season 5, citing lack of approval by the federation’s top decision-making organ.

In a formal statement dated May 4, 2026, addressed to Safaricom PLC, the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) clarified that any agreement or partnership undertaken without its approval is null and irregular.

The correspondence, issued on behalf of the NEC, acknowledges Safaricom’s continued support in developing football in Kenya and its role in youth empowerment through the Chapa Dimba tournament.

NEC Asserts Authority Over Partnerships
According to Mariga, the NEC is mandated under the FKF Constitution to approve all binding commitments entered into on behalf of the federation. Any arrangements made outside this framework, the committee notes, fall short of the required governance standards and procedures.

“Any agreement or partnership arrangement undertaken without the approval of the NEC is null, irregular, and contrary to the provisions of the FKF Constitution,” said Mariga.

The committee emphasises that adherence to established approval processes is essential to ensure alignment with the federation’s governance framework.

Mariga Moves to Halt Chapa Dimba Season 5 Launch Over Approval Dispute
Mariga Moves to Halt Chapa Dimba Season 5 Launch Over Approval Dispute
Call for Compliance and Restraint
Mariga urged restraint and called for strict compliance with constitutional provisions and internal approval mechanisms. It stressed the need for structured engagement moving forward, once the current concerns are addressed.

“In light of the foregoing, we kindly urge restraint and emphasize the need for compliance with the Constitution and established approval processes to ensure alignment with the Federation’s governance framework, said Mariga.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, signalling willingness to engage once due process is followed.

The dispute highlights broader governance concerns within FKF, particularly around decision-making authority and adherence to constitutional structures. By asserting its position, the NEC is seeking to reinforce institutional control over major partnerships and initiatives tied to the federation.

Focus on Structured Engagement
While the communication does not directly cancel the tournament, it places the planned launch in question pending compliance with NEC approval requirements.

The committee maintains that all future engagements must align with constitutional provisions to safeguard governance standards within the federation.

The development introduces uncertainty over the rollout of Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season 5, even as FKF leadership pushes for adherence to formal approval processes before proceeding.

 

MPs Support Use of Drones, Body Cams To Monitor Police Conduct Ahead of 2027

A parliamentary committee has endorsed the use of technology in policing, backing the deployment of drones and body cameras to enhance accountability as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to strengthen its oversight mechanisms, even as members raised concerns about rising violence, alleged police inaction, and gaps in adopting modern surveillance tools.

However, Teso North MP Oku Kaunya warned that while drones are effective in planned operations, they may have limited impact in spontaneous attacks.

“In cases of organised criminal activity, drones can be deployed effectively to identify what is happening. But in isolated incidents, such as goon attacks, by the time you deploy a drone, the damage has already been done,” he said.

Concerns Over Accountability and Police Response
On accountability, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma raised concerns about the compensation process for victims of police brutality, warning of possible fraudulent claims if verification is weak.

He also questioned whether increased surveillance could make officers hesitant in critical situations.

“We must balance human rights with necessary police intervention to save the state,” Kaluma said, adding that constant monitoring could risk slowing police response.

MPs Support Use of Drones, Body Cams To Monitor Police Conduct Ahead of 2027
MPs Support Use of Drones, Body Cams To Monitor Police Conduct Ahead of 2027
IPOA Links Policing Trends to Political Activity
Responding to the concerns, IPOA Chief Executive Officer Elema Halakhe attributed fluctuations in police conduct to political activity, noting that confrontations tend to rise during election periods.

“The reduction in incidents is largely due to reduced political activity. As we approach the campaign season, we anticipate an increase,” he said.

Halakhe acknowledged concerns over delayed police response, stating that IPOA is investigating whether this is linked to fear of accountability or command failures.

On compensation, he clarified that IPOA’s role is to provide verified data to relevant agencies, adding that a list of victims has already been submitted for consideration.

Use of Force and Election Preparedness
The discussion also addressed the use of force, with Vice-Chairperson Dido Rasso questioning how “legitimate force” is defined in a politically charged environment. IPOA said it is modelling election scenarios based on past trends to improve preparedness.

IPOA Commissioner Annette Mudola Mbogo supported the selective use of drones, noting they are most effective in planned public order situations. She also backed the adoption of body cameras, CCTV systems, and digital recording tools to improve evidence collection.

“These technologies make it more difficult to manipulate evidence,” she said, adding that uptake remains slow within the police service.

Meanwhile, IPOA officials cited cost as a key barrier, revealing that a single drone costs about Sh3 million. Deployment, they said, would be intelligence-led.

The meeting comes amid growing scrutiny of police conduct and calls for reforms to balance law enforcement with human rights protections ahead of the next election cycle.

 

Kenya High Commission in Pretoria Issues Advisory to Nationals in South Africa

The Kenya High Commission in Pretoria has issued an advisory to Kenyan nationals in the Republic of South Africa, warning them to exercise caution and stay watchful in light of recent happenings in the country.

In an advisory dated May 4, 2026, the High Commission expresses worry over recent demonstrations and rare instances witnessed in various places. These events were reported to have involved foreign nationals, causing Commission to give recommendations aimed at safeguarding the safety and awareness of Kenyan people in South Africa.

Call for Vigilance and Avoidance of Protest Areas
The advisory warns Kenyans to avoid places where there may be protests or demonstrations. The Commission  also encourages citizens to follow local authorities’ instructions. The High Commission emphasizes the value of situational awareness, especially in areas where conflicts may erupt.

Carrying correct identification is also emphasized as an important precaution. Kenyan nationals are recommended to carry appropriate identity and related papers at all times.

This approach is designed to make it easier to identify and assist those in need, particularly in police enforcement or emergency response circumstances.

Kenya High Commission in Pretoria Issues Advisory to Nationals in South Africa
Kenya High Commission in Pretoria Issues Advisory to Nationals in South Africa
Guidance on Emergencies and Reporting Incidents
Kenyan nationals are instructed to report any such occurrences to the South African Police Service. In addition, they are advised to inform the Kenya High Commission in Pretoria to enable appropriate support and coordination.

The High Commission reiterates its availability to assist Kenyan nationals. It confirms that support services remain accessible through its official communication channels.

This advisory reflects a precautionary approach in response to ongoing developments within the host country. While the notice does not specify particular locations or incidents, it maintains a general focus on vigilance and adherence to official guidance.

Commitment To Citizens Safety Abroad
The communication serves as a reminder of the role of diplomatic missions in providing guidance and support to citizens abroad.

The High Commission concludes by reaffirming its commitment to assisting Kenyan nationals in South Africa and encouraging them to remain cautious, informed, and prepared in light of the current situation.

 

Kenya Met: Rains To Persist Across The Country

The Kenya Meteorological Department has announced that rainfall is expected to continue across several parts of the country, affecting multiple regions in the coming days.

According to the latest forecast, the ongoing rains will be experienced in the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, as well as parts of the Coast, the Southeastern Lowlands, Northwestern and Northeastern Kenya.

According to the Meteorological Department, these regions should prepare for prolonged rainy weather, which may have an impact on everyday operations, transportation, and overall safety.

Heavy Rainfall Expected in Selected Areas
Within the broader rainfall outlook, the department has also warned that some areas are likely to experience heavy rainfall events. These conditions are expected in parts of the Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the Coast.

Heavy downpours may have severe effects, such as poor visibility, floods in low-lying regions, and interruptions to transportation networks. Kenya Met has emphasized the importance of increased awareness, particularly in areas that are vulnerable to weather-related dangers during heavy rainfall periods.

Kenya Met: Rains To Persist Across The Country
Kenya Met: Rains To Persist Across The Country
Safety Advisory Issued to the Public
Alongside the rainfall forecast, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a safety advisory aimed at minimizing risks associated with the ongoing weather conditions.

Members of the public are advised to avoid walking or driving through moving water. This precaution is critical in preventing accidents, as flowing water can be deeper and stronger than it appears.

Additionally, individuals are cautioned against sheltering under trees or near grilled windows during storms. These areas can pose significant during thunderstorms, especially due to lightning strikes and strong winds.

Residents in landslide-prone and low-lying areas have also been urged to exercise extra caution. These regions are particularly vulnerable during periods of heavy rainfall, with increased risks of landslides and flooding.

Continued Vigilance Encouraged
The forecast underscores the importance of preparedness and caution as rainfall continues across the highlighted regions. With the likelihood of heavy rainfall events in specific areas, adherence to safety guidelines remains essential.

The Kenya Meteorological Department continues to monitor weather patterns and provide updates as necessary, urging the public to stay informed and prioritize safety during this period of sustained rainfall.