The Kenyan Report

Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi addresses the media in Nairobi, raising concerns over alleged discrepancies in the March 2026 budget outturn and questioning the handling of Sh150.7 billion in Treasury accounts. By: Gladys Karuga Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has raised alarm over what he says are inconsistencies in the March 2026 budget outturn report, questioning the management of Sh150.7 billion reportedly held outside the Consolidated Fund. Addressing journalists at the party headquarters, Wanjigi rejected the National Treasury’s explanation that the issue stemmed from a clerical mistake in the Kenya Gazette, insisting the discrepancies suggest deeper problems in public finance reporting. He argued that the budget outturn, which should clearly reflect government revenue and expenditure, appeared distorted and misleading. “This completely undermines public trust,” he said. Wanjigi pointed to inconsistencies between Kenya Gazette notices number 5726 and 5803, which he said reflect...

Babu Owino (right) issues a bursary to a resident during a public disbursement exercise in Tassia ward.(Photo credits). By: Gladys Karuga Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino today intensified his ongoing bursary distribution drive with a major exercise in Tassia Ward, where hundreds of students and families turned up to receive financial support aimed at keeping learners in school. The event is part of a broader constituency wide programme that has been moving across different wards, targeting students from vulnerable backgrounds. Today’s Tassia rollout marked another phase of the initiative, with residents gathering in large numbers as bursary cheques were issued directly to beneficiaries. The bursary programme is being implemented on a non discriminatory basis, with all residents of Embakasi East considered eligible regardless of tribe, race, or religion an approach the legislator says is aimed at ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for every household. In his address, ...

Harrison Muiru,(left) Group Managing Director, Smart Applications International Ltd, receives the award from Gael Aliphon, Senior Manager – Life (SWAN) . By: Gladys Karuga Kenya-based health technology company Smart Applications International has secured international recognition after being named Product and Service Innovation of the Year at the 3i International Conference 2026. The accolade, awarded during the global forum organised by the Insurers Association of Mauritius, acknowledges the firm’s continued efforts in leveraging technology to reshape healthcare and insurance systems across Africa and other markets. The 3i International Conference serves as a platform for global industry players to engage on key developments influencing insurance and healthcare. This year’s forum placed emphasis on the expanding role of artificial intelligence, deeper collaboration between insurers and healthcare providers, and the shift toward integrated digital systems. The company was represented b...

  UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar (second left) addresses the media in Nairobi as the United Democratic Alliance defends the government’s handling of rising fuel prices. By: Gladys Karuga   The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has come out strongly in defence of the government’s handling of the current fuel price situation, linking rising pump costs to global disruptions while accusing opposition leaders of turning the issue into a political tool. Speaking in Nairobi, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said the Kenya Kwanza administration had implemented targeted measures to shield consumers from escalating fuel prices, dismissing assertions that local policies were to blame for the crisis. Omar stated that the government had released KSh 6.2 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund to stabilise prices. He also pointed to the reduction of Value Added Tax on petroleum products from 16 percent to 8 percent, noting that the move had helped moderate pump prices, with supe...

  Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya (centre) during a media address in Nairobi alongside FIFA officials and Kenyan leaders on plans to advance football development, infrastructure, and talent growth. By: Gladys Karuga  Kenya’s football development agenda has received a significant boost after senior FIFA officials and government leaders reaffirmed their commitment to growing the sport during high-level talks held in Nairobi alongside the 2026 FIFA International Women Series. The meeting brought together top representatives from FIFA and Kenyan authorities, highlighting the country’s increasing importance in global football circles and reinforcing ongoing efforts to strengthen the game locally. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya described the engagement as a strong signal of confidence in Kenya’s progress, noting that continued collaboration with FIFA is opening up new opportunities to nurture talent and expand the sport’s reach. FIFA’s Deputy Chief Member Associations and Regi...

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro addresses the media, calling for urgent measures to lower fuel prices and ease the rising cost of living for Kenyans. By: Gladys Karuga   Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has called for immediate action to lower fuel prices, accusing the government of failing to address the rising cost of living driven by high pump prices. Nyoro said the continued increase in fuel costs since February has placed an unbearable burden on Kenyans, urging authorities to take decisive steps to reduce prices without delay. He raised concerns over the lack of clarity in fuel pricing, warning that poor communication could disrupt the supply chain as dealers struggle to understand cost structures. The MP also criticised the current subsidy measures, noting that they remain too low despite the Fuel Stabilisation Fund holding significant resources. He called for at least Ksh 10 billion to be released in subsidies to cushion consumers. On taxation, Nyoro faulted the recent VAT ad...

Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke (left) and Felisters Gitau, CEO of Farmers Choice Limited (right), during the National Pig Value Chain stakeholder forum in Nairobi. (Photo credits) By: Gladys Karuga  Kenya is experiencing a growing gap between the demand for pork and the amount currently being produced, as more people continue to consume pork across the country. Data from Farmers Choice Limited shows that each person in Kenya consumes about 0.4 kilogrammes of pork per year. This is still below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of 0.8 kilogrammes, but demand is expected to rise steadily by 2030 due to increasing urbanisation, population growth, and changing eating habits. Speaking at a stakeholder forum on the National Pig Value Chain in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke said the pig sector has great potential to improve food security and boost farmers’ incomes. “The pig value chain presents a signific...

  Activist Francis Awino (center) addresses the media after filing Petition No. 230 of 2026, seeking the removal of two Cabinet Secretaries over the fuel importation scandal By: Gladys Karuga   A court case has been filed following an attack on activist Francis Awino, with calls to remove two Cabinet Secretaries over the ongoing fuel importation scandal. Awino, the National Convenor of the Mtetezi Grassroots Economic Justice Movement, was attacked in Nairobi shortly after holding a press briefing where he called for accountability in the alleged importation of substandard fuel. It is reported that a group of unknown individuals disrupted the briefing before following him and attacking him along Kimathi Street. He was injured and later treated in hospital before being discharged. Speaking after the incident, Awino described the attack as an attempt to intimidate people who are pushing for accountability in the fuel scandal. He said the incident has created fear among whistleblo...

Activist Francis Awino addresses the media at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi moments before he was attacked, after calling for accountability over the controversial fuel importation saga. By: Gladys Karuga  Activist Francis Awino was injured after being attacked by suspected goons shortly after addressing the media at Milimani Law Courts over a controversial fuel importation deal. Awino, who convenes the Mtetezi Grassroots Initiative, had led a press briefing calling for the suspension of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui. The group is demanding that the two step aside pending investigations into the importation of approximately 68,000 tonnes of allegedly substandard petroleum products. The briefing was initially planned for Chester House but was disrupted, forcing organizers to relocate to the Milimani Law Courts where they successfully addressed journalists. During the briefing, the activists issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the two Ca...

“ Francis Awino (left) where he addressed public participants at Jeevanjee Gardens on the need for accountability and dialogue in governance.” By: Gladys Karuga  Activist Francis Awino, who previously served as president of Bunge la Wananchi, has called for stronger accountability in public institutions and trade unions, while encouraging citizens to embrace dialogue and ideological discussions as essential elements of democracy. Speaking at a public forum held at Jevanjee Gardens, Awino described the people’s parliament as a significant civic space with influence extending beyond Kenya to other parts of Africa and the world. He explained that the forum offers an open environment where individuals can freely share views, build ideas, and contribute to shaping political conversations without interference. According to Awino, such platforms play a key role in enabling citizens to exchange ideas and take part in governance matters. He added that learning institutions can benefit from ...

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino (center) as he receives the Best Member of Parliament award at the 2026 Politrack StarLeaders Awards in Nairobi. (Photo credit s) By: Gladys Karuga   Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has been named the Best Member of Parliament in Kenya at the 2026 Politrack StarLeaders Awards, in recognition of his performance, leadership, and sustained connection with constituents. The awards ceremony, held at the Serena Hotel Nairobi, brought together a cross-section of political leaders, policymakers, and governance stakeholders to celebrate individuals demonstrating impactful leadership and public service. Babu Owino’s top honour placed him among the country’s standout legislators, reinforcing his growing influence in Kenya’s political space. Upon receiving the award, the MP dedicated the recognition to the people of Embakasi East, crediting them for their continued trust and support. “This achievement is not mine alone, it belongs to the people I serve...

Westlands parliamentary hopeful Alex Matere (left) with fellow political aspirants during the “Tuko Kadi” voter registration and civic awareness drive at the Westlands DCC offices, rallying youth to register and take part in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 General Election . By: Gladys Karuga   Westlands parliamentary hopeful Alex Matere has stepped up efforts to rally young voters through an expansive voter registration and civic awareness campaign under the “Tuko Kadi” banner, as political activity begins to build momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election. The initiative, which kicked off at the Westlands Deputy County Commissioner’s offices, attracted a significant number of youths and residents, many of whom were taken through the voter registration process and encouraged to secure their place in the country’s electoral roll. The campaign is part of a wider national push aimed at increasing youth participation in elections. Matere was accompanied by a team of politic...