Farmers across the Nyanza region have been urged to stay alert against counterfeit agricultural inputs, as stakeholders intensify efforts to tackle the widespread problem of fake farm products in Kenya. The awareness initiative, held in Kisii and spearheaded by Bayer East Africa in partnership with Dekalb Seed Company, aims to protect farmers from significant losses linked to substandard inputs. Counterfeit agricultural products—including fake seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides—continue to pose serious long-term risks to the sector. Experts warn that repeated use of poor-quality seeds can result in declining crop quality and weakened genetic integrity, leaving crops more vulnerable to pests, diseases,…
Author: Magati Obebo
Preparations are complete for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections set to begin Thursday across Kisii County, with party officials expressing confidence in a smooth and secure exercise. Regional Party Administrator Caleb Ondieki confirmed that all logistical and security arrangements have been finalized. He said the party has received firm assurances from security agencies, coordinated through the County Commissioner, that the process will proceed without disruption. “Our members should feel safe to come out and participate. Adequate security has been guaranteed,” said Ondieki. Speaking at Itierio Girls Boarding School during an inspection tour, Ondieki—who will also serve as the…
A Member of County Assembly (MCA) from Kisii County has raised alarm over alleged death threats, claiming his life is in danger. Bouse Mairura, a ward representative in Kisii, says he has been receiving a series of disturbing phone calls and text messages from unknown individuals targeting him over his political stance. Mairura, who is affiliated with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), is known for his outspoken criticism of a senior local politician said to be spearheading President William Ruto’s two-term political push in the region. Speaking on Saturday, the MCA revealed that the threats have been sent from…
Kisii gubernatorial aspirant Dr. Ezekiel Machogu Ombaki has criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of recycling promises instead of delivering tangible development during his recent four-day tour of the Gusii region. In a statement issued Thursday, the former Education Cabinet Secretary said many of the President’s pledges on infrastructure, markets, and water projects amounted to “rhetoric,” noting they mirror commitments made during previous visits that remain largely unfulfilled. Machogu cited stalled progress at Suneka Airstrip as a key example, alleging that contractors often appear briefly during high-profile presidential visits before abandoning the site. He also questioned the lack of progress…
President William Ruto concluded his four-day extensive development tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties on Wednesday, expressing the government’s commitment to delivering on the promises it made to the people. The President said the government’s focus will not be derailed by the opposition’s tribal, divisive, and abusive politics. He asked the opposition to present their agenda to Kenyans, saying the electorate will make a decision based on each leader’s track record. “Stop hurling insults. Stop the politics of tribalism and hatred,” he said. “Do not waste your time telling Kenyans about William Ruto and other leaders. Kenyans know us, and…
The government has reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel products from the rate of 16 per cent to 8 per cent to cushion Kenyans from high fuel prices, President William Ruto has announced. The President said the directive will be implemented for the next three months. Other measures taken by the government, he said, include the release of Sh6.2 billion to further moderate prices and keeping the prices of kerosene unchanged. He gave an undertaking that the government will continue monitoring the conflict in the Middle East – between the United States and Israel on the one hand, and…
President William Ruto assured Kenyans that the country has sufficient fuel stocks, even as transport operators across the country implement sharp fare increases following a rise in pump prices. Speaking in South Mugirango on Wednesday, Ruto announced a Sh6.5 billion subsidy aimed at cushioning consumers from escalating global fuel costs. “The subsidy will ensure that prices remain manageable and that Kenyans do not bear the full weight of global increases,” he said. The President also revealed that the government has reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products in a bid to ease pressure on households and businesses already grappling…
The United Democratic Alliance and Orange Democratic Movement will continue to work together to deliver transformation across the country, President William Ruto has said. The President said the Broad-Based Government is the driving force behind accelerated development in the country. “We will continue uniting the country and preaching peace under the broad-based arrangement,” he said. President Ruto made the remarks nn the second day of his development tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties on Monday. On the opposition, the President accused the leaders of threatening to plunge the country into chaos should they lose the next election. “We cannot allow…
Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba has sought to recast William Ruto’s upcoming tour of the Gusii region as a development-focused mission, downplaying suggestions of political mobilisation at a time of heightened national activity. Speaking on Saturday, Ogamba said the President’s multi-day visit will prioritise inspection of flagship government projects and the rollout of new initiatives targeting infrastructure, education and healthcare—sectors the administration has consistently cited as central to its economic agenda. “This visit is about delivering on the government’s development agenda. The President will engage wananchi and assess progress on key projects,” Ogamba said, signalling a deliberate attempt to frame…
The war of words between Kisii Governor Simba Arati and gubernatorial hopeful Ezekiel Machogu intensified on Thursday, as the two leaders traded fresh accusations amid rising succession politics in the county. Arati, who toured Bomachoge Chache as part of a renewed grassroots charm offensive, accused the former Education Cabinet Secretary of presiding over inefficiency and graft during his previous public service roles—claims he did not substantiate. For the past two days, the governor has used bursary distribution events to rally support for his re-election bid while simultaneously taking aim at Machogu, widely seen as a potential challenger in the upcoming…
Kisii gubernatorial hopeful Ezekiel Machogu has fired back at Governor Simba Arati, dismissing recent attacks on his age and accusing the county boss of presiding over leadership failures. In a statement issued Thursday, the former Education Cabinet Secretary criticized Arati for diverting attention from key governance issues to what he termed as trivial and disrespectful political rhetoric. “Leadership is not about age; it is about service delivery and accountability,” Machogu said, insisting that the focus should remain on tangible development outcomes. Machogu was responding to remarks by Arati, who had warned him to brace for a tough contest in the…
Kisii Governor Simba Arati has warned rivals eyeing his seat in the 2027 General Election to prepare for a fierce political contest, declaring that unseating him will not be easy. Speaking on Wednesday in Nyamarambe, Arati said his development track record has already won over residents and would propel him to an even more decisive victory in his re-election bid. In a direct jab at former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, the governor said his rival’s political relevance had waned, urging him to consider stepping aside for younger leaders. “There comes a time when one must step aside and allow…
A political storm is brewing in Kisii County after former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of stalling key development projects just days before his anticipated visit to the region. Speaking on Tuesday during the Youth Bunge Sacco annual delegates’ conference at Karmel Park in Kisii, Machogu—now a gubernatorial hopeful—criticized the President for what he termed as a pattern of launching projects with fanfare only for them to be abandoned midway. “His visits are largely inconsequential if projects he launches with pomp and fanfare everywhere are abandoned halfway,” said Machogu. “Sound…
The political contest for the Nyaribari Chache parliamentary seat in Kisii County is gaining momentum following the entry of former university lecturer Dr Birundu Mogendi. Dr Mogendi joins a widening field of aspirants that includes former area MP Richard Tongi and Okongo Nyambane, all seeking to unseat incumbent Zaheer Jhanda of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The three hopefuls have launched parallel campaigns across the constituency, each positioning themselves as the best alternative ahead of the next general election. Dr Mogendi, a lecturer-turned-consultant, has anchored his campaign on grassroots mobilisation. Addressing residents on Sunday, he urged voters—particularly the youth—to register…
Political campaigns in Kisii County gained momentum Friday, with several aspirants sharply criticizing Governor Simba Arati while outlining their own development agenda and rallying support for Dr. Fred Matiang’i’s presidential bid. Gubernatorial aspirant Ezekiel Machogu said Arati’s administration has done little to show off despite receiving an estimated Sh60 billion in allocations during his time in office. He accused the governor of rhetoric rather than delivering tangible development. “You cannot preside over billions of shillings and still ask citizens to be patient. Development must be seen and felt. Roads, hospitals, and jobs are not promises—they are rights,” Machogu said. The…