Machakos University Vice Chancellor Prof. Joyce Agalo has been slapped with a fine of Ksh500,000 by the Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance for submitting late responses to audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor General. The fine is to be paid from her personal funds and handed to the Clerk of the National Assembly at the committee’s next scheduled meeting. Led by Chairperson Jack Wanami Wamboka, the committee on Thursday visited the university and inspected an incomplete tuition and office block whose construction began in July 2017. The project, initially contracted for Sh9.9 million with a…
Author: David Wafula
The National Assembly’s Committee on Transport and Infrastructure has kicked off public hearings and stakeholder engagements on the proposed Public Transport (Motorcycle Regulation) Bill, 2023, which seeks to regulate the boda boda sector across the country. Chaired by Ndia MP George Kariuki, the Committee listened to presentations from various interest groups, including the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAK) and the Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association. While the Bill aims to improve safety and streamline operations in the sector, it has faced sharp criticism from riders and their representatives. During the session, the associations dismissed the Bill as…
The National Assembly’s Committee on Delegated Legislation has reviewed new regulations designed to protect Kenyan mobile users and ensure accountability among telecommunications service providers. The committee, led by Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkonga, met today to assess the Kenya Information and Communications Regulations (Registration of Telecommunications Service Subscribers), 2025. Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke appeared before the committee on behalf of Cabinet Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy William Kabogo. He was accompanied by Communications Authority Director General David Mugonyi and other senior officials from the ministry and the regulator. PS Isaboke said the new rules aim to…
The National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture has called on organizers of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to strengthen crowd control plans ahead of the month-long football tournament. Committee Chairperson Dan Wanyama urged the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to open stadium gates early to avoid chaos and ensure smooth entry for fans. Speaking during a meeting with the LOC, Wanyama said delays could lead to unrest, especially given the passion of local supporters. “You are aware that Kenyan fans can be quite impatient. Any delay in opening the gates could easily lead to unrest,” he said. “For a…
The Senate Health Committee has given Kenyatta University and the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) until September 2025 to resolve a long-running dispute that has blocked medical students from training at the facility. The committee, which met on Thursday at Bunge Tower, addressed the impasse that has left many students struggling to find alternative placements in hospitals across Kiambu and Thika. KUTRRH Board Chairperson Senator Kembi Gitura admitted the situation was unfortunate, even though the hospital operates independently under existing laws. “I was appointed chair of a board guided by legal instruments,” Gitura said. “But I fully…
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has urged the Senate to launch urgent investigations into two recent murders at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and the rising cost of university hostel accommodation that is pushing students into unsafe living conditions. Speaking during a Senate session on Thursday, Sifuna raised alarm over the safety of patients at KNH following two separate killings that occurred within the same hospital ward in February and July 2025. “The fact that two patients were murdered in the same ward, months apart, raises disturbing questions about the safety of our hospitals,” said Sifuna. “We may be dealing with a…
The Senate Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee has rejected a proposal that sought to abolish the 28-day timeline within which Parliament is required to vet nominees for public appointments. The proposal was contained in the Public Appointments (Parliamentary Approval) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Senator Okong’o Omogeni. It aimed to remove timelines for vetting, the automatic approval clause after time lapse, and the National Assembly’s power to extend the vetting period. Chaired by Vice-Chair Senator Veronica Maina, the committee held a heated session in which several members opposed the move, saying it could open the door for unvetted…
A new report by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has revealed that 65 people lost their lives, while 513 others were injured during protests held in June and July 2025 across the country. According to the IPOA Monitoring Report on Police Response to Public Protests, only five of the 65 deaths were officially reported to the Authority by the National Police Service (NPS), raising concerns about accountability. “The failure to notify IPOA of deaths undermines independent oversight, violates legal reporting obligations, and signals a worrying culture of non-compliance. Out of the 65 documented fatalities, the Authority has attended 61…
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has released the final 25-man squad set to represent Kenya at the 8th edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will be held from August 2 to 30 in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. This marks Kenya’s debut appearance in the tournament, and McCarthy has assembled a mix of seasoned players and young talent with hopes of making a strong impression on the continental stage. Goalkeepers Faruk Shikhalo, Sebastian Wekesa, and Byrne Omondi have been selected to guard the posts. In defence, team captain Aboud Omar will lead a solid backline that includes…
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has reopened its application portal for 28 medical courses at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) for the September 2025 intake. In a notice released on Wednesday, July 23, KMTC announced that these courses were still available after the initial application period closed on July 7. The institution is now calling on interested students to apply before the new deadline, which is in six days. “Attention future health heroes, the KUCCPS Portal is now open for KMTC Course Applications! Your journey to becoming a healthcare professional starts here,” the notice read.…
The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, has assured the National Assembly that the government is making progress in clearing pending bills to facilitate the completion of stalled road projects across the country. Speaking during a House session on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Chirchir revealed that many contractors had downed their tools due to delayed payments, causing significant disruptions in ongoing road works. “Contractors halted work because of liquidity challenges caused by pending bills,” said the CS, while addressing questions from Members of Parliament on incomplete roads in their constituencies. He told the House that 40% of the…
More than 1.1 million hectares of land across 22 counties have been invaded by the fast-spreading Prosopis juliflora tree, commonly known as Mathenge, Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa has told the Senate. Appearing before the Senate plenary, Dr. Barasa said the worst-hit counties are Turkana and Marsabit. She linked the aggressive spread of Mathenge to earlier mistakes in classifying it during afforestation efforts and said its growth was worsened by the 1997–1998 El Niño rains. “The Ministry has developed a National Prosopis Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035) to guide the weed’s eradication and promote its controlled use,” she said.…
Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian has voiced concern over the poor state of medical equipment at Baragoi Sub-County Hospital in Samburu County, warning that the situation is compromising healthcare delivery for thousands of residents. Speaking in the Senate, Senator Hezena requested a statement from the Senate Committee on Health to address what she described as a critical issue facing the hospital, which serves remote and underserved communities in northern Samburu. “Mr. Speaker, Sir, Baragoi Sub-County Hospital serves a vast population in northern Samburu County, including remote and underserved communities. The hospital continues to face major challenges in delivering essential health services…
Laikipia University Vice Chancellor Joseph Kibet Rotich has been fined Sh500,000 for failing to respond to audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor General. The fine was issued by the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education during a series of sessions held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The Committee, chaired by Bumula MP Wanami Wamboka, has expressed growing concern over universities and colleges using delayed funding from the National Treasury as an excuse for poor accountability. While some institutions like Tharaka University satisfactorily addressed their audit queries, Laikipia University was faulted for failing to provide…
Laikipia Senator John Kinyua has demanded answers over the deaths of two young Kenyans during the July 7 Saba Saba protests in Nanyuki, Laikipia County. Speaking in the Senate on Tuesday, July 23, Senator Kinyua raised concerns about the death of Ms Julia Njoki, 24, who died while in custody, and Mr Thomas Gachwara, a Form Three student, who was fatally shot during the demonstrations. According to Kinyua, Ms Njoki was arrested during the protests and appeared in court on July 8, where she was granted a cash bail of Sh50,000. Unable to raise the amount, she was remanded at…