The Ministry of Health is facing a major funding shortfall of Sh321.4 billion in the 2025/26 financial year, putting key health programmes at risk. These include universal health coverage, the supply of essential medicines, and the rollout of new health laws. Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga told the National Assembly’s Health Committee, chaired by Seme MP Dr. James Nyikal, that the ministry needs Sh426.8 billion—Sh350.6 billion for recurrent spending and Sh76.2 billion for development. However, the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) has allocated only Sh172.6 billion, while the proposed estimates have cut this even further to Sh105.4 billion. This…
Author: David Wafula
The State Departments for Housing and Urban Development and Public Works are pleading for an additional Sh4 billion to help them deliver on their mandates after facing major budget cuts in the proposed 2025/26 financial year. Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works, the respective Permanent Secretaries expressed concern over inadequate funding, saying it could paralyze key projects and operations. Housing PS Charles Hinga said that after settling mandatory expenses like utilities (Sh15 million), rent (Sh191.99 million), contracted guards and cleaners (Sh128 million), and the Nairobi Rivers Commission (Sh187 million), the department is left…
The State Department for Livestock Development has raised alarm over a Sh19.6 billion budget cut, warning that it could stall key projects and derail the sector’s progress. Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock on Wednesday morning, Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke pleaded for an increase in funding for the 2025/2026 financial year. PS Mueke told the committee, chaired by Tigania West MP Dr. John Mutunga, that the department’s current budget of Sh9.986 billion falls far short of the required Sh29.5 billion. Out of the approved amount, Sh5.07 billion has been set aside for recurrent expenditure, and Sh4.916…
Kenya has officially launched a landmark 10-year plan to save the world’s rarest tortoise—the Pancake Tortoise—whose population is rapidly declining due to illegal trade, habitat destruction, and climate change. The National Recovery and Conservation Action Plan (2025–2035) was unveiled today in Chiakariga, Tharaka-Nithi County, during World Endangered Species Day. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), conservation groups, and community leaders from nine counties where the species is found. The Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri) is unique for its flat, flexible shell that…
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has responded to the ongoing leadership crisis surrounding the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor (VC) at the University of Nairobi (UoN), calling the deadlock “regrettable” and urging all parties to resolve the matter urgently and in line with the law. This follows the surprise withdrawal of Prof. Bitange Ndemo, who had been appointed by the University Council as VC, but later declined the role. The Ministry of Education also distanced itself from the appointment process, claiming it was not consulted. In a statement issued Thursday, PSC Vice Chairperson Mary Kimonye said the Commission had…
A section of the Nairobi Expressway will be closed for three days to allow for construction and maintenance work, motorists have been advised. In a public notice issued on Thursday, the section from the James Gichuru Roundabout overpass to Njuguna’s Place along Waiyaki Way will be closed from 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 16, to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025. The notice clarified that traffic using the underpass and the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway will not be affected during the closure. “Please note that traffic on the underpass and the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway will not be affected,” the notice read. “Apologies…
The Kenya Power Foundation has committed Sh7 million to improve learning conditions in five public schools across four counties. In a statement issued on Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Foundation said the funds will be used for structural renovations and facelift projects to create a better learning environment for students. Out of the total amount, Sh4.4 million will go towards supporting one school each in Baringo, Turkana, and Machakos counties. Two schools in Nairobi County will share Sh2.5 million during the 2024/2025 financial year. Speaking during a Sh1.5 million cheque handover ceremony at Nairobi School, Logan Christ Hambrick, Chairman of…
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has officially flagged off a team of 16 university students who will represent Kenya at the 2025 Huawei ICT Global Competition in China. The students, drawn from various universities across the country, are set to compete with top ICT talent from around the world. The global competition aims to nurture young innovators, sharpen their technological skills, and prepare them for leadership roles in the digital world. Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, CS Ogamba praised the students for making it to the international stage and encouraged them to fly the Kenyan flag high. “This afternoon,…
The Nation Media Group (NMG) has appointed veteran journalist Pamela Sittoni as its new Public Editor, effective May 1, 2025. She takes over from Peter Mwaura, who retired in December 2024 after serving in the role for several years. In an official announcement, NMG said Sittoni’s appointment is part of its ongoing efforts to remain transparent and accountable to its readers, viewers, and online audiences. Her role will be to act as a bridge between the media house and the public, ensuring that NMG maintains high standards of journalism and remains open to criticism. As Public Editor, Sittoni will independently…
A section of lawmakers in the United States Senate are questioning Kenya’s loyalty to America following President William Ruto’s recent trip to China. U.S. Senator Jim Risch, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said America should exercise restraint with African nations like Kenya which maintain “troubling” ties with China. Senator Risch took an issue with Ruto’s Beijing speech, which came following his May 2024 trip to the United States where Washington designated Kenya as a major non-NATO ally. “Just last month, President Ruto declared that Kenya, a major non-NATO ally, and China are ‘co-architects of a new world order.’…
Ambassador Dennis Awori has been named the new Chancellor of the United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa). He will officially take up the role on April 10, 2025, for a five-year term. In a statement on Monday, USIU-Africa’s Board of Trustees Chair, Professor Eileen B. Wilson-Oyelaran, described Awori’s appointment as a significant moment in the university’s journey. “We are honored to have Ambassador Dennis Awori take on this esteemed role as he helps to guide the university in expanding its impact in higher education in Kenya, on the African continent, and beyond,” she said. Awori is a well-respected diplomat,…
Jonathan Ross, the iconic British television and radio presenter, boasts an impressive net worth of $35 million, a testament to his decades-long career in entertainment. Known for his unmistakable wit, flamboyant style, and influential presence on screen, Ross has carved a niche as one of the most recognizable voices and faces in British broadcasting. Jonathan Ross Net Worth $35 Million Date of irth November 17, 1960 Place of Birth Camden Town, London Nationality Brits Profession Television and Radio Presenter Early Life Born Jonathan Stephen Ross on November 17, 1960, in Camden Town, London, he grew up in a modest household…
David Dobrik, a Slovakian-born American content creator, actor, and entrepreneur, has become one of the most recognizable names in the world of internet fame. With a net worth estimated at $25 million, Dobrik has transformed viral videos into a thriving business empire that spans platforms, merchandise, partnerships, and even a brick-and-mortar pizza parlor. David Dobrik Net Worth $25 Million Date of Birth July 23, 1996 Place of Birth Košice, Slovakia Nationality American Profession Content Creator, Actor, and Entrepreneur Early Life Born on July 23, 1996, in Košice, Slovakia, David Dobrik moved to Vernon Hills, Illinois at the age of six.…
Damon Albarn is a multi-talented English singer, songwriter, and record producer whose visionary approach to music has left an indelible mark across genres and generations. With a net worth estimated at $45 million, Albarn’s fortune reflects a rich and diverse career that spans iconic rock bands, innovative virtual groups, and cross-cultural music collaborations. From fronting Blur to masterminding Gorillaz, and from crafting operas to exploring African soundscapes, Albarn’s creative empire is as eclectic as it is influential. Damon Albarn Net Worth $45 Million Date of Birth March 23, 1968 Place of Birth London National Brits Profession Singer, Singer-Songwriter, Musician, Record…
Boris Becker, once one of the brightest stars in professional tennis, has lived a life of extremes—from being a teenage Grand Slam champion to battling financial ruin. Though he once amassed a fortune during his illustrious career, his current estimated net worth stands at approximately $200,000, a stark contrast to the millions he once earned. Becker’s story is a complex narrative of success, scandal, and perseverance, and serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale. Boris Becker Net Worth $200,000 Date of Birth November 22, 1967 Place of Birth Leimen, West Germany Profession Tennis Player, Businessperson Early Life Boris…