Audit Warns JKF Near Insolvency, Puts 14,000 Elimu Scholarship Beneficiaries at Risk

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January 6, 2026

Audit Warns JKF Near Insolvency, Puts 14,000 Elimu Scholarship Beneficiaries at Risk

A recent audit has raised serious concerns over the financial and operational stability of the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF), warning that the state agency’s worsening position could threaten its scholarship programmes, including support for more than 14,000 learners under the World Bank-funded Elimu Scholarship Programme.

According to the Auditor General’s report, JKF is sliding toward insolvency, with accumulated losses reaching Ksh934 million as of June 2025. Although the foundation’s annual net loss reduced to Ksh167 million from Ksh303 million the previous year, Auditor General Nancy Gathungu cautioned that the improvement is insufficient to halt the erosion of JKF’s net worth or restore its ability to meet financial obligations.

The audit shows a sharply weakened working capital position, with current liabilities standing at Ksh779 million against current assets of just Ksh207 million. This leaves JKF with a negative working capital of Ksh571.6 million, a situation the Auditor General warned undermines day-to-day operations and heightens the risk of default, litigation and further financial strain.

Management attributed the downturn largely to the collapse of the foundation’s publishing business, historically its main revenue source. Policy changes that opened the textbook market to private publishers, combined with the shift to the Competency-Based Curriculum, left JKF with obsolete stock and minimal government orders.

As a result, publishing income plunged by 79 per cent, from Ksh117 million to Ksh25 million, forcing the foundation to compete almost exclusively in the limited private schools market. “Lack of any government orders meant that the public schools segment was largely locked out for Jomo Kenyatta Foundation,” JKF chairperson Rose Waruhiu noted in the annual report.

The uncertainty facing the foundation has been compounded by broader reforms in the education and parastatal sectors. A presidential task force has proposed transferring scholarship administration to a new Kenya Basic Education Bursary and Scholarship Council, a move that could strip JKF of a core function. At the same time, JKF has been listed among state agencies earmarked for dissolution under ongoing parastatal reforms, further clouding its future.

The audit also uncovered significant compliance and financial management weaknesses. JKF had Ksh99.4 million in unremitted statutory deductions, including PAYE, NSSF, NHIF and pension contributions, exposing the foundation to penalties, interest and possible legal action. Outstanding bills stood at Ksh737 million, with Ksh548 million overdue for more than a year, a backlog the Auditor General warned could trigger litigation and additional losses.

Additional control gaps were flagged, including missed quarterly stock counts that cast doubt on Ksh31 million in reported inventory, failure to meet employment requirements for persons with disabilities, instances of staff receiving net pay below legal thresholds, unexplained adjustments to payables, errors in cash flow statements, and misstatements in grant disclosures.

Taken together, the findings point to deep-seated weaknesses in governance, internal controls and financial reporting, raising urgent questions about JKF’s ability to sustain its operations and protect critical education support programmes unless decisive corrective measures are taken.

DCI Says Cyrus Jirongo’s Death Appears to Be Road Accident, No Foul Play Found

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Kibet Tobias

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January 6, 2026

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DCI Says Cyrus Jirongo’s Death Appears to Be Road Accident, No Foul Play Found

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has stated that preliminary findings into the death of former Cabinet minister and veteran politician Cyrus Jirongo indicate that the incident was a road traffic accident, with no evidence so far suggesting foul play.

In a statement issued on Monday, the DCI said Jirongo died on the night of December 13, 2025, at the Karai area along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway. Investigators were deployed immediately after the incident to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) wishes to update the public on the ongoing investigations into the tragic death of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo,” the statement read, adding that a multi-agency team was constituted to handle the case.

According to the DCI, the team comprised homicide detectives, experts from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, and forensic specialists from the National Forensic Laboratory. The investigators visited and processed the scene, secured and preserved exhibits, and documented physical evidence.

Detectives also recovered CCTV footage from an Egol petrol station near the scene, which is currently undergoing forensic review. In addition, the bus manifest and amateur videos captured at the scene were obtained and subjected to detailed analysis.

As part of the investigations, statements were recorded from several key witnesses, including Jirongo’s widow, Ann Lanoi Pertet, who was the first family member contacted after the incident. Statements were also taken from the driver and conductor of the Climax bus involved in the accident, as well as staff at the nearby petrol station.

The DCI further disclosed that senior politicians Moses Wetang’ula, Rebman Malala and Ibrahim Sambul—who had interacted with Jirongo at Karen Oasis restaurant on the evening of December 12, 2025—voluntarily recorded statements to assist investigators.

Seven passengers from the bus also presented themselves to record statements, while detectives questioned Julius Kiprotich Chelule, the driver of an alleged rescue bus with registration number KCU 573A.

“Based on the evidence gathered and analysed to date, the incident appears to be a road traffic accident, with no indications of foul play,” the DCI said.

The agency noted that once the remaining investigative processes are concluded, the file will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for further directions, including the possibility of criminal charges against the PSV driver in line with the available evidence.

The DCI extended its condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Hon. Cyrus Jirongo and urged the public and political leaders to refrain from speculation that could prejudice the investigations or cause public anxiety. It also encouraged anyone with information that could assist the probe to come forward, reiterating its commitment to impartial, thorough and expeditious investigations in accordance with the law.

Manchester United Sacks Ruben Amorim With Immediate Effect

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Kibet Tobias

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January 5, 2026

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Manchester United Sacks Ruben Amorim With Immediate Effect

Manchester United have parted ways with head coach Ruben Amorim, with the 40-year-old Portuguese manager leaving his role with immediate effect following a complete breakdown in relations at the club.

According to a report by The Athletic, Amorim’s dismissal comes after 14 months in charge, bringing an abrupt end to a tenure that had initially promised a fresh direction for the Old Trafford side.

While the club has yet to issue a detailed statement outlining the specific reasons behind the decision, sources indicate that internal disagreements and strained relationships made Amorim’s position untenable. The breakdown is understood to have involved key figures within the club’s hierarchy, ultimately leading to the decision to terminate his contract.

Amorim joined Manchester United amid high expectations, having built a strong reputation in European football for his tactical approach and man-management skills. However, despite flashes of progress, his time at the club was marked by inconsistency on the pitch and growing tensions behind the scenes.

Manchester United are expected to announce interim arrangements as they begin the search for a new permanent manager. The dismissal adds to a period of uncertainty at the club, which has been undergoing significant changes both on and off the field.

Further details on Amorim’s departure and United’s next steps are expected to emerge in the coming days.

Nine Killed in Naivasha Road Crash as Police Record 18 Fatalities Nationwide

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Kibet Tobias

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January 5, 2026

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At least nine people were killed in a tragic road accident early Monday morning after a bus collided with a matatu at the Karai area of Naivasha along the busy Nairobi–Nakuru highway.

According to police, the crash occurred at around 2 a.m. on Monday, January 5, involving a bus travelling from Nakuru to Nairobi and a 14-seater matatu heading in the opposite direction. Seven people, including two minors, died on the spot, while two others later succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment in hospital.

Several passengers sustained injuries and were rushed to Naivasha District Hospital, where some remain admitted. Police said investigations have been launched to establish the exact cause of the accident.

The Karai section of the highway has previously been identified by authorities as a high-risk accident zone, with multiple safety campaigns conducted to warn motorists to exercise caution.

Police further revealed that the Karai crash contributed to a total of 18 fatalities recorded in road accidents between Sunday and Monday morning. The victims included passengers, pedestrians, drivers, a motorcycle rider and a pedal cyclist.

During the same period, at least 59 other people were injured in separate road crashes across the country. Those injured included passengers, riders, drivers, pillion passengers and a pedestrian, all of whom were taken to various hospitals for treatment.

The latest tragedy comes just days after six people were killed in another accident along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway at the Kikopey area in Gilgil, where a trailer collided with a matatu. In a separate incident reported on Friday, January 2, six passengers lost their lives along Mombasa Road at Katumani near Konza City after a bus rammed into a matatu, leaving seven others critically injured.

Authorities have once again urged motorists to observe traffic rules and exercise caution on the roads, warning that road accidents remain a major public safety concern despite ongoing awareness campaigns by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Police said investigations into the recent accidents are ongoing.

Nyandarua Family Appeals for Help After Son Is Abducted by Al Shabaab

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admin 2025

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December 29, 2025

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Nyandarua Family Appeals for Help After Son Is Abducted by Al Shabaab

A family in Kiandege village, Nyandarua County, is appealing for assistance after their son, who was allegedly abducted by the Al Shabaab militant group in Somalia, resurfaced in a viral video two years after his disappearance.

Ambrose Kimiti, a native of Leshau Pondo Ward, appeared in the video last week, pleading with the Kenyan government to intervene and secure his release.

Kimiti was employed by Iqarus, a British-based security and medical support company, and was contracted by the United Nations to work in Somalia.

According to his family, Kimiti went missing on January 10, 2024, while on a UN-related mission involving medical evaluation and rescue support in the Galgaduud region of central Somalia, an area known for Al Shabaab activity.

Reports indicate that the helicopter he was travelling in suffered mechanical failure and was forced to crash-land. Shortly after the incident, Kimiti and other crew members and passengers were allegedly taken hostage by the militant group.

His brother, Martin Mwangi, said the family had unsuccessfully sought help from various government offices since his disappearance.

“We did not know where our brother had been for the last two years until recently, when the video resurfaced. We urge the government to help rescue him,” Mwangi said.

He also called on the United Nations to take action, noting that Kimiti was working under a UN contract at the time of the incident.

“They are the employers, yet we have not seen any response from them. We also call upon Kenyans to pray for this rescue,” Mwangi added.

The family says they remain hopeful that renewed public attention will prompt swift intervention to secure Kimiti’s safe return.

UDA to Form Alliance with ODM Ahead of 2027 General Election, Ruto says

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Kibet Tobias

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December 29, 2025

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UDA to Form Alliance with ODM Ahead of 2027 General Election, Ruto says

President William Ruto has hinted at the formation of a political alliance with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party as part of efforts to secure his re-election in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking on Friday at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay Town, where he presided over the Genowa Governor’s Cup—an annual sports tournament organised by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga—President Ruto said discussions were already underway to establish a new political alliance that would form the next government.

The President urged ODM leaders to strengthen their party to enable it to become a formidable political force, even as he reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and the wider Kenya Kwanza coalition.

“I tell members of ODM to be ready. On our side as UDA and Kenya Kwanza, we are also ready. Let us strategise and join hands in forming a government that will make Kenya a first-world country,” Ruto said.

Ruto also took aim at his political opponents, urging them to abandon campaigns rooted in hostility and instead focus on development-oriented agendas that address the needs of ordinary Kenyans.

“I tell my opponents to tell Kenyans their agenda. Let them stop campaigning based on abstract issues which cannot add value in the lives of Kenyans,” he said.

He added that voters would not be swayed by superficial considerations, arguing that leadership should be judged on tangible development outcomes rather than appearances or rhetoric.

“Some of those who are vying for the presidency have worked in government for 40 years yet they have done nothing for Kenyans. We don’t want unnecessary side shows in the name of campaigns,” Ruto noted.

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna were among ODM leaders present, alongside ODM veteran Oburu Odinga, who assured the President of the party’s commitment to cooperation within the broad-based government framework.

“As ODM, we will work in the broad-based government until 2027 to support President Ruto,” Oburu said.

Governor Gladys Wanga, however, used the occasion to criticise former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of attempting to destabilise the ODM party.

“I tell our former President to stop sending machinery to destroy ODM. We collaborated with him in the handshake government, but he never gave us the development projects the current government is delivering in our region,” Wanga said.

The remarks underscore the shifting political dynamics ahead of the 2027 polls, with signals of possible realignments that could reshape Kenya’s political landscape.

High Court Ruling Against Julius Mwale Fuels Fresh Debate Amid Havi–Judiciary Standoff

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Kibet Tobias

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December 29, 2025

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High Court Ruling Against Julius Mwale Fuels Fresh Debate Amid Havi–Judiciary Standoff

A controversial High Court decision involving US-based tycoon Julius Mwale has drawn renewed attention to the escalating public dispute between the Judiciary and former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi.

In a ruling delivered on February 27, 2025, Justice Freda Mugambi held Mwale personally liable for a Sh17 million debt arising from a commercial dispute, despite the suit having been filed against his company, Tumaz and Tumaz Limited.

The plaintiff, Sifatronix Limited, had sued Tumaz for alleged breach of contract relating to the supply of murram in 2017.

Sifatronix, a company reportedly owned by an employee of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), claimed it supplied murram worth Sh17 million to Tumaz and was never paid. However, during the proceedings, Sifatronix did not produce a written contract between itself and Tumaz.

Tumaz disputed the claim, arguing that Sifatronix was a subcontractor to Epic Agencies, a firm owned by the late Dr. Fitzgerald Oketch. Dr. Oketch swore an affidavit and testified that Epic Agencies—not Sifatronix—had a direct contract with Tumaz, and that Sifatronix had no contractual relationship with Tumaz. His evidence supported an affidavit filed by Mwale.

Despite these submissions, the court ruled that both Tumaz and Mwale were liable to pay Sifatronix Sh17 million plus interest.

Tumaz subsequently lodged an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Nairobi, where the matter is awaiting hearing. As the appeal process commenced, Mwale’s legal team sought a stay of execution of the High Court orders.

Dr. Oketch died unexpectedly in October 2025, shortly before the stay application was argued. Senior Counsel Nelson Havi appeared for Mwale before Justice Alnashir Visram, who referred the application back to Justice Mugambi on December 16, 2025.

No stay was granted on that date, and the court set the matter for hearing on February 18, 2026.

On December 18, 2025, Mwale’s lawyers filed a certificate of urgency seeking a stay and offered to provide a financial guarantee pending the appeal. The following day, Justice Mugambi granted a conditional stay, giving the defendants 30 days from December 19 to deposit the guarantee.

The case took another turn when, two days later, the judge issued revised orders altering the compliance timeline. The new directions required compliance by Christmas Day, rather than within 30 days. These revised orders were issued ex parte—without the presence of the defendants’ lawyers—and just hours before Christmas, a move that has since attracted criticism.

Mwale’s appeal challenges the High Court decision on points of law, including the principle that directors of limited liability companies are generally not personally liable for company debts. Several legal commentators have suggested the appeal raises substantial legal questions and that the High Court ruling may be overturned, in whole or in part.

The dispute has unfolded against the backdrop of Senior Counsel Havi’s public campaign alleging corruption within the Judiciary. Havi has repeatedly claimed that some judges accept bribes to influence decisions—allegations the Judiciary has denied. In October 2025, Havi said he had been sanctioned by Justice Mugambi for his outspoken criticism.

Havi has previously represented Tumaz in other high-profile litigation, including a 2022 dispute with the County Government of Kakamega over the Mumias Sugar lease. In that case, Tumaz emerged as the top bidder with a Sh27 billion offer. The county government, then led by Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, sought to block the award through the courts. In October 2025, the High Court in Kakamega dismissed the county’s case and awarded costs to Tumaz, which were later assessed at Sh700 million.

As the Nairobi matter proceeds to the Court of Appeal, questions continue to be raised about the basis of the High Court’s decision—particularly the award in favor of a claimant who produced no contract, the piercing of the corporate veil to impose personal liability on a director, and the issuance of conflicting and last-minute ex parte orders.

Whether these developments are connected in any way to the broader public confrontation between Mwale’s legal team and the Judiciary remains a matter of debate.

A representative for Mwale declined to comment, citing the ongoing court proceedings.

African Union Rejects Recognition of Somaliland, Reaffirms Somalia’s Territorial Integrity

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Kibet Tobias

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December 27, 2025

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African Union Rejects Recognition of Somaliland, Reaffirms Somalia’s Territorial Integrity

The African Union (AU) has reiterated its firm opposition to any move to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, maintaining that the region remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

In a statement issued on Friday, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the continental body was deeply concerned by recent developments and renewed debate over Somaliland’s status. He stressed that the AU’s position is rooted in its founding legal framework and longstanding principles.

Youssouf reaffirmed that the African Union remains guided by the Constitutive Act, particularly the principle of respect for the inviolability of borders inherited at independence, as established by the 1964 decision of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

“The Chairperson of the Commission unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union,” the statement read, adding that the AU “firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity.”

He emphasised that Somaliland continues to be an integral part of Somalia and warned that any attempt to alter Somalia’s internationally recognised borders would undermine the continent’s stability.

“Any effort to undermine the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent,” Youssouf said.

The Commission further reiterated its unwavering commitment to Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while expressing full support for the Somali government’s efforts to strengthen state institutions, consolidate peace and promote inclusive governance.

The AU’s position is consistent with decades of continental policy that has opposed the redrawing of Africa’s colonial-era borders, a stance aimed at preventing conflicts and secessionist crises across the continent.

The statement comes on the same day Israel announced that it had become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent nation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government plans to immediately expand cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health and technology.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described Israel’s decision as a “historic moment,” adding that the region would join the Abraham Accords as part of efforts to promote regional and global peace. He said Somaliland is committed to building partnerships, enhancing shared prosperity and fostering stability across the Middle East and Africa.

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from regional and international actors. The foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s decision and affirming their “total rejection” of the announcement.

Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre also weighed in, saying the country “categorically and unequivocally” rejected what he described as a deliberate violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.

Court Suspends Affordable Housing Construction at Watamu Park Over Environmental Concerns

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Kibet Tobias

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December 27, 2025

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Court Suspends Affordable Housing Construction at Watamu Park Over Environmental Concerns

The Environment and Land Court in Kilifi has suspended the construction of affordable housing projects at Watamu Park in Malindi following a petition raising environmental and community concerns.

In a ruling dated December 24, 2025, Justice Mwangi Njoroge of the Malindi Law Courts issued conservatory orders halting all activities at the park for 14 days, pending an inter-partes hearing scheduled for January 7, 2026.

“In the interim and having regard to the provisions of Article 70(1), (2) and (3) and the requirement of the precautionary principle under Section 3(5)(f) of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act CAP 387, it is hereby ordered that the status quo of Plot No. 70 Watamu as at the date of this order shall be respected and observed by all the parties for a period of 14 days from today,” Justice Njoroge ruled.

Petition Cites Lack of Public Participation

The petition was filed by environmental activist Halima Mohamed, who argued that there was no meaningful public participation in the planned destruction of Watamu Public Park to pave the way for the government’s affordable housing project.

She told the court that the park is the only remaining public green space in Watamu and its destruction would have far-reaching environmental and social consequences. The petition further alleged violations of constitutional provisions on environmental protection, public disclosure and community participation.

The case names the Attorney General, the Ministry of Lands and Housing, the Affordable Housing Board, the County Government of Kilifi and the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) as respondents.

Residents and Investors Raise Alarm

Residents of Watamu held peaceful protests on Tuesday, December 20, expressing concern over the proposed construction. Local investors and tourism stakeholders warned that the park plays a critical role as a tourist attraction and its loss would damage the town’s image and environmental sustainability.

They argued that the park provides vital green space and serves as a common meeting point for residents, largely due to the presence of mature neem trees. The park is also the first point of contact for many tourists visiting the area.

Residents warned that cutting down the trees and replacing the park with housing units would erode Watamu’s reputation as a tourist destination and negatively impact the local economy.

“We are not opposing the construction of affordable housing projects in Malindi. What we are asking is, please do not destroy this park. Look for an alternative,” one resident said.

While acknowledging that affordable housing is necessary to help eradicate informal settlements in the region, residents urged the government to identify alternative land for the project.

Part of a Broader Legal Trend

The ruling comes just days after a three-judge bench of the Environment and Land Court in Nairobi halted the construction of 15,000 housing units under the Southlands affordable housing project in Lang’ata constituency. That case followed a petition by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who argued that the land was reserved for road and railway corridors.

A series of court cases challenging affordable housing developments has increasingly stalled the Kenya Kwanza government’s housing agenda, creating political and operational setbacks as it seeks to deliver on its promise to eradicate slums and expand access to decent housing.

The court is expected to issue further directions after hearing all parties in the Watamu Park case early next year.

Erectile Dysfunction Outbreak! Ministry of Health Warns Against Illegal Sale of Sildenafil

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Kibet Tobias

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December 27, 2025

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Erectile Dysfunction Outbreak! Ministry of Health Warns Against Illegal Sale of Sildenafil

The Ministry of Health has issued a strong warning to pharmacies, distributors and individuals over the illegal sale of prescription-only medicines, announcing tougher enforcement measures and sanctions for those who violate the law.

In a statement, the ministry reiterated that selling or dispensing prescription medicines without a valid doctor’s prescription is illegal and will attract serious consequences. These include the seizure of products, suspension or revocation of operating licences, and possible disciplinary or criminal proceedings against offenders.

At the centre of the latest enforcement drive is sildenafil, a prescription medicine commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. The drug works by improving blood flow and is also prescribed for certain heart and lung conditions under strict medical supervision.

Health authorities warn that misuse of sildenafil can lead to dangerous side effects, particularly among people with underlying heart conditions or those taking specific medications, which is why it is restricted to prescription-only use.

To strengthen oversight, the ministry has rolled out new supply chain monitoring systems aimed at tracking medicines from manufacturers to pharmacy shelves. From January 1, 2026, batch and lot number declarations will be mandatory for all imported, exported and locally manufactured health products, a move intended to curb illegal distribution and improve accountability.

In addition, the ministry has finalised a Track and Authentication Standard for health products. Once formally adopted, the system is expected to enhance traceability across the pharmaceutical supply chain and make it easier to detect and prevent the sale of unregulated or illegally sourced medicines.

Enforcement efforts on the ground have also intensified. The ministry is conducting targeted, risk-based inspections of wholesalers, distributors and retail pharmacies, including detailed checks on prescription records. In Nairobi, all licensed wholesalers are currently undergoing 100 per cent inspections ahead of the 2026 licensing cycle.

Practitioners found to be in breach of regulations are routinely referred to the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, which has already handled more than ten cases. With new board members appointed in November, the committee is expected to be fully operational from January 2026, enabling faster resolution of pending cases.

Beyond inspections and sanctions, the ministry says it is investing in public awareness and professional training. Thousands of healthcare workers have already undergone compliance-focused training, while ongoing public education campaigns continue to warn Kenyans about the risks of using prescription medicines without proper medical advice.

The Ministry of Health says the crackdown is aimed at protecting public safety and ensuring that medicines such as sildenafil are used responsibly, under proper clinical guidance.