Bahatinews

The State Department for Basic Education has moved to clear the air after a misleading post claiming that the reopening of schools had been postponed started circulating on social media platforms.

In a statement, the department dismissed the information as fake and urged parents, guardians, learners, teachers, and members of the public to ignore the false communication. 

 

Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo has strongly criticised the police over the disruption of a church service in Nyeri County, describing the incident as a dangerous attack that may have been intended to harm opposition leaders.

Speaking during a television interview on Monday, February 16, 2026, the senator claimed that the events at ACK Witima Church in Othaya on January 25 were not accidental but deliberate. 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned countries, including Kenya, against relying heavily on fuel subsidies and tax cuts to manage rising energy prices. 

 

President William Ruto has pledged government support to help Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) settle a debt of up to KSh2 billion, following a consultative meeting with leaders of the Methodist Church at State House, Nairobi.

In a statement shared on Friday, February 20, 2026, the Head of State said the government recognises the important role faith-based institutions play in national development. 

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo has raised concern over legal weaknesses observed during recent by-elections, warning that the country must address the gaps early to avoid bigger disputes ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking after a consultative meeting with the newly appointed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners on February 16, 2026, Odhiambo said the engagement marked the beginning of closer cooperation aimed at strengthening Kenya’s electoral system.

In a message shared on her social media platform, she explained that the visit was meant to explore how the legal body could support the commission in preparing for future elections. 

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has found himself at the center of a heated national conversation after comments he made during a recent public address were interpreted by many as hinting at a possible electoral loss for President William Ruto in 2027.

In a video that has since circulated widely on social media platforms such as TikTok and X, Mbadi is seen speaking confidently from a podium, notes in hand, as he reflects on his personal life beyond public office. 

According to available sources of news, Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a major announcement following President William Ruto’s visit to Kisumu.

The President was in the lakeside city today Monday to officially launch the NYOTA Start-up Capital disbursement, a project aimed at fueling youth-led enterprises across the Nyanza region.

While the national government provided the initial spark, Governor Orengo has stepped in to ensure that spark becomes a steady flame for the youth of Siaya.

Earlier in the day, President Ruto presided over the rollout of funds at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium, where over 1,700 youths from Siaya County were among the primary beneficiaries.

Under the NYOTA (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement) program, a World Bank-financed initiative, each beneficiary is set to receive a total of Sh50,000 in start-up capital.

The first tranche of Sh25,000 was released during the event, with the funds deposited directly into digital wallets and NSSF savings accounts to encourage a culture of financial discipline among the young business owners.

Recognizing that capital is only one part of the success equation, Governor Orengo took to social media shortly after the event to unveil his administration's supportive top-up.

To further easy way for the beneficiaries and lower the barrier to entry, the County Government of Siaya will waive business permit fees and other related charges for these new enterprises.

"Following this important intervention, the County Government of Siaya will waive business permit fees and other charges to incentives the beneficiaries," the Governor has stated.

This strategic move is designed to ensure that the grants provided by the national government are used strictly for business growth rather than being eaten up by administrative costs.

By removing these local levies, Siaya is positioning itself as a nurturing ground for the next generation of Nyanza's business leaders.

The government has issued a strong warning to school principals who are delaying the admission of Grade 10 learners, saying those who block full transition risk disciplinary action, including dismissal.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said all school heads must admit learners regardless of whether they have paid school fees or have the correct uniform. 

President William Ruto has nominated Mama Ida Odinga for a senior diplomatic position at the United Nations, marking a major political and diplomatic development in Kenya.

In a statement released on Friday, January 23, 2026, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei announced that Ida Betty Odinga has been nominated as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Kenya hosts UNEP headquarters in Nairobi.

According to the statement, the President’s decision was based on Mama Ida’s long record of public service, leadership, and advocacy for social justice. 

Former legislator and senior lawyer Paul Muite has raised concerns over the government’s decision to sell a majority stake in the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), warning that the move could weaken public oversight and open doors to misuse of public funds.

The government on Monday announced plans to offer 65 per cent of KPC shares to the public at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), marking one of the largest public listings in Kenya’s history. 

Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui has appointed former Subukia Member of Parliament Nelson Ributhi Gaichuhie as the new chairperson of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) Board. The appointment takes effect from January 16, 2026, and will run for a three-year term.

The appointment was confirmed through a gazette notice issued by the Cabinet Secretary, who said the decision was made in line with provisions of the Anti-Counterfeit Act. Gaichuhie will serve both as a board member and the chairperson of the authority.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by the Anti-Counterfeit Act, the Cabinet Secretary appoints Nelson Ributhi Gaichuhie as a Member and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority for a period of three years,” the notice stated.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority welcomed the appointment, congratulating Gaichuhie and expressing confidence in his leadership as he assumes office at a time when the fight against counterfeit goods remains a major concern for the country.

Gaichuhie replaces Josephat Gichunge Mwirabua Kabeabea, whose appointment was revoked in November 2025 following a corruption scandal. 

Governors from four western Kenya counties have expressed support for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to begin structured negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), signaling a possible coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking in Kakamega on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa led his colleagues in endorsing the move, citing the need for political stability and continued development across the country.

Barasa was joined by Vihiga Governor Wilbur Otichillo, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma.

“We support the decision of the Central Executive Committee. Our goal is to unify our people so that in 2027, we can have all leaders—from Members of County Assemblies to the President—elected under the ODM-UDA coalition,” Barasa said.

Otuoma added, “We remain part of a broad-based government led by President William Ruto, and ensuring this remains our priority.”

Governor Lusaka, who has been advocating for unity among the Mulembe community, stressed the importance of working together to support Ruto’s re-election bid. 

President William Ruto has defended his government’s handling of education funding amid growing concerns from parents, teachers, and school heads over delayed capitation.

Speaking on Thursday during a public event in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, the president said the government had already released a significant amount of money to schools ahead of the new academic year. 

According to Ruto, KSh44 billion was sent to learning institutions before schools reopened earlier this week.

He explained that the amount represents half of the total capitation allocation for the year and was shared among primary, junior secondary, and senior secondary schools. The move, he said, was meant to ensure schools begin the term smoothly without disrupting learning.

Ruto noted that his administration had made deliberate efforts to prioritise education despite budget pressure facing the country. 

He pointed out that previous governments often delayed school funding, making it difficult for headteachers to manage operations during the opening weeks of term.

“We have shown commitment by releasing funds before learners returned to school,” the president said, adding that the remaining balance would be paid within the next two terms.

On senior secondary education, Ruto assured parents that the full capitation of about KSh22,000 per learner per year would be released on time. 

He said the government was determined to avoid interruptions that could affect learning, examinations, or school programmes.

The president also highlighted additional investments in the sector, including the recruitment of more teachers and the construction of learning facilities such as laboratories and classrooms. 

He said these measures were part of a broader plan to strengthen the education system and prepare young people for future opportunities.

Ruto further addressed concerns surrounding curriculum reforms, stating that issues affecting the Competency-Based Curriculum had been reviewed and streamlined. 

According to him, the education system is now clearer and more responsive to the needs of learners, parents, and teachers.

He described education as Kenya’s most valuable investment, saying the country’s strength lies in its people rather than natural resources. 

For this reason, he said, the government would continue allocating more resources to schools and training institutions.

The remarks came shortly after the president received a detailed briefing from senior officials in the education sector at State House, Nairobi. 

The meeting focused on ongoing reforms, funding challenges, and strategies to improve learning outcomes nationwide.

Mombasa County Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has voiced strong support for President William Ruto’s proposal to impose the death penalty on drug traffickers. 

He also urged legislators to reclassify Muguka, a substance increasingly abused by youths, as a harmful drug.

In a statement on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Nassir described the narcotics trade as a serious threat to society, especially along Kenya’s Coast.

He praised the president’s initiative to overhaul current drug laws, arguing that existing penalties are too lenient to curb the spread of narcotics.

“I support President William Ruto’s call for the death penalty for drug traffickers and peddlers. The narcotics trade continues to be a grave threat to society, particularly here at the Coast,” the governor said.

Governor Nassir also highlighted the growing danger posed by Muguka, a psychoactive substance that has become popular among young people in the region. 

He called on legislators to remove Muguka from the schedule of cash crops and classify it as a harmful drug.

“We must wake up to the threat that substances like Muguka pose to our youth. I urge our lawmakers to consider legislative amendments to formally eliminate Muguka from the list of cash crops and treat it as a dangerous drug,” Nassir said.

The governor stressed that Kenya needs urgent and decisive action to protect families and the next generation from substances that can destroy lives. He insisted that national policy must prioritize the safety and wellbeing of young people.

Nassir’s call came a day after President William Ruto unveiled plans to toughen Kenya’s narcotics laws. 

Speaking during a public event on Saturday, January 3, 2026, Ruto said current laws punish drug dealers lightly and fail to protect children.

“People who sell heroin and cocaine are destroying our children. Those selling these drugs do not use them themselves; instead, they target other people’s children,” he said.

Under the proposed legal reforms, trafficking in hard drugs would carry the death penalty. Previously, offenders faced fines of up to Ksh1 million, which Ruto described as inadequate. 

The president emphasized that harsher penalties would deter drug trade and signal zero tolerance for narcotics in the country.

Governor Nassir supported the president’s call for tougher measures, arguing that Kenya must act decisively against all forms of narcotics. 

He warned that without strict enforcement, more young people would continue to fall victim to drug abuse, undermining national development and community safety.

“The threat posed by drugs is real. We need strong national action to safeguard our families and ensure future generations grow up free from addiction,” Nassir added.

He also urged parents, communities, and law enforcement agencies to play a proactive role in monitoring and curbing drug distribution and abuse. 

According to Nassir, the fight against narcotics requires cooperation between government institutions, communities, and legislators to be effective.

The State Department for Foreign Affairs has confirmed a major leadership transition with the formal handover of the Policy, Research, and Strategic Analysis Directorate. 

The Motorists Association of Kenya has criticised the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) over ongoing roadworks that have caused significant congestion along major holiday routes.