By Sandra Blessing

Development of water and sanitation infrastructure in Kisumu City through the partnership of both the French and Kenyan governments will meet the city’s demand in the next 20–30 years.

Cabinet Secretary for Water and Irrigation, Eric Mugaa, said the French government, through its development partners, was injecting approximately Sh10.5 billion into improving water systems and expanding last-mile connectivity in Kisumu City.

“The ongoing project, once completed, will be worth several billions of shillings. Phase one is nearing completion. The second phase, which is ready for groundbreaking, will focus on intensifying last-mile water connectivity not only within Kisumu but also in surrounding satellite towns.
The next phase will also include the construction of storage tanks, as well as sewerage and water supply systems,” he said.

The LVWATSAN Programme is being implemented in Kisumu by the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA), a parastatal under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation.

The objective of Works Package 2 Lot 1 is to extend and enhance water supply coverage in Kisumu City and the satellite town of Maseno.

On completion, the project will connect an additional 25,000 households, benefiting approximately 150,000 people.

This will also increase water coverage in Kisumu City from the current 78 per cent to 91 per cent.

Key components of the package include laying of approximately 156 km of new water pipeline within Kisumu City and construction of about 25 km of pipeline in Maseno Township.

Construction of new water storage infrastructure totalling 1.45 million litres, distributed to Obwolo reservoir, Bukna, Maseno Town and Maseno Market.

Rehabilitation of one existing borehole and construction of one new borehole in Maseno Township.

This infrastructure development is expected to significantly improve access to clean and reliable water, thereby enhancing the quality of life and supporting socio-economic growth in the region.

Eng Mugaa, together with the AFD Director for Africa, Ms Sandra Kassab, and the Ambassador of France to Kenya, H.E. Arnaud Suquet, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o and Chief Executive Officer of LVSWWDA, Ms Jackline Kemunto, officially launched the second works package (Works Package 2 Lot 1) under the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation (LVWATSAN) Programme.

The CS thanked the French government for its continued support in enhancing water supply and sanitation infrastructure in Kisumu City.

“The ultimate goal is to ensure that every household in Kisumu has access to a reliable and safe water supply.
As we look ahead, we will be launching new water projects in Kisumu to strengthen this long-standing cooperation,” he said.

He also announced ongoing plans to design and conceptualise the expansion of the Dunga Water Treatment Plant, aiming to boost its capacity significantly.

In addition, the Nyalenda Sewerage Treatment Plant is set for rehabilitation under the same partnership.

He also noted that the partnership includes training programmes for water sector personnel to improve service delivery.

Ambassador Suquet said the partnership has already enabled over 2.5 million households to access clean water across the country.

’Nyong’o, said there was an urgent need for increased water connections in peri-urban areas, which were witnessing rapid population and infrastructural growth.
“Our vision goes beyond solving today’s issues. We are focused on building a sustainable Kisumu for future generations,” Nyong’o stated.

The governor also credited the successful implementation of the first Kisumu Urban Project (KUP) to the partnership with the French government, expressing optimism for continued collaboration.

“Provision of clean water to wananchi coupled with good sanitation systems remain our Administration’s delivery priority.

Today, I had the honour of hosting H.E. Arnaud Suquet, the French Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia, Eng. Eric Mugaa, Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation and Ms Sandra Kassab, Africa Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), on service delivery to great people of Kisumu.

We held productive discussions on strengthening investments in water and sanitation with a focus on the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation (LVWATSAN) Programme and the Kenya Towns Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Programme (KTSWSSP).

These flagship projects, implemented by the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency and jointly financed by the Government of Kenya, the African Development Bank, and AFD. The 3 entities are mobilising nearly Ksh. 15 billion to transform Kisumu’s water sanitation and infrastructure.

We ground broke for LVWATSAN phase 2 of Lot 1 of the project, the new Obwolo reservoir where more than 650,000 residents are assured of access to clean safe water by the year 2031,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

By Remmy Butia
 
In a powerful display of digital-age camaraderie, a group of prominent Kalenjin social media influencers has shifted the narrative of online fame from personal gain to communal support, rallying their vast followings to save lives.
 
Over the past week, the collective efforts of influencers Arap Uria, MC MASIR, Gogo Small, and KAPKENO have culminated in a staggering fundraising drive, generating over 3 million Kenyan shillings for the medical treatment of two of their own: fellow content creators Tapnyolei and Naswa Melodies.
 
The initiative began when the tight-knit online community learned of the critical health challenges facing their colleagues. Rather than offering mere words of encouragement, the influencers, known for their comedy, music, and social commentary, quickly mobilised their platforms for a tangible cause.
 
Leveraging the power of Facebook Live sessions, WhatsApp groups, and passionate appeals on TikTok and Instagram, they transformed their digital spaces into hubs of philanthropy. Their calls to action resonated deeply with fans, who responded with an overwhelming influx of donations via M-Pesa paybill numbers and direct contributions.
 
“This is not just about being an influencer; it is about being human first,” said Arap Uria, whose humorous skits often carry underlying social messages. “When our brother and sister are in pain, we cannot just watch. Our platforms are a gift that allows us to unite our people for a good cause. We are a digital family.”
 
The funds, which surpassed the initial targets, are earmarked to cover substantial medical bills, specialised treatment, and ongoing care for both Tapnyolei and Naswa Melodies. The transparent handling of the contributions, with regular updates on the amount raised, has been cited as a key factor in the campaign’s success.
 
The beneficiaries and their families have expressed profound gratitude. In a heartfelt message relayed through the group, a family member of one of the ailing influencers stated, “We had hit a wall and the burden was heavy. What these young men have done, and what every single person who sent even ten shillings has done, is to give us hope. They have not just raised money; they have given a second chance at life.”
 
Commentators have noted that this event signifies a maturation of Kenya’s social media influencer culture, particularly within ethnic community-based circles. It demonstrates a move towards leveraging influence for social capital and communal welfare, challenging the often individualistic nature of online fame.
 
“The Kalenjin community, like many others, has a strong tradition of harambee – pulling together. What Arap Uria, MC MASIR, and their team have done is modernise this concept for the digital era,” observed a Kipsitet resident. “They are using their credibility and reach to activate a network of support instantly and effectively. This is a powerful model for other communities to emulate.”
 
As the funds are channelled towards the required treatments, the group has vowed to continue their mission. Their actions have set a new precedent, proving that in the hands of responsible leaders, social media can be a profound force for good, transforming likes, shares, and follows into a lifeline for those in need.

By Reporter

Isiolo Governor Guyo in Hot Soup: Arrest Looms After Kidnap, Assault Allegations
 
Isiolo Governor Ibrahim Abdi Hassan Guyo has once again found himself at the centre of controversy, this time not for politics, but for alleged criminal activities. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has ordered his arrest and arraignment, alongside seven of his close allies, in connection with charges of kidnapping, assault, and robbery with violence.
 
According to the ODPP statement dated 5th September 2025, Guyo and his team stormed Outback Hotel in Maanzoni, Machakos County, where former Isiolo County Chief Officer of Health, Abdirahaman Mohamed, and 15 MCAs were meeting to discuss the Governor’s impeachment. Acting on Guyo’s orders, the group allegedly attacked Mr Abdirahaman, disarmed him, and bundled him into a vehicle before driving him to the Ruai Sewage area, where he was blindfolded, beaten, and abandoned.
 
In the scuffle, Mr Abdirahaman reportedly lost a licensed Glock pistol with 15 rounds, an iPhone 16, and KSh 70,000 in cash. CCTV footage has since placed Governor Guyo and his associates at the scene, leaving little room for denial.
 
The DPP has now directed the DCI to apprehend and arraign Guyo together with Abdullahi Jaldesa Banticah, Dade Boru, Abdirashid Ali Diba alias Ngila, Abdinur Dima Jiilo, Ahmed Duale, Josephat Mwangi Komu, and Yusuf Maina. They are to face serious charges of Kidnapping with Intent to Cause Grievous Harm and Robbery with Violence.
 
Political Mockery
 
For a man who has spent years chest-thumping and dismissing critics, it seems Governor Guyo’s rule of fear has finally caught up with him. Instead of building roads, hospitals, and schools, the Governor is now busy “building cases” for himself in courtrooms.
 
It is indeed ironic that the man who claimed to “protect Isiolo people” could not even protect himself from CCTV cameras. Now the same arrogance he flaunted might be what escorts him to the dock.
 
As Isiolo residents say, “mtu akishindwa na maendeleo, hujaribu vitisho.” Guyo’s threats might have silenced critics in Isiolo politics for a while, but this time, even his political theatrics won’t silence the law.

By Anderson Ojwang

Political leaders from Western Kenya may be having the last laugh at the impeached deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who chided and criticized the Luhya leaders for failing to secure development programs for the community.

In various interviews, Gachagua has said both the speaker Moses Wetangula and Prime Cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi negotiated with President William Ruto for the 30 percent in resource allocation but had not secured any development to the region.

Gachagua bragged of how he negotiated and secured the demands for Mt Kenya in terms of development and state appointment when they formed the government while Wetangula and Mudavadi became a laughingstock for failing to represent the community interest in terms of development and state appointments.

But the formation of broad based and President Ruto declaration of affirmative action to benefit regions that were previously marginalized by the previous regimes, is a blessing to Mudavadi and his team as it has opened a new chapter in Luhya land.

Kakamega county is currently witnessing multi billions development projects that will transform the region.

The game changer is the Kakamega Bungoma water project, targeting economic transformation agenda of the region and will cost Sh 33B.  The project will draw water from Nabuyole falls and will serve 2.6 m people across Webuye, Mateta, Malava, Navakholo and Kakamega town.

The Bukura-Khishwero water supply project will benefit over 580,000 people across Kakamega county and Vihiga with an investment of  Sh 1.5 billion.

Phase two of Mumias water supply project is in the pipeline and is worth Sh 500m and will connect over 6000 households.

On Sanitation, Kakamega town, Maraba sewerage project is being implemented at a cost of  Sh 840m and is targeting over 40,000 residents.

The strategic high impact projects include road upgrade along Kakamega – Nabhulo Musikoma, Bungoma corridor which is 45 kilometers stretch at a cost of Sh 2.5 billion and construction of a brand-new bridge across river Nzoia. This will boost mobility and inter county trade.

The 16 kilometers Mumias-Musanda road is now over 80percent complete and is upgraded to bitumen standards at a cost of  Sh 628m and will ease access to Mumias town and the surrounding.

Ibokolo-Indangalasia-Shuanda-Nambacha road is budgeted to  Sh 1.2 billion and will unlock new economic opportunities in rural areas 

The Lunza-Shiraha-Ikolmani-Manyula-Ikolomani-Kwishero-Eshibinga road is also being upgraded to link farmers to key markets.

On water infrastructure, Sh 2.3 billion has been earmarked for Malava cluster water project to enhance access to clean and portable water with e 115,000 residents expected to benefit.

In Ikolomani, the Kakamega gold processing factory is at 75 percent complete with Sh 300M investment, and this will support value addition in the country’s mining sector.

The government is constructing affordable housing in Milimani in  Lurambi  with 220 modern unit housing worth of Sh 473M

Equally, the government is constructing six modern markets in Lunza, Muregu  Shisele, Sisokhe, Kakunga and Chekalini which are being developed under ESP program with progress between 17-72 percent while in Lukuyani, the aggregation center and industrial park is being developed at a cost of Sh 500m,

At Masinde Muliro university, the government is constructing a new engineering and TVET complex valued at sh 717M.

To ensure food security, Sh 298M has been allocated for Navakholo irrigation project that benefit 2000 farmers while thousands of acres of land will be brought under irrigation.

Kakamega County referral hospital is being elevated to a level six National Teaching and Referral Hospital, with the construction of an ultramodern complex ongoing.

The Lurambi Kakamega airstrip to Chepsonoi-  Shinyalu   road which is 25Km is set to be upgraded and it is estimated to cost Sh 2B to strengthen regional connectivity.

A new 35 kilometers road from Turbo-Shiendu road through Naitiri will cost Sh4B linking Kakamega, Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has commended President William Ruto for supporting the completion of stalled infrastructure projects in the county, calling it a turning point for the region’s development.

Barasa singled out two major projects – the 750-bed Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital and the Bukhungu Stadium – as evidence of renewed national-county collaboration.

“The hospital is almost complete,” the governor said. “It’s a Ksh800 million joint effort, with Ksh500 million from the national government and Ksh00 million from the county. This is more than a building — it’s about improving lives, one patient, one job at a time.”

Once operational, the hospital is expected to create over 3,000 direct jobs and significantly expand access to healthcare in the region. Barasa also revealed that the facility will host a modern cancer center.

 “The center will save residents the cost and hardship of travelling long distances for specialized care,” Barasa said, hinting at further partnerships with the national government to boost healthcare in Western Kenya.

Bukhungu Stadium whose completion is now within reach thanks to additional national support and a county investment of Ksh700 million.

According to Barasa, the upgraded facility would position Kakamega as a regional sports hub and provide a platform for nurturing local talent.

Ruto has reiterated his commitment to transforming the region through infrastructure development, including providing access to electricity, which he believes will spur economic opportunities, enhance educational outcomes, and elevate living standards.

“This is part of our effort to ensure that more homes and institutions in Western Kenya have access to reliable electricity,” he added.

The Last Mile project is not only expected to improve quality of life but also contribute to the overall modernization of Kakamega County, in line with the government’s development agenda.

By Phillip Orwa

Home player, Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera delighted the home crowd with a sensational performance. Using his knowledge of the course to his advantage, to fire nine birdies and an eagle enroute to a stunning 9-under-par 63, extending his overall lead to 13-under-par 131 after two rounds of the SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship.

“It was an amazing round today,” Unlike yesterday, I didn’t feel much pressure, and that helped me stay calm. Starting with back-to-back birdies and then an eagle on the third gave me so much confidence.

I told myself to just keep going up and up. I had 23 putts all round and hit every fairway. Being my home course, I used that knowledge to my advantage. Tomorrow the plan is the same; play the fairways, trust my putts, and stay focused.” Nsanzuwera said.

A seven-shot gap separates Nsanzuwera from his nearest challengers. Tied for second on 6-under-par 138 are South Africa’s Travis Procter and two-time DP World Tour winner Haydn Porteous.

Procter carded a composed 3-under-par 69, with birdies on 1, 11, 13, and 17. Porteous matched Procter with a 3-under-par 69 of his own, thanks to birdies on 4, 6, and 13.

Kenya’s Eric Ooko was the top-ranked Kenyan on moving day. His round of 2-under-par 70, with birdies on 8, 10, 11, and 18 offset by bogeys on 4 and 17, lifted him to 5-under-par 139, just outside the top three.

Other Kenyans who made the cut include John Wangai, Jastas Madoya, Dismas Indiza, Mutahi Kibugu, Samuel Njoroge, Michael Karanga, John Lejirma, David Wakhu, Ken Abuto, Greg Snow, Daniel Nduva, Mohit Mediratta, Jacob Okello, and Njoroge Kibugu.

The cut was set at 3-over-par 147, narrowing the field to 30 golfers who will compete in tomorrow’s decisive final round for a share of the USD 25,000 prize purse, along with crucial Sunshine Development Tour points, Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.

Kenya’s Naom Wafula had earlier lit up the championship with a spectacular hole-in-one on the par-3 second hole at Kigali Golf Resort & Villas.

The shot, coupled with steady play across the round, helped her post a brilliant 4-under-par 68, bringing her tournament total to 1-over-par 145.

Wafula secured her place among the top 30 players who made the cut for tomorrow’s final round.

“Today was a great round. I came in with the mentality to just enjoy myself and not put too much pressure. On hole two, I hit my iron, but from the tee I thought it was short.

Since the green is uphill, we couldn’t see where it landed. When we got up there, I thought the ball had rolled over the slope, but one of the caddies said a ball had dropped in. When we checked, it was mine, it was a hole-in-one! I was super happy, but my caddie calmed me down and reminded me that I still had a lot of golf to play. That confidence carried me through the round.” Said Wafula

The SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship is sponsored by SportsBiz Africa, East African Breweries through its Johnnie Walker brand, Kigali Golf Resort & Villas, and Pure Travel.