Chaos rocked Homa Bay county assembly after a section of member of the county assembly were barred from gaining entry into the house after alleged attempt to impeach the majority leader Mr. Richard Ogindo.
And Homa Bay speaker, Mr. Polycarp Okombo denied having received any petition in his office regarding the impeachment motion against the majority leader.
While separately, Ogindo accused some of the County Executive Members, National elected leaders of being behind the plans to impeach and was meant to sabotage the ongoing splendid development agenda of Governor Gladys Wanga.
“I want to appeal to all the elected Members of the National Assembly’s and the Senate from Homa Bay that we only have elected Governor and they should let her work,” Ogindo said
Ogindo said the planned impeachment were not meant to affect the Assembly but were targeting the Governor.
Okombo said his office had not received any petition motion against the Majority leader.
“My office has not received any petition regarding the impeachment of the Majority leader Richard Ogindo. What has been going around are just rumors from the social media and none of the members has forwarded any signed petition against the Ogindo,” he said.
The Speakers statement comes after a seven of Members of the County Assembly accompanied by close to 50 youths tried to storm into the Assembly compound citing plans to impeach the Majority leader.
However their attempts to gain entry into the house were thwarted the Security Officer, leading to chaotic scenes with police forced to use teargas to contain the situation.
“What we are hearing are just rumors from the social media and none of the Members has ever come to my office with any petition indicating enough signatures to remove the Majority leader,” Okombo said.
“As a Speaker I always advocate for unity, we accept divergent opinions from everyone and we are working as one I’m the house since we want to exist as a whole without losing any member,” he added.
The Speaker hit out at the seven members who tried to storm the house saying looking at their history they used to manipulate the past regime for financial gain.
“We could never ascertain the reasons behind the alleged impeachment since, there was no available documents to prove that,” he said.
The Speaker who was in company of the Majority leader and other 43 MCAs were speaking at the Assembly grounds after the morning session.
Ogindo however accused some of the bloggers of fueling the impeachment motion.
Ogindo said that according to the law, Majority Leader can never be impeached but can only be removed by party members and the party he or she serves.
According to Ogindo, on Tuesday they had a business in the house as usual which was successfully transacted until the house was adjourned after the chaotic attempts.
Support for Governor Wanga
Florence Ouma, an ODM Nominated MCA said it is unfortunate that some MCAs elected on ODM ticket were out to disrupt the assembly operation.
“This Assembly has given us equal treatment, it is in this Assembly that we have three nominated members who are chairs of various committees,” she said.
“Our Governor’s, Speakers and even the Majority leader Offices are open, instead of a member maligning their names outside there, why can’t they just walk into any office and express their grievances?” She questioned.
An aerial drone photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows the Kilwa Fishing Harbor under construction near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania’s first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
by Xinhua writer Hua Hongli
DAR ES SALAAM, June 9 (Xinhua) — A gentle sea breeze stirs the trees on a quiet island off the southeastern coast of Tanzania. Here lie the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, once a bustling port on the Indian Ocean trade route, where ships loaded with gold, spices, and porcelain gathered in significant numbers.
Now, just across the water, another port is taking shape. The Kilwa Fishing Harbor, dubbed a “port of the future,” is rising with ambition.
A 315-meter-long jetty extends into the ocean like a steel arm. Nearby, construction is in full swing on cold storage facilities, a trading market, office buildings, and a sewage treatment plant. This new harbor is expected to anchor Tanzania’s blue economy for years to come.
Historical records show that Chinese navigator Zheng He led massive fleets during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) on seven expeditions to the Indian Ocean, reaching as far as East Africa and the Red Sea.
“Many pieces of Chinese porcelain have been unearthed at the Kilwa Kisiwani site. It shows how long the friendship between Tanzania and China has existed,” said Shomari Rajabu Shomari, historical curator of the National Museum of Tanzania.
“Six hundred years ago, the Chinese came in peace to trade. Now, six hundred years later, they are helping us build a port that leads to prosperity,” he told Xinhua in an interview, pointing to an old chart of a 15th-century Chinese fleet.
The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania’s first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department.
The project is expected to be completed in September. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan attended the groundbreaking ceremony in 2023, emphasizing its significance to the national economy and people’s livelihoods.
Tanzania boasts abundant marine resources, and the waters around the Kilwa District lie along the migration route of tuna. Yet, for years, the lack of modern fishing facilities has forced local fishermen to maneuver small boats close to the shore. Without proper cold storage, their catch spoils easily, resulting in unstable incomes.
The fishermen’s hardship mirrors a major bottleneck hindering Tanzania’s development of a blue economy. While the East African country has an extensive coastline, its deep-sea fishing capacity remains limited.
“Once completed, the cold storage and trading facilities will solve the preservation problem. Fishermen won’t have to worry about unsold catch, and deep-sea fishing will be viable,” said Chen.
At the construction site, nearly 600 direct jobs have been created, including skilled roles like welders, crane operators, and excavator drivers.
“Each Chinese engineer mentors a dozen or so Tanzanian workers, occasionally entrusting them with independent operation. This approach to training has enhanced the practical skills of local workers,” said Edwin Christopher, the project’s human resources and administration manager. “We believe that after the project, these trained workers will be capable of holding jobs in related sectors.”
The Chinese company is committed to sustainability as well. For the surrounding mangroves, they have established protective boundaries where machinery is prohibited. An environmental team conducts monthly beach cleanups to remove marine waste. Additionally, to ensure visitor experience and safety at the ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, a boarding ladder was relocated away from the construction zone.
On a sightseeing boat, local guide Daudi Gideon gazed at the emerging fishing harbor, his eyes glittering with anticipation.
“When visitors come to see Kilwa Kisiwani, they will also see this remarkable new port. Once it’s completed, more people will come to learn about our history and witness our new chapter,” he envisioned. ■
An aerial drone photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows the Kilwa Fishing Harbor under construction near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania’s first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department. (CHEC/Handout via Xinhua)
People work at the construction site of the Kilwa Fishing Harbor near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania, on April 23, 2025. The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania’s first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
An aerial drone photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows the Kilwa Fishing Harbor under construction near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania’s first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
People work at the construction site of the Kilwa Fishing Harbor near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania, on April 23, 2025. The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania’s first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
An aerial drone photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows the Kilwa Fishing Harbor under construction near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania’s first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
An aerial drone photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows the Kilwa Fishing Harbor under construction near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania’s first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
An aerial drone photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows the Kilwa Fishing Harbor under construction near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania’s first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
An aerial drone photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows the Kilwa Fishing Harbor under construction near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania’s first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
People work at the construction site of the Kilwa Fishing Harbor near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania, on April 23, 2025. The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania’s first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
An aerial drone photo taken on April 23, 2025 shows the Kilwa Fishing Harbor under construction near Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania. The project, constructed by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd (CHEC), a leading Chinese construction company, is Tanzania’s first modern large-scale fishing harbor. Covering about 5.6 hectares, it is designed to handle 60,000 tonnes of fish annually and can dock deep-sea fishing vessels, according to Chen Zhifeng, vice project manager of the CHEC Tanzania maritime project department. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)
Guests and performers pose for a group photo after the opening ceremony of the 2025 China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season and the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of China-Kenya acrobatic exchanges in Nairobi, Kenya, June 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)
The vitality of China-Kenya cooperation in culture and tourism was on full display Friday night at the opening ceremony of the 2025 China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season and the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of China-Kenya acrobatic exchanges.
NAIROBI, June 9 (Xinhua) — The vitality of China-Kenya cooperation in culture and tourism was on full display Friday night at a gala event filled with music, dance and acrobatic performances.
Senior government officials, diplomats, scholars, industry leaders and members of the public attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season and the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of China-Kenya acrobatic exchanges.
The event was jointly hosted by Kenya’s Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, and the Chinese Embassy in Kenya.
Hannah Wanjiku Cheptumo, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, praised the thriving cultural and tourism collaboration between China and Kenya. “Kenya and China enjoy cordial and fraternal relations based on mutual trust and benefit. This collaboration has deepened mutual understanding and fostered people-to-people connections,” Cheptumo said.
Actors perform acrobatics at the opening ceremony of the 2025 China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season and the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of China-Kenya acrobatic exchanges in Nairobi, Kenya, June 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)
She said that Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to China in April marked a new chapter in cooperation across various sectors, including culture, education, media and the arts.
According to Cheptumo, Kenya has forged a strong partnership with China in building skills and expertise in cultural heritage and paleoanthropology, leading to award-winning discoveries at several archaeological sites.
Cooperation between Kenyan and Chinese media organizations has promoted content sharing and enhanced cross-cultural understanding, she added.
Cheptumo said the Kenya-China Film Festival, launched in August 2023, has revitalized the local creative economy by nurturing artistic talent and underscoring the two nations’ commitment to strengthening cultural bonds.
During the gala night, Kenyan youth showcased their acrobatic and lion dance skills, while Chinese artists captivated the audience with a cappella performances, ballet and traditional guitar strumming.
Actors perform acrobatics at the opening ceremony of the 2025 China-Kenya Culture and Tourism Season and the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of China-Kenya acrobatic exchanges in Nairobi, Kenya, June 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said there are broad opportunities and immense potential for deepening cultural and tourism cooperation between the two countries.
Guo said the series of events will further energize China-Kenya cultural and tourism ties, contributing to the building of a closer China-Kenya community with a shared future in the new era.
John Ololtuaa, principal secretary for tourism, said that culture and tourism have become vital pillars in strengthening bilateral relations between China and Kenya.
By the end of 2024, Kenya had received over 90,000 visitors from China for leisure, business and adventure, Ololtuaa said, noting the significant potential for growth in tourism cooperation.
Residents and industrial electricity consumers have a reason to smile after Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) has successfully energized the Awendo–Isebania (Masaba) Transmission Line.
This is a major milestone in improving electricity reliability and supply stability across Migori County and the broader South Nyanza region.
The 28-kilometre, 132kV single-circuit line is part of the Kenya Power Transmission Expansion Project (KPTEP), which seeks to enhance access to electricity in underserved regions.
The project also includes the construction of a new 132kV substation at Isebania (Masaba) and the extension of the existing 132/33kV Awendo Substation.
The works were executed by China Aerospace Construction Group Co., Ltd (CACGC), with joint financing from the Government of Kenya and the EXIM Bank of China, at a cost of Sh. 1.32 billion.
A new bulk supply point at Masaba will now directly serve Isebania, Migori and Kehancha towns.
This strategic upgrade shortens Kenya Power’s distribution lines, significantly cutting down the frequency and duration of outages. The improved power quality is set to benefit key regional institutions including the Sony Sugar Factory, Migori County Referral Hospital, Getonyanya Sweet Potatoes Factory, and the Isebania One Border Post (IOBP).
It is also expected to spur growth in small businesses, manufacturing and investment.
Previously, the region relied on a stretched 33/11kV line from Awendo Substation covering nearly 26 kilometres—an inefficient setup that led to unstable power and frequent disruptions, especially with rising demand.
KETRACO Managing Director, Dr. Eng. John Mativo hailed the energization as transformative.
“By introducing a new bulk supply point at Masaba, we’re significantly reducing line losses and improving voltage stability. This is a game-changer for Migori and the greater South Nyanza,” said Dr. Mativo.
The energized line sources electricity from the upgraded Awendo Substation, which is powered by both hydroelectric energy from the Sondu plant and geothermal energy from Olkaria, ensuring a stable, resilient, and sustainable power supply for the region’s homes, hospitals, industries, and businesses.
The Author is a Strategic Thinker, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a former Kisumu County Attorney, and a Civic Educator passionate about Youth Empowerment, National and International Development, and Generational justice.
The recent directive by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja, placing the burden of fighting corruption squarely on the shoulders of County Commanders has reignited a national conversation on the integrity of Kenya’s police service. It’s a bold administrative move—but is it enough?
Across the nation, the infamous phrase “kitu kidogo” continues to define the everyday experience between citizens and traffic police. The systemic nature of this corruption, so casual it has become cultural—is symptomatic of a deeper institutional problem. It raises a fundamental question: Can the police effectively police themselves?
The Entrenched Culture of Corruption
Whether it is the matatu driver paying a bribe to avoid a ticket or a police officer demanding a ‘kitu kidogo‘ tokenism before releasing an impounded vehicle, the reality is stark: corruption is not an occasional misstep but a structural flaw. Numerous studies by bodies such as Transparency International place the Kenyan police force among the most corrupt institutions in the country.
Who benefits? The rot is rarely isolated to the officer on the ground. The money flows up the ranks. In return, there is silence, protection, and impunity. It is a shadow economy that thrives on secrecy and fear, and the victims are not just those who pay bribes but the justice system itself.
The Limits of Internal Oversight
While the National Police Service has internal mechanisms for discipline and conduct, expecting a force riddled with corruption to effectively self-regulate is optimistic at best and naive at worst. While the Inspector General has operational control, the law under the National Police Service Act envisions a professional and accountable force. However, the gap between policy and practice remains vast.
County Commanders, under this new directive, are now the front-line defenders of integrity. But are they empowered and incentivised to do so? What happens when the commander is complicit, or when whistleblowers are intimidated? Institutional culture must change, not just policy on paper.
Enter the Oversight Bodies: IPOA, EACC, and the DCI
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) was established to provide external checks on police operations. Its mandate includes investigating misconduct and recommending prosecutions. Yet, IPOA’s capacity is limited. Understaffed, underfunded, and often undermined, it struggles to keep up with thousands of cases annually.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) also have roles in anti-corruption enforcement. However, jurisdictional overlap and bureaucratic inertia often blunt their effectiveness. Worse, the perception that law enforcement officers operate with impunity makes victims hesitant to report abuses.
What Can Be Done? Learning from Others
Globally, countries that have made significant strides in curbing police corruption share a few common threads:
Independent, Well-Resourced Oversight Bodies: Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is often cited as a success story.
Use of Technology: Body-worn cameras, GPS tracking of patrol units, and digitized traffic fines have reduced face-to-face bribery.
Transparent Recruitment and Training: Vetting processes and ethics training from day one set a different tone for service.
Public Participation and Community Policing: In Brazil, community-led policing forums have improved trust and accountability.
The Power of Citizens and Civil Society
In Kenya, citizen participation remains underutilised. Whistleblower protection is weak, and fear of retaliation keeps many quiet. Yet, involving citizens through community policing committees, feedback apps, and independent legal aid centres could build pressure from below.
This is where institutions like the Centre for Crime Prevention Initiatives in Kisumu can play a transformative role. Through civic education, capacity building, and collaboration with oversight bodies, they can bridge the gap between citizens and institutions. Their ability to collect data, document abuses, and empower local communities is essential to long-term reform.
A Call to Action
Inspector General Kanja’s directive to County Commanders is a start—but real reform requires a synchronised approach. Internal discipline must be complemented by external pressure, empowered oversight, community vigilance, and political will.
Kenya’s police service must evolve from an institution feared and distrusted to one that is professional, accountable, and citizen-centred. Only then can the fight against corruption move from rhetoric to reality.
With 784 days remaining until Kenya’s August 2027 general elections, the nation stands at a perilous crossroads. Political elites are resurrecting old ghosts of ethnic division, threatening to unravel decades of democratic progress. At the heart of this turmoil is former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whose incendiary rhetoric and new party, Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), championing “Skiza Wakenya” (Listen to Kenyans), openly courts ethnic loyalties in Mount Kenya. This strategy mirrors historical patterns where politicians exploit tribal identities for power – a tactic Auditor General reports confirm Gachagua employed, with 46% of his office staff drawn from one ethnic group, violating national cohesion laws.
The Anatomy of a Crisis: Ethnic Politics Reborn
Kenya’s political landscape is fracturing along familiar lines:
Gachagua’s Gambit: His DCP frames itself as a “moral insurgency” for the marginalised. This risks cementing ethnic bloc voting. The party’s launch descended into chaos, revealing the volatility of this approach.
Elite Alliances Collapse: The 2022 Kikuyu-Kalenjin détente that elected Ruto has shattered. Gachagua’s impeachment (282-44) in October 2024 paved the way for a new Kalenjin-Luo alliance between Ruto and Raila Odinga, sidelining Mount Kenya leaders.
Historical Cycles: As scholar Peter Kagwanja notes, Kenya’s “ethnic aristocracies” (Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Luo) have repeatedly formed and broken coalitions since independence – each collapse fuelling distrust and violence.
Kenya’s Shifting Ethnic Alliances (2013 – 2027)
2013 – 2017
Kikuyu-Kalenjin
Uhuru-Ruto victory
2018 – 2022
Kikuyu-Luo (“Handshake”)
Constitutional reforms; Ruto sidelined
2022 – 2024
Kikuyu-Kalenjin
Ruto-Gachagua win
2024 – present
Kalenjin-Luo
Gachagua impeached; Ruto-Odinga pact
The Gen Z: The Wildcard for Democracy
Amid elite manoeuvring, a record 13.7 million youth (29% of the population) could decide 2027’s fate. Their influence is already palpable:
Low Registration, High Impact: Only 39.8% of youth were registered in 2022, but their 2023 anti-tax protests forced presidential apologies and policy reversals.
Rejecting Tribal Scripts: Gen Z activists dismiss ethnic patronage, demanding jobs (unemployment is 27%), police reform, and climate action. Programmes like NYOTA (Sh20 billion youth fund) and Climate Worx aim to co-opt this bloc.
Digital Vanguard: Social media’s role is pivotal. As Murang’a Governor Kang’ata observes, “offline/online congruence” now shapes politics – a shift from 2013.
Institutions Under Siege
Kenya’s safeguards against polarisation are eroding:
NCIC’s Toothless Watchdog: The National Cohesion Commission faces budget cuts and parliamentary scorn despite tracking 28 active hate speech cases. MPs accuse it of “failing to execute its mandate”.
Disinformation Warfare: Fake newspaper front pages (e.g., false “Ruto 62% victory” projections) and fabricated stories (e.g., Gachagua backing secessionist “Itungati”) flood social media. Meta’s Oversight Board is now reviewing Kenyan political slurs like “tugeges”.
Violence Resurgent: Stage-managed “Storming” of Gachagua’s rallies signals a return of hired gangs. NCIC’s “hotspot mapping” aims to pre-empt election violence, but resources are thin.
Pathways from the Precipice
Kenya’s democratic survival hinges on:
Reclaiming the NCIC: Bolstering its authority to enforce the National Cohesion Act, including its “Walls of Shame/Fame” to name offenders.
Gen Z Mobilisation: Converting youth activism into voter registration. The IEBC’s constitutional mandate (Article 55) must ensure 70%+ youth participation.
Policy over Patronage: As Nandi Governor Stephen Sang argues, 2027 will favour leaders addressing “kitchen-table issues” – not ethnicity.
“Respect is earned,” Kenya’s Gen Z declared after Ruto’s apology for police brutality. This mantra now defines their political ethos: performance, not pedigree.
The Shadow of History
Kenya’s 784-day countdown echoes Churchill’s 1945 UK defeat: a war hero rejected for a peacetime visionary. Ruto and Gachagua, architects of the “hustler” narrative, now face a generation demanding substance over symbolism. If ethnic entrepreneurs prevail, Kenya risks repeating the “tragedy then farce” cycle Marx described. But if institutions hold and youth engage, 2027 could mark the rise of a “natural mystic” – a politics beyond tribe.
The Author is a Strategic Thinker, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, a former Kisumu County Attorney, and a Civic Educator passionate about Youth Empowerment, National and International Development, and Generational justice.
The timeless wisdom: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach him to fish and you feed him for a lifetime“—still rings true, yet remains aspirational for Kenya’s agricultural sector. Despite being the backbone of our economy, agriculture in Kenya is largely stuck in a rain-fed, low-productivity cycle, leaving millions food insecure and farmers economically vulnerable.
What we need is more than food relief. We need sustainable agricultural transformation, led by irrigation, powered by data, and supported by regional trade infrastructure. Our goal must not be to survive one season at a time, but to feed ourselves and others—profitably and permanently.
A Call from the Past: Cuba’s Timeless Lesson
In 2005, during a visit to Chemelil Sugar Company, I accompanied His Excellency Ambassador Pedro Luis Pedroso Cuesta of Cuba. His counsel was sharp: “If Kenya is to transform its agriculture, it must invest in irrigated farming—not just depend on the sky.” That message, though nearly two decades old, remains urgent today and is deeply rooted in my memory.
Rain is unreliable. Climate change has made it worse. But with proper irrigation—whether large-scale or smallholder—Kenya can unlock continuous, predictable agricultural output, diversify its exports, and ensure food security.
Lake Region: Kenya’s Untapped Breadbasket
The Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) has the potential to become Kenya’s breadbasket. From the sugar plains of Nyando to the aquaculture hubs of Homabay and the fertile valleys of Vihiga, this region could be transformed into a year-round agribusiness powerhouse.
But without irrigation, the region’s full potential remains dormant. With it, the LREB can feed the nation and even export surplus produce. Irrigated high-value crops—fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains—can power food factories, create jobs, and position the region as a key supplier to domestic and foreign markets.
Data Is the New Fertilizer: The Role of Firms Like Afridata Logistics
Modern agriculture is no longer just about rain, soil, and labour. It’s about data. To implement intelligent irrigation, maximize yields, forecast demand, and manage logistics, policymakers must now integrate data analytics and agri-intelligence platforms into their planning.
This is where companies like Afridata Logistics come in. Firms with robust data systems can provide:
Real-time market trends for crop planning and price optimization
Supply chain analytics for faster, cheaper transportation of goods
Geo-mapping for efficient irrigation zoning
Weather and soil data to inform planting and harvesting schedules
It is time policymakers stop treating agriculture as disconnected from technology. Smart agriculture policy must mandate collaboration with data companies like Afridata to inform every decision, from subsidies and insurance to extension services and logistics planning.
Kisumu International Airport: Cargo, Not Just Passengers
Kisumu International Airport can and should be repositioned as an agricultural cargo hub. With the imminent arrival of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kisumu, passenger air travel will likely decline, as was the case in Mombasa. But this doesn’t signal doom. It signals opportunity.
With investment in cold storage, customs clearance, and air freight logistics, Kisumu can export fresh produce, fish, flowers, and nuts to regional and global markets. This turns agriculture into a forex earner and expands the region’s economic footprint far beyond subsistence.
From Policy to Practice: Closing the Implementation Gap
Kenya has a shelf full of agricultural strategies—from Vision 2030 to the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy. But these remain largely under-implemented. Budgets are slashed. Irrigation plans stall. Extension officers are few. And data is barely used.
To shift from day-to-day food relief to long-term food resilience, we must:
Invest aggressively in irrigation infrastructure
Create frameworks for data-driven agriculture
Forge public-private partnerships with data companies and logistics firms
Link agriculture to transport and export policy
Conclusion: Feeding Ourselves and Feeding the World
Kenya has the land. We have the labour. We even have the policy frameworks. What we need now is bold execution, data integration, and infrastructure development. Let’s irrigate, digitize, and export.
If we commit to this course, we will not only feed our people for a lifetime, but also feed the world. Let the Lake Region rise. Let Kisumu become a cargo giant. Let data become the new engine of farming. And let our policies move from promises to production.
In the name of convenience, Safaricom’s Fuliza has become a silent predator, a digital debt snare wrapped in the alluring fabric of financial flexibility. What began as a short term solution to enable seamless mobile transactions has morphed into a normalized dependency for millions of Kenyans, with ramifications far beyond the everyday lipanampesa moment.
At face value, Fuliza appears as a friendly overdraft facility. You want to complete a transaction but your M-PESA balance is short. No worries, Fuliza steps in, fronts you the cash, and you’re sorted. Repay it when you top up. Simple, right?
Not quite. Here is what Safaricom doesn’t tell you or tells you in the smallest of fine print that vanishes in the speed of a hakikisha confirmation. First, any money sent to a number with Fuliza debt becomes unrecoverable. Reversals are practically impossible regardless of circumstance. Safaricom offers no clarity, just a cold unapologetic “transaction cannot be reversed,” a form of institutionalized thuggery hiding behind corporate terms and conditions.
Then there’s the cost. Fuliza is, by all metrics, more expensive than most formal credit facilities in the country. The facility charges fees and daily interest, which, compounded annually, exceed the original borrowed amount multiple times. This is a blatant violation of basic financial ethics and arguably regulatory guidelines that state profits from credit must not exceed the principal. Yet, here we are, normalizing digital debt that silently bleeds users dry. Even more concerning is the long term damage to your financial profile.
Fuliza debts are recorded. Each time you borrow, your credit behavior is flagged. Use it frequently and your credit score starts to deteriorate. Slowly, you are boxed into the category of small time borrower, a status that locks you out from accessing larger, growth oriented loans from banks and financial institutions. Fuliza doesn’t just give you debt, it cheapens your financial reputation.
And then there is the psychological entrapment. Once you are hooked to Fuliza, it becomes reflexive. Even when you receive money from a loan, a side hustle, or a friend, it first goes to clear the Fuliza balance. You start sending money with the knowledge that it will be swallowed whole by this invisible hole. It alters your financial discipline. You begin to delay repayment, let the fees stack, ignore the messages, and soon, it becomes just another part of life. But this isn’t life. This is debt dependence.
Fuliza was designed as a bridge but it’s become a cage. Its ubiquity has turned it from a lifeline into a leash. For a nation striving to build a generation of financially empowered citizens, Fuliza undermines that dream by keeping people in constant micro debt.
It is time to break free. Sign off Fuliza. It is not helping you grow, it is making you dependent. This is not financial inclusion, this is financial entrapment. And for many Kenyans, Fuliza has become a debt trap of monumental proportion with no end in sight.
The only way to win is to step out. Opt out. Reclaim your financial future.
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kakamega steps up for street children: 5km charity walk fuels “feed a child” mission
By Remmy Butia
Kakameha, Kenya- The streets of Kakamega town echoed with footsteps of compassion on Saturday as the Street Children and Orphans Society of Kenya (SCOSK) successfully hosted its 5km “Feed a Child” Charity Walk. The event, aimed at tackling hunger and supporting vulnerable children, commenced and concluded at the symbolic grounds of the Kakamega Approved School.
Under the leadership of Project Coordinator Richard Nyangweso, who officially represented SCOSK, hundreds of participants gathered at the Kakamega Approved School early in the morning. The choice of venue underscored the organization’s mission, highlighting the critical need for intervention and support for children facing adversity.
Walking with Purpose:
Participants, adorned in branded T-shirts, embarked on the 5-kilometer route winding through the bustling streets of Kakamega town. The vibrant procession, filled with community members, local leaders, and volunteers, turned into a moving spectacle of solidarity. Banners promoting the “Feed a Child” initiative and messages of hope drew attention and cheers from onlookers.
Nyangweso’s Rallying Cry:
Addressing the crowd before and after the walk, Project Coordinator Richard Nyangweso emphasized the urgent need for action. “Every step taken today translates directly into a meal for a hungry child and a ray of hope for those living on our streets or without parental care,” Nyangweso stated. “The Kakamega Approved School, as our start and end point, reminds us of the vulnerable youth we strive to support and reintegrate positively into society. This walk is about mobilising our community to ensure no child is left behind.”
Fueling the Mission:
The primary goal of the charity walk was to raise crucial funds for SCOSK’s “Feed a Child” program. Proceeds will directly support:
Immediate Nutritional Aid: Providing daily meals for street-connected children and orphans in SCOSK’s care programs.
Sustained Support: Funding educational materials, school fees, and essential supplies to facilitate access to education.
Holistic Care: Supporting SCOSK’s efforts in providing shelter, counseling, skills training, and family reunification services where possible.
Community Spirit in Action:
The event concluded back at the Kakamega Approved School with a celebratory atmosphere. Participants enjoyed refreshments, shared experiences, and learned more about SCOSK’s ongoing work. The strong turnout demonstrated significant community engagement and a shared commitment to improving the lives of Kakamega’s most vulnerable children.
Looking Ahead:
The success of the inaugural 5km “Feed a Child” Charity Walk marks a significant step for SCOSK in Kakamega. Project Coordinator Nyangweso expressed profound gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers, reaffirming SCOSK’s dedication to creating lasting change. The funds raised promise tangible support, bringing the society closer to its vision of a Kenya where every street child and orphan is safe, nourished, educated, and empowered.
The Author is a Strategic Thinker, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, former Kisumu County Attorney, and a Civic Educator passionate about Youth Empowerment, National and International Development, and Generational justice.
None of us chose to be Kenyan. We were born into this soil—into its beauty and its burden, its promise and its pain. For some, it meant growing up in hardship; for others, in comfort. For many, it meant inheriting inequality, corruption, or conflict. But whether by accident or by ancestry, we are here. And the real question is not how we got here, but what we’re doing to make Kenya a better place for ourselves and generations to come.
Our Past: Generations That Carried the Weight
Kenya’s history is filled with generations who rose to the occasion, regardless of how they found the nation.
The freedom fighters of the 1950s didn’t choose to be born under colonialism, but they gave their lives to end it. They believed a free Kenya was worth fighting for.
The post-independence builders of the ’60s and ’70s: teachers, farmers, civil servants, and entrepreneurs-carved something out of very little. They planted trees, built homes, and started schools where none existed.
The reformers of the ’90s and early 2000s, who fought for multi-party democracy, constitutional change, and human rights, didn’t inherit perfect systems—but they demanded better.
Each generation had its own struggles, but they left behind something: freedom, institutions, ideas, and a roadmap. Now the baton is firmly in our hands—particularly in the hands of Gen Z.
Gen Z: Kenya’s Most Connected, Most Conscious Generation
Kenya’s Gen Z is a generation like no other. Born between 1997 and 2012, they’ve never known a Kenya without internet, mobile phones, or hashtags. They are digitally native, socially aware, and fearless in expression. They challenge norms. They call out injustice. They create content, communities, and culture.
But the question must be asked: Will this generation turn its outrage into outcome? Its energy into enterprise? Its passion into purpose?
Too often, Gen Z is dismissed as loud, distracted, or entitled. But history shows us that every generation that was once misunderstood went on to reshape the world. If Gen Z applies its unmatched energy to innovation, civic action, entrepreneurship, and climate consciousness, Kenya will not only survive—it will thrive.
From Discontent to Disruption
Kenya faces staggering youth unemployment, rampant inequality, and political fatigue. But here lies the opportunity. Gen Z can:
Build enterprises, not just chase employment.
Design apps, not just scroll through them.
Organize communities, not just critique systems.
Vote smart, not just tweet hard.
The same tools used to create viral trends can build global businesses. The same voices used in TikTok activism can organize policy shifts. The same frustration with government inefficiency can spark civic-tech innovations.
Rewriting the Narrative: Kenya Is Still Becoming
We must stop asking young people to “wait their turn.” Kenya’s problems are now, so the solutions must begin now-with the boldness that Gen Z naturally carries.
Kenya is not a finished product. It is a becoming a continuous, evolving journey. And like every great journey, it requires new travellers with new ideas. That’s where the youth come in-not as future leaders, but as current shapers of a different Kenya.
A Legacy Mindset: Planting Trees You May Never Sit Under
To those born into systems they didn’t choose, and burdens they didn’t create, your mission is clear: make this nation better than you found it. That’s legacy. That’s patriotism. And that’s the highest form of citizenship.
A better Kenya will not fall from the sky. It will be built from the ground-in code, on farms, through art, in courtrooms, on ballots, and on stages. Your surname doesn’t need to be famous. Your background doesn’t have to be elite. All you need is intentionality and the understanding that how you make Kenya better is your true national identity.
Conclusion: The Choice Is Yours
Being Kenyan isn’t a choice. But what you do with it is.
Will you be a passenger in your own country—or a driver of its destiny? Will you inherit the problems or solve them? Will you complain about the nation—or contribute to its healing?
Every generation is given a moment. For Gen Z, this is yours.
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