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Kenya Joins World Superpowers in Critical Focus on Children’s Welfare Services

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By Billy Mijungu

Something happened and it won’t go unnoticed.

A fully fledged State Department for Children Welfare Services is under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.

The most important budget after security is children, be it school, household or state.

It brands the future, setting a firm foundation in health, social protection and education.

For an administration accused of so much, it deserves accolades for making this bold move.

A state department of focus, futuristic and results-based.

In this narration, I’m attempting to unpack in summary what it holds.

It is the hallmark of foundational social protection.

At the heart of it is CPA Carren Ageng’o Achieng, daughter of the larger Kadongo clan in Kisumu, with an illustrious career in accounting.

She must quickly reorient herself to give Kenyans her numbers of KPIS on how transformational her work will be.

Her day one didn’t disappoint.
She has a stellar, soft and relatable way of communicating.

Anyone in the social protection boardroom is said to have noticed her firm, instructional, child-friendly demeanour in text and speech, a suave blend of reading, speaking and gesturing laced with humour.

She was at ease, they say. Her boardroom demeanour was that of a mother clearly in her home.

This would be the State Agency to watch.

It carries a constitutional, legal and executive mandate that resonates deeply with the needs of our time.

From the Children Act 2022, the Constitution, to the Executive Order No. 2 of 2023, the Directorate is grounded and ready to act.

Its coverage of mandate is vast, from rescuing and reintegrating abandoned children, regulating rehabilitation centres and child institutions, inspecting living conditions, to operationalising legal procedures that touch on every child’s well-being.

The numbers and scale of the work are humbling.

Nearly half a million child protection cases have been managed in three years across the 47 counties through the Child Protection Information Management System, CPIMS.

The system not only helps track cases but also feeds into the Kenya Annual Economic Survey.

The national helpline 116 answered over 959,000 calls in 2024, resolving close to 100,000 child-related emergencies.

The department oversees 902 charitable children’s institutions serving over 45,000 children, manages rehabilitation schools, remand homes, rescue centres and even shelters for trafficking victims.

It handles programs such as the NICHE nutrition initiative, child protection volunteers, presidential bursaries for vulnerable children, alternative family care strategies, and child online safety.

The statistics and coverage demonstrate a far-reaching footprint.

In child rehabilitation alone, 2,300 children were served in statutory institutions last year, with 154 completing vocational programs.

The National Industrial Training Authority certifies these programs.

Meanwhile, over 120,000 cases of violence against children were addressed in 2024 through campaigns like Spot It Stop It.

The Directorate runs on a shoestring budget.

Sub-county offices operate on as little as Ksh 8,000 per quarter.

Despite this, officers carry out high-stakes interventions with courage and resilience, using public transport and sometimes their own resources.

They work in cramped offices, without proper ICT tools, and lack basic equipment to serve children with dignity.

Yet they do not stop.

Partners like UNICEF, USAID, UNODC, Save the Children, and many others play a crucial role.

But the ask is simple. Kenya must ring-fence the Directorate’s budget.

Let us match commitment with capacity.

The call to action includes funding legal guideline development, care reform rollout, bursary expansion, ICT upgrades, staffing and institutional refurbishment.

For once, Kenya has elevated the child to the status of national asset.

It is a story of commitment, structure and foresight.

It is also a story of how systems, when backed by political will, can protect the future one child at a time.

And that is a power move.

A letter to my next Governor of Kisumu County: Prioritize the Development of a Physical Health Bill

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Dr Edris Omondi (Advocate)

attorneyedris@ywcg.org

(Strategic Thinker, Author, Motivational Speaker, Preacher and a Lawyer)

I come to you not just as a concerned citizen, but as someone who has battled obesity firsthand, with limited success. Whether out of genes or life style injection of it, it is real within my community. The Luo Community.

For years, I have tried various diets, workouts, and wellness trends. I’ve joined gyms, walked through the parks of Kisumu, and even tried home-based routines. But like many in our county, the battle is bigger than me. It is a structural problem. One rooted in our current lifestyles, poor nutrition, limited access to professional physical training, and poverty.

We Are Sitting on a Health Time Bomb

Recent statistics from the Kenya STEP wise Survey (2021) revealed that over 27% of Kenyan adults are overweight, and 8% are obese. In urban counties like Kisumu, this figure is likely higher. Among the 30 to 50-year-olds—the most economically active group—the numbers are staggering, with up to 35% showing unhealthy weight levels.

Obesity is no longer a cosmetic issue—it’s a health crisis.

Mortality rates from obesity-related conditions are rising, including:

  • Hypertension
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Certain cancers
  • Stroke

All of these diseases are now showing up earlier than ever before—crippling families and stretching our already burdened health system.

Why Are We Becoming an Obese County?

Diet: Due to persistent poverty, many families subsist on affordable, carb-heavy meals like ugali, mandazi, white rice, and chapati. Proteins, fruits, and vegetables remain a luxury.

Physical inactivity: A lack of affordable and accessible physical activity infrastructure discourages movement.

Urbanization: More time is spent commuting, sitting, and working, with little to no time dedicated to movement.

What Can Be Done: A Physical Health Bill for Kisumu County

Governor, your leadership could be transformative. If you prioritize a Physical Health Bill, you would not only address a growing health threat—you would create a healthier, stronger, and more economically productive population. Be the first of the Governors to lead by examples, this alone if well implemented will create jobs for our young one, enhance inter-generational relations and equity between the old and the young and off course secure you a second term.

Here’s what this bill could include:

1. Public Social Sports Halls in Every Sub-County

  1. Government-run, free to the public and professionally managed by certified fitness instructors and health educators
  1. Equipped with basic fitness gear and open space for aerobics, dance, and calisthenics
  1. Youth-targeted weekend programs and after-work adult sessions

2. Upgrade and Green Public Parks

  1. Secure, clean, and well-lit pathways for morning and evening walks.
  1. Regular community sports events like 5K runs, soccer leagues, and Zumba sessions
  1. Outdoor gym installations in existing parks

3. Nutrition and Wellness Education

  1. County-run mobile clinics or community health units to educate on balanced diets using locally available foods
  1. Incorporate healthy eating into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools
  1. Partner with local markets to subsidize fruits and vegetables for low-income families

4. Incentives for Participation

  1. Health tracking apps or cards that reward regular participation
  1. Partner with NHIF to offer insurance discounts for active citizens

Examples of Success

Rwanda: The “Car-Free Day” movement in Kigali—combined with mass aerobic sessions—has seen a rise in community physical activity and early health screenings.

Bogotá, Colombia: The “Ciclovía” program closes streets to cars every Sunday, allowing free movement for cyclists and joggers. This reduced obesity and improved community cohesion.

Cape Town, South Africa: Community gyms in Khayelitsha and other low-income areas are helping residents stay active at no cost.

Why This Matters for Kisumu

The question isn’t whether we can afford to invest in physical health—the real question is, can we afford not to? Obesity-related diseases are more expensive to treat than to prevent. Healthy citizens are productive citizens. And a fit Kisumu is a future-ready Kisumu.

My future Governor, your leadership on this matter will not only win votes—it will win hearts, and ultimately, lives- You will have my vote if this will be your priority clarion call.

From Sellotape to Seamless Service: A Digital Surprise at the Cyber Café

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By Dr. Edris Omondi (Advocate)

attorneyedris@ywcg.org

(Strategic Thinker, Author, Motivational Speaker, Preacher and a Lawyer)

I am in the Coastal town of Mombasa for Easter. I get a friend to get me a vehicle for the ease of my movement. I realised I needed to renew my license, noticing a contingent of traffic police officer in Mombasa had been stopping literally all vehicles inspecting their compliance. I strolled into a small cybercafé tucked away in one of Bamburi dusty lanes. I had one mission: patch up my old, red-covered driving license that was slowly giving up on life. It was torn, weathered, and held together more by memory than material. I asked for some black sellotape—yes, the kind used to seal envelopes—to do some roadside first aid.

But then it hit me. When was the last time I actually renewed my driving license? I have been driving in my town actually oblivious of the last renewal!

I asked the cyber attendant if he could help me renew the same as he patched my license from the eCitizen portal. He smiled, the kind of smile that tells you something unexpected is coming. “When did you last renew this?” he asked.

My heart skipped. A few clicks later, we discovered the truth: my license had done two year of non-renewal!  I was stunned. I had been driving all over the place for two years—with an expired document! It was a miracle; I did not get on the wrong side of the law as much as I failed to remit Caesar’s due. I thanked God for my ‘chi’ I escaped fines and interest which is a norm now, for such delays.

But what happened next was even more remarkable.

The cyber guy went ahead, retrieved my information, processed the renewal digitally, printed the new version, and laminated it. All in under 10 minutes!

I stood there, shocked—not because it happened, but because it happened that fast. In Kenya!

A Quiet Digital Revolution

In a country where many citizens have grown accustomed to bureaucracy, inefficiency, and the infamous phrase “hii file yako bado haijapatikana,” this was a refreshing surprise.

The eCitizen portal, an initiative of Kenya’s digital transformation agenda, has slowly begun to prove its worth. From driving licenses to business registrations and passport applications, Kenyans can now access several key government services from anywhere in the country—without middlemen, long queues, or shady “kitu kidogo” demands.

Why Digitization Matters

This experience got me thinking: what if every service in Kenya worked this well?

Here’s what widespread digital access can do:

Cut down corruption: When transactions are traceable, the space for bribery shrinks. No more gatekeepers hoarding your documents.

Increase efficiency: Time wasted in queues or chasing signatures could be redirected toward productive economic activity.

Enhance access for all: Whether you’re in Nairobi or Seme Sub County where I come from, internet connectivity becomes your passport to government services.

Success Stories to Learn From

Rwanda has digitized over 95% of its government services through the Irembo platform. Citizens there can register births, apply for permits, and renew licenses online—no need to travel or pay extra fees to the capital Kigali.

In Estonia, citizens can vote, pay taxes, and access healthcare entirely online. Their digital identity system is a global benchmark in e-governance.

India’s Aadhaar system links every citizen to a unique ID, streamlining access to welfare programs, banking, and subsidies—drastically reducing fraud.

Kenya’s Path Forward

If Kenya can replicate the simplicity and speed I experienced with my license renewal, we could radically transform how people interact with government. Imagine:

  • An election in Kenya that is completely digitalized using Internet of Things.
  • A digitized land registry to finally clean up title deed fraud
  • Online health records that move with the patient
  • Digital school admissions to eliminate corruption and confusion
  • Police e-reporting systems to enhance security response and trust

From Miracles to Normalcy

My experience at that cyber should not feel miraculous—it should be routine. We are on the cusp of something great if we stay the course.

Digitizing consumer services may just be the best gift Kenya can give its citizens.

So, to whoever is listening—policy makers, county heads, national leaders—scale up what is working. Keep building. Keep connecting. Keep believing.

Because if one small café in Bamburi, Mombasa County can turn sellotape panic into a digital win, imagine what Kenya could look like if the whole country came online.

Trump’s Tariffs: Wading Into the Unknown

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By Billy Mijungu

Interestingly, Donald Trump’s chief economic adviser, Peter Kent Navarro, believes that Trump can ride the trade war on tariffs to victory.

Yet this war on all fronts may not augur well for the United States.

Traditional markets like the European Union are getting fatigued.

As a result, Trump’s aggressive policies may give new impetus to the growth of BRIC nations at a rate not previously envisaged.

While Trump is busy erecting tariff walls, BRICS is building bridges through de-dollarisation campaigns. As the United States tightens its grip, others are exploring how to bypass it entirely.

The market suffers in the process, with Trump’s trade policies sending ripples across the globe, leading to mounting financial anxiety.

That anxiety, I believe, is no accident.

Trump and his cabal of ultrawealthy elites, seemingly coordinated by the likes of Elon Musk, appear to be engineering a financial disruption.

Their play seems targeted at Wall Street’s 150th floor, buying up stock at rock bottom prices during induced volatility, then cashing in as markets recover.

For them, a U.S. recession is not a crisis; it’s an opportunity.

Yet, if poorly handled, this tariff war could become Trump’s Waterloo.

It could be the self-inflicted wound that brings his administration down.

For investors with assets outside the U.S., however, this may present an opportunity.

With traditional power centres stumbling, it could be the right moment to explore business opportunities in emerging economies, diversify portfolios, and seek financial grounding in less volatile territories.

President Trump has long claimed that other countries have been ripping off the U.S., even as the nation enjoyed strong growth.

His administration has imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on steel and aluminium, another 25 per cent on noncompliant goods from Mexico and Canada, and a staggering 145 per cent duty on Chinese imports.

Cars, auto parts, and a range of consumer goods have also been affected by new tariffs. This unpredictability has destabilised the global business environment.

Tariffs are announced, then walked back, then doubled down on, leaving businesses and entire countries in policy limbo.

According to Moody’s Ratings, Trump’s tariffs are likely to slow global economic growth significantly.

The Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell himself called these very fundamental policy changes with no modern precedent, a remark that triggered a slump in U.S. stock markets.

Confidence is evaporating, and not just in the U.S.

The world is recalibrating. China has strategically shifted some of its focus away from the U.S. by strengthening ties with Europe and diversifying its trading partners.

The European Union, under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen, has made it clear that the West as we knew it no longer exists. With nearly 19 trillion dollars in GDP, the EU remains a formidable bloc.

Canada, Mexico, and India are all increasing their trade with Europe, drawn by its predictability and rule-based trade systems.

South East Asia is also pivoting quickly. Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia are ramping up engagement with both the U.S. and China, trying to avoid being collateral damage.

But they remain wary of becoming pawns in this geopolitical chess game.

Their economies are intricately tied to both superpowers, yet increasingly assertive in protecting local industries from being swamped by redirected Chinese goods.

Vietnam has slapped temporary antidumping duties on Chinese steel.

Malaysia has emerged as the world’s leading producer of rubber gloves, poised to benefit from Trump’s punitive tariffs on China.

Now, the question arises: where does Africa stand in this grand reshuffling?

Africa sits at a precarious yet potentially pivotal crossroads. While it is not directly targeted in Trump’s tariff agenda, the ripple effects are felt across the continent.

African exports may face stiff competition as global goods, especially cheap Chinese products, flood non-US markets.

This could stifle local industries that are still in their infancy and intensify dependency on external value chains.

But in this turbulence lies opportunity.

With the African Continental Free Trade Area (Afcfta) gaining momentum, Africa could position itself as a neutral trade zone, capable of attracting investment from both the East and West.

To do this, the continent must accelerate infrastructure development, enhance intra-African trade, and reduce its reliance on raw exports.

Africa must act decisively, not as a passive bystander but as an emerging player seeking to define its own economic destiny.

As Southeast Asia reaps unintended gains from Trump’s tariffs, Africa must ask itself whether it will continue to watch from the sidelines or seize this global moment to chart a new course.

Trump may want his tariffs to reset the world, but in the process, he may also be redrawing the economic map in ways that no one, not even his closest advisers, can fully control.

Old wounds, Orengo’s moment of Truth

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By Anderson Ojwang

Will Siaya Governor James Orengo escape the scalpel of his famous quote, ‘that government eats their children’, in an emerging duel with his party leader, Raila Odinga, over his opposition to the broad-based government?

Orengo may currently become a victim of his famous quote as he faces a battle of his life as his once close allies have turned the sword against him for opposing President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila’s political pact.

The battle is unfolding in various forms, with a section of members of the county assembly allied to his opponents grappling with the possibility of an impeachment.

While MCAS allied with Orengo are reading and strategising on how to counter them should they table the motion.

Sources have revealed to Western Insight media of a planned Sunday meeting at one of the homes of a senior politician from the region, where he will host 20 MCAS for a strategy meeting.

“Yes, there is a meeting on Sunday that has been camouflaged as celebrating Easter holiday, but in an actual sense it’s about taming Orengo and, if possible, impeachment,” said our sources.

But Yimbo East MCA  Francis Otiato confirmed that a section of their members were toying with the possibility of impeaching Orengo, but added that they will fail miserably.

“I have heard of schemes to impeach Orengo.

That is a bad dream.

We are waiting for them and we will meet at the assembly.

Tell me Orengo’s sin.

We must allow for divergent views to grow our democracy,” he said.

He said Orengo should be listened to, and those who have turned his divergent view into a personal war must be ready for a sad wake-up call shortly.

The battle has also moved to various Siaya WhatsApp walls, with residents having divergent views on the matter.

In one of the comments reads “ I have heard rumours that MCAS intends to table a motion to remove Governor Orengo from office. 

If they succeed in doing so, Alego will be the happiest sub-county.

My friend  Oduol will take over for the next 12 years. 

He will serve for the remainder of Orengo’s term, which will not be counted as it will be less than two and a half years to the next scheduled election. 

He will have another ten years from 2027. Jo Alego is encouraging MCAS to go on.”

One post read, “ Because of their noise-making and senseless utterances, lawyers have created a perception that they own knowledge and leadership. 

Truth is, most of them are laggards in management and creative thoughts.”

Another post read, “MPS like Atandi have joined praise and worship teams.

Orengo is very right in asking Ruto’s government for accountability. 

MCAS should ask Orengo  the right questions instead  of this mentality to impeach him.”

Raila yesterday responded by saying he was following the ongoing discussions on the relationship between the party and the Kenya Kwanza Administration.

He warned the members to exercise decorum, civility and respect.

“Mr Odinga appeals to ODM  members and leaders to exercise decorum, civility, restraint and respect for each other as they debate the current state of affairs and future of the party,” he said. 

In a statement by his press secretary, Dennis Onyango reads in parts, “ He is also following the various interpretations of the memorandum of understanding with a united democratic alliance, with keen interest.

Mr Odinga believes the discussions are not unique to ODM and are in line with similar such engagements that have gone on in equally strong parties established democracies.

 It is the position of the party  leader that at the  appropriate time,  relevant  organs  of the  party will harmonise the diverse  views and come up  with a harmonised position  on the way forward.”

We recently revealed the changing fortunes for Siaya Governor James Orengo, who previously had the ears and eyes of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga.

In his place, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assumed the role and is currently Raila and his elder brother, Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga, a new kid on the block.

Wandayi is seen as a possible heir apparent to Raila’s throne and probably a suitable candidate to take over from Orengo in the 2027 gubernatorial elections.

Recently, in Siaya, during the burial of Raila’s long serving and trusted aide George Oduor that was also attended by President Ruto, Orengo did not fail to state his disapproval of the union and went ahead to say that he would not fall to praise and worship songs as had been exhibited by previous speakers from the region.

Orengo said he cannot sing or praise the government and that it was the right of the people of Siaya to receive development from the government.

“What I am trying to say is that let’s build a society that is built on the Constitution and the rule of law. We can say many things, but for me, I cannot praise singing.

Because we fought for a democratic constitution, where people should talk. I was in Parliament when people used to tell President Daniel Arap Moi that there is nowhere you will go and that you will be in power until the day you want to go.

They told Moi then, and I was a member of parliament at the time.

There were only a few of us who said we could not have this system of government, and Raila was the head at that time, when Jaramogi had died, that we did not want that system of government.

So I am asking you, Kenyans, this constitution that we fought for,  it is a very difficult  document to keep and if we keep on singing praises every time, we will not have a country. 

So I urge you, tell your leaders the truth.

Mr. President, when you came here for the first time, I was the only one who was here to receive you.

I was here because I was convinced that institutions must work. 

Even Rarieda MP Paul Otiende Amollo, who is here, said he cannot come. 

I tried to persuade him but failed.

I was here alone with you.

Because I don’t sing praise, I believe you are the president, and we are going to talk. 

So this country will go to the dogs again if the kind of language I am hearing here today continues.

When you have something to be brought to Siaya, it is a matter of  our right, it is not like you are being given, it’s a matter of right

I cried when I was in parliament with John Okwanyo, Odongo Omamo, among others, and I was the only backbencher. 

They used to tell me that I should be in the government. But I told them all must not be in the government,” he said.

Siaya senator Dr Oburu Odinga set the tone by declaring they were rightfully in the broad-based government and had no reason to pull out.

“We joined the broad-based government to help you stabilise the government, and we were not worried by those objecting to the new political formation.

We want to encourage the country to be peaceful.

We are going to work together, and those of our friends who think otherwise should also continue to think otherwise, and we will remain friends with them, but they should know that as ODM, we have decided to work in this broad-based government.

We have lent you people to work with you, and what I want to appeal for, let our region gets its share of development,” he said.

Wandayi, following the footsteps of Obur,u declared that the community was in government to stay and that they had given Raila the mandate to work with the president.

“I want to thank Raila for agreeing to work with you closely to unite this country. 

Your Excellency, where you sit be rest assured that Baba has got our collective mandate as the people of this region to assist you unite this country.

And  from where we sit your Excellency, there is no turning back, we have made a decision, that we are working with you and we are doing this to the end.

Your Excellency, do not be threatened by anything or anybody. And those shouting Ruto must go, I want to tell you this, he is going nowhere. 

In this region, we are not known to be double speakers ,we say what we believe in and we do  what we say. 

We have said in one accord, we are in this government as a people, and we want to continue in that manner,” he said.

Alego MP Sam Atandi asked Orengo to concentrate on managing Siaya county government where he claimed he had failed to deliver.

“We are in government. 

We are participating in creating policies for this government.  

And we support this government inside and outside parliament.

I want to tell my governor, Orengo, that last weekend, we were at a funeral in Siaya, when the president came to condole with us.

My governor made certain remarks that were distasteful.  

I want to tell Orengo that Luo’s were not created to stay in the opposition.

I know he has been in opposition since he was born, and there is nothing he understands other than opposition.

Let him concentrate on managing Siaya County,” he said.

Gasification: Kenya’s Smart Solution to Energy, Waste, and Environmental Health

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By Dr.Edris Omondi (Advocate)
attorneyedris@ywcg.org (Social Thinker,Writer,Author, Motivational Speaker, Preacher and a Lawyer)

In the heart of Kenya’s cities and rural spaces, a silent crisis grows daily: unmanaged waste, overflowing landfills, and polluted air and water sources.

From the infamous Dandora dumpsite receiving a minimum of 2,000 tonnes of garbage daily to the fragile ecosystem of Lake Victoria, the burden of waste is no longer just a sanitation issue—it is a public health emergency, an environmental threat, and a missed economic opportunity.

But amid this challenge lies a powerful solution: Gasification.

What is Gasification?

Gasification is an advanced, eco-friendly technology that converts organic or waste materials into syngas—a clean-burning gas that can generate electricity, heat, or even jet fuel.

Unlike incineration, gasification occurs in a controlled, oxygen-limited environment, significantly minimizing harmful emissions.

From coal waste to plastic bottles, and even agricultural or municipal waste, gasification provides a smart, scalable pathway to waste-to-energy transformation—without polluting the environment.

The Health and Humanitarian Case

Every heap of decomposing garbage releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas and silent killer of clean air.

As it seeps into groundwater, it carries “forever chemicals”—toxins that, scientist have found out upon postmortem of some human brain, they discovered a teaspoonful of plastic substance in it.

Yes, it does damage the human brain and disrupt biological systems for generations.

We must ask: How many more children must suffer from toxic air and poisoned water before we act?

Gasification mitigates this crisis.

It not only diverts waste from landfills but also produces cleaner air, prevents toxic leaching into the soil, and enhances the overall quality of urban life.

It protects communities, especially in lower-income neighborhoods built around garbage mines.

Why Kenya should deliberately rethink Smart Programs

Kenya doesn’t just need energy—we need smart energy systems that address multiple crises at once:

Clean Power to fuel homes, industries, and innovation (30–50MW potential from well-sized plants) Ideally: –
Public Health Protection by eliminating methane and groundwater contamination.

Climate Resilience through reduced carbon emissions and carbon credit eligibility.

Economic Opportunity through job creation, R&D, and value addition in waste streams.

Environmental Conservation, especially around sensitive ecosystems like Lake Victoria.

Are key factors we need to initiate soluble conversation around.

The Carbon Credit Advantage

Gasification systems, when properly monitored and verified, qualify for carbon credits—financial incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Kenya, with its growing landfill crisis and regional leadership in climate advocacy, is well-positioned to benefit.

Gasification Carbon-Credit Equipment Includes:

Automated waste-to-energy units

Emission monitoring & verification systems

Biochar production modules (great for soil enrichment and carbon locking)

These systems ensure every ton of waste processed is not only cleanly managed but also accounted for in global carbon markets.

From Trash to Treasure: Value Addition and Innovation

Lab tests on coal waste samples show potential in extracting valuable minerals, while plastic waste and biomass can be turned into renewable fuels.

Gasification is no longer just about energy—it’s about circular economy innovation.

With proper research and development investment, Kenya can lead Africa in:

Producing renewable jet fuel

Developing modular gasification units

Training youth for green tech careers

Creating export-ready carbon credits

Africa’s Unique Position

Africa generates the second-largest volume of coal waste after China—but unlike China, much of our coal waste remains unmanaged and are inground.

With every rainy season, chemicals leach into water tables, permanently contaminating resources.

The global South, and Kenya in particular, now stands at a crossroads: Will we let waste bury our cities, or will we turn it into a tool for economic and environmental redemption?

The Call to Action

We must urgently:

Establish waste-to-energy gasification plants near major landfills.

Equip counties with gasification-ready infrastructure.

Support carbon credit certification programs.

Launch Lake Victoria Clean-Up Initiatives powered by waste-to-energy systems.

Create youth employment programs tied to clean tech and sustainability.

Conclusion: The Future is Clean, Carbon-Free, and Kenyan

Gasification is not just a technology—it’s a movement.

It is the bridge between crisis and opportunity, pollution and profit, garbage and green energy.

If we invest smartly, we not only light our cities—we cleanse our air, protect our health, create jobs, and help heal the planet.

It’s time for Kenya to lead Africa’s waste revolution.

The solution is already here.

The only question is: will we act?

Nyagudi: The Entrepreneur who challenged the Siaya’s economic order, woke up the sleepy region’s economy

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By Anderson Ojwang

In Nyanza, Gem Sub County, has been a cradle of success stories in the region in terms of its contribution in the academia, entrepreneurship, business, leadership, management, research and in all sectors.

Just like the name Gem which in English literal translate to jewel or treasure has not disappointed in the regions and country socio-economic and political growth.

This year, Gem has witnessed the demise of their two great sons Prof Bethwel Allan Ogot, a revered academia and whose memories remains etched in the history books for future referencing.

Recently, they buried again, an entrepreneur and Evangelist, who turned around the economy of Siaya County through a multi-billion shillings investment at the once abandoned Yala Swamps through an America Investor.

The late Rev Ken Nyagudi, former Kisumu West MP, in his pursuit for economic liberation and independence for Nyanza, challenged to existing political order by initiating a new economic dispensation.

Nyanza was more vibrant in terms of politics while economics took backstage and was given least attention in various forums. 

Nyanza was more of political praise song of the leadership and little discourse on economic progression.

Nyagudi who was then little known in the region, woke up the sleepy Siaya county to a vibrant and fast-moving economy that witnessed a new economic dynamic for the region.

Yala swamp that was left for tethering cows, donkey and goats and maize growing became a mechanized large scale rice growing zone, which not only altered the local economy but the national one.

In local shops and supermarkets, packed rice from the Dominion Farms found their way and became one of the best liked varieties.

Nyagudi through his networks brought in the region, an American Investors Calvin Burges, Founder of Dominion Farms, who termed Yala Swamp as the Siaya’s Canaan.

Burges recognized the swamp’s extraordinary potential as agricultural land to significantly boost Kenya’s food security. 

The “Dominion Group of Companies” is the informal identity of a number of companies founded and owned by Calvin Burgess of Guthrie, Oklahoma.

These companies provide a diverse range of services and products, from office properties in the central U.S. to large-scale farming in Kenya. 

The company’s operations included rice, fish, and rotation crops, with a significant focus on aquaculture. AECF has co-funded Dominion’s aquaculture program, building upon nearly $2 million in operational investment and $38 million in infrastructure investment. 

The intention of the Kenyan government to transform parts of the Yala swamp into agricultural land for food production goes back as far 1970s.

Various feasibility studies were undertaken on the economic potential of the area as early as 1970s, when Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands was consulted extensively by the Kenyan government for technical assistance on reclamation of the swamp and the feasibility of agricultural production.


Throughout the 1980s numerous reports were commissioned by the Kenyan Ministry for Energy and Regional Development and the Lake Basin Development Authority to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Reports like the “Yala Integrated Development Plan” and the “Yala Swamp Reclamation and Development Project” focused in depth on the potential of the development of the swamp and made recommendations on practical matters, such as drainage and irrigation, soil analysis, agriculture, marketing, environmental aspects, employment opportunities, human settlement, management and financial planning.

As a result, small-scale reclamation and development of the swamp land was undertaken throughout the 1980s and 1990s under the supervision of the Lake Basin Development Authority. 

The development of the swamp was partially successful, yet its scale was small, and financial benefits were too marginal. Major investment was therefore required to extend the scale of the project.

In 2003, Dominion farm made significant long-term investments into bringing parts of the swamp into agricultural production. 

Subsequently, a lease for 45 years was negotiated between Dominion Farms and the Siaya and Bondo County Councils to bring into agricultural production some 7,000 hectares of the Yala swamp.

The whole Yala swamp wetland covers 17,500 hectares, which means that Dominion Farms is allowed to reclaim and develop roughly 40% of the swamp.

Burges constructed a state-of-the-art rice processing plant with the ability of processing 10,000 tons of rice per day, and the first batch hit the shelves in 2007.

The farm had a research facility on site and propagates its own rice seeds, growing, million, packaging and sale.

The rice production output then was between 3.300-4,000 tons per annum by 2007 and it was anticipated to double.

The farm also ventured into production of fingerlings and was the main contract supplier for the government’s fish ESP program and were selling two million fingerlings per month.

The farm also operated eight trial ponds each with the capacity of holding 80,000 fish and was planning to set up 10 new ponds in a massive fish cropping program to cover 160 acres of land.

Dominion farms also ventured into large scale production of soya beans, which is the chief ingredient in the production of fish, chicken and dog feeds, which the farm was producing.

The farm also acquired a herd of 100 heifers in a test program for dairy and beef production and had hoped to build a herd of 600 cattle for milk and beef production.

Former Alego MP Sammy Weya described the project as a milestone saying Nyagudi was a man committed to economic welfare of Nyanza.

“Ken was so passionate about the community economic welfare.

Our discussions revolved how best we can grow and liberate the community’s economy. This is the dream we should live to realize as a people,” he said.

At his burial, in Gem mourners recognized his contribution to the economic welfare of the region terming him an entrepreneurial icon.

210 Youth in Migori County graduates from Digitruck Program

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By Habil Onyango

Some 210 youths in Migori County have graduated from the Digitruck training program which its aim is advancing Digital Inclusion in Rural Kenya Uriri Vocational Training Centre.

The graduands include 95 women and 115 men with essential digital skills, a six-week program which ran from 18 March to 16 April 2025.

The initiative provided training in computer literacy, digital marketing, online entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, enhancing employability and income-generating opportunities for participants.
According to Adam Lana, the Director of Government Affairs at Huawei, DigiTruck is a mobile digital classroom powered by Huawei, which delivers cutting-edge digital education directly to underserved communities.

This is done through providing hands-on learning experiences, and bridges the digital divide in rural regions and empowers youth with the tools to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

“We are proud to witness the graduation of 210 skilled individuals who are now better prepared to thrive in today’s digital economy,” said the Director.

“This program underscores our commitment to fostering inclusive digital transformation, especially for women and youth in rural areas.” Said the Director.

Adam Lane added, “Alongside our University Training Program, which partners with over 60 universities and TVETs, the DigiTruck enables us to reach youth outside formal education and in rural settings. I’m especially proud that we’ve achieved near gender parity in participation—digital skills are vital for everyone in today’s economy.”

The graduation ceremony was attended by local leaders, community members, and program partners, who celebrated the transformative impact of digital education on youth livelihoods.

Many trainees expressed heartfelt gratitude, highlighting how the training has opened new pathways in both employment and entrepreneurship.

Uriri Member of Parliament Hon. Mark Nyamita praised the initiative, emphasizing the role of ICT in levelling the playing field for youth across Kenya.

“Digital skills are no longer a luxury, they are a necessity. ICT is bridging opportunity gaps and unlocking potential in every corner of the country,” he said.

The curriculum placed strong emphasis on practical skills and online safety, including how to protect personal data, identify scams, and navigate the internet responsibly.

Nyamita commended Huawei’s commitment and called on more stakeholders to invest in digital skilling: “When we invest in digital education, we invest in people. Stronger, digitally empowered communities are the foundation of a stronger, more prosperous Kenya.”

A standout trainee, Maurine Riziki, shared her experience: “The skills I’ve gained—like graphic design and presentation preparation—have opened new doors. I’ve already landed freelance design jobs and earned income as I prepare for university. This training has been life-changing.”

Since its launch in 2019, the Digitruck program has trained over 6,030 youth across 36 counties, including Trans Nzoia, Kiambu, Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Marsabit, and now Migori and Homa Bay. In 2024 alone, 1,648 individuals were trained—906 of them women—demonstrating a strong commitment to gender equity and inclusion.

The program aligns with the Kenya Kwanza Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), particularly its focus on the digital superhighway and creative economy. Digital skills are increasingly being adopted as a pathway to online gigs and further training, with growing interest among girls pursuing ICT-related opportunities in tertiary institutions.

With momentum building, the Digitruck continues to empower more communities, foster innovation, and enable Kenya’s youth to succeed in the digital age.

Amorphous caucus cobbled in a fight with Orengo over broad based government 

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By Anderson Ojwang

The dice is cast and now its an all open war that targets Siaya Governor James Orengo over his opposition to President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga political pact.

Today, an amorphous outfit cobbled and brought together UDA and ODM members calling themselves  Ramogi Professional Caucus, held a press conference in Nairobi to chastise Orengo over his last weekend statement about broad-based government at the burial of  Raila’s aide, George Oduor.

The team that was coordinated and had close contact with one of Raila’s top aides, at a Nairobi hotel, condemned Orengo and asked him to stop interfering with the close political relationship between Ruto and Raila.

In our earlier post, we revealed that Orengo, who was one of those in Raila’s inner circle, has been displaced by Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

 Wandayi has assumed the role and is currently Raila’s and his elder brother, Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga, new kid on the block.

Wandayi is seen as a possible heir apparent to Raila’s throne and probably a suitable candidate to take over from Orengo in the 2027 gubernatorial elections.

In the press statement, they wrote, “We are here to correct misconceptions created by Siaya Governor James Orengo during the burial of Mr. George Oduor, the long-serving bodyguard to Rt. Hon Raila Odinga, in Siaya on 10th April 2025.

We are concerned that the words uttered by Mr. Orengo sent the wrong message that the Luo Community is at war or is preparing to be at war with the government.

Orengo’s outburst further created the very false impression that the Luo Nation does not approve of the coming together of President William Ruto and Rt Hon Raila Odinga to form the inclusive Broad-Based Government that is seeking to bring all Kenyans to the table.

Orengo further created the impression that the Luo Nation does not appreciate the good that has accrued from the relationship between Raila Odinga and President Ruto and that the Luo Nation will bolt out of the deal with the President at some stage.

Most unfortunate and painful, Orengo created the impression that it is him and only him, fighting for the interests of the Luo nation, all other leaders, including Rt. Hon Raila Odinga, being branded as sell-outs and praise singers, quite unfortunate indeed.

We are here, first and foremost, to state that James Orengo was absolutely wrong and out of order in his outbursts. Surely, what kind of a leader begins a confrontation with a man, in this case, the President of the country, who has only come to help you bury your son? 

We are here to make it clear that Orengo was not speaking and does not ever speak for the Luo nation. The position of the Luo Nation with regard to the broad-based government is the one that Hon Raila Odinga stated by signing an agreement with the president in broad daylight. We support that agreement fully and without apologies.

The views Orengo expressed were his own; they embarrassed the Luo community and they were driven by nothing other than jealousy and fear for his own future.

Orengo is jealous that Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi are Cabinet Secretaries. 

He is jealous that a young Ouma Oluga is the Principal Secretary. Orengo is finding it difficult that Samuel Atandi is chairman of the Budget Committee of the National Assembly. Orengo cannot believe that young leaders are rising in his own lifetime.

Orengo is jealous that Raila Odinga and President William Ruto are sitting and consulting on the future of the nation and the Luo nation without him. Orengo is pained that the Luo nation is deciding its future without him. Yet these are realities, and we will not allow Orengo to derail them. The outburst last Saturday was meant to cause maximum embarrassment to Rt. Hon. Odinga and President Ruto. We are glad they took it in their stride.

We are here to tell Orengo that we are sorry but the Luo nation has decided to change course, the Luo Nation feels it has to embrace President Ruto because he shown good faith, the Luo Nation feels they don’t have to consult Orengo and the Luo Nation feel Raila and Ruto are right in coming together.

We are here to tell Orengo to keep Edwin Sifuna and George Wajackoya out of affairs of the Luo community. We are aware that Orengo provided transport for Wajackoya to the event and gave him talking notes for the event.

We warn the likes of Wajackoya and Sifuna that we will not allow them to use Luo land as their launch pad for wars against the government. Sifuna and Wajackoya never confront Ruto in western Kenya. They confront him in Nyanza courtesy of Orengo and a few other leaders who sitting on the fence. That must end.

We demand that Orengo stop playing politics with the lives of Luos while the people suffer from poverty and massive unemployment.

We are here to assure President William Ruto and Rt. Hon Raila Odinga, that as professionals, we approve their pact without any reservations whatsoever because it has stabilised the nation, conferred tangible benefits on the community, brought all communities to the table and seems poised to correct the many wrongs that many communities have suffered under past regimes.

We are here to tell Governor Orengo that his mandate is Siaya, not Luo land or Kenya. Unfortunately, Orengo has failed in Siaya, even as he shouts himself hoarse lecturing leaders outside his mandate. So we urge Orengo to focus on Siaya County or resign and find his path to the national government.

Alternatively, the county assembly of Siaya would serve the county right by impeaching Orengo to allow him to focus on activism while a different person serves the people of Siaya as governor.

We have an appeal to all our leaders. The Luo Nation is at a critical juncture. After 60 years of State-sanctioned marginalisation, a president has extended an olive branch and a hand of friendship, which our leader, Rt. Hon Raila Odinga has accepted. Do we stand with Raila and Ruto or do we stand with activists like Orengo who want to separate the two leaders and return the community to the wilderness? We challenge our leaders to make their stand known. This is not a time for sitting on the fence or blowing hot and cold. We want to see leadership.

Finally, we demand that Orengo apologizes to the Luo nation, to Rt Hon Raila Odinga and to President Ruto about his unfortunate remarks and conduct at Ramba Secondary School last Saturday. We are here to tell Orengo that we view his approach to politics as archaic and an impediment to the progress of the Luo Nation.”

The team  was chaired by Kisumu based lawyer and UDA activist Joshua Nyamori wants Orengo to apologize to Raila and stop antagonizing the Luo community with the Government.

Orengo said he cannot sing of song praise for the government and that it was a right for the people of Siaya to receive development from the government.

“What I am trying to say is that let build a society, that is built on the constitution and the rule of law. We can say many things but for  me,  I cannot be praise singing.

 Because, we fought for a democratic constitution, where people should talk. I was in Parliament when people used  to tell President Daniel Arap Moi  that, there is no where you will go  and that you will be in power until the day you want to go

 They told Moi then and I was a member of parliament that time. There were only a few of us who said we cannot have this system of government and Raila was the head at that time, when Jaramogi had died, that we do not want that system of government.

So I am asking you Kenyans, this constitution that we fought for,  it is a very difficult  document to keep and if we keep on  song praising every time, we will not have a country. So I urge you ,tell your leaders the truth.

Mr. President, when you came here  for the first time, I was the only one who was here to receive you.

I was here because, I was convinced that institutions must work. Even  Rarieda MP Paul Otiende Amollo who is  here said then said he cannot come. I tried to persuade him but failed. I was here alone with you. Because, I don’t song praise, I believed you are the president and we are going to talk. 

So this country  will go to the dogs again, if the kind of language I am hearing here today  continue.

When you have something to be brought to Siaya, it is a matter of  our right, it is not like you are being given, it’s a  matter of right

I cried when I was in parliament with John Okwanyo,  Odongo Omamo, among others, and I was the only backbencher. They used to tell me that I should be in the government. But I told them all must not be in the government,” he said.

Time’s Up for NG CDF, Let’s Focus on Devolution with Professionally Recruited Governors

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Junior Secondary Schools

By Billy Mijungu

The Constitution, which stands as the supreme law of the land, assigns Members of Parliament the critical role of oversight. However, over the last two decades, Parliament has gradually expanded its reach into the domain of the Executive by establishing and controlling funds such as the National Government Constituency Development Fund and numerous other ward-based initiatives across counties.

This shift has turned what should be a system of checks and balances into a power play for resource control.

In its current form, the NG CDF has become a slush fund for Members of Parliament. This is one of the main reasons why some MPs have payslips that are heavily overcommitted, sometimes reading near zero, while their personal lifestyles remain noticeably unaffected. The disconnect between income and visible expenditure speaks volumes.

It is time to make devolution work as it was intended. A good starting point is to reassign or dissolve national agencies like the Kenya Urban Roads Authority and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority, and leave the responsibility of local road maintenance entirely to county governments.

This would allow counties to take full ownership of local infrastructure and service delivery.

To relieve MPs from the persistent pressure of attending to individual constituent needs, certain national reforms should be put in place.

Basic education should be made absolutely free for every Kenyan. The Social Health Authority Act should be amended to include coverage for funeral and burial expenses, which remain a major source of financial strain for elected leaders.

In addition, salaries for MPs should be reviewed and enhanced to at least two million shillings per month, while those of Members of County Assemblies should be raised to five hundred thousand shillings. With such adjustments, MPs would be better positioned to focus on their constitutional duties rather than personal interventions.

These changes would in turn shift the spotlight to governors, who must be held accountable for the delivery of services within their counties. The NG CDF can be replaced by a County Leaders Board where development priorities are identified through open discussions among stakeholders. This Board would assess needs and make commitments at the ward and constituency level before the county budget is finalized. Such a structure would promote transparency and strengthen oversight.

Additionally, the process of selecting governors should be professionalized. Instead of being elected, governors should be competitively recruited through a County Selection Panel composed of all MPs from the county, the Speaker of the County Assembly, the Majority and Minority leaders, and a Secretariat from the County Public Service Board.

The successful candidate would be employed on a six-year contract with the possibility of a one-time three-year renewal based on performance. This system would improve leadership quality and significantly reduce the cost of elections.

The time is ripe for a national referendum to actualize these objectives and elevate devolution to its full potential.

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