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Homa Bay County Surpasses Revenue Targets, Collects Ksh 1.73 billion in Own Source Revenue

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By Habil Onyango
The implementation of a cashless revenue collection system that prohibits traditional cash transactions is paying dividend in Homa Bay county.

This initiative that was aimed at enhancing revenue collection, improvent accountability, and to curb cash-related corruption in the county, has turned around revenue collection in the county.

The system appears to be working, as the county’s Own Source Revenue (OSR) now stands at Ksh 1.73 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

The progress was reviewed during the 30th County Revenue Roundtable, which assessed June’s performance and the year-to-date results for FY 2024/2025.

This amount represents a 117 per cent increase over the initial target set last July of Ksh 1.4 billion, resulting in an additional Ksh 246 million generated beyond expectations.

During today’s County Revenue Roundtable held at the County Headquarters, Governor Gladys Wanga shared the encouraging figures, highlighting that this year’s total is 44 per cent higher than the same period last year.

“We reported a remarkable 44 per cent increase in Own Source Revenue (OSR) for the financial year ending June 2025, reflecting steady economic growth and a commitment to sustainability,” she stated.

“This growth was achieved through efficient revenue collection systems and diversification of revenue streams,” Wanga added.

The Governor attributed this significant growth to the steadfast commitment and diligence of the revenue collection teams, as well as the effectiveness of the implemented systems to monitor and enhance fiscal performance.

Wanga emphasized that such positive results not only reflect an improved capacity for revenue generation within the county but also signify broader, steady growth in the county’s economy.

“By effectively harnessing local resources and maximizing revenue streams, the County Government aims to reinvest these funds into essential services and infrastructure, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents in Homa Bay,” she explained.

According to a recent report by Margaret Nyakang’o, the Controller of the Budget, the Health Sector, including Appropriation in Aid (AIS) and Facility Improved Fund (FIF) remains the highest revenue contributor.

Other sources of revenue in the county include Single Business Permits, bricks, sand, murram, stones, and bus park fees.

The county also generates OSR from market dues, income from kiosks and stall rents, miscellaneous income, and other sources.

Reckless Talk of ‘System’ and Stealing the Vote Should Stop

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By Billy Mijungu

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) plays a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s democratic future.

But its credibility is under growing threat, not necessarily from institutional failure, but from reckless, dangerous political rhetoric that trivializes the sanctity of the vote.

Public jokes or statements suggesting the possibility of stealing elections are not just irresponsible, they are destabilizing.

When leaders hint at rigging, they erode confidence in institutions that hold our republic together.

Even worse, these remarks undermine the legitimacy of the sitting Head of State more than they do the opposition.

They cast a shadow over victory, whether it is deserved or not.

In today’s Kenya, where millions of young, digitally connected citizens especially Gen Z are politically aware and increasingly engaged, such sentiments are dangerous.

They agitate, disillusion, and stir anger in a generation that already feels betrayed by systemic injustices and shrinking opportunities.

It is for this reason that President William Ruto, as the ultimate beneficiary of electoral credibility, must not tolerate such utterances within his political orbit.

Confidence in the electoral process is not a favor to the opposition; it is a foundation of national stability.

Wajir County MP Fatuma Jehow is the latest public figure to make such unfortunate remarks.

Addressing a crowd recently, she said:

“Sisi maneno yetu ni mafupi tu, tunasema tu two terms… ama kuna maneno ingine.

Sisi tunangojea tu debe iletwe hata kama hatutakuwa na votes, tutamuibia – hiyo sio siri.”

(Translation: “We are clear two terms. We’re just waiting for the ballot to come; even if we don’t have the votes, we’ll steal them that’s no secret.”)

Similarly, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi earlier this year made a bold, undemocratic proclamation:
“Have you ever heard of a president serving only one term? Ruto isn’t going anywhere.

Even if the votes aren’t enough, we’ll add some!”

Such pronouncements are not harmless political banter.

They are direct assaults on the Constitution, on the IEBC, and on the confidence of the Kenyan voter.

They devalue elections, inflame public sentiment, and set the stage for conflict, particularly when outcomes are disputed.

Beyond condemning these remarks, Kenya must embark on deliberate reforms to strengthen electoral integrity and rebuild public trust in the IEBC.

First, the commission must undertake a comprehensive clean up of the voter register, weeding out irregularities and restoring public belief in the vote.

Second, confidence building measures such as full transparency in procurement, communication, and polling practices must become institutional culture.

Third, Kenya must explore cost effective election systems, including the development of electronic voting. Lessons can be drawn from established democracies like the United States, India, and Brazil, where electronic voting technologies have evolved and been perfected over time, making their electoral systems both efficient and transparent.

In addition, we must amend our electoral laws to allow presidential results to be collated, certified, and announced directly at the polling station level.

This ensures that every Kenyan can witness the process firsthand, a hallmark of electoral transparency.

Thereafter, the IEBC should only be empowered to formally announce results after transmission and certification by the President of the Court of Appeal, a constitutional and institutional safeguard that builds faith and forestalls mischief.

Democracy thrives not on slogans, but on systems.

We must constantly scrutinize, audit, and hold the IEBC accountable, not to weaken it, but to strengthen it.

To say “we will steal votes” even in jest is to spit on the faces of Kenyans who queue for hours to cast their ballots in peace.

We must do better, speak better, and lead better.

Let 2027 be a triumph of democracy, not a test of its patience.

President Ruto honors his sh 5M promise to Homa Bay Fishermen’s SACCO

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By Habil Onyango

President William Ruto has fulfilled his pledge of Sh.5million grant to the Homa Bay fishermen to boost their Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO).

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga presented the grant to the County Beach Management Units (BMUs) on Tuesday.

The donation follows the recent Blue Economy Conference held in Homa Bay ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations.

Governor Wanga said President Ruto made the pledge to BMU officials during the Blue Economy Summit at Tom Mboya University before the Madaraka Day celebration on June 1.

The summit brought together officials from all the beaches on the Homa Bay side of Lake Victoria.

“When we met during the Blue Economy Summit, your leaders presented various challenges you face in your activities and discussed your SACCO, which the President promised to support with Sh5 million,” said the Governor.

“Today, we are handing over a grant of Sh.5 million from His Excellency William Ruto to the Homa Bay BMU Network Cooperative Society. This is a pivotal step in transforming it into one of Kenya’s largest SACCOs,” she added.

“With this initial funding and targeted capacity-building efforts, we are accelerating sustainable fisheries and fostering a thriving blue economy in Homa Bay,” Wanga stated.

“For those who claim that the President makes promises he does not fulfil, we are gathered here today for a commitment that has been honored for the BMU networks of Homa Bay,” she remarked.

According to Wanga, the funds will assist fishermen in acquiring fishing gear, helping them maintain their livelihoods, support their children’s education, and provide for basic needs, thus contributing to the country’s economy.

“The blue economy is a vital sector for this country, and on behalf of all BMUs, I want to thank the President for fulfilling his promise to our fishing community,” she said.

The Governor urged BMU officials to implement proper management strategies to ensure the cooperative’s success. She noted that Kenyans can now access loans more easily through SACCOs, as many banking institutions have made loan services harder to obtain.

She encouraged fishermen to save money to increase their loan limits before borrowing.
The Governor promised that her administration would offer capacity-building support to the Network members and may assign qualified officers to assist in running the SACCO.

“We have significant resources within our community, and if we come together and establish a well-structured management system, we will essentially have our own banks where we can save and obtain loans,” she advised.

Governor Wanga, accompanied by her deputy Oyugi Magwanga, BMU Networks National Chairman Tom Guda, and Homa Bay Chairman Edward Oremo, also pledged an additional Sh1 million personal donation to the Network.

Oremo expressed gratitude to the President for fulfilling his promise to the fishing community, noting that the grant will enhance their livelihoods.

He assured that the fishermen would work diligently to make the SACCO the best in Homa Bay and across the Lake Region.

“We are committed to collaborating with both the national and county governments to ensure the SACCO thrives by hiring experts and establishing an appropriate office to manage it for our members’ benefit,” he said.

Guda thanked the county government for improving infrastructure along the lake, providing patrol boats to the BMUs for security, and addressing their welfare needs.

He emphasized that BMU leadership remains committed to collaborating closely with both levels of government to support initiatives focused on the blue economy and the fishing industry.

80 Percent of Children Under 14 Vaccinated Against Measles and Typhoid in Homa Bay

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By Habil Onyango

Homa Bay County has achieved 80 percent of its target in the recently concluded integrated Measles-Rubella and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine campaign.

The campaign, which launched on July 1 and ran until July 14, 2025, aimed to boost child immunization coverage and reduce the burden of these preventable diseases.

It targeted children aged 9 months to 59 months for the Measles-Rubella vaccine and those aged 9 months to 14 years for the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine.

According to Dr. Kevin Osuri, Homa Bay’s Health Chief Officer, the goal was to vaccinate 143,000 children against Measles-Rubella and 650,000 against Typhoid across all eight constituencies in the county.

“We are pleased to have achieved over 80 percent coverage for our targeted age group of 9 months to 14 years in our campaign against these two diseases,” he stated.

Dr. Osuri highlighted that Typhoid fever continues to impact thousands of families in Homa Bay, particularly in informal settlements and rural areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation.

He explained that the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine provides strong protection for at least four years with just one dose and has now been incorporated into the national routine immunization schedule at 9 months of age.

Dr. Osuri noted that Homa Bay has been experiencing an increase in cases of these diseases, which pose significant challenges and mortality risks to children.

“There have been several cases reported in various health facilities, including those involving hospitalized children and fatalities,” he added.

He admitted that both diseases have developed resistance to available medications, which is a primary reason for launching the vaccination campaign.

“With the rise of drug-resistant strains, treatment has become more difficult and costly, with our children being the most affected,” he explained.

Dr. Osuri revealed plans for a mop-up exercise scheduled for today (Tuesday) at all identified outreach sites, including churches, mosques, and schools, to ensure that any children who missed their vaccinations are accommodated.

The county has been utilizing Community Health Volunteers and other health workers to administer vaccines, with support from UNICEF and Lwala Community Alliance.

“We have organized follow-up visits to several institutions to conduct mop-ups, ensuring that no child is left out of this vital campaign,” he said.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank our healthcare workers and Community Health Volunteers, who are the backbone of our health system, and to express gratitude to our development partners for their support and the success of this campaign,” he concluded.

The vaccines were administered free of charge at all public health facilities and outreach sites.

Siaya’s County Solicitor threatens to sue Gem MP over alleged defamation, demands apology

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By Reporter 

Siaya County solicitor has threatened to sue Gem MP Elisha Ochieng Odhiambo over alleged defamation and wants him to publicly apologize to him.

Leonard Okanda through his Advocate, Rakewa Otieno and Co. advocates, he wrote “Demand for retraction, apology and admission of liability for defamatory statements.”

He alleges that on separates dates of July 27th 2024 and July 12th 2025, Odhiambo at a funeral and memorial service in Nyachwinya village in Alego Usonga constituency uttered scandalous and inherently defamatory statements, suggesting criminality, dishonesty, corruption and professional misconduct on Okanda.

Otieno wrote “The natural and ordinary meaning as well as the client’s innuendo, conveyed by your words is that our client:

Knowingly and unlawfully withheld a sum of  Sh 232M owed to the late Evans Oruenjo, that he demanded a bribe before releasing Sh 102M to the late Evans Oruenjo.

That he intended to benefit personally from money due to a, misappropriated or diverted funds meant for the support of children of the late, implying theft, deceit and dereliction of duty.

That he is corrupt, dishonest and unfit to hold public office.”

Otieno said his client Odhiambo knew that his client does not owe the late Evans Oruenjo any money, personally or professionally and that he had no contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation to the deceased or to hie estate.

He said his client is a civil servant employed by the County Government of Siaya and that county government of Siaya is a distinct legal entity, separate and independent from Okanda  as an individual.

“Any liabilities or dealings relating to county finances, if any related, would rest solely with county government of Siaya and nor our client in a personal or professional capacity, “he wrote.

Otieno said should the Mp fail to apologize within the prescribed time frame, he will institute appropriate legal proceedings against him.

When we contacted Odhiambo, he neither picked our calls nor responded to our text messages.

The forgotten Deputy Governor: Will Oduol Denge have the last laugh?

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By Anderson Ojwang’

Currently, Dr William Oduol Denge is the country’s forgotten deputy governor, pushed to the periphery by the power that be at the county government. After surviving an impeachment, Oduol became a pariah and can only be seen but not to be heard.

Despite his contribution to the election victory, Oduol is unwanted man, scorned and disliked at the County Government for his alleged anti-corruption crusade and a fall out with the Governor James Orengo.

Oduol for the second time in his political stint, has borne the wrath of the power that be after 2013 Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nomination for the governor seat, where he was denied victory after emerging stronger candidate to Dr Oburu Oginga, the current Siaya senator.

Oduol’s victory was nipped from the bud after the party leadership opted to award the certificate to little known Cornel Rasanga Amoth.

Rasanga went to win the contested gubernatorial election.

Rasanga’s victory was short lived after the Kisumu High Court nullified his election. In the repeat election, Rasanga won and Oduol took a political leave in 2017.

But in 2022 general election, ODM and Orengo opted to recruit Oduol into their camp and made him the running mate that catapulted them to victory.

But after election, a fall out between Orengo and Oduol occurred over alleged corruption in the administration and other malpractices.

The Siaya County assembly passed the motion that impeached Oduol, but the senate rescued him from the jaws of his enemies and gave him a new lease of life.

But as fate, would have it, the administration drove him to the oblivion, and he became a stranger in his own turf.

“The office the deputy governor has completely been disabled.

All staff have been directed not to communicate neither take instructions from the DG.

The DG does not get invited to cabinet meetings and his benefits and allowances withdrawn including fueling his official county car on his own,” Oduol said.

But over the weekend an open letter penned by a resident, one Julius Owino Oluoch Ahere opened a can of worms about the pain and suffering of Oduol.

He wrote “Dear Governor Orengo,

I am writing to you as a concerned resident of Siaya County to express my deep concern regarding your prolonged absence from official duties as Governor of Siaya for now more than three weeks and severally before. 

You are a public servant to all of us irrespective of afflictions. We are all concerned Dear Governor.

Your absence from public view and official duties has raised serious questions and concerns among residents about the continuity of governance and leadership in our County.

We, as citizens, have a right to know the whereabouts of our elected officials and the reasons for their absence, particularly during times when important decisions and policies are being formulated and implemented.

Therefore, I request a clear and transparent explanation regarding your current location and the reasons for your absence from the Governor’s office and public engagements.

This information is crucial for maintaining public trust and confidence in our state’s leadership.

Article 182(4) & (5) provide that if a Governor is unable to fulfill their duties, the Deputy Governor assumes the office.

If both offices are vacant, the Speaker of the County Assembly acts as governor for a limited period, with an election to be held within 60 days.

Recently we saw the Speaker received a PS for the state department of Livestock – Hon Jonathan Mweke and commissioning County Government projects (in place of the CGS Governor Orengo and or The Deputy Governor Hon William Oduol). 

I look forward to your prompt response and clarification on this matter.”

Oduol in his response said he was happy that he had vindicated after Orengo fell out with majority MPs from Siaya.

He wondered why if President William Ruto and former prime Minister Raila Odinga were able to have a handshake at the national level, what has stopped a similar gesture at the county level.

Oduol said despite the senate recommending that they work together for the betterment of Siaya, Orengo has completely refused to accept him back.

“Currently Siaya County is on auto pilot.

The governor is away in India, but he has not handed over to me as the deputy governor to act in his absence, so no one knows what is going on in Siaya.

We have a situation where you have the governor’s PA and security giving orders on who and what needs to be done.

Similarly, we have a situation, where we have critical finance positions that is the CEC Finance and Chief officer of finance both in acting capacity with no supervisory undertakings from either the governor or his deputy.”

Oduol said his enemies and cartels in the county are very happy with the situation because they fear his distaste for graft and plunder.

“The assembly on the other hand has also abdicated their oversight role preferring and instead have reverted to getting involved in implementation function, a preserve of the county executive.

Why would the speaker of the county represent the governor in his absence on an executive role while the governor is away?

Why not the DG?

And if the DG cannot represent why not someone senior from the executive?” He quipped

Oduol said his attempts to reconcile with Orengo have been rebuffed and he has opted to take a back seat and watch from the sides.

I have made many attempts to reach out to Orengo without any luck. I have decided to take a back seat, but I am happy that I have been vindicated. 

All the MPs from Siaya have raised the same issues that I raised in 2022, over lack of leadership, graft, lethargy and hands off management style amongst many others,” he said.

2nd edition of Roan half marathon to curtain raise for Devolution conference

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By Habil Onyango

Homa Bay County is set to host the 2nd edition of the Roan Antelope Half Marathon at Ruma National Park from August 10 to 11, 2024.

The event, organized in collaboration with the County Government and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), will also serve as a curtain-raiser for the Devolution Conference, scheduled for August 12-15.

This conference is expected to attract over 12,000 delegates from across the country and beyond.

Ruma National Park is the only park in Kenya that is home to the endangered roan antelope species, with a current population of just 24.

During a mock run at the park, Governor Gladys Wanga emphasized that the Half Marathon will help showcase Ruma National Park to a global audience.

“This event is a partnership between the County Government, KWS, and the Kenya Tourism Board.

We want to use it to market our only National Park in the western circuit and ensure it appears on the global map,” Wanga stated.

She added that the park’s existence aims to economically benefit the local communities, which have not yet fully utilized this potential.

According to Wanga, Ruma has the potential to attract a large number of tourists, and with effective marketing, it can significantly boost the economic status of the locals and the entire county.

“We have several endangered species in the park, including roan antelopes, black rhinos, and Rothschild giraffes.

Through this run, we want to showcase these unique animals to the world,” she said.

Wanga announced that the event will officially begin on August 10 in Homa Bay Town, where skaters and cyclists will participate in a curtain-raiser for the Devolution Conference.

This will be followed by tours of several islands in Lake Victoria, including Takawiri, using water buses and other boats.

Visitors will enjoy lunch before docking at Sindo Beach and proceeding to their final destination for game drives.

There will also be a hackathon for visitors from across the country, where they can discuss their visions for the future of devolution in Kenya.

Wanga challenged the local business community to take advantage of this event to enhance their incomes.

The Governor was joined by the Minority Leader in the National Assembly, Junet Mohamed, and Captain Kenneth Ochieng, who represented KWS Director General, Dr. Erustus Kanga.

Junet commented that if well-marketed, Ruma National Park has the potential to improve Homa Bay County’s economy in the same way that the Maasai Mara National Reserve has benefitted Narok County.

“One of the factors boosting Narok County’s economy is Maasai Mara.

If Ruma is marketed effectively, it could elevate Homa Bay to one of the richest counties in Kenya,” he said.

However, Junet noted that there is a need to construct luxurious hotels and expand existing airstrips to accommodate visitors.

On his side, Kanga added that the marathon serves as a rallying call for the survival of one of Kenya’s most iconic critically endangered species and reflects a collective commitment to conservation and sustainable development.

Kanga stated that the government, through KWS, is committed to restoring and enhancing the park, which is less visited than other tourist destinations.

“Plans are underway for infrastructural development and investment opportunities for luxury accommodations, which will improve the livelihoods of the local community and contribute to the economic growth of the country,” he said.

He highlighted that the Western circuit has been neglected for some time, but there is now a realization that collaboration is essential to achieve KWS’s vision of thriving wildlife and healthy habitats for all.

The park is currently home to diverse animal species, including 24 roan antelopes, over 800 Nubian giraffes, and viable populations of both black and white rhinos.

“The Roan Antelope Half Marathon is a shining example of what can be achieved when national and county government entities unite for a vital cause,” Kanga remarked.

He commended the Governor for her vision and dedication to this initiative, which is instrumental in the conservation of the roan antelope.

The Battle of the Principals against the Deputies: Who will blink first, and will it hold to 2027 elections?

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By Anderson Ojwang

In what was viewed as a win-win situation and was never contemplated as loss-loss situation for Mt Kenya ahead of the 2022 general elections, has currently turned out to be a battle royale between the principals against their deputies.

In the run up to the presidential election, Mt Kenya region negotiated for their son and daughter to be the running mates of the two leading presidential candidates, Kenya Kwanza coalition led by the then deputy president William Ruto and Azimio la Umoja coalition of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In an intensive negotiation between Raila and the Mt Kenya business community and professionals, the former Prime Minister was prevailed upon to drop his running mate, former vice President Kalonzo Musyoka for former Justice Minister Martha Karua.

Ruto also defied his allies to settle on the now the impeached deputy President Rigathi Gachugua  after he was floored in a secret ballot election by the current deputy President Prof Kithuri Kindiki that nearly resulted in a fall out.

Ruto and Gachagua  team rode to victory as Raila and Karua leaked their wounds after the loss both at the ballot and Supreme Court.

But the plot for a win-win situation has turned to be a nightmare for the Murima after Gachugua was hounded out of the office while Karua broke away from the Azimio Coalition to chart a new political journey.

The emerging political realignment in the country brought Raila and president Ruto together to cobble Broad based government that allowed experts from the Orange Democratic Movement to join the Kenya Kwanza government.

Karua and Gachagua  have now become close allies and are currently visiting United States of America (USA) to meet Kenyans in diaspora to sell their political agenda.

Gachagua while speaking in Seattle, USA said the work of the boys was to take care of their sisters and that is one of the reasons he accompanied Karua to the function.

“I come here to escort my sister and if anyone person had ulterior plan against my sister. I will protect her.

When I looked at how things are going in Kenya and the struggle we are having with Kasongo, I decided to go look for my sister, because she has been the struggle to liberate the country for a long time. She has fought for the struggle and is more experienced than us.

I went to her house in Kirinyaga, and I told her my sister, I have come, this battle is not easy.

We need all of us to be together.

And she was very receptive, and she said to me, my brother, welcome, lets walk this journey together,” he said.

Gachagua also claimed that Raila’s political value has diminished and that his support for Ruto will not stop them from winning the presidency in 2027 elections.

Karua speaking at the same function said the opposition must stick together even though they are many who harbor presidential ambition and she also declared her candidature.

“I am done with running mate business. I finished that era in 2022.

I am also ready to support, if another candidate is chosen and I will support.

Kenya is bigger than all of us.” she said

Ruto and Raila have become like Siamese twins with the former Prime Minister rubbishing the one ‘wantam’ (One Term) mantra and asking his political backyard to stop political activism and instead concentrate on development.

In response Ruto has held series of development meetings with leaders and stakeholders from Nyanza that has opened the region to government tray full of development projects.

In a recent meeting with leaders from Kisumu, Ruto said unity government was not conceived by Raila and himself but God.

“The Broad-based government is neither a creation of Raila nor Ruto, but it is God sent and was aimed at uniting the country for prosperity,” he said.

ODM National Chairman Gladys Wanga has maintained that the ODM will not walk out of the broad-based government and that they support President Ruto agenda of uniting the country and development programs.

Before he exits from the coalition, Karua’s party wrote “Kindly take note that our stay in Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition is not tenable due to the prevailing political developments,” the letter by Narc Kenya Acting Secretary General Asha Bahir addressed to the Azimio Secretary Junet Mohammed read.

“As NARC Kenya, by way of this letter, we are giving notice to exit the coalition as stipulated in the exit clause (s)in the Coalition Agreement.”

“Our goal with this rebrands is to let people know that we are now the People’s Liberation Party, a party rooted in liberation,” Karua stated.

“We have introduced new colors—purple, lilac, and white—while maintaining our identity as a flower party.

Previously symbolized by a green rose, we now embrace the purple rose, which represents love, friendship, and peace. Our slogan is ‘Unite – Liberate.”

But Gachagua has declared that his party DCP was the only political party in   Mt Kenya region and that is what the region will use to seek alliance with other political outfits and leaders.

“Now we have our party DCP. You know our party.

That is the party for this region. 

We will use this party to seek alliance from other regions. 

The bedrock of DCP is Mt Kenya.

We must have a strong party with over 150 MPs to protect our interest in the parliament.

We must have over 20 senators to protect our interest in the senate and we must have over 800 MCAs to protect our interest in the county assemblies,” he said.

This declaration may ahead of the general elections bring discomfort between Karua and Gachagua  during the elections while analysts are in wait whether Raila will walk with Ruto to the ballot.

Kenya Officially Borderless for Africans, Open to Business

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By Billy Mijungu

Kenya has taken a bold and historic step by officially removing visa requirements for all African countries and most Caribbean nations, ushering in a new era of openness, opportunity, and Pan-African unity.

With no entry forms, no prior approvals, and no waiting periods, visitors from across the continent can now simply arrive no restrictions, just a heartfelt Karibu.

This move signals more than just a change in immigration policy.

It is a strategic invitation to African businesses, creatives, students, and investors to come and engage with Kenya’s dynamic economy.

The country has thrown open its doors to cross-border innovation, trade partnerships, cultural exchanges, and the tourism boom that is already beginning to take shape.

With only Libya and Somalia exempted for now due to ongoing instability, Kenya’s message to the rest of the continent is clear.

We are ready to lead a future without artificial borders. We are open for business, for collaboration, for community.

In the days following the announcement, Nairobi has seen a surge of interest from African entrepreneurs and creatives. Hotels are reporting early bookings from Accra, Lagos, and Harare.

Travel companies are designing holiday packages for African families and youth travelers.

Event organizers are planning continental expos, music festivals, and knowledge-sharing forums.

Tourism is only the beginning. Kenyan fintech companies are already exploring joint ventures with West African counterparts.

Agribusiness firms are linking up with partners in Zambia and Ethiopia. Nairobi’s tech ecosystem is expanding its reach into Francophone markets with fresh vigor.

Local artisans and designers are collaborating with Senegalese, Ivorian, and Ghanaian counterparts to showcase an Afrocentric lifestyle to the world.

The new policy also places pressure on infrastructure planning.

Airports, roads, hospitality sectors, and local government systems must prepare to accommodate the growing wave of inter-African movement.

It is an opportunity to expand jobs, improve services, and rethink mobility across East Africa and beyond.

Kenya’s decision stands as an example to the rest of the continent.

Free movement of people is no longer a theory waiting for approval.

It is a lived experience now.

And it will inspire conversations about reciprocal access, visa-free blocs, and the long-awaited dream of a single African passport.

This is also a call to African airlines to reimagine air travel across the continent.

Affordable and direct connections are no longer optional.

The market will demand them.

The people are ready to move, to build, and to transform Africa together.

In the spirit of this vision, Kenya is not just opening its borders.

It is opening its heart.

The future of Africa must be built by Africans together, freely, and boldly.

With this single stroke, Kenya has stepped into the future.

Let the journey begin.

The Shadow Play: Gachagua’s Gambit? DCP leader rhetoric sparks fear of ethnic manipulation

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By Remmy Butta

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s continued public pronouncements, fueled by a bitter fallout with President William Ruto, are increasingly raising alarm.

Gachagua’s strategy, born from palpable anger and resentment, may involve dangerously playing the ethnic card, specifically aiming to incite the Kikuyu community against the Kalenjin, risking the reopening of wounds barely healed since the 2007/08 post-election violence.

A Man Seething, A Mission Unfolding?

Gachagua’s dramatic fall from grace – becoming the first sitting Deputy President in Kenya’s history to be impeached – has left him politically isolated and visibly aggrieved.

His attacks on President Ruto, his former boss and ally, have escalated from policy disagreements to intensely personal and tribal rhetoric.

His combative history is noted; this is a leader who previously turned against his one-time ally, former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Now, targeted at Ruto, his actions suggest a man driven by a singular, personal mission, one that prioritizes vengeance over national stability.

The Dangerous Card: Kikuyu vs. Kalenjin?

The most chilling aspect emerging from Gachagua’s narrative, particularly highlighted in his press conference before leaving the country, is the perceived attempt to frame current national challenges through a purely Kikuyu lens of victimhood allegedly orchestrated by a Kalenjin presidency.

By repeatedly emphasizing perceived marginalization of the Mt. Kenya region and invoking historical injustices, Gachagua is deliberately crafting a narrative designed to stoke resentment among the Kikuyu populace.

This tactic strikes at the heart of Kenya’s most painful recent history.

The 2007/08 post-election crisis, primarily pitting Kikuyus against Kalenjins and other communities, resulted in over 1,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced.

The specter of that violence, and the ICC cases that followed (including President Ruto’s, which were eventually terminated due to witness interference and lack of evidence), remains a potent and dangerous memory.

Gachagua’s rhetoric is a deliberate, cynical ploy to resurrect these tribal animosities for political gain.

“Kenya Will Not Burn” – But Concerns Mount.

While Gachagua may couch his language in terms of “fighting for his community,” the subtext and the inflammatory nature of his accusations are causing deep unease.

The implied threat – that the unresolved tensions he claims to highlight could boil over – is unmistakable.

His focus on the shelved ICC cases in the context of current grievances is seen by many as a particularly reckless attempt to link past trauma to present politics.

Kenya has worked hard to rebuild since 2008.

The 2010 Constitution, devolution, and concerted efforts towards national healing, however imperfect, represent significant strides.

Gachagua’s strategy, if it indeed involves weaponizing ethnicity as alleged, poses a direct threat to this fragile progress.

A Nation and World on Alert

The Kenyan nation has every right to be worried.

Political competition is healthy, but deliberately sowing division along ethnic lines for personal or factional advantage is a dangerous game with potentially catastrophic consequences.

The international community, which invested heavily in helping Kenya recover from 2008 and has a stake in the stability of this regional economic powerhouse, is also watching with heightened concern.

A return to large-scale ethnic violence in Kenya would have devastating regional repercussions.

Playing with Fire

Rigathi Gachagua’s current path appears increasingly defined by bitterness towards William Ruto.

The emerging fear is that his chosen weapon is the deliberate and dangerous exploitation of historical Kikuyu-Kalenjin tensions.

By invoking the ghosts of 2007/08 and framing complex national issues through a lens of tribal persecution, he risks igniting a fire that could consume far more than just his political ambitions. Kenyans across all communities have repeatedly declared, “Kenya will not burn.”

Upholding that resolve requires vigilance against rhetoric that seeks to divide, and a collective rejection of leaders who prioritize personal vendettas over the unity and peace of the nation.

Gachagua’s words and actions in the coming weeks will be scrutinized more closely than ever, as the nation hopes his hidden cards do not include the match that could light the tinderbox.

Kenya has been down this path before, and the cost was catastrophic.

The nation cannot afford a repeat.

It is imperative that all leaders, including Gachagua, exercise utmost responsibility, prioritize national unity over personal or factional interests, and unequivocally reject any rhetoric or action that threatens to reopen the healed wounds of the past.

The Kenyan people deserve peace and progress, not a descent into manipulated conflict fueled by the bitterness of a single individual.

Vigilance from civil society, the media, religious leaders, and the international community is crucial to ensure that Kenya’s hard-won stability is not sacrificed on the altar of one man’s political vendetta.

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