By Anderson Ojwang

The growth and development of Kenya’s tourism industry is not complete without mentioning the contribution of the country’s iconic Kenya Utalli College (KUC).

Kenya Utali College has been pivotal in the production of competent human resource that have met the dynamic and changing trends in the service industry.

With Kenya’s tourism sector earnings are expected to jump to 650 billion shillings ($5 billion) this year from 452.2 billion shillings last year,  Kenya Utali College remains a pillar in the sector’s growth.

The 2024 earnings were up 20 percent compared with a year earlier, joining the league of tea exports and remittances as  Kenya’s major foreign exchange earners.

This has subsequently resulted in the immense growth with a 23 percent increase in domestic bed nights and a 43 percent increase in hotel bed occupancy.

Similarly, International tourism also increased by 60 percent, with a 1 million increase in the number of international visitors, enhancing tourism earnings to sh184.11 billion.

Tourism Principal Secretary, John Lekakeny Ololtuaa, said prior to the advent of COVID-19, the sector contributed nearly 10 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) but this dipped to its lowest levels. 

However, he said the industry has picked up again and that things are looking up as the sector is well on the track to recovery.

Globally, international tourists’ arrivals grew by 34 per cent in 2023 as compared to 2022, representing an 88 per cent recovery rate of pre-pandemic numbers, as Africa recovered 96 per cent to the pre–COVID pandemic levels

The growth has created jobs in the hospitality industry, with 73 percent more graduates from the Kenya Utalii College employed within the country and abroad.

KUC, the country’s premier hospitality and tourism training institution, founded in 1975, has been pivotal in the growth of the tourism industry not only in Kenya but East and Central Africa and Africa at large.

Kenya Utalii College is a globally recognized and transformative premier Tourism and Hospitality training center. The College is the premier UNWTO-accredited hospitality and tourism training institution and gateway to an international career.

The country’s towering giant,  Kenya Utali College, is credited for the transformation of the country’s illustrious multi-billion shillings tourism economy through the production of competent Human resources to meet both local and international market demands.

The college has trained over 60,000 graduates from around the world who serve in the local and international hospitality and tourism industry.

The college offers a wide range of courses accredited by the Tourism Education Quality (TEDQUAL) certification body and authorized by the International Air Travel Agency (IATA).

Kenya Utalii College was established through a partnership between the Governments of Kenya and Switzerland. Since its inception in 1975, the college has continuously evolved its curricula to meet the changing needs of the hospitality and tourism industry. The initial curricula were Swiss-based, offering four-year diploma programs and two-year certificate programs.

Mr. Isaack Mwaura, the government spokesperson, recently said Kenya Utali College has contributed to the production of competent human resource who have enhanced service in the hospitality industry.

“Skills development within the hospitality sector has also increased as the number of visitors to national parks and game reserves increased to 6.258 million,” he said.

Mwaura said the development in the tourism sector has created jobs, with 73 percent more graduates from the Kenya Utalii College employed within the country and abroad..

He said the country has witnessed a notable surge from1.483 million international visitors in 2022 to 2.086 million in 2023, representing an impressive growth of 31.5 per cent. In the same year 2023, inbound tourism earnings grew up to Sh352.54 billion compared to Sh268.09 billion in 2022 indicating a growth of 31.5 per cent.

Data from Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) shows that Kenya’s tourism industry reported significant growth in the first six months of 2024, with revenue reaching Sh142. 5 billion with the country receiving 1,027,630 international visitors, marking a 21.3 per cent increase from the same period in 2023.

Kenya is a renowned tourism destination in the world, with its expansive sandy beaches at the coast and diverse wildlife which attracts millions of tourists to the country each year.

This makes tourism in Kenya the second-largest source of foreign exchange earner, only second to the agriculture sector, which earns Kenya about 70 per cent of her Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

With the new changes in management and leadership KUC will transform into a new outfit to match.

Chairman of the College Council Mr. David Wamatsi is steering a team that will oversee the transformation of the college into a real Center of Excellence to match the globally recognized Cornell University, EHL Leissane, Glion among others.

The new campuses in Kisumu, Kilgoris and Mombasa in Vipingo will attract students from all over the world.  

Equally, the institution has taken a bold step in Kenya Utalii College, Steps towards Modernizing its  curriculum to meet  dynamic and changing industry Trends

“Kenya Utalii College, the country’s premier hospitality and tourism training institution, has recently undergone a comprehensive curriculum review to ensure that it aligns with the latest trends and demands in the hospitality and tourism industry. The review was prompted by the need to keep up with the evolving landscape of the industry, which has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Former Alego MP Mr. Sammy Weya said there was need for proactive management and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that Utalii’s training module evolves to meet international standards and equips graduates with the skills demanded by the global hospitality industry.

“International standards have risen, and that Kenya must rise to meet them if it wishes to thrive in the tourism sector,” he said.

By Anderson Ojwang                                          

When the casket of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga arrived at Kango village in Bondo for burial in 1994, one of his main security personnel stood by the hearse to oversee the removal of the body.

The guard remained dedicated to his master in death, just like he was in life. He gave his life to Jaramogi and later surrendered his selfless service to his son.

And this could have caught the eyes of his younger son, Raila Amolo Odinga, a budding and emerging ambitious politician.

The death of Jaramogi opened a power struggle in his Ford-K party that pitted his son Raila and the claimed ‘heir’ apparent and legal advisor James Orengo.

While Orengo inherited a majority of MPs from Nyanza in his quest to become the vice chairman to Wamalwa Kijana and a section of Jaramogi’s security, Raila remained with a gem.

In George Oduor, Raila got the best inheritance from his father in terms of his security and ideology.

Oduor, became the cornerstone to Raila’s safety and security and took bullets and teargas to ensure his boss was safe.

In Oduor, Raila’s safety was guaranteed, and he became the voice of reasoning, sobriety, love and truthfulness in ODM leader camp. 

Raila, in his press statement, recognized Oduor’s selfless role in his safety and security and termed him as an extraordinary person.

“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of my trusted bodyguard, confidant, and friend, George Oduor. For decades, George stood by my side with unflinching courage, unwavering loyalty, and an unmatched sense of duty. He was not just a protector of my life but a guardian of the principles we hold dear.

George’s selfless service transcended mere duty; it was a testament to his extraordinary character. In moments of peril and uncertainty, he remained steadfast, embodying the very essence of bravery and sacrifice. His dedication to safeguarding others, even at great personal risk, leaves a legacy of heroism that will forever inspire those who knew him.

To George’s family, friends, and loved ones: I share in your grief and pray that you find solace in the knowledge that his life was one of profound purpose and impact. George’s name will be etched in the annals of our shared history as a man who gave his all for a cause greater than himself.

May God grant him eternal peace and grant you strength during this difficult time. Rest In Peace, George. Your watch may have ended, but your courage and spirit will never be forgotten.“

Former Jaramogi and Raila aide and currently chairman of the Luo Council of Elders, Mzee Odungi Randa, termed the death of Oduor as unfortunate and sad.

He said  Oduor joined Jaramogi security details with  the likes of MCA Lumumba Owade, Majjmbo, Orero Kaparo, Nyam, and they were dedicated to the core.

“Oduor rose to become Raila’s main security man. He was such a humble person, trustworthy and loyal. He remained faithful to Raila and to the ideology,” he said.

Reviewed by Billy Mijungu

The Kenyan judiciary is increasingly under scrutiny as two high-profile cases reveal a pattern of questionable decisions and apparent complicity by the Supreme Court. The legal battles involving former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju and Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi expose a judiciary that appears to be entangled in political and financial interests rather than upholding the rule of law.

These cases also reignite the debate over judicial accountability and the need for constitutional reforms, particularly the proposal for a judicial ombudsman as recommended by the Building Bridges Initiative.

Tuju’s dispute with the East African Development Bank revolves around a 1.2 billion shilling loan meant for a real estate development on a 27-acre property in Karen, Nairobi. The bank initially approved 900 million for land acquisition and 300 million for development, with Tuju contributing an additional 100 million.

However, after disbursing the 900 million, the bank withheld the 300 million meant for development. Tuju argues that this amounted to a breach of contract since the success of the project hinged on receiving the full amount. Despite the partial disbursement, the bank still demanded full repayment, eventually leading to the auctioning of the Karen property in October 2024.

Tuju challenged the sale, asserting that it violated existing court orders barring EADB from disposing of the property while legal proceedings were ongoing. He filed a lawsuit against multiple parties, including the bank, the auctioneer Garam Investments, and the Attorney General, seeking to nullify the sale. The case took an unexpected turn when a bank official recanted previous statements, admitting that the bank had only partially fulfilled its financial obligations and that Tuju’s business alone could not have serviced the loan without the development funds. Tuju further alleged that EADB board members had previously taken loans and had them written off, raising concerns about selective financial dealings within the institution.

However, the most concerning development in Tuju’s case was the Supreme Court’s handling of his appeal. Five Supreme Court judges, including Chief Justice Martha Koome, recused themselves, effectively stalling his case indefinitely. With the youngest of the recused judges set to retire in 2036, Tuju has expressed frustration that his legal battle may never reach a conclusion. This raises serious questions about judicial impartiality and whether external influences are shaping decisions at the highest level.

A similar pattern of judicial maneuvering can be seen in Ahmednasir Abdullahi’s case. In January 2024, the Supreme Court took an extraordinary step by indefinitely barring the senior lawyer and his firm from appearing before it. The court justified its decision by citing Ahmednasir’s public criticisms of the judiciary, which it claimed undermined its credibility. This move was widely seen as an attempt to silence a vocal critic rather than a legitimate disciplinary action. Ahmednasir and his firm challenged the ban, arguing that it was arbitrary and unconstitutional.

Their petition pointed out that the decision was administrative rather than judicial and that no due process had been followed. The Law Society of Kenya also intervened, filing a petition against the Supreme Court’s ruling. In a significant setback for the court, the High Court refused to dismiss the petition, affirming that it had jurisdiction over constitutional matters even when they involved Supreme Court decisions.

However, just as the case was gaining traction, the Court of Appeal intervened, suspending the High Court proceedings. This move was prompted by an appeal from the Supreme Court, which argued that the High Court had overstepped its mandate.

The result was yet another case trapped in judicial limbo, with no resolution in sight.
Both Tuju’s and Ahmednasir’s cases underscore a troubling reality: the Supreme Court, which should be the final arbiter of justice, appears to be wielding its authority selectively, either by stalling cases or by silencing critics.

In Tuju’s case, the mass recusal of judges has effectively delayed justice for over a decade, while in Ahmednasir’s case, the court has weaponized administrative decisions to suppress dissent. These instances suggest a judiciary that is not only complicit in protecting certain interests but is also actively reshaping the legal landscape to its advantage.

The question then arises whether Kenya’s judicial system requires structural reforms to prevent such abuses. The Building Bridges Initiative proposed the establishment of a judicial ombudsman, appointed by the president, to oversee judicial accountability.

Supporters of the proposal argue that the current system lacks an effective mechanism to check judicial misconduct. They point to cases like Tuju’s and Ahmednasir’s as evidence that judges can act with impunity, making decisions that serve personal or political interests rather than justice. However, critics warn that a judicial ombudsman appointed by the executive could compromise judicial independence, allowing the government to exert undue influence over the judiciary.

The fate of these cases remains uncertain, but what is clear is that Kenya’s judicial system is at risk of dysfunction. If the highest court in the land can selectively enforce justice, delay cases indefinitely, and bar critics without due process, then the entire legal framework is compromised.

The judiciary’s role is to uphold the law, not to manipulate it for convenience.

As these legal battles continue, they serve as a stark reminder that without accountability, the very foundation of justice in Kenya stands on shaky ground.

Whether this accountability should come from internal judicial mechanisms or through external oversight like a judicial ombudsman remains a critical national debate.

By Remmy Butia

Kenya’s health sector has faced numerous challenges over the years, including inadequate funding, mismanagement, corruption, and poor service delivery. However, with the appointment of Hon Aden Bare Duale as the Cabinet Secretary for Health, there is renewed hope for transformative reforms. Known for his no-nonsense leadership, strategic vision, and commitment to public service, Duale is the right leader to steer Kenya’s health sector toward efficiency, transparency, and universal healthcare coverage.

A Proven Leader with a Strong Track Record

Hon Aden Bare Duale is not new to high-stakes leadership. As a former Majority Leader in the National Assembly, he demonstrated exceptional legislative prowess, pushing for key policies that shaped Kenya’s governance. His tenure as Defense Cabinet Secretary further solidified his reputation as a results-driven administrator who prioritizes accountability and service delivery.

Given his experience in managing complex government systems, Duale is well-equipped to tackle the systemic inefficiencies in Kenya’s health sector. His leadership style – marked by decisiveness and a zero-tolerance policy for corruption – makes him the ideal candidate to restore confidence in public healthcare.

Key Priorities for Duale in the Health Sector

To revitalize Kenya’s healthcare system, Duale must focus on the following critical areas:

Strengthening Healthcare Financing

One of the biggest challenges in Kenya’s health sector is underfunding and misallocation of resources. Duale must work closely with the National Treasury to ensure that funds allocated to healthcare are utilized effectively. Implementation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and ensuring its sustainability will be crucial in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Curbing Corruption and Enhancing Accountability

Corruption has plagued Kenya’s health sector, leading to drug shortages, ghost workers, and embezzlement of funds. Duale’s reputation for fighting graft will be instrumental in cleaning up the system. Implementing digital tracking for medical supplies, conducting regular audits, and holding corrupt officials accountable will be key steps in restoring integrity.

Improving Healthcare Infrastructure

Many public hospitals, especially in rural areas, suffer from dilapidated facilities, a lack of equipment, and understaffing. Duale must prioritize funding County Governments to modernize health infrastructure, including upgrading county hospitals, ensuring adequate medical supplies, and hiring more healthcare workers, confirm UHC staff and recruit more CHPs. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) could also play a significant role in bridging these gaps.

Enhancing Human Resources for Health

Kenya faces a severe shortage of doctors, nurses, and specialists, leading to overworked staff and poor service delivery. Duale should fast-track the employment and retention of healthcare workers, improve their working conditions, and ensure timely payment of salaries and allowances. Investing in continuous medical training will also enhance service quality.

Accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

President William Ruto’s administration has prioritized UHC, and Duale must ensure its successful implementation. This includes expanding health insurance coverage, reducing out-of-pocket expenses, and ensuring that all Kenyans, especially the vulnerable, have access to affordable healthcare.

A New Dawn for Kenya’s Health Sector

Hon Aden Bare Duale’s appointment comes at a critical time when Kenya’s health sector needs bold, decisive leadership. His experience, integrity, and commitment to reforms make him the right person to overhaul the system, eliminate corruption, and ensure quality healthcare for all Kenyans.

If given the necessary support and resources, Duale has the potential to transform Kenya’s health sector into a model of efficiency and accessibility in Africa. The journey will not be easy, but with his leadership, Kenya can finally achieve a healthcare system that works for everyone.

The time for change is now – and Hon Aden Bare Duale is the man to make it happen.

By Luiz Kipkoech Patrick

President William Samoei Ruto is, without a doubt, the most overtly religious president Kenya has ever had, at least on the surface. Like a shepherd leading his flock, he strides into church services, his presence a constant reminder that he is not just a man of politics but, seemingly, a man of faith. Sunday after Sunday, the President dons his pious cloak, attending services with unwavering devotion and making sure the congregation hears not just his prayers but also the weight of his generosity.

In a particular Sunday service at the Jesus is Alive Ministries in Nairobi, President Ruto posed a question that lingers like a rhetorical sermon: Why do some people have a problem with giving? This came right before he announced a staggering Ksh 20 million donation to the church. Just days before, he had dropped millions more at a Nairobi fundraiser. His pockets, it seems, run deeper than the ocean when it comes to religious contributions. Yet, this grand display of giving clashes head-on with his previous pronouncement that church harambees would cease in response to the Gen Z-led demonstrations demanding financial accountability.

The contradiction is as glaring as a candle in the dark. It forces us to ask: Is this generosity a pure act of faith, or is it a well-rehearsed political performance?

As someone who sat through Sunday school lessons, I vividly remember the biblical warning against hypocritical giving. Jesus, in Matthew 23:23, had a sharp rebuke for religious leaders who polished their public image with tithes while trampling upon justice:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practised the latter without neglecting the former.“

In simpler terms, Jesus was not against giving, but against hollow generosity—the kind that shines in public but does little to uplift the suffering.

This brings us to Kenya’s current predicament. Our hospitals are running on empty, the job market is shrinking like a drying well, and citizens are being squeezed by taxes so tightly that survival feels like a game of Russian roulette. In such dire times, should a leader’s priority be showering churches with millions or ensuring that economic fairness, justice, and social dignity are upheld?

President Ruto’s Ksh 20 million donation is not just a number—it is a statement and an unsettling one at that. If church harambees were meant to stop, why this sudden relapse? If austerity is the government’s battle cry, why does money flow like an endless river when it comes to publicized acts of giving?

The reality is as clear as day—this is not about faith; it is about optics. It is about branding leadership as a divine calling, as though governance itself is a sacred altar. But faith without justice is an empty shell. True governance is the highest form of tithing—it is a sacrifice of responsibility, integrity, and fairness. The greatest offering a leader can place on the altar is not a bag of money but a set of policies that uplift the poor, create opportunities, and protect the dignity of the people.

The timing of these donations is suspicious, to say the least. They come hot on the heels of heightened opposition activity and an aggressive political war spearheaded by impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has made the Mt. Kenya region hostile territory for Ruto’s allies. They also coincide with a time when Kenyans, burdened by corruption, taxation, and joblessness, are voicing their frustrations more than ever. Could these hefty church donations be nothing more than a smoke screen—a grand performance meant to divert attention from governance failures while reinforcing the image of a God-fearing leader?

Even the Bible warns against such showmanship. In Matthew 6:3, Jesus advises:

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.“

Yet, here we are, watching as every handshake, every oversized cheque, and every public declaration of “humility” is paraded before the cameras. When giving is done with an audience in mind, it stops being a selfless act and morphs into a political tool—a prop in a well-choreographed play.

This is why President Ruto needs to pause and reflect.

True leadership is not measured by how much one donates in church but by how well one governs. A just leader does not just give—he builds. He builds schools so that parents do not have to wrestle with tuition fees. He builds hospitals so that citizens do not have to rely on charity for medical care. He builds an economy that empowers people to earn a dignified living rather than leaving them begging for handouts.

The issue is not whether people should give to God. The real debate is whether the giving we see today aligns with divine will or whether it is a grand illusion meant to distract the masses.

Kenya does not need extravagant tithes; it needs ethical leadership. It needs policies that uplift the people, not performances that manipulate them. It needs a governance system that embodies the justice, mercy, and fairness that Christ preached.

The real tithe a leader owes is to the people—a tithe of honesty, service, and an unwavering commitment to true equity.

So, the real question is not why people have a problem with giving. The real question is: What would Christ say about a leader who tithes extravagantly while his people suffer?

By Anderson  Ojwang

Despite rolling out the various projects in Nyanza by President William Ruto government, the region’s leadership and residents want the broad-based government to gift them with the largest industrial park in Kisumu to spur its economy.

They want the government to deliberately allocate  5000 acres of land in Muhoroni sub-county of Kisumu County to create the largest industrial park in East and Central.

Former Alego MP and Entrepreneur Mr. Sammy Weya said that the creation of the industrial park will enable Kisumu to be the largest manufacturing hub in East and Central Africa and spur the region’s and the country’s economy.

He said the proposed construction of the Standard Railways Gauge (SGR), Kisumu should be turned into a manufacturing hub for the region because of its proximity and the available economic opportunities.

“It is possible for the national government to allocate 5,000 acres of land in Muhoroni sub-county for the construction of the industrial park.

This will enable the government to evacuate the geothermal from Olkaria Gorge to the park to provide subsidized  electricity  to allow manufacturing  which will in turn create employment opportunities to the youths in Western Kenya and the country at large,” he said.

Weya said the creation of the park would provide opportunities in technology, vehicle assemblies and other forms of manufacturing activities to be undertaken, and this will open Western Kenya’s economy.

Weya said all the raw materials from East Congo, minerals from Kenya, Uganda can be manufactured, processed and exported from Kisumu and subsequently making it a manufacturing hub.

 Plans to extend the standard gauge railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu have started to take shape after the State commenced an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).

Kenya Railways (KR) officials disclosed that a consultancy firm was already in place to conduct the assessment, which is preparing the way for Phase 2B of extending rail infrastructure to Kisumu. The study is focusing on evaluating potential environmental and social impacts while developing mitigation measures in consultation with Project-Affected Persons (PAPs).

In linking major urban centers, the KR officials revealed the route will facilitate seamless movement between Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  “This improved connectivity is essential for fostering trade and commerce, as it significantly reduces transportation costs and travel time,” said Otieno. As the SGR project progresses, it promises to create numerous job opportunities, benefiting local communities and contributing to the overall economy.

The broad-based government has witnessed the appointment of former MPs John Mbadi to the Treasury and Economic Planning cabinet secretary, while his former colleague Opiyo Wandayi was appointed cabinet secretary for Energy.

Other community members have been appointed to high-profile employment opportunities. On development, President Ruto has rolled out various infrastructural projects.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga signed a memorandum of understanding with President Ruto and has committed to helping stabilize the government.

In Siaya, the construction of the Ugunja Water Treatment plant has been completed and has been operationalized to serve at least 8,000 households.

According to Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, who is coordinating the delivery of the projects, the projects were designed to enhance access to clean and safe water for thousands of residents in Ugunja and its environs.

The project complements other projects the government is pursuing in the region, including affordable housing projects in Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay.

In Kisumu, the construction of the housing units are at an advanced stage and is already transforming the city’s skyline.

Kisumu’s iconic Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) was elevated to a national teaching and referral facility and established as a state corporation, marking a milestone.

In Siaya County, the cabinet approved the upgrading of Siaya Institute of Technology to national polytechnic status.

Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management Eliud Owalo has highlighted 10 projects the government is keen on implementing in Nyanza before the end of President William Ruto’s term. 

As detailed in the Nyanza Development Agenda document released in February, Ruto is keen on undertaking the construction and completion of road projects in the region. 

Key among the road projects include the 478-kilometer Lake Region Ring Road that will connect the counties bordering Lake Victoria.

To ease access to water in the lake region, the government is also keen on constructing the Koru-Soin Dam and Magwagwa Dam.

On the other hand, the government plans to revitalize the economic activity of the region through the revival of various companies that thrived in the past. This includes sugar companies and cotton processing industries.

Equally, the Ruto administration will be constructing a fish processing plant given the fishing activities in the area.

Meanwhile, a potato processing plant will be set up in Kuria as a soapstone factory is constructed in Kisii County.

Owalo added that mining was also a sector the government was keen on focusing given various mineral deposits in the region such as gold in parts of Siaya and Migori counties.

Finally, the government is also keen on enhancing electricity connectivity in the region.

Weya and former Nyakach MP Ochieng Daima welcomed the ongoing various projects but maintained the creation of the industrial park would be a milestone.

“The creation of an industrial park in Muhoroni would be a game changer and a milestone to the region. This will be the legacy of the broad based government,” Ochieng said.