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Parents are tired of Private Schools, Why Kenya Must Prioritize Basic Education

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By Billy Mijungu

Kenya stands at a critical juncture where the decisions made today about education will shape the nation’s future. While access to education has improved over the years, the quality of learning, especially in public schools, remains a major concern. The government’s next significant investment must be in early childhood, primary, and junior education, an effort that goes beyond building classrooms and providing textbooks. It is about laying the foundation for a skilled, innovative, and economically empowered generation.

A key area of focus must be ensuring that schools have sufficient infrastructure and operational resources. However, addressing these basics is not enough. The government should also implement a school feeding program to support learning and improve student outcomes. Sourcing food locally for these programs can create a cycle of economic empowerment within communities. Farmers would benefit from a stable market, and schools would ensure students are well-nourished and able to focus on their studies.

Public schools, unfortunately, have fallen behind their private counterparts due to negligence in syllabus coverage and lax oversight. Private schools, despite their high costs, thrive because they prioritize quality education and accountability. To bridge this gap, the government must reintroduce rigorous inspections in public schools. These inspections should focus on both syllabus coverage and the quality of teaching to ensure that children in public schools receive the same, if not better, education than those in private schools.

The education sector is not just a service but an economic driver. From construction and maintenance to food supply and teacher training, public schools can fuel multiple industries. By investing in basic education, the government creates jobs, stimulates local economies, and reduces the financial burden on parents who are often forced to send their children to private schools due to the poor quality of public institutions.

Parents must also be involved in managing public schools to ensure accountability and efficiency. St. George’s Primary in Lavington serves as an excellent example of what can be achieved when parents actively participate in school management. Public schools must adopt this model to achieve the same standards as private institutions. Private education is becoming increasingly unaffordable, and improving public schools would relieve parents of the heavy financial burden, allowing them to focus on self-improvement and other family needs.

Kenya has much to learn from Rwanda, where public schools are now the preferred choice for most citizens. President Paul Kagame’s leadership has transformed Rwanda’s education sector, with public schools surpassing private institutions in performance. This success stems from strong governance, accountability, and a focus on teacher motivation. Kenyan policymakers must benchmark against Rwanda’s achievements and tailor these lessons to fit the local context.

The teaching profession, like all public service roles, requires a level of accountability that is currently lacking. Teachers should be subject to regular performance appraisals tied to renewable contracts of three years. This would ensure continuous improvement and eliminate the complacency often associated with permanent and pensionable contracts. The same principle should apply across the civil service to enhance efficiency and discipline in public institutions.

A robust investment in early childhood and basic education is essential for Kenya’s growth. It is time for the government to prioritize this sector and create a public education system that rivals the best in the world. With bold reforms and a commitment to quality, Kenya can ensure that every child has access to an education that prepares them for the future. Rwanda has shown that it is possible, and Kenya must follow suit. Public education is the foundation of a prosperous and equitable society. It is the next frontier we cannot afford to ignore.

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Athletics Kenya directs for Mandatory registration for all Athletes

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By Sandra Blessing

All athletes in Kenya must undergo mandatory registration with Athletic Kenya.

In a communique from the federation, said Athletic Kenya has launched a streamlined athletic registration system designed to enhance the services offered to the athletes and athletes personnel.

” We wish to notify the athletes and the athletes’ personnel that going forward that no athlete will be allowed to participate in the athletic events without being registered in the AK database management system.

These include AK cross country and Track and Fields Weekend meetings from county, regional, and national championships. Trials for world championships and road race across the country ” read the communique.

Similarly, the letter to the athletes said that registration was mandatory for any athlete who wished to receive Athletics Kenya services including issuance of various support letters.

It said a registration link will be shared with athletes who reside outside the country in due course.

“Athletic Kenya urges all athletes to ensure they are registered without delay. The registration process is continuous at that Athletic Kenya office in Riadha House and at all Athletic Kenya organised events ” read the memo.

The Twin Dark Horses of the 2027 Race

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By Billy Mijungu

Kenya’s political landscape is in constant flux, with alliances forming and dissolving as leaders vie for influence. President William Ruto currently enjoys the support of former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, a strategic advantage that enhances his political capital. However, this alliance introduces complexities that require careful navigation to maintain stability.

The backing of Uhuru and Raila is a significant boost for Ruto, projecting an image of unity and reconciliation. Yet, this support is fragile; both camps harbour restlessness and scepticism. Ruto must manage these relationships delicately, ensuring their continued allegiance while strengthening his broader support base.

Amidst this backdrop, two figures emerge as potential disruptors in the 2027 race: Musalia Mudavadi and Kalonzo Musyoka. Both former Vice Presidents, possess the capacity to reshape Kenya’s political dynamics significantly.

Musalia Mudavadi’s political journey is marked by decisive and sometimes unexpected moves. In 2002, he chose to remain with President Daniel Arap Moi, declining to join the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) wave that ended KANU’s reign. After losing his Sabatia parliamentary seat in 2002, he refused a nominated seat in 2003, demonstrating his willingness to accept political setbacks on his own terms. In 2012, Mudavadi left the comfort of his Deputy Prime Minister position to run for President under the United Democratic Forum (UDF) against his then-boss, Prime Minister Raila Odinga. More recently, in 2022, he made a surprising move by exiting Uhuru Kenyatta’s camp to join forces with William Ruto, a decision that caught many political observers off guard.

These actions underscore Mudavadi’s independent streak and his readiness to make bold decisions that defy expectations. For Ruto, this means that while Mudavadi is a valuable ally, his unpredictability could pose challenges. The rise of leaders like Governor George Natembeya in Trans Nzoia adds pressure on Mudavadi to maintain his influence, making his next moves crucial for Ruto’s strategy.

Kalonzo Musyoka, on the other hand, remains a dynamic and unpredictable force. As the Wiper leader reassesses his position within Kenya’s political arena, he has the potential to attract key voting blocs, including those loyal to Mount Kenya and Raila Odinga. Kalonzo and Mudavadi are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between Raila’s and Uhuru’s supporters, whose strained relationship may find reconciliation in the face of shared interests.

This scenario mirrors the 2002 elections when former political adversaries united to back Mwai Kibaki under the National Rainbow Coalition, leading to a historic victory. Similarly, if Kalonzo and Mudavadi were to align, they could garner widespread support from both Uhuru’s and Raila’s bases, especially if public dissatisfaction with the government continues. Their alliance could energize disillusioned voters, presenting a formidable alternative to the current administration.

For Ruto, proactive leadership is imperative. He must expedite the implementation of impactful projects to appease a restless populace. Public disaffection poses a real threat, and only tangible development can alter perceptions. Additionally, Ruto needs to reassure the Uhuru and Raila camps that their support is both valued and influential.

Kenya’s political future remains unpredictable, with alliances shifting like desert sands. One certainty is that Ruto cannot afford complacency. As the twin dark horses, Mudavadi and Kalonzo, position themselves as potential challengers, the President must engage all resources at his disposal. By effectively managing his alliances and addressing underlying discontent, he can secure his legacy and guide the nation forward.

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Deputy Governor, Magwanga and his predecessor Ongondo feud over 2027 elections

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By Anderson Ojwang

A war of words between Kasipul MP Charles Ongondo Were and Homa Bay Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga has escalated with the former accusing the latter of politically undermining him.

Ongondo claimed Magwanga was politically undermining him by grooming and sponsoring potential aspirants to challenge him for the Kasipul parliamentary.

”I am aware that Magwanga is plotting and grooming some aspirants to challenge me in the 2027 general elections. I am ready to face off with him and his candidates. This is a war he will not win. Let him come out and face me directly,” he said in a telephone interview.

Ongondo claimed that Magwanga refused to hand over to him various documents for the constituency when he was first elected MP in 2017 and accused him of playing negative politics.

The war of words broke out at a funeral in Kasipul where Ongondo spoke last after Magwanga to the amusement of the Deputy Governor, who claimed to be senior most in the line of duty and protocol.

“I am a second-term MP and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Homa Bay county secretary. I am more senior to Magwanga by virtue of my position and he cannot speak after me,” he said.

Ongondo claimed Magwanga was accompanied to the funeral by one of the aspirants Mr. Newton Ogada whom he believes the Deputy Governor was grooming to take over from him.

But Magwanga dismissed Ongondo as a political nuisance who should be voted out of parliament in the 2027 elections.

“I am not grooming anyone but the fact is Ongondo must be voted out. He is a political nuisance who is fighting everyone in the constituency and the county,” he said.

He said Kasipul constituency needs a political direction and that is the conversation the people of Kasipul are currently having.

The Deputy Governor dismissed the claim by the MP that he did not hand over to him saying the government has a clear transition structure laid out saying Ongondo could be suffering from lack of
knowledge.

Ogada said the incumbent was running away from his own shadows and should not blame anyone for his dwindling political fortunes.


“The People of Kasipul will speak and I am convinced Ongondowill be voted out. We cannot have an MP who is fighting with everyone. His time is up,” he said.

He said leadership was not about political violence and abuse and claimed the incumbent has specialized on the two and must be checked and brought to order.

Ongondo said he was ready to face off with his opponent and expressed optimism about re-election following various development projects he had initiated and implemented in the constituency.

“My development record speaks for itself . I have initiated various projects in health, education and road infrastructure. My development track records speak volumes,” he said.

The oldest surviving grand child to the Legendary Gor Mahia dies aged 107

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By Anderson Ojwang

The oldest surviving grandchild to the legendary Gor Ogalo Mahia has died aged 107 in Kanjira, Rachuonyo West sub-county of Homa Bay County.

Gor Mahia was a respected seer, medicine and chief in Kanyamwa and was revered by the Luo community and from his name, Kenya’s top club Gor Mahia Football Club draws its name.

The late Truphosa Nyangaya Okeche died on January 5th 2025, hot on the heels of the demise of her great-granddaughter Fiona Neraah Amayo on 31st December 2024, who was a second-year student at Masinde Muliro University.

Fiona was the daughter of the late Jack Sawo, who was formerly one of the drivers to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and later personal Assistant to Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Odinga.

According to the grandson Jack Okeche, Nyangaya was born on 23rd June 1918, in Gem of Rangwe constituency, to the first area chief the late Okello Ager, who became the area chief in 1920.

Okelo married Gor’s daughter Omusi and was blessed with nine children. While Gor had eleven wives who bore him 10 sons, just as history would have it, Truphosa was married at the tender age of 14 years but went back to school to study as was required by the Catholic church for 10 years before she could give birth.

Her marriage negotiations for Truphosa were led by the legendary Ojijo wuon Oteko, Lie imbo. Elly Daniel Ojijo Oteko was an African freedom fighter who fought for human and economic rights during the colonial era. He was born in 1894 and died in 1944 under mysterious circumstances. Oteko used education as his weapon against oppression and named his homestead “America“. 

The club was formally established on 17 February 1968 as a merger of Luo Union and Luo Sports Club and won the national league at the first time of asking. Some of its original leaders were politicians the late Tom Joseph Mboya and the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.


However, the club was founded much earlier, in 1915, and participated intermittently in local tournaments in Western Kenya. Various groups used this name at different times. Gor Mahia Football Club have won the Kenyan Premier League for a record 21 times, and have also won the FKF President’s Cup a record a record 11 times.

It is the first and only team from Kenya to win an African continental title to date, having won the African Cup Winners in 1987 after previously reaching the final in 1979.

Interestingly, the Gor Mahia team always pays homage to the Gor shrine in Kanyamwala in Ndhiwa of Homa Bay county.

Chairman of the Luo Council of Elders, Ker Odunga Randa said the death of the only surviving grandchild to the legend was sad and a big loss to the community.

Odungi said they have visited Gor’s home with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on various accounts and the family remains important history of the community.

“Gor’s name has been a unifying factor to the community and I call upon the community leaders and members to support the family at this trying moment.” Oketche appealed to the government and leaders to support the burial arrangement for Gor’s granddaughter to get a befitting send-off.

570 needy students benefit from clan education kitty in Rangwe constituency

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By Reporter

Parents of 570 needy students from the Kowili clan had a reason to smile after the education kitty paid school fees for their children.

The clan had earlier raised raised sh3.3million that was later distributed to the needy students from the community.

The Kowili clan members in Kochia ward, Rangwe constituency came up with the initiative after they realized the high rate of dropout by students as a result of lack of school fees.

Through an organization called Kowili Education Recovery, the sole agenda was to transform the community through education.

On Sunday, the community distributed cheques to 576 students at Ligisa Secondary School.

Kowili Education Recovery chairman Kennedy Ogindo said the students got money between Sh5,000 and Sh41,000 depending on the magnitude of their needs.

“The monies were given after thorough and transparent vetting of students to enable us to get the neediest. We came up with the criterion for allocating diverse amounts of money to the students based on their needs,” Ogindo said.

The majority of students learn in secondary schools but a few of them pursue their studies at tertiary colleges and universities.

“We want to uplift the standards of education of our children. Most of them are bright but can’t achieve their academic abilities due to lack of money,” he said.

During their funds drive, the chairman said members contribute funds according to their abilities and this has enabled the kitty to grow.

Committee members Tom Ong’ondo, Geoffrey Otieno and Ronald Oyugi told students to embrace good morals in their academic endeavours.

They challenged the beneficiaries to be disciplined and take seriously their studies.

“Let students demonstrate a high level of discipline and avoid posting any defamatory material in social media because this can land them in jail,” Ong’ondo said.

The students were instead urged to use digital technology only in a manner that improves their academic abilities.

“The use of social media can enable one to improve academic standards. But let our children avoid using social media to insult people,” he added.

The students were advised to work hard and remember to fight poverty in their families.

Otieno urged the students to shun peer pressure that may ruin their future as they study.

“We’ve seen cases where university students dupe their parents that they are studying yet their studies are hot air. Let them stick to their studies to achieve the objectives of this initiative,” Otieno said.

“The best way to empower a community is through education. This project will transform this community,” Oyugi said.

Parents led by Milca Adhiambo said the initiative relieved them from difficulties in educating their children.

“I was in a financial quagmire and my child could not go to school. May this programme continue,” Adhiambo said.

Revealed: Why  President Ruto was installed as a Luo elder by Ker

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By Anderson Ojwang

Behind-the-scenes discussions by the Luo Council of Elders and the political class in Nyanza arrived and agreed to make President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni Luo Elders.

According to Ker  Mzee Odungi Randa during an interview, the decision to install President Ruto as Luo elder was in line with the Luo and African  Culture and practices on defending and appreciating good neighbours and allies.

“ President Ruto has shown overtures to the Luo Community and currently he is facing a battle of his life from his political backyard of Mt Kenya.

So when he came to us when he is in dire need. Do we chase him away or help him?  As in the Luo culture and practices, you protect and cushion that person from his adversaries.

If you look at the Luo migration, we protected several communities and kings. This is what we are also doing to President Ruto.

It is also up to President Ruto to fulfil his promises to the Luo community and to guarantee opportunities to the community in his government.

The community has no reason not to support President Ruto if he fulfils what the people have asked of him. The ball is in his court to win over the community and make it his political bloc.” he said.

Randa also revealed that at Jaramogi Oginga Mausoleum, he had a private discussion with President Ruto, President Museveni and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on the matters of peace and relationship.

“As Ker, we had a candid discussion with the three leaders and I impressed upon them on the need for peaceful co-existence and good neighborhood.

I told President Ruto that the incessant killings along Sondu must be arrested and the two communities must continue to co-exist peacefully.

We cannot afford to be burying people from both sides every now and again and the President was in agreement and promised to act.

I also pleaded with President Museveni to create enabling fishing environment for Kenyans fishermen in Lake Victoria and to end the act of rampant arrests of the fishermen and destruction of their fishing gears.

I implored upon the two leaders on the importance of peace and that was the symbolic message in the fly whisk, in which all of them agreed to initiate and ensure peace in the region,” he said.

During the Piny Luo festival in Siaya which brought together  Luos from East and Central Africa, President Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart were installed as Luo Elders.

During the ceremony, Ruto and Museveni were given spears, shields and fly whisks, and were then adorned in Luo caps of leadership and authority.

President Ruto and his counterpart were also taken to Got Ramogi cultural shrines by the Luo Council of Elders and were accompanied by Raila and other leaders from the region.

Ramogi Hills has always occupied a special place in the history of the Luo. The name Ramogi is not only equated to the hill as a physical feature— it is the name of the forefather of the Luo people.

Ramogi is believed to have settled on the hill when he emigrated from Sudan, hence the name Got-Ramogi (Ramogi’s Hill).

-Situated in East Yimbo on the north-eastern shores of the Lake Victoria basin, Got-Ramogi is a hill of multiple purposes. For the archaeologist, it is a historical site rich in traditional artefacts which tell of a people’s early life.

Another unique site in the forest is Rapogi (sharpening stone) which is said to have belonged to Ramogi and was used to sharpen spears before the community went to war or during hunting expeditions.

President Ruto posted on his X handle formerly Twitter “ Got Ramogi epitomizes the deep spiritual roots and traditions that we share as a region. We will keep preserving such heritage to further our unity and drive economic prosperity in East Africa.

At Got Ramogi, the cradle of the Luo community, with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, African Union Commission Chairperson candidate Raila Odinga and a host of Governors, Siaya County.”

Former Nyakach MP Ochieng Daima said the decision by the Luo Council of Elders to install President Ruto as an elder was timely and in line with the Culture of defending allies.

“President Ruto is currently under storm from Mt Kenya leaders led by impeached deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. If he turns to us for support, what stops us from shielding him? We as a community are not at war with him and after all, he has accommodated some of our community members in his broad-based government.

The Luo as a community is a forgiving people who are not driven by revenge. The Luo as a community respect the institution of leadership and support the disadvantaged persons.

That is what the community is known for.   I support the council and we look forward to a symbiotic engagement between President Ruto and the Luo community,” he said.

President Ruto has continued with his political charm in Western Kenya while the Murima is nearing an implosion with political leaders in the region ungloving for a bare-knuckle attack.

Earlier before the Piny Luo Festival, Ruto was in Homa Bay for the Governor Gladys Wanga Genowa Football tournament where he was joined by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the event.

President Ruto hosted the New Year dance in Kisii State Lodge where he had the opportunity to share and interact with leaders and residents from the region who attended the party.

President Ruto is currently supporting Raila’s AU chairperson bid and appointed John Mbadi as Treasury and Economic Planning cabinet secretary, Mr. Opiyo Wandayi as the Energy Minister and Mrs. Dorcas Oduor as the Attorney General.

President Ruto has promised various development goodies to Nyanza in the hope of wooing them into his political circle.

The Three Faces of ODM and Jubilee: Kenya’s Political Circus

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Junior Secondary Schools

By Billy Mijungu

Kenya’s political landscape has always been a spectacle, but the current state of ODM and Jubilee parties reveals an unprecedented level of chaos. These once-mighty institutions, symbols of unity and purpose, are now fractured entities defined by power struggles, opportunism, and ever-shifting alliances.

ODM, a party synonymous with resistance and reform, now wears three contradictory faces. Its first face is one of collaboration with President William Ruto. Former party leaders, citing national unity, have aligned themselves with the government, abandoning ODM’s legacy of opposition. This shift has baffled many, raising questions about the party’s ideological direction.

The second face of ODM, led by Edwin Sifuna, clings to the party’s traditional role as a staunch government critic. Sifuna’s spirited resistance seeks to uphold ODM’s identity, but his efforts are increasingly isolated as internal rifts deepen. The party’s internal cohesion, once its strength, has been undermined by infighting and divergent strategies.

The third face of ODM is its internal turmoil. Under James Orengo, a faction has turned inward, engaging in bitter disputes over leadership and resources. At the same time, Babu Owino leads a breakaway group that disregards both the party’s internal conflicts and its broader political battles, leaving ODM disjointed and unable to project a unified voice.

Jubilee’s story is just as fragmented. Initially, under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Jubilee took a strong anti-Ruto stance. However, this position has softened, with Jubilee recently submitting names for Cabinet nominees in a gesture of cooperation with Ruto’s government. This shift marks a significant departure from its earlier rhetoric, leaving many questioning Jubilee’s core principles.

Despite Uhuru’s pivot, not all Jubilee factions have followed suit. Jeremiah Kioni remains a vocal critic of Ruto, maintaining the party’s opposition stance, albeit with diminishing influence. Meanwhile, former allies of Ruto, such as Ferdinand Waititu and Kimani Ngunjiri, have also turned against him. Their criticism, however, lacks the coherence needed to galvanize meaningful opposition.

Then there is Rigathi Gachagua, who has emerged as the most formidable opposition figure against Ruto from central Kenya. Having been politically deposed within the ruling coalition, Gachagua has embraced his new role as a vocal critic of the administration he once supported. His influence among central Kenya’s electorate and his ability to rally disenchanted former allies make him a key player in shaping the region’s political future.

Compounding this political disarray is the peculiar triangle involving Uhuru Kenyatta, Rigathi Gachagua, and Kalonzo Musyoka. Uhuru speaks to Kalonzo, and Gachagua speaks to Kalonzo, but Uhuru and Gachagua remain estranged. This dynamic underscores the mistrust and personal rivalries that define Kenya’s political elite, where alliances are dictated by convenience rather than principle.

Elsewhere, Musalia Mudavadi remains a riddle. Despite holding a key position in Ruto’s government, Mudavadi’s silence on critical issues leaves many questioning his influence. His Maragoli Mafia, feeling perpetually sidelined, continues its tradition of quietly retreating rather than asserting its position. Moses Wetangula, ever the political pragmatist, is likely to align himself with whichever faction guarantees his speakership, prioritizing personal gain over ideological consistency.

Kenya’s political arena has become a theatre of disunity and opportunism, with ODM and Jubilee offering no clear direction. For the ordinary citizen, this state of affairs is deeply disheartening. Instead of leadership that addresses the country’s pressing challenges, Kenyans are left to witness a circus where personal ambition takes precedence over public service.

In this wild, weird Kenya, one truth remains: the politics of survival has replaced the politics of vision, and the nation continues to pay the price for its leaders’ unrelenting pursuit of power.

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President Museveni to Luos: Be Wealth Creators and Employers for Prosperity

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By Anderson Ojwang

The age-long unity among the Luo community should now transition from only a political agenda to an economic one through the creation of wealth and employment opportunities.

The just concluded Piny Luo festival in Siaya, which brought community members across East and Central Africa, to showcase its socio-economic and political prowess, became a wake-up call for the community to dive into a new economic dispensation.

The message was capped by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni who was the Chief Guest at the event, who challenged the community and its leadership to explore and exploit the four sectors of the economy to create wealth and employment opportunities.

“ I was invited to the Luo East Africa meeting by President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. This unity is a good move and we envisage it for East and Central Africa to develop economically. You people are good, you play football, that is good. But we must be wealth creators.

It’s good to be in sports but we need to understand the east Africa market and its economy. I am a farmer, I am in agriculture, I look for market and Ugandan market is not enough.

I have seen several youths, I want to educate them on wealth and employment creation and where they come from. There is always a problem with the poor. They do not know where wealth comes from.

In Uganda, we have four sectors where wealth comes from and through it we are able to create employment. Wealth, where does wealth come from? The poor do not know where wealth comes from.

The four sectors that wealth comes from in Uganda are Agriculture, Business, Service, and Technology (Computers). Sports and hotels are service sectors among others.

People talk about employment and where does it come from? It comes from the wealth creators who employ people.

In Africa, I hear people talk about employment but they do not say where employment comes from. Employment comes from the wealthy.

The wealth is mine but I employ people and they get work. So you people, it is good you play football and we are happy. But you must remember about life. Life is not only about football or sports, we must create wealth in order to create employment.

So where do the wealth and employment opportunities come from? I have told you about the four sectors. In any sector that you venture into, you will be able to create wealth.

All these sectors require a market. The Kenyan market is not enough that is why we are discussing the East Africa market.

You need to understand the importance of the East Africa market; For instance, the United States of America (USA), has economic strength mainly because of the large market.

In their neighbourhood, there is Latin America. They have vast wealth but live in abject poverty. The reason is that they do not have an adequate market.

I cannot come here and fail to talk about economic dispensation and independence. I am a wealth creator back at home, I am in Agriculture and keep commercial livestock.

I am in dairy farming just like the Kenyan Maasai. I grow bananas. I have to look for a market. The Ugandan market helps me but it is not enough, that is why I am saying as East Africa, Let us unite to get a bigger market.

That is why I am grateful to witness the Luo festival, it is a vehicle to build a united East Africa and Central Africa,” he said. The poverty index in Nyanza, Kenya varies by the percentage of households below different income levels: 

 Percentage of poor households: 94.0%
 Percentage of poorer households: 77.2%
 Percentage of poorest households: 47.3%

Nyanza is one of the most deprived regions in Kenya, with poverty indices ranging from 38% to 49%. The region has seen a decline in formal sector and industrial activities, which has led to unemployment, poor education, and poverty.

The collapse of Kisumu Cotton Mills (KICOMI) eventually led to the death of cotton farming in Nyanza which was one of the main revenue earners for the region.

Equally, the sugar cane sector has for the last four decades been on the death knell until the recent initiative by President Ruto that has witnessed a resurgence in the sector.

Matriarch and former Karachuonyo MP Mama Phoebe Asiyo said President Museveni’s advice was timely and that the community should use its unity for economic empowerment.

“The Piny Luo festival was a positive move but now we must translate it into an economic agenda to create wealth and riches for the community. It is time we dedicated our strength and knowledge to an economic agenda,” she said.

Mama Asiyo who spoke to Western Insight from the USA said the Luo unity had propelled the community to greater heights in politics and that it was time to usher the economic agenda in the unity to
make it wealth and employment creators.

Mama Asiyo challenged the governors, professionals and leaders from Nyanza to take up the leading role in the re-engineering of the region’s economic agenda for prosperity.

Raila recently declared that he had vacated Kenya’s political scene for Africa, where he contesting the African Union chairperson seat in an election that is scheduled for February this year.

After the fallout between the founding President the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and his deputy the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the Luo community became marginalized by the subsequent government and became at the heart of the country’s opposition politics.

KNCHR chairperson,Roseline Odede dies aftershort illness

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By Anderson Ojwang

The chairperson of the Kenya Commission of Human Rights (KNCHR) Mrs. Roselyn Adhiambo Odhiambo Odede is dead.

Mrs. Odede died on Friday 3rd after a short illness according to the press statement released by the Commission’s Vice Chairperson Dr Raymond Nyeris.

“Her untimely death is a big blow to the Commission and Nation at large, as a Commission we had the privilege of serving with Roseline Odede as the chairperson at the helm of KNCHR’ s leadership ,” he said.

During this period of mourning, we send our message of condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends and all those who knew Roseline. May the memories of her exceptional services bring comfort and strength in this difficult time,” he said.

Odede, an Advocate of the High Court, was the former Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board Vice-Chairperson.

Odede was instrumental in mentoring upcoming lawyers mostly from North Rift and top advocates from the region owe their success to her and her law firm.

In January 2017, then President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Wafula Chebukati as the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), though it was rumoured that Odede had emerged top in the interviews, but was not selected.

“It is true that I was interviewed and emerged with the highest score.

I cannot tell why I was not picked, anything I state would be merely speculative. I am aware the chairperson is picked by the president from two names forwarded to him, so it is not a given that the top-performing candidate gets the job.

I am also a strong believer, and I asked God that if it is His will, I would get the opportunity, so I believe it was not God’s will for me,” she told The Standard in an interview in early 2017.

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