By Duncan Ammon

Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o has hailed the graduation of 3,165 trainees from Kisumu County Vocational Training Centres as a significant milestone in the county’s development agenda. The ceremony, held at Rotary Vocational Training Centre, brought together stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of the graduands, who have been certified in eleven disciplines aligned with market demands.

Speaking at the event, Nyong’o emphasized the importance of equipping youth with practical skills to drive economic transformation. “The true wealth of a society resides in the knowledge, skills, and innovative capacity of its people,” he said, highlighting the county’s commitment to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The Governor cited investments in training equipment, capitation, and recruitment of trainers, noting that KSh 25 million had been allocated for equipment procurement and KSh 125.5 million for capitation in the current financial year. “We are delivering on our promise to empower youth with marketable skills and promote entrepreneurship,” he said.

Nyong’o urged the graduands to be proactive, create opportunities, and deploy their skills with confidence. “The future of Kisumu County will be built in workshops, garages, studios, and enterprises led by skilled young people like yourselves,” he said, emphasizing the importance of innovation and resilience.

One of the graduands, Jane Otieno, expressed gratitude for the training, saying, “The skills I’ve acquired have transformed my life. I’m now confident to start my own business and create employment opportunities.”

The ceremony marked a milestone in Kisumu County’s efforts to establish a competitive, inclusive, and future-ready TVET system, aligned with industry demands and responsive to technological change.

As Kisumu County looks to the future, the Governor’s message was clear: the county’s development agenda is anchored on skilled workforce development, and the graduands are poised to drive this agenda forward.

By Anderson Ojwang

Mt Kenya is witnessing dwindling fortunes in the ongoing targeted 5,083,252 new voters drive by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The once Kenya’s largest vote basket, Mt Kenya is witnessing a declining youth vote while other regions in the country are counting the gains of the youth population bulge.

Both statistics from school enrolment and the IEBC paint a grim picture for the Mt Kenya region except for a few counties in the region.

While Mt Kenya witnesses a declining young population, Nyanza, North Eastern, Western, Rift Valley and Ukambani have witnessed sharp growth.

The Coast region is also enjoying the youth population bulge which will be a major contributor in the 2027 general elections.

Nyanza, Rift Valley, Ukambani and North Eastern are the beneficiaries of the youth population bulge in the targeted drive.

If the IEBC meets the target, the number of registered voters will shoot to a total of 28 million, up from 22.1 million who cast their votes during the 2022 Elections.

From the analysis of IEBC data, Mt Kenya, the once country’s dominant vote basket, could be facing a shift with the declining youth population while other regions are witnessing an upsurge.

The once low-vote area of North Eastern is staking its claim in the national matrix with a targeted 542,853 new voters.

The predominantly vote-rich Central Kenya, which has for successive elections determined the outcome of the presidential elections, is witnessing a sharp decline in new voters.

In the new target, Mt Kenya is expected to realize 599,129, leading North Eastern by only 56,276.

In Mt Kenya, apart from Meru and Kiambu with targets of 156,592 and 183,783 respectively, Murang’a’s target is 94,365, Nyeri 61,365, Embu 54,313, Laikipia 52,687, Kirinyaga 48,691, Tharaka Nithi 38,481.

In Nyanza, the target is 786,921, while in Western the target is 635,421 and Ukambani 381,613. Rift Valley’s target stands at 1,196,920.

The Coast region, predominantly an ODM zone, has also witnessed youth population growth with a target of 411,803 new voters, while Nairobi’s target stands at 310,486.

The expected number of new voters will be a major determinant in the 2027 general election outcome and will redefine major political realignments ahead of the elections.

In 2023, the government directed school-based issuance of national identity cards, a move which is paying off.

A circular from the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Education, State Department for Basic Education, Amb. Prof Julius K. Bitok, wrote, captioned “Facilitation of school-based ID registration exercise second term, 2023”.

“The State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services, through the National Registration Bureau (NRB), intends to undertake a mobile national ID registration drive targeting eligible students in secondary schools during the current (second) school term (May-August 2025).”

Nyanza, Western, and Rift Valley enjoy the majority of students in secondary schools, while lower Eastern counties will also carry a huge chunk of the new voters going by the high student population.

The vote-rich Mt Kenya is witnessing a downward spiral in the number of students in secondary schools, while North Eastern and Coast have maintained low percentages.

This initiative was designed to ensure that Kenyan students who have attained the age of 18 are registered for national identity cards while still in school, enabling them to access tertiary education placement, job opportunities and financial aid such as HELB loans without delay upon completion of secondary education.

“You are, therefore, requested to urgently notify all secondary school principals within your jurisdiction to collaborate with county and deputy county registration officers for the successful implementation of the exercise in their schools. Please, also inform the principals that for the purposes of this exercise, they or their deputies will serve as identification agents for the students in place of National Government Administration Officers (NGAO). Your immediate action in this matter will be appreciated,” wrote Bitok in a memo to all Regional Directors of Education and all County Directors of Education.

In 2023, Kenya had approximately 13.2 million students enrolled in pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools. Specifically, there were 2.9 million in pre-primary, 10.2 million in primary, and 4.1 million in secondary schools.

In 2025, a total of 993,226 sat for KCSE, while in 2024 the number was 962,512 candidates, and in 2023 the number was 899,453, giving a total of 2,855,191 forming the bulk of the new voters targeted by IEBC.

In 2023, Bungoma and Kakamega had the highest number of students enrolled at 203,195 and 199,124 respectively.

Nakuru had 195,393, Kiambu 174,100, Migori 147,033, Machakos 143,550, Homa Bay 143,550, Murang’a 135,093, Meru 134,402, Siaya 130,784, Makueni 130,305, and Nairobi 125,566.

Over 100,000 enrollment

Kisumu 123,499, Kisii 123,449, Kitui 120,489, Kericho 114,816, Nandi 108,830, Trans Nzoia 108,415, Bomet 107,935.

Over 50,000 enrollment

Kilifi 98,696, Busia 88,549, Uasin Gishu 84,969, Nyamira 84,749, Vihiga 83,256, Nyeri 80,536, Narok 79,809, Nyandarua 66,872, Baringo 65,665, Kirinyaga 63,145, Embu 62,930, Elgeyo Marakwet 59,219, Kajiado 59,102, Tharaka Nithi 58,533, Kwale 55,779, West Pokot 50,020.

Below 50,000 enrollment

Laikipia 45,397, Mombasa 43,902, Taita Taveta 33,032, Wajir 28,734, Mandera 27,734, Turkana 27,430, Garissa 23,970, Marsabit 13,531, Samburu 12,823, Tana River 12,009, Isiolo 10,444, and Lamu 1,033.

Comparison to school enrolment

Of the 5,083,252 million targeted new voters, Nairobi leads with 310,486 unregistered persons whom the IEBC is targeting, followed by Kakamega (236,156), Nakuru (221,164) in third position.

Bungoma (216,411), Kiambu (183,783), Kilifi (168,131), Kisii (159,245) and Meru (156,592) lead with unregistered persons, with the numbers exceeding 150,000.

Homa Bay 147,809, Narok 147,768, Migori 146,869, Kitui 138,780, Kisumu 133,740, Machakos 133,692, Siaya 123,142, Mandera 121,037, Trans Nzoia 120,037, Uasin Gishu 118,261, Turkana 117,181, Busia 112,282, Garissa 111,283, Makueni 109,542, Wajir 107,141, Kajiado 106,263, Bomet 105,599, Kwale 102,599, Kericho 101,881, and Nandi 101,442.

With this trend, Mt Kenya’s tyranny of numbers after the 2027 general elections may no longer count, as other regions will continue to enjoy youth population bulge while they suffer the decline.

By Western Insight Correspondent

Boda boda associations in Nairobi are planning a large-scale demonstration against Johnson Sakaja and Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), accusing them of implementing policies that are economically punitive and unsustainable.

The associations claim that the current enforcement measures, particularly the KSh 2,000 daily charge for impounded motorcycles, are excessive and unfair. Riders argue that the accumulating penalties create a “running clock” effect, where costs quickly spiral beyond their ability to pay, effectively locking them out of reclaiming their bikes.

They further contend that such penalties are unconstitutional in spirit, pointing out that even loan interest is typically not allowed to exceed the principal amount. According to the riders, the county’s approach resembles a system designed to generate revenue rather than ensure compliance.

In addition, the associations have raised concerns about alleged misconduct by county enforcement officers. They claim that some officers engage in arbitrary arrests and demand bribes, practices they say have worsened tensions between riders and authorities.

Many boda boda operators rely on financed motorcycles, and the rising costs of compliance, penalties, and daily operations have made it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihoods. Riders say the situation has reached a breaking point, prompting calls for mass demonstrations to demand policy reforms.

The associations are now mobilizing members across Nairobi and its surrounding areas, warning that both county leadership and enforcement officers could face public backlash if urgent action is not taken. They are calling for a review of the current fines, emphasizing that enforcement should be corrective rather than punitive.

By Hope Barbra

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga’s political re-organization and a possible 2027 line-up could have suffered a dent after the Kisumu Employment and Labour Relations Court stayed the ongoing vetting and approval exercise of the deputy governor and two county executive committee members by the County Assembly of Homa Bay.

In the conservatory order, Justice Nzioki Wa Makau gave the orders after an application by Michael Kojo Otieno and Evans Oloo Gor claimed the appointments violated the constitution.

The judge directed that the application be served for hearing on 28th April 2026 and stayed the vetting and approvals.

Wanga recently nominated Danish Onyango as the deputy governor to replace Joseph Oyugi Magwanga who resigned after what was termed as irreconcilable differences.

Wanga also nominated Elijah Obiny Dede, from Ndhiwa Constituency, as the CEC Member for Trade, Industry, Tourism, Marketing, and Co-operative Development.

Isaac Victor Ongiri, from Kasipul Constituency, will take charge of Governance, Administration, Communication, and Devolution. Ongiri has served as a county chief officer since 2023 and has previously worked in Kisii and Makueni counties.

Joash Aloo has been reassigned to lead the Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock Development docket, moving from Trade, Industry, Tourism, Marketing, and Co-operative Development.

In these nominations, Wanga was strategically setting up her 2027 campaign team and hoping that Onyango, Ongiri and Aloo would checkmate Magwanga in Kasipul and Kabondo Kasipul.

By transferring Dr Aloo to Agriculture, previously held by Magwanga, who is also a former Kasipul MP, and Dr Aloo also coming from Kasipul, Wanga’s game plan was to tame any dissident from the constituency.

With Ongiri also from Kasipul, Wanga is hoping to have a strong checkmate, but Dr Aloo is likely to contest for the area parliamentary seat against Boyd Were in 2027, complicating the delicate balancing act.

In Ndhiwa, the nomination of Dede is expected to add value to the team of County Secretary Prof Benard Muok and Assembly Majority Leader Richard Ogindo. The trio will be leading Wanga’s campaign in the area.

In his resignation statement, Magwanga said after deep reflection he decided to resign and will vie for the gubernatorial seat.

“After deep reflection and consultations with leaders, supporters, and my family, I have resolved to resign from the office of Deputy Governor with immediate effect,” he wrote then.

Wanga and Magwanga were forced into a political marriage by the late Raila Amolo Odinga, and the marriage broke with his demise.

“In 2022, I accepted the honor of serving as the running mate to Wanga after consultations presided over by the late former Prime Minister and party leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. Following our electoral victory, I was sworn in with a solemn commitment to serve the people of Homa Bay County faithfully, diligently, and in full obedience to the Constitution of Kenya,” he said.

Magwanga said Wanga has undermined him and the relationship has broken down irretrievably.

“Since assuming office, I have endeavored to discharge my mandate with integrity and loyalty to the people who elected us. However, beginning December 2025, I was denied access to my official office after the locks were changed without formal communication. I was consequently compelled to proceed on early annual leave under circumstances that were not voluntary. When my leave lapsed in January 2026, I remained locked out and unable to resume my official duties. While undertaking official duty in Nairobi, the official vehicle assigned to my office was repossessed without prior notice. The remaining county vehicle allocated to my office is unserviceable, and I have not been facilitated with fuel or logistical support necessary to perform my constitutional responsibilities.

These actions have rendered the Office of the Deputy Governor functionally inoperative and have made it impossible for me to serve effectively.

I firmly believe that public office is a sacred trust. I cannot, in good conscience, continue to earn a salary funded by the taxpayers of Homa Bay County while being deliberately prevented from performing the work they elected me to do. Leadership must be anchored in respect for institutions, constitutionalism, and mutual trust,” he wrote.

Magwanga recently told Wanga that she was a one-term governor and a failure.

He said Wanga has failed to manage the county and that the county was in shambles and incapable of paying contractors and securing basic necessities for the daily running of offices.

Magwanga told Wanga that she is an ungrateful person to the people who helped her become the governor in the 2022 general elections and that her time was up.

“Wanga is a one-term governor and her time is up. I sacrificed for you to be the governor but you are a very ungrateful person. Now it is the time for payback,” he said.

The two leaders have embarked on a campaign for the seat, with Magwanga holding town hall meetings.