By Erick Otieno

Migori gubernatorial aspirant Pamella Odhiambo has called for urgent government intervention following devastating floods that have disrupted livelihoods and infrastructure across several parts of the country, including Migori County.

Speaking in the wake of the heavy rains that triggered widespread flooding last weekend, Dr. Odhiambo urged residents living in riparian areas to relocate immediately to safer ground as authorities continue assessing the damage.

“We cannot control the current crisis,” she said. “Those living in riparian lands must move with speed and relocate to safer areas to avoid further loss of lives and property.”

Her remarks come as several regions across Kenya grapple with flooding caused by torrential rains that have led to fatalities, displacement of families, and destruction of infrastructure.

Reports from disaster response agencies indicate that dozens of people have lost their lives in flood-related incidents in different parts of the country over the past few days, while hundreds of households have been displaced as rivers burst their banks and roads were washed away.

Dr. Odhiambo lauded the swift decision by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to temporarily close the Migori main bridge along the busy Kenya–Tanzania Highway after floodwaters weakened sections of the structure, posing a danger to motorists and traders who rely on the route.

“The temporary closure of the Migori main bridge was a prudent decision to protect motorists and avert a possible tragedy. However, the national government must move with speed to conduct a comprehensive assessment and fast-track the rehabilitation and reconstruction works,” she said.

She noted that the bridge is a vital economic link connecting Kenya and Tanzania, facilitating cross-border trade and the movement of goods and services within the East African region.

Dr. Odhiambo further called on engineers and disaster response teams to carry out meticulous assessments of rivers and shorelines in flood-prone areas.

“The assessment should be done swiftly and meticulously. Authorities should introduce more dykes along vulnerable shorelines and ensure that overflow from rivers is properly contained,” she said.

Within Migori County, several areas have been severely affected by flash floods following the swelling of rivers after continuous rainfall. Residents in Angugo Village, Nyora Village, and Kabuto Village are among those hardest hit, with homes inundated and families forced to seek refuge on higher ground.

The situation has also been dire along River Ongoche, where rising water levels have marooned sections of the area and left the Ongoche Bridge badly affected by the raging floods.

Dr. Odhiambo appealed to both national and county governments to step up emergency response efforts and provide immediate relief to affected families.

“I urge disaster management teams to urgently supply both food and non-food items to families who have been displaced by the floods. Many households have lost their homes and sources of livelihood and require urgent humanitarian support,” she said.

She also challenged the County Government of Migori to prioritize rehabilitation of drainage systems in Migori Town, noting that poor drainage has contributed to frequent flash floods whenever heavy rains occur.

Additionally, Dr. Odhiambo urged the national government—particularly the ministries responsible for transport and special programmes—to cushion affected traders and small businesses whose operations have been disrupted by damaged roads and closed transport routes.

“To restore normalcy, the county government must also move with speed to upgrade feeder roads across the county so that residents and businesses can resume their daily activities,” she said.

Kenya’s disaster management agencies have in recent days intensified response operations in flood-affected regions, warning that continued heavy rains could worsen the situation.

Authorities are urging residents in flood-prone
areas to heed evacuation advisories while long-term mitigation measures—such as improved drainage infrastructure, strengthened river banks, and better urban planning—are implemented to reduce future flood risks.

By Duncan Ammon

In a significant boost to the country’s digital transformation journey, the Kenyan government has launched a cutting-edge Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) center at the Siaya Community Digital Hub. The state-of-the-art hub, equipped with AI-assisted technology, is poised to revolutionize the country’s outsourcing industry, creating new opportunities for young Kenyans and cementing the nation’s position as a competitive player in the global market.

The launch, which took place during the Siaya Digital Summit 2026, was graced by President William Ruto, who emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to expanding digital connectivity, advancing youth skills development, and fostering the growth of Kenya’s creative economy. “Kenya’s digital future will be built in every county, in every ward, where young people are ready to innovate, create, and lead,” President Ruto said, underscoring the importance of digital empowerment.

The Siaya Community Digital Hub is part of the government’s ambitious Jitume Digital Hubs programme, which aims to establish hubs across all 1,450 administrative wards in Kenya. The programme is designed to bridge the digital divide, promote economic growth, and create new opportunities for young people.

A Hub of Innovation and Opportunity

The BPO center at the Siaya Community Digital Hub is a game-changer for the region, offering young Kenyans a chance to tap into the global outsourcing market. Twenty youth have already been trained to use the AI-powered platform, which enables them to intelligently handle customer service cases across messaging, web, and phone channels. This innovative technology is set to transform the way businesses operate, making it easier for companies to outsource services and for young people to access employment opportunities.

The hub is also equipped with high-speed internet connectivity, providing a conducive environment for digital innovation and entrepreneurship. The facility will serve as a collaborative space where youth can access connectivity, acquire practical skills, and explore opportunities in remote work, freelancing, digital content creation, and BPO.

A Bright Future Ahead

The launch of the Siaya Community Digital Hub is a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering young Kenyans and driving digital transformation. With over 75% of Kenya’s population under the age of 35, the government is keen to tap into the demographic dividend, creating new opportunities for young people to participate in the digital economy.

As Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo Gitau, noted, “Our Ministry remains firmly committed to expanding internet connectivity, equipping young people with practical digital skills, and ensuring access to affordable smart devices. These three pillars – connectivity, skills, and access – are the foundation of Kenya’s digital transformation.”

The Siaya Community Digital Hub is a shining example of what can be achieved when government, private sector partners, and communities come together to drive digital transformation. As Kenya continues to march towards its digital future, hubs like this one will play a critical role in shaping the country’s destiny.

By Dr. Edris Omondi esq

Last Thursday, Parliament received and positively considered a public petition by the Association of Pentecostal Vocational Training Institutions of Kenya (APVOTIK) proposing a new framework for theological education and ministerial formation in Kenya.

The proposal has now moved to the next constitutional stage being public participation; where citizens and faith communities will have the opportunity to shape its final form.

At a time when national conversations around religion are often framed in terms of state control, it is important to clarify a fundamental point: this initiative is not about government regulation of faith. Rather, it is about strengthening self-regulation within the religious sector.

Kenya’s Constitution is clear on matters of faith.

Article 8 affirms that the country has no state religion, while Article 32 guarantees freedom of conscience, belief, and worship. Any attempt by the State to control doctrine or spiritual practice would run contrary to these protections. The framework currently before Parliament respects these constitutional boundaries.

Instead of regulating religion itself, the proposal focuses on the quality and integrity of theological education–the training systems that prepare ministers, pastors, priests, and other religious leaders.

Across Kenya, hundreds of theological training institutions operate within different denominations and traditions. Many have faithfully served their communities for decades, yet their programs often lack standardized academic recognition within the national qualifications’ framework. This creates challenges for graduates seeking professional recognition and for institutions seeking consistent academic standards.

The proposed framework seeks to address this gap by establishing a faith-led, self-regulatory structure for theological education. Under this model, religious communities would take primary responsibility for setting training standards, accrediting institutions, and promoting ethical leadership within their own traditions.

Importantly, this is not a state-controlled commission dictating religious practice.

It is a collaborative structure in which recognized umbrella faith bodies; play a central role in guiding standards and accountability within the sector.

This approach reflects a simple but powerful principle: faith communities are best positioned to regulate their own theological training while working within the broader national education framework. This is constitutionalism, an upstream model that – Crime Prevention Initiative Trust (CPIT) stands for.

The benefits of such a system are significant. It would strengthen academic credibility for theological institutions, create pathways for recognition of prior learning among experienced ministers, and enhance ethical standards for those entering religious leadership. For communities, it would build confidence that spiritual leaders are trained within accountable and credible institutions.

Equally important, a self-regulatory model protects religious freedom while promoting public trust. Rather than imposing control from the outside, it empowers faith communities to uphold their own standards of responsibility and integrity.

The next stage, being public participation, is therefore crucial.

Parliament will now open its doors for citizens, religious leaders, educators, and community members to contribute their views on the proposed framework. This process ensures that the final legislation reflects the diversity of Kenya’s religious landscape while remaining faithful to constitutional principles.

Public participation is not merely a procedural step; it is an opportunity for the faith sector and the wider public to help shape a system that strengthens both freedom of worship and responsible leadership.

In the end, the goal is straightforward: to support credible theological education, encourage ethical ministry, and reinforce the public trust placed in religious institutions across the country.

This indeed is important, considering the times we are in.

A self-regulating framework offers a balanced path forward, one that preserves constitutional freedoms while enabling faith communities to lead in maintaining their own standards. As the conversation continues, the voices of Kenyans will play a decisive role in determining how this vision is realized, and perhaps, this was the missing link that was to sharpen the stalled religious organization bill too.

By Hope Barbra

Kisumu City has moved to put in place structures for flood preparedness during this rainy season and has put the disaster department at both the City and County levels on high alert.

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o said the government has received flood warnings and expects floods in Nyamasaria, Kapuothe, Dunga and Migosi areas.

He said a crisis meeting with Red Cross officials and officers from the city and county departments of disaster management will be held on Monday to mitigate possible flooding in the area and to mobilize resources for any eventuality.

“The Nairobi flooding was a wake-up call to all of us and that is why we are reviewing and enhancing the disaster response structures we had put in place. We want to avoid such destruction as was witnessed in Nairobi,” he said.

Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga said 80 percent of the city was free from flooding and there was no cause for alarm.

“In Kapuothe, the works have not been completed and with River Nyamasaria, Alewra and Wigwa almost breaking their banks, we are likely to have floods in the area,” he said.

He said the city disaster department was on high alert and ready to evacuate those affected by floods to safer and higher areas.

“We have and are still mobilizing resources to respond to floods and to ensure the victims are not left to suffer. We are mobilizing medical supplies and other assorted foodstuffs and requirements,” he said.

Kenya Red Cross has issued urgent guidelines for residents in flood-prone areas, saying that even shallow moving water is dangerous: six inches can knock an adult off their feet, and one foot of fast-flowing water can sweep away a vehicle.

Residents are advised to evacuate to higher ground, switch off electricity in inundated homes, avoid driving near rivers, and never cross flooded bridges.

Additional precautions include using a stick to test water depth, avoiding downed power lines, and refraining from walking through electrified or muddy water.

Authorities and communities are urged to remain vigilant, follow official updates, and use the toll-free emergency line 1199 for assistance.