FAHAMU NETWORK

The Melisa Organisation, a charitable group based in Trans Nzoia County, celebrated its 10th anniversary by bringing festive cheer to the less privileged in the community. The organisation distributed foodstuffs to widows, widowers, and orphans in Matisi to help them enjoy the Christmas season. Speaking at the event, CEO Patricia Melisa emphasized the organisation’s mission of providing hope to those facing life’s challenges. "We are celebrating our ten years of existence by spreading love to those who are lacking. We are glad that we can touch lives in whatever way," said Ms. Melisa. The organisation’s chairman, Alex Mweru, urged more partners to join hands in supporting the growing number of needy cases in the region. "The number of destitute individuals, including widows and orphans, is significant. Together, we can make a difference by extending a helping hand," said Mr. Mweru. Beyond charity drives, the Melisa Organisation offers educational s...

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has criticized some Western Kenya leaders for rallying Kenyans against registering for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Speaking at the burial of Mzee John Wafula Mutunga in Weonia Village, Trans Nzoia County, Wetang'ula expressed disappointment over the negative sentiments, which he said have adversely affected registration turnout in the region. "It is very unfortunate that some leaders are criticizing the registration of the Social Health Insurance Fund," said the Speaker.  The late Mzee Mutunga was the father of Mr. Joseph Dabodabo, a 2022 Kiminini parliamentary candidate and now a director at Kenyatta National Hospital. Wetang'ula urged county governments in the region to allocate funds to sensitize residents and encourage them to register for the program at the ward level. Health Cabinet Secretary Debra Mulongk noted that the region has one of the lowest registration rates, with less than 10% of ...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has urged President William Ruto to grant greater authority to his cabinet ministers to effectively deliver on the government's agenda.  Amisi emphasized that the success of the administration hinges on empowering ministers to lead initiatives, rather than the president overseeing every detail personally. During his speech at the burial of Mzee John Wafula in Weonia Village, Mr. Amisi noted that President Ruto has faced backlash from Kenyans due to his micromanagement approach.  He argued that the president has been receiving excessive credit for every government project, leading to criticism from various sectors of society. The ODM MP also appealed to Kenyans to demonstrate patriotism while criticizing the president, emphasizing that respect for the Head of State is essential.  “We have no other president apart from the one we have. We should, therefore, not forget our patriotism even when pointing out areas of challeng...

Kakamega Starlets, a women’s football team currently leading the league table despite two consecutive draws, is grappling with severe financial challenges. The club's survival hangs in the balance as players endure dire conditions at camp, including a lack of food, allowances, and transport for away matches. The absence of motivation, proper meals, and basic support has led several players to skip training, weakening the team’s overall performance. The county government of Kakamega, led by Governor Fernandes Barasa, had previously pledged to support clubs in the Premier League, National Super League, and Division One. However, according to the club, many of these promises remain unfulfilled. “They promised us ambulance services for home games, transport for away matches, training equipment such as balls and boots, and, most importantly, financial facilitation,” a club official said. With an away match in Naivasha scheduled for Saturday, the team is now counting on Gover...

The Equip Africa Institute held its third graduation ceremony, featuring 219 graduates from various academic programs, including new ones that highlight the institution's dedication to equipping students with market-driven, competency-based skills. The Institute's Executive Director, Professor Evans Kerosi, said that among the pioneering programs were Community Health Nursing, Perioperative Theatre Technology, and training in collaboration with the Kenya Maritime Authority. "The institute is also in the process of launching a Certificate and Diploma in Public Health to address the growing need for competency-based education, which represents our focus on addressing critical gaps in the job market,” said Professor Kerosi. The Vice-Chancellor of Mount Kenya University (MKU) Professor Deogratius Jaganyi affirmed the commitment to expanding academic programs in the university and its other institutions, including Equip Africa Institute, to meet industry demands "W...

Residents of Trans Nzoia County and its surrounding areas suffering from eye-related issues have welcomed the establishment of a new eye hospital in Cherang’any Sub-County. The facility, spearheaded by former Cherang’any MP Wesley Korir, officially began operations with free services, including eye exams, glasses, and cataract surgeries, offered by specialists from the Kitale Eye Unit. Speaking during the launch, Dr. Hillary Rono, an ophthalmologist at Kitale County Hospital, highlighted the significance of the new hospital in addressing the region's eye care challenges. “This facility will help decongest Kitale County Hospital. Most of the patients who turned up today had cases of cataracts and trachoma, which are prevalent in this region,” Dr. Rono stated. The hospital aims to bridge the gap in eye care accessibility by providing affordable, quality services locally. According to Mr. Korir, the initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the region’s healthcare system. “...

The Trans Nzoia Civil Society Network has expressed concerns over insufficient budgetary allocations for gender-based policies, describing this as a major obstacle to addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and related issues. These concerns were voiced during the conclusion of a 16-day campaign against GBV and human rights violations, during which participants presented petitions to the Governor’s office, the county assembly, and the county commissioner’s office. The Director of the Justice and Peace Commission, Mr. Leonard Barasa, criticized the lack of implementation of existing legal frameworks at both the national and county levels. “While we have laws in place, enforcement remains weak due to inadequate budgetary provisions. Policies that should guide action often remain on paper,” said Mr. Barasa. Participants also shared alarming statistics, including five recently reported cases of femicide. In addition, concerns were raised about the increasing rates of defilement, rising HIV ...

The succession dispute involving the first wife of the late former Housing Minister Soita Shitanda has taken a dramatic turn, as she has denied knowing the co-wives and their children and is seeking to have them excluded from inheriting his property, valued at over Shs100 million. In the succession case No. 1520 of 2016 concerning the estate of the late Peter Soita Shitanda, the deceased's widow, Betty Glorious Soita, testified in court and explicitly disowned the children of the late minister born to his second wife, Agnes Nduku. The widow informed Justice Hillary Chemitei at the Milimani High Court that she did not recognize Candy Soita and Brandy Soita as her late husband's children, despite acknowledging that he had supported them during his lifetime, including paying their school fees and catering to their needs until his death in 2016. Candy,who is currently based in the United States, presented evidence on behalf of herself and her brother, Brandy Soita, urgi...