FAHAMU NETWORK

Residents of Trans Nzoia County united to observe the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA), raising awareness about the dangers of substance misuse.   The event began with a morning walkfrom the County Commissioner’s Office, symbolizing the community’s shared commitment against drug abuse.  Leaders, law enforcement, NGOs, and residents then gathered at KooKoo Grounds to discuss solutions.   Area County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi emphasized collaboration, urging the public against stigmatizing those struggling with addiction.  “Through education and joint efforts, we can break the cycle. He also highlighted the government’s crackdown on trafficking, stressing that communities must oppose drug networks," he said.   The county NACADA cordinator Teresia Mwangi cited rising youth drug abuse and called for stronger prevention and rehabilitation efforts.  “We need dedicated treatment centers and...

Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Mrs Lilian Siyoi has criticised leaders opposing President William Ruto, accusing them of targeting his flagship projects for selfish political gain. Speaking during an economic empowerment forum at Embakasi village in Kinyoro Ward, Mrs Siyoi claimed that opposition politicians are deliberately politicising every initiative rolled out by the President to score cheap political points. “These leaders have decided to politicise every project initiated by President Ruto, not because the projects are flawed, but simply to earn political mileage,” Mrs Siyoi said. She urged Kenyans not to fall prey to what she described as misleading narratives being pushed by power-hungry politicians. Instead, she encouraged the public to focus on the real benefits of the government’s development programs. The Woman Representative particularly defended the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), terming it a game changer in promoting universal healthcare and ensuring...

Legendary Bukusu musician Peter Wanundu now has a place to call home after the George Natembeya Foundation offered him a house at Mbai farm in Kiminini Constituency. Mr. Wanundu, who is in his early 70s, will now be spared the agony of ongoing evictions from the rental house he has been staying in. "We identified Mr. Wanundu’s case as really deserving since he has occasionally been locked out by his landlord due to rent arrears, yet he is a respected man in our community," said the foundation’s patron, Governor George Natembeya. Governor Natembeya said Mr. Wanundu’s case reflects the poverty status many famous artists go through despite their fame in the entertainment industry. "This is the sixth house we have built for beneficiaries from all walks of life who were homeless," he said during the handover of the house. The chairman of the foundation Prof. Ferdinand Nang'ole, said the foundation's programmes stretch across health, educat...

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has today welcomed Cherang’any Member of Parliament Patrick Simiyu to his political fold after he had shown interest in joining Ford Kenya. Mr. Simiyu, who paid a courtesy call to Governor Natembeya at the Chebarus sub-county office where he is operating from, said he is happy to mend ties since the two were elected on the same political party of DAP Kenya. "I am here to set the record straight that I have never failed to support Governor Natembeya since we belong to the same party," said the MP. The Governor said his Tawe movement is still open to like-minded leaders who are interested in transforming the country. "We shall keep speaking the mind of the people since we have a duty to represent them," said the Governor. The Governor meanwhile called out the National Police Service following the death of Albert Ojwang, who died under unclear circumstances after he was arrested. "Everyone has a right to fair treat...

The Kalenjin Council of Elders in Trans Nzoia (Myoot) has reprimanded a group of elders from the community, accusing them of undermining the unity and collective voice of the Kalenjin people and of criticizing President William Ruto. The council, which held a meeting at Kachibora in Cherang’any Constituency, called for a public apology from those responsible. They claimed that the elders had issued a divisive statement while falsely presenting themselves as representatives of the community on political matters of national and county interest. "We consider their actions insubordination and a betrayal of our collective values and the respect our community accords its elders. The said statement does not reflect the official position of the Myoot Council of Elders," the group's Secretary Jeremiah Kipkering stated. Former Marakwet West MP Boaz Kaino supported the council’s authority, stating that no other organ is mandated to speak on behalf of the community. “The ...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has called for immediate action to compensate members of the Sokoni Community Development Organisation whose land was acquired for the construction of the Kitale-Endebess-Suam road.   In a statement sought from the Departmental Committee on Lands in the National Assembly, Amisi highlighted the prolonged delay in compensating the affected families, many of whom were displaced years ago.   The government acquired land from the Sokoni Community to facilitate the construction of the crucial Kitale-Endebess-Suam highway, a key infrastructure project aimed at boosting trade and connectivity in the region.  However, despite the project’s completion, hundreds of displaced families are yet to receive their rightful compensation, leaving them in financial distress and uncertainty.   "The people of Sokoni sacrificed their land for national development, yet they continue to suffer due to delayed compensation. Thi...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi today commissioned four newly constructed modern classrooms at Kinyoro Primary School in Kinyoro Ward, marking a significant milestone in the constituency’s efforts to uplift education infrastructure and promote equity in learning opportunities. Addressing teachers, pupils, and local residents, MP Amisi described the project as more than just bricks and mortar. “This is about restoring dignity and bringing equal opportunities to all learners across Saboti. Today, we breathe life into a school that many had forgotten,” he said. The new classrooms are expected to ease congestion, improve the learning environment, and inspire better academic performance at the institution, which has for years grappled with inadequate facilities. Later in the day, the MP held a consultative meeting with elders and opinion leaders from Kinyoro, Machewa, and Saboti wards. The meeting focused on community welfare and charting a united development agenda for ...

The county government of Trans Nzoia, in collaboration with health partners, has intensified its efforts to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) across the five sub-counties. The focus is particularly on Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) and schistosomiasis. The county executive committee member in charge of health Samson Ojwang stated that the fight against NTDs has concentrated on preventive strategies that include sensitization campaigns conducted by community health promoter "We have been conducting a detailed mapping survey to assess the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the region. Our findings reveal a 7% prevalence rate for Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH),” Mr. Ojwang explained. The Assistant Director of Public Health in the county Robert Musundi emphasized the importance of targeting vulnerable groups in specific wards where the risk is highest. He also noted that the county government is focusing on equipping all public health...

Maendeleo ya Wanawake leaders in Trans Nzoia County have condemned the rising trend of political name-calling and character assassination, warning that such divisive tactics threaten both development and social cohesion in the region. The leaders emphasized the urgent need to restore decency and respect in political discourse, urging for a shift toward issue-based engagement. “We need unity for development. We are missing out on progress because the ongoing political attacks have made it difficult to create a conducive environment for development, especially from the national government,” said the group's treasurer Margaret Wanjala. Mrs. Wanjala also came to the defense of her party leader, National Assembly Speaker Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, rejecting accusations that he is anti-development. “Respect is paramount for every leader. Wetang'ula has his responsibilities as Speaker, and he should be respected,” said the Ford Kenya nominated MCA. kwanza subcounty secretary o...