FAHAMU NETWORK

Kenya is positioning itself to become the leading seed bank in Africa, with a strategic focus on expanding its footprint beyond Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. The Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Paul Rono, highlighted the critical role of research-based technologies in addressing Kenya’s growing demand for seeds. “The demand for seed maize in Kenya stands at 70 million kilos, with Kenya Seed Company producing 40 million kilos, and private firms contributing another 30 million kilos,” Rono said. The Principal Secretary added that the remaining demand is met through other agricultural value chains, underscoring the ongoing efforts to close the gap. He spoke at the Kenya Seed Company's field day held at the Elgon Downs Farms in Endebess, where stakeholders and farmers gathered to showcase the company's progress in seed production and agricultural innovations. Kenya Seed Company’s expansion strategy aims to enhance its influence across the region and solidify Ke...

 A deepening leadership dispute has rocked the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM) in Trans Nzoia County, compounding an already crippling nurses' strike now in its third week. A faction led by senior nursing managers has formally petitioned national Secretary General Seth Panyako to dissolve the current county leadership, citing term-limit violations and concerns over the legality of local union representation.  “The current officials have overstayed their term limits. They were elected in 2018 and were supposed to serve only five years,” said Eric Wasilwa, one of the petitioners. The group is challenging the legitimacy of County Secretary Edward Cheruiyot and Chairman Cyprian Nyakundi, among others who are spearheading the ongoing strike. The dissenting camp insists the strike lacks legal grounding, claiming that only the union's national office is authorized to negotiate with government authorities. “Local officials are operating illegally. Only ...

The Boda Boda Association in Trans Nzoia County has announced plans to hold fresh elections this November in a bid to restore order, accountability, and proper leadership within the sector. The decision comes amid growing concerns over a leadership vacuum and a prolonged period of confusion within the association, largely blamed on former officials overstaying their terms and lack of structured governance. The President of the Boda Boda Association of Kenya (BAK), Kevin Mubadi, recently convened a meeting with riders to address internal differences that had led to the formation of multiple factions. During the meeting, it was agreed that all current officials would be dissolved to allow for fresh elections. According to James Nyakangi, a member of the association, the planned elections are part of a broader effort to reestablish credibility and operational sanity in an industry that plays a vital role in local transportation and employment. “For a long time, our association...

The Senate Committee on Agriculture has appealed to the national and county governments to urgently settle outstanding debts owed to the Kenya Seed Company, warning that delayed payments are threatening the operations of the state-owned enterprise. Committee Chairperson Senator Wafula Wakoli disclosed that the national government owes Kenya Seed a substantial Sh 1.3 billion.  The debt originates from a subsidy programme that reduced the cost of maize seed to support smallholder farmers—funds that have yet to be reimbursed to the company. “If we expect this company to continue supplying quality seed to farmers at affordable rates, then the government must play its part. That means paying what it owes,” said Senator Wakoli. In addition to the national debt, Wakoli siad county governments owe millions of shillings for maize seed supplies distributed to farmers under various local programs. Kenya Seed Managing Director Samy Chepsiror reported that the company’s production f...

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has begun a new phase of county coordinating committee elections as part of its wider strategy to strengthen party structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.  In Trans Nzoia County, the exercise concluded on Monday with the re-election of Saboti MP Caleb Amisi as the county party chairman. Amisi was declared the winner unopposed after no challengers came forward during the county coordinating committee polls.  Eva Nyamwogo, who supervised the county coordinating committee elections, said the process is part of ODM’s commitment to reinvigorating its presence through structured leadership. “We are committed to restructuring and strengthening our local support base. These elections mark a new beginning for a more dynamic ODM in Trans Nzoia,” she said. Other key positions were also filled during the exercise. John Simiyu retained his role as County Secretary, while former Kitale Mayor Charles Bonyo was elected as Vice Chairman....

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Trans Nzoia County, following grassroots elections held on Monday.  Amisi secured the position unopposed, with no other contenders coming forward during the county coordinating committee polls. Known for his outspoken support for ordinary Kenyans, Amisi’s continued leadership is viewed as a stabilizing factor for ODM as the party positions itself for the 2027 general elections. Eva Nyamwogo, who oversaw the county-level elections, described the exercise as part of a larger strategy to reinvigorate the party’s grassroots presence. “We are committed to restructuring and strengthening our local support base. These elections mark a new beginning for a more dynamic ODM in Trans Nzoia,” said Nyamwogo. In other results, John Simiyu retained his role as County Secretary, while former Kitale Mayor Charles Bonyo was elected as Vice Chairman. Following the announcement, Simiyu stre...

Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has stated that security agencies are actively monitoring and responding to criminal groups responsible for recent disturbances in Trans Nzoia County. Speaking to journalists at Naisambu Seventh Day Adventist Church in Kwanza, Masengeli confirmed that several individuals associated with armed groups have been arrested, and operations are ongoing to apprehend remaining suspects. “We will not allow any person or group to act outside the law. A number of suspects are already in custody, and efforts to arrest and prosecute those still at large are underway. Public safety remains a top priority,” he said. Masengeli also indicated that investigations are being conducted into individuals suspected of financing or supporting the groups linked to the violence. He encouraged residents to share credible information with authorities to assist in the ongoing security efforts. “I urge residents to cooperate with security officers in ad...

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has successfully completed a significant reforestation exercise in the Kimothon Forest, Trans Nzoia, planting 41,600 cypress trees across 21.6 hectares of forest land. The initiative is part of the national effort to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, a campaign launched by President William Ruto. Since the launch of the c ampaign in 2022, Kenya has made significant strides in environmental conservation, with over 800 million trees already planted nationwide.  The national drive is aimed at restoring the country's ecosystems, improving water sources, and creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Acting Chief Conservator of Forests, Zipporah Toroitich, emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting that the short rains reforestation exercise aims to plant half a billion trees across the country.  “This initiative is not just about planting trees — it's about restoring ecosystems, securing water sources, and rebuilding l...

Healthcare services at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital in Trans Nzoia County have received a major boost following the delivery of drugs and non-pharmaceutical medical supplies worth Sh35 million. The consignment was officially received on Tuesday by Board Members Father Micah Kibet and Teresa Meto, together with the County’s Chief Officer for Health, Judith Simiyu. Father Kibet welcomed the supplies, noting that they will strengthen the hospital’s capacity to serve patients effectively. “This support ensures that our patients can continue receiving quality care without interruptions,” he said. Chief Officer Simiyu reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to reliable healthcare delivery, highlighting that procurement systems have been improved to ensure consistent availability of medical commodities. Board Member Teresa Meto encouraged staff to make responsible use of the supplies, ensuring accountability and maximum benefit to patients.  She also mad...

Panic has gripped livestock farmers in Kibomet sub-location, Trans Nzoia County, after an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) killed several cattle and infected many others. Nathan Chebor, a local farmer, said the disease had attacked 20 of his cows, killing four. “Our livestock are affected. We call for urgent assistance because foot and mouth disease is already here, yet no action has been taken by the concerned parties,” he lamented. Farmers expressed frustration that despite the outbreak, livestock trade and auctions at Maili Nane market continue, a move they warn could accelerate the spread of the highly contagious disease. Fredrick Rono, another farmer, warned that unless swift action is taken, the situation will spiral out of control. “This disease will spread. Let the vaccination of cattle not be selective,” Rono urged, calling on veterinary officers to carry out mass immunization without favoritism. The crisis has been compounded by the closure of cattle dips ...

Members of the Gema community in Trans Nzoia have tasked The Service Party (TSP) leader, Mwangi Kiunjuri, with presenting their concerns to President William Ruto. The community, which hosted the Laikipia East MP at a consultative forum held at the Kitale Nature Conservancy, expressed renewed expectations from President Ruto’s administration. Mr. Kiunjuri assured the community that he would present their concerns, including calls for a review of the university students’ financing model. “I will push for a review of the means-testing formula to ensure that no applicant is discriminated against and that individual needs are fairly considered,” said Kiunjuri. Bidii Ward MCA James Gitau, popularly known as Kangi, said the community remains optimistic that its concerns will be addressed. “The President is now halfway through his term, and we are confident that he will deliver on the promises that are still pending,” Gitau remarked. Participants also raised concerns about the ann...

A section of leaders from Trans Nzoia have strongly opposed plans to arrest former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is set to return to Kenya from the United States on Thursday.  The leaders have voiced their concerns, labeling the potential arrest as a threat to democracy and an unwarranted attack on free speech. John Njuguna, a parliamentary hopeful for Cherangany, led the charge, stating that arresting Gachagua for statements he made abroad would be a dangerous precedent. "You can't arrest Gachagua over remarks he made in the USA when he comes back to Kenya. This is not democracy," Njuguna declared in Kitale, urging the government to respect the right to free expression. Meanwhile, Cleophas Malala, the deputy leader of the Democratic Citizens Party, further stirred the pot by alleging that a plot was in place to detain Gachagua the moment his plane lands. He claimed there were plans to divert the former Deputy President’s flight to either Moi Internat...

Nursing managers in Trans Nzoia have faulted the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUN) officials in the region for calling for a strike, terming it illegal and politically motivated. The union officials announced a strike action in all public health facilities across the county, citing the failure by the county government to honor conditions of a 21-day strike notice. According to the union, the county has failed to address critical issues affecting nurses’ welfare, including delayed promotions, poor working conditions, and pending allowances. However, nurse managers dismissed the strike, insisting that the union officials who called for it are not in office legally and accused them of politicizing health matters at the expense of patients. The managers spoke after holding a consultative meeting with County Secretary Truphosa Amere, the Chief Officer for Health, the Chief Officer for Public Service Management, and the County Executive Committee Member for Finan...

A section of leaders allied to President William Ruto have urged government investigative agencies to hold former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accountable over remarks they described as inflammatory. The leaders said Gachagua, who is currently in the United States, has been making statements they believe undermine national unity and constitutional institutions for political purposes. President Ruto’s Personal Assistant, Farouk Kibet, criticized Gachagua, describing him as promoting politics that could divide the country along ethnic lines. Kibet stated that divisive politics could reverse national progress and emphasized the need for unity behind the President’s vision. The leaders made the remarks during a Women Empowerment funds drive at Matumbei High School in Endebess Constituency, organized to support 110 women groups. They noted that such statements could fuel divisions and disrupt progress made under the Kenya Kwanza administration. Kiminini MP Kakai Bissau urge...

A mother of eight from Kapretwa village in Saboti Constituency has become the latest beneficiary of the George Natembeya Foundation’s decent housing programme. Violet Nelima, who hails from a humble background, had been living in a dilapidated mud-walled house until the foundation stepped in to provide her with a modern, fully constructed home. “This modern, dignified home is more than bricks and mortar — it’s a fresh start, a source of hope, and a place where her children can dream without fear,” said Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, the patron of the foundation. He added that the initiative reflects the foundation’s commitment to restoring dignity, security, and pride to vulnerable families. The foundation’s chairman, Prof. Ferdinand Nang’ole, said its programmes cover various sectors, including health, education, housing, economic empowerment, and social welfare. “The foundation mobilises resources from well-wishers to run its programmes. We rely on their generosit...

Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi has called on the youth to take advantage of government-backed economic empowerment programmes instead of lamenting over limited formal job opportunities. Speaking at Cheptikit in Matumbei Ward, Endebess Sub-County, Siyoi defended President William Ruto against criticism over unemployment, saying his administration has introduced multiple initiatives to cushion young people from joblessness. “The youth population has increased significantly, forming a large proportion of the unemployed. However, the President has rolled out many opportunities to empower them,” she spoke during an inua Mama Wezesha Jamie Initiative. The legislator stressed that the government cannot directly employ all young people but can create an enabling environment for businesses to flourish, indirectly generating jobs. Among the programmes she highlighted is the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, a flagship Sh30 billion initia...

The long-awaited last mile electricity connectivity project in Namanjalala Sub-location has been officially launched by Kwanza Member of Parliament (MP) Ferdinand Wanyonyi. Mr. Wanyonyi said the project will feature the installation of 23 transformers, with the promise of connecting over 2,800 households to the national grid. The government-backed initiative is designed to extend electricity access to remote areas, will bring reliable power to communities in Imani and Namanjalala. This move is expected to not only improve the standard of living but also enhance the local economy. Mr Wanyonyi commended the government for its commitment to extending electricity access to underserved areas.  He emphasized that the project would be transformative, enabling local businesses, schools, and healthcare centers to operate more efficiently, thus boosting economic activities in the area. "The provision of electricity will empower small-scale entrepreneurs, increase productivity, a...

More than 400 informal sector artisans will undergo assessment for certification under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme at Kitale National Polytechnic. The programme aims to certify artisans who possess skills and competencies gained informally but lack official academic qualifications. The certification is overseen by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) under a government-backed plan to tap into Kenya’s unrecognized workforce potential. During the launch of the 5th cohort assessment, the country’s RPL Director, Stanley Mahindi, said the programme opens doors to jobs and opportunities for those who achieve certification. “We certify people with skills but no papers—individuals often sidelined for lacking formal qualifications. RPL bridges that gap,” Mr. Mahindi noted. The RPL model evaluates candidates based on proven skills, knowledge, and competencies, regardless of h...

Nursing services in public health facilities across Trans Nzoia County have been severely disrupted due to a strike by nurses. The strike was triggered by the county government's failure to address several key issues raised by the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUNM), the union representing healthcare workers. KNUNM Trans Nzoia Secretary, Edward Cheruiyot, stated that despite mediation efforts by the Ministry of Labour, which appointed a conciliator, no resolution had been reached. “The union has done its part, but the government has failed to avert the strike. The conciliator was appointed, but no meetings have taken place, and no progress has been made,” Cheruiyot said. At the core of the strike are several unresolved issues. One of the primary concerns is the failure to sign the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for the 2025-2029 period. "Negotiations for the CBA have stalled. The government promised to form a committee to address the matter, ...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has officially launched the distribution of Sh 4 million to women groups within the constituency to economically empower them. The funds were raised during a successful fundraising event held at Lukhome Grounds under the theme “Kikao na Wamama,” an empowerment forum conducted on Sunday.  The program officially kicked off in Machewa Ward, with MP Amisi moving from village to village, including Lukosi, Lukesi, Mwitha, Machewa, Chemi Chemi, Bondeni, and Lukhome, where he distributed the first wave of funds to small-scale businesswomen, mama mbogas, tailors, hairdressers, and members of self-help groups (chamas). The funds will serve to support existing businesses and provide seed capital to those starting afresh. During the launch, MP Amisi highlighted the vital role financial empowerment plays in transforming not only individual lives but entire families and communities.  "This money is intended to support women’s g...

ODM officials in Trans Nzoia have strongly criticized a group of politicians allied to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for demanding the resignation of Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. The calls for resignation were made by former Endebess ward MCA Patrick Kisiero and former Deputy Mayor Pius Kauka, who accused the two leaders of threatening to sever ties with ODM party leader Raila Odinga if he were to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections. Responding to the demands, ODM Trans Nzoia County Chairman John Simiyu dismissed the critics, urging them to stop interfering with the internal matters of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). “ODM is a party with structures and an organized way of conducting its affairs. Outsiders have no authority to dictate to our elected leaders,” said Mr. Simiyu. He added that the remarks made by MP Amisi and Senator Sifuna do not contradict the party’s principles, n...

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi have vowed to sever ties with their party leader Raila Odinga if he backs the reelection bid of President William Ruto in the 2027 general election. The two ODM leaders, who made the bold declaration during a Women Empowerment Forum at Lukhome Grounds, stated they respect Odinga's significant role in Kenya's democratic progress but would not align themselves with any efforts to support Ruto’s political journey. Senator Sifuna emphasized his loyalty to the Orange party's resolutions but drew the line at any resolution that backs Ruto’s reelection. “I will read all resolutions made by ODM, but not a resolution backing the reelection of President Ruto. I won’t read it," Sifuna said, while dismissing ODM leaders who have been pushing for his dismissal from his role for speaking his mind. Mr. Amisi said he will remain aligned with the wishes of the Kenyan electorate, who, he said, hav...

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi have vowed to sever ties with their party leader Raila Odinga if he backs the reelection bid of President William Ruto in the 2027 general election. The two ODM leaders, who made the bold declaration during a Women Empowerment Forum at Lukhome Grounds, stated they respect Odinga's significant role in Kenya's democratic progress but would not align themselves with any efforts to support Ruto’s political journey. Senator Sifuna emphasized his loyalty to the Orange party's resolutions but drew the line at any resolution that backs Ruto’s reelection. “I will read all resolutions made by ODM, but not a resolution backing the reelection of President Ruto. I won’t read it," Sifuna said, while dismissing ODM leaders who have been pushing for his dismissal from his role for speaking his mind. Mr. Amisi said he will remain aligned with the wishes of the Kenyan electorate, who, he said, hav...