FAHAMU NETWORK

More than 250,000 victims of the 2007 post-election violence who are yet to be compensated have appealed to President William Ruto to intervene and fast-track the compensation process. On Wednesday, President Ruto pledged KSh 18 million to support the resettlement of victims in Nakuru County. Through their lobby group, the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Network, the victims expressed deep frustration over what they termed as government inaction despite having fulfilled all requirements for compensation. “We have met all the requirements set by the government and submitted our details for compensation, but we are yet to receive any support,” said Raphael Eyanai, the group’s coordinator. Mr. Eyanai noted that the group had followed due process and even presented several follow-up petitions to various task forces through the National consultative coordinating commitee, but their efforts have not yielded results. “We submitted our grievances to the Truth, Justice and Recon...

The hearing of a constitutional petition challenging the legality of Kenya’s bigamy laws failed to proceed on Thursday after the Office of the Attorney General (AG) failed to appear in court. The AG’s representative was reported to be unwell. The submissions hearing, which was scheduled to begin today before the High Court in Kitale, has now been deferred to January 15, 2026. The court was expected to give directions on the determination of the petition. "We will abide by the directions given by the court as we wait for the submissions of the Attorney General," said the petitioners' advocate, Wanyama Mutaki. Earlier, the High Court had declined a request to empanel a three-judge bench to hear the petition, which questions the constitutionality of Kenya’s bigamy laws and aspects of the Christian Religious Education (CRE) curriculum. Presiding Judge Robert Limo ruled that although the petition raises novel legal issues and matters of public interest, it does not...

A Kitale court has sentenced a man to ten years in prison for vandalizing and stealing power infrastructure belonging to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), in what authorities are calling a major win in the ongoing crackdown against energy infrastructure crimes. The accused, Joel Waluvengo Nyongesa, was convicted by the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kitale after pleading guilty to three counts under the Energy Act No. 1 of 2019.  His co-accused, Charles Luchivia, denied the charges and will stand trial on November 5, 2025. According to court documents (File No. E2043/2025; Police Case No. PCR 905–907/2025), Nyongesa and Luchivia were arrested on September 17, 2025, in Matunda and Chemororoch within the North Rift region following an intensive investigation by officers from Kitale Police Station and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). The prosecution, led by Prosecutor Nancy Omari Nuaimi (PCI), told the court that between August 20 and Augus...

The Senate Committee on Education has urged county governments to allocate more resources toward Vocational Training Centers (VTCs) to absorb learners who fail to secure university placements. During a sitting in Trans-Nzoia County, the committee—led by Nominated Senator Betty Batuli—expressed concern over the low university absorption rates across several counties, saying the trend should alarm all education stakeholders. “It is worrying that less than 20 percent of students in Trans-Nzoia proceed to university. More focus should be directed to VTCs to enable those unable to join universities to acquire technical skills and develop meaningful careers,” said Margaret Kamar, the committee’s vice-chairperson. Senator Batuli noted that at least 60 percent of learners in Trans-Nzoia County can only be accommodated in vocational institutions due to limited university slots. She pointed out that the county has only one national polytechnic, which cannot absorb the growing number ...

 More than 100 million fruit trees will be planted in primary schools across Kenya, as the government intensifies efforts to integrate environmental conservation with food security and education. This bold initiative, announced by Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Mulongo, headlined the 2025 Mazingira Day celebrations held at Kabuyefwe Primary School inTrans Nzoia County.  The day was marked with a strong national focus on planting fruit trees in learning institutions, symbolizing a new approach to climate action — one rooted in community participation and long-term sustainability. “The planting of fruit trees in our schools not only contributes to climate resilience but also enhances nutrition and instills a culture of environmental responsibility in our children,” said Dr. Mulongo during the national event. To support the rollout, over 100,000 seedlings have already been distributed and planted in 672 primary schools in T...

Kenya's UN-Habitat Permanent Representative Susan Nakhumicha on Friday led a tree planting exercise at Baraton Primary School in Trans Nzoia County to commemorate Mazingira Day.  The event marked a return to her roots, as Nakhumicha sat for her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) at the school in 1992. In line with President William Ruto’s national tree planting initiative, Nakhumicha emphasized the importance of environmental conservation, particularly within local communities and learning institutions. “I am here not just to plant trees, but to honor a call by the President for Kenyans to return to the primary schools they attended and plant fruit trees,” she said. She added: “I hope my presence will inspire the wider community to take responsibility for our environment.” The initiative is part of the government’s ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, aiming to combat climate change and restore Kenya’s degraded ecosystems. Nakhumicha also took t...

The highly anticipated Kitale Agriculture Society of Kenya (ASK) Show officially kicked off on Wednesday at the Kitale Showground, attracting a record number of over 250 exhibitors and a large turnout of farmers, agribusiness stakeholders, and members of the public. Presiding over the event as the chief guest, Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi emphasized the critical role the show plays in advancing agricultural development and economic empowerment in the region. "This event is key in showcasing innovations that are transforming agriculture. We encourage our farmers to embrace smart agriculture technologies that will increase yields, conserve the environment, and ensure food security," said Commissioner Oyagi. This year’s theme, “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth,” underscores the importance of adapting to climate change while leveraging trade and innovation to build a resilient agricultural econom...

The George Natembeya Foundation, in partnership with the Giants Group of Nairobi - Twiga and Vanik Vaishnav Mahajan led by philanthropist Mukesh Desai, has officially launched the second phase of its Schools Library Support Initiative, further advancing its mission to empower communities through education. The event, held in Kitale marked a significant milestone in the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to improve literacy and academic outcomes for students in the region.  As part of the second phase, seven additional schools received generous donations of books aimed at expanding their library resources and enriching the learning environment for thousands of pupils. “This initiative is a reflection of our deep commitment to education as a transformative tool,” said the chairman of the Foundation professor Ferdinand Nang’ole. The foundation's treasurer, Dorothy Nyukir, emphasized the project's importance in enhancing literacy levels among learners.  “We believe that by ...

With the maize harvesting season underway across the country, farmers have been cautioned against selling their produce to middlemen who often exploit them by offering low prices. The warning comes amid renewed calls for the government to set fair maize prices that ensure profitability for farmers. Speaking at Noigam High School in Cherang'any Constituency during the launch of a new school bus, the area Member of Parliament for Cherang'any, Patrick Simiyu, emphasized the need for the government to act swiftly in announcing favorable maize prices. “We are urging the government to declare a fair price for maize that will allow our farmers to earn decent returns, support their families, and contribute to local development projects,” said Mr. Simiyu. During a recent visit by Agriculture Ministry Secretary Dr. Paul Rono to Trans Nzoia County, he announced that the government would purchase 500,000 bags of maize this season in a bid to stabilize the market and support loc...

Solidarity Boys, popularly known as St. Anthony Kitale, were crowned FKF Trans-Nzoia County champions after edging out Active FC 1-0 in an action-packed final at Ndura Sports Complex on Sunday. The decisive goal came early in the match, with striker Geligory Wekesa finding the back of the net in the 10th minute of the first half. Despite a spirited fight from Active FC in the second half, they failed to break through Solidarity’s solid defense. The champions walked away with the county title, a trophy, and a cash prize of KSh 300,000, much to the delight of their enthusiastic supporters. Wiyeta Girls Thrash Kwanza Girls to Clinch Women’s Title In the women’s final, Sinyereri Ladies (Wiyeta Girls) produced a dominant display to dismantle Dolphine Queens (Kwanza Girls) with a 5-1 victory. The one-sided encounter saw Wiyeta Girls showcase clinical finishing and cohesive team play. Goals came from Charity Muhevi (a brace), Ever Passion Ayuma, Filia Khayesi, and Loice Adeti, who...

Public health facilities in Saboti Sub-County have experienced a significant drop in revenue from the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) following the introduction of a mandatory annual subscription. According to Luke Naibei, Chairman of Saboti Sub-County Hospital, many low-income SHIF members have been unable to maintain their subscriptions due to the financial burden of the yearly payment, compared to the previously manageable monthly contributions. "Most of our clients who depend on SHIF did not show up during the period when the compulsory annual subscription was introduced," Mr. Naibei explained. He made the remarks while receiving a consignment of drugs and non-pharmaceuticals worth Sh4.2 million, intended for health facilities in Saboti Sub-County. The Medical Superintendent of Saboti Sub-County Hospital, Dr. Allan Rotich, stated that the facility saw a decline in the number of SHIF-dependent patients during July and August. Mr. Naibei challenged the SHIF ...