FAHAMU NETWORK

A group of Bukusu elders in Trans Nzoia County has claimed exclusive legitimacy to represent the community in all socio-political affairs, asserting that they are the only body mandated to speak on matters affecting the community.  According to the elders, this unified voice is necessary to restore order and cohesion within the community, which they say has in the past suffered from disjointed leadership and conflicting political endorsements. The elders, led by John Sululu, emphasized that they would announce their preferred candidate for the governor position only after conducting a thorough and objective vetting process ahead of the 2027 general election. Mr. Sululu noted that their goal is to identify a candidate who genuinely understands the aspirations of the cosmopolitan county and who will champion development, unity, and responsible leadership. "From our perspective, we believe it is important to thoroughly scrutinize all candidates who have shown interest in ...

Elders from the Luhya community in Trans Nzoia County have thrown their support behind former Kiminini MP Dr. Chris Wamalwa’s gubernatorial bid, stating that he possesses the leadership qualities needed to spur economic growth and promote unity within the county. The elders, who held a consultative meeting with Dr. Wamalwa at his Kiminini home, said he is ready to take over the county’s leadership, noting that his ten-year track record as a Member of Parliament was remarkable. “We have given our blessings to Dr. Wamalwa as he crisscrosses the county to seek support from other communities since Trans Nzoia is cosmopolitan,” said Mr. Christopher Makokha, the chairman of the Luhya Council of Elders in the county. The elders explained that they have already settled on its preferred flag bearer for the upcoming elections, emphasizing that any other candidate seeking their endorsement is too late, as they do not permit double endorsements. “We are putting an end to the habit of eld...

Free Medical Camp Brings Hope to Marinda Community as Aspiring Kwanza MP Nicholas Wanjala Leads Outreach Hundreds of residents on Saturday flocked to Marinda Dispensary for a free medical camp organised by aspiring Kwanza MP Nicholas Wanjala Tsyamba, in what many locals described as a timely intervention amid growing concerns over poor access to healthcare. The medical outreach, held in partnership with local healthcare volunteers, offered free medical check-ups, blood pressure screenings, diabetes tests, and general consultations. Organisers confirmed that the turnout was exceptionally large, a reflection of the increasing health needs in the community. “We know our people are struggling to get medication. Our people are suffering, yet some leaders continue joyriding on these challenges instead of offering real solutions,” Wanjala said while addressing residents after touring the camp. Wanjala blamed the worsening situation on the poor road network, which he said has made ...

More than 10,000 dairy farmers in Trans Nzoia County who supply milk to the New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC) are growing increasingly frustrated after not receiving payments totaling about 120 million shillings for their milk deliveries over the past three months. The Kenya National Farmers Federation (Kenaff) representative in Trans Nzoia, Tom Nyangechanga, said the situation has placed significant financial strain on farmers who rely on regular payments from New KCC to sustain their livelihoods and businesses. "Farmers are not just waiting for payment; they are struggling to survive. Some have taken out loans and are now at risk of defaulting. For many, this money is not just about profit—it's about feeding their families and keeping their farms afloat," Nyangechanga told journalists in Kitale town. He said the unpaid amounts are severely impacting farmers' ability to manage their operations, including purchasing animal feeds, which have become incre...

The business community in Kitale has successfully exposed and thwarted a racket involving officials posing as quality assurance officers, demanding money from traders in exchange for their freedom and the continued operation of their businesses.  The extortion scheme, which also involved police officers from the Kitale Police Station, primarily targeted Asian traders accused of selling substandard goods. The alleged racket came to light when several traders, including prominent businessman Vipul Dodhia, reported being approached by individuals claiming to be from the Kenya Butesu of Standards (KEBS).  These masqueraders, accompanied by uniformed police officers, threatened the traders with arrest and hefty court fines for selling substandard items unless they paid large sums of money. "They stormed our shops in the company of police officers, demanding huge sums of money in exchange for our freedom and to keep our businesses operational," said Mr. Dodhia, the prop...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has dismissed the national government’s National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme, saying it lacks the capacity to make any meaningful impact on youth empowerment. Speaking in Kitale town, Mr. Amisi said the initiative, which targets a small number of beneficiaries, is “a public relations stunt” meant to hoodwink Kenyans into believing that the government is empowering the youth.  “The government has a huge budget, yet it wants to deceive Kenyans by saying the Nyota programme has benefited many youth. The truth is, its reach is too limited to make a real difference,” said Amisi. The legislator called for more sustainable and inclusive approaches to youth empowerment, particularly in marginalized communities.  During the event, he donated KSh 200,000 to support youth groups drawn from Kitale’s informal settlements, urging them to invest in small businesses and income-generating activities. The MP said ...

The Boda Boda fraternity in Trans Nzoia County has ushered in a new leadership team, ending a 13-year reign of the outgoing officials. The elections, organized by the Boda Boda Safety Association of Kenya (BAKE), brought together over 650 stage chairmen who voted to elect new officials for the positions of Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer. Vincent Murunga emerged as the new Chairman, pledging to prioritize safety training and improve the welfare of riders across the county. “We are going to ensure that we bring sanity among our members so that we achieve growth,” said Mr. Murunga shortly after his victory. James Nyakangi, who clinched the Secretary position, promised to streamline the operations of the association for greater efficiency and accountability.  “We need an orderly way of running our affairs to ensure the interests of all members are well represented,” he said. The new Treasurer, Joseph Amudavi Mukirima, assured members of prudent financial management and ...

  Kiminini MP Kakai Bissau has spearheaded the launch of multiple infrastructural projects aimed at driving economic empowerment and addressing the needs of his constituents.  Joined by Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi and members of the Departmental Committee on Housing, including Chairperson Johanna Ng’eno, Jane Kagiri, and Joseph Cherorot, the day was marked by several key site handovers. The day’s events began with the handover of a contract for the construction of a 146 million shilling student hostel facility at Kiminini Technical and Vocational College.  Describing the project as a “game changer,” Bissau highlighted how the new facility would ease the long-standing issue of overcrowded student accommodation. This development will not only expand student capacity but will also improve living conditions and elevate the college’s status as a leading institution for technical and vocational training. “The lack of adequate accommodation has been a l...

The National Government has responded to the devastating flooding in Trans Nzoia County with an emergency relief package worth KSh 29 million.  More than 3,000 households have been displaced following days of heavy rainfall that caused River Sabwani to burst its banks, inundating homes and wreaking havoc on the livelihoods of local residents. The situation has left entire villages submerged, with crops washed away, livestock drowned, and homes destroyed.  In response, the government has dispatched essential supplies, including foodstuffs, bedding, and medical supplies to help alleviate the suffering of those affected. Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Deborah Mulongo, led the distribution of relief items, which included 3,000 blankets, 1,200 mattresses, 90 cartons of bar soap, 900 bags of rice, sanitary pads, and mosquito nets.  These items were distributed to the hardest-hit areas, including the villages of Siuna, Namawanga, Rwand...