FAHAMU NETWORK

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is seeking to increase its conservation fees in a bid to strengthen its operations, which have become increasingly difficult to sustain due to limited revenue streams falling short of its strategic targets. The service, which is conducting public participation exercises in its eight regions, seeks to raise its fees by at least 50% in the exercise that was last done in 2007 and has since become untenable owing to the rising cost of living. “We require more funds to effectively conserve the parks and in turn make them productive and add to the country’s economic growth. We need to improve our facilities to meet the current standards for tourism and hospitality,” said the Western Conservation Officer Josphat Erupe. He spoke at the Kitale National Polytechnic, where the team was engaging residents from Trans Nzoia County to give their views on the proposals. The region hosts the Saiwa Swamp National Park and Mt. Elgon National Park. Mr. Erupe sa...

The High Court in Kitale will on September 18 make a critical ruling on whether a constitutional petition challenging the monogamous framework of Christian marriages in Kenya warrants hearing by a panel of three judges. The petition was filed by Bonface Ndura, who, through his lawyer Wanyama Mutaki, is seeking the empanelment of a multi-judge bench to deliberate on what he describes as a matter of profound legal and public significance. Ndura argues that the case meets the threshold for such a bench as outlined in Article 165(4) of the Constitution, citing the complexity of the legal issues involved, the far-reaching constitutional implications, and the strong public interest component. He maintains that a single judge should not determine such weighty questions, which touch on religious freedom, equality, and the right to family life. Central to the petition is a challenge to provisions of the Marriage Act and Penal Code, particularly Section 171, which criminalizes bigamy...

Trans Nzoia County has been flagged as a hotspot for increasing cases of hooliganism, alcohol, and drug abuse in the country, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed. Speaking during a Jukwaa la Usalama forum in the county, Murkomen painted a worrying picture of a region grappling with rising insecurity and criminal behaviour fueled by compromised law enforcement officers and politically linked gangs. "Trans Nzoia’s proximity to Uganda has made it a conduit for smuggling of alcohol and hard drugs. The influx of adulterated liquor and narcotics from across the border is alarming," said Murkomen. The Interior CS accused a section of police officers and National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) of turning a blind eye to illicit activities in exchange for bribes, contributing significantly to the growing menace. Murkomen further linked the drug and alcohol problem to the emergence of organized criminal gangs, some of which he claimed are fi...

Kwanza Member of Parliament Ferdinand Wanyonyi has pledged his support for infrastructure development at St. Francis of Assisi Kolongolo Girls Secondary School. Wanyonyi said Sh 7 million from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) will go towards the completion of a storey tuition block, expected to ease congestion and improve the learning environment for the growing student population. The MP also pledged to support the construction of a multipurpose hall in response to a request by the school principal, Mrs. Hellen Wanyonyi.  He revealed that plans are already underway, with the advertisement for the project expected soon to pave the way for its implementation. “I have listened to the needs of the school, and I am committed to ensuring that our girls learn in a conducive environment,” said Wanyonyi said during the school's Annual General Meeting (AGM). The occasion also saw recognition of top performers in the 2024 KCSE examinati...

A cross-section of political leaders in Trans Nzoia have welcomed the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), terming it a crucial step in addressing the political uncertainty surrounding the 2027 General Elections. Speaking during the burial of Mr. Richard Sandui at Kipsagam in Trans Nzoia West Sub-county, Kinyoro Ward MCA Andrew Kipekee said the move restores public confidence in Kenya’s electoral process and discredits those seeking to exploit the previous vacuum for personal or political gain. "Those who have been banking on the uncertainty to plot unlawful means of choosing leaders have no place. Those who feel they want change in terms of leadership should now shift their focus from violence to registering as voters,"Kipekee said.  Former Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member John Mengwa also applauded the development, describing the swearing-in of the new commissioners as timely and significant in laying the fou...

A section of elders from the Sabaot community has called on government investigative agencies to take action against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks they say are polarizing the country and threatening national unity. Speaking during a press briefing in Kitale, the elders accused Gachagua of propagating inflammatory and ethnically charged rhetoric that could destabilize the nation as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections. “Gachagua has to be tamed since the ethnic narrative he is advancing can evoke tensions amongst communities ahead of the 2027 general elections,” said Reverend Peter Chemaswet. The elders accused the former deputy president of riding on the platform of incitement for political mileage without considering the long-term implications on national cohesion. “We have made strides as a country in terms of embracing issue-based politics as opposed to whipping tribal emotions,” noted Mr. Makuta Kiboi. In addition to condemning Gac...

Cherang’any parliamentary aspirant John Njunguna has urged the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to summon National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula over remarks he made during an economic empowerment event in the region. Njunguna accused Wetang'ula of making comments that could stoke ethnic divisions, particularly in the cosmopolitan Trans Nzoia County, which is home to diverse communities. The controversy stems from Wetang'ula’s recent address, during which he questioned members of the Kalenjin community for allegedly failing to defend President William Ruto against criticism from political opponents. Njunguna described the statement as divisive, warning that it could fuel tensions and harm relations among communities in the region. “The National Cohesion and Integration Commission must take immediate action against Wetang'ula, as his sentiments could fuel ethnic animosity in Trans Nzoia,” he said. He added: “His remarks risk pitting one...