Author: Mwenda Gitonga

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has announced plans to collaborate with national law enforcement agencies to pursue Kenyan graduates who have defaulted on their student loans, starting as early as this year. The crackdown, revealed during a parliamentary hearing on May 30, comes amid a growing debt crisis that has left HELB short by Ksh9.5 billion in unrecovered loans. HELB CEO Geoffrey Monari said the partnership with the police is intended to reinforce loan recovery efforts and ensure the long-term sustainability of the fund. “This is not just about finance. It’s about fostering a sense of responsibility and patriotism…

Emotions ran high as hundreds gathered in Nandi County to bid farewell to Catholic priest Father Alloise Cheruiyot Bett, who was murdered in a bandit attack in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County. Fr Alloise, who served at St Mathias Mulumba Parish in Tot, was laid to rest at Terige Secondary School grounds in a ceremony attended by religious leaders, faithful, and top political figures. His killing has reignited national concern over persistent insecurity in the banditry-prone North Rift region. At the funeral, leaders condemned what they termed a growing culture of impunity and questioned the failure of security agencies to apprehend…

On May 31, 2025, Kenya marked World No Tobacco Day with a powerful demonstration of its commitment to public health: the destruction of 5.5 tonnes of seized harmful products, including shisha, gutkha, and flavoured e-cigarettes, at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret. Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale, who presided over the event, announced sweeping new measures targeting the nicotine trade. All existing licenses and import clearances related to the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, or promotion of nicotine and related products have been suspended with immediate effect, in accordance with the Tobacco Control Act, 2007 and relevant…

When most of the world thinks of Somalia, images of conflict and piracy often come to mind. Political instability has long hindered the development of sport in the country, with Somalia’s men’s national football team—the Ocean Stars—unable to play competitively on home soil since 1986. Yet this week, Mogadishu’s 65,000-capacity National Stadium welcomed a historic event as African football legends Emmanuel Adebayor, Samuel Eto’o, and Jay Jay Okocha traveled to the Somali capital to take part in an exhibition match. The game represents a significant step toward bringing the continent’s top stars back to Somalia and reviving the country’s passion…

Kenyan striker Masoud Juma has ended his brief stint with Iranian giants Esteghlal FC after helping the club secure the prestigious Hazfi Cup. Although his contract had an option to extend for another year, the club decided not to renew after the forward scored three goals in 17 appearances across all competitions. Juma, who signed a short-term deal until the end of the season, was given a fitting farewell on Thursday in the Hazfi Cup final against Malavan. Esteghlal clinched the trophy thanks to Roozbeh Cheshmi’s extra-time winner. Juma started the match under coach Mojtaba Jabbari, playing 77 minutes before…

A student at Kenya Utalii College was on Friday, May 30, 2025, found dead inside a campus hostel under mysterious circumstances—days after reportedly having an altercation with the institution’s security guards. According to multiple students, the deceased had been involved in a confrontation at the college’s main gate, with a video of the incident widely shared in WhatsApp groups before his death. The footage allegedly shows security officers harassing the student, sparking questions about the role of the institution’s personnel in the events leading up to the tragedy. Peers claim the student had gone missing for several days, but repeated…

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has cautioned Kenyan political figures against interfering in the internal affairs of neighbouring East African nations, in what appeared to be a direct jab at Martha Karua and former Chief Justice David Maraga. Speaking in Bungoma County, Wetang’ula criticised what he termed as a growing “bad habit” of Kenyans travelling across the region to incite political tension, arguing that such conduct goes against the ideals of unity and mutual respect that the East African Community (EAC) was founded upon. “The East African Community is not a community of flags or presidents—it is a community of…

Sweden has entered into a $2.7 million partnership with TradeMark Africa aimed at advancing sustainable and inclusive trade in Kenya. The two-year initiative, known as the Kenya Enhanced Trade Environment and Inclusion (KETEI) programme, is designed to support Kenya’s national trade ambitions within regional frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The KETEI programme will focus on enhancing port efficiency, developing green trade infrastructure and policy, and strengthening the resilience of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) owned by women and youth engaged in trade. This initiative aligns with TradeMark Africa’s broader vision of fostering resilient and sustainable…

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Sasha Mutai has stepped down from his position, citing a hostile boardroom environment and a commitment to personal integrity. His resignation was tendered during a Special General Meeting (SGM) held on May 30, 2025, at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi. Mutai, who has served the union as director, vice chairman, and most recently as chairman since March 2023, said his decision was prompted by escalating wrangles within the board and an orchestrated campaign to remove him. “Some members were looking to eject me as chairman… I read the mood in the room and decided to…

The Kenyan government has introduced comprehensive reforms to its gambling sector through the Gambling Control Bill 2023, aiming to address rising concerns over addiction, underage betting, and regulatory lapses. Key Provisions of the Gambling Control Bill, 2023: Government Initiatives to Support the Reforms: In tandem with the legislative changes, the Ministry of Health has launched a 24/7 helpline (dial 719) to assist individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The government is also collaborating with the Association of Gaming Operators in Kenya (AGOK) to roll out awareness campaigns and conduct studies on the socio-economic impacts of gambling.