President William Ruto on Monday unveiled the “Lipa SHA Pole Pole” Initiative during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations held at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County, a transformative model under the Social Health Authority (SHA) designed to accelerate the rollout of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Kenya. The initiative allows Kenyans in the informal sector to pay for their SHA health insurance cover through affordable and flexible installments, ensuring access to essential healthcare without financial hardship. Integrated into the Hustler Fund ecosystem through an Insurance Premium Financing product, the model deepens financial inclusion while bringing healthcare closer to the people. The Cabinet Secretary for Health Aden Duale who accompanied the President at the event, hailed the initiative as a bold and practical step toward equitable health access.
Garissa Township MP Dekow Mohamed has called on the Ministry of Education to make adequate preparations for the transition of learners from grade 9 to 10 next year to avoid causing confsion to both parents and learners.
Senior school, which covers Grades 10 to 12, will officially begin in January 2026, marking the transition for the pioneer Grade 9 cohort. The MP cautioned the government against making last-minute preparations, which could hurt the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). He emphasised the need for proactive measures, noting that CBC and Competency-Based Education (CBE) have been in place for several years and the next phase offers an opportunity to solidify gains made so far.
Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) offered free healthcare services to hundreds of residents in Baragoni, Lamu Central Sub-County, during a medical outreach camp. KPA Communications Manager Jones Buchere said the initiative targets marginalized communities in Lamu’s mainland, aiming to deliver vital medical care to those facing significant difficulties accessing healthcare services.
The Catherine Omanyo Foundation has donated 100 wheelchairs and 30 crutches to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) across the seven sub-counties in Busia to enhance their mobility and independence.
Speaking at Katakwa Vocational Institute during the handover ceremony in Teso North, Busia Women Representative Catherine Omanyo praised the initiative, emphasising that the assistive devices would empower PWDs by improving access to education, employment, and socio-economic opportunities. She noted that it is a great honour and excitement to see PWDs empowered to attain their goals independently adding that she felt more encouraged when her leadership transform lives and give hope to those who feel isolated in the society.
Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha has commended local security officers for stepping up crackdowns on drug traffickers and users, stressing that substance abuse remains a serious threat to the youth. He urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate in reporting suspects. Nkanatha also condemned the rising cases of defilement and femicides in the region, warning perpetrators that the government will pursue justice relentlessly. He highlighted drug and alcohol abuse as key factors driving these crimes. The CC notes that security personnel have arrested suspects linked to femicides and defilement and called on the local community to support security efforts in tackling criminal activities.