The Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) has initiated a Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) outreach and mentorship programme to encourage junior school students to embrace science subjects.
The programme’s purpose is to mentor the learners in grades seven, eight, and nine as they prepare to transition to senior school. The government expects that 60% of the students will be able to take the STEM pathway. CEMASTEA Programme Coordinator Beatrice Macharia said experienced trainers from the institution aim to motivate the young learners by offering ideas and strategies that will help them develop skills such as creativity, innovation, and problem-solving in the STEM subjects and make them understand that STEM was not just formulas and equations but about understanding and application to day-to-day life. The trainers present and showcase STEM-related activities as dynamic, relevant to their lives, and emphasising hands-on learning, thus fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving among the learners.
The Principal Secretary for Irrigation CPA Ephantus Kimotho CBS on Wednesday chaired KfW mission team for a wrap-up meeting. The team reviewed the progress monitoring mission for the implementation of Smallholder Irrigation Programme Mt Kenya Region in Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga and Embu counties, and Drought Resilience Programme in Northern Kenya in Marsabit and Turkana counties that took place between 17th to 25th Feb 2025. The aim was to present to the PS the key mission findings and discuss the next steps for the two projects which are financed under the German financial cooperation with Kenya. Overally, the implementation progress was on track and the team will jointly implement the action points to ensure success of these projects.
Present were: team from KfW led by Mr Armin Flescher who is the Portfolio Program Manager, Eng Dirk Winzel, Priscilla Kinyari; Benard Kang’ethe from National Treasury; Mr George Macharia and David Njagi from Equity Bank; a team from State Department for IrrigationVincent Kabuti, Daniel Odero,bBernard Onyango, Evance Lusi, Joanne Ogolla, and ISC/GOPA James Walsh and Leone Comin
Baringo County residents have finally settled on Kabarnet Town, the county headquarters, as the place where a new university will be established in the region, thereby ending a 15-year wait. The new development comes after two Taskforce reports had recommended Baringo National Polytechnic and Moi Teachers Training College (TTC) Baringo as the suitable locations to host the county university. The institution of higher learning had also attracted varied opinions from elected leaders, who each wanted it to be constructed within their constituencies. The contest prompted President William Ruto to issue a directive in December 2024 to speed up the process of the university establishment, which will be named as Kabarnet University College. Baringo County Secretary Jacob Chepkwony, who presided over a public participation exercise at Kabarnet Social Hall, urged residents and leaders to speak in one voice in order to make progress in the institution, which will remain a constituent college of Moi University until 2026, when it will gain autonomy and become an independent university.
The Ministry of Health is taking a lead in the fight against drug abuse in the country, which is not only a social but also a health problem. Senior Deputy Secretary at the Ministry, Mr. Mawira Mungania, who was speaking in Garissa County during a three-day stakeholder engagement forum on curbing drug abuse, said that there is a need to shun all kinds of addictions, as they are a health concern. He said that the Ministry has brought together various stakeholders, who include the county governments, NACADA, the opinion leaders, the judiciary, CBOs, the NGAOs, health officials and other leaders, to lobby them into talking to Kenyans against drug abuse. He noted that once they build capacity for the players involved, they would go further to speak to the addicts and guide them through the recovery process.
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe, together with the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Agriculture & Livestock, chaired by John Mutunga, visited the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service – Kephis headquarters. KEPHIS plays an important role in safeguarding Kenya’s agriculture by ensuring the quality of inputs, controlling plant pests and diseases, and facilitating safe trade practices. The visit provided an opportunity for the committee to gain deeper insights into KEPHIS’s operations and discuss strategies to enhance food security while protecting the economy from plant health risks. The discussions reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and strategic partnerships in strengthening Kenya’s agricultural sector. Accompanying the CS were PS, Kipronoh Ronoh Paul, KEPHIS chairman Joseph M’eruaki, and KEPHIS MD Prof. Theophelus Mutui.
The Ministry of Health yesterday engaged private healthcare providers from RUPHA, KAPH, and FBOs to enhance their understanding of the global budget payment mechanism for outpatient services and the rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA). Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Mr. Harry Kimtai, noted that the training was part of resolutions from a recent meeting with RUPHA officials and emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to transparency in payments. Discussions focused on capacity-building, access to the SHA claims dashboard, and refining reimbursement models. SHA Acting CEO, Mr. Robert Ingarisa, welcomed feedback, while RUPHA Chairperson Dr. Brian Lishenga described the engagement as productive.
Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan yesterday reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to police accountability during a strategic forum with non-State actors. Speaking at the Royal Tulip Canaan Hotel, Hassan highlighted IPOA’s progress but acknowledged challenges such as resource constraints and delays. He called for stronger partnerships to enhance transparency, justice, and human rights. Over 50 key non-State actors from Nairobi’s Criminal Justice System, including IMLU, IJM, the British High Commission, the US Embassy, the UN OHCHR, NCCK, and various human rights organizations, participated in the forum. IPOA CEO Elema Halake led discussions on the Authority’s functions, achievements, and challenges. The engagement aimed to strengthen civilian oversight and collaboration in ensuring police accountability. Hassan emphasized that continuous dialogue with stakeholders is crucial for driving reforms and improving public trust in law enforcement.