NEWS IN BRIEF 29 NOVEMBER 2025

Kenya has marked a major global milestone after Kenya Sugar Board CEO Jude Chesire was unanimously elected Chairman of the International Sugar Organization (ISO) for 2026, the first Kenyan and first African to ever lead the world’s top sugar governance body.  As ISO Chair, Chesire will guide the recruitment of a new Executive Director, oversee the rewrite of the ISO Constitution, and influence global sugar trade policies, sustainability standards, and market access, alongside Ivory Coast’s Ambassador Ali Touré as Vice Chair. Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock termed the election as a milestone that positions Kenya to secure better market terms, attract new investment, accelerate sugar self-sufficiency by 2027, and solidify its reforms as a global case study. It added that Chesire’s election was more than a personal win, and signals Kenya’s rise as a global leader shaping the future of the sugar industry.

The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Ouma Oluga, has reaffirmed the Government’s strong commitment to building a resilient and well-supported health workforce as a central pillar of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Speaking during the launch of the KMPDU Strategic Plan 2025 – 2029 strategic plan, Dr Oluga highlighted the leadership of President Ruto, noting that the he has prioritised the welfare, development, and deployment of health workers as part of ongoing health sector reforms. He cited key milestones achieved under the current administration, including the operationalisation of the Health Human Resource Advisory Council, appointment of a national taskforce on health worker welfare, and progress in clinical placement, UHC staffing arrangements, and internship placements. The launch marks a significant step towards strengthening Kenya’s health workforce and advancing quality healthcare delivery nationwide.

A crucial machine in administering medical services has eventually been installed at Mwai Kibaki Hospital in Othaya. Area Member of Parliament Wambugu Wainaina said the installation of a 128 Slice CT Scan Machine has been complete and patients requiring its services will soon start using it. He noted that the state-of-the-art imaging system marks another milestone among the many installations, strengthening diagnostic capabilities and supporting improved healthcare services for not only Othaya constituents but those in the mountain region and beyond. The machine is one of the three that the MP has successfully lobbied from President William Ruto’s government for their installation in the facility, named after the former area MP and third president in the country.

 In the photo is the MP on the left while in Nyamari area on Friday and on the right is a patient is being examined using the new machine on Thursday

Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gathecha

Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gathecha, has urged government officers to deepen collaboration and align their efforts towards the realization of the Kenya Kwanza’s   transformation agenda. He made the call at the Kenya School of Government, Embu, where he officially closed a four-day induction workshop for newly engaged Government Delivery Unit (GDU) staff, on behalf of the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Felix Koskei. He said the officers carry the responsibility of turning the Government’s bold vision into a living reality for every Kenyan, a Kenya that is not just growing, but transforming; rising from potential to reality and, ultimately, from the Third to the First World. He emphasized the need to fully embrace the Whole-of-Government Approach (WoGA).

Concern is growing among small business owners and the Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA) over a tobacco amendment bill sponsored by Senator Catherine Mumma. The groups warn that sharp tax hikes on tobacco and nicotine products could unintentionally fuel the illicit market. They argue that when legal products become too costly, consumers often shift to cheaper, illegal alternatives, cutting into government revenue rather than increasing it. Stakeholders say this trend also undermines public health efforts and weakens regulatory oversight, and they are urging policymakers to consider the potential unintended consequences before moving forward with the proposal.

The Kenya Water Institute (KeWI) on Friday held its 37th graduation ceremony at its Nairobi main campus, celebrating 1,286 graduands under the theme “Empowering Water Professionals for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development.” Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eric Mugaa, joined by Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho, commended KeWI’s role in developing skilled professionals to support climate-resilient water infrastructure and Kenya’s goal of universal access to clean water and sanitation by 2030. The CS congratulated the graduates for their resilience, urging them to apply their knowledge with integrity and innovation to safeguard the country’s water resources. He emphasized that clean water, sanitation, and sustainable irrigation remain a shared national responsibility, calling for collective effort toward a water-secure, climate-resilient future. The event brought together sector leaders, including CEOs and chairpersons of water institutions, as KeWI reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a globally competitive centre of excellence.

 

 

 

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