NEWS IN BRIEF 7 FEBRUARY 2026

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is training Trainers of Trainers ahead of the by-elections scheduled for February 26, 2026. Opening the workshop, Commissioner Hassan Noor Hassan emphasized accountability, saying the credibility of elections rests on commission staff. He noted that stakeholder consultations over the past six months consistently called for fair, peaceful and credible polls. Hassan expressed confidence that the upcoming by-elections would set a new standard through strict adherence to the law. Acting Commission Secretary and CEO Moses Sunkuli urged staff support as the commission undertakes reforms toward the 2027 General Election. He added that comprehensive training of poll officials is essential for delivering transparent election services nationwide.

Starehe MP Amos Mwago Maina

Starehe MP Amos Mwago Maina has opposed the transfer of police officers implicated in a January 10, 2026 brutality incident in Nandi Hills, where civilians were assaulted with batons and pool sticks. He rejected plans to redeploy the officers, including to Pangani and Central police stations in Starehe, saying transfers risk spreading abuse rather than addressing it. Mwago called on Inspector General of Police Kajana and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen to institute full disciplinary action, warning against normalizing impunity within the police service. He said accountability, not reshuffling, is the constitutional remedy and urged reforms that guarantee citizens policing that protects rights and upholds the rule of law.

Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Wycliffe Oparanya

Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs Wycliffe Oparanya said his ministry will engage governors to develop a standardised framework for NYOTA beneficiaries across the country. He noted that counties currently propose varying licence waiver periods, making harmonisation necessary. Oparanya stressed that the initiative is non-political and was designed to empower young people regardless of tribe or political affiliation. He urged beneficiaries to observe financial discipline, adding that while the fund cannot be used to repay loans, clearing debts and building trust with suppliers are essential for sustainable businesses. He said disciplined use of the funds will help youth grow enterprises.

The National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya has donated assorted assistive devices and tools of trade worth Sh3.7 million to persons living with disabilities from Garissa, Mandera and Wajir counties. The items were distributed at the Government Guest House in Garissa. Speaking during the event, NFDK programmes committee chairperson Prof. Julia Ojiambo said the donations aim to promote self-reliance, resilience and sustainable livelihoods among persons with disabilities. She noted that empowering persons with disabilities reduces dependency and enables them to meet their needs with dignity. The donations included wheelchairs, crutches, car wash equipment, sewing and welding machines. Prof. Ojiambo urged beneficiaries to use the items responsibly and emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to achieve disability inclusion.

Students in Murera and Theta wards of Juja Sub-County today received bursary cheques under the Kiambu County Scholarship Program, offering vital support to keep them in school. The funds will help cover essential education costs, including school fees, uniforms and learning materials, easing the burden on families facing financial challenges. Governor Kimani Wamatangi presided over the distribution to ensure transparency and accountability. Beneficiaries received cheques ranging from Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 10,000, while academically outstanding and financially vulnerable students were awarded full scholarships. The initiative aims to promote access to education and reduce school dropouts across the county.

The Cabinet Secretary for EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul

The Cabinet Secretary for EAC, ASALs and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul, has urged pastoralist communities to end cattle rustling, banditry and intercommunity conflicts to unlock development. Speaking in Garbatulla, Isiolo County, while closing a four-day peace caravan along the Modogashe–Garbatulla road, Askul said insecurity diverts resources meant for development to costly security operations. She noted that funds used for disarmament, vehicles and fuel could otherwise support roads, water projects, schools and hospitals. The CS called for dialogue, cooperation and innovative peacebuilding, including inter-community ties, to reduce violence. She emphasized that peace is critical for drought response and sustainable livelihoods in arid and semi-arid regions across northern Kenya and neighboring counties.

 

 

By Mt Kenya Times

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