President Ruto shot back at critics who mock citizens visiting the State House just for a free meal. Speaking at a World Minority Rights Day event in Nairobi, he called those comments disrespectful to ordinary Kenyans. He argued that feeding guests is a basic part of leadership and local culture.
Ruto joked about the criticism, asking if people were supposed to arrive without their stomachs. He mentioned recently eating with residents in Turkana and Migori as examples of normal hospitality. He told the thousands of delegates from groups like the Ogiek, Makonde, and Nubian communities that they should expect food and even Christmas gifts, noting the holiday season.
He framed the provision of meals and presents as standard practice...
A new poll shows Kenyans are warming up to the political deal between President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga's allies. Survey group TIFA found public approval for this broad-based government essentially doubled in six months, jumping to forty four percent from twenty two percent back in May. Opposition to the arrangement has also dropped, falling to forty-eight percent.
Analysts think the earlier negative views were linked to memories of the violent protests and the government crackdown during the summer, which made people really nervous. The recent numbers suggest that skepticism faded as people got a clearer picture of how the partnership would actually work, seeing it as a move toward stability. This shift happened before...
President William Ruto has announced a new annual scholarship program worth half a billion shillings for minority and marginalized communities. The initiative, revealed during a minority rights event, will partner with private sector sponsors to support secondary and tertiary education. An additional infrastructure fund will finance school construction and upgrades in these regions annually.
The President directed several ministries to prioritize these communities in water, road, and health projects. These efforts fall under a newly launched national policy designed to address longstanding social and economic challenges. A dedicated directorate will be established within the Office of the President to coordinate implementation across...
A new national survey confirms the economy is the dominant crisis for most citizens. The research shows a large majority identifies unemployment, poverty, and high prices as the country's most serious problems. Combined economic concerns far outrank issues like corruption or governance in public perception.
The data reveals a strong connection between personal finances and political views. Opposition to the current broad-based government arrangement is highest among those reporting a worsened financial situation since 2022. The report notes that only about half of Kenyan adults have any form of employment, with a small fraction earning above a moderate monthly income threshold.
These findings underscore a public focus on economic...
Drivers aged sixty and above will need to renew their licenses annually under proposed new rules. The National Transport and Safety Authority announced the change, stating it aims to improve road safety for older motorists. These drivers must also provide a yearly medical report during the renewal process.
An NTSA manager explained that the requirement focuses on safety, not personal medical details. The agency will also advise senior drivers to avoid speeding and plan trips carefully. This proposal is part of a broader driver curriculum reform, but still requires parliamentary review and public input before becoming law. Current regulations mandate a three-year renewal period for all drivers without medical checks.
The Kenya Bankers Association wants to adjust income tax brackets to put more money in workers' pockets. Their proposal would raise the lowest taxable income threshold and lower the top rate. They argue this change would increase household spending and strengthen the broader economy.
KBA's CEO stated that higher take-home pay boosts consumer demand, which helps small businesses and can encourage job creation. The group also believes improved disposable income leads to better loan repayment rates, benefiting financial institutions. They counter potential revenue loss concerns by claiming a stimulated economy would ultimately widen the overall tax base. This recommendation is part of ongoing public input for next year's finance bill.
The State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises is partnering with activist Kasmuel McOure to boost youth outreach. Principal Secretary Susan Mang'eni stated the collaboration aims to connect young people with government economic programs like the Hustle Fund and NYOTA Project. The goal is to improve access to financing, workspace, and business development tools for young entrepreneurs.
This partnership follows McOure's recent launch of the Broad-Based Youth Front, a movement intended to lobby the government directly without political intermediaries. He has been openly critical of politicians who did not support last year's protests and has accused the Ministry of Youth Affairs of poor performance. McOure insists his...
George Wanga is the new Managing Director of the Kenya Literature Bureau. His appointment began earlier this month, following the end of acting MD Paul Kibet's term. The state publisher stated the selection followed proper recruitment and vetting procedures.
Wanga previously served as the non-executive chairman of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority. The bureau cited his background in public administration and educational publishing as key assets for ongoing modernization efforts. He will oversee all administration and policy implementation aimed at producing quality learning materials.
The KLB is a major public institution focused on educational and general publishing. It operates printing and sales facilities in Nairobi...
Professor Simon Gicharu, founder of Mount Kenya University, is a top nominee for this publication's annual honor. His entrepreneurial journey began with humble ventures like renting a turntable for school dances and managing his high school canteen. These early experiences built a foundation for his later work in education and media, which now includes universities in Kenya and Rwanda, along with Cape Media, owner of TV47 and Radio47.
After university, a teaching position gave him time to author a textbook. He later started a nonprofit focused on small business training, an endeavor that led to an international study. Losing his teaching job after that trip cemented his resolve to become an employer himself. He transformed his...
