… aka, the passenger terminal and runway expansion will position Matulo as a strategic aviation hub serving Bungoma and the wider Western Kenya region.Located in Webuye, along Western Kenya's economic corridor, Matulo Airstrip occupies a strategic position linking Bungoma, Kakamega …
… According to the Treasury, the budget was informed by nationwide consultations involving youth groups, traders, manufacturers, journalists, faith leaders, and informal sector actors across counties including Nairobi, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nakuru, Meru, and Mombasa.
… According to the Treasury, the budget was informed by nationwide consultations involving youth groups, traders, manufacturers, journalists, faith leaders, and informal sector players across counties including Nairobi, Kisumu, Kakamega, Nakuru, Meru, and Mombasa.
… Speaking at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega, during training for Shirikiana Sacco delegates, Oparanya said it has become common for individuals to form Saccos and conduct funds drives during the election period before they disappear with members' m …
… Busia reported three fatalities, while Vihiga, Nyeri and Kakamega recorded two, one and one, respectively.Cases of police-related deaths have also been documented in Mombasa, Kajiado, Machakos, Migori, Laikipia, Narok, Siaya, Embu, Garissa, Trans Nzoia and Kilifi. …
… Ministry of Health reports show that Western Kenya has a maternal mortality ratio of approximately 319 deaths per 100,000 live births, with Kakamega and Siaya among the highest-burden counties.Speaking during the donation exercise at the Bungoma County Assembly premises, Thomas W …
Audio By VocalizeKakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa joins county staff choir during Madaraka Day celebrations at Bomani grounds in Mumias West, on June 1, 2026. …
… The lawmaker also confirmed that the project includes upgrading the road connection linking the corridor to Kisumu International Airport, a move expected to ease movement for motorists travelling from Kakamega and other parts of western Kenya. …
… Those under the 'high risk' category are Vihiga, Kakamega, Nakuru, Kericho, Nandi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kilifi, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Isiolo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Garissa. …
President William Ruto has defended his packed schedule of foreign trips and local county tours, saying effective leadership requires active engagement both at home and abroad to accelerate Kenya's economic transformation. Ruto, who is expected to travel to France for the G7 Summit, dismissed criticism by insisting that hard work is necessary for Kenya to compete with countries that have achieved higher levels of development.
President William Ruto has defended his packed schedule of foreign trips and local county tours, saying effective leadership requires active engagement both at home and abroad to accelerate Kenya's economic transformation. Ruto, who is expected to travel to France for the G7 Summit, dismissed criticism by insisting that hard work is necessary for Kenya to compete with countries that have achieved higher levels of development.
President William Ruto returned from Europe and launched a Sacco in Kakamega on the same day opposition rivals held a mega rally in the town, with heavily armed General Service Unit Police officers barricading the area.
President William Ruto returned from Europe and launched a Sacco in Kakamega while unified opposition rivals were scheduled to hold a mega rally in the town, with heavily armed General Service Unit Police officers barricading the area, making it difficult for the opposition meeting to proceed.
President William Ruto defended his frequent local and international travels, saying every trip aims to advance Kenya's development and strengthen the country's global position. Speaking at a church event in Kajiado County, Ruto dismissed criticism from opposition leaders, calling travel part of his responsibility as Head of State.
President William Ruto will launch a Sacco meeting while the United Opposition, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, holds a public rally in Kakamega as the two sides intensify their political rivalry in the vote-rich Western region. The opposition coalition has vowed to unite against Ruto's re-election bid.
President William Ruto accused the opposition of having no plan for Kenya and merely moving around the country making noise, while citing his administration's achievements including revival of Mumias and Sony sugar companies, payment of sugarcane farmers within a week, construction of hospitals and stadiums in Western Kenya, hiring of over 100,000 teachers, and registration of over 30 million Kenyans under the Social Health Authority.
The Kenya Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners Union has condemned Kakamega Governor Fernandes Baraza's recent remarks that governors lack funds to absorb UHC healthcare workers into permanent terms by July 1, calling his statements "unfortunate, unwarranted, and reckless." The dispute centers on a government promise to transition active UHC contract workers to permanent positions.
Democracy for the Citizens Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua is on a two-day tour of Western Kenya to back deputy party leader Cleophas Malala's campaign to become Kakamega Governor and unseat incumbent Fernandes Barasa in next year's polls. President William Ruto is meanwhile hosting leaders from Marsabit at State House, Nairobi.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is leading a delegation of national and county leaders to Butere Constituency for a socio-economic empowerment drive targeting women groups and boda boda operators, hosted by Butere MP Tindi Mwale under his #JeshiLaTutam banner.
The County Government of Bungoma and national government are accelerating plans to commercialise Matulo Airstrip, with Governor Kenneth Lusaka consulting affected residents on compensation and land acquisition for runway expansion. A Kenya Airports Authority technical team is expected to plan construction of a passenger terminal.
The Kenyan government has allocated Sh3.9 billion for stipends to village elders to strengthen local administrative capacity and recognise their role in conflict resolution and community-level security. Security spending overall rises to Sh567.3 billion in the 2026/27 budget, the largest sectoral allocation in the Sh4.84 trillion fiscal plan.
Kenya has allocated Sh567.3 billion to security in the 2026/27 budget, crossing the half-trillion mark and representing one of the largest sectoral allocations within the Sh4.84 trillion fiscal plan. The expanded envelope covers defence, policing, intelligence, prisons, and internal administration, with the Ministry of Defence receiving Sh252.1 billion, the National Police Service Sh144.7 billion, and the National Intelligence Service Sh64 billion.
The government has warned of rising fraudulent Saccos formed ahead of the 2027 General Election and is tightening regulations in the cooperative sector. Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya said the ministry now requires any Sacco seeking licensing to have a minimum capital base of Sh10 million within the county of operation.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has urged Western region leaders to support President William Ruto in 2027 rather than bargain for the Deputy President position, as the Luhya community should focus on winning the presidency in 2032. Barasa noted the community has already produced three deputy presidents and should now aim for the country's top seat.
At least 24 people were killed by police in May, making it the deadliest month this year, with 49 police-related deaths recorded between January and May according to the Missing Voices Coalition. Twenty-one of the May deaths occurred during police operations tied to demonstrations, including 19 during anti-fuel price protests on May 18 and 19.
The Bungoma County Assembly is spearheading a blood donation campaign to boost reserves at the county's hospitals, where shortages threaten maternal and newborn healthcare. The county needs 1,400 pints monthly but collects only about 1,000 pints, leaving a monthly deficit of approximately 400 pints.
Kakamega County Government has developed an electronic platform to streamline development approvals, allowing developers to submit applications, track approvals, and access services online. Governor Fernandes Barasa said the platform will simplify procedures, reduce processing timelines, and improve record management, with plans to integrate it with the Engineers Board of Kenya's Project Registration Portal.
The National Assembly Roads Committee has expressed satisfaction with accelerated progress on the Muhoroni–Chemelil–Mamboleo road project in western Kenya, following settlement of pending contractor bills. The committee confirmed that work pace has increased in recent months and expects the project to be completed within the contractual period or earlier.
May was the deadliest month for police-linked killings in 2026, with twenty-four deaths documented by the Missing Voices Coalition—nearly half of the thirty-nine police-related deaths from January through May. Twenty-one of the May deaths occurred during protests, including nineteen during anti-fuel hike demonstrations on May 18–19.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, Head of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in the United States, said Kenya is the most ideal place to set up an Ebola quarantine facility for US citizens because of its proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo, allowing for swift medical attention.
A Kakamega magistrate declined the prosecution's request to detain eight Mukumu Boys High School students for an additional four days during investigations into an alleged arson plot. The court ruled that statements had already been recorded and directed investigators to contact parents before further questioning.
Governor Fernandes Barasa has renewed calls for reforms in Kakamega's mining sector, urging greater support for artisanal miners and cautioning large-scale investors to prioritise community interests amid controversy over the proposed Sh687 billion gold mining project by Shanta Gold Limited.
The Ministry of Health says Kenya is considering imposing a mandatory 21-day quarantine for travellers arriving from high-risk countries as part of enhanced Ebola prevention measures. Incoming travellers may also be required to present certified exit surveillance reports from their countries of origin alongside detailed screening documentation.
Kenya's Ministry of Health has designated 25 counties as either 'very high risk' or 'high risk' for Ebola, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and border counties, amid outbreaks in neighbouring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The government is maintaining high alert at 26 points of entry and monitoring 10 neighbouring countries, though no positive cases have been reported in Kenya.
Kakamega County has unveiled a revised Finance Bill aiming to raise Sh2.2 billion in own-source revenue for the 2026/2027 financial year. County officials say the legislation will strengthen revenue administration, improve compliance, and reduce reliance on national government allocations.
Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka said the Western region is not interested in the Deputy President position in 2027, but is positioning itself to succeed President William Ruto in 2032, citing the region's numerical advantage and leadership capacity.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Kakamega Governor, and President's aide Farouk Kibet intensified campaigns for President William Ruto's 2027 re-election in Western Kenya while criticising former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
An editorial argues that President Ruto's stated goal to make Kenya the next Singapore is achievable, but requires steely leadership, a war on graft, and strong institutions—not speeches. It credits Lee Kuan Yew and late President Kibaki as examples of leaders who delivered through fiscal discipline and accountability.
Kenya's Public Health PS Mary Muthoni Muriuki reported on May 31 that the country has recorded no confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease, with 18 samples from Ebola alerts across eight counties testing negative. The government has identified 25 counties as being at elevated risk, with 12 classified as very high risk and 13 as high risk, while testing continues at four designated laboratories.