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Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 16 September 2026
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Kenyan press · Organization

Spice FM

2026-04-272026-09-16

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. The Standard

    Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday, June 24, ODM Director of Communications Philip Etale and political analyst Abbie Zuena joined a broadening chorus of voices defending citizens' constitutional right to assemble on Thursday, June 25 when thousands of young Kenyans are expected to

    Activists accuse state of intimidation ahead of Gen Z protests
  3. The Standard

    Speaking on Spice FM, Etale argued that: "We do not choose whom to appear before.

    How Sifuna's tribunal snub may have shaped his ouster
  4. The Standard

    Speaking during an interview on Spice FM, on Tuesday, June 23, Water and Sanitation Principal Secretary Julius Korir said the government is expanding harvesting systems to capture seasonal rainfall and reduce recurring floods and drought cycles.He noted that the National Infrastr

    Half of treated water never reaches consumers, PS Korir says
  5. The Standard

    Speaking on Spice FM during a discussion dubbed "Men Don't Cry Syndrome", Bbanga challenged long-held beliefs that equate masculinity with emotional silence, arguing that many men have been conditioned to hide their struggles rather than seek help.

    'Man Up' culture fuelling Men's Mental Health Crisis, Expert warns
  6. The Standard

    Speaking on Spice FM on Wednesday, June 17, Christine Alai, chairperson of the International Commission of Jurists Kenya chapter, rejected the framing of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reparations framework as a landmark moment."It is a significant moment b

    'Not historic'- rights defenders push back on Kenya's Sh2bn reparations
  7. The Standard

    Speaking on Spice FM on Tuesday, June 16, Kagwanja said those involved were undermining Kenya's security and national identity.

    Sale of IDs to foreigners is an assault on Kenya's sovereignty- Prof Kagwanja
  8. Citizen Digital

    "In my view, after that finding, the inevitable conclusion should have been to annul that impeachment," he said during an interview with Spice FM on Wednesday.

    Former CJ Maraga faults Gachagua ruling, says court should have annulled impeachment
  9. The Standard

    The Ministry of Education reported 126 incidents of school arson between January and November 2020 alone, with researchers linking the fires to student protests over harsh discipline, poor food and substandard living conditions.Speaking on Spice FM on Tuesday, June 9, Janet Ouko,

    'We are gaslighting children,' expert says of school unrest response
  10. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeAdvocate Evans Ogada on Spice FM. [Screengrab] Advocate Evans Ogada has warned that Kenya is "breeding a culture of lawlessness" by repeatedly defying court orders.

    Lawyer warns Kenya breeding lawlessness over ignored court orders
  11. May 2026
  12. The Standard

    Speaking on Spice FM on Friday, May 29, Orwoba said the event should have been cancelled in honour of the students who died in the tragedy.“If you have a leader at the top who takes a fire tragedy lightly, the leaders beneath them will do the same,” she said.

    Orwoba hits out at govt for holding prayer breakfast amid Utumishi Girls tragedy
Politics

Migori governor calls for constitutional conference on devolution

The News

Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko has called for a national constitutional conference to revisit devolution, arguing that more than a decade in, counties remain constrained by held-back funds and legal "clawbacks." He noted devolution has shifted development toward local needs and advanced healthcare, roads, and industrialisation, citing Migori's progress toward an international airport and tourism development.

9 September 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 9 September

  1. Migori governor calls for constitutional conference on devolution

    Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko has called for a national constitutional conference to revisit devolution, arguing that more than a decade in, counties remain constrained by held-back funds and legal "clawbacks." He noted devolution has shifted development toward local needs and advanced healthcare, roads, and industrialisation, citing Migori's progress toward an international airport and tourism development.

    9 September 2026 · The Standard

  2. Counties struggle with health worker deals negotiated by national government

    County governments are shouldering the cost of health agreements negotiated by the national government without receiving adequate resources, according to Murang'a Deputy Governor Stephen Munania. The problem is particularly acute with collective bargaining agreements affecting nurses, some unresolved since 2017, leaving counties responsible for paying health workers despite budget constraints.

    9 September 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 8 September

  1. Wanjiru accuses Nairobi regime of stealing her development vision

    Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant Bishop Margaret Wanjiru has accused the county administration of stealing her development vision and failing to implement it, citing corruption, poor drainage, waste mismanagement, and water shortages as persistent city problems.

    8 September 2026 · The Standard

  2. Political analyst urges voters to drive change ahead of 2027 election

    Political analyst Abbie Zuena has challenged Kenyans to lead efforts for political change ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning that changing political alliances alone will not deliver better governance. She argues the shift must involve voters and all generations, and questioned whether politicians backing a one-term administration are united on who should lead it.

    8 September 2026 · The Standard

Friday 4 September

  1. Kenya's maternal mortality ratio remains unacceptably high, experts warn

    Kenya's maternal mortality ratio stands at 355 deaths per 100,000 live births according to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey, translating to nearly 5,000 preventable deaths annually and far exceeding the country's 2030 target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births. Health and legal experts say gaps in care continue to cost women's and girls' lives despite official promises of reform.

    4 September 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 3 September

  1. EAC integration must include respect for law and justice

    Lawyer Muthoni Mburu has argued that East African Community member states should match their rhetoric on regional cooperation with respect for their own constitutions and justice systems. She cited the case of Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, who was seized from Nairobi in November 2024 and returned to Uganda to face treason charges, saying such actions violate legal principles.

    3 September 2026 · The Standard

  2. MP Kariuki: Ruto retains chance to win back Mt Kenya region

    Ndia MP George Kariuki said President William Ruto still stands a chance of winning back Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election, pointing to development projects as his strongest card and arguing it remains too early to conclude the region has abandoned Ruto. Kariuki attributed the region's cooling relationship with the government partly to the fallout between Ruto and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, though he noted the rift can still be mended.

    3 September 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Political analyst urges Ruto to reconsider 2027 re-election bid

    Political analyst Barrack Muluka has challenged President William Ruto to reconsider seeking re-election in 2027, citing alleged human rights violations, police killings, and political violence under his administration. Muluka argued that Kenya needs stronger implementation of existing constitutional safeguards rather than new laws, and questioned how the government could assure protection from enforced disappearances while concerns over police conduct persist.

    1 September 2026 · The Standard

  2. Red Cross warns 46 counties face flood risk from El Niño rains

    The Kenya Red Cross has warned that 46 of Kenya's 47 counties risk above-average rainfall in coming months, cautioning that weak drainage and blocked flood paths could turn the rains into disaster. The warning comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts above-average rainfall across more than 40 counties during the October-to-December short rains.

    1 September 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 26 August

  1. Funyula MP warns against ethnic politics ahead of 2027 election

    Funyula MP Wilberforce Ojiambo has cautioned against the use of tribal and regional formations to pursue political interests, saying such an approach threatens national unity and cohesion. Speaking on Spice FM, Ojiambo said ethnic and regional zoning is destructive and driven by those seeking to advance specific political agendas ahead of the 2027 General Election.

    26 August 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 25 August

  1. CBE system risks being undermined by inequality, expert warns

    Education expert Otieno Agolla warns that Kenya's Competency-Based Education system, though sound in principle, risks being undermined by deep inequalities in schools, weak foundational learning, and poor teacher preparation. He cited data showing 41 percent of Grade Seven learners are not acquiring expected literacy and numeracy competencies, and traced the problem to inadequate investment in Early Childhood Development Education.

    25 August 2026 · The Standard

Friday 21 August

  1. Health unions blame inadequate financing for Kenya's healthcare crisis

    Kenya Union of Clinical Officers and Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union officials say healthcare challenges stem from inadequate and delayed financing, and that reforms cannot succeed without sufficient resources. They urged the government to prioritise healthcare financing and implement a mechanism to ensure health facilities are paid amounts owed to them, particularly reimbursements from insurers.

    21 August 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 20 August

  1. UDA, Safina officials spar over defections ahead of 2027 election

    Political analysts describe defections from President Ruto's administration as acts of self-preservation. Safina Secretary-General Joakim Simiyu questioned the timing of departures, while UDA Homa Bay County chairman Kennedy Obuya argued that leaders should account for their records rather than abandon the government ahead of 2027.

    20 August 2026 · The Standard

  2. Wasaga urges independent state bodies to enforce law impartially

    Advocate Peter Simba Wasaga has called for independent state institutions like the DCI and ODPP to enforce the law without regard to political alliances, arguing this would curb political intolerance ahead of the 2027 General Election. He criticised remarks by political leaders from both government and opposition following clashes at a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay County, saying inflammatory statements are wrong regardless of political affiliation.

    20 August 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 19 August

  1. Media stakeholders warn attacks on journalists create information blackout

    Kenya Union of Journalists and a High Court advocate have warned that attacks on journalists and destruction of their equipment during political events prevent Kenyans from accessing information, violating constitutional protections including freedom to seek and impart information. The Media Council of Kenya reports that 18 journalists and at least two drivers have been assaulted or injured in the past two months.

    19 August 2026 · The Standard

  2. Criminal liability does not expire, Maanzo warns sponsors of goons

    Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo warned politicians sponsoring political goons that criminal liability does not expire, and called on President William Ruto to end tolerance of poll violence. His comments followed violence during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on Sunday where property was destroyed and journalists were assaulted.

    19 August 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 18 August

  1. Teachers' unions seek clear TSC social media misconduct rules

    Teachers' unions want the TSC to define what constitutes misconduct under its new social media directive before enforcement, warning that vague rules could be misused to intimidate educators. They are pushing for wider consultation and clarity on what is prohibited, particularly for content created outside school premises and working hours.

    18 August 2026 · The Standard

  2. Gatundu South MP Kagombe switches to DCP from UDA

    Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe has defended leaving the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), citing a poll showing constituents' overwhelming support for the move and frustrations he experienced as a legislator. The switch reunites him with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whom he had voted to impeach in October 2024.

    18 August 2026 · The Standard

Friday 14 August

  1. Staff shortages cripple Kenya's public hospital care quality

    Kenya lacks sufficient health workers to meet patient demand in public and private facilities, according to stakeholders. The shortage has led to long queues, burnout among nurses, and reduced individual patient attention, with only three nurses available per 10,000 people against a recommended minimum of 25.

    14 August 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 13 August

  1. Lawyer tells Ruto to resign if Constitution constrains him

    Lawyer and political analyst Fanya Mambo Kinuthia has told President William Ruto to resign if he considers the Constitution an obstacle to governing Kenya, accusing him of failing to deliver on promises and citing the government's handling of 2024 Gen Z protests and questions over missing protesters.

    13 August 2026 · The Standard

  2. Cereal growers warn Kenya faces food crisis

    The Cereal Growers Association chairman has warned that Kenya faces a food crisis driven by an inefficient market and too few investors, citing alarmingly high aflatoxin levels in maize on the market and calling for the reintroduction of agricultural extension officers to guide farmers.

    13 August 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 12 August

  1. Kenya's Ebola readiness rises to nearly 90 percent

    Kenya's readiness to respond to an Ebola outbreak has climbed to nearly 90 per cent, up from 66 per cent in April, following months of training, simulation exercises and surveillance upgrades, according to a health official. The country has focused special attention on 12 high-risk counties identified by factors including border proximity, population movement and location along major transport routes.

    12 August 2026 · The Standard

  2. Security analyst warns Kenya has not healed from 2007-08 violence

    Security analyst Erick Okeyo has cautioned that the government must help Kenya heal from the 2007-08 post-election violence and restore public confidence ahead of 2027 elections, warning that current political rhetoric resembles language used before the violence that killed more than 1,000 people. Okeyo said Kenya had not fully healed because justice had not been served, citing killings and disappearances of witnesses in ICC-linked cases, and criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration for failing to act against politicians whose remarks could fuel violence.

    12 August 2026 · The Standard

  3. Misinformation could distort Kenya's 2027 election

    Political analysts have warned that misinformation and disinformation could compromise Kenya's 2027 General Election by influencing voters to choose leaders based on emotion rather than facts. Analyst Dismas Mokua called for state officials to use public services to ensure government policies apply uniformly, while analyst Javas Bigambo linked the issue to a period of "truth decay" where political interests override facts.

    12 August 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 11 August

  1. Kioni urges opposition unity, warns against branding rivals moles

    Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Jeremiah Kioni has urged the opposition to close ranks and present a united front ahead of the 2027 general election, cautioning against calling other opposition figures "moles" while claiming unity. He stressed that opposition parties must sharpen their policy agenda rather than rely on personality politics to offer voters a clear alternative to President William Ruto.

    11 August 2026 · The Standard

  2. Kenyan students face larger debts under new university funding model

    The government is moving toward a new higher education funding system that could leave graduates with significantly larger debts. The previous HELB allocation of about Sh40,000 annually in 2017 fell short of students' actual costs for tuition, accommodation, food, transport, and research.

    11 August 2026 · The Standard

  3. Former IEBC chief calls for reform to avoid repeating election errors

    Former IEBC CEO James Oswago has urged a national conversation on how Kenya funds and conducts elections, warning the country risks repeating the same mistakes every five years. He highlighted a significant funding gap for the 2027 General Election, with the IEBC requesting Sh74.8 billion but the National Treasury allocating only Sh41.3 billion, and questioned whether repeated purchases of election equipment offer value for money.

    11 August 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 6 August

  1. Strategist criticises IPOA silence on boda boda rider death

    Communication strategist Odhiambo Otieno has criticised the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for remaining silent following the death of 19-year-old boda boda rider Eric Otieno shortly after his release from Muthaiga Police Station. He warned that IPOA's silence on the matter encourages impunity within the police service and questioned why CCTV footage from the station had not been made public.

    6 August 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 5 August

  1. Kibwana warns Kenya risks 2007-style violence without divisive politics change

    Former Makueni Governor Kibwana said Kenya risks repeating the 2007 post-election crisis if leaders continue prioritizing power struggles over citizen needs and service delivery. He argued that political culture has become overly focused on campaigns and gaining or retaining power rather than development, and called for the country to move away from divisive politics and focus on building institutions.

    5 August 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 4 August

  1. Amisi warns opposition against "legacy politicians" for 2027

    Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has cautioned opposition leaders against fielding "legacy politicians" to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, arguing Kenyans demand economic change rather than familiar political names. Amisi said the current moment is defined by the need for economic recovery, lower cost of living, anti-corruption efforts, and debt reduction.

    4 August 2026 · The Standard

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