The Online Kenyan

Kenya is marking 16 years since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, with various assessments of progress made. Katiba@16, an initiative reflecting on the original aspirations of the constitution, is reviewing how much Kenya has achieved since the landmark document was adopted. Sixteen years after its introduction, devolution has significantly reshaped the nation, though questions linger about whether power has truly decentralized to the grassroots. County governments are being assessed on how they are delivering services to citizens.

Opposition leaders and rights activists expressed disappointment with the implementation of Kenya's current constitution 16 years after its enactment. A group of activists is demanding the resignation of President Ruto over alleged rights violations. Meanwhile, President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to uphold and scrutinize the Constitution while also hinting at potential constitutional amendments during the national celebration. He further criticized the judiciary for allegedly hindering government policies.

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe is urging Kenya to significantly boost its Sh397 billion meat industry through value addition and enhanced processing to tap into premium export markets. The Cabinet Secretary is also pushing for a nationwide rollout of the Animal Identification and Traceability System to assign digital identities to livestock, aiming to combat theft and enhance trade. Meanwhile, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi has warned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua against protecting cartels involved in illegal Liquefied Petroleum Gas trade, stating the government crackdown will intensify. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority is urging Kenyans to exercise caution when purchasing cooking gas, advising them to inspect cylinders thoroughly before buying or exchanging them amidst a government crackdown on counterfeit and illicit LPG trade.

A new report from the Danish Refugee Council warns that the anticipated El Niño rains could displace up to 1.03 million Kenyans. Kenya is intensifying contingency planning and early evacuation measures ahead of potentially disruptive El Niño rains expected between October and December. The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority forecasts above-average rainfall due to strengthening El Niño conditions, with projections of above-average rainfall across 80% of the country and prolonged wet spells likely to include isolated storms. The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations will proceed as scheduled despite the anticipated El Niño rains. Kenya faces contrasting weather patterns, with a prolonged dry spell anticipated in the Rift Valley, Western Kenya, and Nyanza, while the Coast is set for increased rainfall.

The Kenya National Examinations Council has released guidelines and timelines for the 2026 School-Based Assessment for Grade 10 learners, along with other grades. The National Assembly has passed the Basic Education Amendment Bill, a landmark decision that will formally recognize informal schools known as Alternative Provision for Basic Education and Training institutions and pave the way for government funding. The Kenya Medical Training College has launched three new specialized healthcare courses to address emerging skills gaps in Kenya's health sector. African health ministers and partners have pledged to accelerate the elimination of multiple diseases across the continent, adopting the Addis Ababa Call to Action to prioritize disease elimination in broader health and development agendas.

Motorists in Nairobi's Central Business District are voicing strong frustration over the presence of numerous large potholes, highlighting the deteriorating state of the roads. Kenya is advancing its port infrastructure development by moving key assets at the Ports of Mombasa and Lamu towards Public-Private Partnership procurement, following the approval of feasibility studies. The Court of Appeal has ruled that technology services performed in Kenya can still be considered exports for VAT purposes, even if the final product is used locally.

Tanzania's ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi has expelled Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi from the party for breaching its values, a day after he announced his resignation. Energy Minister Deogratius John Ndejembi is designated to replace him, with the resignation effective September 4. The South Florida home of two men killed in a recent helicopter crash in Kenya was burglarized and robbed less than 24 hours after their deaths were reported, with police arresting two suspects.

In anticipation of the 2027 General Election, faith leaders are collaborating with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) and World Vision Kenya to launch a proactive campaign against political violence and hate speech. The 2010 Constitution of Kenya, often referred to as KATIBA 16, is empowering Kenya's Gen Z to demand accountability from their leaders. The Kalenjin Elders' Council has urged young people to resist being used by politicians to incite violence as the 2027 general election approaches.