The Online Kenyan

Kenya's government is exploring a new funding model for its Affordable Housing Programme due to a shortfall in the 1.5 per cent Housing Levy. The current levy collections are insufficient to meet the ambitious target of constructing 200,000 units annually. Separately, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission has identified Taita Taveta, Homa Bay, and Machakos as counties significantly exceeding the legal limit for spending on civil servant salaries. The Nairobi county government has deployed 4,500 newly hired workers under the Green Army programme to clear streets, drainage channels, and public spaces in preparation for the anticipated El Niño rains.

The National Police Service has issued a stern warning to politicians, mandating a 3 to 14-day notice period for all political rallies and processions, effective immediately. Police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have debunked claims of a robbery on the Nairobi Expressway, clarifying that an incident involving Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri was not a highway robbery. Viral footage initially presented as a Nairobi Expressway robbery has been debunked by Kasarani Member of Parliament Ronald Karauri and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, with a probe launched.

The United Nations General Assembly has approved a resolution promoting the use of maps that more accurately represent the true size of continents, particularly Africa. This initiative aims to counter the distortions of the centuries-old Mercator projection, with the initiative spearheaded by Togo on behalf of the African Group. The United States was the sole country to vote against the African Union-backed resolution, while 164 countries voted in favour. Kenya will get a new size representation as world maps undergo changes to accurately represent the sizes of continents and countries.

Opposition leaders, led by Kalonzo Musyoka, have launched a strong attack on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), demanding a role in the preparations for the 2027 general election. The controversy comes as the IEBC faces challenges with its new election technology plans. Separately, a section of United Opposition leaders has pledged to take all necessary measures to reinstate the rule of law and constitutionalism in the country.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has clarified that funding applications for first-year university students and TVET trainees will proceed using the existing student-centred model. His directive for higher learning institutions to continue using the current funding system has caused confusion on campuses. Separately, the government has revoked its previous promise to fully fund all university student tuition, seeking new funding approaches for affordable education.

President William Ruto has defended his administration's record on police reforms while addressing Administration Police Service recruits, refuting claims that reforms have stalled. The government faces intense criticism following alleged abductions, with the case of Alex Kiprotich, an editor at Standard Group, becoming a central focus of controversy. Detectives are investigating the abduction, examining a specific vehicle as part of the inquiry. These developments highlight ongoing concerns over human rights and government accountability in Kenya's security sector.

Kenya is facing a severe public health crisis as the nurses' strike has now entered its 37th day, with reports indicating 79 deaths during this period. Health professionals have warned of a growing crisis as maternal and newborn deaths surge, with nearly 80 mothers and babies dying in just three days. Professional health bodies are expressing alarm over the significant increase in maternal and prenatal deaths, directly linking the rise to the ongoing strike. However, medical services in Kericho County are showing signs of improvement following the county government's recruitment of nurses on a contractual basis.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has strongly condemned the abduction of a Standard journalist and called for a speedy investigation into the incident, emphasizing the importance of protecting media freedom. Murkomen has also refuted claims of a rogue police command structure amidst rising concerns over abductions, asserting that all police units operate under Inspector-General Douglas Kanja. He has further ordered the Inspector General of Police to ensure journalists receive adequate security, especially during political events leading up to the 2027 General Elections.