A severe dry spell in Kenya's North Rift region, the country's main food basket, is threatening national food security. Thousands of acres of maize crops have been ravaged, with potential yield drops of up to 60 percent.

• An estimated 50,000 acres of maize in Trans Nzoia county are severely affected.
• The Ministry of Agriculture has deployed scientists to assess the situation and guide interventions.
• This crisis, compounded by fertilizer shortages and pest invasions, could lead to a significant decline in harvests, potentially raising maize flour prices.

Kenya's National Assembly's Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education has ordered a fresh probe into the construction of a 1,000-bed student hostel at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).

• The investigation concerns Sh844 million in payments and contract variations.
• Key figures include former Vice-Chancellor Prof Stephen Gaya Agong and the contractor, Sasah General Merchants.
• Auditor-General reports revealed a failure to provide supporting documents for variations totaling Sh180.1 million, and a pending court case by the contractor over alleged unpaid dues.

Members of Kenya's National Assembly are warning universities and colleges against dismissing audit findings, emphasizing the need for accountability in managing public funds.

• The Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education (PIC-G&E) is reviewing audit reports from the 2018/19 to 2024/25 financial years.
• Key institutions including Multimedia University of Kenya and Naivasha Technical and Vocational College are being scrutinized.
• PIC-G&E Chairperson Dick Maungu stressed that audit reports are vital oversight tools and institutions must implement corrective measures for identified weaknesses.

Kenyan Senators have put Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa on the spot, criticizing the government's weak enforcement of environmental laws despite a comprehensive legal framework.

• Senators highlighted ongoing industrial emissions, toxic waste dumping, and water contamination as evidence of significant implementation gaps.
• The effectiveness of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) was particularly questioned regarding its enforcement of environmental standards.
• Despite the criticism, CS Barasa defended the government's record, citing robust laws and intensified enforcement activities, including inspections in 101 facilities within the Nairobi Metropolitan area and shutting down approximately 400 illegal discharge points.