Thika Times

20/01/2026

President Ruto Backs Del Monte Kenya Expansion in Makueni and Tana River

President William Ruto met with the board and senior management of Del Monte Kenya Ltd at State House, Nairobi, reaffirming the government’s support for private investment in Kenya’s agricultural sector.

The delegation was led by Chairman and CEO Muhammad Abu‑Ghazaleh and Managing Director Wayne Harvey Cook. During the meeting, the company outlined plans to expand production in key regions.

“We welcome and appreciate investors who put their money in our country, and assure them of all the support they need to set up, do business, and expand,” President Ruto said in a post shared on his official X account.

According to the President, Del Monte Kenya is exploring expanded pineapple production in Kibwezi, Makueni County, as well as banana production and processing in Tana River County. The planned expansions are expected to boost agricultural output, generate employment, and strengthen local economies in the two regions.

Del Monte Kenya is a major contributor to Kenya’s agribusiness sector, producing canned pineapple, juice concentrates, mill juice sugar, and cattle feed, while employing thousands of workers across its plantations.

The President emphasized that his administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investors, encouraging companies to grow their operations and expand into new regions.

20/01/2026

SHA Responds to Daily Nation Story, Explains Automated Oncology Pre‑Authorization Process

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has issued an official statement clarifying how its oncology pre‑authorization system works and addressing concerns raised in a Daily Nation report about alleged inconsistencies in cancer care approvals.

In a comprehensive press release dated 20 January 2026, SHA said it welcomes scrutiny of its operations but emphasised that all cancer pre‑authorizations are processed through a fully automated digital system that follows benefit limits, access rules, and tariffs established under Legal Notice No. 56.

According to the authority, once a healthcare provider submits a pre‑authorization request, the system generates approvals automatically based on predefined rules, meaning individual staff cannot manually adjust or influence outcomes.

SHA said that while patients may have similar diagnoses, the treatment needs of beneficiaries often vary due to factors such as:

1. Prior benefit utilisation (remaining oncology benefit balance)
2. Stage of care (diagnostics, active treatment, follow‑up)
3. Clinical complexity
4. Completeness and structure of provider submissions
5. Choice of SHA‑contracted facility

The authority stressed that these clinical and administrative differences explain why beneficiaries with similar conditions may receive differing approval levels, and do not indicate preferential treatment.

“Differences in approvals do not indicate preferential treatment, but reflect uniform benefit rules applied to different clinical circumstances,” the statement said.

SHA also underscored that reimbursements for oncology services use uniform, gazetted tariffs, which apply equally across public, private, and faith‑based facilities. The tariffs are publicly available on the authority’s official website.

In line with the documents provided to the media, SHA highlighted additional layers of protection built into its digital system, including real‑time utilisation tracking, audit trails, and safeguards against duplication, inappropriate use, or unauthorised interference. Any credible allegations of system manipulation can be reported to [email protected].

In its statement, the authority also said it is strengthening equity and sustainability in cancer care by integrating National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP)‑aligned clinical pathways into the pre‑authorization workflow. Expected benefits include more standardised diagnostic panels, clearer provider submissions, and an improved patient experience.

SHA emphasised its commitment to transparency and public engagement, noting that beneficiaries and the public can seek information through official SHA channels, offices in all counties, and Huduma Centre desks nationwide. General inquiries can be directed to [email protected] or [email protected], and toll‑free interactions are available via 147 and 0800 720 601 for POMSF enquiries. Media enquiries can be sent to [email protected].

The clarification from SHA follows public debate sparked by the Daily Nation article, which detailed concerns about possible inconsistent approvals for cancer treatments, a topic of rising interest as Kenyans engage with the new health insurance regime under SHA.

20/01/2026

Government to Spend KSh 100 Million to Strengthen Public Communication

The Kenyan government has announced plans to allocate KSh 100 million annually to a comprehensive communication strategy aimed at enhancing public awareness of government policies and initiatives.

The funding will be implemented across multiple government agencies under the National Communication Strategy (2024–2027) and coordinated by the Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Digital Economy in partnership with the Presidential Communication Service and the Office of the Government Spokesperson.

According to official documents, the funds will cover:
Social media influencers and bloggers: Macro- and micro-influencers will be contracted to amplify government messaging and promote national development initiatives.

Digital content development: Creation of online content, sponsored posts, blogs, and interactive campaigns. Media campaigns: TV, radio, print, and billboard campaigns aimed at informing and engaging citizens.

Technology tools: Investment in AI and digital tools to improve government-public interaction and real-time information dissemination.

The strategy targets increased visibility and engagement on both digital and traditional media platforms, ensuring that government programs are clearly communicated to citizens.

The government says the initiative is designed to strengthen communication with the public, improve awareness of policy and development programs, and ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.

Officials say the program will also include monitoring and evaluation to measure outreach effectiveness and engagement levels.

The KSh 100 million fund is expected to be disbursed over the next three fiscal years, with preparatory activities already underway, including identifying key influencers and media outlets for partnerships.

The strategy marks one of the largest coordinated government communication efforts in recent years and reflects the growing importance of digital engagement in national public information campaigns.

20/01/2026

Nairobi Wins the Room as Kenya to Host Africa–France Summit in 2026

In a major diplomatic win announced just hours ago, Kenya will host the high-level Africa–France Summit in May 2026, placing Nairobi at the center of Africa–Europe engagement. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi stated that the decision reflects growing confidence in Kenya’s global leadership and presents a rare opportunity for Africa to push for real, bankable outcomes on climate, finance, and development, rather than just another round of declarations.

The summit, scheduled for May 11–12, 2026, will bring together African Heads of State, senior government officials, private sector leaders, and development partners to discuss shared priorities, global reforms, and future partnerships between Africa and France.
Speaking on the development, Mudavadi said Kenya attaches high strategic importance to hosting the summit, describing it as a platform for Africa to push for outcomes that are practical, measurable, and impactful.

He noted that Kenya’s goal is to ensure the summit delivers “concrete, bankable and monitorable outcomes” in priority areas critical to Africa’s development and global positioning.

According to Mudavadi, Kenya will use the summit to advance discussions on key thematic areas, including reform of the international financial architecture, energy transition, green industrialisation, digital innovation, sustainable agriculture, health systems strengthening, and coordinated climate action.

The announcement follows high-level engagements in Paris between the Kenyan delegation and French officials, including talks with Jean-Noël Barrot, aimed at aligning expectations and shaping the summit’s agenda early enough to ensure substantive outcomes.

Hosting the Africa–France Summit will make Kenya one of the few African countries, and the first non-Francophone nation, to convene the forum, a move seen as a signal of Nairobi’s growing diplomatic influence and its strategic positioning as a bridge between Africa and global partners.

Government officials say preparations will focus not only on logistics and security but also on ensuring Africa’s priorities are clearly articulated and reflected in final declarations and action plans adopted at the summit.

France has also expressed interest in aligning the summit’s outcomes with broader global conversations, including climate financing, multilateral reforms, and sustainable development, areas where African countries have consistently called for fairer systems and stronger commitments.

Analysts note that the summit presents Kenya with an opportunity to elevate its foreign policy profile while amplifying Africa’s collective voice on the global stage, particularly at a time when discussions on debt, climate vulnerability, and development financing are gaining urgency.

Further details on the summit’s programme, participating delegations, and preparatory meetings are expected to be released in the coming months as Kenya formally begins the hosting process.

19/01/2026

President Ruto Emphasizes Training and Mentorship During Ksh 258.4M NYOTA Disbursement

President William Ruto has stressed that funding alone is not enough to ensure youth success, calling for continued training and mentorship as part of the NYOTA program.
Speaking at the launch of Ksh 258.4 million NYOTA Business Capital Support at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi, Ruto noted that the initiative aims to benefit 10,337 young entrepreneurs from Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties.
“It is not enough to support our young people with the necessary finance and opportunity-creating programmes that drive economic success. We must continue walking with them, step-by-step, routinely offering them more training and mentorship, as we assess the growth and success of their businesses,” the President said.
The NYOTA program, a flagship youth empowerment initiative, seeks to provide young Kenyans with the financial support and guidance needed to grow small businesses and self-employment ventures. By combining capital with ongoing mentorship, the government hopes to ensure that funds translate into sustainable economic impact rather than short-term gains.
Ruto’s remarks underscore a critical challenge in youth funding programs: money alone rarely guarantees success. Previous interventions often faltered due to lack of follow-up, guidance, and structured mentorship, issues this new phase of NYOTA seeks to address.
The Kasarani event brought together thousands of young businesspeople eager to benefit from the program, highlighting both the demand for youth-focused economic opportunities and the government’s commitment to supporting them beyond the initial disbursement.

As beneficiaries begin accessing the funds, attention will shift to tracking business growth, measuring outcomes, and providing hands-on support. The success of NYOTA will ultimately hinge on the combined effect of financial backing and mentorship, a model the President has called a cornerstone of youth empowerment in Kenya.

19/01/2026

CS John Mbadi Admits Stress Almost Killed Him, Led to Massive Weight Loss: “Sympathise With Me”

Senior government official John Mbadi has opened up about the intense personal toll of public office, admitting that stress nearly cost him his life and led to significant weight loss.
Speaking candidly, Mbadi revealed that the pressures associated with leadership, public scrutiny, and responsibility had pushed him to a breaking point, prompting him to ask Kenyans to “sympathise with me.”

The admission offers a rare glimpse into the human cost of political power, a subject often overshadowed by policy debates and partisan battles.

Mbadi’s remarks highlight an uncomfortable reality: behind titles and influence are individuals grappling with extreme stress. Long hours, political pressure, public expectations, and constant scrutiny can silently erode physical and mental health.

His visible weight loss had already sparked public speculation, but his own account reframes the conversation, from rumor to reality.
In Kenyan politics, exhaustion is often worn as a badge of honor. Leaders are expected to be tireless, available, and emotionally unshakeable. Mbadi’s statement challenges that narrative, raising questions about whether the system itself demands too much without adequate support.

While public sympathy is divided, with some urging resilience and others expressing concern the conversation has now shifted to a broader issue: how many leaders are silently struggling behind closed doors?

Mbadi’s call for empathy has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue that acknowledging vulnerability is a step toward healthier leadership. Critics, however, insist that public office comes with pressure by default.

Still, the admission forces a necessary reckoning: leadership does not make one immune to burnout, illness, or collapse.
Beyond Mbadi himself, this moment speaks to a wider problem, one that affects not only politicians but civil servants, professionals, and ordinary Kenyans navigating high-pressure environments.
His words may not absolve leadership failures or policy disagreements, but they humanize the cost of carrying national responsibility.

Whether this moment leads to deeper conversations about wellness in leadership remains to be seen. For now, it has cracked open a door rarely walked through, honesty.

19/01/2026

12/08/2025

If compensation is for closure, Prof. Makau Mutua aimed to close the case, as long as no one objected. Speaking to journalists on August 9, Mutua slammed opposition leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, accusing them of playing “political charades” at the expense of public healing.

Mutua emphasised that the framework covers all victims of public unrest between January 2017 and July 2025, not just the high-profile Gen-Z protests. Referencing transitional justice models like South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he defended the initiative as both comprehensive and globally respectable.

“But this isn’t a political marathon,” Mutua added sharply. “This is restorative justice. Stop making it about political point-scoring.”

Kalonzo promptly retorted that the President’s office lacks moral authority to administer such compensation, given that the unrest stemmed from state action. Musyoka echoed the sentiment and called for oversight from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

Mutua unshifted firmly responded: “If your beef with the government is stronger than your empathy for victims, check your conscience.”

For now, the stage is set. Whether the framework fulfills its promise or folds under partisan pressure remains to be seen.

12/08/2025

Three months after Gen-Z and civil society forced the government’s hand on protest reparations, Kenya’s head of state has finally enacted something more substantial than a pardon of silence. This morning, President William Ruto issued an executive order establishing a 120-day compensation framework for those who lost limbs or lives during protests and riots dating back to 2017.

The process will be administered by a task force housed within the Executive Office of the President, including key ministries and the Attorney General’s office. Leading the effort is Prof. Makau Mutua, tasked with coordinating redress, public communication, and reconciliation presumably in that order.

Ruto framed the move as both justice and healing, stating, “We are honoring our Constitution’s call for accountability and redress, not retribution.” Critics, however, quickly pointed out the irony: a political pact underwritten in part by Raila Odinga only weeks earlier now hinges on making life or the memory of life palatable again.

The reaction among youth activists was mixed. Some saw the gesture as overdue, while others lamented the slow pace. One Nairobi youth leader quipped: “120 days? More like one year late. But okay, we’ll take crumbs if it ends starvation.”

Legal analysts praised the structured approach but raised concerns about oversight. Without independent monitoring, there’s a fear that the framework could become a parallel patronage channel rather than restorative justice.

Regardless, this is a milestone: Kenya will, for the first time in years, openly admit that protest-related harm deserved more than hashtags; now it gets KSh, too.

12/08/2025

In what could be mistaken for an episode of Land Grabbers Anonymous, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has announced the recovery of prime public land in Kakamega worth Ksh.20 million. The property, officially owned by the Ministry of Housing, had mysteriously found its way into private hands a Kenyan tradition that’s as old as independence itself.

According to EACC officials, the parcel had been “irregularly allocated” to individuals who presumably believed that land registration was a competitive sport, and the fastest runner wins. Sadly for them, the EACC has been training for this race and just crossed the finish line with the title deed in hand.

The land, earmarked for public housing projects, is located in a prime area of Kakamega town the kind of location where developers salivate and public projects mysteriously stall. For years, it had been fenced off and quietly held by private interests, complete with “No Trespassing” signs that might as well have read “Government Property, But Not Really.”

Speaking during the handover, EACC Western Regional Manager Charles Rasugu didn’t mince words. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to reclaiming all public property grabbed through fraud or abuse of office. “This is public land; it belongs to the people of Kenya, not to the few who think government records are a suggestion,” he said.

The Ministry of Housing, which now regains the asset, issued a statement welcoming the move and promising that it would be used “for the benefit of the people.” If history is any guide, this means we’ll see a groundbreaking ceremony with colorful tents, a ribbon-cutting, and then several years of grass growing undisturbed but optimism is free, and Kenyans are entitled to it.

This recovery is part of a wider crackdown by the EACC on land grabbing in public institutions. The Commission says it has already recovered assets worth billions across the country, although the appetite for public land among politically connected individuals remains impressively unshaken. It’s like a never-ending season of Who Wants to Steal a Parcel? only this time, the prize was snatched back.

Locals in Kakamega expressed mixed feelings. Some cheered the news, hoping for affordable housing projects to finally take shape. Others muttered that the land would probably “find its way back” into private hands once the headlines fade. But for today at least, the paperwork says the people won.

In the end, the EACC’s Kakamega operation is a rare Kenyan political plot twist: the state actually got its property back. Whether that property is now safe from the country’s legendary land cartels remains an open question but the Commission insists it’s ready for the next round.