Summary of The Standard Newspaper -July 19,2025
Page 1 : Reports that two murders occurred at Kenyatta National Hospital, with Edward Ndegwa and Gilbert Kinyua both having their throats slit. Suspect Kennedy Kalombotole is linked to both killings, raising serious concerns about hospital security and investigative lapses.
Page 2 : Notes that the UK is considering returning Nandi artefacts, including the Koitalei skull, taken over 120 years ago. A Nandi delegation plans to visit Kendal town to push for repatriation, with efforts gaining momentum.
Page 3 : Highlights that Kenya’s Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) is failing to deliver universal healthcare, as patients still pay out-of-pocket due to unclear benefits, stock shortages, and delayed reimbursements. Frustrated citizens question the scheme’s effectiveness.
Page 4 : Reports that Kenyatta National Hospital faces scrutiny after Edward Ndegwa was murdered in a ward, months after Gilbert Kinyua’s similar killing. Suspect Kennedy Kalombotole remained admitted despite his violent history, exposing security failures.
Page 5 : Notes renewed criticism of Kenyatta National Hospital after two patients were murdered in similar fashion, with relatives demanding answers over stalled investigations and poor security.
Page 6 : Highlights that thousands of Kenyan high school graduates face bleak prospects due to inadequate university or vocational training opportunities, fueling youth frustration and unemployment risks.
Page 8 : Reports that Kenya’s tap water is heavily contaminated, with only one of 23 tested points meeting quality standards, raising health risks from mercury due to pollution and poor waste management.
Page 9 : Notes that 33,000 title deeds remain uncollected in Malindi, as a new Land Registry opens in Kilifi to streamline services and reduce fraud in land transactions.
Page 10 : Reports that the late Phoebe Asiyo endured political persecution, including a snake planted in her car, showcasing her resilience amid brutal harassment.
Page 11 : Highlights the Law Society of Kenya’s call to cross-examine blogger Ndiang’ui and his family over conflicting affidavits about his 134-day disappearance, amid legal chaos as their lawyer withdraws.
Page 12-14 (Opinion) : Notes the Supreme Court’s Muruatetu ruling struck down mandatory death sentences for murder but left ambiguity for other crimes, urging legislative review to address inconsistent sentencing.
Page 19 : Reports the US Congress approved $9 billion in foreign aid cuts, sparing an AIDS program, amid Republican-led fiscal measures criticized for harming global health initiatives.
Page 22 : Notes Kenya’s Treasury is paying Sh60 billion in pending bills to road contractors to revive projects, even as public debt hits 67% of GDP, straining finances.
Page 28 : Reports veteran boxer Daniel Wanyonyi will defend his 15-year national title against Daniel Owino in a high-stakes bout at Nairobi’s Charter Hall.
Page 29 : Highlights Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi’s Diamond League rematch with rivals Marco Arop and Ben Pattison in London, following his world-leading performance in Monaco.