Summary Of The Daily Nation Newspaper -Aug 17,2025
Page 1: Reports reveal deep-rooted corruption in Parliament, exposing a shadowy system of bribery that undermines Kenya’s democracy, despite legislators’ attempts to defend their integrity. The investigation highlights how MPs are influenced through financial incentives during House or committee proceedings, following the President’s recent criticism of such practices.
Page 2: Reports highlight Sauda Abbas Shehuna, a trailblazing 25-year-old from Lamu, who defied cultural norms by pursuing football in France and later founding Lamu Queens Football Club, the region’s first all-female academy. After her groundbreaking stint with a French club, Sauda returned to empower young women in her conservative Muslim community, where girls often face early marriages and stifled dreams. Her mission is to challenge gender inequality and inspire change, despite initial resistance, by creating opportunities for girls to thrive in sports.
Page 3: Reports indicate that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has introduced an electronic “Teacher Transfer Module” to streamline and digitize the process of teacher transfers, aiming for equitable distribution and optimal deployment. The system, set for a three-month pilot starting August 18, allows teachers excluding heads and deputies to request transfers or swaps online, with features like automated matching, subject-based criteria, and mandatory tenure rules. The module also includes real-time notifications, secure records, and alignment with school holidays, marking a step toward institutional automation under TSC’s 2023-27 Strategic Plan.
Page 4: Reports expose systemic corruption in Kenya’s Parliament, where legislators allegedly extort money from individuals appearing before committees in exchange for favorable reports or votes, despite official standing orders demanding integrity. President Ruto’s recent condemnation of these practices has drawn mixed reactions, with former MP Justus Kizito revealing that both the Executive and MPs participate in this “House of deals,” where whips distribute bribes to sway parliamentary decisions. While some lawmakers deny the allegations, insiders describe a well-oiled bribery system, with payments ranging from Sh100,000 to millions depending on the issue’s significance, undermining public trust in the institution.
Page 5: Reports describe a tragic bus crash at Kisumu’s Coptic Roundabout that killed 22 mourners, with former PM Raila Odinga calling the site a “deathtrap” and recalling his own near-fatal incident there 50 years ago. The victims, mostly from one clan, were laid to rest in a mass burial amid heavy rains, marking the worst tragedy ever witnessed by the Nyakach community.
Page 6: Reports reveal that former Sports PS Peter Kaberia and ex-Football Kenya Federation boss Nick Mwendwa are among five officials targeted by EACC to recover Sh220.4 million lost in alleged procurement irregularities during Kenya’s failed 2018 CHAN bid preparations. The anti-corruption agency claims public funds were illegally paid to a French contractor for stadium upgrades without proper inspections or value verification, after criminal charges in the case were previously dropped.
Page 7: Reports detail the second impeachment of Kericho Governor Erick Mutai in 10 months, highlighting ongoing political conflicts between the governor, his deputy Fred Kirui, and County Assembly Speaker Patrick Mutai. The governor was accused of overseeing irregular payments of Sh85.7 million for undelivered services, with 33 MCAs voting for his removal amid claims of a rigged electronic voting process. The impeachment sparked violent clashes among MCAs, including an attack on Tebesonik MCA Alfred Kirui, exposing deep divisions and power struggles ahead of future elections.
Page 8: Reports reveal the dire working conditions of Kenya’s neonatal nurses, who care for up to 25 critically ill newborns per shift without adequate supplies, medical oxygen, or psychological support all while earning just Sh10,000 monthly. Many nurses use their meager salaries to purchase essentials like baby formula and nappies, as government promises (including President Ruto’s 2022 pledge of free nappies) remain unfulfilled. The Kemri-Wellcome study highlights this crisis, emphasizing nurses’ vital yet undervalued role in newborn survival despite systemic neglect and hazardous working conditions.
Page 12: Reports indicate that Parliament’s Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee has prepared six key questions for IEBC ahead of the 2027 elections, focusing on boundary delimitation, voter registration timelines, and Supreme Court-mandated reforms following the nullified 2017 presidential poll. The committee, set to meet IEBC commissioners this month, seeks to prevent electoral lapses by addressing unresolved issues like voter roll cleanup and results transmission systems. Chairperson Caroli Omondi emphasized the urgency of these preparations, noting that delayed boundary reviews and registration delays could undermine election credibility.
Page 24: Reports highlight a surge in sales for local sports merchandise shops like Sport Fanatik in Nairobi, driven by Harambee Stars’ strong performance in the 2024 African Nations Championship (Chan). Owner Josephat Ochieng notes unprecedented demand for Kenyan jerseys as fans rally behind the team, which leads Group A with two wins and a draw. The bustling shop scenes reflect a wave of national pride, with customers eagerly personalizing jerseys amid the tournament’s excitement.
Page 25: Reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to negotiate a peace deal with Russia following inconclusive talks with President Vladimir Putin, though no ceasefire agreement was reached. While both leaders claimed progress on unspecified issues, Putin reiterated Russia’s longstanding demands regarding Ukraine’s security and the “root causes” of the conflict. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy expressed openness to cooperation ahead of his Washington visit, as Trump hinted at potential land swaps and security guarantees, stating a deal was near but dependent on Ukraine’s approval.
Page 28: Reports show Nairobi sports merchandise shops like Sport Fanatik are experiencing record sales as fans flock to buy Harambee Stars jerseys ahead of their 2024 CHAN match against Zambia. Owner Josephat Ochieng attributes the boom to national team’s strong Group A performance, with the shop bustling as customers personalize jerseys amid growing football fever.
Page 31: Reports highlight the historic football rivalry between Kenya and Zambia, tracing its roots to the 1960s friendship of Presidents Kenyatta and Kaunda, which fostered 52 matches making Zambia Kenya’s most frequent non-neighbor opponent. While recent decades saw fewer encounters, Sunday’s CHAN clash revives memories of this legacy, with veteran journalist Gishinga Njoroge recalling how Kaunda’s passion for football earned Zambia’s team the nickname “KK 11” during his presidency.
Page 32: Reports capture the electric atmosphere as Kenya’s Harambee Stars prepare to face Zambia in their final CHAN Group A match at a capacity-restricted Kasarani Stadium, following CAF fines over fan misconduct. Already qualified for knockouts, Kenya aims to secure top spot with a win to avoid traveling to face Tanzania in the quarterfinals, while passionate ticketless fans have prompted authorities to establish six official viewing zones. The government has incentivized players with performance bonuses, as President Ruto’s pledged payments add extra motivation for the team riding a wave of national support.