Summary Of The Daily Nation Newspaper -Aug 25,2025
Page 1: Reports indicate that the Kenya National Examinations Council CEO has confirmed the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) will be a summative test for Grade Nine learners. This exam will contribute 60% towards a student’s final score, with the remaining 40% being determined by their earlier Grade Six exam results and school-based assessments from Grades Seven and Eight. The KJSEA is a key component of the new evaluation system.
Page 2: Reports confirm that Parliament has approved new regulations enabling Kenyans to borrow significant sums from the Affordable Housing Fund for rural housing development. To qualify for a loan of up to 4 million shillings, applicants must have made voluntary savings to the fund and must not have been allocated a housing unit before. The approved draft has been cleared for publication in the Kenya Gazette, marking the final step for the fund’s implementation.
Page 3: Reports show a rising trend of Kenyans being prosecuted and convicted for posting offensive content on WhatsApp groups. This is driven by the use of the criminal justice system to settle disputes over personal reputation that are amplified by modern technology. Courts are emphasizing that freedom of expression on such platforms must be exercised responsibly to avoid libel and hate speech.
Page 4: Reports from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula reveal that the original Bomas Draft constitution proposed only 14 administrative regions. This plan was overruled by former leaders Kibaki and Odinga, who unilaterally increased the number to 47 counties based on existing districts, creating some that are economically non-viable. Wetang’ula noted that altering this number now would require a referendum.
Page 5: Reports highlight that the lack of a clear legal definition for “adequate public participation” has resulted in unpopular decisions from the government. This constitutional requirement, meant to center citizens in governance, has instead become a source of conflict between Parliament, the Judiciary, and the public. Fifteen years later, the country still struggles to define and implement meaningful public engagement.
Page 6: Reports explain that the office of Woman Representative was established by the 2010 Constitution to address the historical underrepresentation of women in Parliament. Its primary purpose is to guarantee at least one woman from each of the 47 counties has a seat, acting as a constitutional lever to correct an imbalance. Despite having full legislative powers, the role and public perception of Woman Representatives are often misunderstood or overlooked.
Page 7: Reports announce that His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V will make his first official state visit to Kenya to discuss areas of cooperation. He is the new hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and heads the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a major organization founded by his father. The AKDN reaches over 27 million people in Kenya and is one of the country’s largest private employers.
Page 8: Reports state that over 1.2 million Grade 9 learners will sit the inaugural Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) in November. This summative test is a major milestone for the Competency-Based Curriculum and is designed to align students with career pathways for senior school. The assessment offers tracks in Social Sciences, Arts and Sports, and STEM, forming the final part of a multi-layered evaluation for the pioneer CBC cohort.
Page 10: Reports detail that the Kenya Moja Alliance plans to unite with opposition leaders to form a formidable front to block President Ruto’s 2027 re-election. The alliance, led by figures like Senator Sifuna and MP Babu Owino, claims support from over 70 legislators and aims to consolidate strength by reaching out to other prominent leaders. They accuse the current government of failing citizens with punitive taxes and unbearable living costs.
Page 11: Reports confirm the death of former Laikipia North MP Mathew Lempurkel from injuries sustained in a recent road accident. His political career from 2013 to 2017 was highly controversial, marked by accusations of orchestrating raids, inciting violence, and assaulting a rival. A staunch defender of Maa land rights, he was often in collision with the law and had a reputation as an abrasive figure.
Page 16: Reports indicate that the Interior Ministry’s Jukwaa la Usalama forums aim to foster trust and shift to citizen-driven security approaches. However, critics argue these forums act more as political tools that benefit CS Murkomen’s public image rather than genuinely serving ordinary Kenyans. Further concern has been raised that using these official platforms for political remarks compromises the impartiality of security officers.
Page 17: Reports show that Kericho Governor Erick Mutai is challenging his impeachment by filing a preliminary objection. He argues the county assembly failed to secure the required two-thirds majority vote, claiming he has the support of 18 MCAs, making the necessary 32 votes impossible. The dispute centers on the validity of the electronic voting process that reportedly saw 33 MCAs back the motion.
Page 18: Reports detail that Israeli forces conducted intense airstrikes and shelling overnight in Gaza City to dismantle militant tunnels and prevent Hamas from regrouping. The Israeli government has approved a plan for a full-scale offensive on the city, though it may be delayed to allow for ceasefire negotiations. The attacks have caused widespread destruction, panic, and displacement among the civilian population.
Page 19: Reports from the Auditor General reveal Kenya’s absorption of development funds has hit a five-year low, with only 500.2 billion shillings used against a budgeted 708.8 billion. This under-absorption of 208.6 billion shillings points to significantly flawed expenditure and project planning. The issue is worse in donor-funded projects, where 59.1 percent of allocated funds went unutilized, leading to financial wastage.
Page 38: Reports state that a group of athletes has filed a court case to stop the Nandi County government from demolishing Kipchoge Keino Stadium. They argue the plan to replace it with a market and housing project is unlawful, as it was overwhelmingly opposed during a public participation forum. The petitioners assert that in a constitutional democracy, the government must abandon such plans when the public expresses strong disapproval.
Page 40: Reports highlight that Harambee Stars goalkeeper Byrne Omondi emerged as a standout player and was named man of the match against Morocco. Despite initial concerns from the coach about lapses in concentration, the technical bench worked on these areas to transform his performance. Omondi’s development was a key success, even though Kenya was ultimately eliminated in the quarter-finals by Madagascar.