Summary Of The Standard Newspaper
Page 1: Reports indicate that Treasury CS John Mbadi is aggressively pushing a new, untested multi-billion shilling e-procurement system despite its rejection by MPs and the operational halts it has caused. The controversial scheme, managed by two private firms, is drawing comparisons to the problematic e-Citizen platform. This push follows a recent digital system failure that cost the country billions.
Page 2: Reports reveal that desperate Kenyan youth are flocking to hospitals in Eldoret to sell their kidneys for Sh500,000, driven by poverty and false rumors. A whistleblowing nephrologist has exposed this as part of an international organ trafficking racket, noting that security agencies have taken no action despite being alerted. In response, the National Assembly Health Committee has vowed to conduct a thorough probe and implement strong laws to combat the trade.
Page 3: Reports confirm that the exhumation of bodies from suspected cult mass graves in Kilifi County has been temporarily suspended to allow autopsies on the 37 victims retrieved so far. Detectives have now uncovered fresh mass graves near the village, raising fears that the final death toll will be significantly higher. A multi-agency team continues to search the area, recently collecting scattered body parts that had been eaten by wild animals.
Page 4: Reports detail a legal battle between a couple and a Nairobi IVF clinic after a surrogacy arrangement resulted in a dispute over the newborn’s darker skin tone. The surrogate mother fulfilled her agreement by giving birth and surrendering the child, but the couple has since raised concerns, leading to a court case. The dispute emerged despite a pregnancy that was closely monitored due to a medical complication known as circumvallate placenta.
Page 6: Reports state that over 5,000 Somali refugees who had crossed into Mandera have vacated local schools, allowing learning to resume for the new term. Their initial occupation had raised significant concerns about disrupting education, especially for students preparing for national exams. Analysts warn that a prolonged conflict in Somalia could lead to a humanitarian crisis and heightened security threats from Al Shabaab for Kenya.
Page 8: Reports describe a two-month stalemate over the rollout of a new Sh5 billion electronic Government Procurement System (e-GPS) that has brought government procurement to a complete halt. Despite strong pushback from MPs and the Council of Governors, the National Treasury is insisting on implementing the untested and reportedly defective system. The situation raises serious concerns that the e-GPS could be another major financial scandal, similar to the controversial e-Citizen platform.
Page 10: Reports show that the political future of Kericho Governor Eric Mutai hung in the balance as the Senate conducted impeachment hearings. The Governor’s defense claimed the electronic voting system used to oust him was “porous” and open to manipulation. However, a report from the ICT Authority found the system was foolproof, confirming that 33 MCAs legitimately voted for his impeachment.
Page 11: Reports announce that Siaya County is preparing to host its inaugural International Trade and Investment Conference to position itself as a key investment destination. Governor James Orengo stated the event aims to translate ambition into tangible projects that create jobs by showcasing opportunities and actionable deals. The conference is focused on enhancing infrastructure, promoting public-private partnerships, and leveraging the county’s cultural and natural resources.
Page 17: Reports confirm that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is launching a new crackdown on ride-hailing drivers, mandating them to issue e-TIMS invoices for every trip to plug a Sh47.3 billion shortfall. In response, Uber has instructed all drivers to immediately submit their KRA PIN certificates so it can automate the invoice process on their behalf. This aggressive move to formalize the gig economy risks further squeezing the already thin margins of digital taxi drivers.
Page 22: Reports from the sports world indicate that defending champions Nairobi City Thunder lead their semi-final series 2-0 and are one victory away from advancing to the finals. In the women’s league, Zetech Sparks are also aiming for a 3-0 sweep against Strathmore Swords to secure their place in the next round. Meanwhile, Equity Hawks are set to clash with KPA in another semi-final matchup.
Page 28: Reports preview the African Nations Championship (Chan) final, where Morocco is set to face surprise underdog Madagascar. The match features key players like Morocco’s lethal striker Oussama Lamlioui and midfielder Youssef Belammari. For Madagascar, their collective spirit is powered by midfielder Rijaniaina Nicolas Randriamanampisoa, whose duel with Belammari could be decisive.
Page 32: Reports that Morocco aims to make history by winning a record third African Nations Championship (Chan) title, having previously triumphed in 2018 and 2020. They face Madagascar, a surprise finalist appearing in their first-ever CAF senior international final. The final pits Morocco’s experienced attack, led by top scorer Oussama Lamlaoui, against Madagascar’s resilient team spirit and key players like goalkeeper Michel Ramandinibisoa.