Summary Of The Standard Newspaper -Sept 01,2025
Page 1: Reports that despite numerous scandals involving corruption and human rights abuses, Aden Duale, Davis Chirchir, and Kipchumba Murkomen have retained their powerful positions. Their political survival is attributed not to their performance but to their unwavering loyalty to President William Ruto. In his inner circle, weathering scandal is seen as a mere cost of maintaining this loyal friendship.
Page 2: Notes that health experts are urging African governments to implement health taxes on unhealthy products like alcohol and sugary drinks to generate sustainable domestic funding for combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs). They argue that this strategy offers a dual benefit by discouraging harmful consumption while providing ring-fenced money for health programs, reducing reliance on unpredictable external aid. This shift to domestic financing is deemed critical as NCD cases rise and threaten to overwhelm health systems traditionally focused on communicable diseases.
Page 3: Reports that a dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed in two areas of Njoro, Nakuru County, following violent tribal clashes that left one person dead, eight injured, and 10 houses torched. The unrest, which forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes, was reportedly sparked by protests over a month-long power outage. Security officers have been deployed to patrol the area for one week to restore and maintain calm.
Page 4: Reports that despite facing significant scandals and criticism in their respective ministries, Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale (Health), Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior), and Davis Chirchir (Transport) remain secure in their positions. Their political survival is attributed not to their performance but to their status as President William Ruto’s closest allies and bosom buddies. The President has consistently shielded them from consequences, underscoring that loyalty, rather than service or integrity, is the paramount value for retaining power in his inner circle.
Page 5: Despite a trail of problems and perceived incompetence in their ministries, Kipchumba Murkomen, Aden Duale, and Davis Chirchir remain untouchable members of President Ruto’s Cabinet. They are repeatedly shuffled between different ministerial positions rather than being held accountable for failures. Their political survival is guaranteed not by performance but by their status as the President’s most trusted allies.
Page 6: Reports that the political pact between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga is viewed by critics as a cynical strategy, with Ruto accused of co-opting Raila to defuse protests and Raila accused of opportunistically entering government. Supporters, however, argue the alliance stabilized the country by creating a broad-based government that prevented further chaos. As the 2027 elections approach, the true motives of the pact are debated, with Raila’s intentions remaining unclear despite his growing influence within the administration.
Page 7: Notes that Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the alleged presence of Jubaland forces in Mandera County, calling it an attack on Kenya’s sovereignty and urging President Ruto to deploy the military to expel them. He also accused Mandera’s local leaders of remaining silent while their people are terrorized and pledged to speak on their behalf. Furthermore, Gachagua launched a broad critique against the government, alleging that State House has become a center of corruption where MPs are bribed and that funds are misappropriated in the health sector.
Page 8: Notes that an opinion piece questions the values and historical narrative of the current school curriculum, suggesting it may be a neocolonial syllabus that muffles the stories of certain freedom fighters. The author uses the example of Field Marshal John Okello, a significant but now obscure revolutionary figure from the 1960s who is unknown to a Ugandan lecturer, to illustrate this historical erasure. This raises concerns about whose interests are served by the knowledge being taught and which historical threads students are learning to align with.
Page 10: Reports that Kenya’s 2010 Constitution is marking its 15th anniversary, a milestone that symbolizes clarity and a transformative sparkle for the nation. Born from a prolonged struggle for democracy, it is credited with profoundly reshaping the country’s legal and political landscape by introducing environmental rights and labor protections. Judges and observers note it has brought institutional sanity and clarity, particularly in transforming formerly contentious processes like elections.
Page 16: Reports that Kiambu County Government has launched an Sh800 million fund in partnership with KCB to support youth in digital technology, entrepreneurship, and the creative sectors. Governor Kimani Wamatangi announced the initiative, which aims to provide capital, training, and market access to tackle unemployment and empower young innovators. The county also plans to revive the Kirigiti Stadium amphitheatre project, adding a recording studio to further invest in developing local creative talent.
Page 17: Reports an international conference in Narok is highlighting the critical role of Indigenous knowledge systems in sustainable development and climate action. The event, attended by over 150 participants from 15 countries, aims to reframe global discussions by centering Indigenous peoples as leaders and producers of knowledge, not just subjects of study. Organized by ILEPA and PACT, the conference challenges the historical marginalization of these communities and seeks to leverage their traditional practices for modern environmental solutions.
Page 19: Reports that Kenya and Uganda have agreed to treat the movement of goods between them as transfers, eliminating all tariffs to boost trade. This decision, following a directive from Presidents Ruto and Museveni, aims to resolve long-standing non-tariff barriers and prioritize key infrastructure projects like border posts and roads. The two trade ministers have scheduled a technical meeting to exchange lists of affected products and finalize the implementation of these new trade-friendly measures.
Page 28: Reports that Kenya’s Mercy Nyanchama won the Uganda Ladies Open golf tournament after a tense playoff against Tanzania’s Neema Olomi, as both players finished the regular 54 holes tied at 230 gross. The playoff remained deadlocked after the first hole, with both golfers scoring pars. Nyanchama ultimately maintained her composure to secure the victory in the tie-break contest.
Page 30: Reports that Morocco won a historic third Africa Nations Championship (Chan) title, defeating Madagascar 3-2 in a thrilling final at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium. The tournament, which was uniquely co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, featured 44 high-octane matches and a flood of 90 goals. Despite Kenya’s elimination in the quarterfinals, fans turned out in massive numbers to celebrate the event, which successfully showcased local-based talent and built excitement for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Page 32: Notes that the 2024 Chan tournament served as a critical test for Kenya ahead of co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, revealing significant gaps in infrastructure, security, and ticketing systems that must be urgently addressed. Key failures included the relocation of a group to Zanzibar due to unready stadiums, a malfunctioning digital ticketing system that caused dangerous overcrowding, and poor security coordination that led to breaches. These lessons underscore the imperative for Kenya to ensure all facilities and operational plans meet CAF standards well in advance to successfully host the much larger 2027 event.