Summary Of The Standard Newspaper -Aug 02,2025
Page 1: Reports that a billion-shilling political scandal has implicated Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Kenya Kwanza officials, with allegations of unbudgeted funds being used to buy loyalty at rallies. Lawyer Kelvin Kirchirchir claims the cash handouts lack legal basis and traceable sources, amounting to bribery and abuse of office. The case highlights concerns over corruption and misuse of public resources.
Page 2: Notes that lawyer Kiroko Ndegwa has demanded transparency from Treasury CS John Mbadi over Kenya’s securitization of future revenues, warning of long-term financial burdens. He criticized projects like the Talanta Sports City Stadium, linking them to fuel price hikes and unsustainable debt. Ndegwa stressed the need for accountability and public participation in financial decisions.
Page 3: Highlights Kenya’s Harambee Stars facing a tough Group A in Chan 2024, with opponents like DR Congo, Angola, and Morocco. The tournament, though less prestigious than AFCON, offers a Sh453 million prize and features 19 teams. Co-hosts Tanzania will open the event against Burkina Faso.
Page 4: Reveals Kenya’s fourth overhaul of university funding, replacing a six-band system with a 100-point scale to assess financial need. Fees were reduced, with Medicine capped at Sh450,000, but concerns linger over unresolved debts and frequent policy changes. The new model takes effect in September.
Page 5: Describes the merger of EAC and SADC mediation efforts for the DRC conflict, led by President Ruto to create a unified African-led peace process. The initiative seeks alignment with U.S. and Qatar-led talks to avoid fragmentation. The move follows recent DRC-Rwanda negotiations.
Page 6: Confirms the Court of Appeal upheld a Sh10 million award to slain journalist Arshad Sharif’s family but deferred prosecution of involved officers. Judges criticized IPOA and DPP for delays but affirmed IPOA’s duty to disclose investigation details. The ruling underscores accountability gaps in police oversight.
Page 7: Warns of a looming nurses’ strike from August 8, 2025, over unmet 2017 CBA promises, including unpaid salaries and lack of permanent contracts. KNUN accuses counties of misusing Sh6.2 billion UHC funds, threatening a healthcare shutdown if demands are ignored.
Page 8: Details a court case against Kenya Kwanza leaders, including DP Kindiki, for allegedly distributing Sh1 billion in unaccounted “empowerment” funds. Lawyer Kirchirchir argues the handouts, like Kindiki’s Sh100 million in Mt Kenya, were illegal and politically motivated.
Page 9: Announces Kenya’s Gambling Control Bill, 2023, banning celebrity betting ads without regulatory approval, with penalties of Sh20 million fines or 20-year jail terms. The Bill aims to curb gambling’s societal harm and awaits presidential assent.
Page 10: Explores tensions over Nacada’s alcohol policy, which industry players warn will shrink tax revenue by driving consumers to illicit brews. Critics argue it ignores root causes like unemployment, urging a balanced approach to public health and economic impacts.
Page 11: Recounts Susan Wanjira’s loss of her daughter Gianna due to alleged negligence at KNH, prompting CS Duale to order an investigation. The case underscores systemic failures in public healthcare, with calls for urgent reforms.
Page 20: Emphasizes indigenous seeds’ role in climate resilience, as showcased at Nairobi’s Agroecology Symposium. Farmers and experts advocate for their adoption to combat erratic weather and soil degradation, with 600 stakeholders participating.
Page 22: Observes Kenyan insurers slowly expanding health coverage for seniors, though demand outstrips supply, leaving families to fund elderly care. Specialized plans from AAR, CIC, and Jubilee hint at market potential alongside government schemes like SHIF.
Page 28: Celebrates Dennis Oliech’s appointment as Chan 2024 ambassador, honoring his 2004 rejection of a Sh200 million Qatar offer. The ex-captain, Kenya’s top scorer, will promote the tournament, starting with DR Congo at Kasarani.
Page 29: Marks Kenya’s Chan debut as co-hosts, facing DR Congo in Group A. The opener precedes Tanzania vs. Burkina Faso, with the final set for August 30 at Kasarani.
Page 32: Quotes coach Benni McCarthy urging Harambee Stars to start strong in Chan’s “Group of Death,” despite injuries. Kenya’s match follows Tanzania’s opener, with McCarthy banking on home support.