Summary Of The Standard Newspaper -Aug 18,2025
Page 1: Reports reveal that medical insurance cards for thousands of county workers in Kenya have become worthless, as hospitals routinely reject patients despite billions paid in premiums. A Standard investigation exposes how rogue officials, brokers, and insurers have transformed health coverage into a devastating scam, pushing families into debt and despair.
Page 2: Reports indicate that confusion and anxiety grip students and parents as universities in Kenya fail to update their portals to reflect the newly reduced fees, despite a government directive aimed at lowering higher education costs. With the academic year approaching, many families remain uncertain about the exact amounts to pay, leading to frustration and disrupted preparations for enrollment.
Page 3: Reports reveal that Kenya’s High Court has paused two defilement cases involving teenagers, questioning whether consensual sex between adolescents should be criminalized under current laws. Legal experts argue that the Sexual Offences Act fails to account for the realities of teenage relationships, sparking debate over the need for legal reform.
Page 4: Reports indicate that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has signaled potential support for President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid during a public event, while dismissing opposition campaigns against him. Political analysts warn that underestimating Raila’s enduring influence, particularly in his Nyanza stronghold, could be a costly miscalculation for his rivals.
Page 5: Reports reveal that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s National Economic Empowerment Programme faces scrutiny over its cash donation events, with critics questioning the source of funds. The initiative has also sparked a public clash between Kindiki and his predecessor Rigathi Gachagua, who alleges the money was diverted from public coffers.
Page 6: Reports expose how county workers in Kenya are systematically denied medical care despite holding valid insurance, as hospitals reject their coverage amid widespread corruption involving brokers and complicit officials. Families like that of Abdullahi, a 45-year-old Isiolo County employee now fighting for survival, are forced into crippling out-of-pocket payments while the multi-billion-shilling insurance scheme fails its most vulnerable beneficiaries.
Page 7: Reports highlight the uneven progress of devolved healthcare in Kenya, with some counties like Makueni achieving notable successes in maternal care and dialysis services, while others face chronic shortages of drugs and staff. Despite constitutional mandates, governors warn that inconsistent national funding undermines health systems, leaving critical services vulnerable even as some communities celebrate improved access.
Page 10: Reports reveal that Kenya’s Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) is crumbling due to internal power struggles, tribal divisions, and alleged government interference, mirroring the self-destructive patterns of regional parties. The escalating feud between party leader Eugene Wamalwa and deputy George Natembeya has pushed the three-year-old party to the brink of collapse, undermining its viability ahead of the 2027 elections.
Page 11: Reports highlight the launch of a new school feeding policy by Kenya’s Council of Governors, aimed at keeping children in school by addressing hunger through sustainable, county-led nutrition programs. The initiative, developed with national and county governments, focuses on early childhood education centers and urges counties to allocate resources to ensure no child is left behind.
Page 16: Reports detail a court battle over the late former mayor Joseck Thuo’s contested Will, with allegations of forged signatures and misrepresented assets raised by his daughter Maurine Mukami. However, Justice Julius Nang’ea upheld the 2016 Will’s authenticity, dismissing claims of tampering despite the document’s unusual concealment and the family’s suspicions.
Page 18: Reports reveal the Central Bank of Kenya anticipates strong . particularly accommodation and food services projected to expand by 10% in 2025, driving overall GDP growth to 5.2%. The construction sector is also expected to rebound, supported by lower lending rates and improved credit access, with further acceleration to 5.4% growth forecast for 2026.
Page 20: Reports describe catastrophic flooding in Pakistan that has killed at least 344 people, with entire villages buried under landslides and 150 still missing in hardest-hit Buner district. Rescue efforts continue amid destroyed infrastructure and ongoing heavy rains, as mass funerals are held for victims of what officials call one of the worst monsoon disasters in recent years.
Page 27: Reports highlight Faith Kipyegon’s dominant performance at the Silesia Diamond League, where she shattered the 3000m African record and nearly broke the world record despite challenging weather conditions. The four-time world champion aims to carry this momentum into the Tokyo World Championships, while Timothy Cheruiyot marked his comeback with a second-place finish in the 1500m and Beatrice Chebet set a personal best in the women’s event.
Page 32: Reports confirm Kenya’s Harambee Stars secured top spot in Group A of the 2024 CHAN tournament with a 1-0 victory over Zambia, thanks to Ryan Ogam’s late goal at a packed Kasarani Stadium. The win sets up a home quarterfinal against Madagascar as Kenya remains unbeaten in the group stage, fueling hopes of a historic title win on home soil.