Summary Of The Daily Nation Newspaper -Aug 28,2025
Page 1: Reports detail a new campaign by politicians to amend the Constitution on its 15th anniversary, reviving previous failed attempts. The debate is centered on altering the number of counties and creating new Executive posts. This effort rekindles a previous government initiative that was ultimately stopped by the Supreme Court.
Page 2: Reports show that Kenyan political figures, including the President and his opponents, are spending heavily on US lobbying firms to influence the 2027 election. They are specifically targeting firms with ties to former President Donald Trump, believing close US relations are crucial for success. This spending is driven by the historical role Western nations have played in funding Kenyan candidates and parties.
Page 4: Reports state that President Ruto has warned those involved in looting the Social Health Authority will face legal consequences. This follows a union leader’s statement that his organization is reconsidering its membership on the SHA board. Concurrently, a group of lawmakers is demanding the resignation of the Health Cabinet Secretary over allegations of a conflict of interest.
Page 5: Reports indicate that hospitals across Kenya have been directed to revert to a one-time password system after a nationwide failure of the new biometric verification system. The biometric system, unveiled just three weeks ago to replace the OTP method, experienced a complete breakdown. This forced patients to use the older SMS-based code to approve payments and access health services.
Page 6: Reports describe stakeholders gathering on the Constitution’s anniversary to advocate for protecting its gains while pushing for further reforms. Chief Justice Martha Koome highlighted the Judiciary’s transformation and its role in upholding justice, citing the rejection of the BBI initiative. Meanwhile, leaders warned that these democratic gains are under constant threat and require continued public vigilance to defend.
Page 10: Reports identify opposition leader Raila Odinga as a leading advocate for amending the Constitution, proposing a major government restructuring. His key proposals include abolishing the provincial administration and creating a three-tier system of national, regional, and county governments. Any such changes would require a national referendum, initiated either by parliament or through a popular initiative.
Page 14: Reports reveal that fifteen years after its adoption, the promise of the Constitution’s Bill of Rights remains largely unfulfilled as the nation’s human rights record oscillates. While the judiciary has asserted its independence, security agencies have resisted reform, with police still accused of corruption and brutality. A recent reportdocumented 159 cases of extrajudicial killings and disappearances in 2024, highlighting a weak oversight system.
Page 16: Reports highlight concerns over constrained access and fraud as the medical insurance contract for teachers nears its expiry. The insurer stated that while most hospitals remain operational, some have been suspended due to investigations into fraudulent practices. A company official defended the overall operations but acknowledged there are gaps in the scheme’s implementation.
Page 18: Reports confirm that the Kericho County Assembly has impeached Governor Erick Mutai over accusations of financial mismanagement and abuse of office. The charges include suspicious payments to firms and the mismanagement of a victims’ fund. The Senate has begun hearing the case after dismissing a preliminary objection from the governor’s lawyers.
Page 23: Reports note that Senators have vowed to oppose a National Treasury proposal for a centralized county revenue management system, warning it risks undermining devolution. Instead, the Senate will support counties in developing their own independent and tailored revenue collection systems. This change in stance follows a fact-finding mission that praised counties like Kiambu for increasing their own revenue.
Page 26: Reports describe the frustration of hundreds of families living along the proposed route of the Lokichar-Lamu Crude Oil Pipeline, who have stalled development for years awaiting compensation. The project, initially expected by 2021, has seemingly stalled, forcing residents to live in temporary shelters without updates. Local leaders are now demanding the government clarify the status of the venture, which was once a promise of economic transformation.
Page 30: Reports detail a strategic move by Russia to build a nuclear power plant in uranium-rich Niger, following the country’s junta cutting ties with France. This comes after Niger nationalized its uranium mining operations, which were previously run by a French company. The Russian proposal represents a significant geopolitical shift to displace Western influence in the Sahel region.
Page 31: Reports show that pension savings with Kenya’s NSSF more than doubled, driven by the implementation of higher mandatory contributions. This increase is part of a new graduated scheme which ties contributions to employee salary levels rather than a flat rate. As a result, the NSSF’s share of the total pension contributions market rose significantly.
Page 38: Reports state that Olympic medallists Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Faith Cherotich are set to defend their Diamond League titles in Zurich. Wanyonyi enters the race buoyed by multiple victories, while a new women’s 1,500m champion will be crowned. In a separate event, star golfers are heading to Kigali for the SportsBiz Africa Golf Championship.
Page 40: Reports preview the African Nations Championship final as a compelling clash between defending champions Morocco and first-time finalists Madagascar. Morocco, a tactically refined team seeking its third title, will face a fearless Malagasy squad whose run has made history. Their meeting represents a classic showdown between established royalty and ambitious dreamers.