Summary Of The Daily Nation Newspaper
Page 1: Reports indicate that ODM leader Raila Odinga is attempting to broker a truce and rescue Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja from an impeachment plot. A draft motion to impeach the governor has already been signed by 87 MCAs, far exceeding the 41 required to introduce it, and is now close to the 82 votes needed for a two-thirds majority to send him to trial. This political maneuvering is seen as a signal of collaboration within the broad-based government.
Page 2: Reports state that TikTok has launched a new platform called “TikTok for Artists” in Kenya, its first rollout in the region, following the scrapping of its controversial Creator Fund. The new initiative is designed to provide musicians with data-driven insights into their music’s performance rather than direct payments. Kenya was chosen as a key market due to its status as one of the app’s fastest-growing African markets and its world-leading usage rates.
Page 3: Reports highlight how Kenyan entrepreneur Liz Muthoni uses artificial intelligence to generate models for her online thrift store, eliminating the need for expensive photoshoots, photographers, and locations. She explains that this innovative approach saves her significant time and money, cutting nearly three-quarters of her previous costs. This story is presented as part of a growing trend of young entrepreneurs in Kenya experimenting with AI to make their businesses more affordable and efficient.
Page 4: Reports detail that ODM leader Raila Odinga has held two unsuccessful meetings with Nairobi County Assembly leadership in an attempt to stop the impeachment of Governor Johnson Sakaja. The momentum for the ouster is growing, with 87 MCAs now having signed the motion, well above the 41 required to call a special sitting during the assembly’s recess. Despite these intervention attempts, the process is moving forward, and another meeting is scheduled in a last-ditch effort to broker a truce.
Page 5: Reports indicate that Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok has failed in his court bid to block his arrest and prosecution by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over an alleged Sh2.6 million conflict of interest payment. The High Court judge declined to grant the orders and instead directed the governor to serve his petition to the EACC, with the matter set for mention on October 7. The governor had argued that the case was malicious and that his arrest would infringe on his constitutional rights.
Page 6: Reports state that governors are demanding the Treasury stop enforcing the use of the new Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system, arguing it has paralyzed county operations. The Council of Governors claims the system is riddled with challenges that have severely disrupted critical services in sectors like health and agriculture. Despite the Treasury marketing the platform as a solution to misallocate funds and reduce pending bills, county bosses accuse it of being rushed and ineffective.
Page 7: Reports indicate that cash-strapped schools across Kenya are sending students home over unpaid fees due to a severe financial strain. The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association states that day schools, which rely entirely on government capitation funds, are bearing the brunt of the crisis. While boarding schools are also affected, teacher unions are urging the government to release the delayed funds to the struggling institutions.
Page 8: Reports indicate that President Ruto’s UDA and Raila Odinga’s ODM are considering fielding joint candidates in upcoming by-elections to avoid a fallout between the partner parties. This strategy was announced for the Ugunja constituency and is expected to be adopted in others like Kasipul and Magarini to prevent sibling rivalry that could cost them seats. The move marks a shift from UDA’s earlier declaration that it would contest all vacant seats, including those in ODM strongholds.
Page 10: Reports state that tension remains high in Mwisho wa Lami on the Narok-Nakuru border after unidentified people torched three more homes, escalating ongoing clashes between two communities. The attack left several families homeless, with one victim recounting the loss of his house, livestock, and critical documents like title deeds and birth certificates. Residents are now displaced and appealing for assistance after seeing their property destroyed.
Page 11: Reports indicate that a new Government Owned Enterprises Bill, 2025, seeks to convert 14 loss-making, state-funded corporations into commercial, for-profit, and self-sustaining enterprises. The affected entities include well-off ones like the Kenya Airports Authority and Kenya Ports Authority, as well as struggling ones such as the National Cereals and Produce Board. This move is part of a wider government plan to overhaul inefficient state-owned institutions that suffer from duplication of mandate and heavy reliance on the exchequer.
Page 18: Reports state that fishermen in Homa Bay have formed a Sacco to boost their income and promote sustainable fishing, receiving a Sh5 million boost from President Ruto. The initiative aims to help fishermen access loans for proper gear and investments like cage farming, moving away from harmful practices. County leaders added that the fund will be used to improve infrastructure, establish landing sites, and enhance fish value addition in the region.
Page 20: Reports describe how rising waters from Lake Baringo have cut off villages and flooded roads, forcing school children to wade through dangerous, crocodile-infested waters to reach their classes. Learners must wait for the tide to recede each morning before embarking on the perilous 500-meter crossing, as the only alternative route is five kilometers long. Parents and locals are alarmed by the life-threatening risks the children face daily on their journey to school.
Page 21: Reports confirm that one of Afghanistan’s worst earthquakes has killed over 800 people and injured at least 2,800, with rescue efforts hampered by rough terrain and bad weather. The disaster is expected to severely strain the resources of the Taliban administration, which is already dealing with a sharp drop in foreign aid and mass deportations. Authorities have called for international assistance to address the devastation caused by the magnitude 6 quake that struck near midnight.
Page 22: Reports indicate that Belgium has toppled the United States as the top export market for Kenya’s coffee, purchasing 8,275 tonnes worth Sh7.42 billion in the 2023/24 season. This shift comes as the US, the previous leading buyer, imported 7,917 tonnes worth Sh6.68 billion, with its new 10% trade tariff potentially creating headwinds. The performance in Belgium, driven by growing demand for specialty coffee, provides a new impetus for Kenyan exporters facing challenges in the American market.
Page 30: Reports highlight golfer Isaac Makokha, who was born deaf and mute, for beating able-bodied opponents to win the 2025 NCBA Railway Invitation golf title. Makokha, the only deaf golfer on the national team, defeated defending champion Michael Karanga and has previously represented Kenya in the Deaflympics. His victory serves as a powerful testament that disability is not inability.
Page 31: Reports highlight Harambee Stars midfielder Alpha Onyango, who earned two man-of-the-match awards during the 2024 African Nations Championship co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Despite Kenya’s heartbreaking quarter-final exit, the tournament was a personal milestone for Onyango, thrusting him into the limelight and earning him widespread admiration. Morocco were crowned champions after defeating Madagascar 3-2 in the final held in Nairobi.
Page 32: Reports detail that Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy faced questions about the omission of midfielder Austin Odhiambo from the 23-man squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The press briefing was dominated by this topic, as Odhiambo had been a key performer, scoring two goals in the recent African Nations Championship. Twenty of the selected players have reported to camp, with three overseas-based players yet to arrive.