By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

Ikutha subcounty DCC Anderson Ayuku during a press briefing on 4th April, 2026 after a meeting with the subcounty security team. MWINGI TIMES |Josphine Mwende

As the country continues to register new voters, several areas in Kitui County are struggling to meet their targets due to a range of challenges that have slowed down the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) exercise. Since the nationwide registration drive began in September last year, the county has recorded only about 10,000 new voters as Ikutha subcounty register 645 voters far below expectations.

Ikutha Sub-county in Kitui South Constituency has particularly lagged behind, ranking last in the county in terms of voter registration numbers. With the IEBC’s ongoing 30-day mass registration campaign targeting 60,000 new voters in Kitui County, Ikutha alone aims to register 10,747 voters within this period.

In a bid to achieve this target, Ikutha Deputy County Commissioner Anderson Ayuku convened a meeting with security agencies and key stakeholders at Ikutha Market on 4 April 2026 to strategise on improving the registration numbers. Mr Ayuku cited poor infrastructure as a major obstacle, noting that impassable roads and inadequate transport have hindered IEBC officials from reaching remote parts of the sub-county.“As you are aware, some roads are impassable, making it difficult for this exercise to reach the furthest areas. However, we are putting measures in place to ensure all eligible residents, including those in remote areas, are registered as voters,” he said.

Security agents and stakeholders during a meeting with Ikutha subcounty DCC Anderson Ayuku held at Ikutha location chief's office on 4th April, 2026. Photo| Josphine Mwende

Despite these challenges, the IEBC has deployed three registration kits in all six wards within the constituency, alongside sufficient personnel to manage the process. Officials have urged residents to take personal responsibility by turning up in large numbers to register.

Kitui South Constituency Returning Officer Sylvia Maritin assured residents that the commission was fully prepared to facilitate the exercise without delays. She noted that registration centres will operate throughout the week to maximise accessibility.“We will be working every day to ensure all residents have an opportunity to register. Those without national identity cards should apply at the relevant offices, while those who have already applied should collect their IDs to become eligible for registration,” she said.

Assistant Constituency Returning Officer Jane Muoki expressed concern over the low participation of young people, who form a key target group in the exercise. She observed that many youths appear disinterested in registering as voters ahead of the next general election.“Youths are not actively participating in this process, with many saying they do not see the importance of voting. Leaders must step in to educate and encourage them to register, as this is their opportunity to influence leadership through the ballot,” Ms Muoki said.

Local administrators, including chiefs and assistant chiefs, have also joined the mobilisation campaign, urging residents to seize the opportunity and register in large numbers. They cautioned against political narratives that may discourage participation.“Voting is the most effective way to bring about leadership change and improve livelihoods. Residents should take advantage of this exercise, which has been brought closer to them,” said a chief from Kanziku Location.

Another chief from Athi Ward encouraged residents to verify their registration details or make necessary changes early to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

Meanwhile, Ikutha Location Chief Naomi Katungi revealed that many national identity cards remain uncollected at chiefs’ offices, calling on residents to pick them up and participate in the registration process.

The intensified efforts by security agencies and local leaders are expected to boost voter turnout in the sub-county as the registration deadline approaches.

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Some of the recovered illicit  drugs and substances on display in Kitui county. |MWINGI TIMES 

On April 2, a distributor was nabbed at Syongila Market in Kitui Central sub county.  He was found with 32 boxes of spirits each of 250ml volume.   Police detained the suspect at Kitui Police Station as investigations went on.

On the following day, a much bigger raid netted more drugs at Kyanundu Shopping Centre in Mwingi Central subcounty. Nacada officials were assisted by National Government Administrative Officers  from Kisama Sublocation and Mwingi Central subcounty.  They arrested a suspected notorious distributor who possessed cannabis sativa [bhang] which they believed the suspect sold to students and local youngsters. 

The notorious suspect led Government officials to his residential house where more exhibits were recovered.  They included 560 rolls of suspected bhang,  KSh6650 suspected to be earnings from selling illegal drugs. Other items found were 8 rolls of paper, 66 sachets of cannabis seeds,  one dagger and a police smoke jacket. 

The suspect was locked up at Mwingi Police Station and will be produced at Mwingi Law Courts once police conclude their investigations.

Nacada CEO Anthony Omerikwa said the agency was on high alert to curb drugs and alcohol abuse during the Easter holiday. "We are fully aware that traffickers see this holiday as a prime window to target our young people.  Multi-agency operations have been heightened across the country", said the Nacada boss.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Bishop Kimani carrying cross in Embu. MWINGI TIMES |Brian Musyoka 

Speaking during the Way of the Cross celebrations in Embu, Bishop Peter Kimani emphasized the need for leaders to exercise restraint in their public communication, warning that careless remarks could fuel divisions among Kenyans.

The bishop said the country’s stability largely depends on the tone and conduct of those in leadership, noting that politicians hold significant influence over public opinion and national cohesion. He challenged leaders to reflect on their words before addressing the public, urging them to consider whether their statements promote harmony or sow discord. “Leaders should ask themselves whether the words they are using will bring peace or division among the people,” he said.

The bishop stressed that political competition should never override the broader goal of safeguarding unity, cautioning against elevating personal or party interests above national peace. He observed that divisive politics risks undermining the social fabric of communities, particularly at a time when Kenyans need to stand together to address shared challenges.

The church leader also called on citizens to reject attempts by politicians or other actors to incite divisions along political, ethnic, or social lines. He encouraged residents to consistently speak the language of unity and remain vigilant against rhetoric that may pit communities against one another.

According to the bishop, mutual respect and tolerance are essential in a democratic society where diverse views are expected and should be accommodated. He urged Kenyans to respect differing opinions and engage in constructive dialogue, saying such engagements strengthen democratic values and peaceful coexistence.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe (centre) together with Embu leaders at Rukuriri tea factory. MWINGI TIMES |Brian Musyoka 

The sector’s impressive performance was unveiled at Rukuriri Tea Factory in Embu County, where Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, presented the 2025 Kenya Tea Industry Performance Report.

“This growth is not by chance. It reflects deliberate reforms, expansion into new markets, and a renewed focus on quality and value addition under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” CS Kagwe said.

The CS said the  recovery comes amid a turbulent international landscape, including ongoing geopolitical tensions from the Russia-Ukraine war, unrest in Sudan and Yemen, and pressures on foreign exchange rates.

Kagwe said despite these challenges, Kenya’s tea industry expanded across all key metrics. Export earnings rose to KSh 186.91 billion, up 2.87%, while export volumes hit 652.8 million kilograms, marking a 9.81% increase.

Domestic sales climbed to KSh 19.13 billion, a 6% rise, with the total marketed value growing 2% from 2024 and 11% from 2023.

The report indicated that Kenya’s tea now reaches 100 international markets, up from 96 last year. Traditional buyers such as Pakistan and Egypt maintained steady demand, while re-export hubs like the UAE and Oman recorded substantial growth. Oman alone posted a 320% increase in tea volumes.

Emerging markets delivered the highest gains, with Ireland , Japan and Kazakhstan  emerging as key new buyers. Analysts say this highlights the government’s successful push to diversify the country’s tea export destinations.

The rebound follows a difficult 2024, when a bumper harvest and leftover stocks from 2023 created a global oversupply of CTC tea, causing prices to slump. CS Kagwe said the government’s strategy has shifted from volume-focused exports to prioritizing quality, value addition, and market segmentation.

In a policy move, CS Kagwe announced the enactment of two new regulations the Tea (Registration and Licensing) Regulations, 2026, and the Tea (Levy) Regulations, 2026. He said the laws enforce full traceability and accountability across the tea value chain.

He said the reforms target longstanding challenges, including green leaf hawking, exploitation by middlemen, delays in leaf collection, and falsified weighment. Under the new framework, farmers, factories, exporters, and brokers must comply with registration requirements or face stiff penalties.

Further  he noted that 0.8% export levy has been introduced to fund marketing, research, infrastructure, and regulatory oversight, while a 100% import levy will shield local producers from cheap, low-quality tea flooding the market. CS Kagwe stressed that farmers will not bear the cost of these levies, which are paid by exporters and importers.

To streamline trade, the Tea Board of Kenya will launch a B2B e-commerce platform linking producers directly to global buyers. Kagwe said Kenya is also tapping into trade frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and bilateral deals to expand value addition in markets such as Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire urged the government to ensure that all tea exported outside Kenya is value handed to ensure more money for farmers .

Kenya Tea Development Authority Chairman Enos Njeru  urged tea growers to venture into other crops to cushion themselves against fluctuations in tea prices and global market disruptions.

Diversification, he noted, would enhance food security at household level while ensuring farmers maintain stable incomes even when tea earnings decline. 

There was also a strong call for the government to establish a revolving fund specifically for tea farmers.They said the fund would provide financial support during difficult periods when global events such as wars disrupt the tea value chain.

The proposed revolving fund would help farmers meet production costs, sustain their farms, and avoid financial distress during market downturns.

With over 834,000 smallholder farmers and 6.5 million people dependent on the tea value chain, the reforms aim to boost smallholder earnings from KSh 59 per kilogram in 2022 to KSh 100 per kilogram by 2027. The 2025 performance signals more than recovery  it marks a structural reset toward a high-quality, globally competitive tea industry.

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

The bhang raid was carried out in the Katyethoka area in the outskirts of Kitui town.|MWINGI TIMES

The Nacada raid happened during the dawn of Thursday. It targeted the suspects residence and his commercial premises. In a press briefing done after the raid, Nacada CEO Anthony Omerikwa said the Authority conducted a surveillance on the individual resulting in a successful haul. "Today's operation demonstrates Nacada's unwavering commitment to protecting the society,  especially now that schools are closing and children are at home for holidays ", said the Nacada boss.

Omerikwa thanked wananchi for continued assistance in the fight against substance abuse. He said across the country,  they were dependable allies in the war against  alcohol and drug abuse. 

He urged them to stay vigilant and surrender information that will help in fighting illegal drugs trade. Those with credible information about drug peddling can report to Nacada or the nearest police station. 

The arrested suspect is in police custody waiting to be taken to court to face charges of drug trafficking and possession of narcotics.  President William Ruto has upped the fight against drug trafficking in the recent past.