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.

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

A truck transporting 3721 donkey skins was impounded by a multi-agency team along Mwingi-Thika Highway near Kanyonyoo trading centre. |MWINGI TIMES

A multi-agency team of security officers manning the Mwingi -Thika Highway impounded a truck transporting 3721 donkey skins near Kanyonyoo trading centre.

After inspecting the consignment, the Kitui County Chief Officer for Livestock and Apiculture Jonathan Kyambi said the illegal haul was destined for export to China where donkey skin was in high demand.

Kyambi regretted that the discovery of the  high number of donkey skins raised fears that wanton illegal slaughter would lead to extinction of donkeys in Kitui. He consequently sent out a SOS to Kitui residents to help protect donkey from getting extinct by reporting to government authorities unscrupulous traders involved in illegal donkey trade or slaughter for meat and hides.

“The impounding of 3721 donkey skins is a clear indication that such a high number of donkey has been exterminated. It shows that donkeys in Kitui are endangered and the trend must stop,” said Kyambi.

When the track crew was questioned they gave an unconvincing explanation that they were transporting the donkey skins from Turkana to Mombasa.

“How could they transport the donkey skins from the North from Kitui that is not possible. They were lying. If the illegal slaughter of donkey continues unabated, donkeys will be extinct,” he lamented.

He further pointed the that the killing of donkeys that were obviously happening in the bush posed a health hazard.  He expressed concern that the meat that could be contaminated could find its way to peoples’ tables. "All donkey abattoirs have been ordered closed by the government and illegal slaughter was a health hazard as such contaminated meat may endanger the lives of unsuspecting residents should they consume it,” he cautioned.

The Chief Officer said it was time for the security officers manning major roads in Kenya and also at  Mombasa not to take bribes and look the other way to allow the exports of donkey hides.

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

The Kitui County Elections Manager, Dr. Macharia Gichichi during a press briefing held in Kitui Town on Wednesday April 1, 2026. MWINGI TIMES|Josphine Mwende.

Since the exercise commenced on 29 September 2025, several counties across the country have reported obstacles, including intermittent machine failures, difficult-to-reach areas and, most notably, low uptake of National Identification (ID) cards among eligible citizens. The lack of IDs—an essential requirement for voter registration—has emerged as a significant barrier, particularly in rural areas.

In Kitui County, the situation is especially pronounced. Despite ongoing efforts, only about 10,000 voters have been registered since the exercise began, a figure far below expectations. IEBC officials attribute this shortfall largely to the high number of adults who have yet to apply for or obtain National Identification cards.

Speaking during the exercise in Kitui Central Constituency, County Elections Manager Dr. Macharia Gichichi noted that while the commission has made logistical improvements, the issue of low ID registration continues to undermine progress. He explained that IEBC registration services are readily available at its offices across the county, but many eligible residents are unable to take part due to the lack of proper identification.

Dr. Gichichi acknowledged that earlier technical challenges, such as machine breakdowns, had affected the process but assured residents that these issues have since been resolved. “Previously, we experienced occasional machine failures, but with ongoing technological upgrades, our systems are now running smoothly,” he said. “Each ward is equipped with three machines and adequate personnel to ensure efficient service delivery.”

Despite the improved infrastructure, the commission faces an uphill task in meeting its registration target. Dr. Gichichi has called on leaders and stakeholders at all levels to support the exercise by mobilising residents to register as voters. He emphasised that while the process is overseen by the IEBC, its success depends heavily on public participation. “This is a national exercise meant to empower citizens to take part in democratic processes,” he said. “We are appealing to political leaders, members of county assemblies, religious leaders and other stakeholders to work together in encouraging eligible residents to register.”

He also issued a special appeal to young people, particularly Generation Z, urging them to turn out in large numbers and take advantage of the registration window. According to Dr. Gichichi, increased youth participation is critical not only in meeting the county’s target but also in strengthening democratic representation ahead of the 2027 General Election.

As the registration exercise continues, the spotlight remains on both national and county authorities to address systemic barriers—especially access to identification documents—to ensure that no eligible voter is left behind.