Follow Us on Social Media

LATEST POSTS

Women Human Rights Defenders Call for Stronger Protection as Climate Change and Harmful Cultural Practices Fuel GBV

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

Environmental degradation and harmful cultural practices continue to undermine the rights, safety and livelihoods of vulnerable people across Kenya, with women, girls, children and persons with disabilities bearing the greatest burden.
Women Human Rights Defenders and other stakeholders during a two-day multi-agency meeting in Nairobi on 29–30 June 2026, where participants called for stronger protection against Gender-Based Violence and greater support for women environmental defenders. MWINGI TIMES |Josphine Mwende

Although many communities have made significant progress in abandoning harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), wife inheritance, son preference, denial of women's land ownership rights and the exclusion of women from decision-making, some societies continue to uphold traditions that perpetuate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and inequality.

It is against this backdrop that government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, security agencies and community leaders have intensified collaboration to combat GBV, promote environmental conservation and protect the rights of vulnerable groups.

Among the key organisations leading these efforts are the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD) Hub, the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), CSO Networks, county governments and the national government. Together, they are working to create safer civic spaces, empower women and dismantle cultural barriers that limit their participation and development.

Speaking during a two-day multi-agency stakeholders' meeting in Nairobi, the Chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission, Rehema Jaldesa, said more than 80 per cent of Kenya's land mass is classified as Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), which are home to approximately 38 per cent of the country's population.

She said climate change has become a major human rights issue that disproportionately affects women and other vulnerable groups."Climate shocks do not affect everyone equally. They place a heavier burden on the livelihoods and security of women and girls, children, pastoralists, indigenous communities, marginalised populations and persons with disabilities," she said.

Jaldesa noted that women human rights defenders have remained at the forefront of protecting forests, natural resources and the environment while championing climate justice.

However, she observed that many defenders carry out this work at great personal risk. According to a research conducted in 2022, at least 81 women human rights defenders worldwide lost their lives while defending land, environmental rights and climate justice. She added that many others continue to face sexual harassment, intimidation, online abuse, criminalisation and strategic lawsuits aimed at silencing their voices.

She said such cases have been reported in several Kenyan counties, including Lamu, Kwale, Kajiado, Kitui, Isiolo and Marsabit counties.

Jaldesa further revealed that the Women Human Rights Defenders Hub documented 165 cases of technology-facilitated gender-based violence between February and March 2026, with nearly one-third involving women environmental defenders. She called on more women to seek elective and appointive leadership positions ahead of Kenya's next General Election."Women occupy only 23.4 per cent of seats in the National Assembly, while representation at county level remains low.This presents an opportunity for women human rights defenders, who already possess leadership experience, to vie for political office and influence policies that promote equality and justice," she said.

The Executive Director of the Women Human Rights Defenders Hub, Salome Nduta, said the organisation has been documenting both online and physical violence against women and girls while seeking to address the root causes of gender-based violence."We have learnt that we cannot achieve gender justice without climate justice. Our work has focused on strengthening the resilience of women human rights defenders, including journalists, facilitating community dialogue with county governments and amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard," she said.

Nduta said the Hub has been implementing the eMonitor Initiative, which documents technology-facilitated violence against women environmental defenders and provides evidence to strengthen advocacy efforts."One of the most important outcomes of this project is the availability of evidence. Through the eMonitor Initiative, we have documented cases showing that women environmental defenders are targeted online simply because they speak out for environmental protection and climate justice. This evidence has strengthened our advocacy for better protection against both physical and digital violence," she said.

She added that the Hub has also developed a new digital reporting platform that will allow women human rights defenders to report incidents directly, enabling continuous monitoring of GBV, identification of emerging trends and faster coordinated responses.

The stakeholders concluded the meeting by adopting a series of resolutions aimed at strengthening collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners.

Among the key recommendations was a call for the national and county governments, together with security agencies, to strengthen protection mechanisms for women human rights defenders against both physical and digital violence while promoting environmental justice as a critical component of sustainable development and gender equality.

The meeting reaffirmed that protecting women human rights defenders is essential not only for advancing human rights but also for safeguarding Kenya's environment, promoting climate justice and securing the rights and livelihoods of vulnerable communities.


Understanding Grant of Probate: A Guide for Every Kenyan

By AMOS MUOKI

Death is inevitable, and when it strikes, many Kenyans find themselves at a loss on how to handle a loved one’s estate. The Grant of Probate is a vital legal instrument that every citizen should understand, whether you are planning your own succession or have been named as an executor. Drawing from the Law of Succession Act and decades of judicial wisdom, we break down its essentials in plain language.

All Kenyans named as executors of will of a deceased need to understand the grant of probate to effectively manage the estate of a deceased.|ILLUSTRATION

Issues in respect of testacy

Under section 53(a) of the Law of Succession Act, a Grant of Probate is issued where the deceased left a valid will, whether oral or written. The grant covers all property that the will effectively disposes of, and it is usually made to the executor or executors named in that will. 

However, a common complication arises where the will does not dispose of all the deceased's property. In such a case, the deceased is deemed partially intestate, and probate will only cover what the will specifically addresses; the residue will then pass under the default rules of intestacy to the deceased's statutory heirs. This distinction is important because it determines which assets are distributed according to the deceased's wishes and which are distributed by operation of law.

Effect of a grant of probate

A grant produces two principal effects. First, it serves as conclusive proof of the terms and due execution of the will. Second, it confirms the executor's authority to act. Critically, however, that authority derives from the will itself, not from the grant, as the court firmly stated in Lalitaben Kantilal Shah v Southern Credit Banking Corp Ltd [2005]. Thus, an executor can, in theory, act before obtaining probate: collecting assets, suing on behalf of the estate, releasing debts, and exercising administrative powers. In practice, though, the grant is indispensable as evidence of title when dealing with banks, land registries, and other third parties.

Our courts have consistently upheld this position. In Kothari v Qureshi [1967] EA 564, Rudd J held that an executor's title dates from the testator's death and springs from the will; acts performed before probate are valid if the will is ultimately proved, and probate is merely authentication. An executor can sue before grant and only needs to produce the grant when required to prove title, and if he has intermeddled in the estate, he cannot later renounce. The Court of Appeal in Otieno v Ougo [1987] KLR 407 added that under section 80(1), a grant establishes the will from the date of death and validates all intermediate acts consistent with the executor's duties. This protection ensures that executors who act in good faith before the formal grant are not penalised for the inevitable delay between death and the court process.

Persons entitled to the grant

Only an executor appointed by the will may apply for probate. Under section 60, where multiple executors are named, probate may be granted to them all simultaneously or at different times; those who choose not to take out a grant must formally renounce their right. Importantly, under rule 19(1), executors who do not initially apply or renounce may later be joined to the grant by endorsement, offering flexibility. 

Furthermore, rule 33 provides that if one or more executors is a minor, probate may be granted to the remaining executors not under disability, with power reserved to grant to the minor upon attaining majority, preventing the estate from being stalled by the minority of one appointee.

Application of the principle of relation back

The doctrine of relation back is a cornerstone of probate practice. It operates to protect the estate from harm during the interval between death and the grant. As stated in Whitehead v Taylor (1839), there is no gap between the testator's death and the vesting of the representative's right; once probate is obtained, the right is deemed to have accrued from the moment of death. Consequently, all intermediate acts are validated. Kasango J in Lalitaben confirmed that under section 80(1), acts done before grant are validated because the executor's title vests on death, and probate is merely authentication of that title. It is worth noting, however, that this principle does not permit an administrator to commence suit before grant; that special protection applies only to executors, who derive their authority directly from the will.

Conclusion 

If you are named as an executor, remember: your authority exists from the moment of death, but you will need the grant to deal effectively with third parties and to prove your title when challenged. You may take many steps before probate, but be cautious; not all acts are safe, and intermeddling without proper authority can lead to personal liability. The law and the courts robustly protect pre-probate acts performed in good faith, but for complex estates, seeking legal advice early is always wise. Understanding these rules is not just for lawyers; it is essential knowledge for every Kenyan who may one day be called upon to administer a loved one's legacy.

This column is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your circumstances.


Cool and Cloudy Conditions Expected in Kitui this Week, Met Dept Says

‎By JOHN MUSEMBI
‎This week's weather forecast indicates that most parts of Kitui County will be cool with cloudy conditions.  Some areas may experience drizzles. "Intermittent cool and cloudy conditions are likely in most parts of the county during the day followed by partly cloudy nights. Also, some parts over the high ground areas may receive drizzle", said Dr Daniel Mbithi, County Director of Meteorological Services.
Weather distribution outlook for Kitui County running from June 30 to July 6, 2026.|KMD

‎The maximum temperature range for this week has been forecast to be between 22°C and 34°C while the minimum temperature range will be varying from 12°C to 22°C.
‎Most parts of the county will witness strong winds blowing at 25knots or 12.86m/s. The Met Department says these winds will blow from eastern to south eastern side.
In the last week of June 2026, many parts of Kitui County experienced dry conditions accompanied by sunny intervals. The Kenya Meteorological Department reported that nights were partly cloudy.
‎Mwingi North and Kitui East subcounties registered the highest daytime temperatures.  As previously reported, the lowest temperatures were felt in the hills of Mutonguni Ward and some parts of Kitui Central subcounty.

Mutukaa's Senatorial Bid Revives Push to Create Mwingi County

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

An education investor has reignited calls to create Mwingi county upon being elected as senator in 2027. Mr Muinde Mutukaa who owns both Mwingi Teachers' College and By-Grace Academy said he will ensure that Mwingi county is hived from the larger Kitui county where it belongs.
Senatorial hopeful Muinde Mutukaa at the burial of Shadrack Kathanzu in Itivanzou village,  Mwingi North sub county.  |MWINGI TIMES

"Since I come from Mwingi region,  I will push relentlessly to ensure Mwingi gets its own county. That will ensure the people of Mwingi benefit much more from devolution resources", said Mr Mutukaa.

Mutukaa unsuccessfully ran for Kitui Senatorial senator which was won by Wiper party's Enoch Wambua. Wambua is currently campaigning to run for governor seat.

In 2022 general elections,   Mutukaa was the third after both Enoch Wambua and Stephen Kilonzo [UDA]. Wambua emerged victorious with 191,317 votes. Kilonzo had 49,054 votes while Mutukaa had 32,205 votes.

The veteran educationist said he was aware of Mwingi region being shortchanged on matters development and will rectify that once he is voted in. "I am aware that Mwingi region has always been short-changed in terms of development but the scenario is bound to change once I become senator in 2027", said Mutukaa.

He was speaking during a burial or Mzee Shadrack Kathanzu, a traditional medicine man who died at 102 years of age. Mwingi North MP Paul Nzengu also graced the ceremony held at Itivanzou village.

In 2021, the clamour for creating more electoral units failed under the popular Building Bridges Initiative where 70 new electoral units were to be created. They were part of recommendations of handshake between the then president Uhuru Kenyatta and the late former prime minister Raila Odinga.

Since promulgating new constitution in 2010,  no new counties were ever created . Kenya has 47 counties. Mwingi was part of 10 counties to be created if a push by 25 MPs had succeeded. Others were Kuria, Teso, Mt Elgon, Gucha, Suba, Ijara, Nakuru West, Wajir South and Nyambene.

Kitui records KSh 27.68 billion infrastructure investment as county unveils development footprint

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

The Kitui County Government has revealed that it has invested KSh 27.68 billion in infrastructure development projects over the past 12 years, completing more than 12,400 projects across all 247 villages in all 40 wards in the county.
Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Makau Malombe officially launches the Kitui County Infrastructure Dashboard at the Governor's Office compound in Kitui Town on June 24, 2026. MWINGI TIMES |Josphine Mwende

The milestone was highlighted during the launch of the Kitui County Infrastructure Dashboard yesterday, June 24, 2026, at the Governor's Office in Kitui Town. The digital platform provides a comprehensive record of infrastructure projects undertaken by the county government since the advent of devolution in 2013.

Speaking during the launch, Kitui Governor Dr Julius Makau Malombe said the county had implemented 12,423 infrastructure projects between 2013 and June 2025, averaging nearly 1,000 projects annually across all sub-counties, wards and villages.

According to the Governor, the projects span various sectors and ministries, reflecting the county's commitment to equitable development and improved service delivery to residents.

“This dashboard captures all infrastructure projects undertaken by the County Government of Kitui since devolution began in 2013. It demonstrates the scale of development activities that have taken place across the county, with a total investment of KSh 27.68 billion,” said Dr Malombe.

He noted that the dashboard would serve as a critical tool for monitoring development, preserving institutional memory and strengthening accountability within government operations.

“The commissioning of the Kitui County Infrastructure Projects Dashboard represents a significant milestone in our journey towards a more transparent, data-driven and accountable government. By making information accessible and verifiable, the dashboard will strengthen governance and improve our ability to serve the people of Kitui effectively,” he said.

Dr Malombe clarified that the platform focuses exclusively on infrastructure projects and does not capture all county investments made over the years. He emphasised that each project represented a deliberate effort to address specific development challenges and improve the quality of life for local communities. “Behind every project is a community whose quality of life has improved. Behind every project is an investment intended to address a specific development challenge,” he added.

The Governor further stated that the platform would enhance public confidence in government programmes by enabling residents to track projects in their respective areas, including their locations, implementation status and financial allocations.

He said the dashboard would also support evidence-based planning and decision-making while promoting transparency in public resource utilisation.

Highlighting achievements in the education sector, Dr Malombe noted that the county had constructed more than 1,403 modern Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms to improve access to quality learning environments for young children across Kitui. He reiterated the county government's commitment to investing in early childhood education, describing it as a critical foundation for lifelong learning and personal development.

The dashboard is expected to provide citizens, development partners and government agencies with easy access to information on infrastructure projects across the county. Users will be able to view project locations, descriptions and financial details, while also providing feedback on existing gaps and emerging community needs.

County officials expressed confidence that the platform will enhance public participation, improve oversight of development programmes and ensure that the county's development history remains accessible for future generations.

Politics

POLITICS

Business

BUSINESS

Entertainment

ENTERTAINMENT

Science

SCIENCE

Sports

SPORTS

Fashion

FASHION

TECH, ART & INNOVATION

TECH ART & INNOVATION

LIFESTYLE & HEALTH

LIFESTYLE & HEALTH
© all rights reserved
made with by Skitsoft