By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Speaking today during the burial of the late Francis Nzilu Mitau in Kiviu, Miambani Ward, Kitui Central Constituency, Senator Wambua said county health facilities are in a state of decay. According to him, many patients and residents have been left to fend for themselves with no meaningful health care provision.

He has further revealed that county hospitals have no working systems and continue to charge patients for every service, including the purchase of drugs, despite the county government receiving substantial equitable share allocations from the National Government, enough to cater for universal affordable health care to county residents. 

The Senator revealed that he has several pending statements at the floor of the Senate seeking answers from the governor on why health care remains “a bitter pill to swallow” for Kitui residents. 

He also addressed political speculation, reassuring residents and the Kamba community that Wiper Party Leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka remains firmly in the race to unseat President William Ruto on the 10th August 2027 General Election. 

Senator Wambua dismissed reports of an alleged meeting between Kalonzo and President Ruto as fake news, terming it propaganda by government bloggers who are already rattled by Kalonzo’s candidature under the United Alternative Government coalition.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Most county hospitals operated with minimal or no services as healthcare workers kept off their duty stations, forcing many patients to wait for hours without receiving treatment.

Patients who spoke to the press at Embu Teaching and Referral Hospital expressed frustration over the prolonged strike, saying they were the ones bearing the greatest burden of the stalemate.

Many said they had visited the hospital hoping to receive treatment but were turned away due to the absence of healthcare workers.

Mercy Karanja, who had sought medical services at the referral hospital, said she had not received any treatment despite spending several hours at the facility. She appealed to the county government to move with speed and resolve the dispute with health workers to restore normal services in public hospitals.

Another patient, Jennifer Wawira, urged the County Government of Embu to address the grievances raised by the striking health workers without further delay. Wawira, who had brought her son for treatment after he sustained a broken hand, said it was unfortunate that patients could not access services in public hospitals.

She noted that many families could not afford treatment in private hospitals and therefore depended entirely on public health facilities. Wawira said the continued strike had left vulnerable patients with no alternative, calling on all parties involved to find a lasting solution.

Embu County Youth Leader James Ireri, who visited the hospital on what he described as a fact-finding mission, criticized the county government over the handling of the crisis. Ireri accused Governor Cecily Mbarire of showing little interest in resolving the impasse, saying the prolonged dispute had subjected residents to unnecessary suffering.

He called for the immediate resolution of the health workers' grievances, saying restoring healthcare services should be treated as a matter of urgency to prevent further suffering among the people of Embu.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking in Embu County during the commissioning of Coffee Revitalization Committees for Embu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Kirinyaga counties, Oparanya said the proposed laws are aimed at addressing long-standing challenges that have left coffee farmers with low returns despite their hard work.

The Cabinet Secretary said many coffee farmers have suffered for years due to poor leadership and mismanagement within cooperative societies, accusing rogue officials of exploiting farmers and weakening the cooperative movement.

He said the proposed Cooperatives Bill will seal leadership loopholes that have allowed some officials to misuse cooperative societies for personal gain, insisting that stronger governance structures are key to reviving the sector.

According to Oparanya, poor governance has significantly contributed to the decline in coffee production in Kenya, adding that restoring transparency and accountability in cooperatives will rebuild farmers' confidence and boost productivity.

He noted that the bill clearly defines the roles of both the national and county governments in managing the cooperative sector, creating well-structured institutions that will better protect coffee farmers and strengthen the cooperative movement.

Oparanya also highlighted the Sacco Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2008, saying it seeks to improve financing within the cooperative movement and provide stronger financial support to various cooperative sectors across the country.

On coffee earnings, the Cabinet Secretary said the government is reviewing the Minimum Guaranteed Return to ensure farmers receive better advance payments while waiting for their coffee to be marketed.

He revealed that the government currently pays farmers an advance of Sh40 per kilogramme of cherry through the Cherry Advance Revolving Fund but is considering increasing the amount to Sh60 to improve farmers' cash flow.

Coffee Revitalization Committee Chairman Njeru Ndwiga said Kenya's coffee industry once flourished before liberalization weakened cooperative leadership and created loopholes that were exploited by a few individuals.

Ndwiga said the collapse of coffee unions and weak oversight turned many cooperative societies into businesses serving individual interests instead of farmers, with some leaders remaining in office for years without accountability.

He called for comprehensive reforms to restore integrity within coffee cooperatives, saying stronger institutions and transparent leadership are essential to returning the sector to its former glory.

Meanwhile, Eastern Regional Commissioner Jacob Ouma issued a stern warning against rising cases of coffee theft at factories, saying security agencies will firmly deal with those involved. He said the government will not tolerate criminal activities that deny farmers the full value of their produce and vowed to protect the country's coffee value chain.

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Mr. Alex Musili pleaded not guilty to two counts of illegal connection of water to his business as well as illegal sale of the essential commodity. He was released on KSh 50,000 cash bail. The Kiambere-Mwingi Water And Sanitation Company, Kimwasco is the legally recognized company that reticulates water in pipes in Mwingi township.

Musili will return to Mwingi Law Courts on August 3, 2026 for the mention of the case and further direction by the court.

Kimwasco has been in the media in recent past over complaints touching on loss of millions of shillings due to illegal water connections. Kimwasco boss Mr Mutunga Mwangangi, has claimed that the company loses up to KSh 8 million in a month to illicit water connections. This makes the water company struggle in meeting water services delivery to the people.

"We have consequently embarked on a crackdown on all people who have illegally connected water from our lines to make sure they face the full force of the law", the said the MD for Kimwasco last week.

L-18000

M-9000

S-6000

L-14000 Muoma

M-6000 Mbaika

S-4500

Dated:16/7/2026

By BONIFACE MWANIKI 

He made these remarks at Kitui county offices during the performance contracting signing. He encouraged CECMs  and county governor sectors to ensure prudent use of county resources. 

Citing a bridge which has been constructed to link Kyamathyaka and Kwa Mulungu areas, the governor said that his government had done the bridge at a cost of KSh54 million, while a similar bridge was costing the national government over 300 million. 

Governor Dr Malombe promised to go out from the office every Friday to launch various projects across the county, so that residents could see for themselves what their government is doing in their specific areas.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The miners made their submissions during a public participation forum held at the Kenya School of Government, Embu Campus, where the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs sought views on the Draft Minerals Mining and Value Addition Policy, the Draft Explosives Bill 2026 and the Draft Mining (Mine Health, Safety and Environment) Regulations 2026.

Speaking during the forum, Paul Migwi from the Mbeere Artisanal Miners Cooperative Society argued that some of the proposals do not reflect the current state of Kenya's mining industry.

He said the proposal to limit artisanal miners to simple tools ignores the progress made by many small-scale miners, urging the government to embrace mechanisation by allowing the use of modern equipment to improve productivity, safety and efficiency. "We cannot continue treating artisanal mining as if it has remained the same for decades. Modern equipment will help us produce more while improving safety at our mining sites," he said.

Migwi further cautioned against adopting mining policies borrowed from developed countries without considering Kenya's unique circumstances. He argued that the country's mining sector is still developing and requires laws tailored to local conditions rather than foreign models.

Licensing also emerged as one of the biggest concerns raised by the miners. They complained that acquiring mining licences remains expensive and highly bureaucratic because the process is largely centralised at Madini House in Nairobi, forcing miners from remote areas to incur transport and accommodation costs they can barely afford.

The miners urged the government to simplify and decentralise the licensing process while reducing the cost of obtaining permits, saying many genuine miners are unable to formalise their operations due to financial constraints. They noted that despite the challenges, artisanal miners contribute significantly to the country's economy.

Migwi also opposed the heavy penalties proposed in some of the draft laws, saying fines running into millions of shillings would cripple small-scale miners who already operate under difficult and risky conditions. Instead, he proposed strengthening mining cooperatives and county associations to regulate the sector through self-governance and compliance.

His views were echoed by James Mukwoko, who emphasised the need for continuous training and capacity building for artisanal miners. He said many miners lack adequate technical knowledge on mining practices, safety standards and environmental management, adding that proper training would improve productivity and professionalism in the sector.

Kirinyaga County Executive Committee Member for Mining James Kinyua said county governments have for years been sidelined in matters relating to mining despite hosting the communities that undertake the activities. He called for greater involvement of counties in policy formulation, licensing and management of mineral resources.

Responding to the concerns, Director of Mines David Onyancha assured stakeholders that all views collected during the public participation exercise would be considered during the review of the draft laws. He said the ministry was committed to ensuring the final policies respond to the needs of all players in the mining sector.

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

Kitui, one of Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties, has historically faced development challenges in key sectors such as education and healthcare. Many schools have struggled with inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and limited learning resources, affecting the quality of education and contributing to school dropouts.

To address these challenges, the Safaricom Foundation and M-Pesa Foundation have undertaken a series of projects aimed at improving learning environments and enhancing educational outcomes across the county.

The latest intervention saw the commissioning of a Sh40 million modern storey building comprising classrooms and administration offices at Kithumuoni Comprehensive School in Mumoni Ward, Mwingi North Constituency.

Speaking during the official opening ceremony, Safaricom Group Chief Risk Officer Nicholas Mulila said the two foundations remain committed to supporting education through infrastructure development across the country.

"Education is the greatest equaliser in society. As an organisation, we are committed to building communities by investing in schools. We are creating a better learning environment for these young learners and helping shape a brighter future for them," said Mulila.

He urged parents, teachers and community members to safeguard the facilities to ensure they continue benefiting future generations. "Once construction is complete, these facilities are handed over to the community. The best way to appreciate this investment is by ensuring our children utilise these resources effectively and remain focused on their education," he added.

Mulila also called on both national and county leaders, including aspiring politicians, to prioritise development projects that directly improve the lives of citizens. "Wherever you serve, remember the people who elected you. Champion development initiatives that uplift communities and improve their living standards," he said.

Beyond education, Safaricom is also expanding its communication infrastructure in remote parts of Kitui County through the installation of network boosters aimed at improving connectivity and access to communication services.

The education projects are expected to enhance learning conditions, boost enrolment and improve academic performance in schools that have long grappled with inadequate infrastructure.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The agribusiness finance solutions provider has intensified its operations across key agricultural counties including Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi and Laikipia, targeting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that play a crucial role in supporting local economies and Kenya's food production systems.

Despite the region being one of the country's most productive agricultural zones, many agribusinesses continue to face cash-flow challenges that hinder their growth and limit their ability to increase inventory, meet customer demand and maintain strong supplier relationships.

The affected businesses include agrovets, suppliers, manufacturers, processors, aggregators and distributors who rely on adequate working capital to sustain and expand their operations.

To bridge the financing gap, Avenews is rolling out trade-based financing solutions designed to improve liquidity and enable businesses to access stock financing when needed.

Speaking during stakeholder engagements in Nyeri, Avenews Business Development Director Emanuel Murai said timely access to financing is critical in driving the growth of agricultural SMEs. "Agri-SMEs in this region have strong demand and established markets, but liquidity often holds them back. By enabling them to finance stock purchases seamlessly, we are helping businesses grow, strengthen supplier relationships and operate with greater confidence," said Murai.

Under the financing model, businesses can access credit at the point of purchasing stock, allowing them to increase inventory and respond quickly to market opportunities. Once repayments are made, they regain access to credit and can continue borrowing as new opportunities arise.

According to the company, the approach enables distributors, traders and other agribusiness players to secure additional stock during peak seasons without straining their cash flow.

Avenews has also intensified engagements with agribusiness operators in Nyeri, Embu and Meru counties to better understand market needs and raise awareness about financing solutions tailored to agricultural value chains.

The company noted that the Mt Kenya region is serving as a key learning and data hub for refining its embedded trade-based financing model ahead of a wider national rollout.

Insights gathered from the region will help shape Avenews' expansion strategy aimed at scaling working capital solutions across Kenya's major agricultural corridors, strengthening trade systems and supporting sustainable growth among agribusinesses.

The firm expressed confidence that improved access to financing will enable more agricultural enterprises to expand operations, enhance supply chain efficiency and contribute to food security and economic growth across the country.

Male Goats

Large-11000-14000

Medium-8000-10000

Small-5000

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Mature bull-60-110K

Medium bull-45-60K

Young bull-40-45K

Mature female-45-65K

Medium female-40-50K

Young female-30-40K

Mature buck-12-21K

Medium buck-9-12K

Young buck-5-7K

Mature female-8500-16K

Medium Female-6500-8K

Young female-5-6K

Dated:28/5/2026

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Union officials who addressed the press in Embu town today said the decision to resume duties followed the payment of April salaries, which had delayed and triggered the strike.

The strike had disrupted operations in hospitals and health centres, forcing patients to seek alternative medical services as most public facilities remained understaffed.

Alloys Njoka, the chairman of the health workers union, urged the County Government of Embu to ensure salaries and statutory deductions are always remitted on time. Njoka said delayed salaries had caused financial hardships among workers, adding that health workers deserve better treatment considering the essential services they provide to residents and visitors.

He also criticised what he termed as arbitrary transfers of health workers, saying the transfers inconvenience employees especially at a time when some have not been paid their dues.

According to Njoka, the devolved unit should engage workers and union officials before effecting transfers to avoid unnecessary disruptions in service delivery.

Kenya Union of Nurses (KNUN) Embu branch Secretary General Macharia Kanderi urged the county government not to victimise workers returning to duty after the strike. Kanderi said health workers had exercised their constitutional right to strike and should therefore not face intimidation or punitive measures for participating in the industrial action.

At the same time, Kenya National Union of Clinical Officers Embu branch Secretary Jacinta Rwamba said promotion of health workers remains one of the major grievances affecting staff morale.

Rwamba claimed that out of the Sh247 million used by the county government for promotions, about 88 percent benefited one cadre, leaving other health worker cadres with minimal allocations. She maintained that unions would continue lobbying until all their grievances are fully addressed.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking at the company’s headquarters in Embu Town, EWASCO Managing Director Engineer James Njue warned members of the public not to trust individuals claiming they can influence recruitment at the company through unofficial payments.

Njue stressed that all job opportunities at EWASCO are advertised publicly and that the hiring process is conducted fairly through applications, shortlisting, interviews, and merit-based selection.

He revealed that the company has received information about conmen taking advantage of job seekers by pretending they have the power to secure jobs at EWASCO.

“As EWASCO management, we wish to make it clear that no one is required to pay any money to get employment at the company. Anyone asking for cash while claiming to offer jobs at EWASCO is a fraudster and should be reported immediately. We encourage job seekers to follow the proper procedures whenever vacancies are announced,” said Njue.

The Managing Director further cautioned residents against offering bribes or so-called facilitation fees in hopes of securing employment, maintaining that only qualified applicants are considered during recruitment exercises.

He expressed concern over the increasing cases of fraud targeting desperate job seekers, noting that criminals are exploiting unemployment to swindle innocent residents.

“We continue to receive reports of people being deceived with fake promises of employment. Members of the public should avoid paying anyone who claims they can influence recruitment either at EWASCO or any other institution,” he added.

Njue also warned both former and current employees against engaging in such illegal activities, saying the company will take disciplinary and legal action against anyone linked to the scams.

His remarks follow reports involving a former employee who was arrested for allegedly obtaining money from several Embu residents after falsely promising to secure them jobs.

Although no formal complaints have been lodged with EWASCO regarding the latest allegations, Njue confirmed that the company is following up on unofficial reports and encouraged victims to record official statements to aid investigations and possible prosecution.

“Anyone who has lost money through such schemes should report to the relevant authorities so that investigations can be carried out and those responsible prosecuted and compelled to refund the victims,” he stated.

Njue also clarified that EWASCO currently has no ongoing recruitment process, adding that any future vacancies will only be communicated through official channels.

At the same time, he advised customers against paying bribes when seeking assistance with services such as water reconnections, billing complaints, account issues, or water shortages.

“If customers experience challenges with billing, reconnection, or water supply, they should report directly to EWASCO offices. No customer should pay extra money to have services restored or bills adjusted. Beware of individuals attempting to exploit you,” he said.

He reaffirmed EWASCO’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and quality customer service, while calling on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected fraud cases to authorities.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking to journalists in Embu Town, KUPPET Embu Branch Secretary General Jacob Karuraa said the transfer and deployment of teachers and principals is the sole responsibility of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and not politicians or other leaders.

Karuraa termed the incident at the school as regrettable and demeaning, arguing that it created tension among teachers and students and interfered with the normal running of the institution.

According to the union official, reports indicated that the MP allegedly led members of the public to the school compound, where the principal’s office was locked, an act KUPPET says amounted to intimidation of teachers and school administrators.

He maintained that elected leaders have no authority over the management of teachers, warning that continued political interference in schools could destabilize learning institutions across the county.

Karuraa further urged politicians in Embu and the rest of the country to respect the mandate of TSC, emphasizing that employment, transfers, promotions and disciplinary matters concerning teachers are protected by law.

On claims of ethnic discrimination, the KUPPET official stated that schools must remain neutral institutions where professionalism and competence are prioritized above tribal or political interests.

He insisted that the union would firmly resist any attempts to profile or intimidate teachers on the basis of their ethnic backgrounds, adding that educators deserve dignity, protection and respect while carrying out their duties.

Karuraa also linked the increasing cases of unrest and strikes in schools within Embu County to political interference in education matters, saying external pressure on institutions was negatively affecting stability in schools.

"We shall mobilize our members to protest outside the office of Wamuthende .He should stop intimidating teachers,"Karuraa said.

He warned that if the alleged interference by politicians continues, KUPPET would seek legal redress to safeguard teachers and clarify who is legally mandated to run schools.

The sentiments were echoed by KUPPET Embu Chairperson David Mbogo, who condemned the happenings at St. Bakhita Siakago Girls, describing the actions as unlawful and harmful to the teaching fraternity.

Mbogo accused politicians of creating fear among teachers and learners through acts of intimidation, saying no teacher should be targeted because of performance claims or ethnic considerations.

"The mandate of transfer and posting of teachers is solely with the Teachers Service Commission.We don't want politicians to interfere with teachers," he said.

He called on the Teachers Service Commission to protect teachers from harassment and ensure that educators are able to discharge their responsibilities in a peaceful and professional environment.

KUPPET officials further appealed to security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly, even as they warned that the union could consider industrial action if political leaders continue interfering with the management of schools and the welfare of teachers.

Parents and other stakeholders on Saturday 23rd May, staged protests at the institution demanding the removal of the Chief Principal over alleged poor academic performance and leadership concerns.They locked the principal's office using a chain.

Mbeere North MP Leonard Wa Muthende who was there during the closure revealed that he had written to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) a week earlier seeking the transfer of the principal, but had not received any response. He claimed the principal’s previous performance record had raised concerns among parents and leaders over her ability to match the school’s expectations.

By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Dated:14/5/2026

Mature Bulls-60,000-110,000

Medium Bulls-45,000-60,000

Young Bulls-40,000-45,000

Mature Females-45,000-65,000

Medium Females-40,000-50,000

Young Females-30,000-40,000

Mature Bucks-12,000-21,000

Medium Bucks-9,000-12,000

Young Bucks-5,000-7000

Mature Females-8,000-16,000

Medium Females-6,500-8,000

Young Females-5,000-6,000

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

For many years, residents have struggled with congestion and limited services at Mutitu Level IV Sub-county Hospital, which has only 22 ward beds despite serving a rapidly growing population. Since the advent of devolution, the facility has remained the primary healthcare centre for the area, but inadequate ward capacity, limited medical services and patient overcrowding have posed serious challenges to healthcare delivery.

However, on 14th May 2026, the County Government of Kitui, in partnership with the National Government through the Ministry of Defence, marked a significant milestone in improving healthcare services after officially launching the construction of a modern hospital with a capacity of 94 beds.

The new facility, named after renowned Kenyan constitutional lawyer the late Nzamba Kitonga, is located within Mutitu Market in Mutitu North Sub-county, Kitui East Constituency. The hospital is expected to strengthen healthcare services in the county by focusing on the treatment of respiratory and infectious diseases while also providing specialised isolation units and improved laboratory services.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Principal Secretary for Defence Dr. Patrick Mariru, who was accompanied by Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, said the National Government under President William Ruto had committed to fully financing the construction of the hospital.

Dr. Mariru explained that the County Government of Kitui had initially pledged to contribute Sh50 million towards the project while the National Government would provide Sh150 million. However, President Ruto later directed that the National Government take over the entire Sh200 million cost of construction.“The President of Kenya, Dr William Ruto, offered to fully fund the construction of this hospital alongside other development projects being undertaken in Kitui County by the National Government,” said Dr Mariru.

He noted that the two-storey hospital would be nearly five times larger than the existing Mutitu Sub-county Hospital. The upper floor will accommodate male, female and children’s wards with a total capacity of 94 beds. The facility will also include isolation rooms and a fully equipped laboratory to improve healthcare services for residents.

Dr Mariru further stated that the project is expected to be completed within nine months and directed the contractor to ensure timely delivery of the facility.“We have a responsibility to complete this project on time so that our people can benefit from quality healthcare services. By December, the President should come to officially open a fully equipped hospital. If the contractor fails to meet the required standards and timelines, they will be held accountable because this is a project meant to serve the people of Kitui,” he said.

Governor Malombe said the idea of constructing the hospital was conceived following the death of Nzamba Kitonga in 2020. He described the facility as a landmark healthcare project that symbolises the county’s commitment to strengthening healthcare service delivery.“This project is a major healthcare infrastructure development that reflects our commitment to improving healthcare services and safeguarding the health of our people,” said Dr Malombe.

The governor added that the hospital will serve approximately 80,466 residents from all six wards of Kitui East Constituency, in addition to patients from other parts of the county.“Kitui County is the sixth-largest county in Kenya, with a population of approximately 1.378 million people. About 95 per cent of the population relies on public health facilities for medical services. This hospital will serve residents from across the constituency and will also act as a referral centre for respiratory diseases within the county,” he noted.

Quoting former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who once said,“Healthy citizens are the greatest wealth of any nation,” Dr Malombe emphasised that healthcare remains one of the key pillars of his administration in promoting productivity, economic growth and social transformation.

Both the county and national governments remain committed to ensuring that wananchi access affordable, equitable, efficient and quality healthcare services aimed at improving livelihoods across the country.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The industrial action began today after the expiry of a seven-day strike notice issued to the employer, which the workers say was not acted upon or addressed within the required time.

According to the health workers, they are yet to receive their April salaries, a situation that has left many of them financially strained and uncertain about their welfare.

They further lamented that the County Government has not issued any clear communication explaining the cause of the delay or when the salaries will be paid.

Speaking outside the Governor’s offices, today Wednesday 13th May ,union officials representing different cadres of health workers said they had exhausted all avenues of dialogue before resorting to the strike.

They accused the County Government of failing to prioritize the welfare of medical staff despite their critical role in delivering essential health services to residents.

The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) branch leadership stated that nurses can no longer continue offering full services under conditions where their salaries are consistently delayed.

Branch Secretary Macharia Kanderi said health workers will only attend to emergency cases until their concerns are addressed by the employer.

He noted that the strike will inevitably affect service delivery in both county hospitals and health centres across Embu.

The union officials also raised concerns over what they termed as repeated violations of a legally binding agreement requiring salaries to be paid not later than the 5th day of the following month. They argued that failure to adhere to the agreement has led to growing mistrust between workers and the County Government.

The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) also joined in criticizing the County Government, accusing it of ignoring long-standing issues affecting healthcare workers.

KUCO Branch Chair Aloysius Njoka said matters such as delayed promotions, non-remittance of statutory deductions, and unfulfilled Collective Bargaining Agreements remained unresolved.

He said the situation reflects a pattern of neglect that has persisted for years despite multiple engagements and agreements.

The unions have now called on the County Government of Embu to urgently address the salary delays and other outstanding grievances in order to restore normal health service delivery across the county.

‎By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT

‎

‎Top Kitui county officers are holding a weeklong working retreat  in Mombasa where they are seeking to cement Malombe's  administration  legacy to serve as a reliable template for future governments. The retreat has on board County Executive Committee Members and Chief Officers among other high ranking officials

‎"As we approach our final phase of our 2022-2027 administration, the question before us is profound: What legacy shall we leave behind?, posed the Wiper party governor.

‎

‎Governor Malombe emphasized that his government must leave behind a legacy that aligns with its mission of providing effective services and creating an enabling environment for inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development and improved livelihoods for all residents.

‎

‎The county boss reiterated that his county employees must ensure residents enjoy high quality lives by implementing programmes that lead to prosperity for all the 40 wards in Kitui County. The retreat also served as a forum to refine ideas, sharpening strategies and renewing commitments to serve Wananchi more efficiently.

While enumerating his government's achievements, Dr Malombe said that in his second term, 2931 projects have been achieved. The projects cover 16 focus areas under the Kitui Promise Agenda reaching all 247 villages.

‎

‎The success has not been without challenges especially on the external front. They include inflation, climate change and supply chain disruptions due to war in far away countries.      Malombe exuded confidence that the  Kitui County workforce  was resilient enough to weather much of the problems they face by being more innovative and resilient.

‎"Our journey has demonstrated that collective leadership and team work remains the cornerstone of sustainable development", he said.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The agitated teachers took to the streets, chanting slogans and carrying placards, as they vowed not to return to classrooms until their demands are addressed.

They accused the government of neglecting their plight, saying they have continued to offer essential teaching services despite remaining under internship terms for an extended period.

The educators faulted the Head of State over the issuance of confirmation letters, arguing that such processes fall squarely under the mandate of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

According to the teachers, any form of political involvement in recruitment and confirmation undermines the independence of the commission.

They revealed that more than 44,000 JSS teachers across the country are still serving under internship terms, a situation they described as unfair and demoralizing.

In Embu County alone, 709 teachers have remained interns for the past two years without confirmation, despite playing a key role in implementing the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Speaking during the protest, their representative James Kinyua said the delay has caused frustration among teachers who feel undervalued. Kinyua noted that the educators will only resume normal teaching once they receive formal confirmation into permanent and pensionable terms by the TSC.

His sentiments were echoed by Rogers Murimi, the Executive Deputy Secretary of the Embu branch, who criticized the authorities for failing to honor commitments made to the teachers. Murimi added that the uncertainty surrounding their employment status has negatively affected morale and service delivery in schools.

Nancy Nzwili also addressed the gathering, expressing disappointment with the Court of Appeal for overturning a High Court ruling that had declared the internship programme unlawful.

She said the earlier judgment had given teachers hope that their status would soon be regularized, only for those expectations to be dashed.

Hillary Njuki emphasized the need for greater professional autonomy within schools, stating that JSS teachers must be recognized as key players in the CBC framework under the 2-6-3-3-3 system.

The teachers urged the TSC to act swiftly and decisively to resolve the matter, warning that continued inaction will further disrupt learning in Junior Secondary Schools.

Mature Bulls-100,000-130,000

Medium Bulls-52,000-68,000

Young Bulls-40,000-50,000

Mature Females-65,000-77,000

Medium Females-48,000-63,000

Young Females-39,000-45,000

Mature Bucks-25,000-27,500

Medium Bucks-12,000-20,000

Young Bucks-5,000-10,000

Mature Females-8,000-12,000

Medium Females-6,200-7,500

Young Females Females-3,800-5300

Dated:1/5/2026