The Wiper MP was speaking at Kavililo Comprehensive School in Migwani Ward during the launch of five new classrooms.

"If us as MPs care about the electorate, it is better that we reduce some expenses being implemented by the government and pay school fees for our children.

The capitation should be increased from KSh22,000 to KSh30,000.It should be free secondary education not KSh16000. President William Ruto, I ask you to increase capitation not reducing", he said.

Speaking during the launch event at Agitech Centre,Nancy Kinyanjui, the Managing Director of Avenews, announced that the company will provide loans of up to KSh 1.5 million to agro-dealers and agri-entrepreneurs registered under Mazao na Afya. The financing will help stockists bulk-purchase certified farm inputs, ensuring that farmers get what they need when they need it most.

“Mazao na Afya stood out because of its vast network of agro-dealers and its track record with farmers, being in this field for over 27 years .Through this partnership, we are not just giving out loans. We are giving farmers a chance to thrive, increase yields, and transform their livelihoods”said the manager.

The rollout of the partnership will begin in key counties within the Mount Kenya region, including Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka Nithi ,Nyeri , Muranga, Meru among other counties in the region.These areas were selected due to their favorable weather conditions and vibrant farming communities. However, there are plans to scale the program to other regions based on the success of the pilot phase.

Peter Karanja Ndung’u, Director of Mazao Group and Agitech Seedlings, described the partnership as a timely solution to long-standing challenges facing agro-stockists. Many dealers, he said, have struggled to access capital, limiting their ability to meet demand during peak planting seasons.

“Our stockists have always wanted to serve farmers better, but cash flow has been a major barrier. Now, with support from Avenews, they can purchase inputs in bulk and ensure that no farmer is turned away,” said Karanja.

Avenews is known for its use of technology to offer seamless, ethical, and timely financial services. Betty Simiyu, the firm’s Strategic Partnerships and Marketing Manager, explained that the decision to team up with Mazao na Afya was data-driven.

“We were impressed by the quality of trade data and the customer loyalty that Mazao na Afya has built over the years. It gave us the confidence to make this bold investment.Our digital systems make loan processing easy and transparent, ensuring that funds get to where they are needed fast.”she noted.

Simiyu added that Avenews is committed to addressing the seasonal nature of agriculture by ensuring agro-SMEs have recurring access to credit when demand peaks.

The impact of the deal is already being felt by dealers like Steven Warui, an agro-dealer from Kirinyaga County, who praised the partnership as a long-overdue breakthrough.

“I have worked with Mazao na Afya for over 20 years and they have never disappointed me. Not once. With Avenews joining in, I can finally prepare for peak seasons without financial stress. This will change how we serve our farmers,” said Warui.

The launch event was attended by dozens of farmers, agro-dealers, financial experts, and agribusiness stakeholders, many of whom expressed optimism about the future of the region’s agriculture. There was a strong sense that this partnership could signal a new era of farming one driven by access to finance, quality inputs, and strong distribution systems.

With the cost of farming on the rise and many smallholders locked out of traditional financing systems, the Avenews–Mazao na Afya partnership comes as a ray of hope. It promises to strengthen supply chains, improve yields, and ultimately uplift livelihoods in the Mount Kenya region and beyond.

Speaking at the funeral of his long-time friend Dionisio Njiru Kanyenji at Gikuyari village in Mbeere North, Ruku said the marginalized Mbeere community has witnessed unprecedented progress under President William Ruto’s leadership, more than under any previous regime since independence. He emphasized that the government was delivering on its promises, with major infrastructure and social development projects already underway.

Among the notable developments he cited were the Kamburu and Kiambere bulk water projects, which are expected to benefit the entire Mbeere region. Ruku noted that despite hosting the expansive Seven Forks hydroelectric dams, Mbeere residents have for decades suffered chronic water shortages, a challenge that Dr William Ruto administration was aggressively addressing. He further mentioned the Kamata Irrigation Project, currently under construction at a cost of KSh 150 million, and the Kanyuambora Irrigation Project, which has received KSh 280 million in funding. Additional allocations have been made in the current financial year to scale up the Kamata project.

Ruku also outlined ongoing road infrastructure works that had stalled under previous administrations but are now back on track. These include the Embu PI–Makima–Machang’a Road, Kiritiri–Kiambeere–Mutuobare Road, and the Gikuyari–Muminji–Kiarie Road, all of which were factored into this year’s National  budget.

President Ruto is expected to officially launch these projects in August. He dismissed claims that no work was being done, pointing to the active construction along the Kanyuambora–Kamumu–Kageeri Road, where a contractor was already on site. He criticized detractors who were allegedly posting misleading photos online to create a false narrative that the government was not delivering.

Turning to electrification, the CS noted that many homes across Embu were now being connected to electricity, an effort that made a significant milestone for a region that has historically been bypassed despite contributing to the National power grid. He said these developments are proof that the Kenya Kwanza government was attentive to the needs of the people.

On the issue of youth empowerment, CS Ruku assured residents that opportunities for young people are real and expanding. He revealed that over 400,000 Kenyan youth are currently working in various countries abroad, thanks to government-facilitated diaspora job programs. He urged youth to take advantage of available opportunities in climate-focused programs and the Affordable Housing Programme, which he said are creating employment at a large scale. He also highlighted the NYOTA Business Programme, which provides up to KSh 50,000 in startup capital for registered businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.

“All these programs are part of President William Ruto’s vision for a better Kenya,” Ruku said, reaffirming that the development narrative being promoted by the opposition was misleading and aimed at sabotaging progress. He accused opposition leaders of inciting unrest and trying to gain power through unconstitutional means. “We have no space for violence. We must live in peace and unity,” he added.

The CS praised the youth of Mbeere North for resisting calls to engage in protests, saying their decision to stay peaceful was commendable and a sign of political maturity. He argued that when President Ruto took office in 2022, the economy was in poor shape, but through deliberate policy measures, inflation has decreased, the value of the Kenyan shilling has stabilized, and the prices of basic commodities have come down.

Ruku also emphasized the importance of effective public service delivery. He said he has recently made impromptu visits to various government offices to assess how services are being offered to citizens, noting that public servants must perform diligently and reflect the commitment of the President. “Public service delivery is central to this administration. You are the President’s representative in your office, and you must serve the people accordingly,” he said.

Addressing the upcoming Mbeere North by-election, CS Ruku called on residents to support a pro-government candidate, arguing that continued development depends on political alignment with the administration. He said it would be unwise to abandon a government that is already delivering results in favor of the opposition, comparing such a move to rejecting a cow that is giving milk in favor of one that does not.

In a direct challenge to Members of County Assembly (MCAs) who are eyeing the Mbeere North parliamentary seat, Ruku urged them to resign immediately if they are serious about contesting. “If you believe you are ready to lead, step down and face the people. Show your seriousness,” he said, adding that half-hearted ambition should not be tolerated at the expense of effective representation.

He also took a swipe at former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, accusing him of trying to mislead the Mbeere community into opposition politics after having a full decade in to work for the people . “You had your chance to deliver for our people. We are now reaping the benefits of the government we voted for. Don’t take us backwards,” he warned.

Ruku closed his address by reminding residents of the work he did for them during his time as MP, including improving school infrastructure and ensuring equitable distribution of bursaries to support needy students. He expressed full confidence in President Ruto’s re-election in 2027, declaring that the Kenya Kwanza government has a clear mission and vision to take Kenya forward.

Governor Dr Julius Malombe said that his administration achieved this through signing of performance contracts by his staff to transform intentions to outcomes.

"This decision was driven by our shared desire to build a result-oriented culture where accountability, transparency and citizen-focused service delivery determines how we govern", pointed out the Kitui county chief.

Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani was the first senior official of the County Government of Kitui to sign the fourth cycle of performance contracts. He also serves as the County Executive Committee Member for Tourism, Performance Contracting and Disaster Management.

Governor Malombe reiterated that it was by adherence to performance contract terms that county government staff were able to implement the 1921 infrastructural projects since 2022 which was the year he was reelected back into office after enduring five years outside when second governor Ms Charity Ngilu was in office. 

Dr Julius Malombe is serving his second term having been the founding governor between 2013 and 2017.

In a tense meeting held at Gategi trading centre, the residents, elders and opinion leaders of the disputed land accused lawyers allegedly working under the Ngome Council of Elders of initiating court-based mediation proceedings without involving the actual affected parties and their legal teams. The community fears the process is not only illegitimate but is also crafted to sideline the voices of the rightful land dwellers.

Shedrack Kilonzo, chairperson of the association representing the settlers living on the disputed land, led the charge, questioning the authority and intentions behind the silent mediation being carried out in court corridors. “We do not know who appointed those lawyers or who gave them the mandate to mediate on our behalf. We only recognize the ADR process as agreed with the Ministry of Lands,” he said.

Kilonzo added that a previous meeting with all stakeholders, held at the Ministry of Lands and chaired by the Cabinet Secretary in charge of lands Hon Alice Wahome, had resolved that a structured ADR process bringing all parties to the table was the only credible way forward. “Now, someone is trying to cook deals in the dark. But let them be warned, no resolution will succeed without our involvement,” he warned.

The Mwea land dispute, which dates back decades, involves claims of ownership between residents who have occupied the land for years and individuals claiming to possess title deeds. The latest attempt to bypass the agreed ADR framework, locals say, risks throwing the region back into renewed tension and uncertainty.

Washington Murangiri, a resident  echoed Kilonzo’s concerns, condemning the “underground behaviors” of some actors, which he believes mirror past mistakes that escalated the conflict. “These secret talks are a recipe for chaos. If we are not careful, this will reignite what we’ve been trying to heal from,” he said.

He further questioned the moral standing of the Ngome Council of Elders, who he said must come forward with clean hands if any meaningful resolution is to be achieved. “You cannot claim ownership and at the same time silence the voice of the people. That’s not how justice works,” he added.

Sila Mwaniki, another respected elder from the area, reminded the government that the community had fully embraced ADR as the only fair, inclusive, and non-violent method of ending the impasse. He called for immediate clarification from the Ministry of Lands on the alleged secret mediation and demanded a fresh convening of all stakeholders.

“We have waited patiently, and we still believe the government means well. But any attempt to cut corners will be resisted. ADR was not just a suggestion it was a government commitment,” Mwaniki emphasized.

Charles Munyi, another resident  lamented that the decades-long dispute had stalled development in the region. “This land could be home to modern housing, farming projects, and schools. But instead, we are trapped in endless wrangles,” he said, urging the state to expedite resolution efforts before the situation worsens.

The residents are now calling for the immediate halting of any unauthorized mediation processes and a recommitment by all players to the ADR path. They say they are ready to return to the table openly and transparently but only if the government facilitates it.

Governor Dr Julius Malombe who  on Friday held a  meeting with the CEO of Kenya Utalii College Mark Rachuonyo and his team, disclosed that a  26 acre parcel of land for the institution had bet set aside by the county. He said the move was in line with the government's aim of tackling youth unemployment and equipping Kenyans with marketable skills for various industry needs.

Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani who also serves as the CEC Member for Tourism, Hospitality and Game Reserves was tasked with working with the Kenya Utalii College in coming up with a Memorandum of Understanding and a Plan of Action for the establishment of Kenya Utalii College in Kitui County. The governor reiterated that his administration will launch a tourism circuit on September 19 this year. 

The Kenya Utalii College CEO Mark Rachuonyo called upon the youth to embrace learning about tourism courses once the campus starts operations saying that some of vacancies available include cruise ship jobs. There will also be refresher courses offered targeting the hoteliers and citizens from not just Kitui county but the entire country.

The college, Dr Malombe said, will give locals an advantage of getting quotas of opportunities available hence given priorities by the virtue of being the host county of the tourism training  college. Tourism is a devolved function as per the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.

The North Coast Medical Training College’s Embu campus will offer a range of certificate and diploma programs including a perioperative theatre technology course that equips students to assist surgeons in the operating room. The institution emphasized that even students with lower KCSE grades will have a chance to pursue careers in healthcare through specially designed certificate courses.

“This is a game-changer for young people who dream of working in hospitals but did not get the grades for university. We are opening doors and giving hope,” said Dr. Kenneth Ireri, the medical director of the institution, during the launch.

However, the opening comes at a time of heightened political tension in Embu, and Dr. Ireri took the opportunity to firmly refute claims that the college is affiliated with Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire.

“This college is not a political project. It is a professional institution, and associating it with politicians is dangerous,” warned Dr. Ireri.

The medical director was also among the leading voices condemning a violent attack on doctors and nurses at Kitengela Sub-County Hospital during Monday’s Saba Saba demonstrations. The assault, carried out by suspected goons, sent shockwaves through the healthcare community.

Calling it a "gross violation of medical neutrality," Dr. Ireri urged the national government to provide round-the-clock police protection at health facilities during times of unrest.

“Even in warzones, hospitals are protected under the Geneva Convention. What excuse do we have for failing to protect our medics in times of protest.Doctors are not partisan. I get a patient in hospital who has killed my brother. I will treat him without any biasness because that is what it calls for” he stated.

As Embu embraces a new hub for health training, medics are calling for calm, respect, and protection insisting that politics should never spill over into hospitals and classrooms.

This is the first private medical college to enter Embu county.

Residents of the region are overjoyed by Equity Bank's establishment since it supports CSR programs like Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholarship initiatives.

Eng Paul Nzengu, who is out of the country sent warm greetings to residents and urged them to utilize the available financial services from the bank for better economic growth.

Airtm money transfer is one of the best options available. It undercuts big players like PayPal and others in its effectiveness in transactions done by peers. The peers can be banks or other Airtm users.

Further, it imposes low interest charges from only 1%. With effective data connectivity, you have a few seconds to count down before you get your bucks.

Timebucks digital work forum offers Airtm as one of its money transfer options. It received support from Mwingi users due to its simplicity and cost consciousness.

Further, you don't need to open a bank account for you to enjoy Airtm services. Just use your phone number for the mobile money linkage.

A straightforward fact lies at the core of this trend: Kenyan businesses are outgrowing the domestic market. For many years, the economy has served as a launching pad for regional supremacy in industries like banking, logistics, and telecommunications. Companies like Safaricom, KCB, and Equity Group have ventured boldly into Uganda, Rwanda, the DRC, and even farther away. We are currently seeing a structural change rather than merely expansion, as Kenyan businesses are establishing presences far beyond national boundaries in pursuit of greater profits, more extensive markets, and strategic diversification.

Economically speaking, this increase in foreign investment is a reflection of a mature private sector that is self-assured, capital-rich, and ambitious for the region. It shows that Kenyan businesses are moving from being regional leaders to becoming major players on the continent. This is consistent with patterns of global development, where domestic companies that were previously centred on domestic consumption start exporting capital, corporate culture, and intellectual property in addition to goods and services.

On the other hand, this ambition has a sobering effect on the state of the domestic economy. That a lot of money is on transit. It begs the question: are businesses escaping a stagnant local environment? There's good reason to think so. Currency depreciation, policy uncertainty, delayed government payments, and an increasing tax burden have all contributed to the local business environment's decline in appeal. In certain instances, conducting business in Kenya is now more expensive than in nearby markets. This implies that pull factors overseas and push factors domestically are equally responsible for the increase in outbound investment.

This does not imply that the trend is bad. It opens up a new economic opportunity, if anything. Retained earnings, royalties, and dividends from profitable overseas endeavours will improve Kenya's foreign exchange position. Additionally, these businesses act as economic ambassadors, opening doors for international supply chains, financial inclusion, and increased integration of the region. Kenya has the potential to become a net exporter of ideas and capital.

However, there is a warning associated with this opportunity. This trend needs to be interpreted as a signal by policymakers. We run the risk of losing not just money but also leadership if we don't restore investor confidence, restore macroeconomic discipline, and lower operating costs. Kenya cannot afford to raise businesses to the pinnacle only to watch them take their profits and put them elsewhere.

The path ahead is obvious. The government must go local as Kenya Inc. expands internationally: correct the foundations, encourage the growth of the private sector, and make sure that our companies never lose hope in their homeland even as they make investments overseas.

According to a breakdown of the department’s Personnel Emoluments vote head, five individuals under the designations of coxswains and deck masters earn a monthly basic salary of Ksh 24,970 to work in non-existent government-owned water vessels in Embu County.

Nginda Ward Representative Maurice Macharia, who is also the Vice Chairman of the County Assembly Committee on Agriculture wondered what the Ship Crew do to earn their salaries from public coffers, yet there were no known ships, seas or lakes in Embu.

The County Assembly is in the process of hearing presentations by County Executive dockets in defence of their proposed spendings in the draft Embu County Budget Estimates for the 2025/2026 Financial Year which are pending deliberation and ratification by the legislature.

According to Dr. Njue Mugendi, the Director for Fisheries, the officers were inherited from the national government on secondment to serve at the Seven Forks hydroelectric dams, but confirmed that they do not perform any duties relating to their designations.

The Director pointed out that the officers in question were currently serving at the Fisheries Section in different capacities such as drivers, extension officers and other support services as they await retraining and thereafter official conversion of their terms to different available job descriptions.

The County Executive Committee (CEC) Member in charge of the docket John Nyaga said the County Government had commenced redesignation procedures to change the titles of the officers to match the duties they perform at the department and do away with the Ship Crew designations.

Of course, nobody really earns a single shilling a day. However, the exercise forces us to confront an uncomfortable reality: how weak local currencies are compared to the global average, and how much more difficult it is for people in some nations to earn what others spend carelessly. 

Trade deficits, inflation patterns, and investor confidence are some of the fundamentals that are reflected in Uganda's exchange rate. 

Trading Economics report that as of May 2025, Uganda's inflation rate was a respectable 3.8%. However, Uganda's limited foreign exchange reserves, reliance on imports, and external debt servicing have kept the shilling weak. Financial markets reflect these pressures, but 

they don't fully reflect the state of the economy.

The economy of Uganda is expanding. Its nominal GDP is approximately $1,340 per capita, or $64 billion. GDP increases to almost $187 billion, or $3,900 per person, when purchasing power is taken into account. This discrepancy demonstrates that the shilling's local purchasing 

power is higher than what its exchange rate suggests. Even though the shilling is depreciated overseas, goods and services in Uganda are reasonably priced in shillings. 

The informal economy in Uganda is where the real story is. According to World Bank estimates, it makes up between 33% and 51% of GDP and as much as 91% of all jobs. 

Street vendors, boda boda riders, farmers, and micro-entrepreneurs are among the people in this sector whose work hardly ever makes it into official economic statistics, much less global financial systems. 

The youth of Uganda are especially impacted. Just 3.2% of young people have formal wage-paying jobs, and youth unemployment is approximately 41%. The 

majority live outside of official safety nets and credit systems and depend on informal work to make ends meet. They frequently earn in shillings.

Therefore, even though the exchange rate might indicate that Uganda's economy is struggling, it ignores the country's resilience and productivity. The lack of value of a shilling is not the issue. 

Value is not recognized by the systems that determine world prices. This is the result of an international economy that is set up to reward holders of foreign currency while devaluing locally driven economies. 

Development initiatives must go beyond GDP and exchange rates if they are to be 

equitable. They must understand that a weak currency does not equate to a weak 

populace and that one shilling, despite its small size, symbolizes dignity, hard work and the silent strength of millions of people who drive Uganda's economy every day.

As the increasing unemployment rate amongst young people continues soaring in the country, Principal Secretary (PS) MSME Development Susan Mang’eni said there was a need to prepare learners for the changing world of work from traditional employment models to job creation.

With the median age in the county being 17 years, PS Mang’eni said there was need for deliberate and targeted measures to be taken to prepare young people for self-employment including cultivation of entrepreneurial mindset.

Speaking on Friday in Embu where she graced the second edition of MSMEs Connect Forum and Exhibition at the University of Embu, the PS said they want students to be in a position to transform their career training into entrepreneurial ventures.

“We want our students not just to wait to be employed but to be able to leverage on acquired skills and knowledge to create businesses and also understand practical aspects of starting and running them,” she said.

Toward this, the PS said they want to start that conversation with the leadership of universities as well as TVETs and VTCs with a view of preparing students not just for jobs out there but also creating their own jobs through entrepreneurship.

“As Ministry, we  want to see how we can also be able to link them up with the interventions we have put in place such as Uwezo Fund and the newly initiated Wezesha Kazi Majuu for youths securing jobs abroad,” she said.

Additionally, the PS challenged students to make good use of their free time constructively in purposeful activities such as online work where many opportunities of income generation are available.

“These jobs offer flexibility that can assist students earn some income and also reduce idle time by adding value to their time and space,” she noted.

She noted that institutions such as Kenya Industrial Estates (KIE) are ready to support young people with good ideas in areas of value addition or those able to come up into groups to start manufacturing ventures.

“We want our graduates not to wait for someone to employ them but start thinking about creating their own jobs,” she said.

The forum organized by Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) under the theme of “Driving Inclusive Growth Through MSME Empowerment” featured exhibitions by local entrepreneurs, business clinics and panel discussions on areas of finance, regulations, innovations and partnerships.

Some local entrepreneurs attributed their success to the Government support through MSEA that has not only trained them but also linked them with markets and seen their products certified by KEBS.

Big-10000(from 13000)

Medium-6000

Small-4000

Big-8000 (from 10000)

Medium-4500

Small-3500

Dated:19/6/2025

It is ndengu season but goat prices are low compared to March 2025.

-Isaac Munyoki, livestock seller

Winners

-Farmers who buy goats to go and herd 

Losers

-Goat brokers

NB:Further expected plunge in prices -September 2025 when schools close

MWINGITIMES.CO.KE

Despite appearing before the Committee of the whole Assembly chaired by Deputy Speaker Ibrahim Swaleh (Kirimari), the CEC Member was adjudged as guilty, with MCAs recommending that appropriate action be taken in accordance with Section 22(3) of the County Assemblies Powers and Privileges Act, 2017 and Section 40 of the County Governments Act, which entails removal from office.

The embattled CEC member was at pains to explain his adamance to honour County Assembly summonses and his failure to compile and table quarterly reports on how his docket utilised public funds allocated by the legislature in subsequent annual county budgets, instead opting to take responsibility and apologise for the commission of the noted administrative mistakes.

MCAs expressed their anger over the CEC member’s choice to send a junior officer from his office, who was neither an Accounting Officer nor a policy maker to answer questions at the legislative committee level. The leaders accused the professor of belittling the legislature and failing to recognise the authority of MCAs, therefore declaring him ripe for impeachment.

During a three-hour sitting, the accused Finance Minister put up a spirited defence to exonerate himself, only for the MCAs to observe that some of his tabled documents were forgeries that had not been received at the Assembly. The Professor also welcomed the invocation of the law to remove him from office, at the same time acknowledging withholding information from the legislators; a violation of Article 35 of the Constitution. 

 

In turn, Ward Reps stated that Prof. Kamaria’s admission of guilt was evidence enough to condemn him to impeachment. Several MCAs asserted their opinion that the CEC Member was not the right person for the job of managing billions of public funds in the county. They rubbished his apology as cosmetic, observing that his body language displayed spite for the County Assembly membership.

Kenya was placed on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) "grey list" back in February 2024. The FATF is essentially the world's financial hall monitors. In essence, Kenya has been failing to prevent illicit money from entering its casinos and banks. The rules are somewhat in place, but no one really knows who owns what, and there isn't enough transparency enforcing them, and to be honest, combating financial crime appears to be more of a recommendation than a top priority.

Things are going to get messy now that the EU is joining the bandwagon. Investors will begin to look the other way, particularly the powerful European and American investors. There are additional requirements, paperwork, and "prove you're not a criminal" forms to fill out. Who would even enjoy that?

Kenya was attempting to position itself as the sleek new financial centre of Africa, but this? It's similar to wearing a sticker that reads "likely to commit fraud" to a job interview.

Furthermore, it goes beyond simply deterring investors. Do business with the EU? Anticipate delays. Due to the rain, all of those imports and exports will travel more slowly. Businesses and banks must verify everything twice. Kenyan banks will need to invest heavily in new compliance systems, recruit more lawyers, and train employees to recognize the money-laundering scourge that lurks in every transaction. That is expensive, and the customer typically bears the expense.

Relationships between banks and foreign partners are also in jeopardy. Do you want to continue doing business with a bank that has been flagged as risky if you are a large European bank? Not at all. Kenyan banks must therefore step up their game by tightening checks on new customers and improving transaction monitoring. It's terrible for people who only want to send money abroad or open a basic account.

But the Kenyan government isn't doing nothing. Reforms are being promised by the Central Bank and National Treasury. Trying to raise Kenyan laws to international standards, strengthening the Financial Reporting Centre, and enacting new regulations regarding who actually owns businesses.

Sounds good, but let's face it, the easy part is writing rules. The hard part is actually enforcing them. Cleaning up a system requires more than just a press conference. This is ultimately Kenya's "get your act together" moment. It will require more than just good intentions to get off that list. Kenya's financial reputation will continue to suffer unless there is genuine reform, real action, and actual follow-through.

To be honest, Kenya will be in the financial penalty box for a long time if the regulators and banks don’t work harder. The clock is ticking.

The Central Bank of Kenya's decision to lower the Central Bank Rate from 10.5% to 9.75% at a time when they are predicting a 5.2% GDP growth in 2025 seems, to be honest, a bit of a plot twist. All of a sudden, everyone is hopeful. The shilling is holding up, tourists are returning, Kenyans in the diaspora are sending money home, and inflation is down to 3.8%. Things appear to be a little better than they were the previous year.

The CBK believes it can ease without causing price chaos because inflation is slowing down. Additionally, the Fed and the ECB, two major players, are tapping the curbs on rate increases, so this action is covered globally.

 Bonds and stocks typically receive a boost when interest rates decline. Anyone holding government bonds is smiling because bond yields are likely to decline, which means prices will rise.

Businesses may borrow and grow if loans are more affordable, but banks? Don't be surprised if they start charging for things like insurance or mobile banking fees to make up the difference because their margins are going to be squeezed.

The true beneficiaries are borrowers, particularly MSMEs and those looking for a mortgage. There will be more affordable loans available, but don't count on banks to go crazy overnight. They'll most likely start scrutinizing every loan application because they're concerned about non-payment. If your company is drowning in costly, short-term debt, now's is the time to discuss refinancing with your banker.

That growth goal of 5.2%? Not a complete fantasy, but ambitious. In fact, agriculture is making a comeback, infrastructure is gaining more traction, and people in the private sector are becoming a little more courageous. Let's not fool ourselves, though. Reducing rates does not automatically increase output. We risk creating a credit bubble if everyone only takes out loans to buy cars rather than building factories. Therefore, policymakers must continue to monitor manufacturing, jobs, and exports. Not just quick cash.

In summary, CBK is being both audacious and astute here. It's probably time for businesses to hustle, banks to get creative, and investors to start looking for deals. However, keep in mind that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Maintaining discipline is the true test. Don't spend all of it on short-term gains and neglect the fundamentals: responsible lending, fiscal sanity, and ensuring that the money reaches the people who will need it most. While lower rates are nice, what matters most will be what we do next.

"Since the national government is spearheading the construction of the modern stadium, we have found it ideal to push out Agricultural Show from this July 2025 to February 2026 to pave way for the important project", said the county minister.

The Dr Julius Malombe-led government failed to identify an alternative venue for the Agricultural Show which traditionally takes place in July leading to its postponement. "An event of this magnitude requires so many things. There should be adequate security, a secure gate, perimeter fence and a wall, amenity facilities, demonstration farms and livestock lines and many others", explained CEC Kimwele.

However, show lovers have been assured that going forward, the Kitui Agricultural Show and Trade Fair will be held in February every year at the refurbished grounds.

"Under Governor Dr. Julius Malombe's leadership, agriculture is being treated as a value chain and a commercial engine focused on resilience, productivity and regional collaboration with other players,"said Kivoto. The chief officer spoke on Friday when she represented the CEC for agriculture  Stephen Kimwele as the chief guest during the Eastern Africa Grain Council, Lower Eastern Region Agribusiness Expo, held at the South Eastern Kenya University in Kitui county. The Expo attracted over 1,000 farmers from Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos counties with more than 30 exhibitors showcasing innovative, climate-smart solutions aimed at transforming the grain sector.

The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation showcasing and forging partnerships aimed at future-proofing agriculture in the face of climate change and development pressure.

Kivoto reaffirmed Kitui County’s commitment to accomplishing an  inclusive, climate-resilient, and market-oriented agricultural transformation agenda in partnership with regional and national actors.

To that end, Kivoto said in collaboration withstakeholders, Malombe's administration was setting up  the  county aggregation and industrial park.

She said  the humongous facility would provide cold storage facilities, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance value addition while protecting farmers from exploitation by middle men and brokers.

Kivoto added that not only were farmers exposed affordable irrigation technologies such as drip kits and solar-powered pumps but numerous dams were being done or rehabilitated to assure access to water.

The chief officer added that the youth were encouraged  to engage in agribusiness ventures.

Kivoto further pointed out that veterinary services had been enhanced through mobile units, vaccination drives, and improved livestock breeding programs.

The  EAGC Executive Director, Mr. Gerald Masila,  applauded the county  government for embracing innovation in agribusiness. He emphasized the need  for market links in support of  smallholder farmers.

A land use planning specialist,  Roseline Musyoka, urged counties to adopt comprehensive land use plans that strike a balance between residential development, agriculture, agroforestry, and other economic activities.