Follow Us on Social Media

Showing posts with label FEATURED STORIES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FEATURED STORIES. Show all posts

Surviving the Concrete Jungle: A Glimpse into Life on the Streets

STORY By HANNAH NALIANYA

The streets hum with a restless energy, alive with stories that most of us pass by without a second glance. For millions around the world, these streets are not just a pathway. They are home. Life on the streets is a brutal existence, shaped by forces far beyond personal choice: economic hardships, family breakdowns, domestic violence, mental health struggles, and systemic failures.
Mathare valley slums in Nairobi, Kenya. Slums depict an acute need for affordable housing for people to lead dignified lives.|FILE

"No one wakes up and chooses to be homeless," says James, a 42-year-old man who has lived on the streets for over a decade. "It's a journey that starts with one bad break... then another. Before you know it, the streets are all you have", adds James.

Every sunrise marks the beginning of another battle for the basics— food, warmth, and safety. Those living without shelter rely on the unpredictable kindness of strangers, the limited aid from soup kitchens, or overstretched local charities. But hope is a fragile currency. Resources run thin, and the uncertainty of survival looms large.

The environment itself becomes an adversary. Whether battered by winter’s chill or scorched by summer’s relentless heat, the elements show no mercy. Illness, injury, theft; dangers stalk every corner. 

Personal belongings, often a lifeline to dignity, are stolen in the blink of an eye. In this world, even the smallest comforts — a blanket, a clean shirt, a hot meal — transform into rare luxuries.

Yet perhaps the deepest wounds are invisible.
Isolation, abandonment, and stigma hang heavy over those who call the streets home. Society is quick to judge, labelling the homeless as addicts or idlers, rarely pausing to understand the tangled web of circumstances that led them there.

"People look at me like I'm dangerous or dirty," shares Mary, a young woman who found herself on the streets after fleeing an abusive home. "But I'm just someone who had nowhere else to go."

Street children, among the most vulnerable, bear an even heavier burden. Physical violence is a daily threat  not only from police and other authority figures but also from older children who have learned to survive through aggression.

"The older boys beat us up if we don't give them our food," recounts Peter, a 12-year-old who has lived on the streets since losing his parents. "Sometimes they even take our clothes."
Many children carry knives for protection, and violence sometimes turns fatal. The emotional toll is just as grave: loneliness, depression, and self-loathing carve deep scars into the hearts of the young.

A 2011 UN Human Rights report redefined street children as "street-connected children for whom the street is not just a temporary refuge but a defining part of their identity". Some live permanently on the streets; others work there or move between a fragile "homes" and the streets. 

Organizations like Laughter Africa focus on those living permanently on the streets, offering not just shelter but a chance to rebuild broken lives.

Despite the grim reality, stories of resilience and hope emerge. Many individuals, with the right support shelters, rehabilitation programs, and community care — find their way back to stable lives.

"I never thought I'd get out," says Paul, who spent six years homeless before securing permanent housing through a local initiative. "But someone believed in me  and that made all the difference."

Initiatives like "Housing First" programs, which prioritize providing stable accommodation before addressing other issues have shown promising results. But solutions must dig deeper than surface-level charity. Ending homelessness demands a shift in societal mindset: replacing judgment with compassion and charity with systemic change. It requires governments and communities to invest in affordable housing, accessible healthcare, mental health services, and robust social safety nets.

Most importantly, it calls on us to restore dignity and humanity to those who have been rendered invisible.

"We are not statistics," Mary insists. "We are human beings  with dreams, hopes, and stories."

The streets will continue to bear witness to countless silent battles unless, as a society, we choose to listen, to understand, and to act. A future without homelessness is possible. But only if we dare to believe that no one belongs on the streets not today, not ever.

The Writer is a Bachelor of Arts [Communication Studies] Student at Chuka University.

How a Chance Encounter Changed Two Lives Forever

STORY By CHARITY JEPKOECH 

The rain had been falling for hours, turning Nairobi city streets into rivers of mud and flashing headlights. On the edge of Kencom Bus Station, under a cracked umbrella, stood Wanja shivering, angry, and lost.
A matatu. As Wanja shivered on the edge of Kencom Bus Station in Nairobi City, she met Kevin who helped her with an umbrella. This was the beginning of their love story which led to marriage. |ILLUSTRATION PHOTO

She clutched a torn paper bag filled with her few belongings. Twenty-six years old, heartbroken, and broke, she had just walked away from a toxic relationship that had drained her of everything. Her savings, self-worth, dreams had all vanished.

All she had left was the determination not to go back.

As the clock struck 10 p.m., the last bus to Kayole was pulling away.
Wanja ran after it, shouting, but the conductor only shrugged.  It was full. Off it went.

Defeated, she sank onto a broken bench, tears mixing with the rain.
It was then she heard a rough voice, but kind.

"Miss... are you okay?"

She looked up to see a tall man in a soaked hoodie, carrying a backpack and an umbrella that was more holes than fabric. His name was Kevin.

Kevin was no knight in shining armor. He was a casual laborer at Gikomba, struggling to make ends meet after losing his brother to gang violence. He knew hardship. He knew hunger. And he recognized the desperation in Wanja’s eyes because it mirrored his own not long ago.

Without asking questions, Kevin offered her half of his umbrella and his last KSh 100.
"Let’s share a cab to Kayole. You can pay me back someday... or not."

Wanja hesitated. In Nairobi, trust was a dangerous luxury. But something in Kevin’s voice, something raw and honest — made her nod.

That night, inside a noisy, rattling cab, two strangers shared silence, then laughter, then stories of pain they had never dared to tell anyone else. By the time they reached Kayole, something fragile but powerful had taken root.

The next morning, Wanja borrowed Kevin’s battered old phone and called an old college friend. Within a week, she landed a small clerical job at an NGO. She insisted on paying Kevin back — and buying him a new umbrella.

But fate wasn’t done with them yet. As weeks turned into months, Wanja and Kevin kept crossing paths. A lunch here. A walk there and late-night call after a rough day. They leaned on each other. They grew together.

Two years later, in a tiny church in Umoja, under a sky bright with second chances, Kevin placed a simple ring on Wanja’s finger. "I found you when I had nothing," he whispered, "and yet you gave me everything."

Today, Wanja and Kevin run a small community foundation that helps stranded young people in Nairobi; people just like they once were. They call it The Last Bus Initiative.

Because sometimes, missing the last bus doesn’t mean missing your destiny.Sometimes, it’s just the beginning of a miracle.

The Writer is a Second Year Student at Chuka University pursing a BA Degree in Journalism

There will be mass evictions of illegal occupants of game reserves, CS

STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

With Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen terming land conflict along Kitui and Tana River counties an emotive issue, the matter needs an urgent solution. While speaking on Thursday during a tour of Kitui County for the Jukwaa La Usalama Forum, Murkomen noted that the boundary dispute between the two neighboring counties was now a serious security nightmare. 
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen addressing the press at Kitui town on Thursday. |MWINGI TIMES

The Interior and National National Administration CS pointed out that there are quite a number of counties across Kenya which have boundary disputes and Parliament should come in to offer a solution. "We are faced with a challenge of county boundaries. This cannot be left to security apparatus alone. It has to be taken to Parliament to ensure boundaries are properly demarcated", said CS Murkomen.

The CS said non-local residents had illegally occupied Mwingi and South Kitui National Reserves. They are from Garissa, Tana River, Isiolo and Wajir counties. They are the people facing evictions.

Murkomen announced there would be eminent mass evictions of Kenyans who illegally occupy game reserves warning that no one will be spared after being found to have invaded the reserves. "We want all people out of the game reserves because that is causing the proliferation of illegal firearms in the country. It is also causing conflict among local people".

Probe the cause of Kariobangi North MCA's death, says Kalonzo

STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Wiper leader Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka is grieving the sudden and untimely demise of the MCA for Kariobangi North in Nairobi Joel Munuve on Tuesday.
The late Kariobangi North MCA Joel Munuve. Wiper party leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has called upon the investigating agencies to unravel the cause of the late MCA's death.|FILE

The former vice president  has consequently urged for quick action by the  authorities to establish what caused the death of MCA Munuve who was his political bosom friend.
"As we mourn Hon. Munuve, we urge quick action on establishing the cause of his sudden death", the Wiper leader wrote on his condolence message on his Facebook page.

Kalonzo described the late Kariobangi North MCA as tireless advocate of the rights of people as well as their dedicated servant.

The late Munuve was an active member of Team SKM, said the former VP. The Team SKM is spearheading campaign for Kalonzo's election as President of Kenya during the 2027 polls.

Nairobi City County Assembly Speaker, Ken Ng'ondi, said the late MP Munuve passed on while he was undergoing treatment in a hospital on Kiambu Road. 

The late Munuve was elected on an independent ticket in 2022 polls.

Kitui woman stabs boyfriend, 7 years her junior with kitchen knife

STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

A 23-year-old man is fighting for his life at the Kitui County Referral Hospital after he was knifed in the chest by his 30-year-old girlfriend.
A knife attack. Photo used for illustration only.|FILE

The youthful man was allegedly seriously injured by the his lover, a daughter of a senior chief in Kitui, after a violent quarrel on Tuesday.

The duo were said to have differed after a beer beige. When they got to their house,  tempers flared with  the woman reaching for a kitchen knife culminating to the near fatal attack.

The incident took place at Kunda Kindu area of Kitui township. The injured man was taken to Kitui Level IV Hospital where he is undergoing treatment.

Confirming the incident, Kitui Central subcounty Police Commander, Peter Karanja, confirmed that the assailant was on Wednesday being held at the Kitui Central police  station cells and investigations had gotten underway.
"The injured man is not dead. He is alive and undergoing treatment at the Kitui Level IV Hospital," said Karanja when he spoke to the media.

Karanja further added the woman who allegedly knifed the man was cooling her heels in custody. The sub county police boss said the motive of the attack was unclear and that investigations had been launched into the incident.

He added that once the probe is finalized, the suspected attacker would be arraigned in a court of law.

Embu MCAs Pay Tribute to Pope Francis

STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

Members of the County Assembly of Embu joined Catholic faithful around the world in eulogising Pope Francis who passed away at the age of 88 years.
Pope Francis.|FILE
The Ward Representatives set aside time to give their condolence messages, with each lauding the departed Pontiff for his exemplary leadership and humility.

The leaders urged all denominations to unite in mourning Pope Francis, at the same time replicating his good deeds and efforts to galvanize the church against moral decadence.

Son hacks father with a panga, killing him

Police in Mutomo sub county, Kitui South are looking for a man aged 43 years who attacked his father and killed him.
Mumo Musyoka fatally hacked his father on his neck using a panga. After the heinous incident, area Chief Pius Kilunda said Musyoka fled the scene of crime. The incident happened on Sunday in Thome village, Kawelu sub location. 

The motive of the crime has not yet been established as the investigation is still ongoing. The body of the deceased was taken to Mutomo Level Four Hospital mortuary.

BREAKING: Pope Francis dead

Pope Francis, the leader of Roman Catholic Church, has died. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced on the Vatican television.
The late Pope Francis died aged 88.

Pope Francis was the first Latin American pope to head the Catholic Church. He was 88 years old.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the pope served in that position from March 13, 2013. The Argentine cleric was well known for his love for the poor and simple lifestyle.

Bodaboda riders barricade Embu road, demand action from leaders

STORY By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Tension simmered in Dallas estate on Friday morning as bodaboda riders took to the streets to protest the deplorable state of the Dallas Shell Feeder road, accusing the Embu County government of turning a blind eye to their plight.
Residents of Dallas estate in Embu town barricade a road in deplorable state which they accuse the County Government of Embu of neglect. IMWINGI TIMES

With chants, burning tires, and symbolic trenches filled with banana plants, the angry riders blocked the road, paralyzing transport and causing a major disruption in the usually busy estate. They said their protests are a cry for dignity and decent infrastructure within the town.

“The road is no longer motorable,” lamented Martin Murithi, one of the bodaboda operators. “We are tired of risking our lives and damaging our bikes daily. We will not relent until something is done” he added .

The riders claim that for years, they have appealed to the county government to rehabilitate the stretch, but their cries have been ignored. They argue that the road’s worsening condition has affected not just transport but also local businesses along the route.

“It’s shocking that such a road can be neglected yet it's within town. Our leaders keep promising action, but all they do is take us in circles.” said Moses Wachira.

Residents said the poor drainage system has made the situation unbearable, with runoff water from rains seeping into shops and homes. Business owners have incurred losses, and some have been forced to close their premises.

The protesters questioned why county leaders appear responsive only during election seasons but disappear when real issues arise. They warned that this protest was just the beginning of more organized resistance if the County Government of Embu fails to act.

By midday, banana stems stood defiantly in the middle of the road, a symbolic show of frustration and mockery at what they termed deliberate neglect. The smell of burning tires and thick smoke filled the air, as residents joined in the calls for action.

The riders say they are not seeking luxury, just a passable road that allows them to earn a living with dignity. Until then, they say, no vehicle will pass and normalcy will not resume.

The eyes now remain to count government for action.

Ngomeni residents condemn poor workmanship of county projects

Residents of Kavaani/Ikime village  in Ngomeni ward of Kitui County have raised  concern over poor workmanship of a toilet project at Muringani area. Even before the project that is being constructed for use by people who draw water from a public kiosk is complete, part of it  has collapsed before reaching 25% completion.
The toilet 

Worried residents have already  branded the public toilet project a death trap. They pointed out that beams and  other materials used  to reinforce the toilet slab are too weak to last long. "This is a public funds rip off. I saw the contractor removing concrete from the construction site at night. If they will not use strong metals in building that toilet, I think it should not be used because it will obviously collapse", a local warned.

Many residents  who went into social media to complain about the project said the project's  bill of quantity had been kept secret and they were not able to ascertain or verify the scope of the intended work on the condemned toilet project.

At the  same time a sand dam constructed across Ndatani river was also flagged as substandard by locals. They  have demanded that the contractors should be arrested for wasting taxpayers' money.

"Slow Down or Ship Out!", Runyenjes MP Muchangi warns Miraa Drivers

STORY By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi Karemba has come out guns blazing against reckless miraa drivers, warning that their days of endangering lives on local roads are numbered.
Runyenjes MP Muchangi Karemba when he was addressing locals at Kagaari Primary School. |MWINGI TIMES

Addressing hundreds of boda boda riders at Kagaari Primary School during the disbursement of KSh 5 million in presidential empowerment funds, a visibly agitated Muchangi called out miraa transporters who speed through the constituency like “untouchable missiles" stating they won't be allowed.

“When you enter Runyenjes, you must apply brakes  both literally and figuratively.We cannot allow our roads to become slaughterhouses because of a few unruly drivers chasing profits.”Karemba stated.

The MP’s fiery remarks follow a heartbreaking tragedy in Kathageri, where two brothers lost their lives and two more were critically injured after a hit-and-run accident involving a speeding, miraa-laden Toyota Hilux. That incident, he said, was the final straw.

“I’ve officially petitioned the Cabinet Secretary for Transport. We want these death machines off our roads unless they follow the rules.No crop, no matter how lucrative, is worth more than human life.” he said.

MP Muchangi is now calling for urgent action from all corners from police and NTSA to the county government  to clamp down on rogue drivers before the situation spirals out of control.

“This is not just a warning. It’s a final call. We must restore order before we bury more innocent lives.” Karemba asserted.

There has been rising cases of accidents related to Miraa transporting vehicle with locals calling for authorities to stamp their authority and bring to end reckless driving along Meru-Embu- Nairobi highway.

Senate Speaker to hold regular meet ups with County Assemblies to make devolution thrive

STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

The Speaker of Kitui County Assembly Kevin Kinengo together with other County Assembly Speakers today held a consultative meeting with Senate Speaker Amasom Jeffah Kingi at the National Parliament.
Kitui County Assembly Speaker Kevin Kinengo (centre), Senator Kiio Wambua and Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna hold discussions in the Parliament.|MWINGI TIMES

Kingi is the Patron of the County Assemblies Forum. "A good partnership between the Senate and County Assemblies is key to ensuring full realisation of Devolution", said Senate Speaker Kingi 

The leaders resolved to have periodic roundtable meetings to address emerging issues and to get progress reports on bills and county programs.

Do Not Drink and Drive to avoid Easter carnage, advises Kitui CECM

Road users have been cautioned against drunk driving as the country marks the Easter holidays. Starting tomorrow,  Kitui County expects to witness increased number of travellers from cities and other urban areas to mark the international holiday.
Kitui County CECM for Roads, Public Works and Transport Eng. Reuben Itiko (centre) during a past event.

Roads, Public Works and Transport CECM Eng Reuben Itiko cautioned drivers and bodaboda riders to strictly follow traffic rules as a way of minimizing fatalities and serious injuries.

"I wish to take this opportunity to remind all road users...to strictly observe road traffic rule and prioritize safety on our roads", said CECM Itiko.

Govt urged to increase funding in robotic education

STORY By BRIAN MUSYOKA

In a spirited call for educational advancement, stakeholders and students gathered at Kangaru Boys High School in Embu have urged the government to channel more resources into robotics education. This appeal came during the 61st Kenya Science and Engineering Fair at Kangaru School in Embu County where voices from across the country emphasized the need to equip learners with adequate robotics kits and hands-on training to prepare them for the demands of an evolving technological landscape.
Students undertake robotic contest at Kangaru School, Embu County.|MWINGI TIMES

Olimo Oscar, a student from S.C.L.P Samaj School in Nairobi, praised the introduction of robotics programs in schools through the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA). He noted that the initiative is timely and aligns perfectly with Kenya’s aspirations to expand its manufacturing and industrial sectors. Oscar stressed the importance of proper infrastructure and investment to ensure students receive quality training in robotics.

Students at the event expressed excitement and optimism about the incorporation of robotics in the curriculum. They described it as an eye-opener and a clear pathway to the country’s future growth, particularly in science and technology. Many called on education stakeholders to expand access so that more learners can benefit from these cutting-edge opportunities.

CEMASTEA, a key player in promoting STEM education in Kenya, has been instrumental in this push. The institution has rolled out various programs targeting learners from primary to secondary level, with a focus on STEM outreach, innovation camps, and digital literacy. These programs are designed to improve teaching methods and nurture creativity among learners.

The organization has conducted several STEM boot camps that offer hands-on experience in fields like creative coding, mobile app development, 3D design, and robotics. These camps have become a launchpad for young innovators, enabling them to experiment and bring their ideas to life through technology.

In partnership with groups such as UCMAS Kenya and STEM Impact Centre Kenya, CEMASTEA is building a strong community of young problem-solvers and critical thinkers. These collaborations have helped broaden the reach of robotics education, especially in underserved areas, providing equal opportunities for all learners.

CEMASTEA’s teaching approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning and encourages students to explore and question. By promoting a fearless attitude towards experimentation and failure, the institution cultivates innovation and resilience, two critical qualities for future engineers and tech leaders.

As Kenya continues to invest in a digitally driven economy,  supporting robotics education through institutions like CEMASTEA is not just an investment in students. It is a strategic move towards building a self-reliant, tech-savvy generation that can lead Kenya’s industrial transformation.

Leaders urge unity, forgiveness during Palm Sunday celebrations

STORY By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Embu County Political and Church leaders have called for a spirit of unity and forgiveness between leaders and the public, urging both parties to shun blame games and embrace constructive dialogue for the sake of development.
Embu Senator Alexander Munyi Mundigi greets faithful at All Saints Kiritiri ACK Church.|MWINGI TIMES

Speaking during the Palm Sunday celebrations at All Saints ACK Church in Kiritiri, Mbeere South, the leaders emphasized that finger-pointing and public confrontations are counterproductive and only serve to derail progress.

Leading the call was Embu Senator Alexander Munyi Mundigi, who urged residents to give leaders and the government sufficient time to implement development projects. He cautioned against premature opposition to government plans, warning that such resistance could demoralize efforts and stall critical initiatives.

“Development takes time. Let’s not kill progress by opposing every step taken. Our leaders need our support, not constant criticism,” Senator Mundigi said.

His sentiments were strongly supported by Mbeere ACK Bishop Dr. Moses Masamba, who warned against the rising culture of leaders flexing political muscle and citizens shouting down those in office.

“We must drop the chest-thumping and heckling. It won’t take us forward,” Bishop Masamba said. “The future of this country lies in dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding. Both leaders and citizens must learn to embrace each other.”

The leaders called on residents to nurture a culture of forgiveness where faults in leadership occur, noting that unity and collaboration remain the bedrock of meaningful change.

As the faithful waved palm branches and marked the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the message of humility, forgiveness, and peace was echoed not only in sermons but also in the resounding call for political tolerance and national cohesion.

Mass vaccination of livestock to start in Mwingi North

STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

There will be vaccination of livestock across Mwingi North sub county, sub county veterinary officer Dr Kemboi Evans has said. The exercise will kick off on April 22 and end in the first week of May.
A mass vaccination exercise held in Mulango ward, Kitui Central on April 3, 2025. Regular vaccinations and deworming help prevent disease outbreaks.|COURTESY

The government intends to control lumpy skin disease (LSD), rabbies (Kisala), foot and mouth (FMD), CCPP (Mavui) and PPR (Kwitua) "to curb the spread and prevent frequent outbreaks".

While stating that all dogs must be vaccinated, Dr Kemboi Evans listed the cost of vaccination as thus: cattle -70/-, goats/sheep-30/-  dogs and cats-100, donkeys -100/-. This is according to a letter to stakeholders dated April 12

On April 3, Kitui County CECM for Agriculture Dr Stephen Mbaya Kimwele announced that the county had launched mass vaccination to boost livestock health. During the exercise held at Kaumba village in Mulango ward in Kitui Central sub county, 52 cattle were vaccinated against LSD, 150 goats against CCPP among other  livestock which received various immunizations to enhance their overall health and productivity.

The county government of Kitui officials emphasized the importance of regular vaccinations and deworming in curbing disease outbreaks and promoting sustainable livestock farming.

Two factor authentication; a necessary evil

STORY By MUSYOKA NGUI 

As the world gets complex, trust diminishes hence the need to mind your own business first before saving others. Due to hacking and other online security breaches, two factor authentication is becoming a necessary evil. 
Having another layer of defense confirms our fears that no one is impenetrable.  At one point of browsing, everyone is exposed. That calls for a need to cover our backs.

Two factor authentication is a process that involves sending codes after log in in order to keep away unauthorized access.  For this to be effective, you need to have your email ready to receive a message. You can also choose to use your mobile phone number.

It's better to have a delayed receiving of a code than someone else bypassing you and compromising your contacts and content.

Fund helping University of Embu students achieve their dreams

STORY By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Some 356 students from humble backgrounds at the University of Embu have received a collective Sh3 million through the institution’s Endowment Fund, breathing new hope into their academic journeys.
Endowment Fund board of trustees chairman Lenny Kivuti (centre), University of Embu VC Prof Daniel Mugendi and other members display a cheque issued. |MWINGI TIMES

The number marks a sharp rise from last year's 284 beneficiaries clear proof that the university's commitment to equity in education is gaining momentum. Many of the students who benefitted this year were on the brink of dropping out due to financial hardship, but are now back in class, chasing their dreams.

“The Endowment Fund has changed the course of many students’ lives.The financial aid we offer is not just about money. It is about opening doors, removing obstacles, and creating a future for young Kenyans.” said former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti, who chairs the Endowment Board of Trustees.

Kivuti called on the students who have benefited to harness well the opportunity being in class to better their future.

The fund, established in 2018, has grown to about Sh40 million, with an ambitious goal of hitting Sh10 billion. It is overseen by a professional and independent board that includes high-profile Kenyans such as legal scholar Prof. PLO Lumumba ensuring transparency and credibility in how the 
funds are handled.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel Mugendi reaffirmed that the selection process is rigorous and fair to ensure only the deserving students benefit. “We work closely with local community leaders to identify the truly deserving cases. Our process is thorough to ensure this fund uplifts the most vulnerable,” he said.

He said in every financial year, the university commits Sh2.5 million to keep the fund alive. But that is not all. Fundraising marathons, golf tournaments, and donation drives have also played a major role in growing the kitty, while instilling a culture of giving among students, alumni, and other stakeholders.

To ensure no student studies on an empty stomach, part of the endowment also supports a meal voucher program in the university addressing both academic and nutritional needs of struggling students.

Students who have  received support describe the fund as a game-changer maintaining them in school. “I was about to defer my studies, but the fund came through at the last minute.Now I can breath again,” said a third-year student.

The leaders called on all to continue supporting the kitty to keep dreams of many needy students alive.

PUPIL DIES crossing river as four others rescued

STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT 

One pupil drowned while crossing Tiva river in Kitui South sub county, Kitui county. According to area Chief  Julius Munyaka, the child was accompanied by four others who also were swept by the flooded waters but were rescued by good samaritans. 
A flooded river. Photo used for illustration.|FILE

The incident happened at around 12pm. "The pupil who drowned has been searched and has not been found", said the administrator.  

Mr Munyaka called upon parents to ensure their children don't cross flooded rivers. He also urged them to accompany the children when going to school during rainy days in order to minimize the number of lives lost during this rainy season.

What ails Health ministry as Ministers swap roles?

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale held a brief meeting with his outgoing counterpart Dr Deborah Barasa at Afya House. 

On Wednesday, President William Ruto announced the reshuffles which included firing of former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi.
© all rights reserved
made with by Skitsoft