Speaking in Nairobi during a consultative meeting of the Council of Governors with all the County Secretaries where he had been invited as the chief guest to deliver a keynote address, the Governor said county secretaries play a critical role in linking political leadership with the administrative systems of county governments and ensuring that executive decisions are effectively implemented.

"You are the links between the political leadership and the administrative systems of the county. You facilitate continuity in governance by putting into place systems that ensure institutional memory. Your success in the execution of the mandate of your office greatly contributes to effective service delivery by county governments" he noted.

Governor Malombe recalled his experience as a member of the Task Force on Devolved Government, which developed the policies and legal framework that operationalized devolution, including the County Governments Act, the Public Finance Management Act, and the Intergovernmental Relations Act.

He noted that devolution has hugely transformed governance by decentralizing resources and key services closer to citizens. He highlighted progress made since 2013, particularly in healthcare, early childhood education and agricultural extension. 

However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges such as delayed disbursements, fiscal constraints and capacity gaps in county administrations.

Governor Malombe urged county secretaries to uphold professionalism, maintain integrity in the public service, strengthen cooperation between national and county governments, and embrace digital systems and performance management to improve efficiency and service delivery.

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‎13.8% of the sampled respondents were undecided. This, according to Mizani Africa, "indicates that while Nzengu currently holds a strong advantage, a portion of the electorate is still open to persuasion as the political environment evolves."

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‎Gen Zs have been seen as a weak link in electoral system since they do not embrace voter registration unlike the other voter groups like the elderly and women.  In October 2025, only 20754 new voters out of the targeted 6.3million voters were enrolled since the IEBC resumed continuous voter registration on September 29.

Ng'eno, who represented Emurua Dikirr constituency in Narok County for three consecutive terms, died in a helicopter crash in Mosop Constituency, Nandi County on February 28, 2026 at around 4.45 pm. He was among the six occupants who tragically perished on the spot. The helicopter was piloted by retired Lieutenant Colonel George Were.

Born on December 12, 1972 in Narok County, Ng'eno built a strong reputation as a lawyer and a committed legislator. He was admired for his dedication to his constituents and for entering politics at a young age. But while his career flourished, one aspect of his life often drew attention: his decision to remain single well into his forties.

Friends, family and even voters frequently reminded him that it was time to marry. His mother, in particular, often expressed her wish to see grandchildren. At one point she told him, “My son, please marry. I want grandchildren. Or do you want to give me grandchildren when I am too old and cannot even see them?”

Ng'eno, however, had a clear plan. He wanted to achieve his personal and professional goals before committing to a family. In an interview with TV47 Kenya, he revealed that he had been postponing marriage since his student days. Even after becoming an MP, locals in Emurua Dikirr would jokingly ask him why he remained single. He often replied with humor, saying that the “MP seat was my first wife.”

Still, the pressure never fully faded. Some voters even jokingly threatened not to support him if he did not settle down.

After achieving many of his life goals, including completing his degree, earning a master’s and establishing himself as a respected lawmaker, Ng'eno felt it was finally time for love. On August 18, 2018, he married Naiyanoi Ntutu in a colorful ceremony attended by leaders and friends from across the country. Then Deputy President William Ruto humorously welcomed him into the “married men’s club,” joking, “I am happy you can now settle down as a family man. You are now an elder. Welcome to the married club.”

Ng'eno embraced family life wholeheartedly. He and his wife were blessed with two children, and for eight joyful years from the day he said “yes I do” he enjoyed the life of a devoted husband and father.

Today, as the nation continues to mourn him, Kenyans remember Johanna Ng'eno not just as a lawyer, a legislator and a politician, but as a man who pursued his dreams before embracing love. His story is a reminder that life unfolds differently for everyone, and sometimes love comes later, but it can be just as meaningful.

The ship, identified as the IRIS Dena, was returning from international exercises and was not engaged in combat when disaster struck. Sri Lankan rescue teams raced to the scene, pulling dozens of sailors from the water and rushed them to hospitals in Galle. Families waited in anguish, desperate for news of loved ones still unaccounted for.

“We do not know if our brothers and sons are alive,” said one relative at a Galle hospital, her voice trembling. “Every minute feels like a lifetime.”

The attack has raised serious questions about naval safety in international waters. Authorities have not confirmed the identity of the submarine responsible, focusing instead on rescue and medical care. Analysts warn that the incident shows how regional tensions are now reaching far beyond traditional conflict zones.

For those aboard the ship and their families, the tragedy is painfully personal. The chaos, fear, and uncertainty mark a human cost that goes beyond military strategy and headlines, leaving lives forever altered by a sudden strike far from home.

Like thousands of Kenyans, he graduated with hope. "I graduated in 2024 with a degree in Business Management but I am still looking for a stable employment. My certificate now hangs framed on the living walls of my parents' home and my laptop sits open its screens with a lot of job applications.’’ 

His experiences reflects a growing concern across the country. Every year, thousands of students graduate from Kenyan universities full of hope. For many families, graduation is seen as a gateway to employment, financial stability and social mobility. However, for a growing number of young graduates, the reality after university is different, Despite holding degrees and professional qualifications, many young people spend months and sometimes years searching for employment without success. 

Recent data shows that about 11.9 % of Kenyan youth aged 15–24 are unemployed, a slight decline from previous years but still notably high. At the same time, institutions of higher learning continue to release thousands of graduates into the job market each year.

The most recent labour data indicates that young Kenyans face significant challenges in labour market absorption. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, youth unemployment remains a key concern affecting a large number of graduates.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has acknowledged the pressure on the labour market, noting that the number of young people entering the workforce each year continues to exceed available opportunities. This imbalance contributes to the persistent unemployment challenge in Kenya.

‘’Since graduating, I have attended several interviews,’’ Brian who graduated from Chuka University explains. ‘’Most employers ask for experiences I do not have yet. How do they expect us to have experiences when they are not employing us to have the work experience?’’ This mismatch between the number of graduates and the number of jobs available continues to widen political gaps.

Experts argue that the issue is not only about the number of jobs available but also about how well graduates are prepared for the workplace. Meaning you must be experienced in the field.

A major report by Brighter Monday Kenya, one of the country’s leading job platforms, highlights that even where positions exist, many employers increasingly prioritise digital skills, adaptability and practical experience alongside academic qualifications. "When I went for the interview, they asked about practical skills and software tools which I was unable to provide because I believed that skills I will get them later on.We practised theories in classes. Practicals were limited.’’ Brian says. 

This is partly because technology is changing over time and modern business practices are reshaping job requirements faster than traditional curricula, creating a skills gap between what graduates learn and what employers seek.

Now that formal employment opportunities are limited, many graduates are turning to informal work and self-employment. Small businesses, online freelancing and short term contracts have become common among young professionals seeking financial independence. This trend is supported by broader labour data showing that a significant portion of job creation in Kenya lies in less regulated sectors, where work may be unstable. "At some point you start considering small businesses ideas just to avoid staying idle.’’ Brian admits.

Economic analysts say that while self-employment and entrepreneurship can be valuable, they are often responses to necessity rather than structured career development.

Youth unemployment has implications beyond individual income. High rates of unemployment among educated youth can slow national productivity and reduce the return on investment in higher education. "My family invested a lot in my education. I feel pressure to become financially idependent but opportunities are limited.’’ says Brian.

Data also points to regional disparities. For example, recent local studies show that certain areas, such as Mombasa County, have youth unemployment rates estimated as high as 44 %, illustrating uneven economic opportunity across the country. 

The Government of Kenya has introduced various youth empowerment and employment support programmes, including enterprise funds and digital skills initiatives designed to help young people find work or start businesses. However, experts maintain that addressing graduate unemployment will require deeper structural changes. These include stronger collaboration between universities and employers, curriculum reforms to align training with labour market needs, and policies to stimulate growth in sectors capable of creating large-scale, quality jobs. 

Looking ahead, Kenya has made significant progress in expanding access to higher education. More young people are graduating than ever before. However, employment growth has not matched this expansion. 

A university degree remains valuable, but it no longer guarantees immediate job security. Closing the gap between qualification and employment will require coordinated efforts and collaboration from educators, policymakers, the private sector and young people themselves. Until structural adjustment are made, the transition from graduation to stable employment will continue to present challenges for many Kenyan youth just like Brian.