‎By JOHN MUSEMBI

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Of these, only Kajiado county is likely to get near average rainfall in its Western Sector. "Heavy events possible in a few parts during the first half [of the month]", warns Kenya Meteorological Department in the May 2026 Climate Outlook.

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‎Of note is that the second half of the month will witness cessation of long rains over much of the country including our region. "Depressed rainfall is expected during the second half of the month, signalling the cessation of the long rains over much of the country", the report reads in part.

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‎As of temperature ranges, the South Eastern Lowlands are expected to experience a maximum temperature of between 23°C and 33°C while the minimum temperature will oscillate from 10°C to 22°C.

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By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The Senator said the proposed Nuts and Oil Crops Development Bill, 2023, currently under review in the Senate, is designed to bring order and fairness to the industry that has long been dominated by brokers and cartels.

Mundigi, who also serves as the Vice Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, noted that the bill seeks to address systemic challenges that have disadvantaged farmers for years.

He emphasized that one of the key provisions of the bill is to cushion farmers from erratic and often exploitative pricing by introducing minimum guaranteed returns for their produce.

According to the Senator, the legislation will eliminate middlemen who have been buying macadamia at throwaway prices only to sell at significantly higher margins in international markets.

Speaking in Runyenjes Town on Sunday after attending a social function, Mundigi said the government is keen on ensuring farmers reap maximum benefits from their hard work.

He pointed out that the bill also focuses on promoting value addition within the country by encouraging local processing of macadamia instead of exporting raw nuts.

Mundigi explained that processed macadamia products fetch significantly higher prices in global markets, with a kilo going for up to Sh. 800 compared to less than Sh. 100 at the farm gate.

He noted that shifting to value addition will not only increase farmers’ incomes but also create jobs and stimulate local economies within macadamia-growing regions.

The Senator further drew parallels with successful agricultural models in Kenya, saying the sector can learn from value chains established in tea and coffee farming.

“We are advocating for macadamia to adopt the value addition model instituted on products such as tea and coffee to ensure good and sustainable returns to farmers,” he stated.

Mundigi also raised concern over the rising cases of theft of raw macadamia nuts directly from farms, terming it a major setback to farmers’ efforts.

He called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and take firm action against individuals involved in the illegal harvesting and trade of the crop.

The lawmaker reiterated his commitment to championing policies that empower farmers, saying the success of the bill will mark a turning point in restoring dignity and profitability in macadamia farming.

By BONIFACE MWANIKI 

Residents and leaders equally are still wondering why no arrests have so far been made, despite claims that some attackers were identified by locals.

The joint burial ceremony took place at Tseikuru Primary School before being dispatched for interment in various homes at Tseikuru and Kwa Kamari areas. Speaking at the send off ceremony, Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe lauded the national government for operationalizing the Kwa Kamari police station by deploying police officers. He also urged the governor to make all the other constructed police stations along the border operational to curb insecurity. 

Kitui Women Rep Dr. Irene Kasalu called for immediate arrest of the perpetrators, as word has it that they are even known by name. 

Mwingi North MP on his part called for calm as investigations takes place, since Kenyans should be allowed to mingle freely wherever they live across the country. 

By JOHN KIMANI 

  

Fuel is the heartbeat of Kenya’s economy. When petrol prices rise, transport costs surge, and every commodity that relies on movement from farm to market becomes more expensive. The April fuel hike translated directly into higher food prices:  

-Eggs:From KSh 12–14 each to KSh 18–20 

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-Tomatoes (nyanya):From KSh 80–100 per kilo to KSh 150–180 

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-Onions: From KSh 70–90 per kilo to KSh 130–160

If the cost of basic ingredients rises faster than wages, isn’t the pay increase swallowed before it reaches the table? On paper, a 12–15% wage increase looks promising. But when inflation eats into food, transport, and rent, how much of that increment survives? If eggs rise by nearly 40%, tomatoes by 50%, and onions by 70%, doesn’t the wage increase evaporate before it reaches the table?  

COTU’s call for a 23% wage increment reflects this reality. The union argues that anything less is inadequate in the face of runaway inflation. Yet even at 23%, can wages truly outpace the relentless climb of commodity prices driven by fuel costs?

Contrast this with the former President the late Mwai Kibaki's government. When salaries were adjusted upwards in the 2000s, workers felt the difference. Why? Because commodities were relatively cheap, fuel prices were stable, and inflation was low. A pay rise meant more food on the table, school fees paid on time, and savings tucked away.  

Isn’t it telling that during Kibaki’s tenure, wage increments were “sweet” because the economy allowed workers to stretch their shillings? Today, the same increments feel bitter, eroded by inflation before they can translate into better livelihoods.

Economically, wage increments without price stabilization are like pouring water into a leaking bucket. The numbers rise, but the value drains away. Fuel hikes inflate transport costs, which inflate commodity prices, which erode the purchasing power of every shilling earned. Isn’t this the paradox of wage policy in an inflationary economy—that workers celebrate increments, but markets quietly erase them?

Street food, once the cheapest lifeline for students, boda riders, and matatu passengers, is under siege. The boiled egg with kachumbari, once a symbol of affordability, now mirrors the struggle of inflation. Tomatoes have become gems, onions luxuries, and eggs survival tokens. Isn’t this more than a food story—it’s a reflection of how economic shocks ripple into daily life?

President Ruto’s Labour Day announcement raises hope, and COTU’s demand for a 23% increment raises pressure. But the question lingers: will salary increases really better livelihoods, or will inflation—fueled by rising petrol costs—always run faster than our pay slips? 

The Kibaki era showed that wage increments can transform lives when commodities are affordable. Today, the challenge is not just raising salaries, but taming inflation so that pay rises translate into real prosperity.

In a hard-hitting reflection, Mavusyu says leaders have for years chosen “public outrage, threats and politics” over real solutions, even as killings continue without arrests.

“Our people have been killed before, yet no one is ever arrested. The same is likely to happen in the current Tseikuru and Nguni cases,” he warns. “After the burials, the matter will slowly fade away like many previous incidents, until another tragedy occurs and the cycle of anger and condemnation begins again. This reflects a complete failure of leadership.”

Mavusyu insists Kitui has the knowledge to end the menace but lacks “innovative thinking, political goodwill, commitment and courage” from leaders. 

He calls for benchmarking from counties like Makueni, Narok, Samburu and parts of North Eastern Region, where communities have built home-grown solutions to land use, grazing disputes, and border conflicts.

One practical fix, he says, is a protected animal corridor running from the Mwingi North Reserve to Kitui South. It would integrate: 

At the same time, the Kitui County Assembly must enact laws that: 

“For example, imposing heavy fines for every camel illegally grazed within protected areas or corridors would discourage unlawful grazing, help remove alleged illegal herders through lawful means and restore long-term order,” Mavusyu notes.

He points out that Governor Dr. Malombe included the corridor agenda in his last campaign manifesto. The conservancy plan is also “properly captured in the County 2024 Revised CIDP.” What’s missing is speed. 

“That process now needs to be fast-tracked, especially by MCAs from the affected regions, while ensuring a proper budget allocation is put in place,” he says. A clear county policy would also attract conservation partners and development agencies to fund the plan.

Mavusyu challenges MPs and MCAs from affected areas to “wake up from slumber, speak with one voice and champion practical solutions instead of endless political statements after every attack.”

Beyond reducing human conflict, he argues, the corridor and laws would: 

“The long-term solution lies in sound policy, conservation, community participation and proper land management — not endless reactions after every tragedy,” Mavusyu concludes. “This is the time for serious reflection on this very unfortunate matter.”

-Mulaimu Mavusyu