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CA Boosts Digital Learning in Embu Schools

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By BILDAD OKECHI

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has stepped up efforts to bridge the country's digital divide through a nationwide computer donation programme targeting learning institutions, with schools in Embu County among the latest beneficiaries.

CA Director Stephen Ngari Makindu addressing press after issuing computers to Karangare Senior School. MWINGI TIMES |Bildad Okechi

Speaking during the handover of computers at Kanyuambora Boys' Senior School, Communications Authority Director Steve Ngari said the initiative was part of the authority's Corporate Social Responsibility programme aimed at supporting digital learning and complementing the government's digital transformation agenda.

"We are distributing computers to over 23 schools across the country through our Corporate Social Responsibility programme. In this region, we are covering Embu, Nyeri, Murang'a and Kiambu counties as part of our efforts to bridge the digital gap and support the digitization of learning institutions,"Ngari said.

Ngari noted that the programme aligns with the government's broader efforts to expand digital access and strengthen the country's digital infrastructure. He said equipping schools with modern technology would help learners acquire critical digital skills needed in the contemporary job market.

The initiative is also intended to complement ongoing government programmes aimed at expanding connectivity and enhancing digital inclusion across the country.

At Kanyuambora Boys' Senior School in Mbeere North, the donated computers were welcomed as a significant boost to the institution's digital learning capacity. Deputy Principal  Emilio Njeru said the school has embraced the Competency-Based Curriculum by introducing technical subjects such as electricity, metalwork and woodwork, with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) being a compulsory subject for Grade 10 learners.

The school currently has more than 150 students taking ICT and hopes to acquire additional computers to meet the growing demand for digital learning resources.

A similar sense of optimism was evident at St. Stephen Karangare Senior School, where Chief Principal Njue Benjamin described the donation as a major milestone for the institution.

The school, which has a population of 704 students, including 265 Grade 10 learners, had previously been operating with only one desktop computer and one laptop for both teachers and students. The shortage had posed challenges, particularly for learners undertaking practical ICT lessons and project-based assessments.

Benjamin said the new computers would greatly improve teaching and learning, while also providing teachers with better opportunities for research and lessons preparation. He added that the school has recorded significant academic improvement in recent years, with its Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education mean score rising from 4.1 to 6.213 over the last two years.

As ICT becomes increasingly central to education under the Competency-Based Curriculum, stakeholders say investments in digital infrastructure will play a critical role in preparing learners for future opportunities.

For schools such as Kanyuambora Boys and St. Stephen Karangare, the computer donation programme represents more than the provision of equipment; it marks a significant step towards greater digital inclusion and enhanced learning outcomes.

Cool and Cloudy Conditions Expected this Week in Kitui County

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By JOHN MUSEMBI 

The first week of the month of July remains cool and cloudy in the morning hours across most of Kitui county.  Most afternoons and nights will be cloudy, according to a weather forecast reported prepared by the Kenya Meteorological Department. 
Weather outlook for Kitui County from July 7th to 13th. |KMD

Maximum daytime temperatures will range between 22°C and 35°C while the minimum temperatures are likely to oscillate between 13°C and 22°C.

As forecast in our earlier reports, most parts of Kitui county will have strong winds blowing across the vast land. The weatherman says the wind will blow from eastern side to south eastern side.

Mukunji Alleges Extortion in Kithimu Road Project, Criticizes Embu County Leadership

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By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Manyatta Member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji has alleged that some senior government officials in Embu County are demanding KSh50 million from the contractor undertaking the Kithimu road project, claiming the move could interfere with the successful implementation of the infrastructure development.
Manyatta Constituency MP Gitonga Mukunji. 

Speaking during a public engagement meeting in Kithimu, Mukunji said the alleged demands risk frustrating the contractor and could compromise the quality and timely completion of the road.

The legislator said residents of Kithimu deserve a modern and well-constructed road, adding that any attempts to interfere with the project through unlawful demands should not be tolerated.

Although he did not name the officials he was referring to, Mukunji maintained that he was aware of the alleged activities and vowed to ensure that development projects meant to benefit the people are protected.

He said that as the elected Member of Parliament for Manyatta Constituency, he would not allow individuals driven by personal interests to derail projects funded for the benefit of local residents.
Mukunji urged all those involved in implementing the road project to remain focused on delivering quality work and to resist any form of intimidation or interference.

The MP also criticized Embu County Governor Cecily Mbarire, accusing the county boss of taking credit for projects funded by the national government instead of prioritizing projects financed through the county government.

He claimed that despite receiving allocations from the county budget, residents were yet to see adequate development initiatives undertaken directly by the county administration.
Mukunji further called for accountability and transparency in the management of public resources, saying leaders should focus on delivering services rather than engaging in political rivalry.

His remarks came amid continued political exchanges in Embu County over development, accountability, and the implementation of public projects as leaders position themselves ahead of the next General Election in 2027.

Ruto: Reject Tribal Politics, Judge Leaders by Development Record

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By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to reject tribal politics and support leaders based on their development record, saying national unity remains the key pillar of Kenya's economic transformation.
President William Ruto speaks during a church service at Full Gospel Church Gatunduri in Manyatta Constituency on Sunday. MWINGI TIMES |Brian Musyoka

Speaking during a church service at Full Gospel Church Gatunduri in Manyatta Constituency on Sunday, the President declared that his administration would not tolerate leaders who seek to divide the country along ethnic lines.

"I will not allow tribal politics to thrive in Kenya. No one will be allowed to divide Kenyans on a tribal basis," President Ruto said, describing politicians who promote tribalism as enemies of development. He added that Kenyans should ignore leaders who rely on divisive rhetoric, insisting that voters will ultimately reward performance rather than political noise.

The President also dismissed claims that any individual delivered the Mt. Kenya vote to him in the 2022 General Election. He reminded residents that he personally campaigned across the region, visited churches and appealed directly to wananchi for their support. "I came here and asked you to vote for me, and you did. No one should claim they were solely responsible for your decision," he told the congregation.

President Ruto used the occasion to highlight the achievements of his administration over the last three and a half years, saying that his government has invested heavily in education, healthcare, agriculture, housing and infrastructure.

He said the Kenya Kwanza administration has recruited 100,000 teachers, built 23,000 classrooms for junior and senior schools, and reformed higher education funding. He noted that the education sector has received a record allocation of KSh784 billion in the current financial year, describing education as the country's greatest equaliser.

On healthcare, the President said more than 31 million Kenyans have registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) since its rollout in October 2024. 

He commended Governor Cecily Mbarire for leading a successful registration campaign, noting that Embu is among the top five counties nationally, with 72 per cent of residents enrolled. He added that hospitals in the county have received KSh2.5 billion for services offered under SHA.

The President further announced that government funding for essential medicines in public hospitals has increased from KSh13 billion to KSh19 billion in the 2026/27 financial year.

On the Affordable Housing Programme, President Ruto said the initiative has created nearly 700,000 jobs while stimulating the construction and manufacturing sectors through the building of houses, markets and student hostels across the country.

He also revealed that KSh350 billion has been mobilised for the National Infrastructure Fund through the Kenya Pipeline Company Initial Public Offering and the Safaricom share sale, saying the resources will unlock major infrastructure projects nationwide.

On agriculture, the President said reforms have reduced fertiliser prices and significantly improved coffee farmers' earnings. He noted that coffee cherry prices in Embu have risen from about KSh60 per kilogram in 2022 to between KSh140 and KSh150, while Kenya's annual milk production has increased from 4.5 billion litres to 5.4 billion litres, making the country Africa's leading milk producer.

Governor Cecily Mbarire praised the national government for accelerating development in Embu County, saying more than 300 kilometres of tarmac roads have been constructed during President Ruto's administration compared to 80 kilometres during the previous administration. 

She also thanked the President for supporting plans to establish a Level Five Hospital in Embu through funding from the Italian government.

Leaders present reaffirmed their support for President Ruto's re-election bid, saying his administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to transforming the country through development and economic growth.

Women Human Rights Defenders Call for Stronger Protection as Climate Change and Harmful Cultural Practices Fuel GBV

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By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

Environmental degradation and harmful cultural practices continue to undermine the rights, safety and livelihoods of vulnerable people across Kenya, with women, girls, children and persons with disabilities bearing the greatest burden.
Women Human Rights Defenders and other stakeholders during a two-day multi-agency meeting in Nairobi on 29–30 June 2026, where participants called for stronger protection against Gender-Based Violence and greater support for women environmental defenders. MWINGI TIMES |Josphine Mwende

Although many communities have made significant progress in abandoning harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), wife inheritance, son preference, denial of women's land ownership rights and the exclusion of women from decision-making, some societies continue to uphold traditions that perpetuate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and inequality.

It is against this backdrop that government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, security agencies and community leaders have intensified collaboration to combat GBV, promote environmental conservation and protect the rights of vulnerable groups.

Among the key organisations leading these efforts are the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD) Hub, the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), CSO Networks, county governments and the national government. Together, they are working to create safer civic spaces, empower women and dismantle cultural barriers that limit their participation and development.

Speaking during a two-day multi-agency stakeholders' meeting in Nairobi, the Chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission, Rehema Jaldesa, said more than 80 per cent of Kenya's land mass is classified as Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), which are home to approximately 38 per cent of the country's population.

She said climate change has become a major human rights issue that disproportionately affects women and other vulnerable groups."Climate shocks do not affect everyone equally. They place a heavier burden on the livelihoods and security of women and girls, children, pastoralists, indigenous communities, marginalised populations and persons with disabilities," she said.

Jaldesa noted that women human rights defenders have remained at the forefront of protecting forests, natural resources and the environment while championing climate justice.

However, she observed that many defenders carry out this work at great personal risk. According to a research conducted in 2022, at least 81 women human rights defenders worldwide lost their lives while defending land, environmental rights and climate justice. She added that many others continue to face sexual harassment, intimidation, online abuse, criminalisation and strategic lawsuits aimed at silencing their voices.

She said such cases have been reported in several Kenyan counties, including Lamu, Kwale, Kajiado, Kitui, Isiolo and Marsabit counties.

Jaldesa further revealed that the Women Human Rights Defenders Hub documented 165 cases of technology-facilitated gender-based violence between February and March 2026, with nearly one-third involving women environmental defenders. She called on more women to seek elective and appointive leadership positions ahead of Kenya's next General Election."Women occupy only 23.4 per cent of seats in the National Assembly, while representation at county level remains low.This presents an opportunity for women human rights defenders, who already possess leadership experience, to vie for political office and influence policies that promote equality and justice," she said.

The Executive Director of the Women Human Rights Defenders Hub, Salome Nduta, said the organisation has been documenting both online and physical violence against women and girls while seeking to address the root causes of gender-based violence."We have learnt that we cannot achieve gender justice without climate justice. Our work has focused on strengthening the resilience of women human rights defenders, including journalists, facilitating community dialogue with county governments and amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard," she said.

Nduta said the Hub has been implementing the eMonitor Initiative, which documents technology-facilitated violence against women environmental defenders and provides evidence to strengthen advocacy efforts."One of the most important outcomes of this project is the availability of evidence. Through the eMonitor Initiative, we have documented cases showing that women environmental defenders are targeted online simply because they speak out for environmental protection and climate justice. This evidence has strengthened our advocacy for better protection against both physical and digital violence," she said.

She added that the Hub has also developed a new digital reporting platform that will allow women human rights defenders to report incidents directly, enabling continuous monitoring of GBV, identification of emerging trends and faster coordinated responses.

The stakeholders concluded the meeting by adopting a series of resolutions aimed at strengthening collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners.

Among the key recommendations was a call for the national and county governments, together with security agencies, to strengthen protection mechanisms for women human rights defenders against both physical and digital violence while promoting environmental justice as a critical component of sustainable development and gender equality.

The meeting reaffirmed that protecting women human rights defenders is essential not only for advancing human rights but also for safeguarding Kenya's environment, promoting climate justice and securing the rights and livelihoods of vulnerable communities.


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