By SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT 

The County Ministry of Roads, Public Works and Transport through the  Department of Transport and Boda Boda has conducted a public awareness and sensitisation forum to familiarise key road users and the wider community with the new traffic control system and promote compliance with traffic rules.

The forum, brought together key players in the transport sector, Kitui Municipality officers,  Kitui Base Commander, school administrators, representatives from Kitui Chamber of Commerce,  churches/mosque, PWDs, County Enforcement officers, and members of the press, underscoring the importance of a coordinated approach in ensuring the success of the new traffic management system.

The sensitisation programme combined practical demonstrations at the AIC Township intersection with a theory session held at a Kitui hotel. 

Speaking during the forum, Director Benard Mulevu  from the County Department of Transport & Boda Boda, who represented the Chief Officer, Transport & Boda Boda, underscored the importance of public awareness in ensuring that the new infrastructure achieves its intended purpose. 

Boda boda leaders and transport stakeholders were urged to take the lead in educating their members on responsible road use, while school administrators were encouraged to sensitise learners on safe road-crossing practices.

The County Government has called on motorists, boda boda riders, pedestrians and other road users to familiarise themselves with the new traffic signals and cooperate with authorities as the system becomes fully operational.

The message from the sensitisation forum was clear underscores the importance of taking responsibility when using roads. ",Safer roads begin with informed and responsible road users", the message read.

Kitui Central Sub County Administrator Gibson Kathoka and senior officers from the Ministry were also present.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Most county hospitals operated with minimal or no services as healthcare workers kept off their duty stations, forcing many patients to wait for hours without receiving treatment.

Patients who spoke to the press at Embu Teaching and Referral Hospital expressed frustration over the prolonged strike, saying they were the ones bearing the greatest burden of the stalemate.

Many said they had visited the hospital hoping to receive treatment but were turned away due to the absence of healthcare workers.

Mercy Karanja, who had sought medical services at the referral hospital, said she had not received any treatment despite spending several hours at the facility. She appealed to the county government to move with speed and resolve the dispute with health workers to restore normal services in public hospitals.

Another patient, Jennifer Wawira, urged the County Government of Embu to address the grievances raised by the striking health workers without further delay. Wawira, who had brought her son for treatment after he sustained a broken hand, said it was unfortunate that patients could not access services in public hospitals.

She noted that many families could not afford treatment in private hospitals and therefore depended entirely on public health facilities. Wawira said the continued strike had left vulnerable patients with no alternative, calling on all parties involved to find a lasting solution.

Embu County Youth Leader James Ireri, who visited the hospital on what he described as a fact-finding mission, criticized the county government over the handling of the crisis. Ireri accused Governor Cecily Mbarire of showing little interest in resolving the impasse, saying the prolonged dispute had subjected residents to unnecessary suffering.

He called for the immediate resolution of the health workers' grievances, saying restoring healthcare services should be treated as a matter of urgency to prevent further suffering among the people of Embu.

We use pqwt machine; the most advanced machine to locate water depth in your farm.

We have been tried and tested countrywide and we are just a phone call away from your farm. 

Call us today 0714784385 for borehole drilling services. 

We connect clients with the best drilling companies for shallow well digging services. 

We connect our customers with the best diggers in the country.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Senator Mundigi dismissed the claims as “cheap propaganda,” amid intense lobbying from Western and Nyanza voting blocs within the Broad-based government who are eying the slot.

He maintained that Kindiki was still President Ruto’s preferred running mate in a move that resonates with Mt. Kenya East leaders who view Ruto-Kindiki presidential ticket as non-negotiable.

He told off the critics by reminding them that the President values Mt. Kenya Region and that is why he gave back the seat to one of their own following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. “President Ruto acknowledges the contribution of the region to his 2022 victory and cannot just take away the second in command position from the area just like that,” he stated, adding that the Ruto-Kindiki ticket was locked for 2027 polls.

Senator Mundigi said Kindiki had also proven that he was fit for the job for the period he had served as DP. He said Kindiki's performance as a dedicated, efficient and highly competent principal assistant to the president cements his place on the 2027 presidential ticket. “We are telling those eyeing the seat to hold their horses, maintaining that the current executive set up will continue in 2027 as we also plan to propel Kindiki to the presidency in 2032,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mundigi appealed to the region to stand firm behind Kindiki to build a formidable force that would make it impossible for him to be dropped without triggering a fallout.

He also appealed for the region to reject division politics in the region that he said would only serve to weaken its bargaining power ahead of 2027 general elections. “Our unity has been our strength for decades and fragmentation into small voting blocs would essentially mean that we surrender that leverage,” he stated.

Mundigi also criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of using inflammatory remarks against leaders from the Mt. Kenya region who have chosen to support President Ruto's administration.

The Embu county senator claimed that during his recent visit to Embu, Gachagua made disrespectful remarks against elected leaders aligned with the Kenya Kwanza government. Mundigi defended the leaders, saying every Kenyan has a constitutional right to support the political leader of their choice without intimidation or ridicule.

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

The week-long championships, which began on Wednesday at Kitui Teachers Training College, will run until Friday, 31 July 2026. The event has attracted students, coaches, trainers and KMTC officials from across Kenya.

Speaking during the official opening ceremony, KMTC Chief Executive Officer Dr Kelly Oluoch said the institution remains committed to promoting sports alongside academic excellence, noting that talent development is an integral part of students' holistic growth."About 2,600 students are participating in this year's national sports championships, competing in athletics and various ball games. At KMTC, we recognise that education goes beyond the classroom. A student's potential is not defined solely by academic performance, as many possess exceptional talents that deserve to be nurtured," said Dr Oluoch.

He added that the championships provide students with an opportunity to interact with colleagues from different regions, exchange learning experiences and maintaining physical fitness."Besides promoting healthy lifestyles, these sporting activities foster cohesion among students from our 92 campuses. They also provide a platform for sharing experiences and identifying talented athletes who can be supported to compete at higher levels," he said.

Representing Kitui Governor Dr Julius Makau Malombe, County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Ruth Koki welcomed participants to the county and urged local residents to seize the economic opportunities presented by the event."We are honoured to host these national championships. The influx of visitors presents a valuable opportunity for local businesses, including accommodation providers, restaurants, transport operators and traders. I encourage residents to take full advantage of this occasion," she said.

Ms Koki also highlighted the county government's partnership with KMTC, saying the collaboration has enabled students from Kitui, Mutomo and Mwingi campuses to secure internship placements and clinical training opportunities in county health facilities."We have a Memorandum of Understanding with KMTC that allows students from our campuses to undertake internships and gain practical clinical experience in county hospitals. This partnership continues to strengthen healthcare training in the county," she said.

The annual championships are expected to showcase emerging sporting talent while promoting teamwork, healthy competition and national integration among future healthcare professionals.