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Professionals Warn of Systemic Failures After Fatal South C Building Collapse

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The collapse of a building under construction in South C, Nairobi, has once again exposed deep-rooted systemic failures in Kenya’s construction and development control systems, according to leading built environment professional associations. In a joint statement issued after the tragedy, the professionals described the incident as the outcome of long-standing weaknesses across the entire development chain — from planning approvals and design to construction, inspection, and enforcement. They noted that building collapses are rarely caused by a single error, but instead result from interconnected failures involving poor planning, compromised construction methods, substandard materials, weak inspections, corruption, political interference, and the involvement of unqualified practitioners. “This is not a professional turf war. It is a national safety crisis,” the statement said, warning that unless structural reforms are implemented, more lives will continue to be lost. The a...

Odanga Pessah: Kenya Must Choose the Singapore Path or Sink into ‘Singapoor’

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Kenya stands at a historic crossroads that will determine its long-term development, Agano National Party Secretary General Hon. Odanga Pessah has said, warning that poor leadership choices could push the country into a future defined by waste, corruption and mediocrity. In a statement titled “Which Way for Kenya: Singapore or ‘Singapoor’?”, Pessah argued that the country faces two sharply contrasting paths. The first, which he described as the “Singapore Path,” is built on disciplined leadership, zero tolerance to corruption, respect for institutions, investment in human capital and a development-first mindset. He said this route offers efficiency, accountability and shared prosperity, noting that Singapore achieved rapid development by making tough decisions, investing in education, rewarding merit and punishing corruption without fear or favour. “The other road leads to ‘Singapoor’ — a future marked by waste, elite capture, policy confusion, ethnic politics and debt with...

Agano National Party Urges Government to Slow Down on Proposed Religious Organisations Bill

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Agano National Party has called on the government to halt and reconsider the proposed Religious Organisations Bill, No. 44 of 2024, warning that it could undermine constitutional freedoms and allow undue state interference in religious affairs. In a statement issued by its Secretary General on behalf of the party leadership, Agano urged the Executive, Legislature, and policymakers to proceed cautiously and conduct wide public consultations in line with Article 10 of the Constitution, which outlines the national values and principles of governance. The party argued that, as currently drafted, the Bill risks “muzzling churches” and could in future be misused by hostile regimes to control religious organisations. Agano warned that such control would threaten the freedom of worship guaranteed under Article 32 of the Constitution. “It should be remembered that Article 8 of the Constitution provides that there shall be no State religion, and that all law-making must respect relig...

Flower Industry Calls for Policy Reforms to Safeguard Kenya’s KES 108 Billion Floriculture Sector

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By Jane Muthusi  Kenya’s floriculture industry has renewed its call for a predictable and supportive business environment, warning that policy, taxation and liquidity challenges could undermine one of the country’s most important export sectors. In a statement issued in Nairobi on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the Kenya Flower Council (KFC) said the floriculture industry remains among Kenya’s most resilient and globally competitive sectors, contributing about 1.6 per cent of national GDP and accounting for nearly 18 per cent of total export earnings. According to KFC, the sector generated KES 108 billion (USD 835 million) in export earnings in 2024, directly employs more than 200,000 workers and supports over two million livelihoods, particularly among women and youth in rural areas. Export volumes and farm gate values recorded modest growth in 2024 despite global inflationary pressures and high freight costs, reflecting sustained international confidence in Kenyan flowe...

Rights Groups Warn Kenya’s 2027 Elections at Risk as Regional Abuses and By-Election Violence Raise Alarm

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By Grace Mwende  Human rights defenders, legal experts and democracy advocates have warned that Kenya’s 2027 General Election could be compromised unless urgent reforms are undertaken to protect civic space, curb political violence and safeguard the independence of electoral institutions. The warnings were issued during the National Symposium on Human Rights and the Ballot in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities, themed “Securing Human Rights Before the Ballot – Lessons for Kenya 2027”, convened by the Chapter IV Institute. Speaking at the forum, Chapter IV Executive Director Njeri Kabeberi cautioned that shrinking civic space, political repression and weakened electoral institutions across Africa pose serious risks to Kenya’s democratic stability if left unchecked. Drawing lessons from across the continent, Kabeberi cited violent and compromised elections in countries such as Cameroon, Tanzania and Uganda, warning that Kenya is not immune to similar regression. “We hav...

Kenya Pushes for Stronger Collaboration to Unlock Space Economy at 2025 Innovation Forum

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The Secretary Administration in the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Isaac Masinde, delivered a rallying call for deeper collaboration, innovation, and investment in Kenya’s emerging space sector.  Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary for Defence during the official opening of the Kenya Space Innovation and Investment Forum 2025, he said Kenya must strengthen partnerships between government, academia, industry, and international actors to unlock the full potential of its space economy. He praised the forum's participants—drawn from academia, young professionals, innovators, investors, and global space stakeholders—saying their expertise is essential for advancing Kenya’s ambitions in the rapidly growing global space industry. “This forum provides an excellent opportunity to learn, share ideas, and explore solutions that can take our space sector to the next level,” he said.  “Unlocking the full potential of our space economy requires enhanced cooperation, knowledg...

Cherangany MP Patrick Simiyu Barasa Honoured at 2025 FiRe Awards for Exemplary Financial Reporting

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Cherangany Member of Parliament Patrick Simiyu Barasa has once again led his constituency to national recognition after it was named among the winners of the 2025 FiRe Awards, earning praise for excellence in financial reporting and prudent management of public funds. The FiRe Awards — jointly organised by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) and the Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB) — celebrate institutions that demonstrate transparency, accountability and good governance in financial disclosures. Cherangany was feted for the 2023–2024 financial year, reaffirming its reputation for strong financial stewardship and responsible use of public resources. The award ceremony took place on December 5, 2025, at the Safari Park Hotel & Casino in Nairobi. This year, only five constituencies received the prestigious recognition: Cherang...