The Office of the Council of Economic Advisors, led by economist David Ndii, has been allocated Ksh92,772,156 — one of the highest figures among the advisory offices.

Following closely is the Office of the Economic Transformation, earmarked for Ksh98,551,934, underscoring the administration’s focus on long-term economic planning.

The Office of the National Security Advisor, headed by Monica Juma, was allocated Ksh49,135,939, while the Office of the Women’s Rights Advisor received Ksh45,469,118, highlighting continued investment in gender-focused policy development.

The Office of the Council of Climate Change Advisor was assigned Ksh15,192,323, reflecting modest but notable attention to environmental and climate concerns.

Meanwhile, the Office of the State House Spokesperson, currently led by Hussein Mohamed, was allocated Ksh16,982,500.

In addition to these advisories, the Treasury has projected Ksh894,906,667 for refurbishment and maintenance works across multiple State House lodges, including the main Nairobi complex and various regional residences.

Breakdown of the allocations includes:

• State House Nairobi: Ksh680,706,667
• Eldoret State Lodge: Ksh60.15 million
• Mombasa State House: Ksh42.5 million
• Nakuru State House: Ksh25 million
• Kakamega State Lodge: Ksh25 million
• Kisumu State Lodge: Ksh24.05 million
• State House Sagana: Ksh15 million
• Kisii State Lodge: Ksh12.5 million

The budget allocations signal a strong emphasis on both advisory support for President William Ruto and the enhancement of presidential infrastructure across Kenya.

While the government maintains that these figures reflect operational necessities and long-term policy support, the allocations have sparked renewed public interest in the cost of governance and executive spending priorities.

The fund, established in 2012 to help internally displaced persons (IDPs), squatters, and landless families, now stands accused of mismanagement, wasteful spending, and failing to fulfill its core mandate more than a decade later.

Idle Land, Forgotten People

The Auditor General’s November 2024 audit found that multiple high-value land parcels, purchased specifically for resettlement, remain idle and undeveloped.

Among the properties is the Kisima Njoro land in Nakuru, bought in 2012 for Sh396.9 million to house victims of the 2007–08 post-election violence. Twelve years on, the land is neither surveyed nor subdivided, and no beneficiaries have been resettled.

“At the time of audit in November 2024, the land had not been surveyed or subdivided, and the beneficiaries had not been settled,” Gathungu noted.

Additional dormant parcels include:

• Mikanjuni Farm in Kilifi, purchased in 2020 for Sh377 million, with beneficiaries identified but not settled.
• Mazrui Farm, acquired in 2022 for Sh445.4 million, only partially distributed.
• Kadza Ndani plot in Mombasa, bought for Sh378 million in 2020, still awaiting settlement of informal occupants.

“In the circumstances, the objective for which the parcels were acquired and value for money had not been achieved,” the report emphasizes.

Chronic Mismanagement and Ignored Recommendations

The audit sharply criticizes the persistent governance failures within the fund. Despite multiple past recommendations from the Auditor General’s office, management failed to act, allowing longstanding issues to persist unchecked.

“The issues still remained unresolved and management did not provide explanation for the failure to implement recommendations,” the report states.

Critically, the fund operates without any approved framework to identify, assess, or mitigate legal, financial, or operational risks. This lack of internal controls leaves billions in taxpayer money at risk of further misuse.

Unrecovered Debt and Ballooning Interest

The audit also reveals a troubling financial burden: Sh6.6 billion in historical loans dating back to 1962 remain unrecovered. Even worse, accrued interest has added another Sh5 billion, yet no tracking or recovery system is in place.

“Management did not have a clear policy on evaluation and management of accounts receivable,” Gathungu said, adding that the fund has made no provision for bad debts, a major red flag in financial management.

A Mandate Unfulfilled

Overall, the audit paints a damning picture of an institution that has not only failed to resettle landless Kenyans but also squandered public resources in the process.

As thousands of IDPs and landless families continue to wait in limbo, the Land Settlement Fund’s credibility hangs in the balance, with renewed calls for accountability and reform.

In a public notice issued on Thursday, April 24, SHA revealed it is seeking to fill several key leadership roles within the organization. The open positions include:

• Deputy Director, Human Resource Management and Development
• Deputy Director, Administration
• Deputy Director, Corporate Communications
• Deputy Director, Finance and Accounts
• Assistant Director, Legal Services (2 positions)
• Assistant Director, Claims and Case Management (2 positions)

The authority emphasized that all applicants must meet the integrity and leadership standards outlined in Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya. As such, candidates must submit the following current and valid clearance documents:

• Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI)
• Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
• Clearance Certificate from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
• Clearance from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
• A credit report from a recognized Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)

Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application package including:

• A cover letter detailing suitability for the role
• A detailed curriculum vitae
• Copies of academic and professional certificates
• Contact information for at least three professional referees

Detailed job descriptions and application guidelines can be accessed via the SHA recruitment portal at https://recruitment.sha.go.ke.

Completed applications can be submitted online through the portal or physically delivered to:

The Chairperson,
Social Health Authority,
P.O. Box 30443-00100,
Ragati Road, Nairobi
10th Floor, Social Health Authority Building

The Social Health Authority encourages qualified individuals to apply promptly, as no applications will be accepted after May 15, 2025.

President William Ruto has issued a powerful call for the transformation of the global governance architecture, arguing that the existing world order—established in the aftermath of World War II—has become obsolete and increasingly detrimental to the Global South.

Delivering a public lecture at Peking University in Beijing, President Ruto criticized the current international system, which he said continues to concentrate power and wealth in the hands of a few, while systematically sidelining developing nations.

“The ongoing trade tariff wars may well be a harbinger of the collapse of the outdated global order that has prevailed since 1945,” he remarked, referencing rising economic tensions between major powers that have disrupted global trade and eroded multilateral cooperation.

Ruto argued that the post-war financial and security institutions, originally designed to promote stability, have instead perpetuated inequality and entrenched the dominance of wealthy nations.

“The architecture born from that conflict disproportionately benefits the Global North, leaving the Global South excluded and underrepresented,” he said.

Highlighting the urgent need for reform, President Ruto called for a complete reimagination of global institutions to reflect today’s geopolitical landscape and the aspirations of developing nations.

“In my address at Peking University, I emphasized the imperative to forge a new world order that recognizes current realities and empowers all nations equitably,” he said.

He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to stronger South-South cooperation and praised China as a vital partner in pursuing inclusive global reforms.

“We must continue working together—Kenya and China—as advocates for the Global South in international forums, especially in pushing for reforms to make global institutions more representative, inclusive, and effective,” Ruto stated.

His remarks come at a time when there is growing pressure from African, Asian, and Latin American countries for meaningful changes at institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund. These reforms, advocates say, are essential for ensuring equitable decision-making and fairer representation of the developing world.

The United States government has officially reaffirmed its support for the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti, pledging continued collaboration with regional partners to help restore order in the gang-ravaged Caribbean nation.

In a statement issued by U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Washington highlighted the importance of Kenya’s leadership in stabilizing Haiti and confirmed ongoing consultations with governments across the Americas.

“The United States supports the efforts by the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission and CARICOM to assist the government in its efforts to bring peace and stability to Haiti in the face of armed criminal gangs,” Bruce stated.

Backing for Haiti’s Transitional Leadership

The U.S. also condemned attempts by armed gangs to destabilize the Transitional Presidential Council of Haiti, which is currently led by Leslie Voltaire, appointed in October 2024, and Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime.

The Council is tasked with overseeing national governance and facilitating general elections by February 2026.

“The United States supports the statement by CARICOM condemning any actions to destabilize Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council,” Bruce added, following talks with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who also chairs CARICOM.

Kenya’s Commitment and Sacrifice

Kenya has deployed over 800 police officers to Haiti under the MSSM banner to assist in neutralizing powerful gangs that have seized control of large parts of the country.

The mission, however, has come at a cost. Between February and March:

• Two Kenyan officers, Samuel Tompoi Kaetuai and Bénédict Kabiru, were killed in gang-related attacks in the Savien and Pont-Sondé regions, respectively.
• Two more officers were injured and are currently recovering, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
• One officer remains missing, with a search ongoing.

“We lost an officer, and we feel very sad in the circumstances under which we lost him. One officer is still missing… we also have two officers who got injured, but they are recuperating well,” said Murkomen.

Global and Regional Solidarity

Other countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, Jamaica, and Belize have joined the peacekeeping effort, contributing troops to support Haiti’s stabilization.

The collective action by Kenya and its allies underscores the growing international resolve to support democratic governance and curb armed violence in Haiti, as the nation struggles with crippling insecurity and humanitarian challenges.

During the tour, Ruto will traverse nine counties—Laikipia, Nyeri, Meru, Kirinyaga, Nyandarua, Murang’a, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, and Kiambu—overseeing key projects aimed at accelerating economic growth. His agenda includes major investments in road infrastructure, affordable housing, fresh produce markets, last-mile electricity connectivity, water supply, and irrigation.

Ruto’s Mt. Kenya Tour Itinerary

On April 1, 2025, Ruto will begin his visit in Laikipia and Nyeri counties before heading to Meru and Kirinyaga on April 2, 2025. He will then proceed to Nyandarua and Murang’a on April 3, 2025, followed by Tharaka Nithi and Embu on April 4, 2025. The tour will conclude on April 5, 2025, with stops in Nyeri and Kiambu.

A key focus of the visit will be the inspection of modern fresh produce markets, part of a nationwide initiative to establish 500 markets. These markets, currently at various stages of completion, aim to provide small-scale traders with proper workspace and sanitation.

Major Infrastructure and Development Projects

Ruto will also assess the ongoing construction of the Mau Mau Road in Lari Constituency, Kiambu. This strategic road network, recently allocated Ksh5 billion, will enhance connectivity between Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyandarua, and Nyeri counties by cutting through the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya forests.

Additionally, he will inspect the progress of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) across all nine counties. These parks, funded through a joint investment of Ksh500 million per county, are expected to boost local manufacturing and value addition. The president is also set to launch new affordable housing projects, reinforcing his commitment to the government’s housing agenda.

Political Undertones of Ruto’s Visit

Beyond development, Ruto’s visit comes amid rising political tensions in Mt. Kenya, particularly regarding his relationship with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The region, which played a crucial role in his 2022 election victory, has witnessed growing divisions between leaders allied to the president and those supporting Gachagua.

Rift Valley leaders close to Ruto have openly criticized Gachagua, accusing him of making divisive remarks. Nandi Governor Stephen Sang dismissed Gachagua’s claims that Ruto is a one-term president, stating, “You can’t say he is a one-term president when you yourself didn’t even complete half a term. Ruto will be re-elected.”

Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina urged leaders to unite and support the president’s visit, emphasizing the need for a warm reception. Similarly, Nominated MP Sabina Chege called for a peaceful and respectful engagement with the president during his tour.

Strengthening Development and Unity in Mt. Kenya

Ruto’s five-day tour presents a crucial opportunity to reinforce his development agenda and political influence in Mt. Kenya. With billions of shillings allocated to key projects, his visit is expected to shape the region’s economic transformation while addressing political concerns that could impact his future electoral strategies.

Stay updated on President Ruto’s Mt. Kenya tour as he unveils transformative projects and engages with local leaders and communities.

Mutuma Takes Over After High Court Upholds Mwangaza’s Impeachment

Mutuma’s inauguration follows a series of legal and political battles that culminated in the High Court upholding Mwangaza’s impeachment. Initially, the Senate voted to remove her from office, a decision that was later challenged and temporarily suspended. However, on March 14, 2025, Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the petition to overturn her removal lacked merit, confirming that Mwangaza had received a fair hearing.

The judge also dismissed her plea to invalidate the gazette notice that officially declared her ouster. With this ruling, the path was cleared for Mutuma to assume the governorship.

Dignitaries Attend Mutuma’s Swearing-In

The swearing-in ceremony attracted key leaders from across the political spectrum. Among those in attendance were Water CS Eric Muga, Cooperatives PS Patrick Kiburi, and Laikipia Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri, along with other dignitaries. The event signified a transition of power after months of leadership uncertainty in Meru County.

Isaac Mutuma’s Political Journey and Background

Isaac Mutuma was elected Meru Deputy Governor in 2022, running alongside Kawira Mwangaza as an independent candidate. Their victory was a political upset, as they defeated seasoned politicians such as former Governor Kiraitu Murungi and ex-CS Peter Munya.

Before venturing into politics, Mutuma served as a senior officer in the Kenya Prisons Service. He is also a Reverend in the Methodist Church of Kenya, reflecting his strong ties to religious leadership. His academic background includes a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Kenya Methodist University.

Mwangaza’s Impeachment: A Prolonged Political Battle

Mwangaza’s impeachment was the result of multiple charges brought against her. On August 21, 2024, the Senate voted as follows:

• Charge 1 (Gross Violation of the Constitution & Laws): 26 senators voted in favor, 14 abstained, and 4 opposed.
• Charge 2 (Gross Misconduct): 26 senators supported her removal, 2 opposed, and 14 abstained.
• Charge 3 (Abuse of Office): 27 senators upheld the charge, 1 opposed, and 14 abstained.

A significant number of those who abstained were affiliated with Opposition parties.

This marked Mwangaza’s third impeachment attempt since her election in August 2022. While the first impeachment was determined by a Senate committee, the second and third were handled by the full Senate plenary.

What Next for Meru County?

With Mutuma now at the helm, the focus shifts to governance and service delivery in Meru County. His administration is expected to restore stability and address the political divisions that have plagued the county’s leadership. As he assumes office, all eyes will be on how he navigates the challenges ahead and steers Meru toward progress.

In a statement released on Friday, March 14, EPRA confirmed that there would be no price adjustments, maintaining the rates set in the previous month.

“In the period under review, the maximum allowed petroleum pump prices for Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene remain unchanged,” EPRA stated.

Fuel Prices in Major Cities

Nairobi

• Super Petrol – Ksh176.58
• Diesel – Ksh167.06
• Kerosene – Ksh151.39

Mombasa

• Super Petrol – Ksh173.34
• Diesel – Ksh163.82
• Kerosene – Ksh148.15

Nakuru

• Super Petrol – Ksh175.80
• Diesel – Ksh166.63
• Kerosene – Ksh151.01

Kisumu

• Super Petrol – Ksh176.62
• Diesel – Ksh167.44
• Kerosene – Ksh151.82

Eldoret

• Super Petrol – Ksh176.62
• Diesel – Ksh167.45
• Kerosene – Ksh151.82

Taxation and Regulatory Compliance

EPRA clarified that these prices are inclusive of a 16% Value Added Tax (VAT), in line with the Finance Act 2023, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2024, and excise duty adjustments for inflation under Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.

The regulatory body emphasized that its Petroleum Pricing Regulations are designed to protect consumers from excessive price fluctuations while ensuring fair cost recovery for importers and distributors.

“The purpose of the Petroleum Pricing Regulations is to cap the retail prices of petroleum products already in the country so that importation and other prudently incurred costs are recovered while ensuring reasonable prices to consumers,” EPRA stated.

Additionally, EPRA reassured the public of its commitment to fair competition and its role in protecting both consumers and investors in the energy and petroleum sectors.

What This Means for Consumers

With no price changes for the second consecutive month, motorists and households relying on petrol, diesel, and kerosene will not experience additional fuel-related expenses. However, fuel prices remain high due to taxation policies and global market factors affecting petroleum costs.

The next fuel price review will be on April 14, 2025, when EPRA will assess market conditions and determine whether adjustments are necessary.

Ndindi Nyoro Among Top Casualties

One of the biggest names affected by the reshuffle is Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who lost his position as chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee. He has been replaced by Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi, marking a significant shift in parliamentary leadership. The Budget and Appropriations Committee is one of the most influential committees, overseeing government spending and financial allocations.

More Gachagua Allies Ousted

Other close associates of Gachagua were also shown the door. Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who previously chaired the Trade Committee, was replaced by Ikolomani MP Bernard Shinali. The changes indicate a broader restructuring of parliamentary oversight roles, aligning them with the new political reality.

In another shake-up, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba lost her position as chairperson of the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee. She has been replaced by Runyenjes MP Eric Karemba, who previously served as the substantive chairperson of the Labour Committee.

Political Deal Reshapes Parliamentary Leadership

The latest changes underscore the growing influence of the Ruto-Raila political deal, which has already begun to impact parliamentary affairs. With key committee positions now controlled by allies of the two leaders, the shift is expected to influence legislative priorities and governance strategies moving forward.

This realignment signals a new power structure in Parliament, potentially sidelining Gachagua’s political faction while strengthening the bond between Ruto and Raila’s camps. The full implications of these changes remain to be seen, but they are likely to shape the country’s political landscape in the months ahead.

In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye affirmed the Senate’s decision, stating that the petition challenging her ouster failed to meet the legal threshold for dismissal.

Unless Mwangaza secures a stay order from the Court of Appeal, Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia is set to assume the governorship.

On August 21, 2024, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to remove Mwangaza from office:

• First charge (gross violation of the Constitution and other laws): 26 senators voted in favor, 14 abstained, and 4 opposed.
• Second charge (gross misconduct): 26 senators supported her removal, 14 abstained, and 2 voted against.
• Third charge (abuse of office): 27 senators upheld the charge, 14 abstained, and 1 opposed.

Most abstentions came from senators aligned with opposition parties.

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi confirmed the governor’s removal, citing Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33 of the County Government Act, and Senate Standing Order 86.

This marks Mwangaza’s third impeachment attempt since her election in August 2022. While the first impeachment was handled by a special committee, the second and third were decided by the full Senate plenary.

With her removal now upheld, the political future of Meru County remains uncertain as the legal battle continues.