Cynthia Ochieng
Articles by Cynthia Ochieng
GenKazi Eldoret career fair empowers 2,000 youth
BrighterMonday Kenya, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, is conducting a two-day career fair aimed at tackling unemployment among the youth in the North Rift region, through its Generation Kazi (GenKazi) Programme. At least 2,000 job seekers are expected to connect with employers while also building stronger labour market linkages in underserved areas. The program, conducted at the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute in Eldoret, seeks to bring together employers, academic institutions, and Uasin Gishu County Government, together with workforce development platforms, to provide training that enhances employability and aligns with current job market demands. According to BrighterMonday Kenya Managing Director,
Gachagua labels Statehouse a scene of crime
Democracy for Citizens (DCP) Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua scoffed at the ongoing gatherings at State House, labelling them as hotbeds of corruption. Gachagua accused President William Ruto of using the meetings under the pretext of political mobilisation to conceal corrupt activities. According to the DCP boss, the engagements are not genuine forums for national dialogue but are instead avenues for questionable deals and political bribery. While hosting Murang’a County Assembly Members at his Karen residence, the former Deputy President accused Ruto of misappropriating public funds to secure political loyalty. Gachagua argued that instead of channelling resources toward vital sectors such
Moi University lecturers reject offer, strike intensifies over pay
Moi University striking lecturers have rejected an offer made by the university Council, terming it as too little, both financially and non-financially. The dons in solitary confinement have insisted that they will only return to work if the school meet their demands, vowing to continue with their industrial action. Led by the University Academic Staff Union secretary general, Busolo Wegesa, they said the negotiations with the school management, led by Vice Chancellor Professor Kiplagat Kotut, did not bear fruit. “We have had meetings with our employer since Thursday last week, but what was offered to us was way below our
Moi University staff strike over return formula
The Moi University Academic Staff Union has officially launched its industrial action effective today, Wednesday, 20 August 2025, following the lapse of a seven-day strike notice issued to the university management. The dons have accused the varsity Management of failure to pay their June and July salaries by the 2024-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement, as well as the implementation of the return to work formula, agreed by the University Council on 30 November 2024. Led by the UASU chapter secretary general, Busolo Wegesa, the lecturers have expressed their disappointment towards the Moi University management, citing its persistent failure to address issues
Police seize KSh3M bhang in Uasin Gishu
Police officers in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, have arrested two persons of interest found ferrying twelve sacks of bhang estimated to be worth KSh3 million. The operation comes just a week after the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen promised to fight drug trafficking in the country during the Jukwaa la Usalama campaign in the North Rift region. The consignment originally from Uganda was destined for Likoni, Mombasa County. The operation was executed on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, the morning after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI received a tip-off about a suspicious transit vehicle that was on its way back
IEBC clarifies legal hardle in recalling MPs
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has clarified why Kenyans are currently unable to recall Members of Parliament (MPs) or Senators, despite Article 104 of the Constitution granting citizens that right. This comes even as the attention now shifts to the Elections (Amendment) Bill, Senate Bill No. 29 of 2024, currently awaiting its second reading in the National Assembly. The Bill seeks to address the legal vacuum by deleting the invalidated sections of the Elections Act, such as the requirement to file recall petitions in the High Court and the limitations on who can initiate such actions. However, the
Interior Minister Murkomen slams LSK over bail for violent protesters
Interior Cabinet Minister Kipchumba Murkomen has sharply criticised the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), accusing it of siding with criminals by advocating bail for violent protesters involved in the recent riots that saw widespread destruction of property. Speaking on Wednesday, 23 July 2025, during the Jukwaa la Usalama campaign in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Murkomen singled out LSK President Faith Odhiambo for what he described as a lack of support for business owners who suffered significant losses during the July 25th and Saba Saba protests. “It seems the LSK has forgotten its role to the citizens. Defending terrorists who cause
Kenya steps up fight against Antimicrobial resistance in Uasin Gishu County
In a significant move to tackle the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), stakeholders from the health, agriculture, and veterinary sectors convened at Kapteldon Sub-County Hospital in Uasin Gishu County. The meeting, organised by the Kenya Red Cross in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, focused on assessing the progress made since the launch of the ROHKET project in 2024. The initiative aims to enhance community awareness and promote responsible antibiotic use under a unified “One Health” approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. AMR, a condition where microbes evolve to resist the effects of medication, poses a growing
Ruto shakes up military, names new Army and Air Force chiefs
President William Ruto, as the commander in chief of the defence forces, has today made changes in the Kenya Defence Forces, KDF, a move aiming at high-level reorganisation within the military. The directive comes upon the recommendation from the Defence Council, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Sipan Tuya. Major adjustment has seen the promotion of Major General David Kipkemboi Ketter to Lieutenant General and his appointment as the Commander of the Kenyan Army. In the defence, Lieutenant David now takes over from Lieutenant General David Kimaiyo Chemwaina, who has been redeployed to the National Defence University- Kenya (NDU-K)
Peaceful Eldoret Gen Z protest turns chaotic as goons take charge
What began as a peaceful demonstration to honor fallen Gen Z heroes in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, turned chaotic after suspected politically-sponsored goons infiltrated the protest. The demonstration, led by Gen Z activists, was organized to mark the one-year anniversary of 60 young protesters who lost their lives during last year’s demonstrations against the controversial Finance Bill. According to eyewitnesses, the goons—mostly believed to be millennials—blocked the symbolic Silverline area, a well-known political hotspot in Eldoret, hindering the progress of the peaceful march. This obstruction sparked violent clashes between the two groups. “We are not here to cause chaos; we
JB Muturi pledges Justice and healing as opposition launches People Tribunal on Kenya past
Former Attorney General and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Bedan Muturi has made a strong vow to lead the newly launched People’s Restorative Justice Commission (PRJC) with integrity and commitment to national healing. Speaking shortly on Tuesday , 25 June 2025, after being sworn in as chairperson of the commission, Muturi hailed the initiative as a bold and necessary step in confronting Kenya’s dark past and fostering a future built on justice and reconciliation. The PRJC was officially unveiled on Tuesday at Ufungamano House in Nairobi, in a ceremony led by prominent opposition leaders, including Wiper party boss Kalonzo Musyoka.
Kenya reaffirms non-military role in Sudan conflict, triggers truce
Kenya has reiterated its commitment to a diplomatic and humanitarian approach in the Sudanese conflict, distancing itself from any military or partisan involvement in the ongoing war. Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura firmly rejected claims circulating in some media quarters that suggested Kenya had taken sides or played a combative role in the Sudan crisis, calling them “untrue” and “misleading.” In a comprehensive briefing, on Monday 16 June 2025, Mwaura emphasised that Kenya’s engagement is rooted in peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and humanitarian support — all under the auspices of international diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. “So, this whole idea that Kenya is
CCTV now mandatory in police stations, Murkomen declares
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced sweeping policy reforms within the National Police Service (NPS), including a new directive mandating the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems in all police stations nationwide. In his State of the Nation address on Monday, 16 June 2025, the Cabinet Secretary stated that all 1,209 police stations in Kenya will be equipped with CCTV Surveillance within the next two years as part of a broader drive to entrench transparency in law enforcement facilities. “In the aspirational fulfillment of constitutional governance, I have today directed the implementation of the following policy reforms in the National Police
Family of missing medic demands answers from Government
The family of Edward Kipchumba Terer, a medical laboratory technologist based at Sambalat Health Centre in Elgeyo Marakwet County, is pleading with the government for information regarding his whereabouts, following his mysterious abduction earlier this month. Terer was reportedly taken by unidentified individuals on 2 June 2025 at around 3:00pm, along with two of his colleagues. While the other two were later released, Terer has not been seen or heard from since. Speaking to Kurunzi News, Edward’s younger brother, Augustine Limo, expressed deep concern and frustration over the silence surrounding his brother’s case. He questioned why Terer remains missing while
Elvina Majiwa leads youth charge against Tobacco
In a proud moment for public health advocacy in Africa, Elvina Majiwa, the Executive Director of Health Conscious Africa, has been awarded the prestigious World No Tobacco Day Award 2025 by the World Health Organization. The global honour recognises her outstanding leadership in driving tobacco control policies, especially those that protect young people across East Africa. Majiwa’s advocacy work has been instrumental in shaping national campaigns through the Cancer Prevention Programme, a collaborative initiative supported by the Union for International Cancer Control and Cancer Research UK. Her voice has become synonymous with youth-led resistance to the powerful grip of the
Requiem mass for slain priest sparks emotions as church readying his burial
The Catholic Diocese of Eldoret today held a solemn requiem mass for the late Fr. Alloise Bett, whose brutal killing in the volatile Kerio Valley has sent shockwaves across the nation and sparked fresh demands for security and justice in bandit-prone regions. Fr. Bett was attacked and killed by unknown assailants on 22 May, 2025, while ministering in Kerio Valley, Elgeyo Marakwet County—a region plagued by recurrent insecurity and criminal violence. His death is currently under investigation by Kenya’s criminal justice agencies, with security forces under pressure to bring the perpetrators to justice. The emotional mass took place at the
Senate puts Uasin Gishu County under scrutiny over budgeted graft
The County Public Accounts Committee of the Senate has raised concerns over what it terms as sluggish progress of various major projects in Uasin Gishu County, most of which were launched during the tenure of the former governor, Jackson Mandago. Among the projects highlighted were the completion of the 64 stadium that was allocated KSh1.1B and Ziwa level five hospital in which the senators found KSh 12M unaccounted for. The Committee led by its chair, senator Moses Kajwang, stated that despite billions of shillings having been allocated, lack of accountability by Governor Jonathan Bii continues to raise eyebrows. Kajwang emphasized
Coffee farmers reprieve as govt seeks to revive sector
Farmers in Uasin Gishu County have been encouraged to embrace the cultivation of other crops such as coffee in an effort to revive the coffee sector in the country. According to the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and Small Enterprises, Wycliffe Oparanya, the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, will distribute 5 million coffee seedlings to farmers in the next financial year to support the expansion of coffee farming in the county. ” Coffee farming will be a game changer in the economy of our country. We have all it takes to be the leading exporters of coffee in the African
Moi University declare over 800 employees redudant
Over 800 employees at Moi University, including lecturers, have received redundancy letters due to an inflated workforce. The affected employees received termination letters from the institution earlier on 15 May 2025. “Following a review of the University’s operational needs and financial sustainability, your position has been identified as one of those affected by the redundancy process,” read part of the letter sent to the affected employees by Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Loyce Maru. The University’s Acting Vice Chancellor Prof Kiplagat Kotut, in an internal memo addressed to the staff on Tuesday, 13 May 2025 informed them of the conclusion of the
Raiply workers down tools in industrial action over unpaid salaries
There was drama in better part of Wednesday 14 May 2025 as hundreds of workers at the Rai Plywoods in Eldoret downed their tools demanding their two months’ salary. The employees were blocked from accessing the premises by the company’s management a decision that fueled anger, charged enough to demand for their pay. Speaking to Kurunzi news, the Eldoret branch employees chairperson, Enock Abas, called out the company for failing to honor the Collective Bargaining Agreement which states that salaries should be paid payment on day two every month. According to Abas, salary delays have been a problem workers have
Dozens arrested as crackdown heightens on Uasin Gishu eateries
At least 40 people have been arrested and their eatery businesses closed down by the authorities in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County. The move comes after the launch of a comprehensive crackdown on eateries flouting health and safety regulations by the Uasin Gishu County Government. The exercise led by Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Health Dr. Paul Wangwe, is aimed at enforcing hygiene standards and safeguard public health of residents the devolved unit. “We are conducting regular inspections of food establishments across the county to ensure they meet required hygiene and safety standards. This is about protecting our residents