An inter-ministerial committee chaired by the Deputy President is coordinating preparedness measures and advisories for county governments.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni assured Kenyans of a coordinated response to potential health risks from the expected El Niño conditions. She stated that an inter-ministerial committee, chaired by the Deputy President, is already active and working on preparedness measures. Advisories are being sent to county governments, focusing on health-related risks, infrastructure strengthening, emergency preparedness, and resource mobilization.
The advisories cover personal hygiene, environmental hygiene, water, and sanitation, aiming to minimize disease outbreaks associated with heavy rains. Muthoni urged counties to proactively address infrastructure issues like blocked drainage systems that could worsen the impact of rainfall. She noted that Kenya has existing systems and experience to manage such weather-related challenges, emphasizing that this is not the first occurrence.
Muthoni highlighted the critical role of close coordination between national and county governments for effective preparedness and response. The health sector's coordination with county governments was specifically cited as most important. The government also plans to engage development partners and other ministries to bolster preparedness and response capacity, ensuring a united front against potential outbreaks.
Why it mattersKenyans are affected by potential health risks and disease outbreaks linked to heavy rains, requiring coordinated government action on hygiene, sanitation, and infrastructure.
Read in ASJ →President William Ruto accused critics of defending an exploitative resource deal and insisted Kenya must stop exporting raw materials without local processing.
President William Ruto has defended the government's decision to end Tata Chemicals Magadi's arrangement, accusing critics of supporting an "exploitative" resource deal. Speaking in Kajiado, Ruto stated that Kenya must cease exporting raw materials without local job creation and industrial development. He argued that the century-old contract deprived Kajiado and Kenya of the full economic value of their natural resources, emphasizing that such extractive contracts undermining national interests can no longer continue.
The government plans to open the resource to multiple investors under stricter conditions requiring local processing and manufacturing. Prospective investors will be mandated to establish a glass factory and a chemical factory within Kenya, aiming to create jobs and expand the local industrial base. This move is part of a broader economic strategy to ensure greater benefits from the country's natural resources, shifting the economic relationship from extraction towards investment and shared value creation.
Ruto's remarks follow concerns from some Kajiado residents about potential job losses and other benefits following the company's exit. The government suspended Tata Chemicals Magadi's operations on July 28 due to unresolved regulatory issues, including mineral beneficiation, value addition, royalty reconciliation, and community development agreements. The President subsequently ordered the company to leave Kenya, with replacements required to meet stringent local manufacturing demands.
Why it mattersPresident Ruto's decision to revoke Tata Chemicals Magadi's licence and impose new local processing requirements directly impacts investors seeking to extract and export raw minerals.
Read in ASJ →The USS Ross, a guided-missile destroyer, docked in Mombasa for a scheduled port visit after supporting US operations against Iran.
The US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Ross arrived in Mombasa on Saturday, September 5, for a scheduled port visit. The Arleigh Burke-class vessel, DDG 71, had been deployed in the US Fifth Fleet area since April, supporting Operation Epic Fury and the US blockade against Iran. This visit marks its operations within the US Sixth Fleet area, which covers Europe and Africa.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Susan M. Burns stated the visit reflects the practical strength of the U.S.-Kenya partnership and their shared regional interests. She added that established arrangements between the two countries enable logistical support for US forces operating in the region, with port visits helping sustain naval readiness and facilitating professional exchanges with Kenyan maritime partners.
The port call is part of a broader US naval presence in the region and is intended to support the ship’s readiness and provide opportunities for professional engagement with Kenyan maritime partners. The US Navy did not link the Mombasa visit to its previous operations in the Middle East, instead framing it around the longstanding security relationship with Kenya, including cooperation on regional stability and countering shared threats.
Why it mattersThe arrival of the USS Ross in Mombasa provides a direct link to US naval operations and security cooperation, potentially impacting regional stability and trade routes.
Read in ASJ →Dozens of nurses marched in Nairobi demanding action on labor grievances, as a strike now in its 37th day impacts public health facilities nationwide.
Nurses in Nairobi took to the streets wearing white and carrying placards to protest the government's alleged failure to address long-standing labor issues. The demonstration comes as a strike, which began in late July, continues to affect public health facilities across the country. Union leaders are calling for the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to issue a letter of no objection on their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Seth Panayko, Secretary-General of the Kenya National Union of Nurses, stated that there has been a persistent "push and pull back" between the SRC and the Council of Governors since 2017. Collins Otieno Ajwang, president of the National Nurses Association, expressed concern over the ongoing delay and its cost to patients and the healthcare system. Discussions between the union and the Council of Governors remain at an impasse, leading to intensified protests.
Joseph Chebii, secretary general for clinical officers associations, urged immediate action to prevent further losses and rising mortality rates among citizens. He called for unions, the SRC, national government, county government, and other stakeholders to return to the negotiating table to resolve the dispute. The strike's continuation raises concerns about the accessibility and quality of healthcare for the public.
Why it mattersPatients are directly affected by the strike, facing delays and potential harm due to the ongoing labor dispute and its impact on healthcare services.
Read in ASJ →Charlton Athletic player Collins Sichenje underwent surgery after suffering a knee injury during a Carabao Cup match against Tottenham.
Charlton Athletic defender Collins Sichenje will miss the rest of the 2026-27 season due to a knee injury. The 22-year-old Kenyan international sustained the injury during the Addicks' Carabao Cup fixture against Tottenham Hotspur and has since had surgery.
Club manager Nathan Jones stated that it is a difficult injury for Sichenje and the entire club. He confirmed that the surgery went well but that the player will be sidelined for an extended period. Jones expressed the club's support for Sichenje during his recovery.
Sichenje joined Charlton Athletic in February from Serbian club Vojvodina and had made ten appearances for the team. The club's management believes in his resilience and anticipates his return to the field stronger after his recovery period.
Why it mattersKenyan footballer Collins Sichenje is affected by a knee injury that requires surgery and will keep him out of play for the remainder of the season.
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