The two leaders reiterated their dedication to fortifying Kenya-US relations, which President Ruto characterized as being based on respect for one another and common strategic objectives.

President Ruto emphasized that the Sh208 billion Kenya-US Health Cooperation Framework, which was inked last year, is the first deal of its type worldwide under the America First Global Health Strategy.

He said that by avoiding conventional NGO middlemen, the government-to-government arrangement represents a significant boost to Kenya’s universal healthcare program.
After the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) expired in 2025, the President applauded its extension for a further three years, citing the framework’s crucial role in increasing Kenyan exports to the US market through duty-free and quota-free access.

With continuous talks about investment, digital commerce, and tariff reductions, Kenya and the US are moving closer to a complete trade agreement at the bilateral level.
Later, Landau visited and expressed gratitude to a group of Kenyan police officers who had served in Haiti. The gathering was held in the Embakasi campus of the National Police Service.

The leaders also discussed counter-terrorism efforts in Somalia, with Mr Landau underscoring the need to reassess strategies after more than two decades of persistent security challenges.

The current civil conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in a humanitarian crisis affecting over seven million people, was another topic of discussion.

According to Ruto, Kenya is prepared to help with logistics so that food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian relief may be sent to Sudan.

The request came during the ongoing 2026 legislative retreat in Naivasha, when members questioned the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) about new issues in party regulation, funding, and compliance.

The event highlighted growing worries over political party accountability in the run-up to one of the country’s most contentious election cycles.

According to John Cox Lorionokou, Registrar of Political Parties, Kenya now has 90 fully registered political parties and 32 provisionally registered.While the political environment remains active, he disclosed that two parties, the Ukweli Party and the active Democratic Party, were deregistered earlier this month for failing to meet legislative standards.

Lorionokou also mentioned the emergence of three new parties since the 2022 elections: the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), the We Alliance Party (TWAP), and the National Economic Development Party.

In contrast, the Amani National Congress (ANC) announced its voluntary dissolution in 2025.

Legislators recognized that political parties are the foundation of Kenyan democracy, functioning as vehicles for political competition, citizen representation, and governance.

However, persistent compliance gaps, lax enforcement, and insufficient institutional discipline have damaged public trust in the system.

“As we prepare for the next General Elections, we must ensure that political parties operate within the confines of the law, with full transparency in financing and accountability in expenditure,” Robert Mbui, the MP for Kathiani, said.

Mbui emphasized that public trust in democratic processes is primarily dependent on how efficiently party structures are governed.

The conversation focused on a significant operational difficulty.

While the ORPP requires Sh1.6 billion to accomplish its mandate for the fiscal year 2025-26, it has received only Sh508.6 million, leaving a large budget gap that inhibitsCompliance monitoring.

“We have used up our annual allocation and are currently unable to check the offices of 32 provisionally registered political parties, as required by law. “Each verification costs around Sh3.9 million,” Lorionokou noted.

He warned that underfunding affects the ORPP’s ability to properly enforce regulations.

Legislators also expressed worry about equitable party finance, as well as inclusivity in political involvement.
“If we want women, adolescents, and people with disabilities to take on leadership roles in political organizations, we must address the resource issue. “The current model reinforces inequality,” stated Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo.

She emphasized that structural financing limitations impede broad-based representation.

Members also discussed the role of independent candidates, encouraging the ORPP to develop support structures for individuals working outside the mainstreamParty structures.

“Our democracy should be inclusive. “We must not overlook independent candidates who represent Kenyans’ voices outside of mainstream political formations,” stated Marakwet West MP Timothy Torotich.

Toroitich advocated for ways to identify and support independents financially and administratively.

The retreat also discussed the necessity for better auditing of party finances, including donations, expenditures, and internal party accounts.

Lawmakers cautioned that the lack of strong checks could allow party funding to be abused, jeopardizing fair competition and voter trust.

The timing of these exchanges is essential.

With over 120 political entities registered or active in Kenya, and new forms appearing on a regular basis, ensuring compliance before to the 2027 elections is critical.

The MPs emphasized that without increased openness and enforcement, public image of politics may deteriorate further, particularly as political races become more fierce.

“Equitable financing and accountability are crucial for levelling the political playing field, particularly for minority and underrepresented groups,” they added.

With present finance arrangements favoring established parties, smaller and newer organizations sometimes fail to meet legislative requirements or compete successfully during elections.

The leaders made a unified call for the ORPP to be fully funded and empowered to verify party offices, audit financial statements, and monitor compliance rigorously.

They emphasized that political party regulation is more than a legal obligation; it is a democratic protection that protects voters and ensures the integrity of the electoral process.

The MPs believe that transparent finance and robust oversight are critical to preserving Kenya’s democratic integrity and encouraging fair political competitiveness.

Fans responded in the comments area, agreeing with her. Andy says, “Exactly. Hope team Wamunyoro followers in ODM, or so-called rebels, are reading this. “Oburu all the way.” Pat: “Perhaps you could project that more loudly; they don’t listen, and they don’t want to accept reality. Islander: “It’s a shame that some test tube politicians are still hanging on BABA’s coat even after his death. Wakuwe wanaume wapambane na Hali Zao.Andrew Wanyonyi: “I couldn’t agree more.” Ja Kabonyo: “They must drag him in every conversation to stay relevant.”

The report by the Technical Working Group on Gender-based Violence Including Femicide says Kenya lacks a clear legal definition of femicide.

This, it says, has in turn led to inconsistent case handling and inability to collect meaningful data for prevention, response and accountability.

“This gap limits the prevention, which fails to address structural causes of gender-based killings, including intimate partner violence and dowry-related abuse,” according to the analysis.

The absence of a unique femicide statute or legal acknowledgment of femicide as a distinct crime is a gap, as opposed to other jurisdictions such as Mexico, Malta, and Cyprus, where femicide is expressly recognized and addressed.

It claims that the deficiencies have led survivors of GBV to retraumatizing court processes and uncoordinated, trauma-insensitive services, with frontline responders lacking adequate training.

“Harmful cultural practices, including early childhood marriage, widow cleansing and beading, continue unabated, often rationalised as cultural rites despite years of awareness campaigns,” according to the article.

Furthermore, growing forms of gender-based violence are inadequately handled in existing legal and policy frameworks, especially where provisions exist, but implementation and enforcement are weak.”

The report says families and community actors often obstruct justice by informally resolving GBV and femicide cases through clan elders or traditional systems.

These processes frequently involve coercion, victim-blaming and silencing of survivors, especially where bride price, family honour or kinship ties are involved, it said.

According to the report, this has undermined formal legal processes and perpetuated impunity.

At a global scale, Mexico became the first Latin American country to legislate against femicide through the General Law on Women’s Access to a Life Free from Violence (2007). The law defines the killing of a woman based on gender, including intimate partner violence, and mandates special investigation procedures for femicides.

Similarly, in Malta, the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence and for Related Matters Law (2021) provides for measures to address GBV and femicide.

In 2022, Cyprus introduced an amendment to the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence Law (2021), defining and criminalising femicide, reflective of its commitment to combat GBV in line with the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women.

Africa has also developed robust legal and policy frameworks that complement global efforts to address GBV and advance women’s rights.

These regional instruments are grounded in Africa’s unique socio-political realities and provide targeted commitments for state parties to eliminate violence against women and girls in all its forms.

They include Maputo Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) which addresses the women rights and gender-based violence. The Protocol was ratified in Kenya in 2010.

“Without ratification, these frameworks remain non-binding, limiting the ability to address GBV in informal and domestic work settings where women are particularly vulnerable.”

 “The convention has a comprehensive framework for the prevention and elimination all forms of violence against women and girls across Africa and advocates for coordinated responses and provision of integrated services to victims and survivors,” it says.

“The convention has a comprehensive framework for the prevention and elimination all forms of violence against women and girls across Africa and advocates for coordinated responses and provision of integrated services to victims and survivors,” according to it.

The research recommends ratifying the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (AU-CEVAWG 2025), which recognizes femicide as a distinct crime.

Speaking during a retreat in Naivasha on Wednesday, Gogo accused Ogamba of ignoring calls, texts and sidelining MPs during official visits to their constituencies.

She questioned the CS’s accessibility and respect for the role of Members of Parliament, warning that poor communication was undermining service delivery and trust between the national government and local leadership.”Why don’t you answer your phones? When I contact you, as a representative of the people, and you do not answer, do you expect 350 Members of Parliament to camp in your office? Gogo posed.

“I text you and you don’t return my text.”

The legislator stated that Ogamba must respect the responsibilities of elected leaders, especially while executing projects or making commitments in constituencies.

“Do you know that there are elected leaders you should liaise with when you go to their constituencies?” she was asking.

Gogo mentioned the CS’s recent visit to Rangwe Constituency, claiming she was not informed, despite the ministry team being entertained locally.

“You come to Rangwe, people make tea and lunch for you, and you don’t even tell me you are in my constituency,” she joked.
She also accused the Education CS of making promises on development projects without consulting her office, notably referring to a proposed multipurpose facility.

“You go there, promise a multipurpose project, lay foundation stones, and do not include me. “Wewe!” she said, prompting murmurs from the audience.

During the retreat, CS Ogamba apologized for not answering MP Gogo’s calls.

“I am not quite sure that I have been to Rangwe but I apologise if I have not been picking your calls,” he informed them.

“I’d want to make a guarantee here that I will answer calls. But I promise you that I have not visited Rangwe.”

The 2026 Legislative Retreat of the National Assembly was held at the Lake Naivasha Resort in Nakuru County.

The retreat was organized around the theme “Securing Parliamentary Legacy: Delivering the Fifth Session’s Agenda and Preparing for Transition.”
According to speaker Moses Wetang’ula, the forum provides a watershed moment, around 17 months before the next General Election.

The announcement was made through a campaign poster shared on her social media platforms, where she branded herself as an independent candidate with the caption, “How is that? Is 2027 okay or should we wait for 2032? And have you taken your vote?” signalling the start of her political journey ahead of the next national polls.

In the poster, Ayuwa identifies several crucial themes that serve as the foundation for her credo.

These include transparency and accountability in leadership, women’s economic empowerment, youth empowerment, and better representation and voice in governance.
While the precise county she wishes to represent has not yet been revealed, the announcement has sparked extensive discussion online.

Many of her followers have welcomed the move, praising her for stepping forward to pursue leadership and champion issues affecting women and young people.
Others were surprised by the influencer’s leap from entertainment to politics, echoing the diverse emotions that are common when prominent individuals enter electoral elections.

Dem Wa Facebook rose to prominence through short comedy skits and relatable social commentary that resonated with many Kenyans, especially on Facebook and Instagram.

Her programming has developed over time to cover themes such as family life, social obstacles, and community issues, allowing her to build a dedicated and engaged audience.

Political watchers point out that her entrée into politics matches a growing trend in Kenya, where digital influencers use their online platforms to rally support and participate in governance.

With a strong online presence, she may appeal to younger people who are becoming more active on social media.

As preparations for the 2027 general election begin across the country, her declaration puts her among the first candidates to publicly indicate an interest in electoral office.

However, more information about her campaign objectives, official nomination processes, and county of contest have yet to be disclosed.

As the nation prepares for the general election next year, the Democratic Party—founded by the late former President Mwai Kibaki—is anticipated to make an announcement about its future.

Following a major feud with President William Ruto, the DP made a stunning political comeback last year by formally distancing itself from the ruling Kenya Kwanza Alliance and reinstating Muturi as party head in June.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party made the announcement, but the National Delegates Convention (NDC) had to approve it.
After supporting Ruto in the lead-up to the 2022 general election, Muturi formally resigned as DP leader in October 2022 to take a position in the Cabinet.

But over time, their relationship deteriorated, leading to Muturi’s termination in March of last year.

His dismissal came after months of escalating hostilities, during which Muturi became an outspoken critic of the administration, particularly with regard to extrajudicial executions and kidnappings.
Ruto accused Muturi of being “incompetent” and replaced him un the Ministry of Public Service with Geoffrey Ruku, the MP for Mbeere North at the time.

In response, Muturi stated that he had asked to be excused from Cabinet sessions until the problem of forced executions and disappearances was properly addressed.

This article examines their identities, how they set records, and the significance of Guinness World Records for Kenya’s international and cultural identity.

Describe Guinness World Records.

A global authority on human achievements and nature extremes, Guinness World Records (GWR) records everything from endurance and special abilities to firsts in science, sports, and culture.

Before being approved and included in the most renowned record book in the world, records must pass stringent verification standards that include time, official witnesses, evidence, and unambiguous documentation.

The organization celebrates the diversity of human potential on every continent by publishing a book every year and keeping an online database.

Truphena Muthoni, a 22-year-old environmental activist from Mathira, Nyeri County, gained international notice for her incredible act of perseverance: she hugged a tree nonstop for 72 hours as a symbolic protest for environmental preservation.
Her adventure started in early 2025 when she surpassed previous attempts by competitors from other nations by hugging a tree for 48 hours at Michuki Memorial Park in Nairobi, setting a new world record.

Muthoni pushed the limit further between December 8 and 11, 2025, at the Nyeri Governor’s Office grounds, where he spent three full days clinging to an indigenous tree despite hunger, exhaustion, hot days, and chilly nights.

As needed for GWR verification, observers observed her suffer in a display that was recorded by high-definition cameras.

For Muthoni, breaking a record wasn’t the only goal of the act. It was an appeal to preserve forests, respect indigenous knowledge systems, and increase awareness of the psychological and emotional advantages of reestablishing a connection with nature, she said.

Environmental organizations and public figures, including as President William Ruto, who later designated her as an ambassador for Kenya’s 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, acknowledged and applauded her accomplishment.
Guinness World Records recognized this remarkable under-two-hour marathon time as the first marathon distance raced under two hours, even though it is not recognized as an official World Athletics world record due to pace and conditions outside of conventional competition standards.

Kelvin’s record is first and foremost a World Athletics–ratified marathon world record, but it is frequently referenced and celebrated in Guinness World Records summaries of extraordinary athletic achievements (because Guinness documents world-record performances across disciplines).

Tragically, Kiptum died in a car accident in February 2024 — shortly after his historic marathon achievements had been confirmed.

Rudisha achieved the quickest time in the event’s history, and this incredible accomplishment is listed in international record books, including as Guinness’s listings of record feats across disciplines.

Rudisha’s achievement was a landmark in athletics and a highlight of Kenya’s sporting heritage due to his seamless pacing and strategic brilliance.
With a time of 3:48.68 in the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, USA, in 2025, she became the first woman to run the 1500 meters in less than 3 minutes 49 seconds, earning her a spot in the Guinness World Records.

She has won numerous world and Olympic medals thanks to her incredible blend of speed, stamina, and tactical racing, and her Guinness-recognized record is proof of her exceptional athleticism.

With a world record time of 28:54.14 set on May 25, 2024, in Eugene, Oregon, USA, she also owns the record for the fastest run in the women’s 10,000 meters. She became the first female athlete to complete the 10,000 meters in less than 29 minutes as a result.
One of the most inspiring stories in Kenya’s Guinness World Records collection is that of Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge, who entered primary school at the age of 84 in 2004 — making him the oldest person to start primary education.

Maruge enrolled at Kapkenduiywo Primary School, Eldoret, after Kenya introduced free primary education. His participation became a global symbol of lifelong learning and educational access, so profound that he later addressed the United Nations on the importance of education for all.

Her perseverance in the kitchen demonstrates the variety of ability reflected in Guinness World Records and shows that exceptional human achievement may take many different forms.

Maliha broke her 2019 record of 90 hours and 15 minutes by successfully reaching the 150-hour milestone.

Maliha celebrated her accomplishment, however the Guinness World Records (GWR) did not formally recognize her.

Chef Maliha said on Instagram that she made a mistake based on the information she received from GWR regarding her disqualification.

She said that because she had broken some rules, she had been disqualified.Hello everyone. I regret to notify my loved ones, friends, admirers, sponsors, followers, and everyone else who supported and loved me during the November culinary marathon,” she stated.

Her tenacity in the kitchen illustrates the range of skills represented in Guinness World Records and shows that extraordinary human achievement may take many different shapes.

Maliha accomplished the 150-hour mark, surpassing her 2019 record of 90 hours and 15 minutes.

Although Maliha celebrated her achievement, she was not officially recognized by the Guinness World Records (GWR).

Based on the information she obtained from GWR about her disqualification, Chef Maliha said on Instagram that she made a mistake.

She claimed to have been disqualified for violating certain guidelines.Hi everyone. I am sorry to inform my friends, family, fans, sponsors, followers, and everyone else who helped and encouraged me over the November culinary marathon,” she said.

“We appreciate this is disappointing news to receive but hope it does not deter you from any future record,” they continued.
In a completely unrelated field, Alikhan Kazia is the owner of three Guinness World Records in table tennis skill challenges, including records for one-minute trick shot accuracy and ping pong ball control.
On August 25, 1992, he broke the record for the most milk milked by hand in a single day. During that time, Joseph Lov of the Kilifi Plantation Limited hand-milked 531 litres of milk from 30 cows, a feat that was officially recognised as a world record at the time.

This record, which is among Kenya’s initial submissions in the Guinness World Records, demonstrated incredible endurance and accuracy.

As Kenya continues to produce record breakers across fields, the presence of its citizens in the Guinness World Records grows. Each new entry — like Truphena Muthoni’s 72-hour tree-hugging marathon — adds to a legacy that motivates young Kenyans to pursue their passions with purpose, courage and creativity.

Whether on the race track, in classrooms, at communal kitchens, or beneath the branches of a tree, Kenyan achievers are proving that the bounds of human possibility are only limited by imagination and determination.

The statement was made by MP Ndindi Nyoro at the annual Kiharu Masomo Bora program launch, which includes students in grades 10 and forms three and four.

As part of the initiative, students will continue to get free lunches every Monday through Sunday, including chapatis on the final Friday of each month.

Additionally, the day secondary schools will receive Sh10 million in revising materials from the NGCDF kitty.
To ensure that parents are not asked to contribute, an additional Sh50,000 will be given to fund extracurricular activities.

The MP further declared that Sh50 million has been set aside by his NGCDF to build libraries and labs and improve school performance.

This is despite a motivational program that sends a group of top-performing educators to Dubai and Mombasa.

“Best performing teachers per subject will go to Mombasa for a week. Principals of the best performing and most improved schools per ward will also go to Dubai for a week,” he said, adding that those who have been to the country can choose Malaysia or another country.

Furthermore, the cost of corrective actions in the region has been limited at Sh1,000 every term.
Students from other constituencies who have family in Kiharu are welcome to enroll in local day schools, according to the MP. “There will be no additional fees in our day schools.” We carry out the initiative because we are confident that the nation can offer free education.

Since education is the only way for a country to advance, he urged the government to implement policies that would make education available to students from all backgrounds.
He suggests that the government create a kitty by taking Sh10 billion from the NGCDF kitty, another Sh10 billion from the fair share of county governments, and another Sh10 billion from the national government’s budget.

“Sh30 billion is enough to provide free basic education to all Kenyans, including a feeding programme”.

He stated, “We must stop making education a campaign tool,” to parents at Maragi Primary School.

Since its launch three years ago, the Kiharu Masomo Bora program has helped many local parents and students who had trouble paying their tuition.

In today’s fast-evolving African music scene, few new-age artists are carving out a unique lane like Tee Ammy. With a sound that blends soulful storytelling, Afro-inspired rhythms, and modern urban vibes, Tee Ammy is steadily becoming a name to watch.

Born with a deep passion for music and creative expression, Tee Ammy uses her voice not just to entertain, but to connect. Her music speaks to love, resilience, dreams, and the everyday experiences of African youth — making her relatable to fans across different cultures and backgrounds.

A Sound That Feels Real

What makes Tee Ammy stand out is her ability to mix emotion with melody. Whether it’s a soft love song or an upbeat Afro-fusion track, her music carries authenticity. She draws inspiration from African rhythms, R&B, and contemporary pop, creating a refreshing sound that feels both local and global.

Her vocals are warm, expressive, and powerful — a combination that allows her songs to feel intimate yet energetic. This musical balance has helped Tee Ammy grow a loyal and steadily expanding fan base.

Music With a Message

Beyond the beats and catchy hooks, Tee Ammy’s music carries meaning. Her lyrics often explore themes of self-belief, love, heartbreak, and growth. In a time when many artists chase trends, Tee Ammy remains focused on telling real stories that people can relate to.

This honesty in her songwriting has positioned her as more than just a performer — she is a voice for young people navigating life, relationships, and ambition.

A Brand Built on Grace and Confidence

Tee Ammy is also known for her elegant yet bold image. Her style reflects her personality: confident, stylish, and proudly African. Whether on stage, in music videos, or on social media, she represents a modern African woman who is both grounded and fearless.

This strong personal brand makes her attractive not only to fans but also to brands, event organizers, and collaborators looking to work with authentic African talent.

The Road Ahead

With new music on the way and growing attention across the digital space, Tee Ammy’s journey is just beginning. She is focused on expanding her reach, collaborating with other artists, and performing on bigger stages across Africa and beyond.

As the African music industry continues to grow globally, Tee Ammy stands ready to take her place among the new generation of artists shaping the continent’s sound.

One thing is clear — Tee Ammy is not just another artist; she is a rising star with a story, a voice, and a future worth watching.