At only 15 years, young but weighed down by family poverty, Winfred Vaati, now a final year university student, eloped with a man to Taita Taveta County, after he promised to educate her. She had stayed at home for two years after sitting her Kenya Certificate of Primary Examination at Kanyungu primary school in Kibwezi in 2011. She topped in her class by scoring 329 marks out of 500. She was admitted to St Mary’s Girls’ Kinyambu but her mother was unable to pay fees. Vaati’s world came crushing down. Then a man who worked in the village promised to marry her and take her back to school. She jumped onto the offer without a second thought. “I thought it was a good idea to secure my future, especially after
Author Archives: Standard Digital
![The scene of accident at Iguhu River Yala Bridge along Kisumu-Kakamega Road. [Courtesy]](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/images/wysiwyg/images/cHrgpMKyb5MSFF30Nwq6znAuUsmbMN5zHf2xpbny.jpg?w=1000&resize=1000,500&ssl=1)
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The scene of accident at Iguhu River Yala Bridge along Kisumu-Kakamega Road. [Courtesy] At least 10 people have been confirmed dead while 20 others were seriously injured in a grisly road accident at the Iguhu River Yala Bridge along Kisumu-Kakamega Road. The Wednesday 6 pm accident occurred after a petrol tanker heading to Kakamega from Kisumu lost control and rammed into two oncoming Matatus heading in the opposite direction. Ikolomani OCPD James Makau said seven people died on the spot while three other people died while receiving treatment at Iguhu Sub-County Hospital. “The tanker was speeding from Kisumu heading to Kakamega when it hit a bump before it lost control and hit two oncoming matatu vehicles, seven people died on the spot and other three died while in various hospitals,” said
![Kisumu residents take part in a boat racing event at Lake Victoria. [Washington Onyango,Standard]](https://i1.wp.com/cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/images/wysiwyg/images/iPBKFe4iOK2U2GYwLNIDEl8dCffPu6Gy86urzhdg.jpg?w=1000&resize=1000,500&ssl=1)
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Kisumu residents take part in a boat racing event at Lake Victoria. [Washington Onyango,Standard] Kisumu is set to become a key alternative beach and watersports hub, as the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife partners with the Kisumu County Government and private sector stakeholders to boost tourism in the region. Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa highlighted the immense potential of the region’s lake ecosystem as an attractive option for both domestic and international tourists, serving as an alternative to Kenya’s coastal beach destinations. During a tour of Kisumu’s key tourist attractions, including Ndere Island and Kit Mikayi, as part of the ongoing Kenya Tourism Week celebrations, PS Ololtuaa emphasized the need to diversify the country’s tourism offerings. Tourism PS John Ololtuaa aboard the water bus headed to Ndere Island which is
![East Africa Community delegates during the 13th Mara Day celebrations in Masai Mara. [Harold Odhiambo, Standard]](https://i2.wp.com/cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/images/wysiwyg/images/iQgSUfPycCYVoui6Y5LbfyvfPIzjdJtIzRHZl1qV.jpg?w=1000&resize=1000,500&ssl=1)
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East Africa Community delegates during the 13th Mara Day celebrations in Masai Mara. [Harold Odhiambo, Standard] Kenya and Tanzania have pledged to implement a 15-point strategy to protect the fragile Mara River basin, a critical ecosystem for the Masai Mara and Serengeti parks facing threat of degradation. The new plan seeks to speed up the ongoing efforts to transform the collaborative efforts to protect the ecosystem that serves millions of people and wildlife in the two countries and hosts a spectacular event, the wildebeest migration, a wonder of the world. This came as delegates drawn from the two partner states, researchers, conservationists, and residents residing in the Mara ecosystem convened for the 13th Mara Day celebrations in Masai Mara. Led by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC), delegates pledged to
![Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif. [File, Standard]](https://i3.wp.com/cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/images/wysiwyg/images/l15z9CS7tl2rMMSMWMSHudRQNKoXoB3xZU7aFXSu.jpg?w=1000&resize=1000,500&ssl=1)
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Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif. [File, Standard] Leaders have raised concern over the long closure of the Mandera border and called for the directive to be lifted to open up opportunities and enhance revenue collection. The border was closed more than 10 years ago but the leaders and locals have said that the situation may not have completely stopped illegal cross border trade, a situation that has a serious ripple effect on legitimate businesses. The Government closed the border as part of efforts to curb Al Shabaab terror attacks and prevent smuggling of goods into the country. Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif said discussions are underway to explore re-opening of the border. Khalif argued that while closing the over 500 kilometer border has reduced insecurity, it should be reopened with
![Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Director Mr. Hamis Mohamed (center), ARR Insurance Coast Regional Manager Julie Gaitho (right), AAR Insurance Group Head of Technology Eugene Sanya (left) and students of Al Nahyan participate in planting part of 40,000 trees at the school's compound to mark AAR' 40th anniversary. [Joackim Bwana, Standard]](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/images/wysiwyg/images/hnjuNIZaLG82LriAD53nnZAgR18w68QTikMsXCWC.jpg?w=1000&resize=1000,500&ssl=1)
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Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Director Mr. Hamis Mohamed (center), ARR Insurance Coast Regional Manager Julie Gaitho (right), AAR Insurance Group Head of Technology Eugene Sanya (left) and students of Al Nahyan participate in planting part of 40,000 trees at the school’s compound to mark AAR’ 40th anniversary. [Joackim Bwana, Standard] Students from Mombasa and Nairobi joined Kenya’s Insurance giants AAR Insurance to plant 40,000 trees in an initiative to nurture budding environmentalists. The Insurance partnered with students from Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Mombasa County and Lenana School in Nairobi to plant 40,000 trees, an initiative that seeks to nurture young environmentalists in schools across the country. Dubbed ‘A tree, a life’ program, the Insurance planted trees across all AAR branches in the country to mark their
![Ng'iya Girls High School top students and teachers share a photo momemt at Kisumu International Airport on Thursday. [Washington Onyango,Standard]](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/images/wysiwyg/images/sl2ypXcx3R3g0MQ6EbkbwOfgmANpNilPuQomhYLB.jpg?w=1000&resize=1000,500&ssl=1)
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Ng’iya Girls High School top students and teachers share a photo momemt at Kisumu International Airport on Thursday. [Washington Onyango,Standard] The sun blazed across the Kisumu skyline on a remarkable Thursday morning as ten of Ng’iya Girls High School’s brightest students arrived at Kisumu International Airport. The anticipation was palpable, their faces glowing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Dressed in their glittering white and blue school uniforms, the girls were about to embark on an extraordinary journey—a fully paid academic trip courtesy of Ng’iya Girls High School, in recognition of their academic excellence. Their hard work, dedication, and pursuit of greatness had earned them this unique reward—a flight to Nairobi. It was not just any trip; it was the fruit of their relentless commitment to their studies, a
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Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano (second left), Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Owili and Narok County Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu. [Washington Onyango,Standard] Kenya’s tourism sector is set for a significant boost following the unveiling of nine regional tourism circuits by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. Launched as part of the broader Tembea Kenya initiative, the circuits aim to diversify Kenya’s tourism offerings and promote lesser-known attractions, targeting both domestic and international tourists. These circuits, covering all 47 counties, mark a renewed effort to reimagine the country’s tourism landscape and present Kenya as a destination that offers a wide array of experiences ranging from adventure and culture to eco-tourism and wellness. The launch event, held in Kisumu County, was graced by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano
![Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o speaking to stakeholders during the inaugural Lake Victoria Aquaculture Forum in Kisumu.[Washington Onyango,Standard]](https://i0.wp.com/cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/images/wysiwyg/images/fcmoFIYLpcATtpVG6xOfa3rVvQTaHHo4FGo0VV3r.jpg?w=1000&resize=1000,500&ssl=1)
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Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o speaking to stakeholders during the inaugural Lake Victoria Aquaculture Forum in Kisumu.[Washington Onyango,Standard] In an effort to revive the fisheries sector in Kenya, key stakeholders are pushing for legal reforms and improved aquaculture practices. Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma has called for an urgent review of the Fisheries Act to align it with the 2010 Constitution, while the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) has developed a detailed map to guide fish farmers in Lake Victoria on the proper installation of fish cages. These efforts come in response to challenges such as declining fish populations and massive fish kills that have caused significant losses to farmers in Kisumu and Busia counties. Speaking at the inaugural Lake Victoria Aquaculture Forum in Kisumu, Governor Otuoma, who also
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Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano flags off the UN World Tourism Day celebration at Kondele, Kisumu County.[Courtesy] Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano, has emphasized the need for stronger efforts to harness the transformative power of tourism to promote peace and coexistence in Kenya. Speaking during the 45th annual World Tourism Day celebrations held in Kisumu County, Miano underscored the role of tourism in fostering intercultural dialogue, social cohesion, and sustainable development. With the 2024 theme, Tourism and Peace, Miano highlighted how tourism can play a pivotal role in building bridges across cultures, promoting mutual understanding, and advancing economic equity. “As we commemorate this year’s World Tourism Day here in Kisumu, I implore the tourism fraternity to lead the charge in entrenching a culture of peace,” said Miano.
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Kisumu National Federation of Jua Kali Association members after a round table in Kisumu.[Washington Onyango,Standard] The Kisumu National Federation of Jua Kali Association has unveiled plans to establish a Savings and Credit Cooperative (Sacco) aimed at improving access to finances for local artisans and expanding their businesses. The initiative, which has been long anticipated, is expected to empower the artisans by providing them with the financial muscle to compete for government tenders and grow their ventures. Speaking during a meeting held in Kisumu on Saturday, Association chairperson Rose Onditi emphasized the importance of the Sacco in addressing the financial challenges faced by artisans. The roundtable, attended by Wakili Fred Odumo, a politician eyeing the Kisumu County senatorial seat, brought together representatives from the seven sub-counties in Kisumu, where the discussions
![MPs Rosa Buyu of Kisumu West (center), Beatrice Elachi of Dagoretti North, and Ongondo Were of Kasipul. [Washington Onyango,Standard]](https://i3.wp.com/cdn.standardmedia.co.ke/images/wysiwyg/images/sohkFPoVj9u9SRJxJW2dXQSolTZNqTOrdrtjiaYH.jpg?w=1000&resize=1000,500&ssl=1)
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MPs Rosa Buyu of Kisumu West (center), Beatrice Elachi of Dagoretti North, and Ongondo Were of Kasipul. [Washington Onyango,Standard] In a strong stance against the recent court ruling that deemed the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) unconstitutional, three Members of Parliament have assured Kenyans that the fund will remain. The MPs – Rosa Buyu of Kisumu West, Beatrice Elachi of Dagoretti North, and Ongondo Were of Kasipul – have lauded the NG-CDF for its impact on communities and insisted they will fight to keep it in place. Beatrice Elachi, a member of the National Assembly Select Committee on the NG-CDF Board, emphasized the fund’s significant contributions, which have transformed lives across the country. “The achievements of the NG-CDF are undeniable. Many families have benefited, and we are committed to