Well put!

Food for thought👍👍👍

EL NINO PREPAREDNESS IN ASAL COUNTIES UDM party calls for urgent El Nino preparedness in ASAL counties. Ali Roba: Attention is required along the Daua River in Mandera. Roba: Govt should disclose emergency resources allocated for action. El Niño is a natural climate cycle that occurs every two to seven years. Kenyan Govt has mapped 18 hotspot counties at risk of El Nino rains. #TV47News @Sheilarchela

Kenya’s Democracy and its Four Seasons Before an Election Traditionally, Kenyan democracy does not travel in a straight line toward an election. Governments change alliances, opposition leaders change vocabulary, political enemies discover previously unknown virtues in one another, and yesterday’s “national disaster” mysteriously becomes tomorrow’s “statesman.” Through all this magnificent political gymnastics, however, one thing normally remains remarkably constant: the incumbent seeking a second term. Almost everything else is negotiable. Phase One was the Post-Election Opposition Phase. This was the season of demonstrations, mass action and the famous sufurias. Ostensibly, it was a struggle for electoral justice and the cost of living; politically, it also served as an elaborate national therapy session for those still processing the disappointment of the previous election. Phase Two was Coalition Harvesting Season, elegantly rebranded as the era of the “Broad-Based Government.” Kenyan politics once again demonstrated its extraordinary capacity to turn yesterday’s mortal enemies into today’s partners in national transformation. The opposition discovered that government was perhaps not quite as evil when approached from inside, while the government discovered that peace and quiet could be considerably cheaper than another season of sufuria concerts. Everyone harvested something: some harvested positions, others harvested political tranquillity, and the country harvested a fascinating new definition of “opposition.” Phase Three has effectively been two political dramas compressed into one. First came the impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua and his subsequent determination to construct a viable opposition platform. Then came the passing of the late Raila Odinga, an event that fundamentally altered Kenya’s political architecture and created a vacuum that political ambition naturally rushed to occupy. Predictably, this produced what might be called the Season of Instant Presidential Candidates, a fascinating Kenyan phenomenon in which political excitement can transform almost anyone with a microphone, a trending hashtag and a reasonably enthusiastic crowd into a prospective occupant of State House. Suddenly, names such as Sifuna, Gachagua, Matiang’i and others entered presidential conversations, some propelled by genuine political possibilities and others perhaps by that wonderfully intoxicating Kenyan commodity called momentum. But we have not yet entered the final phase. And that is precisely where Kenyan politics becomes most interesting. The final phase before an election has historically been the great political sorting room, the point at which excitement meets arithmetic, popularity encounters organisation, ambition confronts coalition mathematics, and social-media enthusiasm finally meets actual registered voters. When that phase arrives, the political landscape may look almost unrecognisable. Some may become so politically inconsequential that even retreating to lower elective positions could prove complicated. Others whom today’s commentators have already written political obituaries for may suddenly rediscover momentum, assemble unexpected coalitions and emerge as genuinely formidable presidential contenders. And some of today’s loudest political alliances may disappear with astonishing speed, because in Kenyan politics, “permanent political friendship” normally lasts until someone produces a better coalition agreement. That is why it is premature to interpret today’s political excitement as the architecture of the next election. We are still watching the rehearsals. The actors are changing costumes, alliances are still under construction, presidential ambitions are available in wholesale quantities, and several people currently occupying centre stage may discover that they were merely appearing in the trailer. The final cast has not yet been announced.

In politics “A disciplined fool with a map will eventually arrive; a directionless genius will spend eternity giving brilliant explanations for why he is still lost.” Never underestimate an idiot with a plan. While the genius is still admiring the brilliance of his own mind, the idiot has already arrived at the destination. Political Intelligence without direction is merely expensive political confusion. While political Strategy gives ordinary ability to arrive at a destination; political discipline gives it momentum; political consistency delivers the result. In the end, the world rarely rewards the person who knew the most, it rewards the one who knew where he was going and kept moving.

The Senate of the Republic of Kenya remains steadfast in its constitutional mandate to protect and strengthen devolution. When the National Assembly proposed only KSh 420 billion for counties, the Senate stood firm and pushed for KSh 454.7 billion in the Division of Revenue Bill (DoRA). Through the mediation process, counties ultimately secured KSh 428 billion an increase from last year’s KSh 415 billion. This week, the Senate has completed almost all the critical legislative instruments required to facilitate the flow of funds to counties. Yesterday, we passed the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill and the County Allocation of Revenue Bill (CARA). Today, we approved the Cash Disbursement Schedule, ensuring counties can access resources in a timely and predictable manner. For Mandera County, the approved laws provide:
✅ Equitable Share: KSh 12.588 billion
✅ Additional Allocations: KSh 880.82 million This brings the total confirmed allocation to KSh 13.469 billion, with further conditional grants available under programmes such as FLLoCA, KUSP, KDSP II and K-WASH. In addition, the Equalisation Fund Draft Bill proposes KSh 747.59 million for the six constituencies of Mandera County. The Senate has once again demonstrated that devolution works best when counties have a strong and vigilant defender. @MohamedAKhalif 
@StateHouseKenya @Senate_KE @NAssemblyKE @TheODMparty @UDAKenya
@CitizenTVKenya @ntvkenya @KTNNewsKE @K24Tv @TV47Newske @KBCChannel1 @MetropolTVKE @SwitchTVKE @CapeMediaLtd @StandardKenya @NationAfrica @PeopleDailyKe @TheStarKenya @pdKenya @CapitalFMKenya @SpiceFMKE @RadioJamboKenya @Kiss100kenya @Classic105Kenya @Milele_FM @InooroTV @KamemeTVKenya @BBCWorld @BBCAfrica @AJEnglish @Reuters @AP @AFP @cnni @SkyNews @France24_en

The decision by the United States Government to deny entry to African referee Cumar Cartan Mohamed, a young professional whose reputation and integrity are beyond reproach, is not merely disappointing it is profoundly insulting. At a time when the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, such actions expose a troubling disconnect between America’s rhetoric and its conduct. The United States continues to behave as though the world remains frozen in the era of its unchallenged dominance, seemingly oblivious to the reality that its global influence and moral authority are no longer beyond question. What makes this decision particularly ironic is that it comes at a moment when fewer and fewer people view travel to the United States as the ultimate aspiration it once was. Across the globe, resentment toward American arrogance, double standards, and selective treatment continues to grow. Yet Washington appears determined to mistake yesterday’s prestige for today’s relevance. By denying entry to a respected young African referee, the United States has not projected strength; it has projected insecurity. It has demonstrated a bureaucracy so detached from reality that it appears incapable of distinguishing between genuine threats and distinguished professionals invited to participate in international events. History is filled with great powers that confused privilege for permanence. The United States would do well to remember that respect cannot be demanded it must be earned. Nations and institutions that fail to recognize changing realities often discover, too late, that the world has moved on. We condemn this decision in the strongest possible terms. It reflects neither fairness nor wisdom, and certainly not the values America so often claims to champion. The lesson the United States seems unwilling to learn is a simple one: in an increasingly multipolar world, partnership matters more than arrogance, and mutual respect matters more than self-importance. Perhaps the greatest irony of all is that while Washington continues to act as though the world is knocking relentlessly at its door, it has failed to notice that many have already begun looking elsewhere. The sooner America recognizes that it needs the goodwill of the world just as much as the world once sought its approval, the better for everyone. @CitizenTVKenya @ntvkenya @KTNNewsKE @K24Tv @TV47KE @NationAfrica @StandardKenya @TheStarKenya @PeopleDailyKe @Reuters @AP @CNN @BBCWorld @AJEnglish @FoxNews @CBSNews @NBCNews @ABC @SkyNews @DWNews @FRANCE24 @nytimes @washingtonpost @guardian @FT @Bloomberg @TheEconomist

Today, we met with the @ChineseEmbKenya Counsellor Sun Yinan and his Third Secretary Xie Zheng, representing the CPC. We discussed our party's structure and potential cooperation with the Communist Party of China.

The world is getting hotter, oceans are warming, and all indicators point to a potentially significant El Niño event developing in the months ahead. East Africa must not wait for disaster before acting. The combination of rising global temperatures and a strengthening El Niño could bring extreme weather patterns across our region ranging from prolonged heat waves and drought conditions in some areas to devastating floods in others. Governments, humanitarian agencies, county administrations, disaster response teams, farmers, and pastoralists must begin preparations now. Roads, drainage systems, dams, water harvesting infrastructure, health facilities, and emergency response mechanisms should be put on high alert. We cannot claim surprise when science has already sounded the alarm. The lesson from previous El Niño events is simple: preparedness saves lives, livelihoods, and billions in economic losses. The time to prepare is before the rains come, not after the floods arrive. @ledamalekina @StateHouseKenya @InteriorKE @Environment_Ke @KenyaMetService @NDMA_Kenya @IGADsecretariat @UNDPKenya @UNEP @UNICEFKenya @KBCChannel1 @citizentvkenya @ntvkenya @KTNNewsKE @K24Tv @TV47KE @TheStarKenya @StandardKenya @NationAfrica @PeopleDailyKe @CapitalFMKenya @RadioJamboKenya @SpiceFMKE

KENYA MUST NOT BECOME A QUARANTINE ZONE FOR FOREIGN RISKS I strongly and unequivocally oppose any proposal, arrangement, or government-to-government agreement that seeks to turn Kenya into a quarantine or holding center for individuals returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to concerns related to Ebola or any other highly infectious disease. The principle is simple: if a risk is considered significant enough that another country is unwilling to accommodate it within its own borders, then Kenya should not be expected to shoulder that risk on behalf of others. The health, safety, and well-being of Kenyan citizens are not negotiable and must never be subjected to unnecessary external dangers. Kenya has a sovereign responsibility to protect its people first. Our healthcare system, economy, tourism sector, and national security interests should not be exposed to potentially devastating consequences arising from decisions made elsewhere. No foreign government, regardless of its influence or strategic partnership with Kenya, should expect our country to assume a public health burden that it is unwilling to bear itself. International cooperation is important, but cooperation must never translate into transferring risks from powerful nations to developing countries. True partnership is based on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and equal treatment, not on exporting potential threats to populations that had no role in creating them. I therefore call upon the Government of Kenya to publicly reject any such proposal and provide clear assurances to Kenyans that our territory will not be used as a quarantine, transit, or containment facility for foreign nationals exposed to highly infectious diseases. Kenya’s first duty is to Kenyans. Our people must never be placed at risk to solve another nation’s problem. @CitizenTVKenya @ntvkenya @KTNNewsKE @K24Tv @tv47ke @KenyaNewsAgency @KBCChannel1 @TheStarKenya @dailynation @StandardKenya @PeopleDailyKe @CapitalFMKenya @RadioCitizenFM @SpiceFMKE @NairobiLeoKE @KenyanscoKe @Tuko_co_ke @NationAfrica @TheStandardKenya

We extend our sincere appreciation to H.E. William Ruto for the confidence and leadership demonstrated in appointing former CS and seasoned banker Adan Abdulla Mohamed to strengthen our national institutions. Congratulations to Adan Abdulla Mohamed on your appointment as Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority. This appointment is a well-deserved recognition of your competence, vast experience, and outstanding leadership in finance and banking. Wishing you great success as you serve the nation in this important role. @WilliamsRuto @AdanMohamedCS @ntvkenya @citizentvkenya @KTNNewsKE

If is destined for you it is destined for you. "If it belongs to you, even the universe will rearrange itself for you." Such is the will of Allah. 🙏🙏🙏

I strongly condemn the barbaric and cold-blooded massacre of innocent civilians in Mandera. This horrific act is utterly inhumane, unjustifiable, and has no place in any civilized society. Those responsible must be swiftly pursued and brought to justice without hesitation. May Allah (SWT) grant the deceased His mercy and Jannatul Firdaus, and grant quick recovery to the injured.

“Iran is not a country manufactured yesterday around election slogans, quarterly profits, and televised patriotism. It is a civilisation that was ancient when America was still undiscovered wilderness. While Washington measures history in four-year election cycles and stock market reactions, Iran measures survival in centuries. The Americans continue to make the fatal mistake of confronting a people whose national memory stretches thousands of years deep; a civilisation that has buried empires, absorbed invasions, survived monarchs, sanctions, assassinations, isolation, and yet still stands intact. America believes pressure creates surrender because that is how modern powers think. Iran believes pressure is simply another chapter in a very long history. That is the difference between a superpower obsessed with immediate results and a civilisation trained by time itself to endure indefinitely. Sanctions did not break Iran. Threats did not break Iran. Isolation did not break Iran. Instead, every punishment merely hardened a population already conditioned by history to survive hardship as a normal part of existence. And perhaps the greatest miscalculation of all is psychological: America confronts a society whose patriotism is civilisational, not transactional. A people who do not see death with the same fear-driven lens of modern Western politics, but as an inevitable cycle of life that can arrive at any moment. Such societies are extraordinarily difficult to intimidate. The arrogance of Washington is now colliding with the patience of Persia and history repeatedly teaches the same brutal lesson: empires intoxicated by power often mistake restraint for weakness until the cost of that miscalculation becomes irreversible.”

I wish to commend the Senate for supporting the Committee on Finance and Budget’s proposal, based on inflationary figure of approximately 5%, as well as non-discretionary expenditures, including two SRC circulars that were meant to be implemented by county governments. ~ Sen. @aliiroba #BungeLiveSEN

The most critical issues, there are two critical issues that have come out that the House has also agreed with the Senate. That is KSh 8.94 billion meant for UHC payroll of transferred workers, where funds for the function were erroneously put in the Division of Revenue that only governs the vertical share of revenue between the national and county governments, but does not touch on the horizontal share of revenue. ~ Sen. @aliiroba #BungeLiveSEN

We propose that money be moved to County Additional Allocation so that then the applicable personnel and each county can be adequately given the payroll support required from the KSh 8.94 billion. ~ Sen. @aliiroba #BungeLiveSEN

The second critical issue is the removal of a clause that shields against revenue uncertainties, that in the event of a revenue shortfall, the shortfall should be borne by the national government. The National Assembly has removed that clause that has been traditionally there, and we propose that it be added. ~ Sen. @aliiroba #BungeLiveSEN