Kenyan MPs call for abolishment of boarding schools after Utumishi Girls Academy fire
via Tuko2 min read
Following a fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru, that resulted in 16 deaths and 79 injuries, several Members of Parliament have advocated for the abolishment of boarding schools. Gilgil MP Martha Wangare highlighted the need for public attention on surveillance systems, fire safety, emergency response, and psychosocial support in schools. Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba and Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen cited congestion and negligence as reasons to eliminate boarding institutions. Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo urged collective apology for failing students and noted that teachers are increasingly raising children. Kathiani MP Robert Mbui and nominated legislator Dorothy Ikara called for a commission of inquiry to address the rising cases of unrest and ensure recommendations are implemented. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula instructed the education committee chairperson Julius Melly to investigate these incidents across the country.
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The Java House Foundation, in partnership with Dedan Kimathi University of Technology DeKUT, has launched the NextGen Coffee Leaders Scholarship Programme. This initiative, launched in May 2026, will provide 35 fully funded scholarships to young Kenyans aged 18–22 for a Diploma in Coffee Technology and Cupping or a Certificate in Coffee Technology and Quality Management. Scholars will receive full tuition, a monthly stipend for accommodation, meals, and transport, hands-on practical training, mentorship, and career guidance. The program aims to cultivate new coffee professionals, improve quality and sustainability in the coffee value chain, create youth employment pathways, and promote gender inclusion. Applicants must be Kenyan, aged 18–22, have completed KCSE or equivalent, and demonstrate interest in the coffee sector. Those from coffee-growing regions and cooperative societies are strongly encouraged to apply, with a particular emphasis on female applicants. Applications close on July 18, 2026. DeKUT, located in a major coffee-growing zone, is the only university in Kenya offering academic programs in coffee.
Must ReadKenyan newspapers on July 18, 2026, covered several key issues, including the political ramifications of the Ol Kalou by-election, a High Court case challenging the political conduct of parliamentary Speakers, and a family's appeal for government assistance to repatriate their daughter's body from Saudi Arabia. The Saturday Nation reported that Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for the Citizens Party DCP secured a significant victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, with Sammy Kamau Ngotho garnering over 35,000 votes against UDA's Samuel Muchina Nyagah's 5,400. This outcome is seen as a setback for President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration and a sign of shifting political allegiance in the Mt Kenya region, attributed to Gachagua's grassroots strategy. Meanwhile, The Saturday Standard detailed a High Court case where National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi are seeking to dismiss a petition by Vocal Africa. The civil society group wants to prevent the Speakers from participating in partisan political campaigns, arguing their actions violate constitutional expectations. The Speakers' lawyers contend that complaints should first go through parliamentary committees or the EACC. The Weekend Star highlighted the plight of an Embu family appealing for help to repatriate their daughter, Fridah Kageni Murage, who died in Saudi Arabia. The family faces an estimated KSh 1 million bill for medical and mortuary costs, and transportation, a
Kansai Plascon Kenya has launched the Wallcover K'Ogalo Edition, a limited-edition paint product designed to fund Gor Mahia's 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign. A percentage of the proceeds from each sale of this special variant of Plascon Trade Wall Cover Emulsion will directly support the club's continental participation. Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier and Kansai Plascon Managing Director Enami Kota spoke at the launch. Kota stated that the partnership aims to invest in a legacy that inspires millions of Kenyans, allowing supporters to contribute directly to the club's future. Rachier welcomed the initiative, highlighting it as a model for sustainable football development and emphasizing that supporters' purchases will play a tangible role in the club's continental journey. The product packaging features Gor Mahia's green-and-white colors and championship-inspired graphics, celebrating their 2025/26 Football Kenya Federation Premier League title win. The campaign operates under the theme "Champions on the Pitch. Champions in Every Home."