Kenya's newspapers on June 3: University regulations, school fire investigation, and Ebola scare
via Tuko6 min read
Kenyan newspapers on Wednesday, June 3, focused on several key issues. The Star reported on proposed higher education regulations that could significantly impact universities operating in urban centers, potentially forcing some to relocate or restructure. These draft regulations, from the Ministry of Education and the Commission for University Education, aim to tighten oversight and raise standards, prohibiting campuses near establishments like bars and casinos, and requiring universities to own their land. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba stated these changes are for improving governance and quality. The Daily Nation covered the ongoing court case of nine Form Three students linked to the Utumishi Girls Senior School dormitory fire, which claimed 16 lives. Prosecutors are seeking to detain the students for an additional 30 days for further investigation, citing CCTV footage and pending forensic reports, while defense lawyers argue against prolonged detention for minors. The Standard reported on an Ebola scare in Nairobi after a foreign national was admitted to a hospital with virus-like symptoms. The incident caused tension and attracted media attention, but a senior security officer later confirmed that laboratory tests ruled out Ebola. Taifa Leo detailed the ODM party's plans to overhaul its nomination process and strengthen grassroots operations ahead of the 2027 General Election. ODM officials are set to visit South Africa and Ghana to study successful internal
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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."