Top of The Day: The First Kenyan Police Dead in Haiti Mission and Other Headlines
A Kenyan police officer in the Haiti international mission, to combat gang violence, was fatally shot during an operation in the western Artibonite region. The incident occurred in Pont-Sonde, where officers were responding to residents’ pleas for assistance.
Despite being airlifted to Aspen Hospital, a level-2 facility, for medical treatment, the officer succumbed to his injuries. This marks the first casualty among the Kenyan forces in Haiti, a significant setback to the multinational efforts aimed at restoring order in the country. The Artibonite region is known to be controlled by the Gran Grif gang.
“Today, Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, one of our MSS officers from the Kenyan contingent was injured during an operation in SÉGUR – SAVIEN, in the Artibonite department. The officer was immediately airlifted to Aspen Level 2 Hospital but, unfortunately, succumbed to the injuries,” the statement read.
Over 800, 000 University Students Risk Dropping Out
Following underfunding of the higher education sector by almost KSh 120.B, about over 800, 000 students risk discontinuing their university education in Kenya.
Tinderet MP Julius Melly, tabled documents before MPs on the education committee, showing a shortfall of Sh Kshs 37.09B in grants and scholarships to needy students. So far only KSh 40.49B has been allocated.
“For the 2025/2026 Financial Year, the total requirement for scholarships and grants under the New Funding Model (NFM) and the Old Funding Model (DUC) is estimated at Sh77.58 billion. However, the allocation is Sh40.49 billion leaving a funding gap of Sh37.09 billion.” Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala said.
The KSh 77.58B required comprises KSh 44.4B for scholarships under the University Fund (UF), required to support 483,481 students, KSh31.34B for continuing students under Differentiated Unit cost (DUC) required to support 260,489 students and KSh 1.77B required to support 67,600 students in Private universities.
Kasarani MP Peter Karauri and Quiver Lounge Owner in Battle Over an Insurance Company
Quiver Lounge owner Peter Mbugua and Kasarani MP & SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri are embroiled in a multi-million dispute over the ownership of Definite Assurance Company Limited. The insurance firm was licensed in December 2024 and primarily targets the matatu industry.
Mbugua, who owns 22% of the company, claims he invested KSh Kshs 175M but is now being pushed out, offered KSh 195M for his exit. He, however, demands KSh 500M, arguing the firm’s value increased after licensing.
Businessman Kushian Muchiri, who holds 30%, claims Mbugua already sold his shares and should take the agreed amount. However, official records still list Mbugua as a shareholder through his company, Swingers Skypark.
Other shareholders include Mikaj Topgrains Company Limited (25%), Lydra Ventures Limited (5%), Jekelusahe Limited (5%), Monday Maxine Kerubo Oyugi (3%), Cecily Muthoni Wairimu (3%), and Patrick Ndirangu Kibuthu (2%).
Fertilizer Subsidy Program Faces Budget Cuts Throwing Farmers Into Uncertainty
The government’s fertilizer subsidy program faces uncertainty due to budget cuts in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Principal Secretary Paul Rono, appearing before the National Assembly’s Agriculture Committee, admitted that funding reductions threaten key initiatives.
MPs criticized the ministry for unutilized funds while agriculture remains underfunded. Concerns were also raised about the non-operational Agricultural Finance Authority (AFA) and inefficient distribution of maize driers. Lawmakers opposed merging the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) with the Commodities Fund, fearing reduced financial support for farmers.
PS Kello Harsama warned that budget cuts could stall livestock and leather sector projects. Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe defended the cuts, citing economic constraints. The ministry received significantly less than requested, with the State Department of Agriculture allocated Sh21.38 billion for recurrent and Sh31.69 billion for development, while the livestock department received Sh4.623 billion and Sh6.515 billion, respectively.
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