Top 5 Today: Infotrak Ranks Babu Owino Top Performing MP and Other Headlines
The latest survey by research firm Infotrak, as ranked Babu Owino as the best-performing lawmaker in Kenya. The survey, which is a part of the Countrytrak Performance Index 2024, awarded the Embakasi East Member of Parliament, an overall performance score of 72%.
Infotrak CEO Angela Ambitho commended MP Owino for his proactive approach, noting, “Babu is very clear about numbers. Every quarter he engages us to find out how his constituents feel about his leadership and areas he can improve on.”
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro closely followed with a 71% performance rating. Kabuchai’s Joseph Kalasinga and Kathiani’s Robert Mbui tied for third place, each scoring 62%. Gathoni Wamuchomba (Githunguri), John Waluke (Sirisia), Peter Salasya (Mumias East), and Erastus Nzioka (Mbooni) completed the top five, each with a 61% score.
In the Senate, Makueni’s Dan Maanzo and Kirinyaga’s Kamau Murango were jointly ranked as top performers, each with a 52% rating. Among Woman Representatives, Kirinyaga’s Njeri Maina led with a 52% score, followed by Makueni’s Rose Museo and Homa Bay’s Joyce Bensuda, both at 46%.
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu to be Sentenced Today
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, along with his wife Susan Wangari and three co-accused, is scheduled for sentencing today, February 13, 2025. This follows their conviction on corruption charges related to a Ksh. 588M road tender.
The Anti-Corruption Court found Mr. Waititu guilty of conflict of interest and dealing with suspect property, offenses that could result in a prison term of up to 10 years and substantial fines.
The fraudulent tender, awarded in 2018 to Testimony Enterprises Ltd., involved the upgrading of various roads in Kiambu County. Investigations revealed that Mr. Waititu received Ksh 25.6M from the company through entities linked to him.
The couple, along with their co-accused, has pleaded for leniency, expressing remorse and requesting non-custodial sentences, citing their roles as parents and caregivers.
TV47 Moves to DSTV Channel
TV47 has officially moved to DStv Channel 274 as of February 12, 2025, transitioning from its previous slot on Channel 268. This relocation places TV47 under DSTV’s English Local Channels category, aiming to provide viewers with easier access and enhanced content.
The station continues to offer a diverse range of news and entertainment programs, including popular shows like “Churchill Show,” “Morning Cafe,” and “Pundits’ Night.”
Additionally, TV47’s content is accessible on other platforms such as GOtv (Channel 102), SIGNET, BAMBA, and STARTIMES.
SHIF/SHA Transition Facing Financial Crisis
The Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) in October 2024, is currently facing significant financial challenges. As of February 2025, only Kshs 3.3M out of the Kshs 19M registered members are actively contributing to the scheme. This low contribution rate has led to delays in payments to healthcare providers, disrupting services across both public and private hospitals.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) had projected that the new model would raise approximately Ksh 133B annually, compared to the Ksh 78.8B collected by the NHIF in 2023. However, the shortfall in contributions has hindered these expectations.
Additionally, the government owes SHIF a substantial amount in unpaid premiums, totaling Ksh 25B. This debt has further strained the fund’s ability to settle outstanding payments to hospitals and insurance providers, which amount to Ksh 30.9B. The Ministry of Public Service is the largest defaulter, with an outstanding premium of Ksh 15.54B as of January 8, 2025.
The MOH and Health Director General Dr. Patrick Amoth, are appealing to all Kenyans to contribute to the SHIF to ensure uninterrupted medical services. They stress that health services are expensive, and the burden should not rest solely on those in formal employment. All registered members, have been asked to fulfill their payment obligations, to ensure the sustainability of the fund.
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