Your Timely News

RUTO CALLS FOR UNITY, DISCIPLINE AND HOPE IN NEW YEAR MESSAGE BY PATIENCE SAMBA                             Photo Courtsey  Being 31 December 2025, President William Ruto, in his New Year message to the nation, called on Kenyans to reflect on the year that has passed and embrace unity, resilience, and hope as the country enters a new year. The President highlighted progress made in stabilizing the economy, supporting agriculture, creating jobs, and expanding social protection, while acknowledging the challenges faced by households due to the high cost of living. He urged Kenyans to remain patient and work together to build a more inclusive and prosperous nation. President Ruto also raised concern over alcohol and drug abuse, warning that addiction threatens families and the future of young people, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cracking down on illicit brews, strengthening law enforcement, and expa...

  TWO PEOPLE LOSE LIVES IN VOI ROAD CRASH BY PATIENCE SAMBA                              Photo Courtsey  Two people died on the spot last night following a fatal road accident at Ndii area in Voi Constituency Taita Taveta County involving a Canter truck and a trailer. Preliminary reports indicate that the Canter driver was overspeeding before the collision, and the bodies of the two victims have been taken to the Moi Referral Hospital mortuary in Voi. Meanwhile, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has warned drivers to exercise caution during this festive season, urging them to avoid speeding, dangerous overtaking, and driving under the influence, noting that most fatal accidents are preventable if traffic rules are strictly observed.

ZERO TOLERANCE TO FGM: KENYA PREPARES FOR INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATIONS BY PATIENCE SAMBA                                 Photo Courtsey   Improved health and safety for girls and women, increased school retention, strengthened protection of human rights and accelerated progress towards gender equality are among the key benefits Kenyans are expected to gain as the country intensifies the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Ending the practice reduces life threatening health complications, lowers the burden on families and health systems, empowers girls to complete their education and participate fully in social and economic development, and contributes to safer, more inclusive and productive communities across the country.                               Photo Courtsey   These gains will be underscored during...

SEASON OF JOY AND UNITY AS CHRISTMAS IS MARKED ACROSS THE WORLD BY PATIENCE SAMBA As Christians across the country and around the world celebrate Christmas today, the season marks the birth of Jesus Christ and carries a message of hope, love, and unity as families gather in homes, churches, and communities to share meals, exchange gifts, and reflect on the true meaning of the day, even as faith leaders encourage acts of kindness, generosity, and peace especially toward the less fortunate, reminding society to carry the spirit of Christmas beyond the festivities and into the coming year, Timely News Blog wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026 filled with joy, peace, and blessings.

DATU CARE SET TO EASE HEALTHCARE BURDEN FOR VULNERABLE TAITA TAVETA RESIDENTS BY PATIENCE SAMBA                          Photo Courtsey  Residents of Taita Taveta County stand to benefit from improved access to affordable and dignified healthcare under Governor Andrew Mwadime’s Datu Care social health insurance programme, which is set to cushion the most vulnerable households from the burden of medical costs. Once rolled out, the initiative will eliminate out of pocket payments for the extremely poor, elderly persons, people living with disabilities, the chronically ill and child headed households, ensuring that no family is pushed into poverty while seeking treatment. Through community based identification led by Community Health Promoters and local leaders, the programme will guarantee fair and inclusive enrollment, while partnerships with the Social Health Authority will strengthen health facility financing, improv...

RESEARCH FINDINGS SPARK HOPE FOR IMPROVED HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN REMOTE TAITA TAVETA BY PATIENCE SAMBA                              Photo Courtsey                                Residents of Taita Taveta County are set to benefit from improved access to quality healthcare following the dissemination of new research findings on the attraction and retention of health workers in rural and hard to reach areas. The study is expected to guide policy decisions that will strengthen staffing levels, upgrade health infrastructure and improve emergency and referral systems, ensuring consistent service delivery across the county. By addressing challenges such as poor working conditions, limited incentives and inadequate facilities, the county aims to motivate health workers to remain in rural postings, reducing frequent staff shortages and servic...

HOLIDAY CHEER OR SCHOOL GEAR? PARENTS COUNT THE COST BY PATIENCE SAMBA                               Photo Courtsey  With Christmas just five days away, many parents are facing a tough choice between preparing for the festive season and saving for back to school expenses, as schools are set to reopen shortly after the holidays. Families say money needed for food, travel, and Christmas celebrations must also cover school fees, uniforms, books, and transport, creating financial strain. Some parents fear that prioritizing Christmas may leave them unprepared for the new term, while others worry that cutting back on celebrations will disappoint their families, highlighting the growing pressure on households as the festive season approaches.

TAITA-TAVETA RESIDENTS STRUGGLE WITH DROUGHT AMID INADEQUATE RAINFALL BY PATIENCE SAMBA                                Photo Courtsey  Residents of Taita-Taveta County are facing hardship after most parts of the region received inadequate rainfall this season, raising concerns over looming food shortages and water scarcity. Farmers report poor crop germination and drying of young plants due to prolonged dry spells, while pastoralists are struggling to find pasture and water for their livestock. Furthermore, vulnerable households may experience increased hunger and economic hardship, prompting the need for urgent measures such as water trucking, promotion of drought resistant farming practices, and relief food support to cushion affected communities.                                            Pho...

RESOURCE CENTER EMPOWERS COAST GIRLS WITH TRAINING ON BOUNDARIES, CONSENT AND PERMISSION BY PATIENCE SAMBA        The Resource Center for Women and Girls has carried out training sessions across the Coast region to equip girls and women with essential life skills, including how to set personal boundaries, how to understand and give consent, and how to ask for permission in different situations. The non-governmental organisation has reached groups in Makupa, Mombasa County, and Kilifi County, conducting physical, interactive lessons aimed at empowering participants. Team member Rose Akinyi says the organisation works with women and girls across the country, offering practical guidance that promotes safety, confidence, and informed decision making.                                           Photo Courtsey    

RAISING CHILDREN IS A RESPONSIBILITY, NOT AN OPTION BY PATIENCE SAMBA                                Photo Courtsey  As the holiday season continues, parents are reminded of the joy and fulfilment that babies bring into their lives  from emotional warmth and a sense of purpose to the blessing of raising a future generation that carries their hopes and values forward. Yet even as many families celebrate this gift, some parents still fail to give their children the care, protection, and attention they deserve, forgetting that a child depends fully on their love to grow into a confident and responsible adult. A child is not just a duty but a precious blessing that shapes the future of both family and society  so parents must ask themselves even after holidays.Am I showing my child love? Am I present in their growth? Am I guiding, protecting, and appreciating them the way I should?     ...

TSAVO RHINO SANCTUARY BOOSTS LOCAL AND NATIONAL GROWTH BY PATIENCE SAMBA                               Photo Courtsey  Residents of Taita Taveta will benefit from the expanded Tsavo West Rhino Sanctuary through increased job opportunities in tourism, hospitality, transport and local businesses, alongside improved infrastructure and greater security that will create more economic openings in the region. President William Ruto said the growth of high-end tourism and fresh investments driven by the sanctuary will directly uplift local livelihoods, while at the national level the project strengthens Kenya’s global reputation in conservation, boosts tourism revenue and protects endangered black rhinos for future generations. He added that the initiative blends conservation, economic development and national pride, ensuring long-term gains for both Taita Taveta communities and the country at large.     ...

  NTSA ISSUES HOLIDAY WARNING AS DECEMBER TRAVEL PUTS LIVES AT RISK BY PATIENCE SAMBA                               Photo Courtsey  As travel continues due to the December holidays National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is warning drivers and passengers to be extremely cautious on the roads, saying the festive season has already seen a worrying rise in accidents across the country. The authority notes that many crashes are caused by speeding, reckless overtaking, drunk driving, and fatigue as travellers rush to reach their destination. Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against careless driving and only board roadworthy vehicles. The warning comes just a day after a tragic accident at Miasenyi in Taita-Taveta County, where seven people were confirmed dead and several others injured when a matatu collided head-on with a truck along the Nairobi–Mombasa highway. With more families expect...

  FARMERS URGED TO EMBRACE E-VOUCHER VACCINATION TO BOOST LIVESTOCK BY PATIENCE SAMBA                                Photo Courtsey  Residents are set to benefit greatly from the ongoing E-Voucher subsidized vaccination programme, especially following the strong urge by County Executive for Agriculture, Livestock Production, Katuu Mzenge, who emphasized the need for farmers to fully take advantage of the subsidized services to protect their animals and avoid preventable losses. His call is expected to encourage wider participation, allowing more farmers to access affordable vaccines, improve livestock health, and boost productivity. With enhanced coordination among service providers and efforts to make registration faster and more user-friendly, the programme is poised to reach more households, strengthen animal disease control, and ultimately improve livelihoods across the county.

  LOW GOVERNMENT ALLOCATION LEAVES TAITA TAVETA RESIDENTS STRUGGLING BY PATIENCE SAMBA                               Photo Courtsey  Residents of Taita Taveta are feeling the weight of the low allocation the county receives from the National Government, a situation Governor Andrew Mwadime says has slowed down key services and delayed development. The small share of funds has led to medicine shortages in health centres, stalled road projects that make it hard for farmers and commuters to move, delays in water pipeline repairs that leave families struggling to access clean water, and poor school infrastructure that affects learning. Many residents say daily life has become harder, with essential services either slow, limited or completely unavailable, and they believe that with a fairer allocation, the county would improve service delivery and reduce the challenges faced by households.

  PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES URGED TO REGISTER FOR EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMES BY PATIENCE SAMBA                                Photo Courtsey  As the People with Disability Day is marked, persons living with disabilities in Lamu raise concerns that the government has ignored them in major development projects. They say their needs are often overlooked, leaving them without access to important opportunities, support services, and empowerment programmes meant to improve their lives. They urge authorities to fully involve them in planning and implementation so that inclusion becomes real and not just a promise. However, Governor Issa Timamy urges all persons with disabilities in Lamu to come forward and register so they can be supported properly. He says no one should hide or be left out, emphasizing that proper registration will help the government plan better, use resources fairly, and ensure people wit...

  END STIGMA: COMMUNITIES URGED TO SUPPORT PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES BY PATIENCE SAMBA                            Photo Courtsey       Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo has emphasized that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are a vital part of the community and must be fully included in all aspects of society. She stresses that outdated attitudes that isolate PWDs must be discarded, urging families and communities to support them in accessing education, opportunities, and county programs.  Kilalo further emphasizes that official registration is key to ensuring PWDs receive the services and benefits they deserve, noting that inclusion is a fundamental right that strengthens both households and the county’s overall development.                               Photo Courtsey 

HARASSMENT CASES AGAINST WOMEN FISH SELLERS OVER FISH BY PATIENCE SAMBA                                Photo Courtsey    Women fish sellers in Kilifi County are asking for protection from harassment by fishermen, who reportedly demand favours in order to sell them fish. However, county officials have warned the fishermen to stop the harassment, as the ongoing 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence  (GBV) seeks to protect women and promote safe working environments.                                 Photo Courtsey 

  TAITA TAVETA SHINES AS RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM TOP NATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD BY PATIENCE SAMBA                                 Photo Courtsey  Residents of Taita Taveta county are already benefiting from improved services after the County Public Service Board was named the best in Kenya, a recognition Governor Andrew Mwadime says that the county’s reforms are paying off.                                   Photo Courtsey                               Speaking at the board’s offices in Voi, the Governor said the award reflects the success of deliberate reforms and strategic investments his administration has made in human resource management.                        ...

  TAITA TAVETA RECORDS SHARP RISE IN HIV CASES BY PATIENCE SAMBA                             Photo Courtsey  Taita Taveta County has recorded a worrying rise in HIV infections, with prevalence increasing from 2.1% in 2024 to 2.5% in 2025 and 488 new cases reported by October, including 110 among children, adolescents, and young people. Governor Andrew Mwadime, through County Director of Health Elvis Mwandawiro, warned that new infections now match the number of people enrolling for treatment, while mother-to-child transmission has climbed to 9.8%, above the national target. With 9,972 people living with HIV and 6,772 on care, the County is exploring locally manufactured treatment options and strengthening youth-focused interventions, alongside calls for expanded mobile testing to curb the rising trend.