The President revealed that the programme has already provided full maternal care coverage to 50,000 vulnerable adolescent mothers, with an additional 38,000 set to be enrolled. “So far, we have facilitated direct coverage for 50,000 vulnerable adolescent mothers, guaranteeing antenatal, safe delivery and post-natal services. However, Ruto warned that recent reductions in global health financing, including cuts affecting the UNFPA Supplies Partnership, pose a risk to gains made in family planning, maternal health and birth spacing. All the interventions, the President said, are anchored in the National Health Compact 2026–2030, built on the principles of one plan, one budget and a unified accountability framework. “Kenya remains firmly committed to protecting the lives and futures of women and children through sustained, system-wide health reform and accountable delivery,” Ruto said.

February 15, 2026 18:39 UTC

"If there's nothing else I can communicate today," California Governor Gavin Newsom said at a conference event on Friday, "Donald Trump is temporary. And while her appearance could build her foreign policy experience, it also underlined some of the risks associated with stepping out onto the international stage. Trump, with his "America First" foreign policy and talk of preserving Western culture, provided a decidedly different view of world affairs. While Rubio has smoothed over some rough edges, the Democrats who made the trip to Munich attempted to provide a more distinct counterpoint. And I think this has been a very good conference to reassure nerves," Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego said.

February 15, 2026 18:04 UTC

Speaking to the Reuters news agency last month, Trump said Pahlavi seemed "very nice" but expressed uncertainty over whether he could muster enough support within Iran to eventually lead it. In Toronto, where an estimated 350,000 joined a demonstration, participants told BBC Persian they were there to speak out on behalf of friends and family inside Iran.

February 15, 2026 16:51 UTC

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February 15, 2026 16:32 UTC

Western Kenya, long regarded as an opposition stronghold under the stewardship of the late Raila Odinga, is fast transforming into a key battleground ahead of the 2027 General Election. But with Raila no longer at the centre of the region’s politics, Western Kenya is witnessing an unprecedented scramble for control. With more than 2.6 million registered voters spread across the five counties, Western Kenya holds significant numerical weight in a tightly contested presidential race. Ruto has already dispatched Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula to coordinate his re-election campaign across Western Kenya. “We will continue to protect the legacy of Raila Odinga.”As the campaigns gather momentum, the once predictable political landscape of Western Kenya appears increasingly fluid.

February 15, 2026 15:08 UTC





Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godffrey Osotsi and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi at a church service in Kitengela on February 15, 2026/HANDOUTNairobi senator Edwin Sifuna has declared that no amount of intimidation or political threats will force him to retreat from criticising the government. Sifuna insisted that he and like-minded leaders will continue speaking out against alleged injustices. Speaking during a church service in Kitengela, Sifuna, who had earlier been removed as secretary general before a court suspended the decision, said he remains resolute in defending Kenyans. Vihiga Senator Godffrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, and Siaya Governor James Orengo joined Sifuna at the service. Sifuna recalled lessons from the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying leadership requires constant accountability to the people.

February 15, 2026 14:24 UTC

It's not clear what prompted the police to throw the teargas to disperse thousands of supporters attending the Linda Wananchi rally. Chaotic scenes at Kitengela town during Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwanainchi rally on February 15, 2026 EZEKIEL AMING'AThe incident happened as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna introduced other leaders who had joined him. Chaotic scenes at Kitengela town during Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwanainchi rally on February 15, 2026 EZEKIEL AMING'AWhen the first teargas was thrown, Sifuna was heard asking the crowd to remain calm, wondering who was disrupting the rally. Chaotic scenes at Kitengela town during Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwanainchi rally on February 15, 2026 EZEKIEL AMING'A. Some youths could still be seen engaging police in running battles within the Kitengela town as the latter fired teargas to disperse surging crowds.

February 15, 2026 14:22 UTC

Audio By VocalizeKenya Lioness vs Brazil during their 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 match at Nyayo Stadium on February 14, 2026. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]Kenya Lionesses lost their third match at the ongoing 2026 Nairobi HSBC SVNS Division Two tournament after going down to Argentina 5-0 at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday morning. Despite winning possession numerous times and playing three minutes after the hooter, poor ball handling and movement saw the Lionesses fail to capitalise on their possession as Argentina held on to lead 5-0 at the break. The next five minutes saw Kenya exchange possession with the Argentines, but with neither side failing to hit the breakthrough, and thus the South Americans held on to pick a narrow 5-0 win, their fourth in Nairobi. On Saturday, Kenya lost to China and South Africa, with their only victory coming against Brazil.

February 15, 2026 14:04 UTC

Audio By VocalizeShujaa co-captain Samuel Asati in action during Kenya’s 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 match against Uruguay at Nyayo Stadium on February 15, 2026. [Jonah Onyango , Standard]Kenya Sevens picked their fourth straight 2026 Nairobi HSBC SVNS Division Two win on Sunday afternoon after seeing off Uruguay 17-7 at Nyayo Stadium. Led by co-captains George Ooro and Samuel Asati, Shujaa blitzed past the Uruguayans with three tries, boosting their chances of qualifying for the World SVNS Championship finale. Despite winning possession, Shujaa failed t capitalise as Uruguay won back the ball from Nygel Amaitsa near their try line. Joaquin Cat came off the bench to score near the posts as Uruguay grabbed a late consolation try, but Kenya held on for their fourth straight win.

February 15, 2026 14:04 UTC

Nyali Member of Parliament, Mohamed Ali, has refuted claims that he will run for the gubernatorial seat of Mombasa County as a DCP candidate. In response to a post stating, “DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua unveils Nyali MP Mohamed Ali as the party candidate for Mombasa Governor,” the vocal legislator clarified that Gachagua had simply agreed to stand by him as he sought the governorship. What is so difficult to understand?” The vocal MP hit back at a popular journalist on social media. Gachagua introduced the Nyali MP before the PCEA congregants, stating that Ali would be running for the Governorship of Mombasa County. Later in December, the vocal MP filed a petition challenging the County Government of Mombasa’s Ksh17 billion waste management project.

February 15, 2026 13:06 UTC

Virji Vora, a 17th century influential merchant from Surat, is widely regarded as the richest Indian businessman in history. During Virji's time, Suraj was the most important port city in the Mughal Empire, and a major center of international trade. As per historical records, Virji Vora built a vast business empire from Surat, which included wholesale trading, money lending, and banking. Why Virji Vora financed the East India Company? Virji Vora's ties with MughalsAccording to Mughal records, Emperor Aurangzeb sought help from Virji Vora when he was faced with financial troubles during his Deccan campaign.

February 15, 2026 11:43 UTC

The newspapers on Sunday, February 15, covered an array of topics, including the United Opposition's preparedness for the 2027 presidential election. Source: UGCElsewhere, the newspapers reported on challenges faced by the Grade 10 learners weeks after transitioning from Junior School. He warns that the opposition coalition must be careful in nominating a joint presidential candidate. According to the principals, although students have already started to adapt to their chosen tracks, the lack of approved STEM textbooks is forcing teachers and students to rely on summaries and temporary references. Sifuna has vowed to uphold Raila’s principles and reject what he calls attempts to subject the party to external political influence.

February 15, 2026 10:38 UTC

In physics, specifically, entropy speaks to disorder in a closed system. Social and political systems may not be closed in the manner that physics understands scientific systems to be closed. Yet, Kenya in 2026 is steadily degenerating into a disordered closed system, with the President in the lead. President William Ruto’s daily rallies, his caustic speeches, and his loud and insolent belittling of the Opposition are the pacesetters towards anarchy. President Ruto and his handlers need to wake up to the fact that they are diluting state authority.

February 15, 2026 09:34 UTC

Kenya produces approximately 305,000 metric tons of rice annually against a national consumption of nearly one million metric tons. This leaves a deficit of between 700,000 and 800,000 metric tons, which we meet through imports. With these strategic interventions, Kisumu is poised to produce over 240,800 metric tons of rice annually. Once revitalised, the scheme is projected to produce over 22,400 metric tons annually, while creating employment opportunities and increasing household incomes. In Siaya County, the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project will bring 10,000 acres under irrigation, with 4,500 acres dedicated to rice cultivation.

February 15, 2026 09:05 UTC

The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

February 15, 2026 07:30 UTC