We can now reduce taxes and that is how we will transform our nation,” Ruto said. According to the President, the foundation of the current economic recovery was laid by prioritising economic stability at the start of his administration. That was the biggest problem we had, the stability of our economy,” Ruto said. “We are taking proposals to Parliament when they resume next week because we are in the process of reducing the tax burden on Kenyans,” Ruto said. “Those earning up to Sh50,000 we reduce the tax by 5 per cent,” Ruto said.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika at Kisima Farm, Njoro, in Nakuru County. The governor accused Cheruiyot of ethnic mobilisation in Nakuru, a cosmopolitan county with a majority Kikuyu and Kalenjin population. A close aide of Senator Cheruiyot told the Star that during the meeting, residents expressed disgruntlement with Kihika’s leadership, accusing her of marginalisation. Gachagua, the DCP leader, has announced a two-day tour of Nakuru county on February 27-28, despite what he has alleged to be threats by Kihika’s husband, Sam Mburu, not to step in the county. Sources in DCP indicate that Gachagua is expected to back former NHIF chief executive Geoffrey Mwangi as the party’s preferred candidate for the Nakuru governor seat.

In the UK, men are twice as likely to report using cocaine as women. They also made up nearly 80 per cent of the deaths involving the drug in 2024 (a figure which has increased consecutively each year for the past 13, attributed to the rise in cocaine’s purity, making it easier to overdose). In both men’s experiences, inside and outside of work, it’s men who do cocaine the most. Studies have shown that men are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviours, but surely there must be more to why blokes love coke so much?

The cricket world could be just days away from confirmation of its most anticipated fixture. Sources within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have confirmed that discussions are ongoing, and Colombo has emerged as the likely venue. The governing body also warned that such a stance could have long-term implications for Pakistan cricket and the wider global ecosystem. Leading India for the first time in a T20 World Cup match, Suryakumar Yadav set the tone with a sublime unbeaten 84, helping India post 161/9. Also Read: Bad news for Babar Azam as he may be dropped from Pakistan match against USA due to…

Industry PS Juma Mukhwana, accompanied by Softcare Kenya Managing Director Tom Li and other officials, during a factory tour in Athi River. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana has warned that poor feeder roads are derailing industrial activity and hurting investors in Athi River. “I have noted with concern that almost all feeder roads passing through the factories are in a pathetic condition,” noted Mukhwana. Softcare Kenya operates a modern manufacturing facility in Athi River, producing hygiene products for domestic and regional markets. Managing Director Tom Li said the company’s operations rely heavily on road access to distribute products across East Africa.

[Kipsang Joszeph,Standard]The forceful return of President Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2027 General Election political matrix means the Western Kenya vote will now be very crucial for President William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza coalition. With more than 2.6 million registered voters, Western Kenya remains a crucial battleground, and competition for its support is expected to intensify as 2027 approaches. The Mulembe nation deserves the same opportunity.”Still, not all analysts are convinced Western Kenya retains the leverage to dictate terms. Western Kenya may have lost ground and should avoid overplaying its hand,” says Ombayo. Ombayo notes that while Mudavadi and Wetang’ula were instrumental in delivering Western Kenya to Ruto in 2022, coalition politics rewards party strength, and ODM’s numerical advantage could overshadow regional demands.

2025 Absa 'Beat the Pro' Challenge winner Kanana Muthomi of Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club presented her award by Absa Bank Kenya Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Abdi Mohamed. [ABSA BANK KENYA]Every year, the prestigious Magical Kenya Open (MKO) golf tournament, presented by Absa Bank Kenya, pumps in millions of shillings into the Kenyan economy. “The contest targets junior players between 12-18 years and with handicaps not less than 9.0, but the whole criteria will be decided over by the JGF. While expounding about the junior contest to be held alongside the MKO, Absa Bank Kenya Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director Mwihaki Wachira noted: “We are holding the challenge for the second-year running. When they stand next to the global pros, our junior players get to learn one or two things from that experience.

NASA has announced a small but significant change for upcoming lunar missions, astronauts will now be allowed to carry modern smartphones, including iPhones, for the first time. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Crew-12 and Artemis II missions will include astronauts using smartphones during their journey. Additionally, the public will get a glimpse of these moments through photos and videos shared from space. Why smartphones matter in spaceUntil now, astronauts were not permitted to carry personal smartphones aboard space missions. Enhancing the astronaut experienceNASA hopes that allowing smartphones will give astronauts a better way to record and share their experiences.

Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas is reminiscing about the good times with the late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Aquino, the former leader known for leading a firm anti-corruption drive, a key territorial win against China, and the country’s economic resurgence, would have been 66 on February 8. In a Facebook post, Roxas greeted his friend a happy birthday “in heaven,” admitting how much he still misses him. “Good times: A coke, yosi and a smile. Happy birthday in heaven.

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This week, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka was appointed the new AzimioThis is premium contentSubscribe to Continue ReadingHelp us continue bringing you unbiased news, in-depth investigations, and diverse perspectives. Your subscription keeps our mission alive and empowers us to provide high-quality, trustworthy journalism. Join us today to make a difference!

Currently, the world’s largest shipping company is Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which holds more than 20% of the shipping market. Yet, this man built the world’s largest shipping company by taking out a loan. The man who built the world’s largest shipping company, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), is Gianluigi Aponte, from Italy. Built the world's largest shipping company with a loanIn 1970, Gianluigi Aponte, with his wife Rafaela Aponte-Diamant, started the Mediterranean Shipping Company by buying a small second-hand ship, MV Patricia, in Brussels. It is remarkable that the world’s largest shipping company is based in a country with no coastline.

[File, Standard]A letter sent by the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI) to the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is unwarranted and a laughable document. KNDI's misplaced wrath was triggered by a single, provocative comment on a Spice FM show about ugali. In a discussion on fitness that lasted an hour, KNDI chose to react to a soundbite taken out of context. KNDI is created by an Act of Parliament and its job is to register and license nutritionists and dieticians. The Standard Group will continue to interview a wide range of voices, scientists, farmers, doctors, critics, nutritionists, and even KNDI officers, as our editorial judgment dictates.

Presidents William Ruto, Samia Suluhu and Yoweri Museveni. [File, Courtesy]“Would you trade your freedom for speed and efficiency?” Last week, President Ruto said, “Countries that have succeeded have done so because they are a dictatorship. Once the leader decides, you cannot say no or question.”On the surface, the argument seems simple: a single leader, unopposed, can act decisively. But history and regional experience suggest a more complicated reality that Kenya cannot ignore. Authoritarianism thrives not only through force but also by weakening institutions, silencing dissent, and controlling information.

[iStockphoto]The first step is to conduct an HIV test to anyone seeking PrEP. Once they are HIV negative, then you determine their eligibility for PrEP by ruling out any adverse reaction to the components of the PrEP drug, any contraindications, any symptoms suggestive of acute HIV infection or history of any drug that may cross-react with PrEP such as anti-TB before starting one on PREP. A proper history of the individual is necessary so that we achieve effective use of PREP and the desirable outcome. The injection is administered under the skin in the abdominal area by a healthcare provider and is designed to be discreet and convenient. The drug has also shown no adverse effects in pregnancy and birth outcomes compared to oral PrEP.