EACC Confirms Audit Targeting Thousands of Ghost Workers, Fake Degree Holders in Govt
The Ethics and Anti-Graft Commission (EACC) has confirmed that an audit targeting fake academic certificates and ghost workers in the public service is ongoing. Fake certificates have now become like a scourge in our country,” he stated. According to the commission, the use of fake certificates undermines professionalism and integrity in institutions. The recent warning comes when the commission is leading a nationwide crackdown to weed out servants with fake certificates. To prevent the use of fake credentials, the government had ordered that all public servants verify their academic papers before hiring to prevent loss of public funds.
Source:Daily Nation
February 17, 2026 16:51 UTC
Kenyan Newspapers February 17: Kenyan Govt Searching for Russian Man Who Secretly Filmed Women
On Tuesday, February 2, the Kenyan newspapers covered an array of topics, including the uproar following the escapades of a Russian man with Kenyan women in public. Taifa LeoTaifa Leo reported on the government looking for a Russian national who allegedly stalks Kenyan women, having sex with them and posting videos of them on his social media pages. The embattled secretary general is grappling with four possible paths that could shape his political future ahead of the 2027 general election. Recently, ODM officials attempted to oust him as secretary general, but the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal suspended the decision, granting him temporary relief. Busia woman representative Catherine Omanyo had been named acting secretary general, though the matter is set for further hearing on February 26.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 16:47 UTC
Milind Soman to Run Hill Highways of Kerala; 'Ennal Vaa' Invite by the Star Goes Viral
Kochi, Kerala, India (NewsVoir)India’s fitness icon, Milind Soman, has announced a landmark Hill Highway Run in Kerala, scheduled for February 22, 2026. The run will take place on the Kuttikkanam - Kattappana stretch of the Idukki Hill Highway. Built by the Government of Kerala and funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) at an approximate cost of Rs. The Hill Highway was built with the dual purpose of promoting hill tourism and providing vital connectivity for high-range residents to the mainland. Advertisement"When I saw those reels of the Idukki Hill Highway, the first thing that came to mind was a 'Wah!'
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 16:20 UTC
Actress Pravina Deshpande dies at 60 due to…, was last seen with Emraan Hashmi in Taskaree
Veteran actress Pravina Deshpande passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 60. Pravina Deshpande was associated with the Hindi and Marathi industry for the past few decades. She starred in Salman Khan and Asin's Ready, Rhea Chakraborty's Jalebi, Sidharth Malhotra and Shraddha Kapoor's Jalebi, John Abraham's Pramanu and many more. She also appeared in popular shows like Ghar Ek Mandir, Kumkum, Karam Apnaa Apnaa, and Kulfi Kumar Bajewala. Also Read: Sidharth Malhotra’s father Sunil Malhotra passes away; actor stays in Delhi with Kiara Advani after last rites
Source:News 24
February 17, 2026 15:32 UTC
I have no Interest in running Nairobi - Ruto
President William Ruto has clarified that the national government is not taking over the management of Nairobi, insisting that the county administration remains fully in charge of running the capital. Speaking during a function on Tuesday, Ruto dismissed claims that recent engagements between the national government and Nairobi County amount to a transfer of functions. “For the avoidance of doubt, I have no interest in running the city; my hands are already full. The Governor and his team must continue to run the city,” Ruto stated. Last week, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja dismissed claims that he has transferred county functions to the National Government, describing the reports as a “dream.”Sakaja reiterated his commitment to protecting devolution.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 15:32 UTC
Celebrations as lucky Khetias customer drives away with 6th brand new car
It was pomp and colour as a shopper at the giant Khetias supermarket chain, at the Highway Branch in Bungoma County, was declared the winner of a brand-new car. The month-old retail competition is among the annual events the supermarket chain holds to reward its loyal customers across the county. This year’s giveaway marked the sixth vehicle awarded in the Bungoma region as part of the retailer’s ongoing customer appreciation campaign. Shopper Mwanaisha Ali was declared the lucky winner of a brand-new car during the Khetias customer promotion, becoming the sixth car winner from the county. Despite the Bungoma promotion coming to an end, the management disclosed that more cars are set to be given away.
Source:Daily Nation
February 17, 2026 15:04 UTC
Education reforms: From paper to digital, e-Assessment unveiled
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.
Source:Standard Digital
February 17, 2026 15:02 UTC
Rs 257070000000: This company is India’s highest taxpayer, name is…
But beyond individual taxpayers, there are companies that quietly contribute massive sums to the government through corporate tax. Unlike income tax, which individuals pay on their earnings, corporate tax is paid by companies on their profits. So, which company tops the list in India when it comes to paying the highest corporate tax? The company paid a staggering Rs 25,707 crore as corporate tax in 2024. Vedanta Limited secured the third position by paying an estimated Rs 12,826 crore in corporate tax.
Source:News 24
February 17, 2026 14:44 UTC
Ruto, Sakaja to seal cooperation pact at State House
President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja will this afternoon oversee the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two levels of government. Senator Edwin Sifuna warned that any pact entered between the two must comply with the constitution that guarantees autonomy to counties. In 2020, Sakaja said Nairobi experienced a misadventure that resulted in Sh16 billion in pending bills. “The functions bestowed upon the county of Nairobi by the constitution shall remain the functions of the county. For those who think otherwise, they are free to look for another county and another governor, not Sakaja Johnson,” he said.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 14:00 UTC
How the tide turned against the leader of South Africa's second-biggest party
For the DA, such criticism is a major blow as it has long positioned itself as being far more democratic and competent than Ramaphosa's ANC. But it has now come under fire from one of its key constituencies - South Africa's mostly white farmers - many of whom vote for the centre-right DA or the right-wing Freedom Front Plus.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 13:39 UTC
Džana Pinjo, Snežana Bogićević, Maja Izetbegović to Star in ‘Hedgehogs in the Haze,’ From Oscar Winner Danis Tanović (EXCLUSIVE)
Popular on VarietyDunja, an unemployed teacher and single mom, is trying to reconstruct her life while coping with her abusive ex-husband Kemo, who’s in prison. When a fortune in drugs falls into their hands, the trio decide to use it to take down Kemo’s operation. ‘Hedgehogs in the Haze’ was born out of that process: their experiences, their humor, their lives,” said Danis Tanović who co-directs the series alongside Nermin Hamzagić. The global drama series market is currently marked by a noticeable contraction of market money: commercial investment, broadcaster commitments, and platform financing are substantially lower than they were five years ago. A civil society organization and multidisciplinary production house founded in 2015, RealStage operates as an independent non-profit association engaged in theatre, film, and interdisciplinary arts.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 13:34 UTC
Maraga condemns State over violence at Sifuna's meeting
[Peterson Githaiga, Standard]Former Chief Justice David Maraga has condemned Sunday’s violence at the Edwin Sifuna-led political rally in Kitengela, Kajiado County, and accused the government of orchestrating it. I stand firmly with the United Opposition in condemning the teargassing of gatherings, particularly churches,” he said. Maraga said many people were unable to register due to the long distances they have to cover to reach registration centres. “At the moment, ID and voter registration are at the constituency level. Maraga, 75, said he wants to involve the youth in the governance, noting that they had been ignored in the process.
Source:Standard Digital
February 17, 2026 12:24 UTC
We tried a fiber-filled Diet Coke that could be sold in the US. It wasn't for everyone, but it won some fans.
The soft drinks company launched the Diet Coke Fiber+ drink in Asia in 2017. A controlled experimentWe tried both the Diet Coke and Diet Coke Fiber+ for comparison. We brought the whole bureau in for the taste testThe Singapore bureau tried the fiber-enriched diet coke. Aditi BharadeWe brought the team in for the taste test with bottles of fiber Coke and regular Diet Coke. The fiber Coke won new fans at the bureau, with five team members saying they preferred it to regular Diet Coke.
Source:The Star
February 17, 2026 11:42 UTC
Meet first Indian actress to deliver Rs 1000 crore film, not Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Rashmika Mandanna, Aishwarya Rai, or Priyanka Chopra, her name is…
For many years, male celebrities controlled the Rs 1000 crore club, while ladies were rarely given credit for such significant achievements. Remarkably, it's someone who forged her own path to popularity throughout India rather than Anushka Shetty, Deepika Padukone, or Priyanka Chopra. Tamannaaha Bhatia's Rs 1000 crore filmTamannaah starred in S.S. Rajamouli's epic story "Baahubali: The Beginning" in 2015, which went on to earn between Rs 600 and Rs 650 crore globally. With this achievement, Tamannaah changed the record for female actresses at the box office by being the first heroine linked to a Rs 1000 crore movie. Tamannaaha Bhatia's brand collaborationsTamannaah is making headlines for a different purpose apart from films.
Source:News 24
February 17, 2026 11:27 UTC
The Sifuna force: Sifuna rallies draw massive crowds as ODM's internal rifts deepen
The Sifuna force: Sifuna rallies draw massive crowds as ODM's internal rifts deepen 17th February, 2026The simmering power struggle within ODM burst into the open over the weekend, as rival camps led by Oburu Odinga and Edwin Sifuna held parallel political rallies. Sifuna drew massive crowds in Kitengela, Kajiado, signaling growing grassroots backing even as the party’s interim leadership under Oburu pushes its own agenda. The dueling events underscored deepening cracks within the Orange party at a time when unity is critical ahead of 2027. Political observers now say the unfolding contest is more than a personal rivalry it could redefine the party’s identity and succession politics, with some analysts branding Sifuna as the new face of ODM’s combative, reform-driven legacy once associated with Raila Odinga. As the factions consolidate support, the question remains: will ODM close ranks, or is this the beginning of a long-term realignment?
Source:Standard Digital
February 17, 2026 09:54 UTC