Gachagua's defining week; UHC Adani bill; encyclopaedia ban

Good morning. Today we look at Gachagua's impeachment, which will reach a defining moment this week as the Senate hears the case and decides his future, and how Adani's entry has inflated the health system costs by Sh56 billion. KICD has banned unauthorised encyclopaedias from schools. Happy reading!

THE BIG TAKE

Gachagua pins hopes on judiciary

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is?pinning his hopes on the judiciary?as his?impeachment trial begins in the Senate?on Wednesday. Speaking at a church service, he expressed confidence that the courts will uphold the people's will. Gachagua thanked the 44 members of?parliament?who voted against his impeachment and called for calm and peace regardless of the trial's outcome. He urged leaders to respect the people's choice, reminding them that he was elected alongside President Ruto. Gachagua's legal team will?present their defence?on Thursday, countering charges that include undermining government policy and interfering with plans to relocate the Nairobi market.?

Universal Healthcare deal doubles in cost

The cost of the?Safaricom consortium's UHC project?has?soared from Sh48.3 billion to Sh104.8 billion?after the Ministry of Health changed the terms of the contract. The original contract in January included integrated digital systems, which were later expanded to include new registries and drug tracking. Safaricom's consortium, which also includes theUAE'sApeiro Ltd and?Kenya's Konvergenz Network Solutions, proposed recouping costs through service charges on healthcare transactions. If implemented, SHIF members could see their contributions rise above 2.75 per cent of their gross income. Senator Okiya Omtatah has challenged the deal in court, citing irregular cost increases. Safaricom has remained tight-lipped about the developments.?

KICD bans encyclopaedias in schools

KICD has?warned schools against using unapproved encyclopaedias, saying they burden students and add little value. CEO Prof Charles Ong'ondo criticised publishers for misusing revision books and urged moderation, especially in lower grades. The institute will only approve vetted learning materials, including those from abroad, to align with national curriculum values. Ong'ondo also warned against excessive exams and emphasised the CBC's focus on practical learning. The crackdown includes penalties for schools that use unapproved books. Meanwhile, the distribution of?grade 9?textbooks will begin on October 22, with all?books expected to be in schools?by December 15, 2024.

Quick hits

• Business: Raila reveals ties to Adani after Sh95bn energy deal.

• Africa: AUC chairman: Why this could be Africa’s most important election.

• Politics: William Ruto: The scheming 'prayer warrior'.

• Health: What’s killing Kenyans the most?

• News: Inside government plan to purge ghost workers from civil service payroll.

• Crime: Row over summonses, national security links to missing Wajir MCA Yusuf Hussein Ahmed.

• Business: Kenyans cut dollar deposits by Sh210bn on shilling gain.

COUNTY ROUNDUP

1. Exposed: Kenya’s underworld of gemstone smuggling where foreigners call shots
2. In Trans Mara, mega projects follow President William Ruto
3. Five to face charges as search continues for missing Kajiado title deeds
4. New study reveals full diet of ‘Man-Eaters of Tsavo’, including humans
5. Why Tsavorite miners and trader are at war with Joho

Today's newspapers

The Daily Nation leads with 'How Adani entry saw healthcare system inflated by Sh56 billion'. Business Daily leads with 'How Gen Z protests, Finance Bill hitch hit KRA collections' sale blocked'. Taifa Leo leads with 'FARASI WABAKI WAWILI'.

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