KU’s bragging rights; schools in limbo; Gachagua’s future

Good morning and happy Mazingira Day!?Today, we are covering KU overtaking UoN in the world ranking, what awaits DP Gachagua at the Senate and why secondary schools may close early. Happy reading!

THE BIG TAKE

KU's crown dents UoN's pride

Kenyatta University has finally claimed the top spot in Kenya's university rankings, a long-awaited victory over the University of Nairobi. In the latest Times Higher Education World Rankings 2025, KU's teaching score of 14.2% puts it slightly ahead of UoN's 12.5%. However, UoN still leads in research quality. While no Kenyan institution made it into Africa's top 10, KU's triumph is sure to change the campus banter. After decades of UoN alumni bragging rights, KU students can now boast with pride. ?

Why the odds are against Gachagua in the Senate

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment battle has moved to the Senate after the National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to remove him from office. With 281 MPs backing his impeachment, Gachagua now faces a Senate dominated by President Ruto and Raila Odinga's parties. He needs 23 senators to vote in his favour, but projections suggest he may struggle to reach that number. The Senate impeachment trial is scheduled for October 16 and 17.? ?

Schools face early closure over cash crisis

As Kenyans focus on Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment saga, the education sector is facing a crisis. Secondary schools may close early as the government delays the release of full capitation funds. Headteachers warn of a dire situation as schools struggle to pay staff or buy essential items for upcoming exams. With only Sh11,342 per learner released, schools can't meet their operational needs. Some are already planning to send pupils home early. This financial strain has left staff unpaid and debts mounting, casting a shadow over the education system.?

Quick hits

• Health: All you need to know about the new tobacco law.

• Politics: Resign or fight on? Rigathi Gachagua’s risky million-shilling bet.

• Lifestyle: Evolution of sex work in Nairobi: From streets to glitz…from dingy to posh.

• Crime: Bob Njagi: My dog’s life in solitary confinement.

• Cybersecurity: Meet the 22-year-old mentoring future cybersecurity experts, one girl at a time.

• Education: Male teachers behaving badly as TSC deregisters tutors.

• Politics: Musalia Mudavadi: The ‘phantom’ stop-gap VP.

COUNTY ROUNDUP

1. Kenya's Maasai giraffe population threatened by land fencing
2. 10-month-old baby who was stolen in Nakuru rescued in Kitale
3. Farmers in Baringo rue heavy losses as climate crisis takes toll
4. Taita Taveta on the spot over Sh700m in unremitted statutory deductions
5. Court extends orders suspending impeachment of Mwangaza

Today's newspapers

The Daily Nation leads with 'Tall order for Gachagua at the senate'. Business Daily leads with 'M-Pesa paybills to become KRA tax registers by Dec 25' sale blocked'. Taifa Leo leads with 'ASHUHUDIA ‘AKIZIKWA'.

Cartoon of the day

VIDEO OF THE DAY

DP Gachagua's lawyer Paul Muite seeks referral of impeachment case to CJ Martha Koome