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Medical bills set to rise 13pc, signalling higher premiums

Medical bills are expected to rise 13 percent next year, beating the global average and Kenya’s inflation in a forecast that is set to put pressure on insurers to raise premiums.

London-headquartered professional services firm Aon says in its 2027 Global Medical Trend Rates Report that medical inflation in Kenya will reach 13 percent next year, moderating from 13.5 percent this year but remaining above the global average of nine percent.

Aon says the expected increase in the cost of treating patients and providing healthcare services is the product of an increase in the cost of basic needs or inflation, increased hospital visitations, a surge in drug costs, and a rise in imports.

‘The trend rate figures shown in this report represent the percentage increases in medical plan unit costs, both insured and self-insured, that are anticipated for the coming year,’ states Aon.

The rising medical costs could force insurers to increase premiums to match the swelling hospital bills.

The rising medical payouts have come on the back of escalating healthcare costs, increased hospital visits, and higher utilisation of outpatient and specialised services, leaving insurers weighing premium hikes, even as some have dropped some clients.

Medical costs such as consultation, laboratory tests and medicine have been on the rise, accelerating health inflation as major hospitals such as Nairobi Hospital pushed to charge insurers more.

Nairobi Hospital had rolled out an increase in prices ranging from 2.07 percent to 61.3 percent or between Sh70 and Sh5,000, affecting services such as computed tomography (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, X-rays, bed charges and intensive care unit (ICU). However, it shelved the increment after uproar from insurers.

Employees under employer-backed medical plans could see their employers review medical benefits, potentially exposing them to higher co-payments, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses as companies seek to contain the cost of providing healthcare coverage.

Kenya’s projected 13 percent increase will mark the first moderation of the pace in five years, with the rate having climbed from 9.8 percent in 2023 to 12.5 percent the following year and 13 percent in 2025.

Aon’s forecast, which estimates annual changes in the cost of employer-sponsored medical plans, draws on expectations from its professionals working with corporate clients and insurers in more than 100 markets across the world.

Kenya’s projected medical inflation also exceeds its expected general inflation rate of 5.9 percent by 7.1 percentage points, indicating that healthcare costs will continue rising much faster than the overall cost of living.

The increase is also higher than North America (9.2 percent), Asia-Pacific (9.7 percent) and Europe at 7.5 percent. Latin America and the Caribbean are projected to record a 10.4 percent increase.

The Middle East and Africa region is expected to post a 12.2 percent increase, down from 15.3 percent in 2026. Aon attributes the moderation largely to easing foreign exchange volatility and lower general inflation.

‘While medical trend is easing, it remains more than triple the rate of inflation. Companies must take a proactive, data-led approach to managing costs while protecting the value of employee benefits,’ said Michael Pedel, head of global benefits at Aon.

The report ranked Kenya ninth highest in projected medical inflation among 19 African markets covered.

Kenya’s projected rise in medical costs is below Ethiopia (35 percent), Angola (25.5 percent), Egypt (23 percent), Nigeria (20.9 percent), Zimbabwe (18 percent) and Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mauritius at 15 percent each.

Some of the African countries where employer-backed medical insurance schemes will see lower increases than Kenya include Côte d’Ivoire (10.3 percent), Zambia (10 percent), South Africa (9.8 percent), Tunisia (9 percent) and Botswana (8.5 percent).

Others are Lesotho (8 percent), Mozambique (7 percent), Uganda (7 percent), Morocco (6.5 percent) and Tanzania (5 percent).

Aon says the moderation in healthcare cost increases across Africa is largely driven by easing foreign exchange volatility and lower general inflation. However, dependence on imports and the rising prices of private and specialist care continue to keep medical cost increases in double digits.

‘The region [Africa] is still heavily impacted by the cost of imported pharmaceuticals, and the rising cost of private and specialist care is keeping the gross trend rate in the double digits,’ said Aon.

Beyond these market-specific pressures, Aon identifies chronic and lifestyle-related conditions as major drivers of medical plan costs globally. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading contributor, followed by cancer and hypertension.

Physical inactivity and obesity are key risk factors, while rising diabetes prevalence and newer prescription medicines are expected to add to future costs.

‘While the leading cost conditions remain unchanged, obesity and diabetes are becoming increasingly important drivers of future healthcare costs,’ said Kathryn Davis, vice-president and data and analytics leader, global benefits at Aon.

Northeast Southwest poultry farmers express fear over imminent collapse of business

Some small-holder poultry farmers in the Northeast and the Southwest have urged government at all levels to intervene and save the sub-sector from imminent collapse.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Borno Yobe and Adamawa states in the Northeast poultry farmers described the rising cost of inputs as a serious threat to productivity.

In the Southwest the concerned farmers in Osun Ondo and Ekiti states sought the government’s help to overcome soaring production costs among other challenges facing the sub-sector.

A farmer and dealer in poultry feeds and medicines Mr. Godwin Dedan called for targeted government interventions to address the challenges facing small-scale producers.

He said rising feed costs remained a major concern requiring government support for local production of essential feed ingredients.

‘Such interventions could include subsidising poultry feed ingredients supporting local production of maize and soybean and establishing affordable feed-milling facilities’ he said.

Dedan also called for low-interest loans and grants to enable small-holder farmers to purchase day-old chicks feeds vaccines and other essential inputs.

He said sustained government support improved market access and affordable production inputs were necessary to keep small-holder farmers in business.

Dedan insisted that such measures would also promote employment opportunities and strengthen food security in the state.

Malam Haruna Ismail a grower of between 50 and 100 birds in Yola South said the price of day-old chicks had increased from between N980 and N1050 in 2025 to the current N2270.

He added that a bag of poultry feed previously sold for between N16000 and N18000 now costs between N21600 and N23000.

Ismail said the cost of poultry medicines also increased with some sachets previously sold from N400 to N800 now costing between N1800 and N2000.

He said the situation had forced him to reduce the number of birds purchased and adjust expenditure on feed and medications.

Another farmer in Yola North Mrs. Peace Samuel said that with the rising cost of production poultry farming had become increasingly unsustainable.

‘After rearing birds for six to seven weeks and feeding them at such high costs it will be fair to sell at N20000 each.

‘But some people may prefer to buy beef for N10000 instead of chicken’ she said.

Samuel said some farmers were consequently forced to reduce their selling prices to attract customers because they could not afford continued feeding.

She identified disease outbreaks including coccidiosis Newcastle disease and Gumboro as additional challenges confronting poultry farming.

According to her delayed treatment of infections could result in high bird mortality and significant financial losses.

In Biu Borno State small-holder poultry farmers also appealed to the state and Federal Government to support them to unlock the numerous job opportunities in the subsector.

Mr. Shettima Isa the Manager of Shettima Farms in Tum said a bag of feed was selling for N18000 as against N10000 previously.

‘This is increasingly becoming unbearable because you will spend huge money on feeds and vaccines and end up selling the broiler for between N8000 and N12000 depending on their sizes.

‘We hardly make enough profit and so many stopped the business and many jobs were lost too because it’s a value chain.

‘If the government will support poultry farmers in Biu and in the entire state we will have more jobs created and have more food for Nigerians’ he said.

Malam Usman Kabiru another poultry farmer in Biu town said he was forced to abandon poultry farming in view of the high cost of feeds and poor pricing.

Kabiru however said if the government would support them by subsidising feeds and other inputs he might reconsider reinvesting in the business.

A Potiskum-based poultry farmer in Yobe Malam Isa Bawa noted that prices of poultry feeds recorded a significant increase in the last five years.

‘As of four to five years back the price of a sack of poultry feed was between N5000 and N7000 but gradually reached N23000 for starter and N21000 for finisher’ he said.

Another poultry farmer in Potiskum Alhaji Usman Maidede said the high cost of feed had cut down the number of poultry farmers in the area a situation that sometimes led to the scarcity of eggs and birds.

‘When the price is high the farmers rear less which in turn causes less availability for the buyers.’

Also poultry farmers in the Southwest urged government at all levels to establish cooperative feed milling outlets to provide farmers with subsidised poultry feeds.

They noted that skyrocketing production costs were threatening the survival of the industry.

The poultry farmers who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday said the initiative would significantly reduce production costs and ease the financial burden on farmers.

The Chairman of Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PAN) in Osun State Dr. Alaba Towoju said the soaring prices of poultry feed day-old chicks and pullets made it increasingly difficult for farmers to cope.

According to him day-old chicks and pullets now sell for N2000 each which is excessive and detrimental to the growth of the poultry industry.

‘Poultry farmers buy feed at high prices from feed millers and are later forced to sell their products below profitable levels leaving them in perpetual losses.

‘Maize supplied by the government to support poultry farmers often ends up with feed millers who allegedly increased prices making it difficult for farmers to afford feed.

‘Government should closely monitor the distribution of subsidised maize to feed millers to ensure that the benefits are passed on to farmers through affordable feed prices’ he said.

Towoju however said proactive measures were necessary to boost poultry production protect farmers’ livelihoods and ensure food security in the country.

Also the Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Osun State Alhaji Wahaab Bello noted that the federal and state governments had periodically supported farmers including those in the livestock sector.

Bello noted that farmers had benefited from agricultural support programmes including the FADAMA III programme where farming implements were provided.

‘The Federal Ministry of Agriculture through its Department of Livestock provided farmers with 50 chicks and feed to support poultry production.

‘High cost of feed is the major challenge facing poultry farmers while the prices of ingredients used in its production are also high.

‘Feed sellers cannot be entirely blamed for the high prices because the raw materials required for production are equally expensive.

‘The government should intervene by reducing the cost of agricultural inputs and providing grants to ease farmers’ operational challenges’ he said.

In Ekiti State a poultry farmer Mr. Daniel Ajayi said the rising cost of poultry feed and unfavourable market conditions were threatening the survival of the business in the state.

The farmer said a bag of feed that was sold for N9000 last year now sells between N20000 and N23000 while the price of maize and soya – the major components – had tripled.

He noted that the development had forced many smallholder farmers to reduce flock size switch to alternative local feed or shut down entirely.

The Chairman of Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) in Ekiti State Mr. Alonge Oluwasetemi said only 15 to 25 per cent of members were still producing optimally.

‘Feed now accounts for about 75 per cent of production cost making it impossible for farmers to break even when consumers cannot afford the products’ he stated.

A broiler seller at Oja Oba Market in Ado-Ekiti Mrs. Funmi Ajayi said she used to sell 100 birds daily but now barely sells 30 birds.

‘People don’t have money to buy. A medium chicken that was N3500 is now N7000 and customers are negotiating N4000. Farmers now struggle to sell or even offer birds on credit’ she said.

A veterinary doctor in Ikere-Ekiti Dr. Femi Olabode told NAN that some feed millers were now compromising quality saying ‘maize should be 50 per cent of feed but now they put 35 per cent to make profit.

‘So birds don’t gain weight; layers produce 50 per cent instead of 90 per cent. This increases mortality and disease risk. It is a vicious cycle’ he stated.

The Chairman of PAN in the Southwest Oluleye Olugbeja appealed to government to address the feed cost noting that ‘feed is 75 per cent of our cost.

‘If government can release grains from the national reserve at a subsidised price give single-digit loans from the Bank of Agriculture and support insurance against disease farmers can survive.

‘Otherwise this N4.2 trillion industry that gives 25 million jobs will collapse’ Olugbeja said.

SIWE’s Coordinator at the Federal College of Agriculture Akure Ondo State Dr. Joshua Sunday Ayantayo explained that raising 50 birds to table size now required nothing less than N400000 excluding mortality and other costs.

Ayantayo also a poultry farmer said many farmers were cutting corners by not vaccinating their birds appropriately because they could not afford both feed and drugs while others have reduced their flock.

‘Those who have been raising 1000 are reducing to around 500; some are reducing from 500 to 300′ he said.

Ayantayo urged the government to intervene by subsidising feed production and empowering farmers who produce raw materials particularly maize.

He noted that the price of feed would remain high as long as the country continued to import maize which is a major ingredient in feed production.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wholesome Chicken Farm in Akure Mr. Tayo Ayorinde noted that poor farm management disease outbreaks inadequate marketing strategies and corruption in government intervention programmes are major factors driving poultry farmers out of business in Nigeria.

Ayorinde who acknowledged the high cost of poultry production in the country said it was unrealistic to attribute farmers’ abandonment of their farms solely to rising prices of feed and other production inputs.

He explained that poultry farmers could remain profitable despite the high cost of production if they maintained good production standards and develop effective marketing strategies.

According to him some farmers incur losses due to their inability to plan their sales properly particularly when they produce large quantities of birds without adequate arrangements for marketing them.

He noted that disease outbreaks attacks by soldier ants vaccine failure and theft were also among the challenges capable of forcing farmers to abandon their businesses.

Ayorinde advised poultry farmers to prioritise farm hygiene and biosecurity measures to protect their birds against diseases and other infections.

He added that pilfering could also undermine farmers’ profitability as the theft of birds and other farm resources reduced their expected returns.

Ayorinde acknowledged the introduction of various programmes by the government to support farmers but lamented that corruption and diversion of resources had undermined their effectiveness.

Also the owner of Olajesu Farm a retail poultry inputs store in Akure Mrs. Aminat Olaitan said the rising cost of poultry feed and other inputs had reduced demand and patronage.

Olaitan said a bag of finisher feed is between N22000 and N24000 compared with N16000 and N18000 before depending on the brand claiming that she could hardly sell four bags in a week compared with eight to 10 bags before the increase in price.

Olaitan appealed to the government to intervene particularly by addressing the high cost of transportation and subsidising poultry inputs.

A major poultry feed seller and CEO of PearlFak Limited in Arakale in Akure Mrs. Abiola Fakinlede noted that feed production companies relied heavily on expensive diesel to run their plants while bad road networks caused long transportation delays.

On price trends over the last six months Fakinlede pointed out that feed prices experienced a brief drop before July but have maintained a steep continuous upward spiral ever since.

‘From July to date feed prices have been going up drastically and within a single week the price can change more than once’ she stated.

She emphasised that the severe inflation cuts across the entire market rather than affecting isolated feed companies.

‘When farmers come to buy feed instead of buying full bags many end up buying half bags which forces them to ration the feed and causes their birds to suffer’ she said.

She explained that this continuous feed rationing has led to a reduction in egg production and forced many smallholders to cut down their flock sizes.

To resolve the challenges Fakinlede called on the government to subsidise the cost of raw materials stabilise fuel and diesel prices rehabilitate bad roads and restore security in agricultural zones.

GHS100,000 Bounty On Killer Of Man, Niece

A GHS100,000 reward has been announced for anyone who provides credible information leading to the arrest of the principal suspect, Samuel Christopher Osei Anto, who is alleged to have shot and killed George Atuguba, and his niece, Irene Atuguba, in the head at their NTHC Estate residence in Sakumono on October 30, 2026.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested 47-year-old suspect Beatrice Mumuni, who is believed to have led the principal suspect to the residence of the victims before the murders.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident was triggered by a financial dispute.

According to police, the deceased, George Atuguba, had allegedly borrowed GHS500,000 from the suspect but failed to repay the amount.

On the morning of the incident, suspect Samuel Christopher Osei Anto reportedly went to the deceased’s residence with Beatrice Mumuni to demand repayment.

A misunderstanding allegedly ensued during the confrontation, during which the suspect shot and killed George Atuguba, and his niece, Irene Atuguba. The deceased persons were rushed to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead by a medical officer.

Police say efforts are underway to apprehend the main suspect, while the arrested accomplice is assisting with investigations. Meanwhile, Samuel Christopher Osei Anto has been declared wanted to assist investigations into the case.

A statement issued by the Accra Regional Police Command assured the public that every effort is being made to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice.

The bodies of the deceased have since been deposited at the Police Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

Brother’s Account

The brother of the late Irene, Stephen Atubiga, has recounted in an emotional post how his sister and uncle were shot dead.

In a statement titled ‘The most difficult storm blew through the Atubiga family this morning,’ Mr. Atubiga said he received a call from the wife of the suspect, Samuel Anto, at about 8 a.m. while he was at the gym.

‘She asked, ‘Steve, where are you?’ I replied that I was at the gym working out. She said, ‘Please come here quickly, my husband has just shot our uncle George and your sister. Come now,” he recounted.

He said he was completely dazed and forgot to call his driver and escort, and after alerting the police, he ran out of the gym towards his sister’s house on foot.

‘On the way, I saw a taxi parked by the roadside. I jumped in and told him to drive quickly,’ he said.

Mr. Atubiga said upon arrival, the victims were rushed to Sakumono Community Hospital where doctors pronounced them dead, but he initially refused to accept the news.

‘I was in disagreement with the doctors who told me my sister and uncle were gone. The doctors showed me all the medical examinations to accept that they were gone, but I refused, especially touching my sister’s chest trying to feel for a pulse,’ he wrote.

‘Because I believe in modern medicine I have seen on TV, where people shot in the head still survive, but the doctors kept telling me the bullets in their heads killed them instantly.’

He said the police subsequently took possession of the bodies for further investigations.

‘Until I was asked to sign the documents for preservation in the mortuary. They called me in alone to look at them before they put them in. That was my breaking point. I accepted that my lovely sister and uncle are gone,’ he added.

Describing his sister as his closest confidante, Mr. Atubiga said she was the only person he could share his difficulties with 24/7 and always gave him a shoulder to cry on.

‘She was the only person I could share my difficulties with 24/7… She always had a meal in her fridge to feed me whenever I called,’ he stated.

He described his uncle George as a very quiet person who always had listening ears.

‘Today, as I sit now, as the only son of my mother in the Atubiga family, who can I run to during my predicaments? God, will I ever get a genuine replacement and helper now that she is gone? In all, I cannot question God. I can only say, it is well.’

Grace Nortey Laid To Rest As Actors Pay Last Respects

Veteran Ghanaian actress, Grace Naa Kwarley Nortey, has been laid to rest following a funeral service attended by hundreds of mourners, including prominent figures from the entertainment industry and politics.

The ceremony took place at the forecourt of the State House in Accra on Saturday, October 31, with veteran actress Maame Dokono, Nana Ama McBrown, Lydia Forson, Kalsum Sinare and actor and politician, John Dumelo, among those who gathered to honour her memory.

Representatives of the Ghana Actors Guild, industry colleagues, family members, and fans also attended the service to celebrate the actress’s life, whose contributions to Ghanaian entertainment spanned several decades.

Her burial was held privately, with only close family members in attendance. In keeping with the family’s arrangements, there was no wake, while mourners wore white outfits as requested.

A thanksgiving service was held on Sunday, November 1, at 8am at St Barnabas Anglican Church in Osu.

Grace Nortey died on August 26, 2026, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre at the age of 89.

Born on February 1, 1937, she was widely regarded as one of the pioneering figures in Ghana’s acting industry.

Her career covered theatre, television, film and radio, earning her recognition through popular productions such as ‘Obra’, ‘Osofo Dadzie’, ‘Nana Akoto’, ‘Escape to Love’ and ‘Ties That Bind’.

She also featured in films including ‘Sinking Sands’, ‘Lost Hope’ and ‘Matters of the Heart’, and gained international exposure through her appearance in the 2015 Netflix film Beasts of No Nation.

Beyond acting, Grace Nortey hosted ‘Nyeawokoshie’, a radio programme for Ga women in the 1970s. Her contribution to the creative arts was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Star International Film Festival.

She is survived by five daughters, including actress Sheila Nortey. Her passing attracted tributes from several prominent personalities, including former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who described her as a trailblazer and cultural icon.

Police arrest two suspected cable vandals in Abuja

Police operatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have arrested two suspected members of a cable-vandalism gang and recovered several cut-to-size armoured cables in Guzape Abuja.

The suspects identified as Sagir Abubakar of Kuchingoro Village FCT and Seidu Umar Bello were arrested following a surveillance patrol along Walter Ofonagoro Street Guzape at about 1:30am on October 31.

The FCT Police Command said operatives from Guzape Division spotted a Lexus SUV and a Toyota Sienna parked under suspicious circumstances and approached the vehicles to ascertain the occupants’ reasons for being there at that hour.

However the occupants reportedly sped off upon sighting the police team abandoning one of their accomplices who attempted to escape on foot.

The operatives pursued and arrested him while a search of the surrounding premises led to the recovery of several cut-to-size armoured cables.

The command said preliminary investigations identified Abubakar as a member of a gang allegedly targeting secluded locations across the FCT to vandalise public and private infrastructure.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Bello who had initially escaped from the scene in one of the vehicles.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Josephine Adeh disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

Adeh said investigations were ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ activities identify other members of the gang and arrest those still at large.

She added that the suspects remained in police custody and would be charged in court once investigations concluded.

The command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the nearest police station.

It also provided emergency contact numbers: 08032003913 and 08061581938.

RHA Ikorodu presents book on Tinubu’s achievements

The Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) Ikorodu Federal Constituency has presented a book entitled ‘PBAT… A Phenomenon’ written by Mr. Adetoye Oliwo Secretary Research and Planning of the organisation highlighting the landmark achievements policies and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The book presentation formed part of the activities marking the inauguration of the RHA secretariat and inauguration of ward coordinators and directorate members lastThursday at the Ikorodu Ultra Modern Town Hall.

The publication an initiative of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors is designed to make information about the policies programmes and achievements of the Tinubu administration accessible to the general public providing readers with an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the various interventions and accomplishments of the PBAT presidency.

Authored by Mr. Adetoye Oliwo the book represents an information-driven effort to document the administration’s policy direction and achievements while promoting wider public understanding of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Documenting the Renewed Hope Agenda

The presentation of ‘PBAT… A Phenomenon’ reflects the importance of documentation and public enlightenment in communicating government policies and programmes.

The publication seeks to bridge the information gap between government and citizens by bringing relevant information about the Tinubu administration’s activities and achievements closer to the people.

Through the book the Renewed Hope Ambassadors aim to provide an accessible reference material for voters students researchers political observers and members of the general public interested in understanding the administration’s policies and development agenda.

Beyond political mobilisation the initiative underscores the role of information dissemination in encouraging informed public engagement and helping citizens better understand the objectives and achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Book Presentation Adds Intellectual Dimension to RHA Inauguration

The unveiling of the publication added an intellectual and public-enlightenment dimension to the historic RHA gathering in Ikorodu.

The event attracted prominent political leaders government officials traditional rulers community stakeholders and representatives of various organisations.

Among the distinguished personalities present were Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru FCA; Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State and Lagos State Ambassador of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; and other political leaders.

The book presentation complemented the commissioning of the constituency secretariat and inauguration of Ward Coordinators and Directorate members demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to combining grassroots mobilisation with public awareness and information dissemination.

Taking the Renewed Hope Message to the Public

With ‘PBAT… A Phenomenon’ the Renewed Hope Ambassadors seek to extend the conversation about the Tinubu presidency beyond political gatherings and conventional media platforms by making documented information about its policies and achievements available to a wider audience.

The initiative also reinforces the organisation’s broader objective of promoting awareness engagement and support for the Renewed Hope Agenda across Ikorodu Federal Constituency.

The publication stands as an information resource intended to bring the administration’s policies programmes and reported accomplishments closer to the people while encouraging greater public understanding of the direction and objectives of the PBAT presidency.

Two Battle For Life After Sokoban Road Crash

TWO PERSONS are battling for their lives at the Asafo Agyei Hospital after a speeding vehicle knocked them down at Sokoban in the Atwima Kwanwoma Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

The accident, which occurred last Saturday, involved a private vehicle with registration number GE 461-15, allegedly driven by a suspected drunk driver.

The driver, whose identity has been withheld, was arrested following the incident.

The Assembly Member for the Sokoban-Daban Electoral Area, Kwadwo Boateng, who reportedly led efforts to apprehend the driver, confirmed the accident and said the victims were knocked down while standing by the roadside.

He disclosed that the driver was suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol when the accident occurred.

Mr. Boateng expressed concern over what he described as the increasing spate of pedestrian knockdowns in the area, blaming the situation partly on the absence of speed ramps and roadside barricades.

According to him, his office, together with residents, had repeatedly petitioned the Department of Feeder Roads and the area’s Member of Parliament to facilitate the construction of speed ramps and barricades to check speeding and protect pedestrians.

However, he lamented that the appeals had not received the needed attention, despite several lives reportedly being lost through similar accidents.

‘Several people have died through similar pedestrian knockdowns in this area. We have cried to the authorities for speed ramps, but nobody listens to us until another life is lost,’ he lamented.

The Assembly Member consequently appealed to the relevant authorities to urgently intervene and provide the necessary road safety infrastructure to prevent further fatalities.

Meanwhile, the police have commenced investigations into the accident, while the two victims remain in critical condition at the hospital.

CBM dismisses claims of electoral interference, says membership registration voluntary

The City Boy Movement (CBM) has dismissed reports suggesting that its ongoing membership registration exercise is linked to or interferes with Nigeria’s electoral process, insisting that the exercise is entirely voluntary and separate from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) statutory voter registration.

The Movement said its registration was strictly for building its membership database, strengthening its organisational structures and coordinating activities, stressing that its membership forms and cards could neither confer voting rights nor serve as substitutes for official INEC voter registration documents.

In a statement by its Deputy Director-General, Media, Communication and Public Affairs, O’tega Ogra, CBM said registration was open to existing members and Nigerians willing to join the organisation voluntarily.

It disclosed that interested individuals could register physically or through its official website.

The Movement stressed that its membership registration and INEC’s voter registration served different purposes, noting that the electoral commission remained constitutionally responsible for registering eligible voters and maintaining the national register of voters.

According to CBM, registration with the organisation does not confer voting eligibility, amend anyone’s details in INEC’s register or replace any requirement prescribed by the electoral commission.

It also explained that its membership forms and cards were not electoral registration documents or substitutes for Permanent Voter Cards.

‘The existence of a membership register does not, by itself, establish interference with or manipulation of the electoral register,’ the statement said.

CBM further maintained that participation in its activities was entirely voluntary, adding that individuals remained free to decline membership, withdraw from the organisation or exercise independent political and electoral choices.

It said no Nigerian was being coerced or compelled to register with the Movement, insisting that it neither impersonated INEC nor misrepresented the purpose of its registration exercise.

The organisation also rejected suggestions that its activities interfered with the electoral rights of Nigerians, maintaining that its operations were conducted within the framework of applicable laws.

On concerns surrounding the collection of personal information during registration, CBM said protecting members’ data remained an important obligation of the organisation.

It assured that personal information collected during the exercise would be processed fairly, lawfully and transparently, with appropriate safeguards against unauthorised access, use or disclosure.

The Movement added that members of the public participating in the exercise would receive information from its officers regarding how their personal data were processed and their applicable privacy rights.

It also maintained that any consent required under the law would be freely given, specific and informed.

CBM said it welcomed legitimate enquiries, lawful criticism and evidence-based scrutiny of its activities, urging anyone with specific concerns or evidence of misconduct to report through its verified official communication channels.

It pledged to review complaints fairly and cooperate with lawful investigations while respecting the rights of complainants and individuals against whom allegations might be made.

Can survivors develop another cancer?

Completing cancer treatment often brings relief and hope. However, some survivors may later discover that they have cancer again, raising questions about whether the original disease has returned or a different cancer has developed. The answer depends on the type of cancer detected and its relationship to the first one.

According to the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), a second primary cancer is a new cancer that develops in someone who has previously had cancer. It may appear months or years after the first diagnosis and treatment. It is different from recurrence or the spread of the original cancer.

When cancer returns or spreads

Cancer recurrence occurs when cancer returns after treatment. This can happen when some cancer cells survive treatment, remain undetected and later grow enough to be identified through investigations.

Recurrence may occur at the original site, in nearby tissues or lymph nodes, or in a distant organ. When cancer spreads to another part of the body, the process is called metastasis. For example, if a person previously treated for breast cancer develops cancerous growths in the lungs, the disease may be metastatic breast cancer rather than a new lung cancer. The cells in the lungs originate from the breast cancer, even though they are growing in another organ.

This distinction matters because treatment depends on the cancer’s origin, its biological characteristics and how far it has spread. A new cancer in a different organ does not automatically mean the original cancer has spread. Doctors must investigate to establish whether it is a recurrence, metastasis or a second primary cancer.

Why a second cancer develops

A second primary cancer is a separate disease that develops independently of the first cancer. It can occur in the same organ or a different part of the body.

Several factors may contribute to the risk, including inherited genetic changes, family history, age and exposure to cancer-causing substances such as tobacco smoke. Certain cancer treatments, including some chemotherapy medicines and radiotherapy, can also increase the risk of another cancer developing years later.

However, developing a second cancer does not necessarily mean that the first cancer treatment caused it. The risk varies according to the original cancer, treatment received and individual circumstances.

Some people have inherited genetic changes that increase their susceptibility to more than one type of cancer. Where a patient’s personal or family history suggests an inherited cancer syndrome, a doctor may recommend genetic counselling and testing.

Not every cancer survivor will develop another cancer. Many people remain free of cancer for the rest of their lives.

Why follow-up care matters

Completing treatment does not mean medical follow-up should stop. Survivors should attend appointments as advised by their healthcare teams, even when they feel well.

Follow-up care helps doctors monitor for recurrence, assess treatment-related side effects and determine whether additional screening is appropriate. The type and frequency of investigations depend on the original cancer, treatment received and the person’s individual risk.

Survivors should seek medical attention when they notice persistent, unexplained changes in their bodies. These may include a new lump, unexplained weight loss, unusual bleeding, a persistent cough or changes in bowel or bladder habits.

Such symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, but persistent or concerning changes warrant assessment.

People with a history of cancer should tell their doctors about their previous diagnosis and treatment whenever they seek medical care. This information helps guide investigations and the interpretation of new symptoms.

$1.2 million investment cuts emission in Kilimanjaro farm

Dar es Salaam. A $1.2 million investment by a commercial farm in Kilimanjaro has cut water losses and reduced irrigation-related greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 75 percent, offering a model for balancing agricultural production with conservation of shared water resources.

African Plantations Kilimanjaro (APK) has replaced its traditional open-furrow irrigation system with a piped network that uses gravity to transport water from the Weruweru River to its 450-hectare Lambo Estate in Machame.

The upgrade has improved water delivery efficiency while reducing reliance on diesel-powered pumps through the adoption of sprinkler and linear irrigation systems.

According to a report by the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme II (NatuReS II), the changes have reduced irrigation-related greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 75 percent.

The investment is particularly significant for communities and smallholder farmers who depend on the Weruweru River for agriculture, household consumption and other livelihood activities.

APK Project Manager Gabriel Kagume said the decision was driven by the need to maintain commercial production while improving water and energy efficiency and strengthening resilience to climate change.

‘For us, this was not simply about changing an irrigation system. We were looking at how we could continue producing commercially while reducing our dependence on diesel, using water more efficiently and becoming more resilient to the climate change pressures facing the catchment,’ he said.

The investment was undertaken through APK’s participation in the Sustainable Water Management Partnership for the Weruweru sub-catchment (SUWAMA Weruweru).

The association brings together businesses, public institutions, schools, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to address competing demands on water resources.

The partnership includes 14 participating institutions and stakeholders, among them the Pangani Basin Water Board, APK and Dekker Chrysanten.

It provides a platform for discussions on water planning, governance, agricultural requirements, domestic consumption and environmental protection.

Jacob Mallya, chairman of the Weruweru River and a local resident, said improved water conveyance had helped build confidence among users, particularly during dry periods when demand for the resource increases.

‘When a lot of water was lost before reaching the farms, we could feel the pressure, especially during the dry season.

Today, when water is conveyed more efficiently, there is greater confidence that the resource can be shared more fairly,’ he said.

He said the river supported not only commercial farming but also communities whose livelihoods depended on its water.

‘When we use water more efficiently, the wider community can benefit,’ he said, calling for collective responsibility in protecting the resource.

Beyond improving irrigation efficiency, the partnership also supports community-led environmental restoration.

One beneficiary is Violeth Rabson, a 49-year-old farmer from Machame who has planted and maintained approximately 2,100 trees along the Weruweru River to help restore riverbanks and protect the water source.

She participated in the Green Recovery: Launching the Pay to Grow Model project, implemented by Kijani Pamoja through SUWAMA Weruweru with support from GIZ NatuReS II.

The initiative links financial incentives to tree survival, with participants receiving payments based on the number of trees that remain alive.

Under the performance-based arrangement, Ms Rabson receives Sh400 for every surviving tree every three months.

According to the programme report, the additional income has enabled her to invest in farming, purchase livestock and support her son’s education, illustrating how environmental conservation can also improve household livelihoods.

The irrigation upgrade has also delivered measurable climate benefits. The NatuReS II report estimates that the farm avoids approximately 12.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per hectare annually, translating into about 5,760 tonnes across its 450 hectares.

NatuReS II, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and implemented by the German development agency GIZ, supported partnerships in the Weruweru area of Kilimanjaro and Usa River in Arusha.

The programme ran in Tanzania from September 2023 to October 2026, addressing shared environmental challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, competing demands for water and catchment degradation.