Category: Auto Guid

The Vice-Chancellor of Minaret University, Ikirun, owned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria, has charged the institution’s pioneer students to uphold strong moral character, academic discipline, and a passion for research.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abdur-Rahman Abdullah, gave the charge on Thursday during the university’s maiden matriculation ceremony held at its mini campus in Ikirun.

The ceremony formally inducted 12 pioneer students into the academic community, marking a historic milestone for the institution.

Prof. Abdullah emphasised that true education requires a balance between intellectual development and sound moral character, urging the students to remain focused and disciplined throughout their academic journey.

Describing them as trailblazers, the Chancellor of the university and Amir (National Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Alatoye, encouraged the students to set high standards.

‘You will be remembered as those who set the standard, academically, socially, and morally,’ he said.

The 12 matriculating students took the academic oath and were admitted into various departments, including Computer Science (seven students), Information Technology (one), Cyber Security (two), and Accounting (two).

The university expressed optimism that the pioneer cohort would lay a strong foundation for the institution’s future growth and excellence.

The leadership of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Bauchi State Chapter, has categorically dissociate itself from the recent statement issued by a group of individuals claiming to have resigned en masse from the party.

The PRP in a statement issued on Friday, stated that, ‘We find it quite astonishing and indeed baffling, that persons who are neither members nor known by the leadership of PRP at any level, would have the audacity to claim to have resigned from our party and to have held positions within it.’

It stressed that,’This act of rascality and deliberate misrepresentation is a clear attempt to attract undue attention and create confusion where none exists.’

The PRP further stated that, ‘We wish to state unequivocally, that these individuals are not members of the PRP, neither are they recognized leaders within the party’s structure.

‘A simple due diligence check at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Bauchi will confirm the authenticity of our genuine members and leaders.’

‘Such a check will also reveal that the claims of holding positions within the party by these individuals are baseless and unfounded,’ It added.

According to the party, ‘It is important to underscore that the PRP remains steadfast in its commitment to its founding principles, and we do not need to respond to idle threats or fabricated claims by impostors and attention seekers.’

‘Our party’s records are well-maintained, and the genuine members and leadership are clearly documented, existing and remain intact without anyone resigning,’ It added.

The PRP urged the public, the media, and all stakeholders to disregard the false claims and to rely on verified information, stating, ‘The real and recognized leaders of PRP in Bauchi State are identifiable through proper channels and official records.’

In conclusion, the PRP assured that it remains united and focused on its mission to serve the interests of the masses and uphold the integrity of our party, as contained in a statement signed by Hon. Abdurrahman Yusuf Mu’azu, State Chairman.

The President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Comrade Eshiofune Paul Oghayan, has joined millions across the nation to celebrate the resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions of Nigerian workers.

This was contained in a statement he issued to newsmen on Friday, which he personally signed.

The statement noted that ‘this day is not merely symbolic; it is a solemn reminder of the dignity of labour and the critical role workers play in shaping the socio-economic fabric of our country.

‘Across industries and sectors, Nigerian workers continue to demonstrate courage and commitment, even in the face of persistent challenges.

‘As representatives of the student community and future drivers of the workforce, we recognise that the strength of any nation lies in how well it values and protects its labour force.

‘It is therefore imperative that policies and systems are strengthened to guarantee fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for growth and innovation.

‘In the enduring words of Chinua Achebe, a strong foundation sustains every structure. Our workers remain that foundation, and their welfare must never be compromised.

‘NAPS stands in solidarity with all Nigerian workers in the collective pursuit of justice, equity, and national development. Together, we can build a nation where labour is not only rewarded but respected.’

Coalition of political stakeholders and opinion leaders on Saturday formally presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination and expression of interest forms to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, urging him to join the Abia State governorship race.

The forms were formally presented to Kalu in Abuja by the stakeholders who disclosed that the decision was driven by Hon. Kalu’s track record in public service and leadership at the national level.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the group leader, James Uko-Kalu who hails from Abia North Senatorial District, described the Deputy Speaker as a unifying figure whose performance in the National Assembly has distinguished him as a capable leader.

According to him, Hon. Kalu’s journey since his election into the House of Representatives in 2019 has been marked by notable legislative contributions and effective representation, particularly in his role as spokesperson of the House and now as deputy speaker.

‘We are here because we recognise the invaluable contributions the Deputy Speaker has made to Nigeria’s legislative process, resulting in tangible developments. From 2019 till date, we have followed his work closely and can attest to his outstanding performance,’ he said.

He added that Hon. Kalu’s leadership style, which emphasises consensus-building, peace, and inclusiveness, is what Abia State currently needs.

‘I personally toured several communities across our constituency and witnessed first-hand the projects executed under his leadership. Professionals and stakeholders alike are convinced that this is the right time for him to replicate that same spirit of statesmanship at the state level,’ Igwe noted.

Also speaking, retired Major General Jack Nwaogbu from Abia Central Senatorial District commended Hon. Kalu for fostering unity within the APC in the state and across the South-East region.

He observed that the party, which previously suffered internal divisions that weakened its performance in the 2023 general elections, has witnessed significant revitalisation in recent months.

‘In the past seven months, there has been a remarkable rejuvenation of the party, largely due to the efforts of the Deputy Speaker and other well-meaning leaders who returned the party to its grassroots base,’ Okechukwu said.

He expressed confidence that Hon. Kalu’s ability to bring together diverse political interests positions him as the right candidate to lead Abia State and deliver good governance.

Similarly, Barrister Uzo Azubuike, representing Abia South Senatorial District, described the delegation as ‘messengers of the people,’ conveying a collective appeal for Hon. Kalu to contest the governorship.

Barrister Azubike urged the Deputy Speaker to prioritise the governorship ambition, stressing that his leadership offers the best opportunity for progress in the state.

Responding, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, expressed deep appreciation to the stakeholders for what he described as a demonstration of confidence in his leadership and service.

He assured that he would carefully consult with relevant political actors and well-wishers before making a definitive pronouncement on the request in the coming days.

Hon. Kalu commended the delegation for adopting dialogue and constructive engagement rather than resorting to protests or violence, noting that such an approach reflects a firm commitment to democratic ideals and responsible political participation.

He emphasised that, beyond individual ambitions, his immediate priority remains the strengthening of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-East, particularly in galvanising broad-based support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, building unity within the party and aligning the region more closely with the government at the centre are critical to unlocking greater development opportunities.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC, Hon. Kalu who pledged to support all aspirants within the party, stressing that collective success would depend on cohesion, discipline, and a shared vision, expressed optimism that the party is well-positioned to secure victory across Abia State in the next election cycle.

‘You believe that if I come on board, it is because I share in the vision of the Eight-Point Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and his commitment to true federalism, which empowers sub-national entities to drive meaningful development.

‘The purchase of this form is clearly a call for me to step forward. I have received it with gratitude, and within the next one or two days, after due consultations, I will make my position known.

‘I sincerely thank you for this gesture. Ultimately, the narrative of Abia must change, and we will continue to work collectively within the party to achieve that. The prospects of the APC in Abia will depend largely on the determination, unity, and commitment of its members,’ he said.

There is a story, the driving force behind this intended narrative about the audacious lawlessness of the Osun State APC that must be told in order to put into perspective the underlying factors, events, deceptions, truths, among others, that preceded certain illegalities and the attendant consequences of a desperate plot to return to power at any cost and by implication, take Osun back to Egypt.

The story behind the story is indeed a short trip down memory lane filled with bittersweet emotions…

The greatest misuse of power is to leave people the same or worse than you met them, is a famous leadership failure aphorism that aptly describes the 12 years of APC government of movement without motion maladministration in Osun State between 2010 and 2022.

For twelve dark years, Osun was in a state of sustained underdevelopment typified by a season of intense hardship, a season when people felt caged in a dark tunnel where the light at the end of it seemed unreachable or even non-existent; when a reliable three square meals felt distant and unattainable; when derelict and abandoned infrastructure which significantly stalled growth and economic development adorned everywhere across the state; when modular and half salary schemes subjected public servants to untold hardship; when pensioners were dying of hunger in droves for lack of subsistent upkeep allowances; when women, traders, the youth, artisans, and the man on the street lacked necessary resources to maintain a minimum standard of living; all thanks to the successive APC misgovernment superintended by Rauf Aregbesola and Adegboyega Oyetola.

Their lack of empathy, unclear vision, unmet promises and non-inclusive system of administration left a great deal to be desired. And because there was a profound disconnect between government and the people, governance was largely characterised by misplaced priorities to the detriment of the people’s welfare and general well-being. Government policies were mostly incongruous with reason, never in tandem with daily realities and general public needs. Annoying memories of impracticable, unsustainable and wasteful beautification and Opon Imo projects that ate deep into the state’s scarce resources remain rent-free in our heads.

All these APC government shenanigans undoubtedly heightened systemic oppression of citizens and residents, and which expectedly fuelled people’s desire for change and the determination to embrace light, the only solution to the darkness that had engulfed Osun State for so long.

Then light finally came [Imole de]. By way of divine compensation for the locust years, Osun people overwhelmingly voted Ademola Adeleke, an intentional leader with a deep sense of purpose as the fifth democratically elected governor of Osun State.

His emergence no doubt opened the pathway for the redemption of Osun people. It was a new dawn that focused on people-centred policies and projects aimed at reversing the years of neglect, enhancing wellbeing, fostering personal growth and ultimately setting the people free from the poverty trap of the defunct APC government in the state.

For Adeleke, the needs, values and wellbeing of communities and individuals were top priority and marked by bold decisions, resilience and commitment to excellence, he has remained faithful to his promises of rapid infrastructural development, improved workers’ welfare and robust grassroots development despite significant headwinds like the huge financial burden of a 30-month salary and pension backlog, immense infrastructure deficit and lately the local council imbroglio and withheld council funds.

Yes, true to form, the governor is obsessed with singing and dancing animatedly at social, political and even formal gatherings, yet his performance in office in the last three years has been outstanding, achieving much more than what the APC governors could achieve in 12 years. In fact, going by verifiable and incontrovertible reports, Adeleke has been quite exceptional in the high-quality delivery of impactful services to the delight of the vast majority in Osun state, especially the grassroots people. For them, the name Ademola Adeleke is good music to the ears; it hits the right chords in them and they are without reservation entirely in one ACCORD with the governor for continuity of his unprecedentedly outstanding performance in the state.

So, when I read a recent remark credited to former governor Oyetola, saying that they will reclaim Osun and return it to serious, people-focused governance; I had a good laugh at the entitlement mentality of a deposed monarch and his descendants who were given a chance of a lifetime to provide purposeful leadership but failed woefully.

Adeleke’s soaring popularity is no doubt of extreme worry for the Osun APC, a throbbing headache that left them with no option but to desperately seek to ‘seize’ power by all means, leveraging the lingering tempestuous local council crisis initiated by them as a veritable backdoor avenue to power by way of ramping up all forms of illegality to achieve their aim of causing havoc that would lead to a general breakdown of law and order and an eventual state of emergency declaration.

On the dictates of this absurd game plan and emboldened by the Nigeria Police and other powers that be, these APC local government officials whose elections were nullified by the Osogbo High Court in November 2022, affirmed by the Appeal Court in February 2025 and again in June 2025, still went ahead to illegally occupy local council secretariats across the state on the strength of a deliberately deceptive interpretation of court pronouncements. Even when their so-called tenure ended in October last year, this willful bunch of pretenders to the throne refused to vacate office but stayed put seeking tenure elongation, an illegal act alien to constitutional provisions and indeed a huge mockery of our fledgling democracy. It is in fact a settled matter going by Supreme Court pronouncements on such matters.

Further to this, over N230bn Osun local government statutory allocations have been withheld since February 2025, again an illegal act which the Supreme Court itself acknowledged recently as a wrong move by the federal government.

All these lingering acts of illegality are nothing short of an inversion of justice where criminals are treated like victims or better still, where misconduct is justified and integrity punished. In their reckless scramble for power and not minding the consequences, they have paralysed grassroots governance and stalled service delivery across Osun communities. According to a media report, the lingering crisis is taking its toll on workers and pensioners; many businesses are reportedly gasping for breath; markets are shrinking because of low purchasing power while most of the communities are sinking deeper into poverty and neglect.

This was why Governor Adeleke in a recent statewide broadcast, lampooned the nefarious anti-people activities of the APC and at the same time passionately appealed to his predecessor Oyetola and his cohorts to let Osun breath, to prioritise the welfare of citizens over partisan interests. This is no more politics but man’s inhumanity to man, the governor concluded.

Ogunremi is a former Press Secretary to Osun State government.

The Federal Capital Territory is scaling up its health insurance scheme to reduce out-of-pocket spending and expand access to care for vulnerable populations, a move health officials say is critical to easing the burden of diseases such as sickle cell.

This formed part of discussions at a dissemination event under the PACTS project held at the University of Abuja, where health experts, policymakers, researchers and patient advocates gathered to review progress and propose strategies for improving care for people living with sickle cell disease across sub-Saharan Africa.

The Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Aderonke Akande, said the scheme is designed to make healthcare more affordable, particularly for low-income and informal sector workers who are often excluded from structured coverage.

According to her, ‘As a resident of FCT, you can actually approach health insurance enrolment with less than 20,000 per annum. This covers you and four other members of your family,’ she said, noting that services such as testing, screening and consultations are provided at no additional cost once enrolled.

She stressed that reducing out-of-pocket expenditure is essential to preventing financial hardship among households, describing it as a major driver of poverty and catastrophic health spending in Nigeria.

Akande added that the informal sector is actively integrated into the programme, with multiple benefit packages that eliminate user fees for basic health services.

‘We have a lot of packages that actually cover testing free of charge, you don’t need to pay for anything,’ she said.

She further highlighted the role of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in expanding access, noting that more than 60 primary health care centres across the FCT are providing essential services funded by the federal government.

‘Through our basic health care provision fund facilities, you can approach this primary health care facility without paying anything, so far you are enrolled,’ she said, urging residents to confirm participating centres in their communities.

She also noted that emergency ambulance services are available across the territory.

The PACTS programme, funded by the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Research, focuses on strengthening health systems, improving access to comprehensive care and generating evidence to guide policy on sickle cell disease.

Co-Principal Investigator and Nigeria Country Lead of the project, Obiageli Nnodu, said the initiative has made significant progress in screening and research.

‘We have screened over 35,000 newborns for sickle cell disease and established the largest cohort in the country,’ she said.

She explained that the programme aims to close critical knowledge gaps while ensuring that patients receive standardised care across primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities.

‘We have focused on the patients in the registry to make sure that the quality of care that they are being given within the hospitals, whether primary, secondary, or tertiary are according to standard,’ she said.

Nnodu added that efforts are ongoing to expand access to effective treatment, particularly hydroxyurea, through training of healthcare providers and patients.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, said Nigeria continues to bear one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease globally, with an estimated 150,000 children born annually with the condition.

‘The question before us goes beyond what research we have uncovered… equally important is what we do with these findings and who is responsible for ensuring that these gains are implemented and sustained,’ he said, calling for concrete policy action and implementation.

Also speaking, Professor Imelda Bates of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine emphasised the need for patient-centred and sustainable solutions, noting that many families face stigma, financial strain and social challenges alongside medical complications.

‘We’re trying to understand what their main problems are and talking to them about solutions they can put in locally that will be sustainable,’ she said, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and improved access to care.

A member of the PACT programme, Nimatu Mustapha, shared how the initiative changed her experience after her child was diagnosed with sickle cell disease, describing how support from the programme helped her manage the condition effectively.

‘My child has never gotten any crisis for the past three years now… very healthy, very smart, strong and active,’ she said.

Participants at the event agreed that while initiatives like PACTS are yielding results, stronger coordination, sustained funding and effective policy implementation are needed to significantly reduce the burden of sickle cell disease in Nigeria and across the region.

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba Ahmed, has warned that a second term for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could push Nigeria towards collapse if current conditions persist.

In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Baba Ahmed said the country is facing one of its most difficult periods, marked by widespread insecurity, deepening poverty and growing division among citizens.

He described the government as disconnected from the realities of ordinary Nigerians, arguing that many people now live without hope, particularly young people who lack opportunities and motivation for a better future.

According to him, the situation has created a fragile environment where distrust and tension continue to rise, with communities increasingly divided along different lines.

He stressed the need for a decisive political shift in 2027 to halt what he characterised as a dangerous downward trend.

He said, ‘We’ve never been in a war situation more than we are now. We have a government that is too removed from the people. They don’t really understand the state in which Nigerians live. We are living with the highest level of insecurity that we have ever lived with. Poverty levels are unprecedented, young people have no hope. There is nothing to inspire them to be good citizens and to grow up in a country that does not care for them to be productive adults. We are fighting each other, we are hating each other.

‘The country is more divided now than it has ever been. And it’s very important that we put an end to this drift in 2027. As I said before, another term for the same administration may just put an end to this country.’

On claims that opposition to the president is driven by a coordinated political agenda, the PRP chairman rejected the suggestion, insisting that the real threat comes from rising criminality across the country. He argued that insecurity has worsened due to the government’s inability to effectively tackle banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Baba Ahmed maintained that dissatisfaction among Nigerians is rooted in lived experiences of hardship rather than any organised political conspiracy.

He added that attention should be focused on addressing the root causes of insecurity and improving citizens’ welfare rather than attributing criticism to political gang-ups.

‘If there is a gang up, it will be a gang up of criminals and bandits and killers and kidnappers that the same president has not been able to contain. Those are the only people who will gang up so that Nigerians will be killed and maimed and be made poorer. It’s no gang up. The President is incapable of securing Nigerians and is blaming criminals. He’s blaming politicians rather than dealing with the sources, the manifestation of insecurity.

‘If he said there is a gang up against him, it’s not coming from law-abiding citizens, it is coming from those who think President Tinubu should mobilise to protect them. There must be a gang up involving criminals and bandits and kidnappers. We don’t know about that.’

Revenue generated by the Konza Technopolis fell sharply in 2025, largely due to reduced land leasing and delayed payments for cloud services.

New data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that the State-owned technology hub recorded a 19.6 percent drop in revenue to Sh202.9 million in 2025, down from Sh252.4 million the previous year.

The decline came despite total investment rising by 19 percent to Sh99.38 billion, with the number of investors increasing to 78 from 70 a year earlier.

Income from leasing land parcels, a key revenue stream for the development, declined to Sh49.8 million in 2025 from Sh76.1 million in 2024, due to low uptake in the Phase II and Phase III sections of the city.

The number of parcels leased dropped to 21 from 33, as available plots rose to 78 following lease revocations and the surveying of additional land.

‘The total revenue generated by the Technopolis declined from Sh252.4 million in 2024 to Sh202.9 million in 2025,’ KNBS said in its 2026 Economic Survey.

‘Revenue generated from the lease of land parcels declined from Sh76.1 million in 2024 to Sh49.8 million in 2025, largely due to low uptake of parcels in Phase II and Phase III of the Technopolis.’

Revenue from the Konza Cloud also fell by 16.4 percent to Sh126.7 million, weighed down by outstanding bills from client institutions, pointing to cash flow pressures despite increased utilisation of digital infrastructure.

Usage rise

Still, the Konza National Data Centre recorded a 27.6 percent increase in the number of hosted clients to 171, while storage capacity utilisation doubled to 50 percent following an infrastructure expansion.

‘Available cloud server memory, however, declined from 28 percent in 2024 to 24 percent in 2025, while available virtual central processing units reduced from 62 percent to 56 percent, reflecting increased uptake and utilisation of the data centre,’ the statistics bureau said.

Konza Technopolis is a 5,000-acre smart city project aimed at positioning Kenya as a regional technology and innovation hub under the State’s Vision 2030 plan.

Located along Mombasa Road, 80 kilometres south of Nairobi city centre, the development hosts a data centre, research institutions and digital innovation hubs, offering a special economic zone for technology businesses.

Some of the companies that have set up operations in the Technopolis include Kenya’s largest telco, Safaricom, and Chinese tech giant Huawei.

An American firm has lost its legal fight to salvage the proposed Sh468 billion Nairobi-Mombasa toll expressway contract after a tribunal upheld the State’s decision to cancel the project over the company’s financial and technical weaknesses.

The legal battle highlighted China-US rivalry after Kenya cited the American firm’s reluctance to work with a Beijing-backed firm as a reason for terminating the mega deal.

Everstrong Capital had moved to the Public Private Partnership Petition Committee seeking to overturn the rejection of its privately initiated proposal to build and operate the 419-kilometre highway, dubbed Usahihi Nairobi-Mombasa Expressway.

But the tribunal dismissed the petition, ruling that the project failed to meet key thresholds on financial capacity, technical feasibility and overall viability under the Public Private Partnerships Act. At the centre of the collapse was the investor’s inability to demonstrate adequate financial muscle after dropping construction company, Mota-Engil, from the deal.

Mota-Engil’s exit stripped the project of a cornerstone investor expected to provide both equity financing and technical expertise, raising red flags about the project’s bankability, filings at the tribunal showed.

Mota-Engil is 40 percent owned by the Mota family and 32.41 percent by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), the parent of China Road and Bridge Corporation, which built the standard gauge railway (SGR).

American lenders backing Everstrong opted not to fund the mega highway because of the Chinese links in Mota-Engil.

A bigger highway between Mombasa and Nairobi has been on the wish list of successive governments aiming to ease congestion on the busy road to and from the country’s major port.

Filings at the tribunal show that Everstrong’s proposal had initially advanced to the project development phase on the strength of its partnership with the Portuguese contractor Mota-Engil.

However, documents later submitted indicated that Mota-Engil had exited the consortium, stripping the project of a key technical and financial partner.

The filings further state that Everstrong had not demonstrated prior experience in delivering projects of similar scale and complexity, and that the loss of Mota-Engil cast doubt on its ability to raise equity, with its financial position deemed insufficient to support the multi-billion shilling venture.

Mota-Engil has developed construction projects in around 50 countries, including roads, motorways, railways, airports, ports and dams.

Everstrong was aggrieved by the PPP Committee’s March 9 decision to reject its proposed project, claiming talks with the State gave it the confidence the deal would be approved, in what is referred to as legitimate expectation.

The firm argued that the authorities went ahead to initiate a separate procurement for transaction advisory services for fresh feasibility studies, despite Everstrong’s pending proposal.

In its petition dated April 1, 2026, Everstrong claimed the decision breached constitutional and statutory provisions, including principles of fairness, transparency and good faith, as well as its legitimate expectation.

It maintained that the actions of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Directorate and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) were unlawful, procedurally unfair, unreasonable and irrational, and in violation of both the Constitution and the Public Private Partnerships Act.

However, the tribunal noted that the investor failed to replace the Portuguese contractor with a partner of similar financial and technical standing, weakening its ability to deliver a project of such scale.

State agencies, the PPP Directorate and the PPP Committee, flagged concerns that the firm could not prove sufficient equity contribution or demonstrate its capacity to raise funds, a key requirement before approval of any PPP project.

‘The evaluation process was structured, multi-layered, and based on statutory criteria,’ the tribunal said, adding that the investor had failed to show any procedural breach.

The proposal had initially received conditional approval in 2023 and proceeded to the project development phase, where Everstrong was required to submit detailed feasibility studies.

However, the initial feasibility studies submitted in May 2025 failed to meet statutory criteria, prompting the government in July 2025 to direct a restructuring of the project from a greenfield highway to an expansion of the existing Mombasa Road corridor.

Everstrong submitted a revised plan in January 2026, but the tribunal found that the reworked proposal still fell short on critical benchmarks.

Authorities cited weak technical documentation, unresolved legal and land issues, and gaps in financial modelling as reasons for rejecting the plan.

The seven-member tribunal chaired by Stephen Odhiambo Anditi upheld this position, finding that the project did not meet the requirements of technical, financial, social and environmental feasibility.

Some of the agreements between Everstrong and Kenya coincided with President William Ruto’s visit to the United States in 2024, the first such state visit by a leader from sub-Saharan Africa since 2008.

Everstrong reckoned that the evaluation was rushed and unfair, claiming it was denied a proper hearing and that the outcome had been predetermined.

But the tribunal rejected this claim, noting that the process adhered to statutory timelines and that the investor had been given multiple opportunities to address concerns.

‘Following statutory timelines cannot, by itself, amount to unfairness,’ the tribunal said, adding that the firm had been granted extensions during the project development phase.

The investor also claimed it had a legitimate expectation that its revised proposal would be reconsidered after entering into a project development agreement with KeNHA.

However, the tribunal ruled that participation in the PPP process does not guarantee approval.

‘There was no clear or express representation that the proposal would be approved or proceed to implementation,’ the committee said.

Another major sticking point was the project’s cost structure and reliance on a greenfield model, which required acquiring land along a new corridor.

Officials estimated land acquisition costs at Sh12.9 billion, a burden that would be passed to motorists through toll charges.

Initial projections indicated drivers could pay Sh12 to Sh13 per kilometre, translating to more than Sh5,000 for a full trip between Nairobi and Mombasa.

The government deemed the toll levels unsustainable and opted to shift focus to upgrading the existing highway to avoid inflated land costs and speculation.

Everstrong had also sought policy guarantees, including forcing heavy trucks and long-distance buses to use the expressway to secure revenue.

Authorities declined to grant such concessions, citing potential backlash and conflicts with existing transport policies.

The tribunal further dismissed claims that a parallel procurement for transaction advisors indicated bias, ruling that the process was separate and lawful.

It concluded that the investor had not proved its case and dismissed the petition.

The number of people seeking modern birth control procedures in Kenya dropped by approximately 11 percent between 2024 and 2025, marking one of the sharpest single-year contractions in the country’s family planning programme in recent years.

Official data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that approximately 5.4 million people went for various modern contraceptive methods in 2025, down from 6.1 million recorded the previous year, representing a loss of nearly 700,000 users across all categories combined.

Modern contraceptives are medical methods used to prevent unintended pregnancies, and they are a cornerstone of reproductive health services globally.

These range from short-term options, such as condoms and oral pills, to long-acting reversible methods, such as implants and intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs), as well as permanent solutions, such as bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) and vasectomy.

Access to these methods is essential for individual reproductive choices, as well as for reducing maternal mortality, improving child health outcomes, and supporting broader socioeconomic development.

Family planning injections, the most widely used method, saw new clients fall by around 11 percent, from approximately 693,000 to 618,000, while revisits dropped by about nine percent, from 2.6 million to 2.3 million.

Combined oral contraceptive pills saw the worst decline, with new clients falling by almost 30 percent, from around 294,000 to 206,000, in one year alone. Revisit numbers for this method also fell, by around 23 percent, from approximately 499,000 to 386,000, suggesting that repeat users are disengaging from the programme too.

“During the review period, most methods recorded declines, with uptake of FP injections declining by 10.9 percent in new clients and 8.6 percent for revisits. The uptake of combined oral contraceptive pills declined by 29.9 percent for new clients and 22.7 percent for revisits,’ the Economic Survey 2026 said.

‘Implants declined by three percent for new clients, while revisits increased by 2.4 percent. Progestin-only pills and sterilisation (BTL) also declined by 15 percent and 13.9 percent, respectively, for new clients, whereas vasectomy recorded a growth of 9.2 percent in 2025,’ it added.

These declines coincided with the suspension of US foreign assistance in early 2025, which cut off a significant source of funding for contraceptive procurement and frontline health facility operations. The USAid had long been one of Kenya’s largest bilateral donors in reproductive health, and its withdrawal left visible gaps across the supply chain.

A government report projected that the loss of donor support could leave over 6.2 million people without access to family planning services in 2025. This could lead to increased unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, rising maternal deaths, and a decline in the contraceptive prevalence rate.

The number of implant insertions, which peaked at around 714,000 new clients in 2024, declined by three percent to approximately 692,000 in 2025. Progestin-only pill use among new clients dropped by around 15 percent, from approximately 120,000 to 102,000, while IUCD insertions declined marginally by about 3 percent. Sterilisation through BTL fell by almost 14 percent.

Meanwhile, male condom distribution fell by around 20 percent, from approximately 638,000 to 510,000 users. Female condom uptake also declined, by around 35 percent, shrinking from roughly 26,000 to just 17,000 users. This raises concerns over reduced dual protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.