GOVERNMENT ISSUES UPDATE ON MIDDLE EAST ADVISORY, NADCO IMPLEMENTATION, VOTER REGISTRATION, HIV ROLLOUT AND JKIA UPGRADE
HON. SEN. DR. ISAAC MWAURA CBS

GOVERNMENT ISSUES UPDATE ON MIDDLE EAST ADVISORY, NADCO IMPLEMENTATION, VOTER REGISTRATION, HIV ROLLOUT AND JKIA UPGRADE

By Joshua Otieno | March 3, 2026

The Government has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to international peace, public safety, healthcare reforms and electoral preparedness following a comprehensive press briefing delivered at Harambee House Annex by Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura.

Middle East Advisory

Kenya has called on parties involved in the ongoing Middle East conflict to embrace diplomatic and multilateral mechanisms to de-escalate tensions and restore stability.

Kenyans residing in affected regions have been advised to avoid conflict zones, minimise movement and maintain close contact with Kenyan embassies through official communication channels. The Government said it remains actively engaged in monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of citizens abroad.

Nation Mourns Hon. Johanna Ngeno

The Government also paid tribute to the late Johanna Ngeno, describing him as a distinguished leader who served the country with dedication and honour.

Officials urged restraint and respect during the mourning period, warning against politicising the tragedy through unsubstantiated allegations or divisive rhetoric.

Health Sector Digitisation and SHA Reforms

Through the Ministry of Health and the Digital Health Agency, the Government has digitised and linked 10,277 health facilities, with 4,149 currently fully operational under the Taifa Care system.

More than 30,000 digital devices have been deployed nationwide to enhance accountability and efficiency. Additionally, 558,000 vulnerable households are sponsored under the Social Health Insurance Fund.

The Government clarified that the reported KSh12.7 billion does not constitute a loss but represents flagged and rejected claims identified through strengthened digital controls within the Social Health Authority, demonstrating enhanced fiscal discipline.

Heavy Rains and Flood Preparedness

Kenya is experiencing early and intensified long rains, with heavy precipitation already recorded in January and February 2026.

According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, heavy rainfall exceeding 20mm is expected in the Lake Victoria Basin and Highlands West of the Rift Valley through March 3.

High-risk areas include counties within the Lake Victoria Basin, Highlands East and West of the Rift Valley, Nairobi and its environs, as well as Coastal and Southeastern lowlands.

The National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) has urged residents in flood-prone and landslide-risk zones to relocate to safer ground and avoid crossing flooded roads or sheltering under trees during storms. The Government expressed regret over lives already lost due to recent heavy rains and called for vigilance and collective responsibility.

HIV Prevention Rollout

Kenya has commenced the rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention.

The first phase targets 15 high-burden counties including Nairobi County, Mombasa County, Kisumu County, and Kiambu County, among others.

The injectable, administered twice annually, will be offered free of charge at designated public facilities and NASCOP-supported sites. Approved by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and endorsed by the World Health Organization, the intervention positions Kenya among the first African nations to deploy the innovation.

NADCO Report Implementation

The Government stated that the multi-sectoral implementation committee chaired by Dr. Agnes Zani is making measurable progress on the NADCO recommendations.

Consultations with government agencies, political actors and civil society continue, with a comprehensive public progress report expected in due course.

Continuous Voter Registration

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Continuous Voter Registration exercise remains on track, with thousands of new voters registered since September 2025.

The national target is to register over six million additional voters by 2027, at least 70 percent of whom should be youth. The IEBC is also finalising the Election Operations Plan for 2025–2027 and has warned against premature national campaigns outside legally stipulated periods.

JKIA Upgrade

The Government confirmed it is advancing a sovereign integrated master plan for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The project includes construction of a new passenger terminal, a second runway, airfield expansion and development of an airport city. Construction is scheduled to commence this year under full Government oversight, with officials stating the approach safeguards national interests and ensures value for money.

The Government concluded by calling for public cooperation, vigilance during the rainy season and responsible reporting as it continues to implement key national programmes.

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