Simon Kiprono Chelugui, EGH

Baringo: The New Frontier for Kenya’s High-Value Tea Revolution Baringo County is increasingly emerging as a potential new frontier for tea cultivation in Kenya, particularly in its highland areas. Today in Torongo Location, Eldama Ravine, we held a review of tea development and adoption with farmers from Mwachon Cooperative, followed by visits to model farms to assess the progress being made and the suitability of the area for tea cultivation. The engagement brought together farmers, local leadership and key sector institutions, including Willy K. Mutai, CEO of the @teaboard of Kenya , together with his technical team, as well as Dr. Mwoki Chalo & Mr. Antony Nyaga from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the Tea Research Institute. The visit marks an important step in onboarding Baringo County as the newest tea-producing county in Kenya, becoming the 22nd county in the country’s tea production landscape. One of the key observations from the field visit was the strong agro-ecological suitability of the Torongo–Mwachon highlands for tea cultivation. The area sits at approximately 2,200–2,600 metres above sea level, placing it well within the altitude range known to produce high-quality specialty tea. High altitude conditions allow tea leaves to develop more slowly, resulting in richer flavour profiles and premium quality tea. The area also demonstrates cool temperatures, deep well-drained volcanic soils and reliable moisture levels along the Tugen Hills escarpment — key factors for sustainable tea production. During the visit we also assessed farms growing Purple Tea, a specialty variety with high antioxidant content and growing demand in niche global markets. Purple tea can command significantly higher prices than conventional black tea, offering farmers the potential for higher returns from smaller acreage. Encouragingly, farmers within Mwachon Cooperative have already begun planting tea and demonstrating strong results through improved agronomic practices and farmer organization. Seeing this progress on the ground is particularly meaningful for me personally, as this region is also where I come from. With continued collaboration, research support and farmer organization, tea has the potential to become an important additional income stream for farmers in Baringo while expanding Kenya’s tea frontier. Farmers interested in participating in the programme are encouraged to register with Mwachon Cooperative to access certified tea seedlings and technical support as the initiative expands. Kenya continues to innovate and diversify in the global tea market — and Baringo is now proudly part of that journey. 🍃🇰🇪

Opening up Homabay... County of Endless Potential. @Roads_KE @KeRRA_Ke @KeNHAKenya

CS @gk_ruku together with NDMA CEO @HaredAHassan handed over a cheque of Ksh 778,536,900 to support 133,101 regular Hunger Safety Net Programme beneficiaries in the 8 arid counties and another Ksh 215,146,800 for December 2025 & January 2026 stipends for 39,842 beneficiaries of Turkana county. The funds release comes at a critical time, with 3.3 million people across 23 ASAL counties currently facing food insecurity and projections indicating a likely increase if the March-May rains underperform. Additionally the CS flagged off a total of 560 bags of maize & 560 bags of beans, alongside four lorries of hay to support livestock feed interventions. #EndingDroughtEmergencies

TOWNHALL ENGAGEMENT IN TURKANA ON DROUGHT RESPONSE Government is committed to work with all relevant stakeholders to optimise the impact of drought interventions across the country and to develop long-term solutions to the perennial droughts in many parts of the country.

FLAGGING OFF DROUGHT INTERVENTIONS IN TURKANA COUNTY Government is relentless in addressing the drought situation situation in the country. Turkana County is one of the most affected and the Ministry through the State Department for Special Programmes in collaboration with the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) and other stakeholders is escalating immediate and long-term solutions to the perennial droughts. Today we flagged off multi-pronged responses to the drought situation in Turkana, including a fleet of relief food supplies, hay for livestock, and cash transfers to vulnerable families across Turkana County. Regional water agencies are also on the ground providing short-term and long-term sustainable water solutions for human consumption and livestock. Humanitarian organisations are also onboard delivering nutritional supplements for children and lactating mothers while the County Government of Turkana provides medical care to the victims of the devastating drought in the area.

Today, I received the official Certificate of Election from the IEBC, formally declaring the mandate you have entrusted to me for the 2026-2028 term. This certificate is more than just a document; it is a solemn contract between this office and the 20,000+ advocates of the Law Society of Kenya. It represents our collective resolve to restore institutional discipline, protect our practice space, and expand our professional horizons. As I prepare to take the oath of office, I want to thank the IEBC and the LSK Elections Board for their stewardship of this democratic process. To my fellow elected Council members, I look forward to our shared journey of service.

In preparation for the @NYOTA_Kenya Start-Up Capital Disbursement in Wajir County, we held a consultative meeting with the local organizing team, led by Wajir County Commissioner, Mr. Karuku Ngumo. The engagement focused on final logistical arrangements and coordination ahead of the disbursement exercise, which is set to benefit over 2,500 youth across the county. Each beneficiary will receive a first-tranche start-up capital disbursement of KSh 25,000. #NyotaMashinani

VALIDATION OF NYOTA PROJECT VULNERABLE AND MARGINALIZED GROUPS PLANS (VMGPs) The NYOTA Project Management Unit (PMU) under the State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy has successfully conducted a validation exercise for the Vulnerable and Marginalised Groups Plans (VMGPs). The session brought together recognised representatives from VMG communities including Chairpersons, Women Representatives, Youth Representatives, and Representatives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) drawn from Laikipia, Isiolo, Marsabit, and Samburu Counties. The exercise aims to ensure inclusivity, community ownership, and alignment of the project with the unique needs and aspirations of vulnerable and marginalised groups in the targeted regions.

The Board of Directors, Management, and Staff of the National Drought Management Authority join the nation in mourning the passing of the former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, E.G.H. We extend our deepest condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, the Odinga family, and the people of Kenya during this moment of profound national loss. The Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga will be remembered as a visionary leader and statesman whose unwavering commitment to equity, justice, and inclusive development shaped our democratic and socio-economic landscape. His steadfast advocacy for the transformation of the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) inspired sustained investment in resilience, infrastructure, and livelihoods across regions long excluded from mainstream development. During his tenure as Prime Minister, his leadership advanced national focus on drought risk management, social protection, and devolved governance - principles that continue to underpin NDMA’s mandate and Kenya’s resilience agenda today. His legacy endures in the strengthened voice of ASAL communities in national planning and the enduring conviction that development must reach every Kenyan, in every region. We honour his lifelong dedication to unity, inclusion, and progress for all. 🕊️ May his soul rest in eternal peace.🕊️

I also extend my sincere congratulations to Senator-Wycliffe Kipsang Tobole , the 2nd runner-up; Daniel Kiptoo, the 3rd runner-up as well as Bett Mundulel and Silas Tochim, who courageously offered themselves for leadership. Congratulations once again to all.

Through the ballot, the people of Baringo County have spoken and nominated Kiprono Cheburet Chemitei . I take this opportunity to congratulate him for emerging as the winner and to assure him of my full support in the next phase.

On Saturday, 20th September 2025, I exercised my civic duty by participating in the United Democratic Alliance,Party Primaries to elect our Party flag bearer.

These pioneering efforts not only created livelihoods but also strengthened community bonds. Mzee Ngugi was a visionary whose entrepreneurial spirit and generosity touched many lives. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace

In the 1970s, my late father, Elijah Chelugui Koima, together with my uncle, Joseph Koima, partnered with the late Isaac Ngugi and the father of Hon. Kimani Ngunjiri to establish a meat supply enterprise in Banita, Rongai, Nakuru County. .

I join family and friends in mourning the passing of Mzee Isaac Ngugi, the father of Majority Leader National Assembly, Hon. @KIMANIICHUNGWAH

At the 2025 Devolution Conference, @NDMA_Kenya is showcasing its success stories in drought risk management, resilience, and partnerships with donor agencies. @EUinKenya #DevolutionConference2025

I am deeply saddened by the senseless killings happening in Kerio Valley, Elgeyo-Marakwet County. It is extremely painful to lose such a humble servant of God, a man who dedicated his life to serving the poor and the marginalized, deep in their villages. The circumstances in which Fr. Alois Cheruiyot Bett lost is life is numbing. It pains deep into the bone marrow. He had just finished conducting Jumuia when bandits sprayed bullets at him in what appears to be a targeted killing. I also seize this moment to express my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and members of St. Mathias Mulumba Tot Catholic Parish where he was shepherding. I would also like to pass my sincere condolences to the family of Fr. John Maina of Igwamiti Parish in Nyahururu, who lost his life in mysterious circumstances two days ago. Poleni sana!

A hearty congratulations to Cardinal Robert Prevost on being elected the new Pope by the Conclave to lead our Church, the biggest and oldest Church— The Roman Catholic Church. We, the Catholic faithful, have faith in you and we know you lead the Church as God desires; through empathy and equity. It is heartwarming to note that the New Pope visited our country (Baba Dogo Parish) just last December, indeed, we are blessed. May the Almighty God be with you as you embark on this new journey of leading the church globally. Once again, congratulations Pope Leo XIV

Yesterday, I joined my fellow Mogotio Catholic Parish faithful in visiting the family of our parish priest, Fr. Collins Maribong at Morop Hills in Kituro, Baringo County. Our visit basically was to appreciate his family for giving us such a dedicated shepherd who has been a great source of inspiration to all of us in Mogotio. Fr. Maribong's humility and vision for the church is unparalleled and we are lucky to have him in Mogotio. Also in attendance were Kenya's Ambassador to Washington DC David Kerich, Mogotio MP Kiborek Reuben, Mogotio Ward MCA Mark Kipkurui Sialo, and Emining Ward MCA Purity Talam among other leaders.

Just two years after he was elected the 266th Pope and the first one from Latin America, Pope Francis visited Kenya in 2015 and, as a nation, it was a great privilege to host him. Indeed, it was a great honour that Kenya was one of the 65 nations and territories that the Pope visited during his seven and a half years reign. I join other Kenyans and all people of the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a true servant leader and a champion of the poor and the marginalized. He is humility earned him respect and honour across the globe. He was a champion of peace and justice and the voice of the downtrodden. As Catholics, we pray for his soul and for the golden gates of heaven to be flung open for him.