Mass absenteeism raises fresh questions over accountability, leadership and representation ahead of the 2027 General Election By Ahmed Salat Ali, Political Affairs Editor, AARAN TV KE As Parliament debated and voted on the Finance Bill 2026 — arguably the most consequential piece of legislation considered annually — an unprecedented wave of absenteeism overshadowed the proceedings, leaving Kenyans questioning the commitment of their elected representatives. The Finance Bill determines how the government raises revenue, directly influencing taxation, public spending, the cost of living and the country's broader economic direction. Yet when the moment came for lawmakers to make their positions known, more than half of the National Assembly was missing. Out of the 349 Members of Parliament, only 162 were present during the vote. Of those, 122 supported the Bill while 40 opposed it. A staggering 187 MPs failed to participate altogether. The figures paint a troubling picture. More law...
By Ahmed Salat | AARAN TV KE Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has renewed the Government's call for voluntary blood donation, describing it as a life-saving act of humanity that remains critical to the country's healthcare system and the realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Speaking during the 2026 World Blood Donor Day celebrations at Garissa High School in Garissa County, held under the theme "One Drop of Humanity: Give Blood, Save Lives," Duale emphasized the indispensable role of blood donation in saving lives and supporting emergency medical care. "Blood is an irreplaceable resource in healthcare. It is vital for mothers facing childbirth complications, children suffering from severe anaemia, accident victims, and patients undergoing surgery or cancer treatment," said Duale. The Cabinet Secretary noted that the Government continues to strengthen blood services and improve healthcare delivery through targeted interventions aimed at reducin...