The Government has strongly condemned the disturbing incident of the alleged secret recording and circulation of intimate images of Kenyan women by a foreign national, terming the act a grave violation of constitutional rights and national values.
Addressing the media at Harambee House Annex on Monday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the incident affronts the dignity and privacy protections guaranteed under Articles 28 and 31 of the Constitution.
“This act is not only a violation of personal dignity and privacy but also an affront to our national values, cultural integrity, and the safety of women and girls,” said Mwaura, adding that security, investigative and prosecutorial agencies have been directed to urgently pursue the matter in collaboration with international authorities due to its cross-border nature.
Beyond initiating a coordinated whole-of-government response, he affirmed that the suspect will face the full force of the law under the Penal Code and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act after a successful arrest.
Affected persons are urged to seek support through the National Gender-Based Violence Toll-Free Helpline 1195 as the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services strengthens online safety measures.
Dr Mwaura also announced the successful conclusion of the first phase of the Government’s national youth business grant initiative under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, spearheaded by President William Ruto.
A total of 131,800 young entrepreneurs across all 47 counties received Sh2.586 billion in startup grants, with the rollout emphasizing transparency, inclusivity and equitable regional distribution.
“In addition to financial support, beneficiaries have undergone business development and financial literacy training and will now transition into a structured mentorship phase to strengthen enterprise sustainability,” he highlighted.
The broader youth empowerment framework also includes a six-month paid apprenticeship pathway targeting 90,000 vulnerable youth aged 18–29 years, and up to 35 years for youth with disabilities.
Participants will receive a monthly stipend of Sh6,000 while gaining workplace-based technical skills in sectors such as mechanics and construction.
To date, 880,000 applications have been received following the extension of the application window.
In addition, experienced craftsmen, mechanics, plumbers and other skilled practitioners lacking formal accreditation will receive certification under the Recognition of Prior Learning framework, formally validating practical expertise acquired outside the classroom.
On social protection, the spokesperson said the Government continues to strengthen cash transfer programmes targeting senior citizens, persons with disabilities and orphans and vulnerable children.
Beneficiaries with severe disabilities have increased from 46,000 to 63,938, while 438,804 orphans and vulnerable children and 1,213,214 older persons are currently enrolled in the respective schemes. An additional Sh500 million has been allocated to marginalized communities.
Dr. Mwaura cited the implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025 and the Building Code 2024 to enhance accessibility standards, alongside the Older Persons Bill 2025 aligned with Article 57 of the Constitution.
Further, 600,000 mothers, including sole caregivers, will be supported to access government procurement opportunities under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities framework.
On drought response, Dr Mwaura announced that Cabinet has authorized the release of Sh4.1 billion to scale up interventions in affected arid and semi-arid regions. Mandera, Wajir, Kwale and Kilifi counties remain in the alarm phase, while 12 others are in the alert phase.
He noted that rainfall received in most parts of the country, as earlier forecast by the Kenya Meteorological Department, is expected to ease drought conditions in several areas.
Under the Long Rains 2026 Programme, 6.38 million farmers have been onboarded onto the national farmers’ database to facilitate access to subsidized inputs.
Currently, 1.938 million bags of fertilizer are in stock at National Cereals and Produce Board depots, with 1.937 million bags already redeemed. Through the e-Voucher system, 15.779 million vouchers have been issued, with transactions totaling Sh4.841 billion.
Likewise, the Government has also launched the Agripreneur Extension Programme in West Pokot County, engaging 9,450 youthful agripreneurs across 46 counties to strengthen last-mile extension services and enhance farmers’ access to advisory support and market information.
On infrastructure, Dr. Mwaura highlighted the 750-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera Highway under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project as the longest single road construction undertaking in Kenya’s history.
The Sh100 billion project, currently about 45 percent complete on the Kulamawe–Modogashe section, is expected to boost trade and integrate northern Kenya more fully into the national economy.
Other key projects include the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, set to ease congestion by mid-2027, and the LAPSSET Corridor Project valued at Sh1.5 trillion.
On the economic outlook, Dr. Mwaura reported that the Nairobi Securities Exchange stands at Sh220 billion, with projected national growth of five percent under a Sh4.7 trillion budget.
He added that Sh255 billion in verified pending bills is being released to stimulate liquidity, while foreign reserves stand at Sh2.3 billion, equivalent to 5.3 months of import cover.
He further noted that youth can access up to Sh2 million in single-digit interest loans through Government-backed funds to complement existing empowerment programmes.
As Kenya concludes participation in the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, the country is set to host the East African Business and Investment Summit on February 24–25 in Nairobi.
“Through sustained collaboration and regional solidarity, Kenya remains firmly positioned to advance the Agenda 2063 vision of a united and prosperous Africa,” Mwaura said.
By Naif Rashid & Michael Omondi
