🇰🇪 The Standard
Kenya · EN · https://www.standardmedia.co.ke
About The Standard
The Standard is published by The Standard Group, which is primarily owned and controlled by the family of the late President Daniel arap Moi and his son Gideon Moi, who is also the chairman of the Kenya African National Union (KANU). As of December 31, 2024, the Moi family controls over two-thirds of the shareholding, with the Kulei family holding an additional significant stake.
Media Bias/Fact Check (MBFC) rates The Standard as Right-Center Biased and Mixed for factual reporting, citing poor sourcing techniques and a historical tendency to omit criticism of the ruling party and report favorably on its owner. The outlet has been noted for occasionally using sensational headlines. Recently, President William Ruto publicly accused The Standard Group of 'extortionist propaganda' and 'blackmail' in response to its critical coverage of his administration, a claim the Standard Group has rejected while defending its editorial independence. The media environment in Kenya is considered partly free, with concerns regarding restrictive laws and harassment of journalists.
Reading context
Media systems vary by law, ownership, and editorial custom. We preserve each outlet's framing and add context so readers can compare coverage without treating one country as the default.
Integrity of Ol Kalou By-Election Under Scrutiny Amidst Violence and Bribery Allegations
- The Ol Kalou constituency by-election in Kenya is underway amid allegations of violence, bribery, and bias. - Voters are heading to the polls today to elect their Member of Parliament. - The Indepen…
Too little too late: Ol Kalou's chilling dress rehearsal for 2027
- Concerns about electoral violence and "goonism" were raised in Ol Kalou shortly before the recent elections. - Authorities reportedly downplayed these issues, with the Independent Electoral and Boun…
The Irony of Incompetence and Embarrassment at Kenya's Interior Ministry
- Kenyan Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen addresses residents with confidence, projecting a positive image of the country's internal security. - He asserts the ministry's unwavering resol…
Kenya: Interior Ministry accused of 'clownish' rhetoric on security
- Kenya's Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen addressed residents in Elgeyo Marakwet County. - The article criticizes the ministry's communication style, describing it as confident but detached from realit…
Madness of a nation: Ol Kalou violence exposes Kenya's deepening political tensions
- Political violence erupted in multiple parts of Kenya ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election. - The Linda Mwananchi movement reported being targeted in a coordinated crackdown. - The incide…
Gunfire, masked men, and bribery claims shake Ol Kalou by-election race
- Masked gunmen attacked a campaign vehicle in Kenya's Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election race, firing shots and assaulting locals. - The incident occurred near Pembroke Bridge along the Gilgil–Ol Kal…
World Bank: Over 2.4 million Kenyans risk poverty by 2026 amid economic pressures
- The World Bank forecasts that over 2.4 million Kenyans could fall into poverty by 2026. - This projection is attributed to intensified inflationary and external pressures, exacerbated by Middle East…
IEBC Accused of Double Standards in Ol Kalou By-election Enforcement
- The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) faces accusations of applying double standards in enforcing electoral laws for the Ol Kalou by-election. - Critics claim the IEBC is acting…
Cash, Projects Dominate Ol Kalou By-Election Amidst Electoral Code Breach Allegations
- The Ol Kalou by-election campaign is dominated by cash and project promises, drawing government attention. - The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is considering postponing the …
Why Ol Kalou by-election could be postponed
- The IEBC warns the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election may be postponed due to escalating violence and code of conduct breaches. - Reports include violent confrontations, late-night campaigns, destro…
Saba Saba fever: Police lockdown a strategy or fear?
- Kenyan police implemented a heavy security lockdown during the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests and Saba Saba Day commemorations. - The operation, which sealed off key roads into Nairobi, si…
DCI launches probe into Sh42 million prisons payroll fraud
- The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a probe into a payroll fraud incident within the prisons' finance department. - A rogue accountant allegedly accessed the system on Dece…
Broad-based family: Speaker's network in State jobs sparks storm
- National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula is facing scrutiny over numerous family members holding government positions. - Critics point to a pattern of alleged nepotism, with family members occupyin…
Complicit: How ODM Has Traded Raila's Legacy for Ruto's Power
- The article criticizes the ODM party for aligning with President Ruto, arguing it betrays Raila Odinga's legacy. - Former ODM officials are accused of advocating for Ruto's re-election and supportin…
How ODM has traded Raila's legacy for Ruto's power
- The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is accused of abandoning its founding democratic ideals. - Stalwarts are reportedly aligning with President William Ruto, embracing state abductions agains…
Ruto allies spend millions on cash handouts ahead of Kenya's general election
- Kenyan politicians, including President William Ruto, are distributing large sums of money as part of "empowerment drives" ahead of next year's General Election. - These events feature large crowds,…
Season of dishing out dubious cash in voter buying spree as polls loom
- Politicians in Kenya are reportedly spending large sums of money on voter appeasement as elections approach. - Methods include cash handouts, large church donations, and community fundraisers, with …
Gambling firms target World Cup viewers with ads and sponsorships
- Gambling companies are heavily leveraging sponsorship and advertising during the FIFA World Cup. - The World Cup is anticipated to become the largest gambling event globally. - Many Australian viewe…
PS Omollo denies abductions as families search for missing kin
- Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo denied allegations of abductions occurring under the current administration in Kenya. - Omollo stated that such acts belong to a "previous regime" and are…
Why police must produce missing man
- Police in Kenya are under pressure to produce a missing man following a fatal shooting. - The shooting has intensified concerns over alleged abductions in the region. - Families of two missing men a…
Kenyan counties splurge billions on travel as development projects stall
- Kenyan county governments spent Sh13.17 billion on domestic and foreign travel in the first nine months of the 2025/26 financial year. - This expenditure occurred while development projects remain u…
Kenyan counties spend Sh13 billion on travel as projects stall and bills mount
- County governments in Kenya spent Sh13.17 billion on travel over nine months. - This spending occurred while development projects stalled and significant bills remained unpaid. - A report by the Con…
Lawyers seek to scrap Finance Act 2026
- Two lawyers have filed a High Court petition in Lodwar to challenge the constitutionality of the Finance Act 2026. - They argue the act was passed through a flawed parliamentary process, citing wide…
Kenya's prosecution of protesters shifts two years after anti-Finance Bill demonstrations
- Kenya is marking the second anniversary of anti-Finance Bill protests held on June 25, 2024. - A review of court records shows a significant shift in the charges brought against demonstrators. - Thi…
Of political bait and broken promises: Inside William Ruto's 'six months'
President William Ruto inherited a nation facing high living costs, drought, and citizen weariness upon taking office in September 2022. He had campaigned as a decisive leader promising swift solution…
Six Months In: Ruto's Deadlines Under Scrutiny in Kenya
- President William Ruto inherited a nation facing high cost of living, drought, and citizen weariness upon taking office in September 2022. - Ruto campaigned on a platform of decisive leadership and …
Kenya's security surrendered to 'goons' under Ruto regime, claims report
- The article criticizes President William Ruto's administration in Kenya for allegedly surrendering the country's security to 'goons.' - It claims violence and intimidation are becoming embedded in t…
How Kenya lost billions: Wanjigi links debt crisis to 2014 law change
- Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi claims Kenya has lost billions due to illegal borrowing and a 2014 law change. - He argues that canceling illegally acquired debts could save taxpayers Sh2.8 trillio…
Kenyan MPs who loudly opposed Finance Bill skip crucial vote
- Several Members of Parliament (MPs) were vocal in their opposition to the Finance Bill before its crucial vote. - These MPs, who actively participated in press conferences and public forums, were la…
From Buried Secrets to Bitter Feuds: Ntimama Carries Controversy in Death
- An effort to document the life of influential Maasai political figure Ntimama has led to disputes involving allegations of betrayal and misuse of family materials. - Competing claims over intellectu…
Who's fooling whom on JKIA deal? Chirchir triggers more questions
- Kenya's government denies contracting Wicknell Chivayo's firm for the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) upgrade. - The Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary stated the project is valued at …
Ruto's tax plan faces fresh acid test as MPs poke holes in proposals
- Kenyan MPs are challenging President William Ruto's administration's aggressive tax proposals in the Finance Bill 2026. - The National Assembly's Committee on Finance and National Planning has recom…
Blood money: Will compensation heal a bleeding nation, end police cruelty?
- A government plan to compensate victims of police brutality in Kenya without an apology is criticized for potentially emboldening rogue officers. - Observers argue that the lack of acknowledgment an…
Suspended Finance CECM Kerich Fails to Appear Before MCAs
- Nairobi Finance CECM Charles Kerich has not appeared before county assembly members despite being summoned. - Kerich was convicted of contempt of court and sentenced to three months in prison for fa…
How Wilson Airport runway rehabilitation is hurting airlines
- Airlines operating at Kenya's Wilson Airport report losses exceeding Sh620 million due to delayed runway rehabilitation. - Operators warn of escalating costs and further disruptions as the project c…
Zimbabwean fraudster's firm secures stake in Sh375b JKIA deal
- Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo's company, IMC Construction Kenya, has secured a stake in a Sh375 billion ($2.9 billion) tender to expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. - The deal has …
Ruto's Kakamega Visit Disrupts Opposition Rally
- President William Ruto made a surprise visit to Kakamega to launch a Sacco, coinciding with an opposition rally. - The president's visit, shortly after returning from Europe, led to a heavy police p…
Panic or intolerance as Ruto and Opposition visit Western Kenya
- President William Ruto launched a SACCO in Kakamega, Kenya, on the same day opposition rivals planned a major rally in the town. - Ruto's visit, shortly after returning from Europe, coincided with a…
Why couples should undergo medical screening before "I do"
- Couples should consider medical screening before marriage to identify potential fertility issues and inherited risks early. - Early detection of genetic and medical conditions can prevent their tran…
Kenyan 'hustlers' slam Mbadi's Sh4.8tn budget as out of touch with ordinary lives
- Kenyan 'hustlers' criticize Governor Mbadi's Sh4.8 trillion plan, calling it out of touch. - They argue the budget fails to address the high cost of living for ordinary citizens. - Critics describe …
Mbadi heads to Parliament for budget reading
- Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi is en route to Parliament to present the 2026/27 budget, valued at Sh4.84 trillion. - The budget anticipates Sh3.67 trillion in revenue, including Sh2.9 trillio…
People Vs State: Mbadi's Sh4.8tr budget raises tax fears
- Kenya's Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi is set to present the national budget amid economic challenges and public concerns over potential tax increases. - The budget faces pressure from econom…
Mbadi's Sh4.8tr budget raises taxes fears amid economic stress
- Treasury CS John Mbadi is set to deliver the budget statement amid significant economic challenges. - Kenyans are facing economic shocks that threaten to cripple the economy and widespread pushback …
Innocent but 'guilty': Gachagua's absurd impeachment verdict pits lawyers against Judiciary
- Lawyers and legal experts criticize the High Court's verdict on Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment. - The court upheld the impeachment while also awarding Gachagua Sh50 million for a fair hearing violat…
Gachagua's impeachment verdict: The absurd judgment pitting lawyers against Judiciary
- Kenyan lawyers and legal experts expressed dissatisfaction with a High Court judgment that affirmed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment while awarding him Sh50 million for a flawe…
Kenya's Missing Persons: Gaps and Silence Plague Cases Like Mbijiwe's
- A Kenyan security analyst and former air force officer, Mwenda Mbijiwe, has been missing for 1,820 days. - His family is seeking answers amid perceived gaps in the investigation and silence from the…
Matiang'i says Kenya facing education crisis, calls for urgent reforms, dialogue
- Former Kenyan Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has declared a crisis in the country's education sector. - Matiang'i attributed the crisis to mismanagement of resources and poor leadership …
Host nation pacts are not surrender of sovereignty
- The article addresses public debate in Kenya regarding Host Country Agreements (HCAs) with multilateral institutions. - It clarifies that HCAs are not a surrender of sovereignty but a carefully nego…
William Ruto's presidency marked by frequent foreign travel
- Kenyan President William Ruto has undertaken a high volume of foreign trips since taking office, visiting 38 countries in his first 20 months. - This frequent travel has contributed to discontent am…
No Early Midterm Break Amid School Unrest, Says Kenya Education Ministry
- Kenya's Ministry of Education will not close schools early for midterm break despite a recent wave of student unrest. - Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok stated that learning continue…
Ruto's revenue drive targets landowners amid political warnings
- Kenya's President William Ruto plans to reform land rent collection to boost government revenue. - The administration anticipates a shrinkage in ordinary revenue as a share of the economy. - Critics…
Sakaja faces jail for allegedly aiding official's flight to Dubai
- Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja faces potential jail time for allegedly assisting Finance CEC Charles Kerich in evading a court sentence. - A law firm claims Sakaja conspired to help Kerich flee to …
Ebola center deal met with fire and brimstone
- Kenya's plan to establish an Ebola isolation center has sparked political controversy both domestically and internationally. - Courts have ordered the government to disclose details of its Ebola qua…
Sakaja stares at jail term for allegedly aiding Kerich's travel to Dubai
- Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja faces a potential jail term for allegedly aiding his Finance CEC, Charles Kerich, to evade a court sentence. - Kerich was sentenced to three months in prison for cont…
Utumishi fire tragedy: Kenyans await decisive action after 16 students die
- Kenyans are awaiting decisive government action following a deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Senior School that claimed 16 lives. - The tragedy has highlighted a recurring cycle of school disasters in …
16 Metropolitan Sacco officials charged over alleged Sh14.5 billion fraud
- Sixteen officials linked to Metropolitan National Sacco face charges over an alleged Sh14.5 billion fraud. - The charges include conspiracy to defraud, unlawful investment of funds, and failure to m…
Stop blame game: Uhuru warns government over rising cost of living, tribal politics
- Former President Uhuru Kenyatta criticized President William Ruto's administration for its handling of the rising cost of living and tribal politics. - Kenyatta urged the government to address Kenya…
Fuel Crisis: The Writing Was on the Wall, Now You Are on Your Own
- The article suggests that Kenya's ongoing fuel crisis was a predictable outcome, with warning signs ignored by authorities. - It criticizes the government's response, citing dramatic arrests, mislea…
Big Let Down: Kenyan House Speakers Criticized for Silence on Fuel Crisis
- Kenyan MPs are criticized for their silence on the ongoing fuel crisis, despite their duty to represent and defend the populace. - The article implies that the leadership of the National Assembly Sp…
Kenyan House Speakers Under Fire for Silence on Fuel Crisis
- Kenyan Members of Parliament are facing scrutiny for their perceived inaction regarding the ongoing fuel crisis. - As representatives of the people, MPs are expected to voice concerns and legislate …
Kindiki's Absence During Fuel Crisis Sparks Leadership Questions
- Questions are being raised about Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's leadership following his absence during a fuel crisis. - The Deputy President role is constitutionally significant, carrying subst…
Ruto's jet-set lifestyle sparks fury as Kenyans suffer on the ground
- President William Ruto's lavish use of private jets has drawn criticism amid a national fuel crisis. - Kenyans are experiencing fuel protests and economic hardship while the president travels luxuri…
Unbothered: Top officials bury their heads in the sand as high fuel costs spark anger
- Kenyans are facing severe economic strain due to unprecedented inflation and rising living costs. - Senior government officials are criticized for their perceived inaction and lack of response to th…
Kenya's 2027 election: Ruto and opposition face '50 per cent plus 1' hurdle amid fragmented poll
- A recent TIFA poll indicates a highly fragmented Kenyan electoral landscape for 2027, with no candidate currently projected to win the constitutional 50+1 threshold in the first round. - President W…
Staff Exits Loom at DP Kindiki's Office as Sh95m Set for Gratuity Payments
- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's office is preparing to pay Sh95.4 million in gratuity to staff expected to resign for the 2027 elections. - A significant number of staff members have expressed po…
How High-Stakes Home Ownership Dreams Are Shattered By City Cartels
- Home ownership in Kenya's capital has become a high-risk, emotionally devastating venture. - What was once considered a safe investment is now fraught with peril due to city cartels. - The article s…
Top State House official 'pushed' Dr Obwaka to his death, says widow
- The family of the late Dr. Job Obwaka, a former director at Nairobi Hospital, blames a senior State House official for his troubles. - Dr. Obwaka's wife, Everrose Chemutai, stated that her husband h…
IEBC Pushes for Mandatory Degrees for Political Aspirants Ahead of 2027 Elections
- The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) faces the challenge of improving the quality of political aspirants for the 2027 General Elections. - The commission aims to ensure that ca…
Secret passport pipeline linking Kenya to Sudan's militia fighters
- Records and documents suggest a fast-tracked passport approval system linked to Kenya's immigration authority has been used to issue documents to individuals connected to Sudan's Rapid Support Force…
Fuel Levy Trap: Ruto's Government Secures Sh120 Billion Loan Using Levy as Collateral
- The Kenyan government, under President William Ruto, plans to borrow billions more using the fuel levy as collateral. - This move is part of a controversial securitisation strategy to finance road p…
Ruto's Finance Bill Revives Ghost of Gen Z Protests with Punitive Taxes
- President William Ruto's government has reintroduced a wide range of taxes in the 2026 Finance Bill. - The new taxes affect everyday items like mobile phones, bottled water, and credit card swipes. …
Fuelling lies: Wandayi in a spot as Kenyans struggle for fuel
- Kenyans are facing persistent fuel shortages and high prices, with the government accused of providing misleading information. - The article suggests the government has lowered fuel importation stan…
Parliament Staffer Under Investigation for Alleged Forgery of Academic Papers
- A senior employee at the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) is under investigation for allegedly forging academic certificates. - The employee, Loise Nyambura Wamburu, a Personal Secretary, is f…
Ruto's diplomatic gaffes as Suluhu puts a new twist
- Kenyan President William Ruto faced diplomatic scrutiny during a State visit to Tanzania. - Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan distanced herself from Ruto's claims about an oil refinery in Tang…
Carrot and Stick: JSC Interviews Underscore Need for Legal Reforms, Accountability, and Performance
- The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in Kenya is undergoing interviews that highlight the need for significant legal reforms. - These reforms are expected to address accountability and performance …
"Please save me": Ruto laments voter apathy in his Rift Valley backyard
- President William Ruto expressed concern over low voter registration and political support in his Rift Valley stronghold. - He noted that 2.3 million voters from the Kalenjin community do not partic…
Economic Survey Dulls Ruto's Numbers as Growth Slows to 4.6pc Amid High Cost of Living Concerns
- Kenya's economic growth slowed to 4.6% in 2025, down from 4.7% in 2024, falling short of President William Ruto's administration targets. - Key economic sectors faced significant challenges in 2026,…
Gachagua Demands Billions in Compensation Amidst Impeachment Case
- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment case has taken an unexpected turn. - Gachagua is reportedly demanding billions in compensation for his alleged unlawful removal from office. - …
Gachagua Case: Judges Hear Bias Claims Amidst Multi-Billion Compensation Bid
- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's impeachment case has taken a significant turn with claims of bribery among MPs. - Gachagua is reportedly seeking millions, possibly billions, in compensati…
Cash Politics Returns: Kenya's 2027 Election Campaign Trail Marked by Handouts and Chaos
- Kenyan politicians are returning to the practice of distributing cash handouts to voters as the 2027 election campaign season begins. - This resurgence of
Of Fame and Fights: Inside Kenyan Celebs' Messy Breakups
- Kenyan celebrity couples' glamorous romances often end in public, messy breakups. - These splits highlight the pressures of fame, workaholism, and public scrutiny. - Social media fuels public fascin…
'Maandamano Tuesday': Fuel Prices, Cost of Living Push Opposition, Gen Z Back to the Streets
- Opposition and Gen Z activists are planning street protests to demand lower fuel prices and a reduced cost of living. - The planned demonstrations, dubbed 'Maandamano Tuesday,' are set to take place…
June Protests Loom: Opposition, Gen Z Call Mass Action Over Fuel Prices, High Cost of Living
- Opposition leaders and Gen Z activists are calling for mass street protests to demand lower fuel prices and a reduced cost of living. - The planned protests are set to commence tomorrow, signaling a…
Kenya Cracks Down on Corporate Greenwashing with Fines and Jail Time
- Kenya is introducing new regulations that will criminalize greenwashing, holding listed companies accountable for false environmental claims. - Starting next year, directors of companies found to ha…
Kenya Awaits Answers After DCI's Dramatic Arrests in Sh4.5 Billion Fraud Case
- Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested four senior government officials over an alleged Sh4.5 billion petroleum fraud. - The dramatic arrests, staged for television cameras, h…
Massive Industrial Sugar Shipment Diverted for Household Sale at Mombasa Port
- A shipment of 1.5 billion Kenyan Shillings worth of raw industrial sugar has been diverted at the Port of Mombasa. - The sugar is being repackaged for sale and consumption in households. - This dive…
Kenyan Bishop Claims Jesus Christ Ordained Him After Five Divine Encounters
- Bishop Titus Zakayo Ingana of Bungoma County claims to have met Jesus Christ five times. - He states that Jesus ordained him in a vision in 1996. - The article is a premium content teaser.
Double-speak master? Ruto eats own words, embraces Uhuru's playbook on fuel crisis
- Kenyan President William Ruto is reportedly adopting strategies previously used by his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, to address the fuel crisis. - These strategies include government-to-government (G…
Ruto Adopts Predecessor's Playbook on Fuel Crisis, Critics Note Shift from Anti-Cartel Stance
- Kenyan President William Ruto has adopted policies on fuel prices and subsidies that mirror those of his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, policies Ruto had previously criticized. - Ruto's administration…
Anxiety grips Kenya as new fuel prices loom
- Kenyans are experiencing anxiety as they await the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority's (EPRA) announcement on new fuel prices. - The EPRA is expected to release the official pump prices for …