Kericho news – Ghafla!

Protests Erupt Following Alleged SGR Route Change And Terminal Downgrades

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Dennis Elnino

Tensions are rising in Kericho County as residents took to the streets on Saturday, July 11, 2026, to protest the alleged alteration of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) route. Protesters claim the sudden changes will bypass the county’s proposed railway terminal, robbing the local economy of the massive benefits expected from the multibillion-shilling project.

According to the residents, the original route surveyed in 2022 has been changed behind closed doors, without public participation or consultation with the affected communities.

Key Grievances Raised by Protesters

The demonstrations highlight a growing sense of betrayal among locals who had already prepared for the railway’s arrival:

Bypassing the Chebilat Terminal: Residents argue the revised alignment bypasses the proposed Chebilat terminal, a facility they expected would attract logistics firms, create jobs, and improve transport links.
Halted Land Compensation: Many landowners had already completed land succession and surrendered their properties, only to be left in limbo with pending compensation as rumors of the route change surfaced.
Downgraded Stations: The protests follow similar outrage in Chebinyiny (Cheplanget Ward), where residents recently discovered that the proposed Sotik North SGR station had been downgraded to a mere “passing point” rather than a full passenger terminal.

Economic Stakes for the South Rift

Historically, railway stations serve as massive economic catalysts, driving the growth of warehouses, markets, hospitality, and housing. Kericho residents fear that diverting the line will isolate the region and deny them a vital transport hub.

If constructed as originally planned, the Chebilat terminal is expected to:

Slash Transport Costs: Significantly lower transit expenses for key local agricultural exports, including tea, milk, and horticultural products.
Unlock Regional Trade: Serve as a pivotal connection point for both Kericho and neighboring counties.
Drive Job Creation: Open up the South Rift to fresh investments, logistics centers, and hospitality businesses.

In Their Own Words

“The SGR was brought here to benefit the residents of Kericho. We welcomed the project, land succession has already been done, and many people are waiting for compensation. Now we are hearing the route has changed, and we will not accept it.” — A Kericho resident during the protests

The angry demonstrators have appealed to the national government to restore the original 2022 route and retain the Chebilat station. Warning of continued protests, they have called on their local Members of Parliament to take a firm stand and reject any attempts to divert the railway line.

How Affordable Housing is Breathing Life into Rural Towns

Posted on January 30, 2025 by Kibaki Muthamia

For years, towns like Chepalungu in Bomet and Emgwen in Nandi County remained stagnant – low economic activity, dwindling opportunities, and a struggling workforce.

But, that’s changing.

The government’s Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) under the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda (BETA) is not just building homes – it’s revitalizing entire communities.

An image of the Affordable Housing project in progress in Bomet County (Image: files)

A Welder’s Dream Revived

John Kipkorir, a welder in Bomet, once struggled to get orders, sometimes going an entire year without work.

But when AHP projects took off, his small juakali workshop transformed into a thriving business.

“I am now producing more than I ever imagined,” he says, grateful for the steady demand for construction materials.

From Grief to Self-Reliance

Chepkirui Joan, a widow and mother of two, had no stable income – until she saw an opportunity.

She set up a food kiosk near the Emgwen Affordable Housing project, selling chapatis, mandazis, and githeri to construction workers.

“I never imagined I’d stand on my own two feet again,” she says.

Now, she feeds her family and calls for the project to continue, knowing it’s giving ‘hustlers’ like her a chance to thrive.

More Jobs, Less Crime

Youth who were once idle, some even turning to crime, have found employment through the housing projects.

In Eldoret, Joyce Waceke, a civil engineering graduate, took a job as a casual laborer at the Kidiwo Affordable Housing project.

She was soon promoted to supervisor and now earns enough to support herself.

“I no longer rely on my parents,” she says.

At the Makenji site, project agent Michael Mwololo confirms that over 120 youth are engaged daily.

“This project has been a lifeline, keeping them from criminal gangs and alcoholism,” he explains.

A Boost for TVET Training

With housing projects demanding skilled labor, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are experiencing increased enrollment.

In some counties, up to 250 skilled youth are working daily on these sites, learning, earning, and even launching their own businesses.

Kericho County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo highlights a drop in crime, gambling, and domestic violence, attributing it to youth involvement in the program.

“They must take part in this project – it’s changing lives.”

Beyond Construction: A New Economy

The Affordable Housing Programme is not just about shelter. It’s about economic mobility.

According to Lands and Housing CS Alice Wahome, housing projects are catalysts for local business growth.

Restaurants, milk vendors, and vegetable suppliers are emerging to meet the needs of the new workforce and future tenants.

Once these houses are occupied, a new wave of economic activity will follow – small traders, boda boda operators, and service providers will benefit, further injecting life into towns that were once asleep.

This is more than housing. It’s a transformation.

To learn more on affordable housing and how to register for a unit, log into the Boma Yangu website.

Farmhand in Kipkelion becomes Second Millionaire in the ‘Kachingching na Coke’ National Promotion!

Posted on June 9, 2024 by Kibaki Muthamia

Coca-Cola Kenya has today announced the second lucky winner of the Weekly Grand Prize of a million shillings in the ongoing ‘Kachingching na Coke’ promotion.

The lucky winner is Aaron Kipkirui, a casual laborer from Kipkelion in Kericho.

Aaron joins the growing list of new millionaires expected from Coca-Cola’s latest consumer campaign aimed at putting extra shillings in the pockets of Kenyans.

“For a long time, I have struggled to put food on the table for my family. Employment has been a big pain point for me.

When I received the call, I could not believe it when I received the news that I had won KES 1 million! This is a life-changing moment for me and my family.

I am incredibly grateful to Coca-Cola for this opportunity. It will truly make a difference in my life and that of my familyFarmhand in Kipkelion becomes Second Millionaire in the ‘Kachingching na Coke’ National Promotion!” said Aaron, excitedly.

Coca-Cola Kenya launched the ‘Kachingching na Coke’ promotion in May, offering cash prizes ranging from KES 50 to KES 1 million.

Already with two winners announced in the last two weeks, there are still 11 more chances for consumers to become millionaires in the coming weeks.

“We are delighted to see our ‘Kachingching na Coke’ promotion bringing joy and financial relief to our consumers.

Aaron’s win is a testament to the excitement and hope this campaign is generating across the country.

Coca-Cola is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of Kenyans, and this promotion is one of the ways we are achieving that,” said Theuri Chege, Country Manager Coca-Cola Kenya.

To participate, consumers need to purchase Coca-Cola beverages in 200ml, 300ml, and 500ml returnable glass bottles and check under the metal crown for a unique code.

By sending this code via SMS to 40111, customers stand a chance to win various cash prizes.

The participating packs include Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Krest, Stoney, and Schweppes.
Coca-Cola Kenya encourages all consumers to continue participating in the ‘Kachingching na Coke’ promotion for a chance to win.

With 11 more millionaires to be made, the excitement is far from over!

The saying ‘Good Old Days’ is outdated, and this is why the new times are hundred times better!

Posted on May 21, 2020 by Kibaki Muthamia

Good riddance to the good old days.

It’s debatable if the past days indeed merit the ‘Good Old Days’ tag. If you flinch whenever you hear that line, you ain’t alone. Everything new is better.

Old days versus new days, which is better?

The progressive amongst us would fight tooth and nail for new times. Healthcare is better. Roads and rail systems are better. In the so-called ‘Good Old Days’, simple mail would take ages to reach the intended party. There’s been huge strides in human rights activism and community awareness on topical issues like gender equality, FGM or even cattle rustling.

New is certainly better.

In urban and rural landscapes, a shopping center would have an influential, family-run business. This business would occupy an imposing building middle of the settlement, or a major street. The major flaw with such family-ran businesses, is that they’d be named after the family patriarch, and tag the sons.

Like, Mungai & Sons Textiles. Or, Mutisya & Sons Enterprises.

It didn’t matter if that family had a single son and several daughters, they’d be ignored. In some cases, the sons in a family would be useless drunks in that society, they’d still be tagged beside the founding father in the business.

Luckily, thanks to a spirited gender equality campaign, things have changed. The feminine gender has proved to be better entrepreneurs and better business minds to not run generational investments to the ground.

Bang in the middle of Kericho Town’s business district, nestled in a behemoth of a glass building, runs a girl-run business that’s the envy of other family-owned businesses.

We celebrate Jebet & Daughters Bakers Ltd, in Kericho Town.

Jebet is a robust, brilliant lady – perhaps in her early 60’s – who founded and grew a baking business from a modest, cramped corridor-shop in the late 90’s. While it’s hard to picture her humble beginnings considering her current level, Rebecca intimates a difficult start. She’d dropped from school and found employment as a house girl, but quit after a few months to follow her passion. She’d rent a tiny shop off a corridor.

She’d bake tea cakes, then popularly known as Kaimati – and deliver to other businesses within her street.

Over the years, Jebet would grow from a tiny shop, rent bigger space, and hire staff. Besides, she’d juggle this motherhood as she was blessed with twin daughters one year into the business. However, the father to the twins passed away in a road crash. She’d chosen to remain strong and focused to keep her business afloat, and raise her daughters.

Those were the hard days. The business has grown to command a huge section of the bread industry in the Rift Valley. She’d incorporate her daughters, after college. Jebet and Daughters Ltd was born, and has since landed contracts to supply bread and confectionery to government establishments, NGO’s and learning institutions.

During this interview, the business mogul shuns formalities – insists to be addressed simply as ‘Jebet’. She’s quick to credit their success to a good working relationship with their banking partner, Co-op Bank.

Becky tells us that Coop has heavily invested in the convenient e-Commerce solution. It allows her to easily and safely make transactions with institutions, and receive instant updates on payments.

All payments are made to her business’s Co-op bank account, and the e-Commerce solution has an outstanding real-time processing speed. For NGO’s clients, the solution also allows payments in any currency – GBP, USD, EURO, or KES, which is convenient for both parties.

On her shop network in various streets, which used to run 24 hours before the Covid-19 pandemic, she insists on cashless payments. The Co-op Bank M-Pesa Paybill number 400200 is displayed conspicuously – allows direct payments to her Co-op Bank account. This is the same case with outlets in neighboring towns – the bank had assisted her get M-Pesa Till numbers for each outlet. All this is done free of charge.

It’s fascinating to learn how this business lady runs her business from a central office, and still find time for chit chat. Her business template would be a good starting point for other business owners with a desire to survive the harsh economic state in the country.

Visit the nearest Co-op Bank branch to learn about the e-Commerce solution for your business, or log into the online banking platform. The bank shall also assist you acquire M-Pesa till numbers to facilitate cashless payments.

Long live Jebet & Daughters Bakers Ltd, Kericho.