Nairobi, Kenya — The Government of Kenya has strongly condemned the alleged secret recording and circulation of intimate images of Kenyan women by a foreign national, describing the act as a grave violation of constitutional rights and national values.
At a press briefing held at Harambee House Annex on Monday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that 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,” Mwaura said, 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.
He further affirmed that the suspect will face the full force of the law under the Penal Code and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, following a successful arrest. Affected persons have been 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.
Youth Fund Disbursement Highlights
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 emphasis on transparency, inclusivity, and equitable regional distribution.
- Beneficiaries underwent business development and financial literacy training and will transition into a structured mentorship phase to strengthen enterprise sustainability.
- The initiative also includes a six-month paid apprenticeship for 90,000 vulnerable youth, aged 18–29 years, and up to 35 years for youth with disabilities, receiving Sh6,000 monthly stipends in sectors such as mechanics and construction.
To date, 880,000 applications have been received following the extension of the application window. Experienced practitioners lacking formal accreditation will also receive recognition under the Recognition of Prior Learning framework.
Social Protection and Drought Response
Dr. Mwaura highlighted strengthened cash transfer programmes targeting senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and orphans and vulnerable children:
- Beneficiaries with severe disabilities increased from 46,000 to 63,938, while 438,804 orphans and 1,213,214 older persons are enrolled in respective schemes.
- An additional Sh500 million has been allocated to marginalized communities.
On drought mitigation, Cabinet authorized Sh4.1 billion for interventions in arid and semi-arid regions, with Mandera, Wajir, Kwale, and Kilifi counties in the alarm phase. Rainfall forecasts are expected to ease drought conditions in many areas.
Agriculture and Infrastructure
- Under the Long Rains 2026 Programme, 6.38 million farmers are onboarded for access to subsidized inputs.
- 1.938 million bags of fertilizer are in stock at NCPB depots, with 1.937 million redeemed through the e-Voucher system, totaling Sh4.841 billion in transactions.
- The Agripreneur Extension Programme engages 9,450 youthful agripreneurs across 46 counties.
- Key infrastructure projects include the 750 km Isiolo–Mandera Highway under the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (45% complete), Rironi–Mau Summit Road, and the LAPSSET Corridor Project valued at Sh1.5 trillion.
Economic Outlook
- The Nairobi Securities Exchange stands at Sh220 billion, with projected national growth of 5% under a Sh4.7 trillion budget.
- Sh255 billion in verified pending bills is being released to stimulate liquidity, with foreign reserves at Sh2.3 billion (5.3 months of import cover).
- Youth entrepreneurs can access up to Sh2 million in single-digit interest loans through government-backed funds.
Regional and Continental Engagement
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,” Dr. Mwaura concluded.
