Governor Cecily Mbarire has issued a sharp warning to United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirants ahead of the November 2025 by-elections, cautioning them against arrogance and overconfidence. Speaking on behalf of President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the party’s ticket issuance, she reminded candidates: “Mkienda kujipiga kifua juu tuko na serikali, shauri yenu.”Her message underscored the risks of assuming victory simply because the party is in power, urging humility and strategic voter engagement. Mbarire emphasized that each aspirant is now the face of UDA in their constituency: “You are the flag bearer of the UDA party… We’ll support you the much we can so that you can deliver this seat.” Her remarks come as the party mobilizes its grassroots machinery to secure wins across 24 electoral units. Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced the official campaign period, running from October 8 to November 24, with daily activities permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Nomination and registration of candidates will take place on October 8 and 9, with independent aspirants required to submit proof of non-affiliation with any political party for at least three months prior to the polls. Supporter thresholds have been set: 2,000 for Senate, 1,000 for MP, and 500 for MCA candidates. Agent details must be submitted 14 days before polling day, and nomination disputes will be resolved by IEBC’s committee between October 8 and 17. The by-elections, scheduled for November 27, will fill vacant seats in counties including Nairobi, Turkana, Nyamira, and Baringo. With party endorsements underway and civic momentum building, the race is on to shape Kenya’s next wave of local leadership.

The government has pronounced that it will offer financial assistance to digital content creators.
State Department for ICT Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui has said the move aims to empower content creators grow their ventures.

“We are going also to engage our colleagues in other Ministries to ensure that the young people can access the funding that they might need. We are also working with partners to see how we can access additional funding and also grants that can help to grow the sector,” Eng. Tanui stated.

He announced the government has also partnered with Facebook to ensure that content creators earn from their work.

“We are very happy with even the collaboration we have with META. We have been able to unlock some funding to continue to build the sector and even make it possible for other players to also come and make their additional contribution. Government is committed to support the content creators”, the Principal Secretary said.

Eng. Tanui said the government is further banking on the partnership with digital platform players like META to unlock access to infrastructure through the digital hubs that are being built across the country.

The Principal Secretary made the remarks early today when he held a meeting with over 40 digital content creators at his office in Nairobi.

He said through partnerships with the government of South Korea, Kenya is putting up the largest digital media hub through the concert digital media facility at KONZA.

Speaking at the same event, Diana Yegon, a content creator lauded the government’s effort towards monetizing digital content, saying it has created job opportunities for them.

“As the creatives of this country, for the first time we are being appreciated, our efforts are being seen because for a very long time, content creators have been taken for granted. Our job has been taken like a joke and finally it is paying off and yes content creation pays”, she said.

Ms. Diana added “We don’t have to go to work or report to the office. This is a full-time job and this is just to appreciate the government for granting us this opportunity and for our president for you know contacting and making connections with META and now as Kenyans, we are happy as content creators we now have a full-time job”.

Eng. Tanui at the same time stated the government is supporting the creative enterprise by building digital hubs across the country.

“Construction of centres of excellence which is a bigger size of digital hubs is going on in every county and we are also working with Members of Parliament to ensure every ward across the country has a digital hub.”, the Principal Secretary further said.

He said digital hubs are platforms that will help young people in the villages to have spaces they can access internet, devices, computers and training.

By Citizen Digital