KEOwnership & classification
Founded: 1902
Ownership
The Standard is Kenya's oldest newspaper, founded in 1902 as the African Standard by Indian-born businessman Alibhai Mulla Jeevanjee. It is published by the Standard Group, which was bought by British conglomerate Lonrho and then sold in 1995 to Kenyan investors associated with then-President Daniel arap Moi. The Moi family and close associates (including the Kulei family) reportedly control over 90% of Standard Group, whose interests also include KTN television and Radio Maisha; family scion Gideon Moi (Baringo politician and Kanu party leader) is the central figure behind the controlling stake.
Funding
The Standard is funded through newspaper sales, advertising and its wider broadcast operations under Standard Group; it has faced well-documented financial strain in recent years. It is privately financed by its owners with no state or licence-fee support.
Affiliation & stance
Although commercially run, The Standard is controlled by the politically powerful Moi family, whose patriarch was a long-serving head of state and whose heir Gideon Moi leads the Kanu party, giving the paper an owner with direct partisan interests. That concentration of control in a political dynasty is why it is best classified DEPENDENT rather than fully independent, consistent with the site's DEPENDENT / CENTER guess.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 81
81/100
Factual
72/100
Objective
86
Articles
85
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Uhuru hits back at Ruto: Kenyans will choose their president in 2027
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed supporters during a memorial service for former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, reaffirming that Kenyans will decide the next president in the 2027 general election. He emphasized that voters have the freedom to choose any candidate, including himself, but clarified he has no intention of returning to active politics. Uhuru dismissed claims by President William Ruto and his allies that he is funding opposition figures, stating these accusations are unfounded. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, whom Uhuru praised during the speech, denied the allegations, asserting that the Linda Mwananchi movement is supported by ordinary citizens rather than being sponsored by Uhuru. The remarks come amid heightened political tensions ahead of the 2027 election.
Worst Mistake: Murkomen's reckless remarks expose his aloofness
Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, responsible for Kenya's Interior security, faces criticism for recent comments downplaying concerns about increasing political violence. His remarks contradict those of the President, who publicly acknowledged the threat posed by 'goons' and pledged to address the issue. Murkomen's statements suggest a lack of alignment among government officials on this matter, raising questions about internal coordination. The article highlights Murkomen's pattern of making direct and sometimes controversial public statements since assuming his role.
Fault lines beneath Mulembe's United Opposition
The article discusses growing internal divisions within the Mulembe political family, particularly highlighting tensions revealed during the funeral of Gloria Khalwale in Malinya. While members of the group publicly present a united front under the 'United Opposition' banner, private disagreements over leadership roles and decision-making authority are becoming increasingly apparent. These fractures suggest underlying power struggles among the leaders as they prepare for the 2027 elections. The piece indicates that despite shared platforms and rhetoric about a collective political future, there is significant competition for influence and control within the group.
Let the games begin: Inside IEBC's 2027 election calendar
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Kenya has officially published the 2027 election calendar, outlining a detailed schedule for voter registration, political party activities, candidate nominations, campaign periods, and measures against election offenses. This formalization marks a significant step in preparing for what is anticipated to be a highly competitive and contentious election process. The calendar aims to provide clarity and structure for all stakeholders involved in the electoral process. The publication signals the start of a critical period leading up to the 2027 elections.
City Hall in rush to expand drainage system ahead of El Nino
Nairobi County is expanding its drainage system to prepare for potential flooding caused by El Nino rains. Governor Johnson Sakaja emphasized proactive measures, including identifying flood-prone areas and accelerating drainage improvements. He highlighted collaboration with multiple agencies, including the Kenya Red Cross, KURA, and KeNHA, through a Sh2.4 billion program focused on flood mitigation. The initiative targets 19 roads in high-risk zones and aims to enhance long-term flood resilience alongside the Nairobi Regeneration Programme. Sakaja stressed the importance of community awareness and coordination to minimize the impact of heavy rains.
Gachagua: Opposition does not need Uhuru's money to send Ruto home
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua denied claims that former President Uhuru Kenyatta is financially supporting opposition efforts against current President William Ruto. Speaking during a church service in Kiambu County, Gachagua emphasized that the opposition movement is driven by Kenyan citizens and does not rely on external funding. He stated that public support, rather than financial backing, would determine the outcome of the upcoming 2027 general election. Gachagua also defended Kenyatta, arguing that the former president should not be involved in or held responsible for the actions of current opposition figures. His comments come amid growing political tensions and debates over leadership transitions in Kenya.
Public officers eyeing elective posts to resign by February 10 - IEBC
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in Kenya has set a deadline of February 10, 2027, for public officers wishing to run in the 2027 General Election to resign from their positions. This deadline is six months prior to the scheduled election date of August 10, 2027. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon emphasized that adhering to these timelines is legally binding and crucial for maintaining an orderly electoral process. Political parties must submit candidate information by March 16, conclude party primaries by May 8, and presidential aspirants must finalize voter support lists by May 24. Candidate registration begins on May 29, with the official campaign period starting after registration but not before May 29. Campaign activities are restricted during this period and must cease by August 7, 48 hours before the election.
Wanga moves to counter Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay - the-star.co.ke
The article reports that Wanga, likely referring to a political figure or group, is planning to hold a counter-rally to challenge the influence of Linda Mwananchi in Homa Bay, Kenya. The event appears to be part of the political landscape where local leaders are engaging in public demonstrations to assert their positions or gain support. The article highlights the competitive nature of political engagement in the region, suggesting that such rallies are used to mobilize voters and shape public opinion. However, the article does not provide specific details about the content of either rally, the political parties involved, or the broader implications of these events.
Schools will open on August 24 as scheduled, Ogamba says
The Ministry of Education in Kenya has clarified that schools will open on August 24, 2026, as originally planned, according to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba. This announcement comes in response to false reports circulating on social media that claimed the start of Term III had been postponed. Ogamba emphasized that all educational institutions, including pre-primary, primary, junior, senior, and secondary schools, along with Diploma Teachers Training Colleges, will follow the approved academic calendar. The ministry reiterated that the national assessment and examination dates for several key exams remain unchanged. Officials have instructed regional and county education directors to enforce strict adherence to the schedule and warned against relying on unverified information from social media.
Ruto denies Sh104bn SHA technology contract
President William Ruto denied allegations that the Kenyan government signed a Sh104 billion contract with Safaricom and Apeiro Limited for the Social Health Authority (SHA) technology system. Speaking at a presidential town hall during the National Health Summit, Ruto stated that the government had not purchased the technology outright but had engaged investors who own the equipment, with the state paying for services provided. He emphasized that the initiative involved designing a digital system to enhance transparency and accountability in SHA services. Digital Health Agency CEO Anthony Lenaiyara supported Ruto's stance, clarifying that SHA had not invested Sh104 billion in technology upgrades but had instead developed a digital infrastructure supporting universal health coverage. The system, described as a 'digital superhighway' with 43 components, aims to streamline claim processing and replace the outdated NHIF model reliant on physical file handling.
'That was not healthcare, it was theft'- Ruto on old health system
President William Ruto criticized the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) system during the Kenya Health Summit, accusing it of allowing theft from sick citizens through fraudulent claims, fictitious patients, and inflated bills. He emphasized the transition to a new digital health system managed by the Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced NHIF in October 2024. Ruto highlighted achievements such as registering 32.3 million Kenyans with SHA, providing treatment to eight million people, supporting safe deliveries for over 1.2 million mothers, and funding more than 500,000 surgeries. He noted a significant reduction in out-of-pocket health expenses since the reforms, attributing this to increased funding and improved supply chain efficiency, including a rise in the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority’s fill rate.
Matiang'i claims Ruto was aware of plot to mobilise goons in Homa Bay
Fred Matiang’i, a former Interior Cabinet Secretary and presidential candidate, accused President William Ruto and his administration of orchestrating or allowing political violence through the use of hired goons. He alleged that the government was aware of plans to mobilize these individuals ahead of a political rally in Homa Bay, citing recent violent incidents across the country as evidence. Matiang’i described the actions as 'crime at industrial scale' and warned that Kenya is descending into anarchy if political violence continues. He also raised concerns about digital harassment against opposition members, including jamming devices used during rallies and targeted social media attacks.
Triumphant: Resilient Linda Mwananchi defies odds, breaks through Homa Bay barriers
The article reports on the political campaign efforts of Linda Mwananchi, who is being supported by local leaders including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi. Despite facing significant challenges such as blocked roads, violence, threats, and intimidation, Mwananchi's team has managed to gain traction in Homa Bay County. The article highlights their intention to introduce a new political party to influence regional politics and pursue presidential ambitions. It portrays their campaign as a resilient effort against difficult odds.