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
- Centerbased on 110
81/100
Factual
72/100
Objective
115
Articles
115
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
How Sifuna's TEP took centre stage after contentious party registration row
The article discusses the political and legal challenges faced by the Equitable Party, which is associated with Sifuna, highlighting the controversy surrounding its party registration process. This situation has led to increased scrutiny of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties. The narrative suggests that the registration process was contentious, implying potential issues with transparency or adherence to regulations.
How KNEC plans to stop cheating in 2026 exams
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has announced plans to enhance exam security by implementing smart padlocks for all examination containers starting in 2026. This measure follows the successful use of similar technology in 250 centers last year. The system aims to prevent cheating by securing and monitoring exam materials remotely. KNEC CEO Dr. David Njegere emphasized the importance of technological solutions in maintaining the integrity of national examinations.
SHA gives counties 30 days to secure health facility contracts
The Ministry of Health (MOH), County Governments (CoG), and the Service Delivery Oversight Authority (SHA) have reached an agreement regarding the management of health facility contracts at the county level. Under this agreement, counties are given 30 days to secure their health facility contracts before new contracting processes begin on Monday. Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for a 90-day payment period for clean claims and a 30-day moratorium on five specific compliance documents. This framework aims to streamline the process of managing health facilities across Kenya.
Mbadi hits out at Sifuna, says opposition lacks economic agenda
John Mbadi, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, criticized Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for focusing on attacking President William Ruto rather than presenting a clear economic agenda. Mbadi emphasized that a presidential candidate should prioritize economic policies over personal criticism of the current administration. This comes amid ongoing political discourse in Kenya regarding the direction of the economy and the responsibilities of opposition candidates. The statement highlights concerns about the lack of concrete proposals from potential challengers in the upcoming election.
Kericho Annex Prison under scrutiny over death of remand prisoner
A remand prisoner named Brenda Chemutai was found hanging from a double-decker bed at a prison annex in Kericho on Friday morning. Her body was discovered by fellow inmates during their breakfast break. The incident has raised concerns about conditions and treatment within the facility, prompting calls for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Pregnant woman found dead by roadside in Kirinyaga with head, hip injuries
The body of a pregnant woman was discovered by the roadside on Piai-Itangi Murram road in Mwea East, Kirinyaga, according to local police. The victim showed visible injuries to the head and hip, prompting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause of death or any suspects involved. The incident has raised concerns within the community about safety and security in the area.
Ruto downplays rivalry over oil refinery in East Africa
President William Ruto has dismissed claims of competition among Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania regarding their respective plans for oil refineries in East Africa. The article highlights Ruto's stance that the nations should focus on collaboration rather than rivalry in developing regional energy infrastructure.
Outrage as KDF officers detain human rights team along Malindi-Lamu highway
A group of human rights activists were detained by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers while traveling along the Malindi-Lamu highway. The officers reportedly concealed their identities and did not provide any justification for the detention when confronted by the activists. This incident has sparked outrage among local communities and human rights organizations, who are concerned about potential violations of civil liberties and the lack of accountability within security forces. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between military personnel and civilian groups in Kenya.
Kalonzo signals at working with Ruto if 2027 poll is free and fair
Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Party, has indicated that his party might accept the results of the 2027 general election and potentially collaborate with President William Ruto, provided the election is conducted freely and fairly. This statement suggests a willingness to engage in post-election cooperation under certain conditions. It comes amid ongoing discussions about Kenya's electoral processes and political dynamics. The development could influence the country's political landscape ahead of the upcoming polls.
ODM delegates reject Sakaja using the party for gubernatorial bid
ODM delegates have rejected the idea of allowing an outsider to join the party and use its ticket to run for the gubernatorial position. The delegates emphasized that the party should not permit external candidates to leverage its platform for electoral purposes. This decision reflects internal tensions within the ODM regarding the inclusion of non-members in their political campaigns. The stance suggests a desire to maintain control over the party’s resources and influence in upcoming elections.
Oil rig arrives in Mombasa ahead of Kenya's first commercial drilling
Kenya has taken a significant step toward commercial oil production with the arrival of a 1,500-horsepower drilling rig at the Port of Mombasa. This development marks a key milestone in the country's efforts to explore and exploit its offshore oil reserves. The event highlights Kenya's growing interest in energy independence and economic diversification through hydrocarbon resources.
Two more suspects arrested over lawyer Kyalo Mbobu murder
Two additional suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of lawyer Kyalo Mbobu. Nicholas Lemiso Naula was apprehended in Nairobi's Central Business District. The arrests come as part of ongoing investigations into the crime, which has raised concerns about security in the area. No further details about the motive or circumstances of the murder were provided in the report.
KRA seizes 53,000 under-declared smartphones at Eldoret Airport
KRA authorities seized 53,000 smartphones at Eldoret Airport, including high-end models such as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max. These devices were reportedly under-declared, meaning their value was not properly reported during customs clearance. The seizure highlights ongoing efforts by Kenyan authorities to combat tax evasion and smuggling through enhanced customs inspections. While the exact financial impact and legal proceedings are not detailed, the incident underscores the challenges faced by customs agencies in enforcing import regulations.