Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.

SHA-RUPHA standoff

The standoff over the Social Health Authority (SHA) between the Rural Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA) and the government is expected to persist on Friday, February 28, 2025.

Patients across the country are expected to continue facing challenges in accessing medical care, especially in private hospitals, which announced that they would only accept cash due to a huge debt owed to them by the government.

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, various patients across the country lamented their failure to access services. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga also addressed the matter, calling on the government to intervene.

“The government is introducing SHA. It is not working, but I know countries where it is working. If it is properly implemented, it will be a game changer for our country,” he said.

RUPHA suspended the government’s service scheme, but the Ministry of Health reiterated that they have engaged the body over the concerns raised.

“The Ministry has met and engaged with RUPHA, amongst other stakeholders, to address the concerns raised. One of the key concerns raised by RUPHA relates to delays in claims processing and reimbursement for services rendered under SHIF and the PHC Fund.

“The Ministry has introduced clear guidelines for facility accreditation, standardized claims submission processes, and an enhanced digital system for real-time claim tracking. These measures are designed to eliminate past inefficiencies and ensure that all service providers receive their payments on time,” the ministry said in a statement.

ODM anniversary celebrations

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will on Friday, February 28, 2025 commemorate its 20th anniversary by holding a conference in Busia.

In a poster shared by the party, the Western Kenya Conference will bring together delegates and the party’s top brass.

Various declarations are also expected to be made regarding the party’s future.

The latest meeting comes at a time when a section of ODM leaders are reading from different scripts regarding the party’s future. Some ODM members are pushing for a working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration, while others oppose the arrangement.

The Busia delegates conference is expected to give direction.

The Western Kenya Delegates Conference, a build up to the #ODMat20 celebrations to be held in Busia County on Friday 28, February 2025. Hakika #TukoTayari pic.twitter.com/DlayNzntxx

— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) February 22, 2025

The ODM’s origins are rooted in the 2005 Kenyan constitutional referendum campaign. The ensuing constitutional referendum pitted the YES team, christened ‘Banana’, against the NO team, dubbed ‘Orange’.

The NO (Orange) team that spearheaded the defeat of the draft constitution in November 2005 evolved into a popular movement that engaged the new establishment, intending to restart the constitution-making process.

The Orange victory at the referendum transformed the movement into a major political party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which was captained by Raila Odinga and Mudavadi, Ruto, Balala, Joe Nyagah, and Charity Ngilu.

Raila consultative meeting

Immediately after landing in the country, Raila announced a series of engagements with his followers before giving direction.

“I am going to consult widely, and in due course we are going to announce our way forward,” he said.

As part of his engagements, Raila will consult with people in Busia, where ODM is scheduled to hold their Western Kenya delegates conference.

After their discourse, Raila is set to give hints on what to expect.

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, Raila held a meeting in Migori where he was accompanied by ODM Youth League and political activist Kasmuel McOure.

Ahsante sana @gladyswanga and entire Homa County leadership for the warm welcome. We have engaged; I have listened. The consultations forum moves to Busia County tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/L65F5rM4Ui

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) February 27, 2025

Omanyala to launch 2025 season

Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, is expected to launch his season on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the second leg of the Athletics Kenya Track and Field Meeting in Thika, Kiambu County.

Omanyala, who for the first time in three years skipped the World Indoor Tour, will take part in the 100m and 400m races at the murram track at Thika County Stadium.

The Commonwealth Games 100m champion had initially planned to kick off his season in mid-March in South Africa but has since opted for a different approach.

His participation was confirmed by Athletics Kenya on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

The reigning 100m Commonwealth Champion, Ferdinand Omanyala, Olympian Boniface Mweresa, sprinter Millicent Ndoro, and 5000m runner Teresia Gateri will highlight the 2nd Betika/Athletics Kenya Track and Field Weekend Meet in Thika on Friday, Feb 28 and March 1st#roadtotokyo2025 pic.twitter.com/Ng1QlyNgxa

— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) February 27, 2025