Top news items in Kenya's major media outlets

NAIROBI, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The following are the news highlights in Kenya's major media outlets on Thursday:

-- Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has vowed to form a rival government after he is sworn in on Jan. 30 even if it is based outside the country.

He spoke as 13 opposition MPs said they will have all the National Super Alliance affiliated lawmakers to support his oath by swearing affidavits declaring they would recognize Odinga as President. Odinga said his oath of office will be based on the results of the August 8 2017 election, which he claims he won. He will, therefore, form a Cabinet and run a parallel government alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta. (Daily Nation)

-- Dozens of schools across the country are yet to receive books and other learning materials for the new curriculum as confusion persists over the introduction of the system. Most schools are still using old syllabus books. (The Standard).

-- Hundreds of people are likely to lose their jobs following the government's move to merge several financial institutions into one entity to provide loans to youths and women. (Business Daily)

-- Senators will amend the law to allow governors to appoint deputies if the positions become vacant as two counties face a management crisis. Governors in the counties have no deputies. (The Star) Enditem