Kenya has ranked 10th among 54 African countries for estimated monthly average net salary, according to figures published by LiveGDP, an economic data platform that tracks global economic indicators and country rankings.The country’s reported take-home pay stands at Ksh44,553 ($344) per month, placing it 132nd globally in the platform’s ranking. “Kenya records a monthly average net salary of $344 and ranks 10th in Africa,” the report stated.Djibouti led Africa in the ranking at Ksh367,311 ($2,836), making it 27th globally, followed by South Africa at 164,486 ($1,270) and Seychelles at Ksh102,318 ($790). The rankings were based on net salary, which the platform calculated as the estimated amount employees receive after income taxes and other mandatory deductions, with figures converted into U.S. dollars for cross-country comparison. The report comes amid concerns over the growing pressure on salaried Kenyans’ disposable income from deductions including Pay As You Earn (PAYE), the 1.5 per cent Housing Levy and the 2.75 per cent Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) contribution.Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius, Morocco, Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon completed the remaining positions in the top 10 alongside Kenya. Kenya placed ahead of several East African countries, with Tanzania ranked 20th at Ksh25,255 ($195), Uganda 26th at Ksh20,722 ($160) and Rwanda 31st at 18,780 ($145).The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ranked 33rd at Ksh18,392 ($142) and Somalia 42nd at Ksh15,540 ($120). According to the report, Kenya sits just behind Cameroon, which recorded Ksh44,683 ($345), while Ghana followed closely with Ksh44,035 ($340). The figures show a wide gap across the continent, with 35 of the 54 countries recording monthly net salaries below Ksh25,903 ($200). South Sudan had the lowest reported figure at Ksh9,066 ($70), followed by Burundi at Ksh9,713 ($75), Sierra Leone at Ksh10,361 ($80), Gambia at Ksh11,008 ($85), and Malawi and Sudan at Ksh11,656 ($90) each. The report explained that differences in economic development, productivity, industries, skills, labour demand, taxation, inflation, currency values and employment conditions can influence salary levels across countries. However, the platform cautioned that nominal salary figures alone do not show how far earnings go, since housing, food, transport, healthcare, education, inflation, exchange rates and other living costs vary between countries. The ranking therefore provides a comparison of estimated take-home pay rather than a direct measure of living standards or purchasing power.
Read briefing Directline Assurance Company, which controls more than 60 per cent of Kenya’s Public Service Vehicle (PSV) insurance market, risks liquidation following a court petition.Six creditors have moved to the Malindi High Court seeking the insurance company's permanent shutdown, with the case now set to be heard later this year.According to a notice issued by the High Court's Deputy Registrar in Malindi, the petition was filed in August 2026, under the Insolvency Act and the repealed Companies Act."A notice is given that a petition for the liquidation of the above-named company by the High Court was on the 27th day of August, 2026, presented to the said Court," read part of the notice.Following the filing of the petition, the court on Friday, October 2, announced that it had scheduled the case for hearing on November 23, 2026, at the Malindi High Court.In the gazette notice obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the court called on creditors and contributories to appear in person or through advocates to support or oppose the petition.Directline controls 62 per cent of Kenya’s PSV insurance market, making it a major player in the transport sector and a key insurer for motorists across the country.The latest case adds to the legal and regulatory challenges that have affected the company in recent years, including disputes over its operations, assets, and insurance claims.In 2024, the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) placed Directline under heightened surveillance over concerns about its operations and assets.This is after S.K. Macharia, through Royal Credit Limited, announced that Directline had stopped operations, its board had been dissolved, and its employees had been dismissed.In a press statement, the Royal Media Services (RMS) owner said the company's assets had also been taken over by Royal Credit.However, IRA maintained that Directline remained a licensed insurance company and cautioned against actions affecting its assets without the required regulatory approval.
Read briefing Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent billionaire with interests in energy and infrastructure. His journey began in Zimbabwe, where he grew up in Gandami, Chikomba, and worked as a wages clerk at a bus company after leaving school in 1996. In a 2016 interview, Chivayo said his father’s death in a car accident when he was 10 changed the course of his life, leaving him as the only son and creating an early responsibility to support his mother and siblings. As a young entrepreneur, he began trading cellphones and SIM cards from a small office at Ximex Mall in Harare between 1998 and 2000, describing the period as the starting point of his business career. His career later included government contracts and political connections, where he became publicly associated with the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF) and President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He said he built Intratrek Zimbabwe into an energy and infrastructure company through tenders for major projects including the 100MW Gwanda solar power plant, the 30MW Gairezi hydroelectric project and the 100MW Munyati thermal power plant. As his public profile grew around his lavish spending, luxury cars, fashion and social media posts, Chivayo also gained attention for his philanthropy and support for sport, including financial gifts to Zimbabwe’s national football team and pledges tied to its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaigns. His wealth and lifestyle drew controversy over the years, while he also faced legal proceedings, including a 2004 conviction for theft by false pretences and subsequent fraud and money-laundering cases in which he was later acquitted or had charges dismissed.Chivayo rejected allegations that his wealth came from illegal deals, saying his entrepreneurial path began at a young age and that he had made mistakes, recovered from them and continued building his business interests.He became a familiar figure in Kenya due to his highly publicised relationship with President William Ruto, whom he described as a friend. Earlier this year, reports alleged that his company, IMC Construction Kenya, had been included in a Chinese-led consortium involved in the proposed Ksh376.42 billion ($2.9 billion) expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), claims that the government denied.Chivayo further developed relationships with political leaders across Africa, including Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mozambique’s Daniel Chapo, Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu, Malawi’s Peter Mutharika, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Eswatini’s King Mswati III.His decades-long career came to an abrupt end after he, his wife Lucy Muteke and four others were killed in a helicopter crash at Kudenga Farm in Marondera, Zimbabwe, on Wednesday, September 30.
Read briefing The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has called on the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to retain the Central Bank Rate (CBR) at 8.75 per cent when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets next week.The KBA Centre for Research on Financial Markets and Policy said on Friday, October 2, that maintaining the current rate would support the recovery in private sector credit and sustain economic activity.The MPC is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, to review the prevailing monetary policy conditions and determine the direction of the CBR.In its latest Research Note, the KBA research centre said inflation remains within the CBK's target range, despite rising in recent months.Headline inflation increased from 4.3 per cent in February to 6.8 per cent in September, moving closer to the upper limit of the 2.5 to 7.5 per cent target range, according to the bankers.The increase was largely driven by food and transport costs, with food inflation reaching 9.5 per cent and transport inflation standing at 15.6 per cent in September.Despite the rise in prices, the KBA said demand pressures remained limited, while its forecast showed inflation could ease as food supply improves with the onset of harvests in major agricultural regions.“With inflation within the target range, and exchange rate stability sustained, sustaining the current stance of monetary policy, to anchor the recovery in private sector credit and economic activity is appropriate,” the research centre said.The banking lobby also pointed to economic growth as a reason for maintaining the current rate, noting that real GDP expanded by 5.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, compared to 4.9 per cent during the same period in 2025.However, the KBA warned of risks to the recovery, including higher fuel and food prices, rising production and transport costs, weaker global economic growth and the expected El Niño rains from October 2026 into the first quarter of 2027.The association said exchange-rate stability continues to cushion the economy against imported inflation, while the current monetary policy stance, favourable interest-rate differentials and declining Treasury bill yields are supporting growth in private sector credit.The recommendation comes after the MPC retained the CBR at 8.75 per cent during its August 11 meeting, saying the decision would help keep inflation expectations anchored while the economy faced global uncertainties and risks linked to higher oil prices.
Read briefing The Ministry of Health has clarified the transition from the Social Health Authority (SHA) Provider Portal to the Health Management Information System (HMIS), following confusion over claims that the government was replacing SHA with a new platform.The ministry, in a statement issued by CS Aden Duale on Friday, October 2, said the change is intended to integrate hospital systems with SHA and other health-sector platforms rather than replace the health insurance authority.Since the establishment of SHA, the Digital Health Agency (DHA) has provided a portal through which healthcare providers submit and transmit claims to the authority, particularly during the transition period.However, hospitals have been required to operate their own HMIS alongside the SHA Provider Portal, meaning staff often have to enter or transfer the same information between separate systems, according to the government. The ministry said the arrangement has created additional administrative work for healthcare facilities and, in some cases, contributed to longer processing and waiting times for patients.As such, under the new arrangement, the hospital’s existing HMIS is expected to become the primary system through which healthcare services and related information are managed.The ministry stressed that HMIS is not a new system being introduced to replace SHA, but part of the ongoing rollout of the digital health infrastructure that has already been procured and paid for.CS Duale said the goal was to move away from fragmented systems that require healthcare workers to repeatedly enter the same information.“The objective is not simply to replace one portal with another. The bigger objective is to connect the different components of the healthcare ecosystem,” Duale said.According to the ministry, integrating the systems is expected to reduce duplication of data entry, improve the processing of admissions, consultations, billing and claims, and give authorised healthcare workers easier access to relevant patient information.The system is also expected to improve the quality and verification of claims submitted to SHA by linking them more closely to patient encounters and services provided, while helping identify duplicate claims and other errors.The ministry said the transition will require technical integration and support for hospitals and healthcare workers, with the implementation expected to focus on reducing paperwork, shortening waiting times, and improving accountability in the health sector.
Read briefing Mrima Hills residents and human rights groups in Kwale County are demanding to be included in ongoing plans to develop the area’s critical mineral deposits, saying they have been left out of discussions on potential investors and the impact of mining on their land.The residents from Lungalunga Sub-County want the government, through the Ministry of Mining, to involve them in any agreements involving the mineral resources at Mrima Hills, arguing that they have not been adequately informed about the proposed project or the processes that will be followed.Justus Mweo Mwachupa, a resident, said the community was yet to receive clear information on how mining would be carried out and what it would mean for residents and the surrounding environment.“The citizens here have never known the processes that will be used here as well as their impacts on them and the environment around,” Mwachupa said.He said residents were also concerned about what would happen to them if the project required the relocation of people living around the mineral-rich area.Mariam Omar, a human rights activist from HUDA, said the organisation was engaging residents to help them understand their potential role in the development of the critical minerals and ensure they receive information about the project.“We are engaging these citizens to get to know which roles they will be playing in the critical minerals mining deal. We want all this information made available to the community so that they are also aware that if at all they want anything from the project, they know the right person to approach,” Omar said.Officials from Haki Madini Kenya said land ownership was among the biggest concerns raised by residents, particularly because much of the land in the area had been inherited and succession processes had not been completed.The concerns come as Kenya advances plans to attract investors into its critical minerals sector, with at least six companies from the United States, Australia and China reported to be interested in developing the Mrima Hill deposit.Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho said Kenya and the United States were also in advanced discussions on a critical minerals partnership that could see refineries and processing plants established in Kenya, with some processed minerals supplied to the US market.Joho said the discussions involved several U.S. government departments and were linked to the ongoing bidding process for Mrima Hill, where the government expects to conclude the process in late October before engaging the preferred bidder.The project has attracted interest because of initial geological studies indicating the presence of niobium at Mrima Hill, while cobalt, copper and nickel deposits have also been identified in Kenya.An Australian-led consortium involving RareX and Iluka Resources has advanced to the Request for Proposals stage, with its detailed proposal expected in October 2026.
Read briefing A skill you already use at school, work, or in your free time can become a source of income if you identify a problem that people are willing to pay for you to solve, explains Peter Ndumia, Co-op Bank Branch Manager at Ridgeways Mall. Speaking during this week’s episode of Co-op Bank's Youth Forum, Ndumia explained that starting a business or side hustle requires understanding what one is good at, identifying a gap in the market, and packaging one's skills to meet that need.“What do you know best? How can you use that skill and turn it into a service or product that can make you money? The key is finding a need that someone is willing to pay for you to resolve,” Ndumia explained on Friday, October 1.He advised young people to look at their talents, hobbies, school knowledge, work experience, and the tasks that people regularly ask them to help pinpoint a skill they are good at.“To identify your skill, look for that one thing that comes effortlessly for you. There is that thing that people come to you for, and you enjoy doing that. And be patient while trying to identify your skill,” he said.The next step is to turn the skill into a specific service that people are willing to pay for. According to Ndumia, instead of simply saying one knows mathematics, for example, a young person can offer one-on-one tutoring to high school students.Ndumia says the same approach can be applied to skills such as graphic design, photography, writing, editing, coding, music and other areas that can be offered as freelance services.“You need to change it from ‘I know it’ to ‘I now offer it.' Be specific,” he explained.He advised beginners to document their work and use it to build a portfolio. A portfolio can include previous work or sample projects created to demonstrate what they can deliver to potential clients.He encouraged youths to use platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook to showcase their work and make potential clients aware of their services.“To attract clients as a freelancer, package yourself so that you can move from doing things for family and friends for free to being paid. Create a profile of what you do and have examples of your products for people to see,” Ndumia said.To resolve the challenge of finding the first client, Ndumia advised beginners to start with people within their existing networks, including friends, family, classmates, colleagues and local businesses, while continuing to submit proposals and improve their work.“When you choose to start doing work for free, decide whether or not you are willing to make that start. If you decide to do it, document and share your work to form part of your portfolio. You never know who is watching,” Ndumia said.Most importantly, Ndumia said, is finding mentors to help nurture one through the business and help them grow naturally, especially during times of frustration.
Read briefing Milimani Law Courts has ordered the remand of a suspected cybercriminal for 36 days after he failed to comply with bail terms previously granted to him by the court.The court on Thursday determined that the suspect, linked to a Ksh96 million fraud, will remain in custody until November 5.He was presented before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Teresia Nyangena under a warrant of arrest after allegedly absconding from court proceedings while out on bail.According to the prosecution, the suspect had failed to appear before the court on three occasions, prompting an arrest warrant to be issued for him.He is accused of two criminal cases arising from alleged unauthorised access to computer systems belonging to a local bank and a sacco.He allegedly withdrew funds totalling Ksh96 million in two instances: Ksh44 million and Ksh52 million in June 2025.According to the agency, the suspect is accused of making the transactions outside the normal payment flow before the fraud was detected.He was arraigned on March 3 and 12 2026 with offences of Access with Intent to Commit a Further Offence, contrary to Section 15(1), and Computer Fraud, contrary to Section 26(1)(b) as read with Section 2(a) of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act No. 5 of 2018.The suspect was later granted cash bail of Ksh1.5 million and Ksh500,000 in the two cases, but he still allegedly failed to return to court for scheduled hearings.This prompted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to seek information about his whereabouts, calling on Kenyans with information to come forward.In a statement on September 21, DCI posted his picture on their official media channels, describing him as a resident of Baringo County. The authorities pleaded with the public to help track him down.He was later arrested in Kericho in a dramatic event, leading to his arraignment in court on Thursday.
Read briefing Kenyans holding dollars and other foreign currencies could potentially face tougher rules, including a fine of up to Ksh1 million, if Parliament approves the proposed amendment to the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Act.The CBK(Amendment) Bill, 2026, sponsored by Rongai MP Paul Abuor, seeks to change how foreign exchange is handled and introduce new offences on illegal handling of foreign currencies.The National Assembly’s Finance Committee is currently scrutinising the proposed piece of legislation at the pre-publication stage before the whole House considers it.Abuor on Thursday, October 1, told the committee that the bill will address the hoarding of foreign currency by people and companies for speculative purposes, particularly ahead of general elections.“It is important to have a law in place which regulates the handling of foreign exchange to ensure that individuals or corporate entities do not hoard forex for speculation or other reasons,” Abuor stated.The MP argued that while people should retain the right to hold foreign currency, the law should outline consequences for hoarding money that should be circulating.Abuor further told lawmakers that foreign currency hoarding around election periods could create artificial shortages, consequently increasing the cost of foreign exchange in the country.However, the committee questioned the proposal, noting that similar foreign exchange controls were previously in place before being repealed to allow market forces to determine supply and demand.“What is your motivation to have it enacted once again?” Kitui Rural MP David Mboni asked during the committee's consideration of the proposed legislation.In response, Abuor maintained that the proposed regulations were necessary to address the impact of foreign currency hoarding, particularly during election cycles, when demand for forex could increase.The Bill seeks to amend the CBK Act to promote a stable foreign exchange market, with the sponsoring MP arguing that this would ultimately benefit the country’s economy.According to the proposal, a person found guilty of hoarding dollars or other foreign currencies could face a fine of up to Ksh1 million or up to 10 years in prison.
Read briefing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended his call for Kenyans living in Uganda to be given identity cards and to be registered as voters ahead of the 2027 General Elections amid criticism and voter-smuggling claims by the opposition.Speaking in Kiminini constituency in Trans Nzoia, during a rally on Thursday, October 1, Murkomen said his call is aimed at ensuring no Kenyan is discriminated against because of where they live or do business.According to the CS, Kenyans living in border counties have long been discriminated against, especially during voting a nd issuance of critical documents like birth certificates and IDs.Murkomen argues that just like other Kenyans, those living in the borders have a right to vote and a right to services from the government."Those living along borders like those in Taita Taveta, Nark, Kajiado, and Trans Nzoia have the right to identity cards just like other Kenyans," Murkomen stated.He further adds that the Kenyan government will track those living and operating businesses in the neighbouring countries, like Uganda, and will issue them with the documents."Even if you cross the border and work in a neighbouring country like Uganda, as long as you are Kenyans, we will give you IDs," he added.He maintains that Kenyans living abroad will not be denied IDs or voter cards, warning against discrimination based on their place of residence. He further cited the establishment of the State Department for Diaspora Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deal with such matters involving Kenyans in the diaspora."All Kenyans, including those in our neighbouring countries, have the right to register as voters. That is why we have a whole State Department for Diaspora Affairs. It is meant to support Kenyans outside our borders," he said.The CS's comments came days after he spoke about issuing IDs and voter cards to Kenyans living in Uganda while attending an event in the neighbouring country.Following his remarks, the opposition alleged that the government was planning to smuggle voters from Uganda by issuing Ugandans Kenyan IDs so as to influence the outcome of the 2027 elections.Former Attorney General Justin Muturi called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to summon Murkomen to explain his remarks, and also tasked Uganda President Yoweri Museveni to come clear on whether the remarks had any connection to voter registration activities involving Ugandans ahead of the 2027 General Election."Claims touching on voter registration activities in Uganda and Kenya's electoral process cannot be brushed aside. I call on the IEBC to demand clear answers, establish the facts, and protect the integrity of our elections," Muturi stated.
Read briefing The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested 13 suspects accused of running an international fake gold and counterfeit U.S dollar syndicate in Nairobi.The 13 suspects, among them three police officers and foreign nationals were arrested moments after leaving the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).During the Thursday, October 1 operation, DCI tracked a suspicious movement from JKIA, trailing the suspects in a local hideout along Mombasa Road.According to the detectives, the arrested officers used high-end vehicles with fake government stickers to escort a lured U.S. client to the hideout.Following the raid, the authorities seized 65 fake gold bars and 31 packages stacked with counterfeit USD 750,000.Detectives also recovered plastic seals, strapping rolls, custom reflectors, bags of cement, and assorted chemicals engineered to manufacture false currency.The arrested officers have since been identified as Administration Police (APs) attached to the Security of Government Buildings (SGB).Also, the network included foreign nationals from Nigeria, Sudan, Canada, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC.Hours before the raid, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officials also intercepted 40 undeclared iPhones at JKIA.The phones, comprising iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, were seized from a passenger who had arrived in Kenya from Dubai, with their value estimated to cost over Ksh8.2 million.Gold scam syndicates have increased rapidly in recent years, with scammers targeting foreign nationals and unsuspecting investors.At the same time, DCI has also intensified operations to tackle the illegal business, with the latest operation coming weeks after detectives apprehended a city lawyer in a Ksh37 million gold fraud.
Read briefing The Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) are considering changes to Kenya’s wealth declaration system that would automate the submission and management of public officers’ income and assets. Discussions on automating the Declaration of Income, Assets and Liabilities (DIALs) process were held during a capacity-building workshop on Thursday, October 1, in Naivasha, Nakuru County.PSC Chairperson Francis Meja said technology and artificial intelligence (AI) have created an opportunity to simplify the management of wealth declaration forms. He pointed to the difficulty of retrieving individual DIALs forms from more than 300,000 records as one of the challenges that automation could address. “We are in the era of AI and therefore wealth declaration forms automation should be a simple issue. Once in a while, we get requests for retrieval of the DIALs forms. You can imagine the difficulty of going through over 300,000 forms just to pick one,” he said.EACC Chairperson David Oginde also called for digital tools and stronger integration of public service platforms to improve oversight of wealth declarations and conflicts of interest. Oginde said automation could support efforts to prevent corruption linked to situations where public officers have personal interests in official decisions.The proposed system would allow wealth declaration information to be managed through a more efficient, secure and accessible digital process. A digital framework would also be expected to facilitate secure information sharing between relevant public service platforms.The changes are being considered as the government implements the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, which tightened requirements on conflicts of interest and financial disclosures among public officers. Under mechanisms introduced by EACC in August, officers must declare real, apparent or potential conflicts before or during discussions, decisions, debates or votes where such conflicts arise. Officers are also required to disclose income, assets and liabilities belonging to themselves, their spouses and dependent children below 18, including interests held jointly or outside Kenya. The rules further require initial declarations within 30 days of appointment, biennial declarations by December 31 of the relevant year and final declarations within 30 days of leaving public office.
Read briefing The Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has proposed the use of crickets and snails as alternative foods for Kenyans amid food shortage fears.Speaking during the Nairobi International Trade Fair 2026 on Wednesday, September 30, JKUAT Vice Chancellor Victoria Wambui said the university was exploring alternative food sources as part of efforts to diversify what Kenyans consume.According to Wambui, the move is aimed at helping farmers diversify production and improve food security."We are proposing the use of crickets and snails as food, and if you visit our stand, you'll be able to learn how you can even cook some of these foods," Wambui stated.The VC insists that farmers should embrace agricultural innovations such as crickets and snails, which she said could open new opportunities for food production while providing additional sources of income.At the same time, the university is also promoting new agricultural opportunities through tissue culture, with the Vice Chancellor highlighting plantain and dragon fruit seedlings developed using new protocols.Wambui said the seedlings were being sold to Kenyans who could plant them on their farms and assess their growth and fruit production."We have also come up with very good protocols in the area of tissue culture for things like plantain and dragon fruit, and therefore these are other seedlings that we are selling to Kenyans," the VC added.The university explained that it was not only conducting research but also training farmers on how to adopt the technologies and use the products developed by its researchers.The move comes as Kenya is faced with a looming food shortage crisis following rain failures and the anticipated El Niño rains beginning in October.The government has announced plans to import over one million bags of maize from Zambia in efforts to avert the looming crisis.However, the proposals for alternative food varieties like snails seek to cushion the country from the looming crisis.It is worth noting that snails and crickets are widely consumed in other parts of the world, including Asia, Europe and parts of West Africa. In Kenya, however, the practice is being adopted slowly, with farmers putting up snail and cricket farms.
Read briefing Kenyan cabin crew members were among those responding to a high-stakes mid-air plane incident in Saudi Arabia, where one pilot stabbed the other and allegedly tried to crash a Boeing 737 plane on Wednesday morning.The crew, who were flying more than 170 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Flydubai flight FZ1073, were involved in attempts to keep two individuals, said to be the captain and first officer, alive following the scuffle.Kenyans.co.ke has analysed videos shared online and established that two members of the cabin crew aiding those injured were speaking Kiswahili, with both appearing to use expressions commonly associated with Kenyan speakers.A spot check by Kenyans.co.ke found that Flydubai, which has regular scheduled flights operating to both Nairobi (JKIA) and Mombasa (MBA), employs cabin crew members from across its international workforce.Reports indicate the plane that took off from Dubai International Airport in the UAE at 6:05am Kenyan time reported an emergency about two and a half hours into the flight, before alerting authorities to a possible hijacking.According to reporting from the BBC and accounts from witnesses reviewed by this publication, the first officer allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the plane.In the videos reviewed by Kenyans.co.ke, a man said to be part of the cabin crew is heard telling the other, “Cheki kama anaongea” (Check if he is speaking), referring to the injured pilot who had been lying on his back just outside the cockpit.The 1:58-second video captures moments when the cabin crew and other passengers attempt to keep the pilot and the first officer stable and tend to their injuries.In the chaos, the man who had earlier asked the other cabin crew member to check if the pilot was speaking then turns to a passenger who was helping and asks for a pillow.He then tells the other cabin crew member, “Muwekee huku chini” (Place the pillow below him).Part of the video captures a clear image of one of the cabin crew members, who is black, tall, and wearing a shirt with blue and white stripes. He urges those recording to stop recording.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the stabbing occurred and said a passenger and crew member broke into the cockpit and overpowered the pilot, who had carried out the stabbing.Crew members and passengers reportedly restrained the attacker, and the plane made an emergency landing safely at Tabuk Airport, with no injuries reported among the passengers.The publication has not independently established the nationality of all the crew members seen in the videos, and the company has yet to issue any statements on the nationality of the crew.Available data shows the company operates with a cabin crew team of 4 to 6 members per flight.
Read briefing The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has turned to Japan to explore new digital speed camera technology as Kenya seeks to strengthen traffic management and road safety, especially in the capital, Nairobi. A joint team from NTSA and the Kenya Police Service (KPS) has travelled to Japan for intensive operational training on Japan's traffic management systems.Sponsored under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Safe Systems Approach project, the training began on September 22 and will run until October 4."As part of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-sponsored Safe Systems Approach project, a joint Kenya Police Service and National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) team is in Japan for intensive operational training running from September 22 to October 4, 2026," Kenya Police stated.According to a statement shared on Wednesday, September 30, the Kenyan team is engaging with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police to gain practical knowledge on advanced traffic management and technology-based road safety systems.One of the key areas being explored is digital speed cameras, with the Kenyan team testing the technology as part of its operational training.The delegation is also using traffic simulators and studying how Japanese authorities use road safety data to strengthen traffic management and enforcement.The training is aimed at helping Kenya develop a more data-driven approach to road safety, including insights into how technology can be incorporated into traffic operations.The move comes as the authority intensifies the rollout of Ksh45 billion Intelligent Transport System (ITS) across Nairobi to transition from manual traffic policing to AI-driven automation.The multi-billion project is designed to eliminate chronic snarls in the city and will also crack down on traffic offenders digitally.Phase one of the project, estimated at around Ksh7.9 billion, is reportedly under construction with funding from South Korea's Economic Development Cooperation Fund.This phase covers 25 major intersections, including Kenyatta Avenue, Moi Avenue, and Lang'ata Road, and is slated for completion by February 2027.Phase two is expected to expand the system to 60 additional junctions at a cost of Ksh 13 billion, while the third phase will stretch to 125 more intersections for Ksh24 billion.
Read briefing The Kenya Revenue Authority has issued a reminder explaining excise duty changes that took effect on July 1, 2026, affecting products consumed by Kenyans that were incorporated under the Finance Act 2026.In its latest update to the public explaining the changes in the Finance Act, KRA said excise duty had been removed from some products, while new duties had been introduced on specific goods and services."While excise duty has been removed from some products and reduced on selected services, new duties have also been introduced on specific goods and services," KRA stated.Among the products affected is specified imported sugar, which will be subject to an excise duty of Ksh40 per kilogramme, subject to stated exclusions.Antique, vintage and classic vehicles will also attract an excise duty of 50 per cent of the excisable value.KRA further stated that a 5 per cent excise duty would be charged on amounts deposited for betting purposes, including betting on horse racing and gaming.At the same time, juices without added sugar or sweetener will continue to attract an excise duty of Ksh14.14 per litre.However, those containing added sugar or sweeteners will incur a Ksh 20-per-litre charge.At the same time, the tax agency has also removed excise duty on bottled water, in relief to businesses in the sector.Previously, bottled water attracted an excise duty of Ksh6.41 per litre, while juices, sweetened or without additives, attracted Ksh20 and Ksh14.14 per litre, respectively, all of which have remained unchanged.However, imported sugar previously attracted a duty of Ksh7.5 per kilogram but has now increased to Ksh40 to promote local production.While other changes in the Finance Act will take time to take effect, the changes to excise duties took effect immediately upon the commencement of the 2026/27 financial year on July 1, 2026.
Read briefing Public service officers living on contested Kenya Forest Service (KFS) land in Lang’ata could be allowed to secure ownership of the property, according to Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi. Mugambi signaled the move on Wednesday, September 30, when he appeared before the National Assembly House Implementation Committee alongside Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko. The committee was examining a parliamentary report on alleged demolitions and the repossession of land within Lang’ata Constituency, Nairobi County. The long-running dispute involves government workers who have occupied the contested land for more than 30 years.Mugambi told the committee that the Forestry department was prepared to work with the affected residents towards a resolution that would enable them to own the land. He and Lemarkoko proposed that the petitioners withdraw their existing court case to facilitate a joint survey of the disputed property. The survey would involve the affected parties and is intended to establish the position of the land as discussions on ownership continue. The developments come after years of uncertainty among residents over the status of homes built on land linked to the former Ngong Forest boundaries. The dispute traces back to changes made to Ngong Forest boundaries in the late 1990s, including land identified as L.R. No. 23256, which was set aside for residential development. Affected residents have maintained that they acquired the properties through official government processes and have occupied them for decades. In 2025, Parliament had directed that eviction threats be halted, while the government assured residents that no evictions would take place pending a Cabinet decision.Now, Parliament is seeking further action from the Lands Ministry, with Budalangi MP and committee chairperson Raphael Wanjala directing the Lands PS to appear within four weeks. The Lands Ministry is expected to provide an update on the implementation of the proposals reached during the meeting.
Read briefing The Standard Media Group has raised security concerns over a planned protest by a youth group at its offices along Mombasa Road.In a statement on Tuesday, the media house said the group, identified as Bunge la Mwananchi, had announced plans to mobilise more than 5,000 people for a protest at its offices on Friday, October 2.In a video circulating online, the group accused the media house of consistently publishing reports that it claims are critical of President William Ruto.The Standard said it had reported the matter to South B Police Station and notified the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Makadara.The Standard said the security measures were precautionary and intended to protect its staff and premises.The media house added that it would continue with its reporting and hold leaders accountable despite the concerns raised over the planned protest."The Standard Group promises to remain firm and continue to hold accountable leaders in the country," it stated.The allegations come as the media house continues to be scrutinised by leaders allied to the government over its recent reports on President Ruto.On June 24, 2026, President William Ruto himself accused the media house of running what he termed an 'extortionist propaganda' campaign against his administration.The Head of State also directly addressed KANU Chairman Gideon Moi, whose family is associated with the ownership of the media house, claiming that repeated negative headlines targeting his administration would not influence government decisions or force him to yield to pressure.Other leaders, including Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, have also taken issue with the media house's reporting. On Tuesday, Kaluma filed a lawsuit against the Standard Media Group over reports on the Homa Bay violence, accusing the media house of publishing false and defamatory reports about him.
Read briefing Kenyans seeking to protect their homes, land, businesses and other assets from family succession disputes can now turn to a new legal framework governing trusts in the country.The Trust Administration Act, 2026, which was assented to by President William Ruto on September 8, introduces a consolidated framework for the creation, registration, incorporation, administration and dissolution of trusts in Kenya.The new law is particularly important for families that use trusts to hold property, company shares and other assets and want to determine how those assets will be managed and passed on to beneficiaries.A properly structured family trust is a legal arrangement where a person places assets under the control of trustees to manage them for the benefit of specified beneficiaries or purposes, potentially reducing disputes over the property when the person who established the trust dies.This can be particularly useful for families with valuable land, rental properties or businesses, where disagreements over inheritance can delay the distribution or management of assets.Unlike property that forms part of a person's ordinary estate, assets properly transferred to a trust are managed according to the terms of the trust, meaning the founder can set out how beneficiaries should benefit from them.However, creating a trust does not automatically protect every asset from succession disputes, creditors or other legal claims. The protection depends on how the trust is established, the assets transferred into it and how the trustees administer it.The new law also changes the level of transparency expected from trusts, requiring trustees to maintain information on beneficial owners and lodge the relevant details with the Registrar.Beneficial ownership information may include the settlor, trustees, beneficiaries and other individuals who ultimately own, benefit from or exercise effective control over the trust, depending on the circumstances.Existing trusts will also have to adjust to the new framework, with incorporated trusts given 24 months from the commencement of the Act to lodge their beneficial ownership information with the Registrar.Trustees will consequently need to review their registration status, governance arrangements, beneficiaries and records to ensure that their structures comply with the new requirements.For Kenyans considering a trust as part of succession planning, the new law therefore offers a formal framework for preserving family assets while introducing greater accountability and transparency over who controls and benefits from them.
Read briefing Lawyers representing three main suspects in the murder of Dr. Victoria Mutiso have withdrawn from the case following a disagreement with their clients.Defense lawyers Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta told the High Court in Nairobi on Tuesday, September 29, that they no longer wished to represent the accused persons.According to the lawyers, they had come to court prepared to argue the bail applications but encountered issues that they said had not formed part of the strategy agreed with their clients."Our intention was very good, it was very bona fide, for the purposes of getting our clients on board as early as possible. We wanted to do the bail application today," the lawyers stated.However, upon reaching the court, additional allegations and issues were introduced, including claims of torture, bribery and tribalism, which they had not previously discussed with their clients as part of the bail application."We walk into court knowing that today is a bail application, but another application that has been filed today tries to bring about a bail application, whereby the state looks at it, says that they have got issues that have been raised that are very weighty. There are allegations of bribery, there are allegations of torture," the lawyers added.According to the lawyers, the withdrawal was driven by the best interests of their clients, disputing claims that they were looking for publicity in the case that has captured the attention of the wider public."We don't do it for the sake of money or publicity. We are not interested in that. It is in the best interest of the client. And if we are not going to agree, the best interest of the client right now was that we withdraw," the lawyers said.Following their application to stop representing the accused, Omari, Ombeta, and other legal minds were allowed by the court to cease acting for the three accused persons after the suspects did not object to their withdrawal.The three suspects are accused together with two police officers of coordinating, planning and executing Mutiso's murder on July 29.During the court session on Tuesday, all the accused persons pleaded not guilty of he charges, with the judge setting October 6 for the hearing of the bail application.The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) was also given three days to file and serve an affidavit responding to the bail application.Dr Victoria Mutiso, a prominent clinical psychologist, was killed in Nairobi on July 29, after her taxi was ambushed at a road junction by armed attackers on a motorcycle and in a vehicle; a gunman opened fire, and she died shortly after at the hospital.Investigators have linked the killing to a long-running land dispute, allegedly orchestrated by relatives who hired hitmen, including police officers.
Read briefing The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has outlined how Kenyans living abroad can apply for and obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct without travelling back to Kenya.During the Nairobi International Trade Fair 2026 on Tuesday, September 29, Principal Criminal Registrar W.N. Kirai said the process requires applicants to log into their eCitizen accounts and submit an application for the certificate. After making the required payment, applicants are expected to download the relevant forms and present themselves at a Kenyan embassy, high commission or consulate in the country where they reside. Their fingerprints are then captured and sent to Kenya through diplomatic channels for processing. Once the fingerprints reach the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, they are received by the relevant authorities and forwarded for analysis. The DCI then processes the fingerprints and generates the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) online through eCitizen. For foreign nationals who previously lived in Kenya but are now abroad, they must provide documentation showing their immigration status in Kenya, such as a work permit, dependent pass, diplomatic card or student pass. Those applicants are required to create an eCitizen account if they do not already have one and upload the relevant immigration documents for approval on the DCI portal. After the directorate approves the application, the applicant makes the required payment, downloads the application forms and receipt, and visits a Kenyan diplomatic mission for fingerprint capture.DCI then processes the fingerprints and generates the certificate online through eCitizen, with remarks provided according to each applicant’s status. Foreign nationals currently living in Kenya follow a similar application process but have their fingerprints captured at a Huduma Centre instead of a diplomatic mission. Applicants should note that, following a September 10 announcement by Huduma Kenya, payments for the certificates will expire after six months, giving applicants that period to present themselves for biometric capture.Currently, DCI said it is providing information and PCC services at its stand during the Nairobi International Trade Fair at Jamhuri Park Showground running until October 4.
Read briefing Former Embakasi West MP George Theuri has officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after ditching the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).Theuri was received into ODM on Tuesday, September 29, by ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, marking his latest political shift ahead of the 2027 General Election."Welcome to the Chungwa Movement, George Theuri…in ODM we make dreams come true," the party stated.According to ODM, the former lawmaker committed his support and allegiance to ODM and the broad-based government."SG Omanyo today officially received into the party the immediate former MP for Embakasi West, Hon. Theuri, who committed his support and allegiance to the Movement," ODM said.Theuri had served as Embakasi West MP from 2013 to 2022, when he lost the election after contesting on the UDA ticket, losing to Jubilee's Mark Mwenje.Following the loss, he was appointed by then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as his personal assistant, a position he held until his latest move.There have been reports since the beginning of the year that Theuri had left Gachagua, but there have been no official statements associating him with the broad-based government.However, in September, Theuri officially announced his departure from Rigathi Gachagua's political camp, shifting his allegiance to President William Ruto.He cited non-participatory leadership and intolerance of alternative ideas as reasons for his departure.Theuri is eyeing a return to his former seat in parliament, with reports indicating that he has started underground campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.His move to ODM comes as political parties continue positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections, with several politicians shifting allegiances and exploring new political formations.Leaders who have announced allegiance to different political parties recently include Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha and his Murang'a counterpart Irungu Kang'ata, who have joined DCP.Kiharu lawmaker Ndindi Nyoro has aligned with the People's Party of Kenya (PPK) after leaving UDA, while several leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, have ditched ODM to form the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
Read briefing Machakos County has come under scrutiny over Ksh96 million held by a bank as security for an employee car and mortgage loan scheme since 2019. The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds raised the concerns during a meeting with Governor Wavinya Ndeti and her Executive to review the implementation of House resolutions arising from an earlier report by the committee.Auditors found that while the county had placed Ksh96 million with the institution as security for the scheme, only Ksh55.3 million had been disbursed to six beneficiaries.The arrangement drew further scrutiny because employees benefiting from the scheme are also required to provide personal security, including title deeds and logbooks, to obtain the loans.“We cannot have Ksh96 million in public funds sitting in an account without earning interest while beneficiaries are also required to provide their own security. The county must review this arrangement and demonstrate that it gives value to the public,” said Senate Committee Vice-Chairperson Beth Syengo, who chaired the sitting.Governor Ndeti defended the arrangement, saying the money was not simply lying idle in the bank but was being used as collateral to enable SBM Bank to provide loans from its own funds.“The Ksh96 million is security for the scheme, not money that has simply been left unused. However, we accept the concerns raised and are engaging the bank so that the arrangement can be reviewed and improved,” Ndeti said.The governor told the committee that the county was already engaging SBM Bank over the terms of the arrangement and would seek to renegotiate the agreement.Machakos Senator Agnes Kavindu also called for changes to the scheme to ensure it benefits a wider pool of county employees instead of remaining accessible to a limited number of beneficiaries.“County resources must serve employees fairly. If this scheme is sustainable, then its structure should allow more eligible staff to benefit while protecting public funds,” Kavindu said.Senator William Kisang, meanwhile, challenged the county to provide documentation to support its assurances, including the revised agreement, evidence of negotiations with the bank and a loan book showing how the funds were being used.The committee also raised concerns over incomplete municipal asset registers, compliance with revenue accounts and failure by the county to meet requirements on ethnic diversity and representation of persons with disabilities in recruitment.This is not the first time Machakos is coming under scrutiny over finances and administration. In April 2026, a Senate committee reviewing the county's 2024/2025 financial statements noted that trade payables stood at KSh4.3 billion, with the committee directing the county to address payables that had remained outstanding for more than 365 days.The county has also recently been caught up in a dispute over its 2026/2027 budget, with Ndeti rejecting a Ksh17.8 billion appropriation bill after accusing the County Assembly of making changes worth Ksh853.96 million.The governor argued that the changes could affect programmes and essential services.The budget dispute has coincided with complaints from county employees over delayed August salaries, unremitted statutory and third-party deductions, and the suspension of their medical insurance cover.Workers protested at the county headquarters on September 22, demanding that the issues be resolved.The Senate committee has now directed Machakos County to renegotiate the agreement with the bank, submit a revised draft and loan book, complete the valuation of municipal assets and ensure future recruitment meets diversity requirements.
Read briefing Kenyan long-distance runner Philemon Kiplimo Kimaiyo has been banned for two years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after admitting anti-doping rule violations involving the prohibited substance chlortalidone.The 27-year-old road runner will serve the ban from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2028, with the sanction also resulting in the disqualification of his results from July 19, 2026.The AIU said Kimaiyo's urine sample collected out of competition in Mwaita, Kenya, on July 19 tested positive for chlortalidone, a diuretic and masking agent listed as a prohibited substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency's 2026 Prohibited List.Chlortalidone, a diuretic is classified as a specified substance and is prohibited at all times because of its ability to conceal other banned substances. The AIU said Kimaiyo did not have a Therapeutic Use Exemption for the substance and found no apparent departure from testing or laboratory standards that could have caused the adverse analytical finding.According to Kimaiyo's explanation to the anti-doping body, a week before the test, he had taken painkillers belonging to his wife to treat pain after long runs, but could not recall their name or appearance.He also said he had taken vitamins and dietary supplements that he could not identify. The AIU, however, said it had no evidence that the anti-doping rule violations were intentional.Since this was his first anti-doping rule violation and there was no evidence of intentional use, the applicable sanction was two years rather than a longer period that can apply in cases involving intentional violations.Before the ban, Kimaiyo had recorded several notable results on the international road-running circuit. He has personal bests of 58:11 for the half marathon and 2:04:01 for the marathon, according to World Athletics.One of his early major victories came at the 2019 B.A.A. Half Marathon in Boston, where he won in 1:01:58. He later claimed victory at the 2021 Bahrain Night Half Marathon in 1:00:01 and won the 2022 Prague Half Marathon in 59:33.Kimaiyo also finished third at the 2022 B.A.A. 10K in Boston and eighth at the 2023 Berlin Marathon in 2:04:56. His marathon career continued to progress, with a third-place finish at the 2024 Hamburg Marathon in 2:05:37.His most significant marathon result came in April 2025 when he finished second at the Hamburg Marathon in 2:04:01, setting his current marathon personal best. He finished behind fellow Kenyan Amos Kipruto, who won in 2:03:46.Kimaiyo was also eighth at the 2025 Chicago Marathon in 2:06:14, finishing behind winner Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda and fellow Kenyans Amos Kipruto, Alex Chesiro Masai and Geoffrey Kamworor.Effectively, following the ban, all of Kimaiyo's results from July 19, 2026, are disqualified, meaning any titles, awards, medals, points, prizes or appearance money earned from that date are forfeited. The two-year ineligibility period also prevents him from competing during the sanction, while the decision remains subject to the applicable appeal rights.
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