The Mombasa–Nairobi Road has been identified among the most dangerous roads in Mombasa County, according to a road safety report highlighting the routes that recorded the highest number of fatal crashes.The report, released by the Mombasa County Government alongside other partners, identified five high-risk corridors in the county.According to the report, besides the Mombasa-Nairobi highway, the Mombasa–Malindi Road, Makupa Causeway, Likoni–Ukunda Road and Port Reitz–Airport Road were also responsible for a considerable number of road fatalities in the county. The findings formed part of the Mombasa Road Safety Report 2025, which also showed that the county recorded an overall 15 per cent decline in reported road traffic crashes and serious injuries compared with 2024.The report further showed that Mombasa recorded a 15 per cent decline in road traffic crashes and serious injuries in 2025, although 84 people still lost their lives, with the report cautioning that the reduction should be interpreted carefully until the trend is sustained.Despite the decline, 84 people were killed in road crashes in Mombasa during 2025, highlighting the continued risks faced by motorists, pedestrians and other road users.Two- and three-wheeler users accounted for 44 per cent of all reported road deaths, while pedestrians made up another 37 per cent, highlighting the continued impact of crashes on vulnerable road users.More data from the report revealed that Saturdays recorded the highest number of deaths, while fatal crashes were frequently recorded between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. and between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.The report identified speeding as the leading perceived cause of crashes, cited by 84 per cent of respondents, while 77 per cent supported a 30 km/h residential speed limit and 71 per cent backed lower limits near pedestrian areas.Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya said the decline in deaths and serious injuries showed progress but called for renewed action to strengthen road safety along the county's high-risk corridors.“Sustaining this progress will require renewed commitment from all stakeholders,” Thoya said, urging the National Police Service, National Transport and Safety Authority, county departments and development partners to strengthen road safety measures.The findings come as concerns over road infrastructure and construction delays continue to draw attention in Mombasa. Last week, the National Assembly Transport Committee inspected the Mombasa–Mtwapa Highway and questioned the slow pace of construction.The Ksh8.4 billion four-lane highway, which began in November 2022 and was initially scheduled for completion in November 2025, is now expected to be completed on December 16, 2027. The project was reported to be 55.96 per cent complete during the inspection.Committee members expressed disappointment over the pace of construction and demanded an explanation from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) over the delays.
Read briefing The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has warned Kenyans about falsified Lucentis injections detected in the Kenyan market, with one person arrested in connection with the circulation of the suspected fake medicine.The regulator identified the affected products as Lucentis (Ranibizumab) 0.3mg injections bearing batch numbers 18862110 and 18802112.“The falsified Lucentis 0.3mg injection, misleadingly claiming to have been manufactured by Genentech, was detected through the Board’s post-marketing surveillance activities,” the PPB stated in the advisory issued on Monday, September 28.Lucentis is an eye medicine containing ranibizumab, which is administered by injection into the eye to treat conditions that can cause vision loss. It works by blocking a protein that promotes abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage in the eye.A comparison with genuine products supplied by Novartis Overseas Investment AG revealed several differences that raised concerns about the authenticity of the affected injections.“The product is labelled Lucentis, whereas the registered brand in Kenya is Patizra. It is also labelled 0.3mg, while the registered product is labelled 10mg/mL,” the PPB stated.The PPB further noted that the suspected falsified injection is packaged in a dark amber vial, while the genuine product comes in a clear glass vial. The batch number, manufacturing date and expiry date also do not match the details of the genuine product.The warning comes days after the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) called on county governments to ensure pharmaceutical outlets obtain valid licences before being allowed to operate. In a statement issued on Friday, September 25, to mark World Pharmacists Day 2026, PSK said county-issued business permits do not authorise the practice of pharmacy or operation of pharmaceutical premises.“A County Government business permit is not a licence to practise pharmacy. The statutory regulation of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical premises belongs within the national pharmaceutical regulatory framework,” the society stated.The PPB warned that falsified medicines may contain the wrong amount of an active ingredient, contain no active ingredient at all, or contain harmful contaminants and undeclared substances.Such products may fail to provide the intended therapeutic effect while exposing patients to potentially harmful substances, according to the regulator.Healthcare professionals have been urged to verify the authenticity of the affected products and quarantine any suspected falsified injections they encounter. The PPB also called on procurement agencies, hospitals, distributors and members of the public to immediately report any products bearing the affected batch numbers.The regulator said one individual had been arrested after being found in possession of the suspected falsified medicine, with investigations ongoing to establish its source, point of entry and the extent of its distribution.Stakeholders have since been urged to procure health products only from Board-licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers.
Read briefing At least Lamu residents have moved to the Malindi High Court over a land dispute linked to preparations for the proposed Dangote refinery, seeking intervention over alleged destruction of property and fears of displacement.The residents want the court to stop further activities on the disputed land until their claims are addressed, including compensation and a clear resettlement plan for families who could be affected by the project.The case comes as residents hold demonstrations demanding compensation, with the community calling on the government to provide a clear way forward for families who say they have occupied and used the land for generations.Additionally, the plaintiffs have named several national and county government agencies, the National Land Commission, the LAPSSET Corridor Development Authority, Dangote Industries and two companies described as contractors in the court proceedings.According to the residents, their families have long farmed and kept livestock on portions of LR No. 13061 in Chandavai, which they say also contains homes, mosques, shrines and family graves.The court action comes as preparations for the refinery gather pace, with the Port of Lamu receiving 2,930 metric tonnes of heavy machinery delivered by MV Da Yang a few days ago for the planned project.The machinery is expected to be used in the construction of the Ksh2.2 trillion (USD17 billion) Dangote East Africa Refinery and petrochemical complex, ahead of a planned groundbreaking ceremony next week.Additionally, the proposed refinery is expected to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, with plans to source crude from Kenya's Lokichar oilfields in Turkana as well as other parts of East and Southern Africa.The residents allege that government and LAPSSET agents arrived with bulldozers on August 7, 2024, and destroyed crops and trees without prior notice or compensation. They claim local administrators later told them the land had been acquired for LAPSSET and allocated to the Ministry of Defence for works around Manda Bay.The dispute has intensified with preparations for the refinery, and the plaintiffs claim soil testing began in July 2026, while police officers, chiefs and other government agents allegedly cleared a disputed parcel on September 10 ahead of the planned groundbreaking ceremony.“We have not known the stand or way forward. We ask the government to provide a way forward,” one resident said during the demonstrations, as the community demanded compensation before further works proceed.The residents are asking the Malindi High Court to protect their claimed interests as the refinery and other major projects advance in Lamu, placing the dispute at the centre of questions over compensation and community rights as construction preparations move forward.
Read briefing The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has responded to an upcoming expose which alleged there was an elaborate scheme to smuggle more votes from neighbouring Uganda ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement on Sunday, September 27, the IEBC strongly dismissed the claims of illegal voter registration, voter transfers and registration of foreigners, saying it had not received credible evidence to support them."The stories on electoral malpractice or illegality relating to the registration of voters, illegal transfers of voters and alleged registration of foreigners as voters in Kenya and abroad remain unsubstantiated and untrue," the Commission said.IEBC's rebuttal followed a KTN teaser released on the evening of Saturday, September 26, which reported that its investigation had uncovered voter registration materials being moved to Uganda, with the Swam border area in Trans Nzoia County at the centre of the allegations. The report also linked the claims to several politicians whose names featured in the allegations.However, IEBC said its voter registration exercise was being conducted across all 290 constituencies under the provisions of the Constitution and electoral, and was restricted to designated and gazetted centres and conducted by trained officials under the supervision of Registration Officers.Further, IEBC distanced itself from allegations of issuing IDs to foreigners, clarifying that it is not responsible for issuing national identification cards or Kenyan passports. The commission added, “In addition, IEBC does not issue National IDs or Kenyan passports. These functions fall within the mandate of the relevant State Agencies responsible for identification, citizenship and immigration."The issue of voter registration malpractice has been on the forefront of opposition's concerns in recent weeks, particularly in counties bordering Uganda. Among the leaders who have consistently raised concerns includes Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, whose county was at the centre of the report by KTN. The matter was also raised by Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, who on Saturday, September 26, called on IEBC to summon Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over recent remarks concerning Kenyans living along the Uganda border.Amid pressure for accountability, IEBC said it had established administrative and technological safeguards to prevent unauthorised voter registration. IEBC said its KIEMS kits were configured for use within its authorised electoral environment and could only be operationalised by Registration Officers.Further, the commission explained that Registration Officers could delegate the operation of the kits to trained Registration Clerks using unique passwords. The clerks are mapped to specific electoral areas, and registration is restricted to gazetted registration centres.On the issue of the alleged movement of equipment to neighbouring countries to foster unlawful voter registrations, IEBC said, "No KIEMS Kit has been misplaced or reported missing, intercepted or unlawfully moved to unauthorised places or foreign destinations."KIEMS kits used during the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise between March 30 and April 28, 2026, were secured at designated police stations or IEBC offices before being returned to its warehouses after the exercise, according to the IEBC. IEBC also addressed the participation of Kenyans living outside the country, including those in Uganda, Tanzania and South Sudan, noting that their residence abroad does not affect their constitutional right to participate in the electoral process. The Commission said it was progressively expanding diaspora voter registration.Members of the public, media organisations and political groups with evidence of irregularities were urged to submit the information to the Commission for investigation. IEBC also said it remained open to engagement with citizens and stakeholders to promote accountability and ensure that its staff, processes and procedures complied with the law.
Read briefing Kenyan businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform will begin paying Meta for certain business messages from October 1, 2026, in a change expected to increase the cost of using the platform for customer service, order updates, and marketing.Under the new pricing model, businesses will pay about Ksh0.52 per delivered service message in Kenya, based on Meta's October rate card. Service messages will be charged after a free allowance of 1,000 delivered service messages per business phone number each month.Marketing messages will cost significantly more, at about Ksh3.20 to KSh3.30 per delivered message, although marketing messages are already subject to per-message charges and are not part of the new October 1 change in Kenya.The changes extend Meta's shift towards per-message pricing, which had already introduced charges for business-initiated marketing, utility and authentication template messages.From October, service replies sent after customers initiate conversations will also become chargeable once the monthly free allowance is exhausted.Previously, certain utility and service messages sent within the 24-hour customer-service window could be delivered without a Meta messaging charge. From October 1, however, service messages within the window will be subject to the new pricing after the 1,000-message free allowance, while utility template messages sent within the window will also become chargeable and will not receive the 1,000-message free allowance.For example, a retailer using WhatsApp to confirm an order, provide a delivery update or handle a return could incur a charge for each successfully delivered message under the Business Platform.However, the treatment depends on the type of message, with free-form service replies covered by the 1,000-message monthly allowance, while utility templates sent within the 24-hour window will be charged at the applicable utility rate.“Businesses and organisations that use the WhatsApp Business Platform or API to communicate with customers at scale, including banks, fintech companies, insurers, airlines, logistics firms, retailers, e-commerce platforms, healthcare providers and telecommunications companies, will be affected by the changes," Meta stated in its announcement earlier in August.Businesses sending automated payment alerts, booking confirmations, appointment reminders, account notifications, delivery updates and other customer communications through WhatsApp could therefore see their messaging expenses rise.For example, a company sending 10,000 chargeable service messages in Kenya would pay approximately KSh4,680 after the first 1,000 free messages, assuming the KSh0.52 rate applies.The cost of 10,000 marketing messages would remain roughly KSh32,000 to KSh33,000, based on the applicable marketing rate, since marketing messages were already chargeable.However, the changes do not affect ordinary WhatsApp users, who will continue using the platform for personal communication without these per-message business charges.Small traders and businesses using only the free WhatsApp Business app on a phone, without connecting to the WhatsApp Business Platform or API, are also not directly charged by Meta under this pricing model.Similarly, businesses using third-party software or Business Solution Providers may pay more than Meta's listed rates because those providers can charge their own fees or mark-ups. Meta's charges also apply only to successfully delivered messages, meaning failed or undelivered messages are not billed.
Read briefing President William Ruto has appeared to respond to former President Uhuru Kenyatta's recent claim that the late Raila Odinga won the 2022 presidential election, urging political leaders to exercise restraint in their public statements.Speaking during a church service at the Pentecostal Church in Mwatate, Taita Taveta County, on Sunday, September 27, Ruto called on leaders to be responsible and conscious of the influence they have on the public.The President cautioned leaders against making statements while under the influence of alcohol or in a state he described as confused, saying such remarks could create unnecessary trouble.“As us leaders, if you are a leader, you are supposed to be a leading example. You cannot be a leader and then go for an important meeting while incoherent, then you tell youths or fellow leaders to have good habits,” Ruto said.Ruto added that leaders should be disciplined and careful about what they say, appearing to refer to the renewed debate over the 2022 election, which was held four years ago.“Please, leaders, let us be responsible. You go there, confused, then give contradictory remarks that do not make sense. As leaders, let us be people of respect, humble, and know that many other people are spending on us and watching,” he said.His remarks came days after Uhuru said he remained convinced that Raila had won the 2022 presidential election. The former President made the statement during a Jubilee Party meeting in Nairobi while defending his decision to support Raila's presidential bid.Uhuru said he and other leaders had done everything possible to support Raila and maintained that the late opposition leader received enough votes to win the presidency. He also said he knew how events unfolded after the election.The remarks triggered responses from political leaders, with UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar rejecting Uhuru's claim and maintaining that Ruto won the 2022 election. UDA leaders also questioned why the former President had revisited the election outcome years after the vote.ODM leader Oburu Oginga also responded to Uhuru's remarks, questioning why the former President handed over power to Ruto if he believed Raila had won the election. Oburu said the comments had revived questions surrounding the 2022 presidential contest.Ruto was declared the winner of the August 2022 presidential election with 7,176,141 votes against Raila's 6,942,930 votes, according to the official results. The Supreme Court subsequently upheld Ruto's election.Ruto told the Mwatate congregation that leaders should use their positions to mentor other politicians and citizens instead of setting a poor example through irresponsible conduct. “Let us help mentor other leaders and citizens by behaving responsibly ourselves,” the President said, as the renewed political exchange over the 2022 election continued to draw reactions from different political camps.
Read briefing Manyatta Member of Parliament John Gitonga Mukunji has proposed renaming Embu County to Embu-Mbeere County.Speaking to the media on Saturday, September 26, Mukunji said the proposal was aimed at addressing what he described as long-standing injustices faced by the Mbeere community.He argued that the Mbeere region was less developed than other parts of the county, attributing what he described as years of neglect partly to the county's name."I have given a proposal to change Embu County to Embu-Mbeere County. When you reach Manyatta, you will know you are in Embu County because there is enough water, electricity and development at large. But when you extend to Mbeere, it is marginalised," Mukunji stated.The MP further claimed that the Mbeere have been neglected by name, which later translates to neglect in development, hence the calls to adopt the name into the county."If you are neglected by name, then even in terms of development, you are neglected. That is why I have the proposal to bring equality for the whole county," he added.Gitonga maintains that the Mbeere area has sufficient resources, such as water that supplies much of the county, yet residents still do not have tap water.The area also has minerals, but historical neglect has left it still struggling with development compared to other areas of Embu County.The lawmaker is therefore calling on the county to adopt the Embu-Mbeere name, just like Taita Taveta County, to promote equal development."Mbeere people have enough resources but are still neglected. With immediate effect, we will demand Embu-Mbeere County, just like we have Taita-Taveta County," Gitonga noted.Article 6(1) of the Constitution provides that Kenya's territory is divided into the counties listed in the First Schedule, meaning changing a county's official name would require a constitutional amendment. Embu is listed as County 14.The amendment can be initiated through Parliament under Article 256, where a Bill must be passed by at least two-thirds of all members of both Houses at the required stages. Alternatively, Article 257 allows a popular initiative supported by at least one million registered voters. The IEBC verifies the signatures before the proposal goes to county assemblies and, if approved by at least a third of them, to Parliament.If the proposed change falls under the matters listed in Article 255(1), it must also be approved through a national referendum. However, the Constitution does not specifically state that changing the name of an individual county automatically requires a referendum.
Read briefing Kenyans and businesses could face new rules on the production, use and disposal of plastics if countries reach an agreement on a proposed global plastic pollution treaty.The agreement is being negotiated under a United Nations-led process seeking to establish a legally binding international instrument to address plastic pollution, including pollution in the marine environment.The latest discussions are taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, where heads of delegation from participating countries are meeting from September 27 to 30, 2026, to work towards resolving outstanding issues ahead of the next stage of negotiations.Kenya has used the talks to push for an agreement that addresses plastics across their full life cycle, from production and use to waste management and disposal. Speaking during the discussions, Kenya called on countries to bridge their differences and work towards a legally binding agreement based on science and supported by adequate financing and technical assistance.Kenya's position could have implications for businesses involved in the production, importation, sale and disposal of plastic products if the final agreement results in new obligations being adopted nationally.However, the proposed agreement is still under negotiation, meaning the specific rules that could eventually apply to businesses and consumers have not been finalised.Kenya has argued that the global agreement should cover the full life cycle of plastics rather than focusing only on plastic waste after products have been used.This approach could see greater attention placed on how plastic products are designed and produced, the materials used to make them, their use by consumers and how they are collected, recycled or disposed of.Kenya has also called for new, accessible, adequate, predictable and sustainable financing to help countries implement the eventual agreement.The government argues that developing countries will require financial and technical support to put new measures into practice, including strengthening systems for managing plastic waste and reducing pollution.Kenya is also pushing for the secretariat of the proposed agreement to be hosted at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, seeking to build on the city's role in global environmental governance.The Bangkok meeting follows earlier informal discussions held in Nairobi from June 30 to July 3, 2026, as countries continue working towards an international agreement to end plastic pollution.While the final obligations remain subject to negotiations, any global agreement adopted by countries could eventually lead to changes in how governments, manufacturers, retailers and consumers produce, use and manage plastic products.
Read briefing The proposed 10,000-seat indoor sports arena at Nairobi Railway City has moved to the public review stage after the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) invited Kenyans to submit comments on the project.NEMA said it had received an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study report for the proposed development on Plot L.R. No. 209/12180 in the Railway Station area of Nairobi.The project by Metroarena Development Company will comprise a 10,000-seat multi-purpose indoor arena, a 140-key branded hotel, a 77-key serviced apartment tower and a three-level public podium.The development will also include a sports park, parking areas and other supporting amenities and facilities as part of the proposed mixed-use project.NEMA has invited members of the public to submit oral or written comments within 30 days from September 25, when the notice was published in the Kenya Gazette, before the authority makes its decision on the project.The environmental assessment identifies traffic disruption as one of the potential impacts during construction, with the developer expected to prepare a traffic management plan and coordinate with Nairobi County and traffic authorities.Other potential impacts identified in the report include dust emissions, construction noise and vibration, generation of construction waste, and possible contamination of surface water.The proposed mitigation measures include restricting construction near settlements and other sensitive areas to daytime hours, regularly watering roads to control dust and establishing measures to manage construction runoff and waste.The project is part of a wider development planned for Nairobi Railway City, with the arena expected to provide a venue for sporting events, concerts, conferences and cultural programmes.The development was previously disclosed as a $294.5 million (Ksh38.2 billion) project backed by Pan-African investment firm Zaria Group and U.S.-based Helios Sports & Entertainment Group, with the partners holding a long-term lease for the land from Kenya Railways.Zaria Group was co-founded by Masai Ujiri, President of the Dallas Mavericks, and the Nairobi project is expected to form part of a wider sports and entertainment district within the Nairobi Railway City urban renewal plan.The developers have projected that the wider project will create about 3,500 direct construction jobs and 1,500 permanent positions once operational, while events hosted at the facility could generate up to 25,000 temporary jobs annually across hospitality, retail and live production.
Read briefing The National Land Commission (NLC) has issued fresh notices for the compulsory acquisition of land for the Nairobi-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phase 2A project and several road and water projects across the country.The latest notices published in the Kenya Gazette on Friday, September 25, cover projects in Kajiado, Kiambu, Nyeri and Migori counties, with affected landowners required to appear before the commission for inquiries into the proposed acquisitions and compensation.For the Nairobi-Naivasha SGR Phase 2A project, the NLC listed three parcels in Kajiado County for supplementary acquisition, including two in Ngong and another in Kitengela.The commission has scheduled an inquiry into the acquisition for November 19, 2026, at the Scheme 6 Kandisi Chief’s Office from 10am.Affected persons will be allowed to raise issues concerning the proposed acquisition and compensation.The latest notices also cover the Gatiiguru-Ithanga-Gakungu and Gakungu-Kamahuha-Mbombo Road Project in Kiambu County, where the NLC has added several parcels to the land required for the road construction.An inquiry into the proposed acquisition has been scheduled for November 26, 2026, at the Kirimiri Chief’s Office, with affected landowners expected to present their claims and relevant ownership documents.In Nyeri County, NLC has listed an additional parcel for the Mukurweni-Ini-Gakonya Road Project after correcting an earlier entry. The inquiry is scheduled for October 22, 2026, at Upper Hill Chambers in Nairobi.The notices also affect the Toku Bridge and approach roads project in Migori County, where the NLC has added several parcels to the list of land required for the project.Among them is a parcel measuring 1.1925 hectares, making it one of the larger pieces of land listed in the latest notices. The inquiry for the affected parcels will be held on November 16, 2026, at the Kitere Chief’s Office.The NLC has further issued notices for the Gatundu Water Supply and Sewerage Project in Kiambu County, with additional land required for both the water supply and sewerage components.For the sewerage component, two parcels have been listed for compulsory acquisition, with the inquiry scheduled for November 26, 2026, at the Juja Town Chief’s Office.The notices require people with an interest or claim in the affected land to submit written claims for compensation together with identification documents, land ownership records, and bank account details before or on the day of the inquiry.
Read briefing The Port of Lamu has received 2,930 metric tonnes of heavy machinery for the planned Dangote East Africa Refinery, days before the project is expected to break ground.The machinery was delivered by MV Da Yang and is expected to be used in the construction of the Ksh2.2 trillion (USD17 billion) refinery and petrochemical complex planned for Lamu.The arrival of the vessel comes ahead of the planned groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for next week, marking one of the first major deliveries linked to the construction of the facility.The refinery is expected to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, with plans to source crude from Kenya’s Lokichar oilfields in Turkana as well as other parts of East and Southern Africa.The Port of Lamu is expected to play a key role in the project by supporting marine operations and handling vessels involved in the movement of petroleum and other cargo linked to the development.Kenya Ports Authority Chief Executive Officer Captain William Ruto received the vessel and presented its master, Captain Wang Shengli, with a certificate of first call and a plaque.“The arrival of this vessel is very critical and shows the Government’s commitment to ensuring this project succeeds. It will be a game changer for the entire region,” Captain Ruto said.This comes after the refinery project has also secured an engineering and project management partner, with an Indian state-owned engineering firm receiving a contract worth more than Ksh58 billion from Dangote Group.The firm, which operates under India’s Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, will serve as Project Management Consultant and Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management consultant for the refinery and petrochemical complex.Its work will include overseeing project planning, engineering, procurement and construction management, while coordinating contractors and monitoring costs, timelines, quality and safety.The Ksh58 billion contract covers consultancy, engineering and project management services and is separate from the overall construction cost of the refinery, which has been estimated at Ksh2.2 trillion (USD17 billion).President William Ruto has also assured the Dangote family of government support for the project, saying Kenya had already secured the land required for the refinery and was working on other measures needed to prevent administrative delays.Ruto made the remarks in Lagos after touring Aliko Dangote’s refinery, saying Kenya viewed the Lamu project as more than an energy development and expected it to contribute to industrialisation, jobs and opportunities in engineering and business.
Read briefing Former Chief of the Defence Forces General (Rtd) Robert Kibochi has documented his 44-year military career in a new memoir, detailing his rise from a young Signals Corps officer to become Kenya’s 10th KDF commander.Kibochi launched Arrowhead on Friday, September 25, in an event attended by senior military officers, retired servicemen, family and friends, including Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri and former Defence Cabinet Secretary Raychelle Omamo.Kibochi joined the military in 1979 as a trade cadet and rose through the ranks before becoming the first officer from the Signals Corps to attain the rank of full General and command the Kenya Defence Forces.His career came as the military increasingly placed greater emphasis on communications, technology and information capabilities in its operations, areas closely associated with his professional background in the Signals Corps.Kibochi also pursued academic studies alongside his military career, earning a Doctorate in Peace and Conflict Management and becoming the first serving CDF in Kenya to hold a PhD.He served in several command and staff positions in Kenya and abroad, including a deployment under the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, where he gained experience in multinational peace operations.Kibochi later served as CDF from May 2020 to May 2023, during which he championed initiatives focused on modernising the Defence Forces, improving operational readiness and strengthening training across the Services.Speaking at the launch, General Kahariri described Arrowhead as a contribution to Kenya’s military history and urged serving and retired officers to document their experiences for future generations.“The experiences, decisions and lessons of our military leaders must be documented,” Kahariri said, calling for the creation of what he described as a lasting “vault of wisdom” for future generations.Omamo also described the memoir as more than a personal account, saying it offered an opportunity to preserve aspects of Kenya’s military heritage while highlighting Kibochi’s career in service, scholarship and leadership.In the memoir, Kibochi compares military leadership to a relay race in which each commander inherits an institution from previous leaders, carries the responsibility forward, and eventually hands it to the next generation.In the memoir, Kibochi reflects on his military career, the decisions he made in command, and the lessons he picked up during his more than four decades in the KDF.
Read briefing The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has warned of a possible data breach involving personal information collected from travellers at Kenyan ports of entry during Ebola screening.The Embassy said the information potentially affected could include travellers’ names, passport numbers, and health information collected during screening for possible exposure to the virus.In a security alert issued on Friday, September 25, the Embassy said it was unable to establish whether an individual's information was part of the suspected breach.“The U.S. Embassy is unable to confirm if an individual’s data is part of the breach,” the alert stated.Travellers who entered Kenya from Angola, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda or Zambia since heightened screening began at the end of May 2026 could potentially be affected.The alert does not state how many people may have been affected or provide details on when the possible breach occurred.It also does not specify the nature of the suspected breach or whether the information was accessed, copied or released by an unauthorised person.The Embassy said the Kenyan government was aware of the incident and would provide further information as it became available.“The government of Kenya is aware of the data breach and will provide more information as it becomes available,” the Embassy said.The possible breach involves information collected as part of health screening at points of entry, meaning that the potentially affected records could contain both identification details and health-related information.The alert comes as Kenya continues to expand its digital systems and connectivity, increasing the amount of personal information handled through government and other online systems.Travellers who may have been affected have been advised to monitor further information from the Kenyan government, while the Embassy directed people seeking general guidance on data breaches to resources provided by the United States Federal Trade Commission.The possible breach comes against a wider increase in cyber threats recorded in Kenya during the 2025/2026 financial year, according to the Communications Authority of Kenya.The CA recorded 11,124,632,684 cyber threats during the financial year, representing a 29 percent increase from 8,622,876,858 threats recorded in the previous financial year.
Read briefing With the biting job shortages, Kenyans are increasingly turning to global gig work to make a living.However, experts are warning Kenyans to watch out for fake job offers that could leave them losing money or working without pay. According to KICTANet Think Tank, 1.2 million Kenyans work as online gig workers offering services such as freelancing, remote tasks, and software services.Grace Mureithi, Director of Customer Success at DreamStart Labs, who works in the sector, says freelancers should look out for several warning signs before accepting a job from an unfamiliar client.According to Mureithi, vague job descriptions, unrealistic pay, requests for upfront payments, and pressure to act quickly are some of the red flags that could indicate a job scam.Mureithi also warned freelancers against clients who ask them to move communication or payments away from the platform where they found the job.“Make sure you have a signed contract before you start,” she said during a Co-op Bank Youth Forums session on earning global income safely on Friday, September 25.She advised freelancers to keep communication and payments on the platform until they have established trust with a client and understood the protections available to them.According to Mureithi, freelancers should also be careful about offers that promise unusually high payments for simple tasks, particularly when the client asks for money before work begins.While seeking contracts, Mureithi said having a clear profile and portfolio can also help freelancers attract genuine clients. She advised workers to clearly explain what they do, the results they can deliver, and how they can help a client.“For you to work in the gig economy, you must learn to package your skills. There are people who say they know how to use Adobe or Microsoft Office; that is not a skill. It is what value you can provide to a business at any point in time,” she said.She gave examples of services freelancers can offer, including crafting communication campaigns, bookkeeping during tax season, supporting product launches, managing inboxes, customer support and project management.Mureithi advised beginners to start with one or two trusted freelance platforms rather than spreading themselves across several sites before understanding how each platform works.She also urged new freelancers to create a portfolio before applying for jobs, even if they have not worked with a paying client.Sample projects can demonstrate their skills and give potential clients something to assess.“When I started, I received a lot of rejections. I started evaluating every proposal and seeing how people who received the projects profiled themselves and I was able to rework my profile slowly,” Mureithi said.She said freelancers should focus on delivering quality work once they secure their first client, then use reviews and referrals to build credibility and attract more opportunities.“What determines your growth in the global gig economy is the quality of work you deliver, whether you are documenting the work and whether you are getting reviews on the work you deliver,” she said.
Read briefing Kenya’s plan to produce its first commercial crude oil before the end of 2026 has moved closer after an onshore drilling rig arrived at the Port of Mombasa.The GW70 drilling rig, leased by Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ from Great Wall Drilling Company (GWDC), docked at Kilindini Port on Friday, September 25, after being transported from Duqm Port in Oman aboard MV Transit Sedanka.The rig, valued at more than Ksh2.59 billion (USD20 million), is being offloaded by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) before it is transported by road to Turkana County for use in the South Lokichar Basin.Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ Chief Executive Officer Paul Limoh said the company plans to begin drilling on November 1, with the first phase of crude oil production targeted for December 2026.“All workstreams at Gulf Energy E&P BV SEZ are running to a tight project management schedule, and the project remains on course for First Oil production in December 2026,” Limoh said.The company plans to produce 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day during the first phase before increasing output to 50,000 barrels per day in the second phase of the South Lokichar development.The first phase is part of a wider Ksh776.7 billion (USD6 billion) development of the South Lokichar Basin, with Gulf Energy investing in infrastructure, equipment and other preparations required for commercial oil production.Gulf Energy has contracted Baker Hughes to provide integrated well services, while SLB will provide the Early Production Facility for the first phase of the project.The 1,500-horsepower GW70 rig will undergo commissioning and acceptance checks before drilling begins. The equipment has previously been used on projects for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in the United Arab Emirates.The arrival of the rig comes as Kenya prepares for the commercialisation of its oil resources, with the government projecting potential lifetime earnings of more than Ksh375.7 billion (USD2.9 billion) from the South Lokichar Basin, depending on global oil prices and production levels.Kenya’s oil plans are also gaining relevance as investor Aliko Dangote moves ahead with plans for a proposed Ksh1.94 trillion to Ksh2.07 trillion (USD15 billion to USD16 billion) refinery in Lamu.The proposed project is expected to have a capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, although securing crude supplies remains a key challenge as Kenya has yet to begin commercial oil production.The South Lokichar Basin has been under exploration since Tullow Oil announced the first major discovery at the Ngamia-1 well in 2012, with initial estimates putting recoverable resources at about 560 million barrels.The basin’s oil initially in place has previously been estimated at up to 4 billion barrels, although only part of that volume is considered technically and economically recoverable.
Read briefing Residents of Iranya in Kitutu Masaba Constituency, Nyamira County, have held protests demanding justice over the death of a 24-year-old man who reportedly died while in police custody in Naromoru.The residents held a peaceful demonstration following the death of Dennis Oremo, who was arrested by officers from Naromoru Police Station before he was later found dead inside a police cell.According to Oremo’s family, he had been working on a farm in Naromoru when police arrested him over allegations that he had assaulted his employer.Police officers at the station reportedly told the family that Oremo was found hanging inside the cell using a piece of mattress covering that had been in the room where he was being held.The family has rejected the account and is calling for an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.Oremo’s relatives have appealed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to intervene and investigate the case.His mother, Ruth Moraa, described her son as a peaceful person and questioned the circumstances surrounding his death.“My son was a very polite man who never had quarrels with anyone. Even here at home, if you could send him somewhere, he could just go without any questions,” Moraa said.The family is also questioning why Oremo was not taken to court after his arrest, while relatives said they now face the financial and emotional burden of organising his funeral.His uncle, Angley Nyangena, said the family wanted authorities to provide a clear account of what happened while Oremo was in police custody.“It seems that even people in police custody have no security. So the government should tell us what happened without hiding anything from us,” Nyangena said.The case comes amid renewed scrutiny over deaths of suspects while in police custody, with the National Police Service outlining new measures in August for handling such incidents.On August 13, the NPS said investigations into any death occurring in police custody would begin immediately, with officers who were on duty at the time treated as persons of interest.The service said the investigations would be thorough and impartial and would seek to establish the circumstances surrounding each death.
Read briefing The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya (PSK) has called on county governments to ensure pharmaceutical outlets obtain valid licences before being allowed to operate.In a statement issued on Friday, September 25, to mark World Pharmacists Day 2026, the society emphasised that a county-issued Single Business Permit does not authorise the practice of pharmacy or operation of a pharmaceutical premises. PSK argued that under the law, the oversight of pharmacy practice and facilities should be handled at the national level.“A County Government business permit is not a licence to practise pharmacy. The statutory regulation of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical premises belongs within the national pharmaceutical regulatory framework,” the society stated.Subsequently, the lobby urged counties to work more closely with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) to align their licensing and compliance systems. The society explained that stronger coordination would help identify and remove unqualified individuals and unlicensed outlets from providing services that could put members of the public at risk. PSK said licensed professionals should not face stricter regulatory requirements while unlicensed outlets and unqualified practitioners continue operating freely. “County revenue collection must never inadvertently legitimise an unlawful pharmaceutical outlet,” the society warned.PSK also raised concerns over how pharmacists are utilised, deployed and distributed across the country, noting that their overall numbers were not the main concern.According to the society, there are more than 5,600 pharmacists in the country, however, only about 2,800 currently renew their annual practice licences. Additionally, PSK called for greater attention to underserved areas, arguing that access should be measured by the availability of pharmaceutical care rather than the number of outlets.The society’s appeal comes as the Ministry of Health and PPB step up efforts to curb counterfeit and substandard medicines, with Kenyans urged to buy drugs only from licensed pharmacies and authorised outlets.
Read briefing An unknown number of people are feared to have been injured or trapped after a gold-mining site collapsed in Osiri, Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County, on Friday, September 25, 2026.The incident occurred at the Osiri-Matanda gold-mining village, where several houses reportedly collapsed into underground mining shafts.The collapse is understood to have occurred shortly before midnight after the ground reportedly gave way beneath residential and commercial structures in the mining area.Two women residents are currently suspected to be trapped underground as rescue teams work to locate and retrieve them.Migori County Government Environment and Natural Resources CEC Member Edwin Omondi confirmed that the county's Disaster Management team had been deployed to Matanda Mines in Macalder to respond to the incident.“Two residents are suspected to be trapped. Rescue teams are working tirelessly,” Omondi said.Meanwhile, the county government has urged members of the public to keep away from the affected area to allow rescue teams to conduct the operation safely.Details on the total number of people affected, the condition of those who may have been injured and the extent of the damage remain unclear as the rescue operation continues.The cause of the collapse has also not been immediately established, with authorities expected to assess the site as rescue and recovery efforts continue.The incident comes months after a gold mine collapse in the Kilimapesa area of Transmara, Narok County, left five miners dead after an underground section of the mine caved in.In that July incident, several miners were trapped underground, while others were rescued and taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Gold mining accidents have previously been reported in the region, including an incident in February in which two miners died after an underground tunnel at an abandoned mining site collapsed and trapped them.
Read briefing For years, much of Kenya's coverage of China has focused on the country's government, infrastructure projects, trade and growing influence in Africa. We report on presidents and state visits, roads and railways, Chinese companies and disputes involving Chinese nationals.These are important stories. But a two-week journey through China raised a different question, where are the Chinese people in our China stories? China is home to about 1.4 billion people, yet the country that appears in Kenyan headlines is often the China of the state.Kenyans.co.ke toured China for two weeks as part of a seminar for Kenyan media managers and editors organised in collaboration with Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), covering Beijing, Ningbo and Jiaxing, with a layover in Guangzhou. It offered an opportunity to observe a country that is difficult to fully capture from thousands of kilometres away.The first impression was the scale of ordinary life in markets, restaurants, trains and streets, people were working, travelling, shopping, eating and spending time with family and friends. Their routines were not fundamentally different from those of people in Nairobi's Muthurwa or Gikomba markets. The scale was different, but the basic concerns, work, family, food, transport, and making a living were familiar.The relationship between Kenya and China is already a people-to-people relationship as much as it is a government and commercial one. Chinese enterprises employ thousands of Kenyans, while Kenyans live, study and work in China.Data from the Joshua Project indicates that there are 38,000 Chinese citizens living in Kenya, the third largest in Africa behind Ethiopia and Algeria. Yet people on both sides often become visible in coverage only when there is a dispute, a crime, a business development or another event that makes them newsworthy.In Guangzhou, and later in Beijing, Ningbo and Jiaxing, we encountered people simply going about their daily lives. They were working, travelling, eating, shopping and trying to make a living, activities that are not particularly different from those of people in Nairobi's Muthurwa or Gikomba markets. There were also moments of curiosity. They wanted to know about Kenya, while we wanted to understand their lives.I particularly recall a 20-minute conversation with a taxi driver in Beijing. He was curious about Africa, just as we were curious about China. We talked about the weather and how we had arrived at the right time. “You don't want to come to China in January,” he said, explaining that the month, which is often hot in Kenya, is very cold in Beijing. He explained how he spent his free time with friends and family, including playing card games, a pastime we noticed in several places we visited.On Sundays, he said, he could either work or rest with his family. “But I prefer to work,” he said through Google Translate, which had become a crucial partner during the trip. In another encounter, a group of us went shopping and came across a robot serving customers in a retail shop. We ordered water, and the robot moved to the shelves, picked up the bottle, and handed it to us. Had we not needed to pay in cash, the entire transaction could have taken place without human interaction.The experience was a reminder that technology in China is not confined to highways, trains and large infrastructure projects. It has become part of ordinary transactions. In several markets we visited, most shops accepted WeChat Pay, the mobile payment service built into the WeChat app. For a Kenyan, the experience felt familiar, it works in much the same way as M-PESA, allowing customers to pay digitally without exchanging cash.The Great Wall offered perhaps the clearest image of China's relationship with its past. Built and rebuilt over successive dynasties for more than 2,000 years, it remains one of the country's most recognisable symbols. But the attention at the site was drawn not only to the wall itself but also to the people climbing it. Men and women, young and old, pushed themselves up the steep sections. Some struggled with the climb, sweat poured down faces as people pushed towards the next section. The scene brought together much of what the journey had revealed, a country carrying its history while moving rapidly into the future and millions of ordinary people living within that transformation.The experience did not suggest that China was perfect, nor that everything observed during a two-week visit could be applied to Kenya. There were systems that remained unfamiliar and aspects of daily life that required far more time to understand. But it challenged the narrow image of China that can emerge from headlines. The country is a government and an economic power, but it is also commuters, workers, traders, families, consumers and young people building ordinary lives.That raises a broader question about how China is reported from Kenya. If Kenyan journalism is to explain China and its relationship with Kenya more fully, it may need to look beyond the governments and projects and ask a simpler question, who are the people living inside this story?
Read briefing The High Court has upheld the authority of private schools to increase tuition fees, provided the institutions follow the procedures required by law. According to court documents obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the ruling followed a petition by two parents challenging a private institutions’ six per cent fee increase for the 2026/2027 academic year. However, the court dismissed the petition, affirming the school’s decision, with each party ordered to bear its own costs.“The 1st Respondent being a private institution retains autonomy and power to maintain standards in the course of studies which confers it the authority to increase fees payable as long as procedure is followed. I therefore uphold the decision of the 1st Respondent,” the judgement stated.The parents argued that the revised charges were introduced without meaningful consultation through a legally recognised Parents Association. They also questioned the legality and functioning of the parents’ body, citing requirements under the Basic Education Act. The school disputed the claims, maintaining that the increase was approved during an Annual General Meeting held in May. It told the court that parents and learners participated in the meeting and that notice of the revised fees was issued about three months before implementation. The institution attributed the increase to higher operating costs, staff remuneration, learning resources, technology, maintenance and facility improvements. It further maintained that its relationship with parents was contractual and that, as a private institution, it retained autonomy over its operations and fees. The court found that the petitioners had standing to bring the case and that their constitutional arguments could be examined by the High Court. However, the judge found that the evidence presented by the school demonstrated the process followed before the six per cent increase was approved. The court held that the private institution had the authority to raise fees as long as the applicable procedure was followed, and found that the petitioners had not established violations of their constitutional rights. The case highlights the tension between parents facing increasing pressure to meet fee obligations and schools seeking to raise fees to supplement higher operating costs amid the rising cost of living.In recent months, parents at other schools, including Parklands Baptist School and Alliance Girls’ High School, have also challenged fee increases.
Read briefing United States Ambassador nominee to Kenya, Henry Wooster, has reiterated that the U.S. will not support any particular candidate or political party in Kenya's 2027 General Election.Appearing before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday, September 24, Wooster said the United States would remain neutral in the political contest as Kenya prepares for the August 2027 polls.According to Wooster, the Trump administration's main focus in Kenya would be stability."Our watchword, the U.S. watchword for August 2027, when the elections are scheduled to take place, is stability. Not an unusual watchword for U.S. foreign policy, but it happens to be grounded in truth. That is exactly what we want," Wooster stated.He said the U.S. is primarily interested in ensuring that the elections are conducted peacefully, rather than determining which candidate or political party emerges victorious."We are not picking sides in the election, A or B or any other party. What we are looking for is stability," he added.The ambassador nominee said the U.S. would closely monitor developments surrounding the election, with stability forming a key consideration in its engagement with Kenya.The announcement comes amid intensified campaigns ahead of the August 10, 2027, elections, with different camps seeking to consolidate their support base.This involves seeking assistance from Kenyans living abroad, including in the U.S.Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, for instance, is in the U.S meeting with the Kenyan community in the country as he seeks support ahead of next year's election.President William Ruto has also met Kenyans in the U.S. during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).Besides standing on Kenya's election, the nominee said if confirmed as the Ambassador to Kenya, he will seek further diplomatic and military relations with Kenya during his tenure.Wooster was appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump as the ambassador nominee to Kenya in June 2026 to take over from Meg Whitman, who stepped down in June 2024.
Read briefing Kenyans, including motorists, have been given 14 days to submit their views on proposed rules seeking to regulate the assessment of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), including matatus.The Senate Standing Committee on Roads and Transportation on Thursday, September 24, called on Kenyans to submit written views on the National Transport and Safety Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026.The proposed law seeks to amend the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) Act to establish a framework for regulating public service vehicle conformity assessors.Under the Bill, NTSA will henceforth have the power to register and license inspectors who check whether public service vehicle bodies meet the required technical standards.Currently, the Kenya Association of Bus Manufacturers handles safety and conformity assessments for PSVs, a structure Parliament says creates a conflict of interest.The proposed rules will now require an assessor to obtain a licence from NTSA before carrying out conformity assessments on PSVs within Kenya.NTSA will also be required to ensure that an assessor seeking a licence is not involved in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, purchase, ownership or maintenance of the vehicles being inspected.The Bill further proposes that NTSA prescribe the criteria for conducting conformity assessments and designate assessors to inspect public service vehicles every three years.It also gives NTSA a role in conducting periodic audits of licensed conformity assessors to ensure compliance with the law.The Bill notes that there is currently no legal provision that regulates the assessment of public service vehicles, leaving a gap in the rules governing how such vehicles are inspected and approved.Kenyans, including matatu operators, were urged to submit their views on the proposed law by Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5 pm, giving them two weeks to review the Bill.“The committee is required, under Standing Order 145(5) of the Senate Standing Orders, to facilitate public participation on the Bill and to take into account the views and recommendations of the public,” the notice stated.Those wishing to submit their views can deliver them to the Clerk of the Senate at the Parliament Buildings in Nairobi or send them directly by email.
Read briefing The Ministry of Sports has confirmed the payment of Harambee Stars players' allowance after the players reportedly boycotted training ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifier match against Eritrea.In a statement issued on Thursday, September 24, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the Ministry has consistently supported Harambee Stars and other national teams by facilitating preparations, travel, accommodation, allowances and technical support during international assignments.According to the Ministry, it had honoured its financial commitments relating to previous Harambee Stars assignments, including allowances linked to the team's engagements in Zambia, South Africa, and Turkey, as well as the Under-20 CECAFA assignment held in Tanzania."We wish to clarify that, as of today, the Ministry has honored its financial commitments relating to previous assignments, including allowances for Harambee Stars engagements in Zambia, South Africa, Turkey, the Under-20 CECAFA assignment in Tanzania," the Ministry stated.The Government has also settled outstanding salaries for members of the Harambee Stars technical bench, with payments made both through the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and directly to respective members of the national team.However, the Ministry clarified that payments relating to subsequent assignments may still be pending."Any payments relating to subsequent assignments that may still be pending are undergoing the requisite administrative processes in consultation with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF)," it added.The clarification comes amid reports that the Harambee Stars players have boycotted training over unpaid allowances and other grievances.On Wednesday, FKF said it was in communication with the ministry to ensure that all the players' grievances, especially those relating to allowances, are addressed effectively."FKF is in regular communication with the Ministry and continues to work closely with the relevant offices to have these matters addressed," FKF said.However, despite the payments, the players have reportedly refused to train, claiming that the money they received is significantly lower than what they are owed.The players received Ksh62,400 for last November’s assignment in Turkey and a similar amount for the June assignment against Lesotho in South Africa. They, however, claimed that the amount is lower than the six-figure allowances they are accustomed to receiving for national team assignments.Kenya is expected to play against Eritrea in an opening Group D match for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers on Saturday, September 26, at Nyayo Stadium at 4 pm.Despite the fixture being 72 hours away, Harambee Stars players reportedly failed to train for a third day in a row on Thursday, September 24. The AFCON tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from July 2027.
Read briefing Kenyan taxpayers claiming tax refunds will now wait up to 120 working days for their requests to be processed, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has confirmed.Responding to queries from members of the public over delays in processing tax refunds, KRA stated that the process currently takes 120 working days to complete.“Kindly note that the refund now takes 120 working days to be completed,” KRA stated.The revised timeline is 30 working days longer than the previous 90-day period communicated by the tax authority.The clarification followed mounting questions from taxpayers about delays in receiving refunds, with the previously expected 90-day period approaching its deadline.KRA's response confirms that taxpayers awaiting refunds may have to allow up to 120 working days for the process to be completed.Previously, KRA set the response tax refunds timeline at 90 days from the date a taxpayer lodges their application.It is worth noting that the 120-day timeline includes the authority's decision on your tax refund request, whether it is accepted or denied.However, actual processing and disbursement lengths vary depending on whether an audit is required and the type of tax involved.
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