Red Bull's Max Verstappen claimed a double in Singapore on Saturday as he won a chaotic sprint race before clinching pole position for Sunday's Grand Prix. The Dutchman has largely endured a frustrating campaign but will now be fancied to make it back-to-back race victories after his triumph at the Bahrain Grand Prix, hosted in Malaysia last weekend. That breakthrough followed a run of three successive podiums for the four-time world champion.Verstappen will have Ferrari's Charles Leclerc alongside him on the front row while Lewis Hamilton was third-fastest. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was only fourth-fastest for Mercedes.The result means Verstappen will be on pole for his 250th F1 race and for the first time at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Earlier in the day, Verstappen, 29, had showcased his pace by winning an eventful sprint race staged in tricky conditions.Russell was leading, with the track still wet from an earlier downpour, when he drifted a little wide at the final corner of the first lap and lost control. His Mercedes flew across the track and into the wall.QUALIFYING TOP 10 ✨VerstappenLeclerc Hamilton AntonelliNorrisRussellPiastriGasly Lawson Lindblad#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/bESpfx8Efw— Formula 1 (@F1) October 10, 2026Ferrari's Hamilton took second place, having made a flying start from sixth on the grid with teammate Leclerc taking third.A l...
Read briefing Renaissance Capital, the GDR Issuer of the Dangote Refinery IPO GDRs, has announced that the minimum subscription under the offer has been reduced from 2,000 GDRs to 10 GDRs.
Read briefing Kenyans will pay higher electricity bills in October 2026 after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced new charges, including a fuel energy cost of Ksh3.22 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).The adjustments also include a water resource management levy of Ksh0.0134 per kWh and a foreign exchange adjustment of 87 cents per kWh, bringing the total to Ksh4.10 per unit of electricity consumed.“Pursuant to the 2023 Schedule of Tariffs, all electricity prices will attract an additional Water Resource Management Authority levy of 1.34 cents per kWh for meter readings taken in October 2026," EPRA said.In a notice dated Friday, October 9, EPRA said the foreign exchange adjustment would apply to September 2026 meter readings, while the fuel energy cost and water levy would apply to October readings.The latest additional Ksh4.10 charge will be added to electricity bills, with households and businesses paying more depending on their monthly power consumption.The fuel cost charge is based on the cost of fuel used by thermal power plants and imported electricity, with higher fuel costs at several diesel-powered stations contributing to the latest increase.The water resource management levy of 1.34 cents per kWh covers costs associated with managing water resources used in hydropower generation.Electricity purchased from hydropower plants with a capacity of at least one megawatt attracts a five-cent levy per kWh, with consumer charges calculated under the applicable tariff rules.The regulator revealed that Kenya purchased about 304.82 million kWh of electricity from several hydropower plants with capacities of at least one megawatt in September 2026.The plants included Gitaru, Kamburu, Kiambere, Kindaruma, Masinga, Tana and Turkwel, among other sources supplying electricity to the national grid.Additionally, the foreign exchange adjustment of 87 cents per kWh applies to meter readings taken in September 2026, accounting for exchange-rate-related costs associated with electricity generation and supply.It is worth noting that the forex adjustment arises because many power purchase agreements are done in foreign currencies, particularly the United States dollar.Thus, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates are passed to electricity consumers as part of the monthly electricity bill payable during power token purchases.While each adjustment may appear relatively small in isolation, together they contribute to a higher overall electricity bill for most Kenyans.
Read briefing Goals from Riccardo Calafiori and substitute Bruno Guimaraes saw Arsenal come from behind to beat Leeds United 2-1 on Saturday.Leeds, who were on top for an hour, had led through James Justin's 55th-minute opener, and it looked like being another difficult afternoon for the champions after their 3-0 defeat to Brighton immediately before the international break. However, Calafiori's equaliser proved the turning point, and was quickly followed by a triple substitution by home boss Mikel Arteta to cement the shift in momentum in favour of his side. One of those subs was Guimaraes, and the Brazil midfielder started and finished a flowing team move to complete the turnaround and secure all three points. “It feels unbelievable. I felt in the last game against Brighton we were not at the level. Today the mentality was bouncing back,” said Guimaraes.“This is my first official game at home. It feels unbelievable to score and it's an important goal, three important points. Great finish and I am very happy.”Arsenal ratingsDavid Raya – 7: Great save to thwart Gudmundsson at end of first half. Kept busy by Leeds, and generally up to challenge. Ben White – 6: Nodded back into a good area for equaliser that Arsenal scarcely deserved at the time. Ezri Konsa – 7: Had his hands full with Calvert-Lewin but had a strong game and distribution improved as match went on. Gabriel – 6: Few sloppy momen...
Read briefing Dubai Police has warned of the increasing dangers as artificial intelligence makes fake videos and voices harder to detect.A study by the force's Future Foresight Centre has found that rapidly advancing deepfake technologies pose multiple threats that impact public safety, information credibility, the reliability of digital evidence and related decision-making.The research warns that AI-generated content is increasingly difficult to distinguish from authentic material, making manipulated videos, images and audio more convincing. This could enable criminals to better impersonate people, steal identities, deceive the public and spread misinformation.The study coincides with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed every October, and forms part of the Ministry of Interior’s Safe UAE Through Your Digital Awareness campaign.When seeing is no longer believingA key finding is that the deepfake challenge extends beyond detecting fabricated content. As manipulation techniques advance, people may increasingly suspect genuine photographs, videos and audio, making it harder to know what to trust.The study highlights the need to verify the origin, authenticity and integrity of digital content to protect individuals and institutions from deception and misinformation.Hamdan Al Ghassiya, director of the Future Foresight Centre at Dubai Police, said generative AI's implications went beyond ident...
Read briefing The High Court has announced a 24-day Christmas recess that will run from December 21, 2026, to January 13, 2027, with both dates included. Principal Judge Eric Ogola made the announcement in an official gazette notice, stating that the recess will also cover the Employment and Labour and Environment and Land courts.“The Christmas Recess of the High Court and Courts of Equal Status shall commence on the 21st December, 2026, and terminate on the 13th January, 2027, both days inclusive,” the notice read. In addition, the notice outlined how judicial services will be handled during the holiday period to ensure that litigants can still access essential court services and have urgent matters addressed during the recess.“For avoidance of doubt, Recess Duty Judges shall be appointed to hear and try matters arising during Recess in accordance with the High Court (Practice and Procedure) Rules,” the notice instructed.Presiding judges at individual High Court stations and divisions have been instructed to appoint the judges assigned to handle urgent cases. The principal judges at the Employment and Environment courts will make the corresponding appointments for their jurisdictions. At stations served by a single judge, cases arising during the recess will be referred to the nearest High Court station with an assigned duty judge.The presiding judge at each affected station is expected to display information about the temporarily designated station on its notice board. Court offices and registries will continue serving members of the public throughout the recess on weekdays, except public holidays. The facilities will remain open from 8am to 5pm, allowing the public to access registry services during the scheduled break.The Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and subordinate courts are yet to announce their Christmas recess dates, although they are also expected to take a break during the season.
Read briefing President William Ruto and several Cabinet Secretaries have made several appointments to the government in a bid to streamline and enhance government operations.In a gazette notice dated Friday, October 9, Ruto reappointed Job Chirchir as the non-executive chairperson of the Water Services Regulatory Board for three years, effective October 14, 2026.In a bid to boost day-to-day operations within the Kenya Forest Service, the President also reappointed Titus Korir as the non-executive chairperson of the Service for three years.Korir was first appointed to the position on October 13, 2023, succeeding the previous chairperson for the three-year period before his latest reappointment.Ruto also renewed the appointments of Francis Moroto, Habon Farah, Joseph Boit and Rusiana Mitau to the NEPAD Kenya Governing Council for a further three-year term.In other appointments, Treasury CS John Mbadi appointed Kevin Onyango and Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Deputy Secretary Dennis Miskellah as members of the Board of Trustees of the Local Authorities Provident Fund for three years.As members of the LAPFUND Board of Trustees, Onyango and Miskellah will be expected to contribute to the oversight and management of the retirement benefits scheme.Mbadi also reappointed Olago Aluoch as non-executive chairperson of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Board and reappointed Masitsa Shiyonga as a board member.Meanwhile, Health CS Aden Duale appointed Luka Chemwolo to the Kenya Medical Research Institute Council (KMRI) for a three-year term.Similarly, Energy and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi reappointed Jane Masai as part os the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) board of directors for three years, effective October 14, 2026.In the agriculture sector, CS Mutahi Kagwe reappointed John Karuru Mwangi to the Board of Directors of the Kenya Animal Genetics Resource Centre for three years.At the same time, ICT CS William Gitau also reappointed John Kieru Wambui as a member of the Council of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication for a three-year term.Lands CS Alice Wahome appointed Geoffrey Moses as non-executive chairperson of the Physical Planners Registration Board for three years, effective October 9, 2026.
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 10 – June Ndinya is moving from shaping what audiences watch to helping steer the company behind the content, bringing her transformative and creative leadership experience to the helm of Cape Media following her appointment as Acting Chief Executive Officer. Ndinya, who has served as the company’s Creative Director, was appointed on Saturday, October 10, replacing Mwenda Njoka in a leadership change announced by the company. The changes also saw Keneth Kazungu appointed Acting Editor-in-Chief, replacing Simon Macharia Gachuru. With more than 24 years of experience in the media industry, Ndinya brings a career built around storytelling, programme development and creative leadership to the new role. At Cape Media, she has been working alongside Dr Farida Karoney, the former Royal Media Services Chief Operating Officer who played a key role in the growth and transformation of the media house into one of Kenya’s leading media groups before her appointment to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Cabinet. Their collaboration at Cape Media has included developing new content for TV47, supporting a transformative creative direction focused on attracting younger audiences through programmes that reflect their interests, experiences and aspirations. The experience has placed Ndinya at the intersection of content creation and strategic leadership, as media companies increasingly...
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Read briefing LAIKIPIA, Kenya, Oct 10 – The British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK) has joined the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), national and county government officials, conservationists, community members and students in planting 200,000 trees in Laikipia County as part of President William Ruto’s Green Challenge.The exercise formed part of a nationwide initiative targeting the planting of 5.1 million trees within one hour across 31 counties with favourable weather conditions, marking the climax of this year’s Mazingira Week celebrations.The tree-growing exercise was conducted simultaneously at four sites in Laikipia: the KDF Nanyuki Base, Lombere Dam, the National Youth Service (NYS) Kirimon site and South Marmanet.Each site was allocated a target of 50,000 trees, bringing the total target for the county to 200,000 seedlings.Laikipia Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri and County Commissioner Duncan Muyesu led local leaders in urging participants to prioritise the survival of the newly planted trees.They warned that planting seedlings without ensuring their growth to maturity would undermine the objectives of the environmental conservation campaign.The leaders called on individuals, community organisations and institutions to take responsibility for nurturing the trees and protecting them against destruction.They also encouraged residents to plant fruit trees, saying the initiative could improve household nutrition while creating opportunities for income generation.Chief guest Omar Hassan from the State Department for Tourism described Laikipia as a region of significant environmental importance and a key destination for conservation and tourism.He underscored the importance of protecting the county’s natural resources, noting their contribution to environmental sustainability and tourism development.President Ruto’s one-hour tree-growing challenge was also highlighted as a national call to action, emphasising the role of environmental protection in Kenya’s development agenda.The initiative seeks to mobilise citizens, government agencies, conservation groups and other stakeholders to contribute to the country’s tree-growing and environmental restoration efforts.Participants were urged to sustain the momentum beyond the Mazingira Week celebrations by ensuring the seedlings planted during the exercise survive to maturity.
Read briefing NAIROBI,Kenya Oct 10 – The Ministry of Health has called on churches to become frontline partners in Kenya’s Ebola response, urging clergy to use their pulpits and community networks to educate the public on the disease and encourage people exposed to suspected cases to seek help early.Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said religious institutions could help spread accurate information, promote preventive measures and ensure that people suspected of infection receive medical attention without fear of rejection or discrimination.In guidance issued to church congregations, Muthoni urged religious leaders to incorporate Ebola awareness into sermons, church announcements, fellowship meetings and community outreach programmes.She said the institutions had a role to play in protecting families, particularly by encouraging prompt reporting of possible exposure and supporting those affected by the outbreak.“Churches have an important role in protecting families and communities by promoting preventive practices, encouraging early reporting and supporting those affected,” Muthoni said.The appeal comes as health authorities step up preparedness and surveillance following confirmation of an imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease in Kenya.The ministry warned that people who have been in contact with suspected or confirmed patients must notify health authorities immediately, even if they feel well.Those identified as contacts should follow instructions from public health officials, including guidance on movement restrictions, quarantine and symptom monitoring where applicable.Contacts are advised to monitor their health daily for 21 days after their last possible exposure. The ministry clarified that not everyone who comes into contact with a suspected patient necessarily requires isolation.The ministry cautioned Kenyans against dismissing early signs of the disease, which can take between two and 21 days to appear after infection.Symptoms include sudden fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhoea and skin rash. Unexplained bleeding may occur in severe cases.Muthoni urged anyone experiencing symptoms, particularly after possible exposure, to seek medical advice immediately rather than wait for the illness to worsen.People who suspect they may have contracted the virus have been directed to call the Ministry of Health’s toll-free hotline, 719, for guidance on referral and safe transport to an appropriate health facility.They should minimise unnecessary contact with other people while awaiting medical assistance.The ministry said early identification and appropriate treatment, including supportive care, could improve the chances of survival.The ministry has advised households to immediately alert health authorities if a family member develops symptoms associated with Ebola.Relatives should avoid direct physical contact with suspected patients and exposure to their bodily fluids. They should also refrain from sharing personal belongings that may be contaminated.The warning covers blood, saliva, sweat, vomit, urine, faeces, breast milk, semen and other bodily fluids.Kenyans have also been urged to avoid kissing or hugging anyone suspected of infection and to maintain proper hand hygiene by washing regularly with soap and clean running water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 70 per cent alcohol.The ministry cautioned against sharing clothing, bedding, utensils, razor blades, needles and other items that may have come into contact with an infected person.Healthcare workers, caregivers and family members face increased exposure risks when they come into direct contact with infected people without appropriate protection.Muthoni said untrained relatives should not attempt to care for suspected patients without professional guidance, while healthcare workers must observe infection-prevention procedures and use recommended personal protective equipment.“Family members and untrained individuals should not attempt to provide direct care without guidance from qualified health professionals,” she said.The ministry has also cautioned Kenyans against handling sick or dead wild animals, including bats, monkeys, antelopes and porcupines.The public has been advised not to handle or consume bushmeat from animals suspected of being infected.Families have further been warned against touching, washing or handling the bodies of people suspected of dying from Ebola, as the remains can remain highly infectious.Instead, they should notify health authorities immediately to allow trained teams to organise safe and dignified burials in accordance with public health guidelines.The ministry also highlighted precautions for Ebola survivors, noting that the virus can persist in semen after recovery. Male survivors should follow medical advice on sexual activity, including abstinence or condom use until appropriate testing confirms that the virus is no longer present.
Read briefing KISII, Kenya, Oct 10 – Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba says the government plans to generate revenue from tree planting through the international carbon credits market, with proceeds expected to support the education sector.Speaking at Nyangweta Forest in South Mugirango Constituency during national Mazingira Day celebrations, Ogamba said the government was exploring ways to turn the country’s afforestation campaign into an economic opportunity while addressing climate change.He said trees absorb carbon dioxide and contribute to carbon stocks that can potentially generate revenue through carbon credit trading, with the proceeds channelled towards education.“Planting trees will help us feature prominently in the carbon credits market and the money generated will be channelled to help education in the country,” Ogamba said.The Cabinet Secretary described tree planting as an important intervention in tackling global warming and mitigating the effects of climate change, which continue to affect Kenya through prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall.“Climate change is real. Planting trees will also reduce global warming and help in fighting climate change. We must act now for the sake of the next generation,” he added.Ogamba led leaders, learners, teachers, forest officers and residents in planting 30,000 tree seedlings at Nyangweta Forest, a key water catchment area that has experienced degradation linked to encroachment and logging.He said schools had land that could be used for tree growing, urging education institutions to integrate environmental conservation into learning and encourage pupils and students to become environmental ambassadors.The CS also challenged local residents to protect the newly planted seedlings, warning that planting trees without ensuring their survival would undermine conservation efforts.Local leaders accompanying Ogamba welcomed the initiative, highlighting Nyangweta Forest’s importance to rainfall formation and water supply in South Mugirango and neighbouring areas.Mazingira Day is marked annually on October 10 to promote environmental conservation through tree planting, clean-up exercises and public awareness campaigns.This year’s celebrations were held across all 47 counties as the government pursues its target of increasing the country’s tree cover to 30 per cent by 2032.The proposed carbon credit initiative could provide an additional financing stream for education while encouraging communities and institutions to participate in forest restoration and climate action.However, generating revenue from carbon credits depends on meeting applicable requirements for measuring carbon sequestration, verifying the climate benefits and ensuring the credits meet recognised market standards.
Read briefing President William Ruto has officially launched cocoa as a scheduled cash crop in Kenya, urging farmers in mapped regions to embrace cultivation to boost household incomes while advancing the nation’s environmental conservation goals. Speaking during the rollout ceremony in Kitale, the Head of State highlighted cocoa’s potential for value addition and economic transformation, noting that […]
Read briefing NAIROBI, Kenya Oct 10 – The Ministry of Health has suspended meetings, seminars and conferences scheduled to take place in hotels following confirmation of Kenya’s first imported Ebola case, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s preparedness against the deadly virus.Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed to Capital News the suspension of the meetings affecting the Ministry alone.“The measure does not constitute a blanket suspension of government meetings, conferences or seminars held in hotels,” Duale said.The decision comes days after Kenya confirmed its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola virus disease, raising concerns about the risk of further transmission and prompting intensified contact tracing and surveillance.Kenya confirmed its first imported case on October 6 after a Kenyan man who had been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for seven years travelled to Nairobi while ill.According to the Ministry of Health, the man travelled by road to Kampala, Uganda, before boarding Jambo Jet flight 8523 to Nairobi on October 3.He was taken to Nairobi Hospital, where he was isolated and tested after presenting symptoms that included fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, a sore throat and bleeding under the skin at injection sites.Laboratory tests confirmed the infection. The patient later died on October 5, according to the World Health Organization.Health authorities have since launched contact-tracing efforts to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus during the patient’s journey and treatment.Duale has said Kenya is not experiencing a wider Ebola outbreak, describing the confirmed case as an imported infection from the DRC.The government has intensified surveillance, contact tracing and preparedness measures as health officials work to prevent further transmission.The Ministry has identified 57 contacts linked to the case, according to its October 7 update. Ten had been accounted for and placed under quarantine at the National Police Service Hospital in Nairobi, while efforts to trace the remaining contacts continued.Authorities have also identified designated facilities to isolate and manage suspected or confirmed cases.The World Health Organization is supporting the response as Kenya and neighbouring countries monitor possible links to the ongoing outbreak in the DRC.
Read briefing President William Ruto’s sugar sector revival agenda has become a test of his political standing in Western Kenya and several other parts of the country.
Read briefing Three zebra crossings at City Hall, the Supreme Court and Archives in Nairobi have been painted pink in an initiative aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and early detection. The project was undertaken by Hermosa Paints in partnership with Mapema Ndio Breast, placing breast cancer awareness messages in busy public spaces across the city. The crossings are intended to encourage conversations about breast health and prompt members of the public to seek reliable information on screening and care. The initiative comes as breast cancer awareness campaigns continue to emphasise the importance of early detection and seeking medical advice from qualified health professionals. The three locations, which attract pedestrians visiting public offices and moving through the city centre, provide a visible platform for the campaign beyond traditional awareness events. The post Nairobi paints three zebra crossings pink in Breast Cancer awareness drive appeared first on KBC Digital.
Read briefing Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government has released Ksh 177 billion to revive stalled road projects across the country, including those under the Mau Mau Roads Programme, which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic during the administration of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. Speaking during a public engagement rally at Kinyona Shopping Centre in Kigumo Constituency, Murang’a County on Friday, Kindiki said the government had spent the past four years stabilising the economy, paving the way for the resumption of road construction projects. In Murang’a County, the Mau Mau Roads Programme covers 225 kilometres at a cost of Ksh 9 billion, with the government having secured funds and paid contractors to facilitate the completion of the projects. Kindiki assured residents that the government would complete the Kigumo section of the Mau Mau Road, covering the Ikumbi–Karinga–Kinyona–Mairi stretch. He added that the government had also prioritised the tarmacking of an additional 1,285 kilometres of roads in Murang’a County at a cost of Ksh 56 billion. The Deputy President urged road contractors to support local communities through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including improving schools and other public institutions. He called on elected leaders to work with road authorities and contractors to identify institutions and community projects tha...
Read briefing The National Criminal Investigations Academy (NCIA) has been formally admitted into the INTERPOL Global Academy Network at a signing ceremony held today at INTERPOL Headquarters in Lyon, France, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s criminal investigations and international law enforcement cooperation. The ceremony was attended by the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mr. Mohamed I. Amin, CBS, OGW, ‘ndc’ (K), who reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening investigative capacity and deepening international partnerships in response to an increasingly complex security environment. Speaking in his capacity as Africa’s Delegate to the INTERPOL Executive Committee, the Director DCI described the admission as “not a ceremonial gesture,” but a deliberate affirmation of Kenya’s readiness to contribute to and learn from the global community of police training institutions. The Director DCI observed that criminal threats have fundamentally changed. Cybercrime, terrorism, narcotics trafficking, financial crime, human trafficking and environmental crime are increasingly driven by networks that operate across national borders. On his part, URQUIZA Valdecy, the Secretary General of INTERPOL underscored the importance of INTERPOL’s continued commitment to strengthening global law enforcement cooperation through professional training, knowledge exchange and the development of...
Read briefing President William Ruto and several Cabinet Secretaries have announced a series of new state appointments and tenure renewals across key public agencies, according to official notices published in the Kenya Gazette on Friday, October 9, 2026. Executive & Treasury Dockets Under the Executive, President Ruto reappointed Job Chirchir as the non-executive chairperson of the Water […]
Read briefing The Malindi High Court has rescheduled the judgment date in the high-profile murder trial of cult leader Paul Mackenzie and 30 co-accused to Monday, October 19, 2026, at 9:00 AM. In an official notice dated October 9, Lady Justice Diana Kavedza-Mochache confirmed that the ruling—originally scheduled for October 16—will now be delivered at the Mombasa […]
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