Kenya News updates

Kenyatta University’s newly installed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Okumu, has unveiled an ambitious transformation agenda aimed at strengthening academic excellence, research and innovation, digital transformation, infrastructure and institutional sustainability. Prof. Okumu made the remarks on Friday, August 28, 2026, during his installation as the 7th Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, held at the university’s Graduation Square.  In his acceptance speech, Prof. Okumu pledged to lead the university with integrity, transparency, inclusivity and dedication, saying his familiarity with the institution’s history, strengths and challenges would guide his tenure.  His agenda is anchored on the theme “Forging Ahead in Unity, Excellence, Sustainability and Greater Global Impact.” He said the university must position itself as the most preferred institution in the region and beyond amid rapid technological change, growing competition for students and research funding, ...

Kisumu Deputy Governor Matthew Owili has hailed the ongoing Wema Gardens Housing Project in Riat, describing the development as a major boost to the county’s growing real estate sector. Owili said the Ksh1 billion project, being undertaken by diaspora-driven investment firm Wema Magharibi Limited, comprises 148 modern housing units that are nearing completion. Speaking during a visit to the project, Owili said the development would redefine Kisumu’s skyline and become a landmark addition to the county’s rapidly expanding property market once completed. He said Kisumu is increasingly positioning itself as a safe and attractive destination for both local and international investors, noting that the county’s next administration would introduce tailored incentives aimed at accelerating infrastructure development. “As Kisumu steadily rises as a safe and attractive haven for local and foreign investment, our next administration will provide tailored incentives to acce...

Kenya’s 16th anniversary of the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution has renewed calls for greater access to government information, citizen participation and accountability as the country reflects on the progress and challenges of constitutional implementation. Speaking during Katiba Day celebrations, TISA Head of Programmes Alexander Riithi said full implementation of the Constitution requires the government to provide citizens with timely, accessible and accurate information whenever it is demanded. Riithi noted that citizens are often unable to participate meaningfully in constitutional governance when government information is either presented in highly technical language or is not publicly available. He said TISA Kenya has been working to simplify complex government information and present it in a way that ordinary citizens can understand and use. “Above all today, should serve as a reminder that if the government does not provide adequate information in a manner tha...

MWINGI WEST, August 27, 2026 — Incoming Mwingi West MP Eng. Jonathan Ngenga is increasingly positioning himself as a leader committed to listening to residents and championing a new direction for the constituency. Ngenga’s growing engagement with residents has earned him support among sections of the Mwingi West community, with his leadership agenda centred on bringing a fresh approach to representation and development. His supporters say the constituency is ready for a leader who listens to the ideas and concerns of residents and turns them into practical development priorities. Ngenga has continued to emphasise grassroots engagement, maintaining that residents should play a central role in identifying the challenges facing their communities and shaping solutions. His agenda focuses on hardworking and responsive leadership, with attention to key areas including infrastructure, education, healthcare, access to clean water and economic opportunities. Residents supporting Nge...

The Government has announced intensified enforcement against illegal refilling and illicit trade in Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), warning that the crackdown will continue until full compliance is achieved. In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary J. Opiyo Wandayi said the measures are aimed at protecting consumers and improving safety in the LPG sector. The Government’s LPG National Growth Strategy, approved by Cabinet in October 2023, seeks to promote the transition from biomass fuels to cleaner LPG while strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks to curb illegal refilling and illicit trade. The sector is regulated by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) under the Energy Act and Petroleum Act. The Petroleum (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) (No. 2) Regulations, 2025, require LPG businesses to obtain the necessary licences and comply with licensing conditions. The regulations also require LPG cylinders to be cle...

 Chairman of the Kenya Foreign Service Academy Council, Patrick Maluki, has called for stronger investment in diplomatic training, research and knowledge development to enhance Kenya’s ability to advance its national interests in an increasingly complex global environment. Speaking during the launch of the Foreign Service Strategy 2026–2029, Maluki said diplomatic training and research should no longer be viewed as peripheral functions of foreign policy, but as essential investments in the country’s capacity to navigate emerging international challenges. He thanked development partners, international organisations, private sector representatives and academia for supporting the Academy, saying partnerships would be critical to the successful implementation of the strategy. Maluki traced the institution’s evolution from the Foreign Service Institute, which was initially established to strengthen the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ research and analytical capacity. He noted t...