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JKIA Tender Wars Ignite Security Fears as Court Petition Exposes Alleged Contract Irregularities

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A deepening tender dispute at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has raised alarm over potential security lapses and the erosion of protocol standards at Kenya’s largest aviation hub, according to a petition filed before the High Court and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The petition, lodged by Fredrick Mulaa, details a fierce battle for control of the lucrative “meet and assist” services—specialised protocol duties involving welcoming high-profile guests, diplomats, and foreign delegations. These services, common in major global airports, require strict professionalism and high security clearance. However, the dispute has now spilled into the public domain, with allegations that the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and its acting Managing Director, Dr. Mohammed Gedi, flouted court orders and procurement laws to award contracts to Umbato Safaris Limited and Tradewinds Aviation Services—firms previously disqualified or declared unfit by both the High ...

Managing Director Kenya Railways Philip Mainga Hosts CCCC President Zhang Bingnan for Landmark Tour of Kenya’s SGR

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By Irene Mwende  Kenya Railways Managing Director, Mr. Philip Mainga, welcomed China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) President, Mr. Zhang Bingnan, to the Nairobi Terminus for an immersive tour of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR)—a symbol of Kenya’s modern transport transformation and a cornerstone of Kenya-China cooperation. The visit began at the SGR exhibition hall, where Mr. Zhang was guided through a visual journey of the railway’s milestones since its commissioning in 2017. The displays highlighted its construction achievements, operational successes, and the economic ripple effects it has generated along the Mombasa–Nairobi corridor. Mr. Mainga then led his guest to the Dispatch Centre, the operational command hub of the SGR. Here, Mr. Zhang observed how real-time monitoring, communication systems, and coordinated logistics ensure the railway’s safety and reliability. A brief stop at the China–Kenya Friendship Monument further emphasized the shared hist...

TVS Apache RTR 180 Roars Into Kenya as TVS Motor Accelerates African Expansion

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TVS Motor Company, a global leader in two- and three-wheeler manufacturing, has officially launched the highly anticipated TVS Apache RTR 180 in Kenya. The launch, done in partnership with its long-standing African distribution associate Car & General, marks a significant milestone in TVS Motor’s African expansion strategy. The arrival of the TVS Apache series—renowned globally for its racing heritage—ushers in a new chapter for Kenya’s fast-growing motorcycling culture. With over 6.5 million riders in more than 60 countries, the Apache brand brings two decades of race-bred engineering, superior handling, and cutting-edge technology to Kenyan roads. Forged from 43 years of TVS racing legacy, the Apache RTR 180 offers the perfect balance of power and agility. Key performance highlights include: 177.4cc high-performance engine 15.22 PS at 8,500 RPM and 14.1 Nm torque at 6,500 RPM Race-tuned adjustable suspension Beast-inspired LED headlamps Disc brakes, 5-speed gearbox, t...

“Ksh. 683B Gold Find to Directly Benefit Locals, Government spokesperson Dr Isaac Mwaura Reassures Western Kenya”

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 Government Spokesperson Hon. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura delivered a detailed briefing during the Western Region Media Projects Tour—an address that brought renewed hope, clarity and reassurance to the people of Western Kenya. At the centre of his remarks was the much-publicized Ksh. 683 billion gold discovery in the Isulu–Bushiangala belt, a development that has sparked excitement and questions across the region. Dr. Mwaura was keen to affirm that this discovery is not just a national win, but a direct blessing for the local community. He explained that Kenya’s mining laws safeguard fair revenue sharing: 70% for the national government, 20% for Kakamega County and 10% for the local community. Beyond that, the mining company is legally required to invest 1% of its annual gross sales into community development projects. A 14-member community committee will oversee the funds, channeling them into tangible improvements such as roads, schools, health facilities, water s...

Kenya Railways MD Philip Mainga Hosts Ethio-Djibouti Railway Delegation to Forge Regional Training and Skills Partnership

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Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip Mainga welcomed a high-level delegation from the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Share Company (EDR) in Nairobi, launching a benchmarking mission aimed at establishing a long-term partnership between the two railway operators. The engagement, held at the Kenya Railways headquarters and attended by senior officials from the Kenya Railways Training Institute (KRTI), focused on deepening technical cooperation, enhancing staff competencies, and developing structured exchange programs that would advance operational excellence across the region. During the discussions, the EDR delegation proposed a wide-ranging collaboration that includes pilot training attachments, knowledge-sharing platforms, Train-the-Trainer programs, and broader capacity-building initiatives. Kenya Railways welcomed the proposals, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening regional expertise in modern, efficient, and safe railway operations. MD Philip Mainga lauded...

Nairobi West MCA Hospitalized After Clash With Goons Erecting Illegal Billboards

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Authorities in Nairobi are investigating a disturbing incident in which the Nairobi West Member of County Assembly (MCA) was hospitalized after being attacked by a group of men allegedly involved in the illegal erection of billboards across the city. According to witnesses, the MCA had been on an evening inspection tour following rising complaints from residents about unauthorized advertising structures being mounted overnight. The billboards—many of them promoting unregistered events and businesses—had become a growing concern due to safety risks and violation of county regulations. While confronting the group of workers along a street near the Nairobi West shopping center, the MCA reportedly demanded to see their documentation and county approvals. The men, believed to be hired goons, reacted violently. A scuffle broke out, during which the MCA sustained head and rib injuries before nearby boda boda riders intervened, forcing the attackers to flee. Emergency responders tr...

From 235 Marks to Kenya’s Youngest Biomathematics PhD: The Remarkable Rise of Dr. Purity Ngina

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By Irene Mwende  From the quiet village of Mbiriri in Kieni East, Nyeri County, emerged a young girl whose journey would one day inspire an entire nation. Raised by her single mother, Purity Ngina began her academic path with more questions than answers about her future. Scoring 235 marks in her KCPE, she seemed far from the brilliance she would later be known for. Yet those who knew her saw a spark—one that refused to be dimmed by early setbacks. At her mother’s urging, Purity retook the exam, scoring an impressive 369 marks. It was the first of many turning points in a life defined by resilience and unwavering determination. Her mother remained her greatest source of strength, encouraging her to dream beyond the limits of her humble beginnings. When her mother passed away in 2017, the loss shook Purity to the core. But even in her grief, she clung to the promise she had made—to rise, succeed, and honor her mother’s sacrifices. Purity’s academic journey was nothing sho...