Kenya News updates

 Safaricom has launched PATA MORE, a new customer-focused campaign aimed at delivering greater value across its connectivity, M-PESA and digital services for individuals, households and businesses. The campaign introduces enhanced data bundles, improved M-PESA services, faster fibre internet and new business solutions designed to make digital services more affordable and convenient. Under the new offers, customers will now receive 250MB of data for KSh20, up from 150MB, 1.5GB for KSh99, up from 1GB, and 21.5GB on the KSh1,000 monthly data bundle, more than double the previous allocation of 10GB. PATA MORE also brings significant improvements to Pochi la Biashara, with free Pochi transactions increased from KSh100 to KSh200 under the new Pochi Kadogo initiative. Transaction fees above KSh200 will be capped at KSh50 for the next 90 days. Customers will also enjoy faster payments through Scan and Tap to Pay, simplifying merchant checkouts. For small businesses, Safaricom h...

(photo caption )KCDF Executive Director Grace Maingi The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) has awarded KSh31.5 million to seven youth-led enterprises and community organisations developing innovative solutions to Kenya's environmental challenges, marking the culmination of the third edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge (YEIC).  The seven winning projects were selected from more than 700 applications submitted nationwide following a rigorous evaluation process that assessed innovation, impact, sustainability and scalability. The supported initiatives focus on waste management, clean energy, sustainable agriculture, water access, affordable housing and circular economy solutions.   Speaking during the awards ceremony, KCDF Executive Director Grace Maingi praised the creativity and determination of Kenya's young innovators, saying their ideas are being transformed into practical enterprises tackling waste, energy, agriculture and...

Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Inyangala has said the East African Community (EAC) is making significant progress towards establishing a Common Higher Education Area that will allow students and professionals to study, work and have their academic qualifications recognized across the region. Speaking during the 17th Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) Annual Conference and Annual Meeting in Nairobi, Dr. Inyangala said the initiative is aimed at strengthening regional integration through harmonized higher education systems that create more opportunities for learners and graduates. She said the conference, held under the theme "Empowering Education Through Partnerships," has brought together vice chancellors, principal and permanent secretaries, government officials and development partners from across the region to deepen collaboration in advancing higher education. "We are demonstrating our commitment to the in...

 Kisumu County is among ten counties selected to implement the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme (INReMP), a KSh34 billion initiative jointly funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Government of Kenya to enhance climate resilience and improve livelihoods. Speaking after a meeting with INReMP officials, Kisumu Deputy Governor Matthew Owili said the programme will strengthen the county's efforts to promote sustainable natural resource management while supporting climate-smart agricultural development. Owili noted that INReMP will be implemented in Kisumu through the Department of Agriculture in close collaboration with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, reflecting the county's commitment to protecting critical water catchment areas while creating economic opportunities for local communities. Earlier in the day, the Deputy Governor, alongside Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o, held discussi...

Nairobi School Board of Management Infrastructure Committee Chairperson Rose Wanja has praised parents, alumni, donors and well-wishers for raising KSh 2,576,070 in just 28 minutes during the school's Annual General Meeting (AGM), ensuring that financially challenged students can continue with their education. Speaking at the AGM, Wanja said the fundraising exercise demonstrated the Nairobi School community's commitment to ensuring that no deserving student is denied access to education because of financial hardship. She disclosed that the school had a fee deficit of KSh 1,909,870 for needy students, but the generosity of parents and supporters not only met the target but exceeded it, offering renewed hope to vulnerable learners. Wanja noted that the successful fundraiser also saw 23 students receive full sponsorships through the school's student adoption programme, enabling them to complete their education without interruption. She also commended mo...

Stakeholders have hailed significant progress in promoting freedom of religion or belief, strengthening community-security relations and advancing human rights following the implementation of the Together for Freedom of Religion or Belief (ToFoRB) Project in Garissa, Lamu and Tana River counties. Speaking during the National Learning and Policy Dialogue Forum in Nairobi, Kenya Community Support Centre (KECOSCE) Executive Director Phyllis Muema said the two-year programme had strengthened partnerships between government agencies, civil society organisations, faith leaders and local communities, helping build resilience against conflict and violent extremism. Muema said the initiative focused on protecting freedom of religion or belief, a fundamental right guaranteed under Kenya's Constitution, while ensuring that security operations, particularly counter-terrorism efforts, respect human rights and religious freedoms. She noted that the project enhanced the capacity of co...