Kenya News updates

Suqoon Founder Shakira has called for stronger systems that support, protect and promote the dignity of older persons in Kenya, urging greater investment in healthcare, social protection, research and caregiving.  Speaking during the International Day of Older Persons conference on October 1, Shakira highlighted the growing population of Kenyans aged 60 and above and said the country has an opportunity to create supportive systems that enable older people to enjoy healthy, secure and dignified lives. Shakira outlined key areas for strengthening support for older persons, including advancing the Older Persons Bill, 2024, enhancing Inua Jamii programmes, investing in reliable ageing research and data, and supporting caregivers through training, stipends, leave days and community-based services.  She also called for improved healthcare financing, safer homes and stronger family support, while encouraging a coordinated national approach that recognises older persons as...

Technical University of Kenya (TUK) Organisation Secretary-General Leonard Siro has urged the government to address key concerns raised by university staff as lecturers and other workers begin a nationwide strike over the delayed 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Siro called for university employees to be remunerated through the National Exchequer like other public servants, saying their pay should not be dependent on alternative funding arrangements. The unions have also demanded harmonisation of allowances across public universities and the implementation of outstanding commitments under the Return-to-Work Formula signed in November 2025. Siro spoke during the launch of the nationwide industrial action, as unions intensified pressure on the government and university employers to resolve the outstanding issues through negotiations. The strike follows the rejection of the latest counter-offer from the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPU...

Technical University of Kenya (TUK) Organisation Secretary-General Leonard Siro has urged the government to address key concerns raised by university staff as lecturers and other workers begin a nationwide strike over the delayed 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Siro called for university employees to be remunerated through the National Exchequer like other public servants, saying their pay should not be dependent on alternative funding arrangements. The unions have also demanded harmonisation of allowances across public universities and the implementation of outstanding commitments under the Return-to-Work Formula signed in November 2025. Siro spoke during the launch of the nationwide industrial action, as unions intensified pressure on the government and university employers to resolve the outstanding issues through negotiations. The strike follows the rejection of the latest counter-offer from the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPU...

Incoming Kisumu Governor Matthew Owili has called for stronger interventions to improve maternal and newborn healthcare in public facilities, as Kenya steps up efforts to reduce preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.  Owili hosted Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Kisumu First Lady Mama Dorothy Nyong’o in Kisumu for discussions on strengthening maternal and newborn health services. The engagement comes as Kenya implements the Every Woman, Every Newborn, Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration Plan 2026–2028, a national framework targeting preventable maternal and newborn deaths.  Through the Okoa Malaika Programme, Lumumba Sub-County Hospital is set to receive life-saving neonatal equipment from the Ushiriki Wema Foundation to support premature and vulnerable newborns.  Owili thanked the Office of the Spouse to the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Ushiriki Wema Foundation for supporting practical interventions that complement government efforts, saying i...

Suqoon Founder Shakira Khawaja has urged Kenya to strengthen systems that support, protect and promote the dignity of older persons, saying the country must move beyond celebrating longevity and invest in systems that enable older people to live with health, security, participation and dignity. Speaking during the International Day of Older Persons conference on October 1, Khawaja said Kenya is home to about 3.6 million people aged 60 and above, a population projected to rise significantly in the coming decades. " The growing number of older persons requires stronger social protection, healthcare, research, data and caregiving systems to ensure longer lives are lived with dignity and independence."She said  Khawaja identified four key areas requiring urgent action: the introduction of the Older Persons Bill, 2024 without further delay; strengthening and reviewing Inua Jamii to ensure its support reaches those in need; investing in reliable research and data on age...

Six Kenyan photographers and videographers have emerged winners of the inaugural Safaricom and M-Pesa Foundations Capture the Good Challenge, sharing KSh4.5 million for documenting stories of transformation in communities across the country. Mathew Meli from Uasin Gishu emerged the overall photography winner with his work highlighting improvements in school infrastructure. Charles Muia from Embu was the first runner-up for his story on laboratory equipment, while Lameck Ododo from Kericho took second runner-up for showcasing the kitting of Kapkatet Football Club. In the videography category, Kennedy Kamau from West Pokot took the top prize for The Dream of Poriot, focusing on the role of proper school infrastructure in education. David Mutuku from Kajiado was first runner-up for A Clinic in Kajiado is Helping Bring New Life, while Nairobi-based Phillip Otieno was second runner-up for What These Hands Built, documenting a ball-making economic empowerment project. The overall...