Kenya News updates

Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenya Tobacco and Nicotine Tax Coalition (KTNTC) has called on Parliament to urgently pass the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024, warning that delays could expose more Kenyan children and youth to nicotine addiction through emerging products such as vapes and nicotine pouches. Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, the coalition expressed strong support for the proposed legislation, urging the National Assembly to retain its key provisions and expedite the public participation process before forwarding the bill to the Senate for final approval. KTNTC noted that Kenya’s tobacco and nicotine market has evolved rapidly in recent years, with electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches and other emerging nicotine products entering the market faster than existing laws can regulate them. The coalition warned that these products are often marketed using attractive flavours, colourful packaging and modern designs that appeal to young people while masking the health ris...

 Kenya – KCA University has hosted Kenya’s first International Symposium on Physical Activity, bringing together policymakers, researchers, health experts and development partners for the launch of the National Physical Activity Guidelines. Speaking during the event, KCA University Vice Chancellor Prof Isaiah Wakindiki described the symposium as a landmark moment in the country’s efforts to build healthier, more active and productive communities. He said the launch of the guidelines represents a convergence of policy, scientific research and community action, providing a framework for addressing public health challenges linked to physical inactivity. “This is a historic milestone that demonstrates the power of collaboration in advancing public health and contributing to Kenya’s social and economic development,” said Prof Wakindiki. The symposium attracted experts from across the health, education and research sectors who shared evidence-based approaches and best practic...

Kisumu Deputy Governor Matthew Owili has reaffirmed the importance of international partnerships in driving sustainable development, following a high-level engagement with Jersey City Council President Denise Ridley in New Jersey, United States. The meeting focused on strengthening local governance systems, promoting sustainable municipal policies, and exploring opportunities for collaboration in youth mentorship, innovation, and regional economic development. Owili praised President Ridley's remarkable leadership and trailblazing achievements in public service. Ridley has made history as the first person of color elected to Jersey City's Ward A Council seat, the longest-serving Ward A Council member, and the first Ward Council member to serve as Council President. The Deputy Governor noted that her experience in advancing community-led development, inclusive urban planning, and economic empowerment offers valuable lessons for counties seeking to enhance service del...

Nairobi, Kenya – Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Acting Secretary General and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo has called for increased investment in day schools and a gradual shift away from the boarding school model, arguing that such a move could help address the growing cases of unrest and arson attacks in learning institutions. Speaking in response to recent school fires that have rocked several schools across the country, Omanyo said parents would prefer having their children attend day schools if work and family responsibilities allowed them to spend more time at home. “The children I met in Kenyatta Hospital could be my daughters because some of us who are very busy are taking children to boarding schools not because we like it. If we were able to juggle work and taking care of our children, they would be with us and many would be in day schools,” she said. Her remarks come amid heightened concern over a series of arson incidents that have disrupted lear...

Women are playing an increasingly critical role in Kenya’s dairy sector, but persistent barriers in leadership, land ownership and access to finance continue to limit their full participation, according to the newly launched Kenya National Dairy Report. The report, commissioned by the Kenya National Farmers Federation (KENAFF) in partnership with the United States Dairy Export Council and conducted by the Africa Centre for Climate, Food and Nature, was unveiled at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi as part of efforts to celebrate 2026 as the Year of the Woman Farmer. Speaking during the launch, KENAFF representative Valary Otieno said the study sought to profile Kenyan women as key contributors to the dairy value chain and identify opportunities and challenges affecting their participation in the sector. The research covered five major dairy-producing counties—Kiambu, Meru, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru and Nyeri—and focused on women farmers who are members of dairy cooperatives. According...

Nairobi, Kenya – The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) on Monday opened the National Interfaith Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) Convention in Nairobi, bringing together faith leaders, government institutions, civil society organizations, youth representatives, and international development partners for a two-day dialogue aimed at strengthening Kenya’s response to violent extremism. The convention, themed "Strengthening Interfaith Governance for a Resilient, Inclusive, and Gender-Responsive P/CVE in Kenya," seeks to enhance collaboration among key stakeholders and develop practical strategies for building peaceful and resilient communities across the country. Speaking during the opening session, IRCK Executive Director Mr. Linus Nthigai emphasized the critical role faith leaders play in preventing radicalization and promoting social cohesion. He noted that IRCK’s initiatives in Kilifi, Kisumu, and Marsabit counties, implemented with suppor...