Kenya News updates

Incoming Isiolo North MP Hon. Mwenda Thuranira, popularly known as Mambo Fresh, has demanded the immediate withdrawal of increased sand loading fees imposed on sand loaders operating in the Isiolo–Meru area, citing lack of consultation and the potential impact on livelihoods.  Thuranira said the affected loaders were caught off guard on October 12, 2026, after receiving letters notifying them of a substantial increase in the fees, which he described as unilateral and unfair. He expressed concern that the decision had been made without involving the affected traders, warning that the move was disrupting businesses and placing additional economic pressure on families dependent on the sand trade. Thuranira called on the relevant county officials and community leaders to convene an urgent consultative meeting involving representatives of the sand loaders to negotiate a fair and mutually acceptable solution. He maintained that any changes to fees affecting livelihoods should...

Mwala Member of Parliament Vincent Musyoka Kawaya has urged the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) to tone down its threats and return to the negotiating table to resolve the ongoing lecturers’ strike. Kawaya said dialogue and mutual understanding were necessary to end the standoff and restore normal learning in public universities. The MP expressed concern over the continued loss of valuable learning time, noting that students should not bear the burden of prolonged disputes between university lecturers and relevant stakeholders. He called on the union and the government to prioritise constructive engagement and reach an amicable solution that would allow lecturers to resume their duties and students to continue with their studies without further disruption.

Kenya’s Konza Technopolis has won the 2026 Smart Gigacity Excellence Award at the World Broadband Association (WBBA) Broadband Excellence Awards held in Vienna, Austria, on October 14, 2026, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation agenda.  The State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy received the international recognition for the development of Konza as Africa’s first AI-powered smart city, integrating high-speed connectivity, cloud computing and digital public infrastructure.  The award was received by Amb. Valerie Rugene, Kenya’s Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission in Vienna, on behalf of Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy Eng. John Tanui and the Government of Kenya. Konza Technopolis, a flagship project under Kenya Vision 2030, features a 79-kilometre fibre backbone, 141 smart poles, an Intelligent Operations Centre equipped to monitor 600 cameras, and a smart energy system supported by a 120MW substation. The...

Dettol, a leading hygiene and disinfection brand, has partnered with Nairobi City County to promote proper handwashing among learners as part of activities marking Global Handwashing Day 2026. The event, held at Moi Avenue Primary School in Nairobi’s Central Business District under the theme “Be a Handwashing Hero,” brought together more than 1,200 learners, parents and residents for interactive hygiene education sessions and practical demonstrations on washing hands with soap and water. Dettol also donated soap and handwashing stations to the school to help learners practise good hygiene at school and at home. Speaking during the event, Reckitt Country Manager for Kenya and East Africa Expansion Mustapha Bugaje said the initiative aims to make handwashing a daily habit that protects children and families from preventable illnesses. Nairobi City County Deputy Director of Public Health Mackline Saitera welcomed the partnership, noting that combining hygiene education with access to soap...

Dettol, a leading hygiene and disinfection brand, has partnered with Nairobi City County to promote proper handwashing among learners as part of activities marking Global Handwashing Day 2026.  The event, held at Moi Avenue Primary School in Nairobi’s Central Business District under the theme “Be a Handwashing Hero,” brought together more than 1,200 learners, parents and residents for interactive hygiene education sessions and practical demonstrations on washing hands with soap and water. Dettol also donated soap and handwashing stations to the school to help learners practise good hygiene at school and at home. Speaking during the event, Reckitt Country Manager for Kenya and East Africa Expansion Mustapha Bugaje said the initiative aims to make handwashing a daily habit that protects children and families from preventable illnesses. Nairobi City County Deputy Director of Public Health Mackline Saitera welcomed the partnership, noting that combining hygiene education wi...

Rose Wanja has paid an emotional tribute to the late Senior Assistant Inspector General Lazarus Simiyu Opicho, remembering him as a trusted friend and mentor who played a key role in shaping her professional journey through guidance, encouragement and valuable life lessons. Wanja’s tribute comes ahead of Opicho’s burial at Wehoya Farm in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, following his death on September 28 while undergoing treatment at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi In her farewell message, Wanja recalled meeting Opicho at the National Defence University-Kenya, where their acquaintance blossomed into a close friendship. She said the late senior police officer mentored her on security awareness, protocol, professionalism and leadership, equipping her with skills that helped her navigate engagements with senior government officials and other dignitaries. “He mentored me on security awareness, protocol, professionalism and leadership, while teaching me how to handle diffic...