Kenya News updates

Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with the World Bank to accelerate growth in Kenya’s aviation and infrastructure sectors. Speaking after chairing a high-level meeting with senior World Bank officials and key stakeholders in the infrastructure sector, PS Mbaika described the discussions as productive and forward-looking, particularly as the country prepares for the modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). “The World Bank remains a vital strategic partner in Kenya’s development journey. Its historic support for transformative projects such as the Northern Corridor demonstrates the impact of strong collaboration. We are now exploring similar partnerships to unlock growth in aviation and aerospace development,” she said. The meeting brought together World Bank representatives Joseph Sasia and Megersu Abate, alongside officials from th...

By Irene Mwende  Thousands of families affected by protest-related violence have issued what they describe as a strong and final demand for immediate compensation, saying years of waiting, court battles, and unfulfilled promises have left them in deep pain, poverty and uncertainty. In a passionate statement, the victims said many families lost breadwinners during protests, leaving widows, children and dependents without financial support. Despite the passage of time, they claim that a significant number of affected households have received no compensation. “Thousands of Kenyan families are living in pain, poverty, and uncertainty after losing their loved ones during protests. Breadwinners were killed, families were shattered, and children were left without support. To date, many of these families have received nothing. Tumesahaulika sasa,” the statement read. The group said they had exercised patience and respected institutions but that their endurance had now run out. ...

By Irene Mwende The Board of Directors and Chair of the Scientific, Research and Innovation Committee at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Dr. Damaris Maweu, has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to advancing health research and local manufacturing as key pillars of Kenya’s development agenda. Speaking during the 16th Annual Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Scientific and Health (KASH) Conference, Dr. Maweu said the forum is firmly aligned with Kenya Vision 2030 and the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, both of which recognize research and local manufacturing as critical drivers of health security, socio-economic transformation  and sustainable development. Dr. Maweu noted that KASH serves as a strategic platform through which KEMRI advances its institutional mandate to generate scientific evidence, develop innovative technologies and translate research findings into policy and practice. “By bringing together researc...

By Irene Mwende  Kenya must urgently invest in local vaccine manufacturing to safeguard itself against future disease outbreaks, health sector leaders have warned, noting that continued overreliance on imported vaccines poses a serious risk to national health security. Speaking during the 16th Kenya Association of Scientists and Health Professionals (KASH) Conference held in Nairobi,  Director General   KEMRI Prof. Elijah Songok said the country must begin producing its own vaccines to guarantee long-term preparedness and resilience against emerging health threats. “It is time we start producing our own vaccines to avoid future outbreaks,” he  said, revealing that Kenya currently imports about 99 per cent of the vaccines used locally. He described the situation as both unsustainable and risky, particularly during global health crises when international supply chains are often disrupted. Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Director General Prof. ...

Dr. Abdullai Ali, Chairman of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), has called for urgent collaboration, adequate funding, and the use of technology-backed processes to strengthen sustainable vaccine manufacturing and delivery in Kenya and the region. Speaking during the 16th KASH Conference, Dr. Ali emphasized that vaccine manufacturing cannot succeed in isolation and urged stakeholders across the health sector to work together and focus on the basics first . “Let us unlock funding, work with key stakeholders, and adopt good processes supported by technology,” Dr. Ali said, stressing that fragmented efforts continue to undermine progress in vaccine access. He challenged players in the vaccine sector—manufacturers, suppliers, government agencies, and development partners—to prioritize practical and efficient mechanisms for supplying and delivering vaccines to those who need them most. According to Dr. Ali, strengthening distribution systems and establishing reliable...

By Irene  The Government has reaffirmed its full commitment to implementing the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) Report, dismissing claims of inaction as misleading and unfounded. Speaking during a press briefing at Harambee House Annex on Monday, Government Spokesperson Hon. Sen. (Dr.) Isaac Mwaura said a five-member NADCO implementation committee remains firmly on course, supported by clear administrative, legislative and constitutional pathways. Dr. Mwaura revealed that templates have been issued to all 54 State Departments outlining specific mandates and deliverables to ensure accountability, particularly on key issues such as the cost of living. On the legislative front, 16 Bills linked to the NADCO agenda are currently at various stages in both the National Assembly and the Senate. “Of the ten agreed agenda items, eight are being implemented administratively, while two require a referendum as guided by Articles 255, 256 and 257 of the Constitution due to their ...