Kenya News updates

By Irene   African civil society leaders have issued a strong warning to governments across the continent, urging them not to sign the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) Annex under the World Health Organization Pandemic Agreement unless it guarantees legally binding and enforceable benefit-sharing. Speaking at a high-level press conference in Nairobi, just days before critical negotiations resume in Geneva, key health advocates said Africa risks locking itself into a system that entrenches the very inequities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The leaders, including Aggrey Aluso of the Resilience Action Network Africa, Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui of AIDS Healthcare Foundation Kenya, Dan Owala of the People’s Health Movement Kenya, and Willis Omondi of Mind To Heart Community-Based Organisation, called on African governments to adopt a firmer negotiating stance ahead of the resumed Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG6) meeting scheduled for April 27. ...

The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) has reaffirmed its position as a leading centre of excellence in special needs education, assessment, and rehabilitation, even as it pushes the boundaries of innovation through technology. Speaking during a recent partner engagement visit, the Institute’s Director underscored the urgent need to bridge the gap between rapid technological advancement and the limited access to opportunities still faced by many persons with disabilities. He emphasized that while the digital era presents immense possibilities, inclusion must remain at the heart of innovation. KISE highlighted its growing collaborations with global and local partners, including Huawei, AT4D, UNESCO, and Qhala. Among the key initiatives is the 2024 AI Hackathon, which aims to develop and scale inclusive, tech-driven solutions tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities. The Director further reiterated the Institute’s commitment to locally designing and produci...

Incoming Lamu Women Representative aspirant Jennifer Wairimu has secured a resounding victory in the United Democratic Alliance grassroots elections after garnering an overwhelming 94% of the vote in Sinambio. Wairimu was awarded the provisional certificate of nomination under UDA, marking a significant milestone in her political journey and reinforcing her growing support base at the grassroots level. In her victory message, she expressed deep gratitude to the people of Sinambio for their trust and confidence, noting that the win belongs to the entire community. She pledged to faithfully represent Special Interest Groups, including women, youth, and persons living with disabilities in Hongwe Ward. “This victory belongs to all of us,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to inclusive leadership and community-driven development. Her landslide win signals strong grassroots backing and positions her as a rising political force in Lamu County as she sets her sights on the Wom...

Incoming Makueni Women Representative aspirant Damaris Maweu has received a major political boost after emerging successful in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections, where she was elected as a party member. The victory marks a significant step in consolidating her political journey, signaling growing confidence and support from party supporters at the grassroots level. Her election positions her firmly within the party structures, enhancing her influence and visibility as she eyes the Makueni Women Representative seat in 2027. Maweu has steadily built her profile as a champion of youth empowerment, women’s leadership, and community development across Makueni County. Her involvement in local initiatives and community events has earned her recognition as a grassroots-focused leader committed to uplifting livelihoods. Political observers note that grassroots elections often play a crucial role in shaping future leadership, as they reflect the tr...

Busia County senatorial aspirant Levi Mulase has declared his bid for leadership with a strong message of economic transformation, youth inclusion, and ideology-driven politics, following the official registration of the People's renaissance Movement (PM party). Speaking at the party headquarters   Mulase described the movement as a “newborn that is already running,” signaling what he termed as a fast-growing political force set to shape Kenya’s future. He emphasized that unlike traditional formations, the PM party is rooted in ideas and policies rather than personality-driven politics. Mulase called on Kenyans, particularly the youth, to actively participate in politics by joining political parties, which he described as key vehicles for nurturing leadership and strengthening democracy. He urged young people to move from the sidelines and take part in shaping the country’s governance and economic direction. At the core of his senatorial bid is an ambitious economi...

Connected Africa Summit 2026 is set to take center stage in Nairobi from April 27 to April 30, bringing together policymakers, innovators, and technology leaders from across the continent in a major push to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation. Hosted at The Edge Convention Centre and organized by the ICT Authority of Kenya, the four-day summit is expected to be the most senior gathering focused on Africa’s digital economy this year. It will run daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, attracting high-level delegates from government, private sector, academia, and development organizations. Held under the theme “Uniting Africa’s Innovation for an Inclusive Digital Market,” the summit builds on momentum from previous editions, shifting focus toward measurable delivery and real impact. Discussions will center on key areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure, and cybersecurity, alongside emerging priorities like fintech, digital identity, cloud computing,...