Kenya News updates

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has intensified efforts to promote a peaceful and violence-free 2027 General Election, bringing its peace roadmap directly to Nairobi residents and key stakeholders.  NCIC Commissioner Hon. Jackson Suwat Kedogo said the forum, held in collaboration with partners including UNDP and KOICA, seeks to bring Kenyans together to identify practical ways of preventing election-related violence, hate speech and political intolerance. Kedogo said the commission is also preparing to reconvene political parties for the signing of a peace charter after the initial exercise was postponed due to the absence of some major parties. He defended the NCIC against claims of bias, saying the commission acts in accordance with the law and has summoned individuals across the political divide over remarks considered capable of undermining cohesion.  He maintained that NCIC’s role goes beyond summons and arrests, stressing that its broa...

Four young Kenyan women have emerged as the overall winners of the third edition of the GirlCode Kenya Hackathon after developing an innovative AI-powered solution aimed at transforming public transport payments. Mary Wangui, Linet Mugwanja, Aisha Barasa and Cynthia Chepkorir impressed judges with Naulisako, a digital fare collection platform designed to streamline payments in the public transport sector, automate reconciliation for vehicle owners and generate reliable sales records for improved transparency and financial management. The two-day competition, held at Konza Technopolis, brought together 44 young women, including students, graduates, developers and aspiring entrepreneurs, who worked with industry mentors to develop technology-driven solutions to real-world challenges.  The Bots team emerged first runners-up with Biashara Bot, a platform that helps underserved and unbanked small businesses digitise financial record-keeping, while Korva Creatives Economy fin...

 Businessman Aliko Dangote has delivered a powerful message on the importance of giving women opportunities in business, encouraging society to recognise and support women based on their talent, integrity, vision and ability to deliver results. In remarks directed to businesswoman Rose Wanja, Dangote emphasised that women should not be underestimated in the business world, noting that providing them with opportunities, respecting their ideas and trusting their abilities can unlock remarkable potential. His message underlined the growing role of women in driving enterprise, creating opportunities and building lasting business networks. “Never underestimate the power of doing business with a woman. Give her an opportunity, respect her ideas, trust her abilities and watch what she can build,” Dangote remarked. He added that in business, talent, integrity and vision matter more than gender. The remarks have been seen as an encouraging recognition of women such as Wanja who ...

His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, has introduced Rose Wanja to Dangote Industries in a moment she describes as more than a simple introduction, but an opportunity anchored on trust, responsibility and delivery. Reflecting on the encounter in Lamu, Wanja said the Ooni, who affectionately refers to her as “my adorable daughter,” used the moment to create an opportunity for her to listen, understand the assignment and take responsibility for delivering on what had been entrusted to her. According to Wanja, meaningful access goes beyond photographs, handshakes or being present in important rooms. She described it as an opportunity to demonstrate capacity, earn trust and turn responsibility into tangible results. “Don't only pray to enter important rooms. Pray that when your name is mentioned in those rooms, it is attached to trust, capacity, responsibility and delivery,” Wanja said. She noted that while influential people may open doors and create opportunities, the re...

The National Parents Association (NPA) has called for stronger guidance and counselling, chaplaincy and pastoral-care systems in schools, saying indiscipline and other behavioural challenges among learners should be addressed through professional and non-violent approaches. The Association said concerns over substance abuse, school unrest, violence and indiscipline are legitimate, but teachers should be equipped with appropriate skills and institutional support rather than relying on corporal punishment. Parliament has also recently backed a motion seeking mandatory guidance and counselling programmes in primary and secondary schools.  The NPA is proposing specialised and continuous teacher training in child and adolescent development, positive behaviour management, conflict resolution, restorative discipline, child protection and identification of learners facing trauma or family difficulties. It is also calling for stronger coordination among teachers, parents, profes...

Suqoon founder Shakira has hailed the 2026 International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) celebrations as a major milestone for Kenya, following the country’s first-ever conference dedicated to older persons. Shakira commended the organising committee drawn from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the Ministry of Health for bringing the two ministries together to create a platform where issues affecting older persons could be discussed and addressed. She also welcomed plans to undertake research on older persons, saying the data collected would be valuable in shaping programmes and policies that respond to their needs. The conference brought together about 300 older persons from different counties, giving them an opportunity to share their experiences and participate directly in discussions on issues affecting their lives. The conversations covered the silver economy, Inua Jamii, legislation, healthcare, healthy ageing and dementia, among other areas. Shakira said t...

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...