Kenya news diary

 By Christopher mbiti  NAIROBI, Kenya, August 28, 2026   The Elimu Bora Working Group has raised concerns over allegations surrounding the distribution and alleged sale of Teachers Service Commission (TSC) employment letters, calling for transparency, fairness and merit to be upheld in the recruitment of teachers. Speaking during a media briefing at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Nairobi on Friday, the group expressed concern over claims that some Members of Parliament were issued with TSC employment letters for distribution to their constituents, with allegations that some of the letters were sold for as much as Sh400,000 . The concerns follow remarks attributed to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula regarding the issuance of employment letters to legislators for distribution within their respective constituencies. The Elimu Bora Working Group warned that if the allegations are established, such practices could undermine the integrity of the teacher recruitm...

 Christopher mbiti  Photo captions: Wiper leader (center) H.E Kalonzo Musyoka TAITA TAVETA, Kenya  Wiper Patriotic Front and Azimio la Umoja Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accompanied by DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa and Democratic Party Leader Justin Muturi, has today on Saturday visited victims of forced evictions and alleged land grabbing in Jipe/Mwakosheni Village in Taita Taveta County. The opposition leaders later held a series of public engagement rallies in Eldoro, Taveta Town and Voi Town, where they addressed concerns over land rights, economic hardship and what they termed as the abuse of state power. Kalonzo strongly condemned the demolition of homes and the alleged overnight eviction of hundreds of residents from the disputed land, which covers more than 4,000 acres. According to the Wiper leader, the evictions had left vulnerable families, including women, children and persons with disabilities, without adequate shelter, food, water and access to educatio...

 By Christopher mbiti  NAIROBI, Kenya — August 28, 2026  Traders have taken to the streets of Nairobi’s Central Business District to protest what they describe as high taxation and rising costs of doing business, with several businesses closing their doors as demonstrations intensified. The protests, captured in the accompanying images, have seen traders and other small-scale business operators march through parts of the CBD, carrying placards, whistles and other protest items as they voice their frustrations over taxation policies. At the centre of the latest dispute is the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) revision of the minimum customs benchmark for consolidated cargo from Sh2.5 million to Sh3.2 million for a 40-foot container. The increase represents a Sh700,000, or 28 per cent, rise.  Traders, particularly those dealing in imported goods, argue that the higher benchmark will increase the cost of clearing merchandise and further squeeze already thin profit margins...

 By Christopher mbiti Photo captions: Energy and Petroleum Cs Opiyo wandayi.  NAIROBI, August 26, 2026  Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has strongly defended the government’s ongoing crackdown on illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) trade, warning that enforcement operations will be intensified despite growing political criticism. Speaking during a press briefing at KASNEB Towers in Nairobi on Wednesday, Wandayi dismissed allegations raised by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the government’s treatment of small-scale LPG traders, saying the enforcement campaign is primarily aimed at protecting consumers and eliminating illegal gas refilling and trading. Wandayi said the government would not allow political pressure or commercial interests to interfere with efforts to enforce safety standards in the LPG sector. «“The government will not succumb to pressure from politicians and cartels hell-bent to benefit from LPG illicit trade,” Wandayi ...

By Christopher mbiti  NAIROBI |Kenya, August 26, 2026    African nations have been urged to take greater ownership of their global narrative and position reputation, culture and strategic communication as key assets for economic growth, investment and international influence. The call was made during the opening of the second edition of the Africa Global Public Relations Week (AGPRW) 2026 in Nairobi, bringing together public relations practitioners, government representatives, business leaders, diplomats and communication experts from across the continent. Held under the theme “Redefining Africa; Africa as a Brand,” the forum seeks to explore how strategic communication can reshape perceptions of Africa, strengthen national reputations and enhance the continent's competitiveness in the global marketplace. A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the Africa Brand Index 2026 , which examines how African countries and the continent as a whole are perceived a...

 By Christopher mbiti  August 25, 2026 Photo Caption: Co-operatives and MSME Development CS Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya (centre) with Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni and other officials during the commissioning of the National Organizing Committee for Kenya’s participation in the 26th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair, scheduled for October 30 to November 8, 2026, in Kigali Rwanda  NAIROBI, Aug. 25 — Preparations for Kenya’s participation in the 26th East African Community (EAC) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Trade Fair have intensified following the commissioning of a multi-sectoral National Organizing Committee. Co-operatives and MSME Development Cabinet Secretary Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya commissioned the committee on Monday ahead of the regional trade fair scheduled for October 30 to November 8, 2026, in Kigali, Rwanda. The fair will be held under the theme, “Advancing Regional Value Chains in Leather and Horticulture,” and is expected to bring together more than 1,000 enter...

 By Christopher mbiti  NAIROBI |Kenya August 20, 2026 The fourth edition of the Africa Food Show Kenya which has being launched today is set to bring together key players across Africa’s food and agriculture sector as stakeholders seek practical solutions to transform agrifood systems and improve access to safe, nutritious and affordable food. The three-day event will be held from today August 20 to 22, 2026, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi under the theme, “Transforming Agrifood Systems for Healthy Diets: From Seed to Plate.” The business-to-business exhibition will bring together producers, processors, traders, investors, policymakers, researchers, innovators, development partners and private-sector leaders from Kenya, across Africa and beyond. The event is designed to connect the entire food value chain, from production and processing to distribution and consumption. It will combine exhibitions, conference discussions, demonstrations and ne...

By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi|Kenya August 20, 2026 Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, EGH, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, conducted an inspection tour of the Talanta Sports Complex to assess the progress of the ongoing construction works. The inspection formed part of the government's efforts to monitor the implementation of major sports infrastructure projects and ensure that works are progressing in line with the set plans and required standards. During the visit, Mvurya assessed the status of the ongoing works and received updates on the progress of the project from officials involved in its implementation. The Cabinet Secretary's visit comes as the government continues to prioritise investment in sports infrastructure, with the aim of providing modern facilities for athletes, sports federations and other stakeholders in the sporting sector. The Talanta Sports Complex is expected to play an important role in strengthening Ke...

By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi Kenya August 17 2026 Six concerned citizens were reportedly arrested outside Jogoo House in Nairobi after staging a demonstration calling for the resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja. The group gathered outside the National Police Service headquarters to voice their concerns over the leadership of the police service and demand what they described as greater accountability from the country’s top police command. The protesters directed their criticism at Kanja, calling on him to step down from office. Their action comes amid continued public debate over police accountability, the conduct of security officers and the need for reforms within the National Police Service. Jogoo House, which houses the office of the Inspector General of Police, has in recent months become a focal point for groups seeking to present grievances concerning policing and security matters. In June, families of Kenyans who died during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill p...

 By Christopher mbiti  NAIROBI Kenya, August 14, 2026   The Nairobi Hospital has today hosted the 2026 Children’s Charity Heart Fund Golf Tournament at Karen Country Club, bringing together corporate partners, sponsors, golfers, philanthropists and members of the public in support of children living with heart conditions. The annual fundraising event seeks to mobilise resources to help children diagnosed with congenital and acquired heart conditions who require specialised cardiac treatment but cannot afford the cost of care. According to The Nairobi Hospital, the Children’s Charity Heart Fund Golf Tournament has become a flagship fundraising initiative aimed at giving vulnerable children access to life-saving cardiac healthcare. Nairobi Hospital Chief Executive Officer Felix Osano said many children requiring heart surgery reach the facility after their families have exhausted their financial resources, making timely support critical. “Every fee, sponsorship and pri...

By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi Kenya August 14 2026 President William Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto have hosted a State Concert celebrating the 98th edition of the Kenya Music Festivals at the Bungoma State Lodge. The event brought together talented learners, teachers, cultural practitioners, government officials and other stakeholders in the creative sector to celebrate Kenya’s rich cultural heritage through music, dance and other forms of artistic expression. The State Concert provided a platform to showcase some of the outstanding performances from this year’s Kenya Music Festivals, which continue to play an important role in nurturing artistic talent among young Kenyans. President Ruto, who was accompanied by Mama Rachel Ruto, commended the participants for their dedication, creativity and commitment to preserving Kenya’s diverse cultural heritage. The President noted that music and the arts remain important tools for promoting national unity, nurturing talent and creatin...

 By Steven Mwalili.  Nairobi Kenya August 14 2026 Africa's leading electric mobility company, Spiro, has expanded its battery-swapping infrastructure in Nairobi with the launch of a new Spiro Mega Station in Westlands. This move increases the capacity available to riders and supporting the growing demand for clean, efficient and affordable electric mobility. The new Mega Station has been upgraded from a capacity of approximately 40–50 bikes at a time up to 200 bikes, allowing significantly more riders to swap batteries without long queues or unnecessary downtime. For Spiro riders, the expansion means more batteries, less waiting and more time on the road. The development forms part of Spiro's wider commitment to building an efficient electric mobility ecosystem in Kenya, where electric motorcycles are increasingly becoming an important part of the transition towards cleaner urban transportation. According to the company, the number of electric motorcycles on Kenyan roads conti...

 By Christopher mbiti  THIKA, KENYA – August 14, 2026 Quickmart Supermarket has today officially opened its 72nd store in Makongeni, Thika, marking another milestone in the retailer’s continued expansion across Kenya. The new outlet, located at Shell Makongeni along Garissa Road, was officially opened on Friday, August 14, 2026, giving residents of Makongeni and surrounding areas easier access to a wide range of shopping and household products. The launch forms part of Quickmart’s ongoing expansion strategy aimed at bringing its retail services closer to customers in different parts of the country. The Makongeni outlet is expected to serve the growing population and businesses within the area, providing customers with convenient access to fresh produce, groceries, household goods and other essential products under one roof. The store is also set to operate 24 hours a day, offering customers flexibility to shop at any time. The opening of the Makongeni outlet comes as Quickmart...

 By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi Kenya August 13 2026 Hon. Dr. Makali Mulu’s development record in Kitui Central Constituency is increasingly becoming a key part of his political agenda as he positions himself to seek the Kitui County governorship in the 2027 General Election. Mulu, who has represented Kitui Central in Parliament since 2013, has built his political profile around constituency development, parliamentary representation and advocacy for improved access to government services and opportunities for residents. Over his years as Member of Parliament, Mulu has focused on initiatives touching on education, infrastructure, youth empowerment and community development. Through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), various projects have been implemented across Kitui Central, including support for learning institutions and other community facilities. Education has remained one of the major areas associated with Mulu’s constituency development agend...

 By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi Kenya August 12 2026, Kenya’s national conversation is increasingly shifting beyond the immediate political and economic priorities of the day, with growing calls for the country to develop a clear long-term vision that extends beyond 2030. The emerging debate, dubbed “The National Conversation: Beyond 2030,” seeks to bring together leaders, professionals, young people, civil society, the private sector and communities to reflect on the kind of Kenya the country wants to build in the decades ahead. At the heart of the conversation is the need to move beyond short-term political cycles and focus on sustainable development, economic transformation, job creation, education, technology, healthcare and environmental protection. The discussions are expected to examine whether Kenya’s existing development plans are adequately preparing the country for the challenges and opportunities that will define the post-2030 era. A major focus is likely to be the ...

 By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi, Kenya – August 11, 2026  Kenya is seeking to modernise its electricity system and strengthen the integration of renewable energy as the country moves towards a smarter, more resilient and sustainable power sector. This was highlighted during the Kenya Energy Transition Forum 2026, held on Tuesday at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi, which brought together government officials, energy industry executives, technology leaders, development partners and research institutions. The forum was convened by the State Department for Energy under the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in partnership with Huawei Kenya, with discussions focusing on how technology and innovation can support Kenya's energy transition. The forum featured discussions on Kenya's energy development trends and challenges, smart grid technologies, grid-forming energy storage solutions and wireless network solutions. Participants also took part in discussions around the G...

 By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi Kenya 10 August 2026 Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist, songwriter, playwright and actor Somi has been named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Artist of the Month for August 2026, in recognition of her contribution to African music, jazz and storytelling. The announcement was made on Monday, August 10, 2026, as Somi continues to promote her latest album, What Does It Take to Bloom?, released on August 7 through Salon Africana. The 13-track album explores themes of self-discovery, identity, belonging and personal growth. It features the single We’re All Falling and includes collaborations with Nigerian highlife duo The Cavemen. and acclaimed jazz saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin. The album was co-produced by Somi and Benjamin James of The Cavemen. and was recorded in Dakar, Lagos, Paris and New York City, bringing together African rhythms, contemporary jazz and global musical influences. Born in Illinois to Rwandan and Ugandan parents, Somi has developed a distinct...

 By Christopher mbiti  KITUI COUNTY| August 2, 2026  Kitui Central Member of Parliament Makali Mulu has officially declared his intention to vie for the Kitui County gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, signaling the beginning of what is expected to be a competitive race for the county's top leadership position. The announcement came as the legislator spent the day yesterday 1 August 2026 with residents across Kitui County while attending a series of funeral services, where he reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people and expressed his desire to extend his leadership beyond the constituency level. Speaking during the burial ceremonies, Mulu said his decision to seek the governorship is driven by his vision of accelerating development across all parts of Kitui County. He noted that his years of experience in public service and leadership have prepared him to steer the county towards greater economic growth, improved infrastructure, enhanced healthcare, qu...