Kenya news diary

By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi Kenya , September 24, 2026 The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has today issued a seven-day strike notice, warning that lecturers in public universities will down their tools nationwide from midnight on Thursday, October 1, 2026, unless the government addresses the union’s grievances. In a press statement issued on Thursday, September 24, UASU Secretary General Dr. Constantine Wasonga said the planned strike follows what the union describes as the persistent failure by university councils, the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury to honour the Return-to-Work Formula signed on November 5, 2025. A major concern raised by the union is the failure by the government to provide a financial counter-proposal for the 2025–2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). UASU says lecturers in public universities remain without a concluded CBA, while other employees in the public education sector completed negotiations for their 2025–2...

By Christopher mbiti  P hoto caption: Hon. Nicholas mulila with kitui youth based in Nairobi  Nairobi ,Kenya September 13, 2026   Kitui gubernatorial aspirant Nicholas Mulila has pledged to work closely with young people and make their participation a key pillar of his administration if elected governor. Speaking on Sunday, September 13, when he met kitui youth  based in Nairobi at the National Youth Centre, Mulila assured the young people that his government would prioritize their inclusion in leadership, economic empowerment and access to opportunities. Mulila promised to strengthen Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by establishing ICT centres across the county. He said the centres would provide young people with spaces to develop digital skills, create online jobs and access employment opportunities in the growing digital economy. In pictures: Nicholas Mulila addressing Kitui youth  The gubernatorial aspirant ...

By Christopher mbiti  photo caption: KEPRO stakeholders  NAIROBI, September 10, 2026  The Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO) has called for stronger collaboration among government, manufacturers, consumers, recyclers and the waste management sector to turn waste awareness into meaningful action. Speaking during a KEPRO Media Breakfast in Nairobi, KEPRO CEO James Odongo said the growing uptake of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) must translate into effective compliance and measurable impact. “Registration does not always translate into compliance,” Odongo said, noting that more work is needed to build an effective system across the waste value chain. Photo caption:KEPRO CEO James Odongo The meeting reviewed the impact of the Rada Safi Campaign , which promoted responsible waste management, waste separation and the economic value of waste through media, digital platforms, influencers and public engagement. Stakeho...

By Christopher mbiti  photo caption: ODM Party leader,Oburu Odinga NAIROBI, September 10, 2026  ODM Party Leader Sen. Dr. Oburu Oginga has confirmed that he is currently in the United Kingdom for a routine medical checkup, saying the visit follows advice from his doctors and party leadership. In a statement issued Thursday, Oginga said the trip will also allow him time to rest and rejuvenate as he undergoes a comprehensive health evaluation. The ODM leader described his temporary absence as a “strategic” moment for the party, saying it provides an opportunity to test the movement’s institutional strength and readiness to operate beyond individual leaders. He expressed confidence in his deputy party leaders, Kisii Governor Paul Simba Arati and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, alongside the National Central Committee and party secretariat, to oversee the party’s affairs during his absence. Oburu has also urged ODM members and supporters to remain united, cooperat...

By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi Kenya 10 September 2026 The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced a month-long programme of activities to commemorate the late former party leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, under the theme “Mwezi wa Baba.” During a press briefing held today at the party headquarters,the party said October will be dedicated to honouring Odinga’s contribution to Kenya’s democracy and Pan-Africanism, as the country marks one year since his death. The programme will begin on October 2, 2026, with a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony at 6pm. A major memorial rally will follow in Kakamega on October 9, bringing together supporters from Western Kenya. Family-led activities will run from October 10 to 15 and culminate in a memorial service at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo. Other planned activities include memorial rallies in Garissa on October 17, coastal commemorations on October 18–19, activities in Kajiado and Turkana, and a major “Mwezi wa Baba” ...

By Christopher mbiti  NAIROBI, September 10, 2026  The government has urged Kenyans to prepare early for the anticipated El Niño rains, emphasizing that while there is no cause for panic, there is every reason to remain alert, informed and ready to act on official advisories. Speaking during the briefing Government spokesperson Mr Charles Owino said that they are ready for the risks ,“We will mitigate the risks, and within those areas we will be able to map out where people are settled and determine the appropriate interventions. That is where we bring in our development partners, including the Kenya Red Cross, to establish how we can provide tents and other emergency support" Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke who was also in the briefing said the government has strengthened its crisis communication framework to ensure timely dissemination of accurate and actionable information before and during emergencies on the anticipat...

By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi Kenya September 8 2026 Law enforcement officers in Siaya have arrested 12 suspects following a chaotic incident in which a group of rowdy youth attempted to obstruct a convoy of dignitaries in Siaya town. The incident occurred yesterday, September 8, 2026, shortly after the conclusion of a women’s economic empowerment function held at the Siaya KMTC grounds. As the convoy proceeded towards the designated landing and take-off site, a group of rowdy youth allegedly attempted to force their way through a secured gate, obstructing the convoy and hurling stones at police officers manning the entrance. Police officers responded swiftly, restoring order and arresting 12 suspects believed to have been involved in the incident. The suspects are currently in police custody undergoing processing, pending arraignment, as detectives continue investigations with a view to bringing to book any other persons found to have been involved in the incident. The...

By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi Kenya September 8, 2026 The government has moved to establish a high-level technical committee to address outstanding compliance concerns that led to the suspension of operations at Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited . In a statement issued following a meeting with executives of Tata Chemicals Magadi, Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Ali Joho said the government is seeking a comprehensive and timely resolution to the issues while safeguarding the interests of local communities and ensuring adherence to Kenyan laws. Joho said he held a “fruitful engagement” with the company's executives at his office after concerns were raised regarding the firm's compliance with ministry requirements. “To facilitate a comprehensive and timely resolution of the outstanding matters, we agreed to establish a high-level technical committee,” the Cabinet Secretary said. The committee will be led by the Principal Secretar...

By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi Kenya 8 September 2026 The Coalition for Health Research and Development (CHReaD), hosted by Amref Health Africa, has today opened a three-day Culture of Science Conference in Nairobi, bringing together researchers, policymakers, innovators and other stakeholders to discuss the role of science and research in shaping Africa’s future. The conference, being held from September 8 to 10 at Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel, is focusing on strengthening Africa’s culture of science while promoting research, innovation, evidence-based policymaking and public trust in scientific information.The conference was officially opened by the member of Parliament Matungulu constituency  Speaking during the official opening of the conference, Hon. Mule called on scientists and researchers to actively participate in policy formulation, legislative processes and national budget-making, saying scientific discoveries risk remaining confined to laboratories...

By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi, September 8, 2026  Matungulu Member of Parliament Hon. Stephen Mutinda Mule has officially opened the Culture of Science Conference, a three-day gathering bringing together scientists, researchers, policymakers, legislators and other stakeholders to deliberate on the role of science, research and innovation in national development. The conference is being held from September 8 to 10, 2026, at Emara Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi. Speaking during the official opening of the conference, Hon. Mule called on scientists and researchers to actively participate in policy formulation, legislative processes and national budget-making, saying scientific discoveries risk remaining confined to laboratories if researchers are not involved in the decisions that determine how their work is funded and implemented. “Scientists and researchers should not only come to Parliament when they need a new law. They must be part of the conversation fr...

By Christopher mbiti  NAIROBI, Kenya, September 3, 2026  Religious leaders, electoral agencies, security institutions and civil society organisations have called for collective action to safeguard Kenya's democracy and prevent election-related violence ahead of the 2027 General Election. The calls were made during the two-day National Stakeholders Convention on Democratic, Credible and Peaceful 2027 Elections, held at Ufungamano House in Nairobi from September 2 to 3. The convention was convened under the Kenya Religious Leaders Forum, bringing together the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), alongside constitutional commissions, professional bodies and civil society organisations. According to the NCCK, the convention brought together representatives from six umbrella religious institutions, seven constitutional agencies, fi...

By Christopher mbiti  NAIROBI, Kenya, September 4, 2026 — African governments, institutions and private sector players have been urged to make deliberate investments in women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as the continent positions innovation at the centre of its economic transformation. The Women in STEM Africa Summit 2026, organised by Women in Technology and Innovation Africa (WITIA) in partnership with UNESCO, concluded in Nairobi with a renewed call for stronger collaboration in unlocking opportunities for African women and young innovators. Held on September 3 and 4 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) under the theme, “Discovering Talent, Driving Innovation, Shaping Africa's Future,” the summit brought together policymakers, educators, technology leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, researchers, students and development partners. The discussions focused on leadership, innovation, artificial intell...

By Christopher mbiti  NAIROBI, Kenya  Kenya has taken centre stage in the global fight against Sickle Cell Disease as leaders, health stakeholders, advocates and Sickle Cell warriors from across Africa and other parts of the world convened in Nairobi for the 3rd Global Alliance of Sickle Cell Disease Organizations (GASCDO) Global Sickle Cell Disease Conference. The three-day conference held at the Emara Ole Sereni Hotel, brought together key players in the health sector to deliberate on improved awareness, treatment, care and advocacy for people living with Sickle Cell Disease. The conference was officially opened by the Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale who took a big step in joining delegates and stakeholders at the important global gathering, underscoring Kenya's commitment to strengthening efforts aimed at addressing the burden of Sickle Cell Disease. Speaking during the conference, GASCDO Chief Executive Officer Biba Tinga shared her person...

By Christopher mbiti  NAIROBI, Kenya, September 3, 2026  The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has today led by Ps Internal Security Dr. Raymond Omolo launched a rapid reference guide aimed at strengthening the country's response to offences committed under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018 (CAP. 79C). The guide is expected to provide law enforcement officers, investigators and other stakeholders with practical information to identify, understand and respond effectively to the growing threat of cybercrime in Kenya. The launch comes at a time when cyber-related offences, including online fraud, identity theft, cyber harassment, data breaches and other digital crimes, continue to pose significant challenges to individuals, institutions and national security. The reference guide seeks to simplify access to provisions of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act and enhance the capacity of relevant agencies in investigating and prosecuting offe...

By Christopher mbiti  Nairobi, Kenya  The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has convened a National Stakeholders Convention aimed at promoting democratic, credible and peaceful elections ahead of Kenya's 2027 General Election. The two-day convention, being held from September 2–3, 2026, at Ufungamano House, brings together key stakeholders to deliberate on measures necessary to safeguard the country's democratic processes and prevent election-related violence. Held under the theme “Democratic, Credible and Peaceful 2027 Elections,” the forum provides a platform for religious leaders, civil society organisations, governance institutions and other stakeholders to engage on Kenya's electoral preparedness. The convention comes at a crucial time as the country begins preparations for the 2027 polls, with concerns around political tensions, electoral credibility and peaceful transitions remaining central to national conversations. Stakeholders explored way...