KBC Channel 1

Author: Beth Nyaga

  • Kenya targets 20pc growth in Indian tourist arrivals by year-end

    Kenya targets 20pc growth in Indian tourist arrivals by year-end

    Kenya is targeting a 20 per cent increase in visitor arrivals from India by the end of the year, driven by intensified promotional campaigns in key Indian cities.

    Over the weekend, 15 Kenyan travel agencies actively marketing the country in India expressed confidence in achieving this growth.

    Speaking at the close of the annual Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) at the Jio Convention Center in Mumbai, Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) CEO Fred Kaigwa said current market trends indicate a surge in Indian tourist arrivals by the close of 2025.

    “The travel trade roadshows in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Kolkata, culminating in the OTM tourism fair, have significantly boosted Kenya’s visibility in India. We are optimistic that these engagements will translate into increased bookings,” Kaigwa stated.

    He noted a strong interest in Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism, alongside leisure travel, following engagements with key stakeholders.

    Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has launched a two-month joint sales campaign in collaboration with top Indian travel agencies, including SOTC Travel Limited, Make My Trip, Ease My Trip, Pick Your Trail, and Thomas Cook.

    KTB CEO June Chepkemei emphasized the campaign’s role in strengthening Kenya’s position as a preferred destination for Indian travelers.

    “As an emerging market, India presents immense potential for Kenya’s tourism sector. We are committed to working closely with the private sector to keep Kenya top of mind for both travelers and investors,” she said.

    Last year, tourist arrivals from India reached 106,863, up from 95,038 in 2023, marking a 12.4% growth.

    The Maasai Mara Game Reserve remains a key draw for Indian travelers, but industry stakeholders are keen to promote Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings.

    “Our marketing efforts go beyond Kenya’s signature beach and wildlife safaris. We are highlighting destinations like Amboseli, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Aberdares, and the Kenyan coast, which are gaining traction among Indian tourists,” Kaigwa explained.

    Golden Holiday founder and chairman Bakul Chandaria underscored the importance of travel agent education in sustaining growth.

    “In-market campaigns have raised Kenya’s visibility, but we must scale up training for travel agents to enhance their knowledge and improve sales,” he said.

    Kenya’s participation at OTM 2024, which featured over 1,600 exhibitors from 60 countries, provided a platform for networking, business partnerships, and insights into global tourism trends.

    The event was co-hosted by KTB and KATO, further strengthening Kenya’s collaboration with the private sector in expanding its footprint in the Indian market.

  • DCI nabs trio behind brutal murders and robberies in Gem Yala

    DCI nabs trio behind brutal murders and robberies in Gem Yala

    Three notorious robbery with violence suspects who have terrorized residents of Gem Yala Sub-County and its environs have been arrested.

    The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that Albert Otieno, Farid Kimutai and John Okumu were apprehended after weeks of intense pursuit following a string of violent robberies and murders.

    The suspects were linked to a brutal attack on January 3, 2025, at a timber yard and hardware store near Ulumbi Junction along the Kisumu-Busia highway.

    During the incident, they mercilessly killed watchman Jesse Kalasinga, 40, before making away with assorted hardware goods.

    Their reign of terror continued on January 20, 2025, at Nyang’oma Market, where they vandalized a transformer, plunging the market into darkness.

    Under the cover of the outage, they savagely killed watchman Absalom Sande, 29, and left another guard, Francis Nyambese, 42, with serious injuries.

    They then broke into a phone accessories shop, stealing a Dell laptop, three smartphones, and other valuables.

    On January 29, 2025, the gang struck again at Yala Market, fatally injuring security guards Jesse Otieno, 35, and Edward Ochieng, 40.

    They proceeded to loot a shop, escaping with assorted airtime scratch cards, smartphones, and merchandise.

    After relentless investigations, detectives finally caught up with the trio, bringing their bloody spree to an end.

    The suspects are now in police custody and undergoing processing as they await their court appearance.

  • KTB honored for transparency and governance at FiRe awards

    KTB honored for transparency and governance at FiRe awards

    The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has been recognized for its outstanding financial reporting practices at the 23rd Annual Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards held in Nairobi.

    The board emerged as the top winner in the State Corporations and Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) category for its compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) accrual basis reporting.

    Established in 2002 through a collaboration between key financial sector players, the FiRe Awards promote transparency and integrity in financial reporting across the public and private sectors in Kenya.

    The awards recognize entities that demonstrate exemplary disclosure practices and compliance with applicable reporting standards.

    KTB CEO June Chepkemei welcomed the recognition, terming it a reflection of the board’s commitment to high governance standards.

    “We are honoured to be recognized for excellence in financial reporting, which reflects our commitment to high governance standards. As a state corporation entrusted with promoting Kenya as a leading tourism destination globally, adopting best practices in transparency and accountability is paramount,” she said.

    She further emphasized that the award was a testament to the board and management’s emphasis on integrity, openness, and adherence to regulations.

    “This award motivates us to scale even greater heights,” she added.

    The 2024 awards were themed “Championing Effective Sustainability Reporting through Technology and Innovation to Enhance Transparency.”

    Chepkemei noted that sustainability reporting had become a business imperative, and KTB had integrated environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its corporate strategy.

    “Reporting on ESG metrics is no longer optional but a business imperative. At KTB, we have embedded sustainability into our corporate strategy because, as a tourism promotion agency, our mission is intertwined with conservation and community empowerment,” she said.

    She added that technology would play a critical role in enabling more consistent and real-time sustainability reporting.

    “New technologies will be a game changer in enabling more consistent, reliable, and real-time sustainability reporting. We are excited to be pioneers in this journey.”

    The FiRe Awards evaluation criteria focus on compliance with reporting frameworks, governance disclosures, integration of sustainability information, and overall quality.

    Winning the prestigious award not only affirms KTB’s leadership in financial reporting but also enhances stakeholder confidence and partnerships.

  • Nairobi County hires 60 in-house lawyers to cut legal costs, boost service delivery

    Nairobi County hires 60 in-house lawyers to cut legal costs, boost service delivery

    The Nairobi County Government has strengthened its legal team with the recruitment of 60 additional in-house lawyers, a move aimed at reducing reliance on external legal counsel, curbing skyrocketing legal bills and enhancing efficiency in service delivery.

    Speaking at the conclusion of a two-day induction program for the newly hired legal team, Governor Johnson Sakaja emphasized the county’s commitment to cutting expenditure on outsourced legal services by employing full-time lawyers on permanent and pensionable terms.

    “We have had cases where a single legal firm bills Nairobi County over a billion shillings. As a government, we cannot continue down this path. Hiring our own lawyers will not only save costs but also ensure we have greater control over the quality of our legal work,” Sakaja stated.

    Previously, Nairobi County had only 24 in-house lawyers.

    With the addition of the new recruits, the county will now have a stronger legal team to handle litigation, conveyancing, contracting, compliance, and legislative affairs across various sectors.

    This is expected to streamline operations, expedite the resolution of active cases, and ensure better governance.

    Governor Sakaja noted that the move aligns with his administration’s broader vision of transforming county governance through effective legal frameworks.

    “You are a crucial part of this administration, and we have high expectations for you to deliver on our manifesto. Even if you face resistance, remain steadfast and let your conscience guide you. You are transforming lives and restoring hope,” he told the lawyers.

    The Office of the County Attorney, which operates under the Nairobi City County Attorney Act, 2020, will oversee the legal affairs of the county.

    In 2022, Nairobi’s legal bills hit a staggering Ksh 21 billion, underscoring the urgent need to streamline legal services and minimize excessive legal costs.

    County Attorney Ireri Nyagah urged the new legal team to uphold integrity and accountability in their work.

    “Accountability and integrity must come first. You have a duty to uphold these values and protect the county’s interests in everything you do,” he said.

    The Office of the County Attorney is established and executes its mandate under the Office of the County Attorney Act, 2020.

  • DP Kindiki switches on rural electrification project in Kieni

    DP Kindiki switches on rural electrification project in Kieni

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Friday afternoon launched the Rural Electrification Project in Aguthi Village, Kieni Constituency, bringing light and power to hundreds of households.

    The project, part of the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, targets 101 homes in the village, enabling families to access electricity for the first time.

    Among the beneficiaries was 73-year-old Lydia Wairimu Karoki, a widow and mother of five, who hosted the DP as he switched on power to her home.

    “I am happy to have been connected to electricity today. I am also happy to host the Deputy President of Kenya here at home,” said Karoki.

    The electrification efforts in Nyeri County have already benefited 10,903 households, with Ksh 733 million allocated for further expansion. In Kieni Constituency alone, Ksh 164 million has been set aside to connect 1,163 homes.

    DP Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to universal electricity access, highlighting significant progress over the years.

    “We have raised the number of people with electricity from 2.7 million in 2013 to 9 million in 2025. There are still more areas without power, which is why we have allocated funds to connect 1 million more Kenyans in the next 20 months,” he said.

    The electrification initiative aligns with President William Ruto’s broader agenda of expanding energy access to spur economic development, enhance education and improve livelihoods in rural areas.

  • Kenya condemns attack on Embassy in Kinshasa, demands swift action

    Kenya condemns attack on Embassy in Kinshasa, demands swift action

    Kenya has strongly condemned the recent attacks on its embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), by rioters protesting the ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC.

    The violent incidents, which included looting and destruction, also targeted Uganda’s Embassy, with reports indicating planned assaults on the South African, U.S. and Belgian Embassies.

    In a statement issued by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, the Kenyan government expressed outrage over the attacks and called for immediate action.

    “It is deeply concerning that these attacks occurred in the presence of security forces without intervention. Two of our staff members were forced to flee for safety, highlighting a failure to uphold international obligations,” Mudavadi said.

    In response to the incident, Kenya engaged the DRC’s Foreign Minister, who acknowledged the gravity of the attacks and assured swift action, including compensation for damages to the embassy.

    The attacks have raised questions about the DRC’s adherence to its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which mandates the protection of diplomatic missions and personnel.

    Kenya has demanded immediate measures to ensure the safety of its embassy and personnel and emphasized the need for accountability.

    As tensions persist in the Eastern DRC, Nairobi reiterated its commitment to promoting peace and dialogue as the only sustainable solutions to the conflict, while urging all parties to respect diplomatic norms and international law.

  • Two university students arrested for posing as EACC directors to defraud public

    Two university students arrested for posing as EACC directors to defraud public

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has apprehended two individuals accused of impersonating EACC officials and extorting money from public officials and members of the public in the Western Region.

    Tobias Singila Wekesa, 23, and Sharon Nanjala Anyango, 26, were arrested at a National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) office in Bungoma County.

    The pair had reportedly staged a fake “raid,” claiming to be on official duty investigating NG-CDF projects.

    They allegedly demanded bribes from the officials, threatening to sanction them if they failed to comply.

    According to EACC, Wekesa had been posing as the “Director of EACC Kakamega County,” a non-existent position, while Anyango claimed to be the “Director at EACC Nairobi.”

    Both are believed to be university students exploiting their false titles to manipulate and intimidate their victims.

    The suspects are currently in custody at Bungoma Central Police Station, where they are awaiting further processing.

    They are expected to face charges related to impersonation, fraud and attempted extortion.

    The EACC has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving individuals claiming to be anti-corruption officers.

    The commission reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out corruption and protecting citizens from fraudulent schemes under its #TuangamizeUfisadiTuijengeKenya campaign.

  • Ruto, US Secretary of State push for trade deal, regional peace

    Ruto, US Secretary of State push for trade deal, regional peace

    President William Ruto has revealed details of a telephone conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where the two leaders addressed key issues of mutual interest, including trade, regional security and peace initiatives in Africa and beyond.

    In a statement shared on his official X page, President Ruto announced that discussions centred around finalizing the Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP) agreement.

    The agreement aims to boost investment between Kenya and the United States while promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth by unlocking existing economic opportunities.

    The leaders also delved into global security concerns, particularly the United Nations-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti.

    President Ruto and Secretary Rubio agreed on a joint strategy to ensure the mission stabilises the Caribbean nation.

    On matters of regional peace and security, Secretary Rubio commended Kenya’s efforts to promote stability in the region.

    The conversation touched on the ongoing conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with President Ruto emphasizing the need for additional support from the United States to address the humanitarian and security challenges in the area.

    President Ruto also provided updates on the security situation in Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia, where Kenya has been actively involved in peace-building efforts.

    He expressed gratitude for the United States’ commitment to deploying its resources and capabilities to support Kenya’s peace missions in the region.

  • Judiciary urges LSK to refrain from ‘occupy Supreme Court’

    Judiciary urges LSK to refrain from ‘occupy Supreme Court’

    The Judiciary has expressed concern over a statement issued by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) on January 23, 2025, urging its members to occupy the Supreme Court in protest of the court’s decision to recuse itself from hearing cases involving Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi, his law firm or associates.

    In a press release by Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo, the Judiciary highlighted that the recusal decision is currently under legal scrutiny in multiple courts, including the East African Court of Justice, the Court of Appeal and the High Court.

    The ongoing cases include:

    1. Law Society of Kenya v Supreme Court of Kenya & another; Abdullahi SC & 19 others (Interested Parties) (Petition E026 of 2024) – Constitutional and Human Rights Division of the High Court.
    2. Ahmednasir Abdullahi Advocates LLP & 10 Others v. Lady Justice Martha Karambu Koome & 9 Others; Petition No. E048 of 2024 – Constitutional and Human Rights Division of the High Court.
    3. Ahmednasir Maalim Abdullahi v. the Attorney General of Kenya, Reference No. 15 of 2024 – East African Court of Justice.
    4. The Supreme Court of Kenya & 9 Others vs. LSK & 12 others- Civil Applic. No. E397 of 2024 – Court of Appeal.

    The Judiciary emphasized that all these matters remain undetermined and are therefore sub judice.

    The recusal decision challenged in these cases bars judges of the Supreme Court from handling matters filed by Ahmednasir Abdullahi Advocates LLP or any of its representatives.

    The Judiciary called upon LSK members, as officers of the court, to uphold the principles of the rule of law and respect the sub judice rule.

    “We urge LSK members to refrain from proceeding with the threatened action. It is imperative that we allow and seek lawful and peaceful means to address the matter at hand,” the statement read.

    This development comes amid heightened tensions between the Judiciary and the legal fraternity, with the recusal decision sparking debate on judicial impartiality and professional conduct within the legal field.

    Ndemo reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to lawful processes and peaceful conflict resolution while urging all stakeholders to exercise restraint as the courts deliberate on the matter.

  • Kenya-Uganda tourism conference highlights sustainability, innovation

    Kenya-Uganda tourism conference highlights sustainability, innovation

    Tourism stakeholders have pledged to champion environmentally sustainable initiatives to ensure the growth of the tourism industry and other economic activities.

    During the third edition of the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, held over two days in Entebbe, Uganda, players from both countries emphasized the direct relationship between environmental conservation and a thriving tourism industry.

    Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, John Mulimba, urged the sector to prioritize environmental protection through practices that preserve natural beauty and uphold cultural integrity.

    “Our collaboration is not solely about enhancing tourism; it is about creating jobs that uplift our communities. When we invest in tourism, we invest in livelihoods, supporting entrepreneurs, artisans, service providers, and families who depend on this critical industry,” said Minister Mulimba.

    This resolution aligns with the Kenya Tourism Board’s (KTB) “One Tourist, One Tree” campaign, launched two months ago.

    The initiative encourages visitors and locals to plant trees, leaving a positive environmental legacy, combating climate change, and conserving landscapes. Each tree symbolizes a shared responsibility for protecting the planet.

    Minister Mulimba also stressed the urgency of integrating sustainability into tourism strategies without compromising ecosystems or cultural heritage.

    He highlighted the importance of inclusive economic models where tourism proceeds are shared to support livelihoods, ensuring the sector’s long-term viability.

    The conference identified key threats to sustainability, including human-wildlife conflict, poverty, and an overreliance on foreign tourists. Stakeholders called for a redefined strategy to grow the domestic market as a cornerstone for tourism’s survival.

    Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, expressed optimism about increased tourism exchanges between the two nations. He noted that Kenya welcomed 201,623 Ugandan visitors in 2023, up from 151,121 in 2022.

    The anticipated increase in Kenya Airways flights between Entebbe and Nairobi, alongside road travel using national identity cards, has contributed to this growth. Uganda now ranks as Kenya’s second-largest tourist market after the United States.

    To further boost regional tourism, Maangi urged the industry to offer budget-friendly packages to make travel more accessible.

    “There is a need to demystify the myth that tourism is a reserve for foreigners or the rich. Make travel costs affordable to more people, without compromising service quality,” he said.

    The High Commissioner also highlighted opportunities to capitalize on regional events, such as the Elgon Championship Rugby Cup, the WRC Safari Rally, and the upcoming AFCON 2027, by offering affordable travel packages tailored for Ugandan tourists.

    Kilifi County Deputy Governor, Flora Mbetsa Chibule, outlined her county’s efforts to enhance eco-tourism, preserve cultural heritage, and improve infrastructure for seamless visitor experiences.

    She cited the designation of Gedi Ruins in Malindi as Kenya’s eighth World Heritage Site as a step toward sustaining African culture and heritage.

    The Deputy Governor also announced an ambitious new project: “We are soon unveiling Sub-Saharan Africa’s first-ever blue tourism product, an underwater museum at Ngomeni in Kilifi County. This will be a game-changer for the region.”

    She emphasized the complementary strengths of Kenya and Uganda in creating unique travel packages.

    “Kilifi County’s pristine beaches, historical landmarks, and world-class resorts align seamlessly with Uganda’s adventure tourism, wildlife sanctuaries, and cultural richness. Together, we can offer visitors the best of both worlds, coastal serenity and inland adventure,” she said.

    The Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference underscored the transformative power of collaboration, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, inclusivity, and innovative tourism products to ensure the sector’s resilience and long-term success.