KBC Channel 1

Author: Eric Biegon

  • From Burden to Solutions: Protecting lives through safer food

    From Burden to Solutions: Protecting lives through safer food

    Every day, millions of people sit down to share a meal with their families. Food nourishes us, brings us together, and supports our health and wellbeing. Yet for many people around the world, food can also be a source of harm when it contains dangerous contaminants or unhealthy ingredients that increase the risk of diseases. This reality is why World Food Safety Day 2026 carries such an important message: “From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere”.

    Food safety is often associated with preventing foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. However, food safety also means protecting people from harmful substances that contribute to long-term health problems. Among these substances are industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFAs), which have been linked to cardiovascular disease and premature death.

    The burden of unsafe food is enormous. According to the World Health Organization, unsafe food causes hundreds of diseases and affects hundreds of millions of people each year, placing significant pressure on families, health systems, and economies. Yet these harms are largely preventable when science, evidence, and strong policies guide action.

    This year’s World Food Safety Day reminds us that understanding the burden of a problem is only the first step. The real goal is to move toward practical, evidence-based solutions that save lives.

    One of the clearest examples of a preventable food safety risk is industrially produced trans fats. For years, these fats have been used in processed foods because they are inexpensive and extend shelf life. However, scientific evidence has consistently shown that consuming trans fats increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. The good news is that safer alternatives already exist, making the elimination of industrially produced trans fats both achievable and cost-effective.

    Kenya recognizes the threat posed by iTFAs to public health. As such in 2015, the country through the Ministry of Health passed a regulation on TFA through Legal Notice No. 115 of 2015. However, the Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances (Food Labelling, Additives and Standards) (Amendment) Regulations of 2015 lacked clear, enforceable limits on industrially produced trans fats, making the regulation difficult to implement effectively.

    According to the cost- effectiveness analysis research model led by The George Institute for Global Health, over the population’s lifetime, enforcing a strict iTFA limit could prevent more than 100,000 new cases of heart disease and save around 50,000 lives across the country.

    At the International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA), we are advocating for the strengthening the existing regulation on iTFA to include a mandatory national limit of no more than 2 grams of iTFAs per 100 grams of total fat in all foods as recommended by the World Health Organization. Regulations and policies are among the most powerful tools for transforming evidence into action. Our work focuses on supporting governments, policymakers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to develop and implement effective regulatory measures that protect public health.

    Eliminating industrially produced trans fats is not simply a nutrition issue; it is a food safety and public health imperative. Every person deserves access to food that does not silently increase their risk of heart disease. Through policy advocacy, technical support, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness efforts, IILA still and is always committed to support  the work on advancing legislative and regulatory frameworks towards elimination of industrially produced trans fats from the food supply in Kenya.

    The success stories from countries that have adopted strong trans-fat regulations demonstrate that meaningful change is possible. When governments act on scientific evidence, industries adapt, consumers are protected, and lives are saved. These examples embody the spirit of this year’s theme – moving from understanding the burden to implementing solutions.

    World Food Safety Day is also a reminder that food safety is a shared responsibility. Governments, food manufacturers, retailers, health professionals, civil society organizations, and consumers all have a role to play. Together, we can create food systems that prioritize health and safety over harmful practices.

    As we commemorate World Food Safety Day 2026, IILA reaffirms its commitment to supporting evidence-based policies that protect people from preventable harm. The elimination of industrially produced trans fats is one practical solution that can reduce non-communicable disease, strengthen health systems, and improve lives.

    Safe food should not be a privilege. It is a right. By working together and acting on the evidence before us, we can move from burden to solutions and ensure safe food everywhere for everyone.

    The writer is an assistant programme officer, Health Governance at the International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA)

  • Chongqing spices up popular hotpot with new law

    Chongqing spices up popular hotpot with new law

    Chongqing’s hotpot industry generated 330 billion yuan (about 43 billion U.S. dollars) last year and employs nearly 900,000 people, yet it has produced no listed company, dominant national chain, or globally recognized brand. A new regulation, effective May 1, aims to change that by tightening standards, streamlining the supply chain, and pushing the iconic dish onto the global stage.

    The new regulation provides a legal definition of “Chongqing hotpot” and sets out measures to regulate production, improve quality, and strengthen branding.

    Under the regulation, Chongqing hotpot is defined as a style that originated in the city, uses specific techniques to prepare its soup base, and is characterized by its “numbing, spicy, fresh, and fragrant” flavor. The definition aims to clarify the dish’s identity and prevent the misuse of its name.

    Despite its scale, industry representatives say challenges remain. “The industry is large, but issues persist, including insufficient standards, fragmented brands, and uneven quality,” said Chen Guohua, president of the Chongqing Hotpot Industry Association. He added that legislation is needed to guide the sector toward high-quality development and strengthen competitiveness.

    The regulation introduces 28 measures covering the entire industry chain, from ingredient production and processing to catering. It encourages the development of industrial clusters and supports research into adapting flavors for different markets. It also calls for the creation of digital platforms for services such as food traceability and inspection—systems that track ingredients to ensure safety.

    Standardization is a central focus. The regulation promotes guidelines for ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavor profiles, including levels of spiciness and numbing intensity, and introduces a restaurant evaluation system to improve consistency.

    Legal oversight will extend across the supply chain. Wang Cheng, chairman of Chongqing Xintian Food Technology Group, said the framework provides greater confidence for expansion. “With full-chain legal protection, we can invest more in research and development and expand globally,” he said. The company’s Xintian Hotpot Oil Dish, a Chongqing time-honored brand, has been certified by Frost & Sullivan as China’s No. 1 hotpot oil dish brand based on nationwide sales from 2022 to 2024.

    Yu Zhaohong, chief economist of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, said the policy marks a new stage for the industry. “Chongqing hotpot will achieve more standardized spice levels, richer flavors, and broader global reach,” Yu said.

    Authorities also plan to integrate hotpot into tourism and cultural activities, while addressing issues such as misuse of the “Chongqing hotpot” label and unfair pricing practices. Infrastructure plans include smart ingredient-processing facilities, cold-chain logistics systems, and digital platforms to support supply chains.

    Brand development and overseas expansion remain priorities. Officials said they will support trademark registration, intellectual property protection, and the opening of overseas outlets, while promoting international events.

    Chongqing aims to increase total industry output to 500 billion yuan by 2027 and position itself as a global center for hotpot production, standards, and cultural exchange.

    The dish itself began far from boardrooms and policy papers. In the late 19th century, river porters along the Yangtze simmered leftover offal with chili oil and herbs to survive the cold. By the 1930s, the Ma brothers had opened the city’s first hotpot restaurant, turning that dockside improvisation into a business. More than a century later, it is a 330-billion-yuan industry still searching for its first corporate titan.

    Courtesy/iChongqing.info

  • Kenya races to keep Ebola out as Muthoni sounds alarm over quarantine gaps

    Kenya races to keep Ebola out as Muthoni sounds alarm over quarantine gaps

    Kenya has not recorded a single confirmed Ebola case. Of the 59 suspected cases whose samples have been sent to the laboratory, all have returned negative. But Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni says there is no room for complacency.

    “As of today, we have 59 suspected cases from whom we have taken samples to the lab, and none of them is positive. All of them are negative. And we are praying that in Kenya, we will not have any positive cases as we continue,” she stated during a visit to the Malaba Border.

    According to the PS, the rising number of suspected cases, even with all testing negative, is itself a serious concern.

    “The cases are increasing. Albeit they are negative, the very fact that we are suspecting them is enough to pinpoint that we are at high risk. Therefore, let us observe very high levels of hygiene,” Muthoni advised.

    Of all Kenya’s border crossings, she believes Malaba presents the most immediate risk. The entry point borders Uganda, a country that has already recorded confirmed Ebola cases. This border sees between 1,500 and 2,000 travellers pass through daily, alongside approximately 300 inbound trucks. This is why Kenyan authorities are worried.

    “Because of the proximity to Uganda, we are very keen that we are at high risk. Therefore, it is important to note that we are not taking things lightly,” Muthoni emphasised.

    During her inspection visit, Muthoni observed that some travellers were not taking the screening process seriously, a concern she addressed directly.

    “Please take the screening seriously. I have watched during the screening time, and some of them want to be evasive. Let us not look at this exercise as an exercise in futility,” she urged.

    She confirmed that enforcement teams have been deployed alongside port health officers to ensure compliance.

    “Whether you like it or not, you must be screened before you get into the country,” stated Muthoni.

    The situation, according to Muthoni, calls for dedicated quarantine centres across the country’s 47 counties, noting that a gap in this infrastructure presents a significant vulnerability in Kenya’s Ebola response.

    “Listen, if we had 47 quarantine centres in this country, I would be sleeping easy. But right now I am still restless because we need those quarantine centres at whatever cost,” she said.

    The PS drew a clear distinction between quarantine and isolation, terms with different public health meanings. She explained that quarantine applies to individuals who have been exposed to the virus but have not yet been confirmed as positive, while isolation is reserved for confirmed cases who must be separated from the general public.

    “When you are exposed, we quarantine you. When you are tested and confirmed as a case, we isolate you from other members of the public. From the bottom of my heart and from a health point of view, we need the quarantine centres,” she said, adding that the issue should not be politicised.

    The PS indicated that surveillance has been enhanced from the national level down to county governments, with teams monitoring and responding to emerging hotspots around the clock.

    She said laboratory capacity has also been strengthened, with Kenya currently having KEMRI facilities in Nairobi and Kisumu, national public health laboratories, and a mobile laboratory capable of testing samples in the field.

    The PS further reported that healthcare workers are receiving ongoing training on case management, covering how to handle both suspected and confirmed cases safely.

    At airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Eldoret International Airport, she stated that passenger screening, emergency response readiness, infection prevention measures, and inter-agency coordination have all been reviewed and gaps addressed.

    Accommodation providers have also been directed to clean and disinfect all bedding between guests, with public health officers deployed to enforce compliance.

    “When you are exposed, we quarantine you. When you are tested and confirmed as a case, we isolate you from other members of the public,” the PS reiterated, stressing that without proper quarantine infrastructure, the ability to contain a potential outbreak remains limited.

    Muthoni urged the public not to panic, saying authorities had the situation under control and would continue providing accurate and timely information.

    “I am asking members of the public, let us remain calm. We are in control. Please let us give you information as it should be,” she said.

    With Uganda’s confirmed cases just across the border and hundreds of travellers crossing daily, Kenya’s health authorities say vigilance, hygiene, and compliance with screening remain the country’s most important lines of defence, at least until those quarantine centres are built.

  • Putin: Western sanctions harming Europe, not Russia

    Putin: Western sanctions harming Europe, not Russia

    Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted that Western sanctions against Moscow are proving ineffective and are, in fact, inflicting greater economic damage on the countries that imposed them, while Russia’s economy continues to grow.

    Speaking at the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin said Russia has maintained stable macroeconomic fundamentals, seen rising household incomes, and experienced a resilient domestic market, despite years of Western government sanctions.

    “You will talk about sanctions, but the economy is still developing. It’s all stable. Even the domestic market is growing in Russia, and the well-being of the Russian population is getting better,” Putin stated.

    The Russian leader maintained that the country’s economic indicators demonstrate resilience under external pressure, adding that Moscow had already surpassed some of its social and economic targets ahead of schedule.

    “We set ourselves an objective that by 2030 we want to reduce the poverty level down to 7 per cent. Actually, we have achieved the level of 6.7 per cent already now in 2026, which is a bit sooner than expected,” he said.

    Putin argued that the core foundations of Russia’s economy remain intact despite international restrictions linked to the war in Ukraine and geopolitical tensions with Western nations.

    “The key macroeconomic fundamentals are stable for the Russian economy. That is why despite all the obstacles, the fundamentals of the well-being of the Russian economy remain stable and have good prospects for further development,” he commented.

    He also described the current economic slowdown in Russia as a controlled and deliberate policy measure rather than a sign of instability, insisting there was no threat to the country’s broader economic outlook.

    Putin further claimed that investors and businesses continue to show confidence in Russia despite ongoing geopolitical risks and sanctions pressure.

    “Any business, any company is always carefully analysing all the risks for today and for some mid-term and further away future. But there are people who are willing to work and do business,” he observed.

    The Russian president also linked the country’s economic direction to its military objectives, stating Moscow would continue pursuing its strategic goals until they are achieved.

    “For military action, we proceed from the perception that at some point they will be completed, and they will be completed only once the goals that we have set ourselves are achieved,” Putin said.

    Western nations imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia, targeting its banking sector, energy exports, trade networks, and political elite, following the start of the conflict in Ukraine, measures that were designed to isolate Moscow economically and weaken its war capabilities.

  • Ida Odinga rallies behind former student Njoki Ndung’u for ICC seat

    Ida Odinga rallies behind former student Njoki Ndung’u for ICC seat

    Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ambassador Ida Odinga, has thrown her weight behind Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung’u’s qualifications and suitability for election as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

    Speaking in Nairobi at a high-level engagement convened by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, aimed at mobilising international support for Justice Ndung’u’s candidacy, Mrs Odinga joined senior government officials and members of the diplomatic corps in advocating for Kenya’s official candidate for the ICC.

    Opening her remarks with the Swahili proverb — siku njema huonekana alfajiri, meaning “a good day starts at dawn” — Ambassador Odinga told the gathering that she had seen the earliest signs of Justice Ndung’u’s potential long before she gained public recognition.

    “I’ve known Njoki since she was a child. I saw Njoki during high school; I was her teacher for six years. It was during this period that Njoki’s character was made, shaping her into the person she is today,” Odinga stated.

    She revealed that it was she who first suggested that the young Njoki pursue a career in law, having discerned in her a sharp, determined mind destined for great things.

    “From what I know, Justice Njoki Ndung’u is a very intelligent girl. She is focused. She is a go-getter, and she passes the integrity test. Njoki has accomplished so many good things. She is equal to the task. Let us give her our support,” Odinga urged.

    Ambassador Odinga traced Justice Ndung’u’s journey from her school days through university, into the legal profession, and subsequently into the women’s movement. During this pivotal period in Kenya’s democratic history, she disclosed that the two worked side by side, advocating for greater female representation in leadership.

    For Ida Odinga, the ICC candidature is not a sudden ambition but the natural culmination of a lifetime of principled, purposeful work.

    “It is not something that she trained off yesterday and then came and put her candidature. I think this is something that she has been planning to do for a long time. And she is certainly equal to the task,” she affirmed.

    The diplomatic session also included a presentation by Justice Ndung’u, who outlined her vision for the ICC. She said her vision is anchored in principles of courage, pragmatism, efficiency, victim-centred justice, and strengthening Africa’s contribution to international jurisprudence.

    Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Winfridah Mokaya, informed the forum that Kenya’s nomination followed a transparent, merit-based national process, consistent with Article 36 of the Rome Statute and the standards set by the Advisory Committee on Nominations of Judges.

    The forum brought together Heads of Mission representing States Parties to the Rome Statute. The Government of Kenya, under President William Ruto, has formally put forward and supported her bid.

    Kenya’s campaign forms part of broader efforts to secure representation at key international judicial institutions, with officials expressing confidence in Ndung’u’s suitability for the role.

  • High Court blocks smart driving licence, instant traffic fines rollout

    High Court blocks smart driving licence, instant traffic fines rollout

    A Kerugoya High Court has temporarily halted the implementation of the National Transport and Safety Authority’s (NTSA) Smart driving license and automated instant traffic fines system in an order given on 29th May, 2026.

    Kizito suspended the 21-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) deal between NTSA and Pesa Print Limited pending Inter-parties hearing of the petition filed by Road Safety Association of Kenya.

    “The implementation of the Public-Private Partnership between NTSA and Pesa Print Limited consortium relating to smart driving licences, automated traffic fines and associated services has been suspended,” ruled Justice Kizito

    The suspended project was set to introduce second-generation smart driving licenses and a nationwide automated traffic enforcement system.

    Under the arrangement, motorists would pay Ksh3,050 for the new smart driving licences, with Pesa Print handling card design and printing, while a local bank managed enrolment and registration.

    The project also sought to introduce instant fines linked directly to motorists’ driving licence profiles, with drivers found violating traffic rules receiving fines through SMS notifications.

    The Road Safety Association of Kenya moved to court seeking orders to stop the implementation of the project, arguing that the project lacked the necessary NTSA board resolutions authorising the massive multi-billion-shilling contract.

    In their petition, the Authority also cited that public participation was not conducted before the roll out. They also cited a flawed procurement, arguing that the deal was directly procured despite being previously flagged by the Office of the Auditor General.

    The matter has been certified as urgent and the respondents have been directed to file their responses within 10 days, with the matter scheduled for a mention on 21st June 2026.

  • Western Kenya sets sights on 2032 presidency as leaders rally behind Ruto’s re-election bid

    Western Kenya sets sights on 2032 presidency as leaders rally behind Ruto’s re-election bid

    Leaders from Kenya’s Western region, allied with President William Ruto, have intensified their campaigns to position one of their own to succeed the head of state upon his retirement.

    Led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, the leaders emphasised that their numerical strength was advantageous to their strategic bid for President Ruto’s re-election.

    Amid the alignments and realignments anticipated to shape the 2027 contest, the leaders urged the Luhya community to support Ruto’s re-election, with the hope that he would reciprocate by backing a candidate from their region for the presidency.

    Campaigning for the President’s re-election at a women’s empowerment event in Khwisero, Kakamega County, Wetang’ula called on the community to vote for President Ruto in the next general election. He then stated that by 2032, the region must rise to the occasion and seek the presidency.

    “We supported Raila when he eyed the presidency, we supported Kibaki, others supported Kenyatta. In this last election, we supported President Ruto. Now it is our turn to use these alliances to rise to the presidency,” stated the Speaker.

    The Speaker cautioned the people of Western Kenya against being drawn into the self-serving politics advanced by some of its leaders eyeing political power. He stressed the importance of regional unity to increase their bargaining power in future contests.

    “We have always supported other leaders from other regions; we also deserve a chance, but we must be united as a community. We will become attractive to others if we unite and have the numbers” he added.

    Farouk Kibet, an aide to the President, echoed these sentiments, noting that Wetang’ula was the community’s preferred candidate to take over from President Ruto.

    “Those saying it is not time for Western are dreaming. Come 2032, a leader from Western Kenya will be President, and that person is Speaker Wetang’ula,” he affirmed.

    Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka stated that the community was looking to Wetang’ula to spearhead their presidential bid and called on leaders and residents to rally behind him to build a formidable force for the country’s top seat.

    “The Luhya community stands a better chance of ascending to power by supporting President Ruto because he will be doing his last five years…if we rally behind another leader, we will have to wait for 10 years,” said Lusaka.

    He added: “The senior most politician we have to from for presidency is Speaker Wetang’ula”.

    Khwisero legislator Christopher Aseka supported the push to elevate Speaker Wetang’ula from the third-in-command position to the presidency.

    He noted that the Deputy President slot was being eyed by many, including current Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki and ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, suggesting that a leader from the Luhya community was better placed to occupy the position due to their numbers.

    “We will support President Ruto’s re-election bid, then we will ask him to return the favour in 2032,” chimed his Ikolomani counterpart Bernard Shinali.

    Speaker Wetang’ula dismissed the assertion that the Western region had been misled into believing they were a formidable part of the government. He argued that, since independence, only the Kenya Kwanza government had appointed Mulembe professionals to various key government positions.

    “In retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government, we had one Cabinet Minister, but this time we have several of our people in Cabinet, as Principal Secretaries, and I as the Speaker, among others. However, to make ourselves more attractive and build alliances, we must unite,” the Speaker added.

    The Kenya Kwanza administration was lauded for initiating widespread development across the country and promoting equity in development. The Speaker detailed the dualling of the Rironi-Mau Summit road and its impact on decongesting the busy highway, facilitating faster movement of goods, people, and services.

    He also celebrated the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and further into Western Kenya, stating that this would also spur growth and development.

    Wetang’ula commended farmers who had embraced the government’s reduction in the cost of farm inputs, particularly fertiliser, whose price had dropped from Ksh. 7500 to Ksh. 2500. Wetang’ula stated that the country’s food basket had been sufficiently replenished.

  • High cost of production eroding investors confidence – KEPSA

    High cost of production eroding investors confidence – KEPSA

    The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has raised concerns over overlapping regulations, multiple levies, administrative delays, and political uncertainty in the country, warning that this is eroding investor confidence.

    According to the Alliance, this, coupled with the rising cost of doing business, has led to investment decisions being redirected elsewhere.

    The Alliance is now calling on the Senate and Counties to address the ease of doing business, high levies, and the rising cost of production as one way of addressing the challenges.

    This emerged during the Senate Liaison Committee engagement with members of KEPSA in Sawela Lodge in Naivasha, where the rising cost of fuel and electricity dominated the meeting.

    According to KEPSA Chairman Engineer James Mwangi, the country had progressive laws that supported business and strengthened governance, but the challenge lay in their implementation.

    He noted that investors were attracted to environments where policies were clear, regulations were consistently applied, and institutions functioned efficiently.

    “Businesses thrive when approvals are timely, compliance requirements are straightforward, and government processes facilitate rather than frustrate enterprise growth,” he said

    The Chairman said that there was a need to move from policy formulation to effective implementation as the country had untapped potential.

    “Reliable roads, efficient logistics systems, affordable energy, access to water and quality digital connectivity are essential ingredients for economic growth,” he said.

    Addressing the Senators, he said that the country had witnessed growth in local economies, expansion of infrastructure, and increased participation of citizens in development.

    “The private sector looks to the Senate as a strategic partner in championing reforms that can help improve the business environment and strengthen investor confidence,” he said.

    On his part, Deputy Speaker in the Senate Kathuri Murungi said that the collaboration between the Senate and KEPSA has produced tangible results.

    He noted that 15 years after devolution, investors continued to face unpredictable licensing regimes, multiple levies, fragmented regulations, delayed payments, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.

    “These challenges stifle innovation, discourage investment, and undermine the very promise of devolution, and we must fix the red tape that is choking our counties to unlock their full potential

    as hubs of agribusiness,” he said.

    Murungi, who also chairs the liaison committee, added that the Senate was keen to transform agribusiness in counties by tackling high input costs, climate resilience, and market fragmentation.

    Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Programme-Coordinator Victor Oteku said that they were committed to strengthening democratic governance, supporting effective devolution, and promoting the principles of the Social Market Economy.

    “As Kenya seeks to accelerate economic growth and attract investment, counties must become more competitive, efficient, and business-friendly,” he said.

  • Manzil Towers Collapse: Public officials, developers face manslaughter charges

    Manzil Towers Collapse: Public officials, developers face manslaughter charges

    The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved criminal charges against a number of public officials, developers, and professionals in connection with the collapse of Manzil Towers in South C, Nairobi, on 2 January 2026.

    In a press statement, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) confirmed it had received and independently reviewed the investigation file submitted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and determined there was sufficient evidence to warrant the prosecution of several suspects connected to the incident.

    “Following an independent and thorough analysis of the evidence contained in the inquiry file, the DPP has determined that there is sufficient evidence and a realistic prospect of conviction to warrant the prosecution of several suspects connected to the incident,” the statement read.

    Among those approved for prosecution is Patrick Analo Akivaga, who faces two counts: “Abuse of Office contrary to Section 101(1) as read with Section 102A of the Penal Code, and Neglect of Official Duty contrary to Section 128 of the Penal Code.”

    According to the ODPP, the charges against Analo stem from findings in the investigation file related to the approval, oversight, and regulatory processes associated with the construction project prior to its collapse, pointing to systemic failures within the institutions mandated to safeguard public safety in the built environment.

    In addition to Analo, the DPP approved charges against other suspects, including public officials, developers, and professionals connected to the Manzil Towers project.

    They face serious and wide-ranging offences, including manslaughter, abuse of office, neglect of official duty, making and uttering false documents, and commencing a project without an Environmental Impact Assessment licence.

    The inclusion of manslaughter charges indicates the prosecution’s intention to hold individuals directly responsible for the loss of two lives that resulted from the building’s collapse.

    “The Decision to Charge was made in strict compliance with Article 157 of the Constitution, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act,the Decision to Charge Guidelines, and based on the evidence presented by investigators,” the ODPP emphasised.

    The accused persons are expected to be arraigned in court to answer to the charges, with the prosecution process now set to move forward.

    The ODPP reaffirmed its institutional mandate and its resolve to ensure justice is served in this case and others like it.

    “The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding the public interest, and ensuring accountability where criminal conduct is established through investigations,” the statement said.

  • Nearly 50 people die of thirst in Sahara desert after lorry breaks down

    Nearly 50 people die of thirst in Sahara desert after lorry breaks down

    At least 49 people have died of thirst in a remote part of the Sahara desert in northern Niger after the truck carrying them broke down, the authorities say.

    The group were returning from Mali, where they had attended celebrations for the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha, when they ran out of water, stranded more than 80km (50 miles) west of Assamaka, a major border crossing point between Niger and Algeria.

    “The travellers found themselves trapped in the heart of a hostile environment where extreme temperatures and lack of supply points make survival extremely difficult,” said the governor of Agadez.

    Only two survived, trekking across the desert to Assamaka, where they alerted the authorities.

    “This is something we have been working against, for years,” Chehuo Azizou, the head of a local NGO, told the BBC.

    “We have been sensitising drivers, travellers and any person involved immigration activities about the risk of crossing the desert. This recent incident is not unusual. Generally, we witness such cases on the route heading to Libya or Algeria.”

    In this latest case, the lorry had departed from the Malian town of Telhandek but veered away from its intended route, the Agadez governor’s statement said.

    The driver and passengers made repeated attempts to repair the vehicle over several days, but their efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful.

    “Deprived of water and unable to repair the vehicle” most were unable to survive, the statement added.

    “Dozens of lifeless bodies were found under the immobile truck and in its surroundings,” it said.

    The victims, all nationals of Niger, were buried in mass graves by the rescue team dispatched to the area by local authorities.

    While returning from the scene, the rescue team said it came across another broken-down lorry carrying more than 60 people, who had been stranded for three days after a battery failure.

    The lorry had set off from the Malian town of Harouba, more than 300km from the Niger border, the governor said in a follow-up statement.

    The rescue team, which included Nigerien troops, distributed water to the “exhausted and distressed travellers” and helped repair the vehicle, allowing them to safely resume their journey.

    The Niger desert remains a major transit corridor for migrants from across West Africa trying to reach Europe, repeatedly defying the risks associated with the perilous journey.

    The governor of the nearest city, Agadez, said the tragedy underscored the “vulnerability of young people engaged in migratory and cross-border economic activities, often forced to pass through unstable areas in order to survive or seek better living conditions”.