KBC Channel 1

Author: KBC Digital

  • Two suspected drug traffickers arrested in Kilifi

    Two suspected drug traffickers arrested in Kilifi

    Two suspected drug traffickers have been arrested in Kilifi County following an intelligence-led police operation that resulted in the seizure of a large consignment of bhang.

    The National Police Service (NPS) said the suspects were arrested during a raid in the Sakina area, where they are believed to have been operating an illegal drug distribution network.

    Police officers recovered two half-sacks of cannabis, cannabis seeds, several packages of the substance suspected to have been prepared for distribution, a digital weighing scale, a hammer, cash believed to be proceeds from the illicit trade, and other exhibits.

    The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue ahead of arraignment in court.

    The NPS said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb the trafficking and distribution of narcotics and psychotropic substances in the country.

    Members of the public have been urged to share information that could assist security agencies in dismantling drug networks.

  • Miss Universe Kenya chooses Top 15 ahead of grand finale

    Miss Universe Kenya chooses Top 15 ahead of grand finale

    The Miss Universe competition has narrowed down its contestants from 30 to 15 following an intensive bootcamp held this week.

    The selected finalists will now advance to the main event, where one contestant will be crowned Miss Universe Kenya 2026 at the grand finale on July 25.

    As part of their preparation for the final stage of the competition, the top 15 contestants participated in an intensive runway masterclass led by Bobby Kaanjosa; the runway is one of the activities designed to sharpen their presentation and stage skills ahead of the coronation night.

    This year’s edition marks a new chapter for Miss Universe Kenya following its relaunch under new management. The organisers invited girls and women of Kenyan citizenship to apply, promising professionalism and fairness throughout the competition.

    “Kenyan women have stood on the Miss Universe stage with grace and purpose for nearly a decade now. We’re coming back prouder and more ready than ever,” the organisers said in a statement. “2026 marks the diamond anniversary of the Miss Universe Organisation, the biggest celebration yet. This year, Miss Universe Kenya will represent our nation in a monumental way.”

    Kenya did not participate in the Miss Universe Pageant in 2025, but the country’s license has been renewed for this year’s competition. As such, the overall winner from the top 15, expected to be crowned at the Grand Finale gala, will represent Kenya at the 75th Miss Universe Pageant in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

    The current Miss Universe 2025 is Fátima Bosch Fernández.

  • New Development Bank approves US$1 billion loan for infrastructure modernisation in South Africa

    New Development Bank approves US$1 billion loan for infrastructure modernisation in South Africa

    The Board of Directors of the New Development Bank (NDB) has approved a loan of up to US$1 billion to the Republic of South Africa. The funds are intended for the implementation of a programme to modernise the infrastructure of urban utilities in the capital region, as reported by the NDB’s website.

    The programme will cover eight metropolitan municipalities, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Tshwane. The investment will be directed towards developing water supply and sanitation, electricity supply, and improving the solid waste management system.

    This is expected to enhance the quality of life for the population and improve the business climate in the regions, in line with the objectives of South Africa’s National Development Plan up to 2030. Furthermore, the project will support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to the creation of sustainable cities and communities.

    The NDB Board of Directors’ meeting took place at the bank’s headquarters in Shanghai. In addition to the financing decision on South Africa, the meeting approved the launch of early procurement procedures involving companies from non-NDB member countries for the construction of a new metro line in the Indian city of Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh. The project involves the construction of 11.2 km of track, along which 12 stations will be located.

    The Board of Directors approved the NDB’s condensed financial statements for the first quarter of 2026 and the revised risk management policy and also discussed the prospective project portfolio for the current year. In addition, assessment reports on the regional rapid transit project in India and on the country portfolio of projects for China were reviewed.

    Progress on expanding the bank’s membership was discussed at the meeting. The Board of Directors welcomed Uzbekistan as a new member state of the bank.

    In addition, the directors provided recommendations regarding the development of the New Development Bank’s overall strategy for the next five-year period (2027–2031).

    The New Development Bank was established in 2015 on the initiative of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to mobilise resources for infrastructure projects in emerging markets. To date, the New Development Bank has approved 139 projects worth nearly US$43 billion. Since 2021, the bank has been accepting new non-founding members and positions itself as a platform for broader cooperation between developing economies.

    Courtesy/ BRICS TV

  • GenAfrica sticks to Africa expansion plans as it marks 30-year anniversary

    GenAfrica sticks to Africa expansion plans as it marks 30-year anniversary

    GenAfrica Asset Managers is targeting to tap emerging investment opportunities in Africa driven by innovation to grow its portfolio as it marks three decades in operation.

    The firm which currently manages assets for at least 110 clients across the region is also seeking to strengthen its market position where it currently manages assets in excess of Ksh774 billion ($6b) across pension and non-pension portfolios.

    “While our promise has remained the same for 30 years, the needs of investors continue to evolve. Our responsibility is to continue innovating and developing solutions that help more people participate in wealth creation and secure their financial futures,” said Patrick Kariuki, GenAfrica Asset Managers Managing Director during the 9th Annual Investment Conference in Kwale County.

    According to the firm, the continent has witnessed the growth of pension industries, deeper capital markets, increased regional integration and growing investor sophistication which has enabled it to evolve its offerings while maintaining the principles of discipline, governance and long-term value creation that have defined its success.

    Speaking during the event, Chairperson of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors, Dr. David Ndii, lauded GenAfrica for its contribution to wealth creation, investment management and economic development over the last three decades.

    “30 years is a very important journey because GenAfrica is one of the pioneers, the industry was new, it has evolved over the years but the fact that GenAfrica is now who they are with assets and management with up to Ksh 800 billion, that’s a very significant achievement and not just for the company but for us as a country,” said Ndii.

    GenAfrica which has evolved from managing a single offshore client fund worth $100 million currently serves pension funds, institutional investors, corporates, SACCOs, schools, religious institutions and individual investors across the region.

    The expansion of its footprint and diversified portfolio it says, reflect both the growing opportunities across African markets and client trust.

    “This is a reflection of the trust our clients have placed in us and our ability to evolve with changing markets while remaining true to our purpose. We are proud of the institution we have built and the impact we have had in helping clients achieve their financial goals,” added Kariuki.

    The company’s portfolio includes among others, the Batian Property Fund, the Milele Income Drawdown Fund, the Kivuli Umbrella Fund and the GenAfrica Money Market Fund.

  • EACC arrests security firm director over Ksh5.4M procurement fraud

    EACC arrests security firm director over Ksh5.4M procurement fraud

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a director of a security company in connection with an alleged procurement fraud involving a Ksh5.4 million security services contract at Keroka Technical Training Institute.

    The suspect, Gilbert Momanyi Maturwe, a director of Gimo Security and Investigation Services Limited, was arrested following investigations into the award and execution of the contract.

    Investigations established that the company was awarded a security services contract valued at Ksh257,000 per month for two financial years, amounting to Ksh5,448,000.

    However, despite a reduction in the number of security guards deployed under the contract, payments continued to be made at the full contract rate.

    The investigations further revealed that a Tax Compliance Certificate submitted during the tendering process was allegedly falsified and did not originate from the Kenya Revenue Authority system.

    Upon conclusion of investigations, the EACC forwarded the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), who approved charges of procurement fraud, uttering a false document, and fraudulent acquisition of public property.

    The suspect was Wednesday morning arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kisii, where he pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

    He was released on a cash bail of Ksh1 million or, in the alternative, a bond of Ksh2 million with two sureties of similar amount.

    The court further ordered the accused to deposit his passport with the court pending the hearing and determination of the case.

    The case is scheduled for mention on July 6th 2026 for directions.

  • CS Murkomen condemns police excesses in Angata Barrikoi

    CS Murkomen condemns police excesses in Angata Barrikoi

    The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration has condemned acts of brutality meted out upon the residents of Kabusa and Ng’endalel villages in Angata Barrikoi, Narok County.

    “I condemn and ask for forgiveness on behalf of the government for the beatings and loss of property you suffered at the hands of law enforcement officers recently. As a CS and lawyer, what happened here is against the law.”

    The CS was speaking in Kabusia Primary School in Angata Barrikoi Division which was the scene of police brutality and vandalism following cattle theft in the neighboring county.

    The CS added that he has directed the Inspector General of Police to commence an internal investigation and take appropriate action against those found culpable.

    The CS also gave a 7-day ultimatum to people in possession of illegal firearms in Trans Mara South, Kuria East and Kuria West sub-counties to surrender them to the authorities before action is taken to recover them.

  • Kenya begins preparations to host 2026 UN Internet Governance Forum

    Kenya begins preparations to host 2026 UN Internet Governance Forum

    Kenya has begun preparations to host the 2026 United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF).

    Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei said the preparatory process is already underway ahead of the forum, which is scheduled to take place in Nairobi in December 2026.

    Sing’Oei, who serves as co-chair of the IGF 2026 organising team, expressed confidence in Kenya’s readiness to host the global digital policy event.

    “We have commenced the preparatory process for the UN Internet Governance Forum scheduled for Nairobi in December 2026. Led by my fellow Co-Chair of IGF 2026, Jennifer Chung, I received a delegation from the IGF Global Secretariat that is in the country to assess facilities and engage with the Country Multi-Agency Group,” the PS said on X.

    The international forum brings together governments, the private sector, civil society, academia and technical experts to discuss internet governance and digital policy issues.

    The PS also acknowledged the role of Kenya’s Technology Envoy Philip Thigo, commending his leadership and support in the preparations.

    The forum is expected to strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional technology and innovation hub while providing an opportunity for the country to contribute to global conversations on digital inclusion and emerging technologies.

  • Kenya records 3 billion cyberattacks in three months as digital crimes rise

    Kenya records 3 billion cyberattacks in three months as digital crimes rise

    Kenya has recorded more than 3 billion cyberattacks targeting government institutions, cloud services and critical sector systems in the past three months, the National Computer and Cybercrime Coordination Committee (NC4) has revealed.

    According to the latest NC4 status report shows a growing wave of cyber offences linked to digital payments, unauthorised access to computer systems, identity theft, online harassment, fraud and false publication.

    Nairobi emerged as the leading hotspot for cybercrime cases, with the committee attributing the trend to increased digital transactions, high online activity and the concentration of public and private institutions in the capital.

    The report also indicates that most cyber offences reported in Nairobi involved intentionally withholding electronic payments delivered erroneously, unauthorised access to computer systems, computer fraud and cyber harassment.

    Other cases included identity theft, impersonation and unauthorised interference with computer systems.

    In the Nyanza region, cyber harassment was the most reported offence, followed by identity theft and impersonation, unauthorised access to computer systems and unlawful interference with computer systems.

    The region also recorded cases of child pornography, fraudulent use of electronic data, possession of illegal devices and access codes.

    Eastern region recorded cases mainly involving computer fraud, cyber harassment and unauthorised access to computer systems with intent to commit further offences.

    The report further noted a decline in computer fraud cases in Rift Valley compared to the previous year, although cases of intentionally withholding electronic messages delivered erroneously increased.

    Central region recorded offences across several categories, including child pornography, computer forgery, cyber harassment, identity theft and impersonation, as well as wrongful distribution of intimate images without consent.

    Coast region recorded cases of computer fraud and cyber harassment, while Western region mainly reported cyber harassment and unauthorised interference with computer systems.

    Receiving the report, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo, who chairs NC4, said the findings come at a critical time following Parliament’s approval of the National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA).

    Omollo said the agency will strengthen coordination, protection of critical information infrastructure and response to emerging cyber threats.

    The committee said it will engage key players in critical sectors, including banks, mobile network operators, aviation and energy companies, to enhance proactive cybersecurity measures.

    NC4 is also developing a Rapid Reference Guide aimed at standardising and streamlining the investigation and prosecution of cybercrime cases in Kenya.

  • Man behind Ksh151M fake tantalum deal jailed, ordered to refund Chinese investor

    Man behind Ksh151M fake tantalum deal jailed, ordered to refund Chinese investor

    A Nairobi court has sentenced the mastermind behind a fake tantalum minerals scam to three years in prison or a fine of Ksh10 million after he defrauded a Chinese investor of Ksh151 million in an elaborate transnational fraud scheme.

    In a judgment delivered on Wednesday at the Milimani Law Courts, Ulundu Patrick Lumumba, also known as Gabriel Kulonda and Lumumba Patrick Byarufu, was convicted of obtaining money by false pretences contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.

    The court also ordered that the Ksh151 million lost by the Chinese investor be refunded, bringing to a close a case that exposed a sophisticated mineral export scam spanning multiple countries.

    According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Lumumba was arrested by detectives from the Operations Support Unit (OSU) on April 5, 2024, shortly after arriving in Nairobi from Entebbe, Uganda.

    Investigators revealed that the suspect attempted to re-enter the country using alternative identification documents and multiple aliases despite a stop order having been placed on one of his travel documents.

    The DCI said investigations established that Lumumba orchestrated a scheme in which containers loaded with sand were falsely declared as consignments of tantalum, a valuable mineral used in the manufacture of electronic components.

    The fraud came to light after a container shipped to a Chinese investor was opened overseas and found to contain drums filled with sand instead of tantalum, resulting in a loss of Ksh151 million.

    Further investigations at the Port of Mombasa uncovered additional containers packed with sand and fraudulently documented as tantalum consignments.

    Detectives said the discoveries pointed to a well-coordinated criminal network operating across several jurisdictions and targeting foreign investors through fraudulent mineral export deals.

    The DCI welcomed the conviction describing it as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle transnational fraud syndicates while reaffirming agency’s commitment to bringing perpetrators of economic crimes to justice.

     

  • NACADA to lead World Drug Day commemoration in Mombasa

    NACADA to lead World Drug Day commemoration in Mombasa

    Kenya is set to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADA) on June 26 at the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Miritini Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre in Mombasa.

    This year’s global theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” comes as Kenya grapples with evolving substance abuse trends while doubling down on creative community-driven interventions.

    The event is expected to feature discussions on national drug control policy, public sensitisation on emerging synthetic substances, and a showcase of innovative rehabilitation models being piloted at the Miritini facility.

    Officials will also stress on the need for a balanced approach that combines law enforcement measures with public health-focused interventions to address the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse.

    NACADA said the commemoration will also provide an opportunity reaffirm the government’s commitment to inclusive and barrier-free treatment access through the expanded women’s recovery services at the Miritini centre.

    The event comes at a time when the country is intensifying efforts to strengthen partnerships among government agencies, communities and civil society organisations in the fight against illicit drugs.