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Author: KBC Digital

  • Kenya eager for partnerships that will create jobs, transfer skills-Mudavadi

    Kenya eager for partnerships that will create jobs, transfer skills-Mudavadi

    Kenya is ready for transformative partnership with South Korean companies in areas of manufacturing and industrial technology, automotive and mobility solutions, electronics and ICT, renewable energy and green technologies, construction, engineering and smart city development, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said.

    PCS Mudavadi said Kenya is working towards building a strong commitment that will foster a conducive environment for investment and structured collaboration with South Korean companies.

    He said this when he met with representatives of the Korean industry and the civil society during his tour of the Gyeonggi University of Science and Technology (GTEC) in Siheung City, Gyeonggi Province.

    “Kenya is a gateway to a market of over 500 million people in the East African region, supported by a stable democracy, a skilled workforce, and a rapidly modernizing infrastructure. Kenya and Korea share a common belief that human capital, innovation, and technology are the engines of national transformation,” said Mudavadi.

    Mudavadi said Korea has become a global benchmark for industrial excellence, and Kenya is looking forward to tapping into the immense Korean potential to build a future anchored in innovation, skills, and shared prosperity.

    “Kenya is not just open for business—we are eager for partnerships that create jobs, transfer skills, and build industries that will define the future. We value Korean companies for their reputation in quality, innovation, and long-term commitment,” he said.

    “Let us continue to strengthen the bridges between our peoples, our institutions, and our industries. Together, we can shape a partnership that is not only mutually beneficial but transformative,” he added.

    Mudavadi also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said Kenya will be banking on a strategic partnership with Korean institutions of higher learning in shaping the next generation of Kenyan engineers, technicians, and innovators.

    He noted that robust plans are underway in expanding Technical, Vocational and Education Training institutions, modernizing curricula, and deepening partnerships with industry global players.

    “I am encouraged by the ongoing collaborations between GTEC and Kenyan institutions, and I welcome the possibility of expanding these partnerships—through student exchanges, faculty cooperation, joint research, and technology transfer. Kenya is ready to learn from Korea’s remarkable experience in linking education to industrial growth,” noted Mudavadi.

    Mudavadi also acknowledged the input of Non-Governmental Organizations and Civil Societies in contributing to the social development of nations.

    He said the civil society plays a pivotal role in strengthening communities, supporting vulnerable groups, and complementing government efforts in education, health, and technology access.

    “We look forward to deeper collaboration with organizations that share our vision of inclusive development and empowerment,” noted the Prime CS.

  • English teacher shortages, digital skills gap threaten Africa’s education reforms

    English teacher shortages, digital skills gap threaten Africa’s education reforms

    The success of sweeping education reforms across Africa is being threatened by a growing shortage of English language teachers and a widening digital skills gap among educators, language professionals have warned.

    Education experts say while many African countries have embraced competency-based and learner-centred curricula aimed at improving learning outcomes, inadequate teacher training and limited technological capacity are slowing implementation and affecting classroom delivery.

    The concerns emerged during the 10th International Conference of the Africa English Language Teachers Association (AELTA) held at Zetech University Mangu campus in Juja, where delegates from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Tanzania and several North African countries gathered to discuss the future of language education on the continent.

    AELTA President Mahamba Sebastian said curriculum reforms demand new teaching methods and greater integration of technology, but many schools continue to grapple with teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms and insufficient learning resources.

    He noted that the staffing crisis has increased teachers’ workloads and compelled many institutions to turn to digital and online learning platforms as alternative ways of reaching learners.

    AELTA Immediate Former President Rethabile Mawela urged governments to increase investment in teacher professional development and digital infrastructure, arguing that many educators have been left behind by the rapid pace of technological advancement.

    The Chairperson of the English Language Professionals Association of Kenya (ELPAK), Fredrick Odhiambo, said a significant number of teachers have yet to receive adequate training on the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and other emerging teaching approaches, limiting their effectiveness in the classroom.

    Zetech University Director of Corporate Affairs John Mwai said the conference served as a vital platform for educators to exchange ideas, build professional networks and explore innovations that could help strengthen language education across Africa.

  • Ace Hood is NOT coming to Kenya for Furaha Festival

    Ace Hood is NOT coming to Kenya for Furaha Festival

    Hip-hop rapper Ace Hood will not be landing in the country any time soon, as previously advertised, following a “breach of contract”.

    Antoine McColister, best known as Ace Hood, was set to headline the Furaha Festival, expected to take place from June 5 to 7.

    Sharing the information online, the rapper said he hoped to visit the country.

    “I regret to inform you that, due to the promoter’s breach of contract, I will not be performing at this year’s Furaha Festival in Nairobi, Kenya, scheduled for June 5, 2026,” the rapper said. “I hope to have the opportunity to visit Kenya in 2027.”

    Ace is known for popular songs from the early 2000s, such as ‘Bugatti’, ‘Hustle Hard’ and ‘Body 2 Body’.

    However, tickets for the event are still on sale with Jamaican Dancehall artist, Ayetian, appearing on the tickets.

    The Furaha Festival is a “celebration of music, culture, and pure energy. Bringing together top global headliners and Africa’s biggest acts, the festival blends Afro, Amapiano, Hip Hop, EDM, and more into one massive experience,” according to organisers.

    KBC Digital has reached out to Vibe Tribe Kenya, the organisers of the event, for comment.

  • Murkomen: Kenya’s major cities to get their own metro police units

    Murkomen: Kenya’s major cities to get their own metro police units

    Other major cities in Kenya will get their own metro police units once the Nairobi one is successfully established, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed.

    “Upon successful establishment and operationalisation of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit, the model will be rolled out to other major cities across the country,” said the CS.

    Murkomen spoke as he concluded a learning tour of the New York Police Department as Kenyan officials visit some major cities to see how their police departments operate.

    On Wednesday, CS Murkomen and his delegation visited the NYPD’s intelligence bureau and were briefed on how agencies share information and leverage real-time intelligence to prevent and respond swiftly to crime.

    Murkomen was accompanied by Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja, Kenya’s Ambassador to the US, David Kerich, and Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, among other senior Government officials.

  • Sol Fest slots in an electronic music day in December

    Sol Fest slots in an electronic music day in December

    Sol Fest is broadening its musical horizons in 2026 and has announced the addition of a new festival day dedicated entirely to Kenya’s electronic music scene.

    Dubbed Safari Oontz, the new experience will take place on December 18 and will serve as a celebration of Kenyan electronic music culture, bringing together DJs, producers and fans for a day and night of dance music.

    In an announcement shared by the festival, organisers described Safari Oontz as “a day dedicated to pure Kenyan oontz,” promising everything from sunset sessions to late-night performances. The event is expected to highlight the sounds and artists who have helped shape the country’s growing electronic music movement.

    The addition marks a significant expansion for Sol Fest, which has evolved into one of Kenya’s biggest music and cultural events since its launch by Sauti Sol and Sol Generation.

    Over the years, the festival has become known for showcasing Kenyan and African talent while creating a platform for different musical genres and creative communities.

    The move also reflects the rising popularity of electronic music in Kenya. Once considered a niche genre, electronic music events have increasingly drawn large audiences in Nairobi and other urban centres, with homegrown DJs and collectives building dedicated followings through festivals, club nights and cultural gatherings.

    One of Kenya’s most-streamed musicians, Sofiya Nzau, who has found success globally in the genre, is evidence of its growing influence in Kenya.

    While previous editions of Sol Fest have focused largely on live bands, Afropop, hip-hop and contemporary African sounds, Safari Oontz signals a deliberate effort to give electronic music its own stage and audience within the wider festival experience.

    Sol Fest will take place from December 17 (VIP show) to December 19 (Fan Show).

  • DPP secures conviction of three terrorists in Kamiti Prison escape

    DPP secures conviction of three terrorists in Kamiti Prison escape

    The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured the conviction of three terrorists who escaped from Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in a case that underscored the Office’s commitment to safeguarding national security and ensuring accountability for terrorism-related offences.

    The three convicts, Musharaf Abdala, Mohamed Ali Abikar, and Joseph Juma Odhiambo, were found guilty by the Kahawa Anti-Terrorism Court after Prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    Led by Principal Prosecution Counsel James Muchirah, the prosecution presented compelling evidence linking each of the accused persons to the commission of the offence and established all the essential elements required under the law.

    The court heard that on the night of 14th November 2021 and the morning of 15th November 2021, at GK Kamiti Maximum Security Prison within Nairobi County, the three knowingly committed a terrorist act by escaping from lawful custody, an act that prejudiced national security.

    The accused persons had been charged with committing a terrorist act contrary to Section 4(1) of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012.

    During the trial, the prosecution called 10 witnesses, whose testimonies and evidence enabled the court to reach a guilty verdict against the three accused persons.

    In delivering the judgment, Principal Magistrate Gideon Kiage convicted the trio and directed that the matter be mentioned on 18th June 2026 for sentencing proceedings.

    “The conviction marks a significant success for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in its continued efforts to combat terrorism, uphold the rule of law, and protect the security of the country by ensuring that offenders are brought to justice,” said the DPP.

  • Murkomen in United States for NYPD security benchmarking tour

    Murkomen in United States for NYPD security benchmarking tour

    Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is currently on a high-level learning tour of the New York Police Department (NYPD) in the United States. The NYPD, with over 35,000 uniformed officers, is recognised as one of the most celebrated urban security institutions globally.

    The visit is particularly timely as the deadline approaches for the establishment of the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit. The strategic intervention was ordered by President William Ruto in February to address rising insecurity, maintain public order, tackle emerging criminal threats, and safeguard the economic interests of Kenya’s rapidly expanding capital and its surrounding towns.

    Mr Murkomen views the NYPD as the gold standard and an ideal model for Kenya, especially given the increasing complexity of Nairobi’s security landscape.

    “We are drawing lessons and best practices from the NYPD because it is one of the world’s most effective metropolitan police services,” the Cabinet Secretary stated.

    He outlined a comprehensive agenda for the tour, highlighting that the NYPD would provide Kenya with invaluable insights into intelligence-led and community-oriented policing, technology integration, specialised urban operations, emergency response coordination, and crime prevention strategies.

    “These are areas of direct relevance to what we are building back home,” he added.

    Upon his arrival, Mr Murkomen met with NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Their discussions extended beyond mere observation, venturing into the territory of formal partnership. The two discussed a proposed Memorandum of Understanding between the Kenya Police Service and the NYPD. Such an agreement would institutionalise cooperation between the two forces and directly inform the structure and operations of the forthcoming Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit.

    The meeting underscored Kenya’s intention not just to observe New York’s achievements, but to forge a lasting relationship that will continue to provide expertise, training, and technical support long after the Cabinet Secretary’s visit concludes.

    As one of Africa’s fastest-growing metropolitan centres, Nairobi has recently faced evolving and increasingly complex security threats that have challenged the capacity of existing policing structures. President Ruto’s directive in February acknowledged that a city of Nairobi’s scale and strategic importance requires a dedicated, specialised force, one designed for the realities of modern urban security.

    The NYPD, with its decades of experience in transforming New York from one of the world’s most dangerous cities into one of its safest, offers precisely the kind of proven blueprint Kenya is seeking.

    Mr Murkomen is accompanied by Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, and other key stakeholders. The delegation highlights the cross-institutional commitment behind the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit project. Kenya’s Ambassador to the United States, David Kerich, was also present during the engagements.

    When established, the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit is expected to become a cornerstone of Kenya’s urban security architecture. If the New York visit is an indication, it will be built upon some of the strongest foundations in global policing.

  • Nairobi Earth Film Festival calls for submissions

    Nairobi Earth Film Festival calls for submissions

    Filmmakers, journalists, environmental advocates and content creators across Africa have been invited to submit their work for the inaugural Nairobi Earth Film Festival (NEFF), set to take place in Nairobi from June 26 to 28, 2026.

    The newly launched festival aims to create an African platform dedicated to environmental storytelling, climate awareness, conservation and social impact through film, media and creative expression.

    Organisers say the event will bring together filmmakers, conservationists, students, cultural practitioners, environmental leaders and audiences from across the continent and beyond for three days of screenings, discussions, networking and climate action.

    NEFF is currently seeking submissions for a wide range of categories, including environmental documentaries, short films, advocacy and campaign films, investigative stories, wildlife and conservation productions, community and indigenous knowledge narratives, as well as content focused on climate justice and sustainability.

    According to the organisers, the festival is looking for powerful stories that explore issues such as biodiversity, conservation, climate change, resilience, environmental innovation and the experiences of African communities.

    They are encouraging both established and emerging storytellers to submit work that can spark dialogue and inspire action.

    Beyond film screenings, the festival programme will feature filmmaker masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions, keynote conversations, networking opportunities, cultural performances and environmental activations.

    Youth and community engagement activities are also expected to play a central role in the three-day event.

    The festival week will include several environmental initiatives, among them a special World Environment Day event at the United Nations Office in Nairobi on June 5, 2026, and a tree-planting and carbon offset programme organised in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service on June 24.

    Awards to be presented at the festival include Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best International Documentary, Best Short Advocacy Film, the New Generation Award for filmmakers under 35, and the NEFF Honorary Award.

    Organisers hope the festival will help position Nairobi as a leading African hub for environmental cinema and public dialogue on the future of the planet.

  • African Film Press partners with Locarno Open Doors for 2026 edition

    African Film Press partners with Locarno Open Doors for 2026 edition

    African Film Press (AFP), the cross-regional alliance of founding has partnered with Locarno’s Open Doors as an award partner for the 2026 edition, and will present the AFP Critics Prize to one of the selected projects.

    The prize includes a USD 500 cash award, a certificate, and ongoing editorial coverage of the recipient and their future work across AFP networks.

    AFP first presented the prize on 5 December 2025 at the 5th edition of the S16 Film Festival in Lagos, where the inaugural award went to Nigerian filmmaker Dika Ofoma for his short film ‘Obi Is a Boy’.

    Ofoma was a year-one Open Doors Africa participant at the time and his feature project, ‘Kachifo (Till the Morning Comes)’ was selected for the 2025 Open Doors Projects line-up and won three awards at that edition.

    The 2026 edition is the second year of Open Doors’ four-edition cycle dedicated to 42 African countries, with eligibility set under the guidelines of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

    The program runs from 5 to 10 August during the Locarno Film Festival and its industry arm, Locarno Pro, with training, mentoring, and networking alongside public screenings.

    AFP is one of two partners added to the awards roster this year, alongside an EAVE and Luxembourg Film Fund scholarship worth EUR 4,000 for the EAVE Marketing Workshop.

    A jury will award the prizes on 10 August.

    The established awards include the Open Doors Grant of CHF 50,000 (KSh. 8.2M) from visions sud est and the City of Bellinzona, the CNC Development Prize of EUR 8,000 (KSh. 1.2M) and the Arte Kino International Prize of EUR 6,000 (KSh. 904,020).

    Additional awards are available from IFFR Pro, the International Culture Center Tabakalera and San Sebastián Film Festival, the Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, and Sørfond.

  • St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to shape new approaches to cooperation

    St. Petersburg International Economic Forum to shape new approaches to cooperation

    The 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) will take place on 3–6 June this year. Its main theme will be “Pragmatic Dialogue: the Path to a Stable Future”. The event will be held with informational support from the TV BRICS International Media Network.
    Representatives from more than 130 countries and territories have confirmed their participation. Guests are expected to include heads of government bodies, international organisations, business, and the expert and academic communities.

    The Forum programme is structured around the formation of a new model of global development amid the transformation of the world economy. The themes of SPIEF 2026 reflect the transition towards a multipolar system of international relations and the need to find balanced solutions.

    “Today, pragmatic dialogue aimed at finding solutions capable of ensuring sustainable development in the context of global transformation is of particular importance. The Forum traditionally serves as a platform where new approaches to cooperation are formed and initiatives are launched that define the economic agenda for years ahead,” said Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the SPIEF Organising Committee.

    The programme brings together more than 150 sessions, grouped into thematic tracks ranging from the global and Russian economy to technological leadership, the social agenda, and the development of living environments. Particular attention is paid to practical dialogue formats – business breakfasts and international business dialogues with key countries and regions, including Brazil, India, China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, African and Latin American states, the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

    The programme will also feature a series of thematic events: the Business 20 Forum, the Russian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Forum (SME Forum), the SCO Business Forum, the BRICS Business Forum, the International Youth Economic Forum “Day of the Future”, the Creative Industries Forum, and the “Medicine Security” Forum.

    At the Roscongress International Cooperation Area at SPIEF 2026, thematic dialogues, presentations, international sectoral B2B meetings, and events dedicated to the role of culture, art and education in strengthening partnerships will take place. Special attention will be given to the youth segment, with a series of meetings organised specifically for participants of the youth projects “SPIEF Academy” and “Point Junior”.

    “This year, the programme of events in the Roscongress International Cooperation Area is reaching a fundamentally new level. Each event here […] is focused on a concrete result: finding partners, launching joint projects, and concluding deals. We have deliberately brought together different thematic tracks and ensured broad geographical coverage. All of this is a response to the real demands of international business, which seeks not only to discuss problems but also to find solutions,” said Aleksandra Ogneva, Deputy CEO and Head of the Directorate for International and Regional Cooperation at the Roscongress Foundation.
    A TV BRICS studio will operate in the Roscongress International Cooperation Area, conducting interviews with business leaders and government officials.

    Courtesy/TV BRICS