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  • CS Ruku assures Isiolo residents of quality public services amid bandit crackdown

    CS Ruku assures Isiolo residents of quality public services amid bandit crackdown

    The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has assured residents of Isiolo County of the government’s firm commitment to protecting lives and property, as well as delivering efficient public services.

    Speaking at Jesus of Power Resurrection Ministries in Ngaremara, Isiolo North, Ruku stated that the government is determined to eliminate banditry in the affected regions.

    He emphasised that the government led by President William Ruto and his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, has both the capacity and resolve to end the menace.

    “The government has the power and the will to crush bandits within the next three months,” said Ruku.

    His remarks followed concerns raised by local leaders who criticized statements by some politicians accused of profiling entire communities instead of targeting criminal elements behind the attacks.

    Ruku noted that areas such as Isiolo, Laikipia County, and Meru County, which have been gazetted as disturbed, will continue to experience intensified security operations, including military interventions aimed at flushing out bandits.

    He blamed the criminals for widespread suffering, citing frequent attacks and livestock theft.

    The CS called on residents to support security agencies by sharing information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.

    On political matters, the CS urged leaders and residents from the Mt Kenya region to remain united and avoid divisive rhetoric. He accused some leaders from the western part of the region of fueling disunity.

    Ruku specifically criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of disrespecting Deputy President Kindiki.

    He said mutual respect among leaders was essential, noting that Kindiki had maintained decorum during Gachagua’s tenure.

    CS Ruku further argued that Gachagua’s impeachment by Parliament reflected a lack of leadership qualities.

    He was accompanied by Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo, Deputy Governor James Lowasa, Isiolo North MP Joseph Samal, and Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya, alongside several MCAs and local leaders. The leaders reiterated their support for the Kenya Kwanza administration and its bid for a second term.

     

  • President urges diplomats to translate Kenya’s potential into tangible partnerships

    President urges diplomats to translate Kenya’s potential into tangible partnerships

    President William Ruto has urged Kenyan ambassadors and high commissioners to effectively communicate the country’s strengths abroad, stressing that diplomatic missions must convert opportunities into real, measurable benefits for Kenya.

    “As Kenya’s ambassadors, you are called to present to the world the full breadth of Kenya’s potential, telling our story with conviction and translating that promise into partnerships that deliver real, tangible benefits for the people of Kenya,” President Ruto said during the opening of the 19th Ambassadors and High Commissioners Conference in Nairobi.

    Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi added that diplomats must highlight Kenya’s leadership on the regional and global stage, noting that President Ruto serves as Chair of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and is a leading voice on climate action.

    “This is a position that elevates Kenya’s influence and provides a strategic platform to advance Kenya’s national, regional, and international interests,” Mudavadi stated.

    Speaking at the same event, Equity Group Holdings Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi, emphasized that Kenyans must take the lead in investing in their own country to ensure that returns remain domestic, driving job creation, wealth, and economic stability.

    “I’m glad that foreign investors continue to see Kenya as a strong and attractive destination. Their confidence in our economy is important.” he said.

    He highlighted that infrastructure alone cannot drive growth and challenged Kenyans to save, noting that strong domestic savings are critical for national development. He also cited partnerships with Trade Connect and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat as initiatives facilitating trade, providing financing, and removing barriers for Kenyan entrepreneurs.

    “Our foreign missions are critical in promoting exports and attracting investment. By partnering with our diplomats and equipping them with the right tools, the results will be reflected in foreign currency inflows, job creation, and wealth generation for Kenyans,” Dr. Mwangi added.

    The push for economic diplomacy follows Kenya’s recent launch of two digital trade platforms, BiasharaLink and Deal House, designed to transform African embassies into active hubs for cross-border commerce under AfCFTA.

    Unveiled in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the 39th African Union Summit, the platforms aim to close Africa’s “trade execution gap,” where more than 3,500 monthly trade inquiries received by African embassies rarely translate into actual deals.

    BiasharaLink allows missions, exporters, and investors to capture, structure, and track trade opportunities, while Deal House validates, matches, and connects opportunities to financing for execution.

    The initiative also targets SMEs and women-led businesses, providing structured access to financing and cross-border trade opportunities, signaling a shift from policy ambition to results-oriented economic diplomacy.

  • Robisearch expands to South Africa, creating jobs for Kenyans abroad

    Robisearch expands to South Africa, creating jobs for Kenyans abroad

    Kenyan ICT firm Robisearch Limited has expanded its footprint into South Africa, a move expected to open up new employment opportunities for Kenyans while strengthening the country’s presence in Africa’s growing digital economy.

    The company, founded by Robert Manyala, officially launched its South African branch on February 26, 2026, during an event held at the University of Johannesburg’s School of Hospitality auditorium.

    The launch brought together industry stakeholders and leaders from both Kenya and South Africa, highlighting the increasing role of cross-border collaboration in Africa’s tech sector.

    The event was attended by Ndileka Mandela as the chief guest, while Kenyan media expert Hinn Walubengo delivered remarks emphasizing the need for African-driven innovation and partnerships.

    Speaking during the launch, Manyala said the expansion goes beyond business growth, focusing on creating opportunities for Kenyans outside the country.

    “We are deliberately creating opportunities for Kenyans to work, grow and thrive beyond our borders while still contributing to Africa’s digital transformation,” he said.

    Robisearch has already established operations in Johannesburg, setting up offices at JCCI House. The location places the company at the heart of one of Africa’s leading economic hubs, enabling it to tap into South Africa’s vibrant small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector.

    Through its new branch, the firm will offer a range of digital and software solutions tailored to businesses.

    These include Point of Sale systems, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, property management systems and eTIMS-compliant solutions.

    The company will also provide digital marketing services such as search engine optimization (SEO), brand management and professional training.

    In addition, Robisearch is introducing security technologies, including biometric access control systems and QR-based customer feedback tools, as part of its effort to enhance business efficiency and customer experience.

    The South African expansion builds on the company’s earlier entry into the Ugandan market, reinforcing its ambition to grow into a pan-African ICT powerhouse.

    As Robisearch continues to scale its operations across the continent, the firm is positioning itself as a key player in exporting Kenyan expertise, creating jobs, and elevating local talent on the African stage.

  • Two charged for threatening to kill Indian man at a club

    Two charged for threatening to kill Indian man at a club

    Two men have been charged at Kibera Law Court for with assaulting and causing actual body harm to an Indian national.

    According to the prosecution the duo Rahiel Daud and Hikesh Motwani alias Vicky are accused of causing actual bodily harm and threatening to kill the complainant Arya Anuj at Taal Lounge in Parklands, Nairobi.

    The court was informed that the incident occurred on March 24, when the complainant, an Indian national visiting Kenya, was at the entertainment joint with a friend where a dispute arose.

    The prosecution opposed their release on bail terms stating that the accused would interfere with witnesses and are a flight risk.

    The accused who pleaded not guilty to the charges will remain the guest of the state Parklands Police Station pending a bond/bail hearing on Monday March 30, 2026.

  • Standard Chartered to scale sustainable financing innovations with DFIs in Kenya 

    Standard Chartered to scale sustainable financing innovations with DFIs in Kenya 

    Standard Chartered has announced plans to expand the scale and scope of sustainable financing in Kenya and across Africa this year, deepening partnerships with public institutions and Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to channel capital into agriculture, healthcare, digital infrastructure, and manufacturing.

    Kenya secured over $2.9 billion in investment commitments at the Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO 2026), with manufacturing, healthcare, and agribusiness among the standout sectors.

    Against this backdrop, Standard Chartered said it will leverage the success of landmark transactions including a $100 million facility with British International Investment (BII), a $70 million programme with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Safaricom’s $130 million green bond to accelerate the structuring of more innovative financing solutions.

    “Our ambition is to scale sustainable financing innovations with DFIs and governments, so we can mobilise more capital into agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and digital infrastructure,” said incoming Standard Chartered Kenya Managing and CEO Birju Sanghrajka at the KIICO Conference.

    “We are not just focused on deal volumes. We want to transform how capital flows in Africa. By blending concessional and commercial finance, we can derisk large projects, crowd in private investors, and ensure financing reaches sectors that directly improve livelihoods.”

    An increase in financing deals with DFIs is expected to give Kenyan businesses greater access to affordable, longterm capital.

    This will enable manufacturers to expand production, healthcare providers to invest in new facilities, and agribusinesses to modernise operations.

    KIICO projections suggest these investments could generate more than 63,000 jobs across priority sectors.

    The wider economic impact is expected to be substantial.

    The Kenya Association of Manufacturers’ strategic agenda identifies an unmet export potential of around $5.3 billion for manufactured products, implying there is room for significant expansion if competitiveness and value addition are strengthened.

    Healthcare investments will improve workforce productivity and resilience, while modernised agriculture could increase food security and raise rural incomes by an estimated 15–20% for smallholder farmers.

    Together, these outcomes could add over one percentage point to Kenya’s annual GDP growth, supporting a more inclusive and sustainable development trajectory.

    Sanghrajka emphasised that Nairobi is emerging as a regional capital hub, enabling Standard Chartered to structure, intermediate, and deploy global and regional capital efficiently.

    “By anchoring these financing innovations in Kenya, we can scale them across East Africa, attracting international investors to sectors that will define the region’s future growth,” he said.

    Standard Chartered expects to continue expanding its collaboration with DFIs, public institutions, and fintechs, positioning Kenya at the centre of its regional strategy for sustainable and inclusive investment.

  • Kenya, Lithuania partner to boost digital inclusion for women, youth enterprises

    Kenya, Lithuania partner to boost digital inclusion for women, youth enterprises

    Kenya has partnered with Lithuania to advance digital inclusion as a key economic strategy, targeting women and youth-led enterprises through skills development and market access.

    The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) in partnership with the Vilnius Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (VCCIC) and supported by the European Union, Wednesday hosted the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Digital Literacy Conference in Nairobi.

    The high-level forum marked a significant milestone in the Skills4Women & Youth in Kenya initiative, aimed at bridging the digital divide and fostering economic resilience.

    In his keynote address, KNCCI President Dr. Erick Rutto emphasized that empowering women and youth is not merely a social agenda but a critical economic strategy for the nation. Highlighting Kenya’s demographic strength, Dr. Rutto noted that over 75% of the population is below age 35, and women lead a significant portion of the country’s 7.4 million MSMEs, which contribute up to 40% of the GDP.

    “Opportunity without capability creates inequality,” stated Dr. Rutto. “Our role is to ensure our entrepreneurs are equipped with the right skills and connected to the right markets to move from informal survival to scalable, sustainable growth”.

    The President reported impressive results from the Skills for Women and Youth Programme (2024-2026), which has already trained 478 SMEs nearly four times the initial target and deployed 138 certified trainers across all 47 counties.

    Representing the Ministry of ICT, the speech “Bridging the Digital Divide in Kenya” Secretary ICT, E-Government and Digital Economy Mary Kerema outlined the government’s aggressive roadmap toward an “intelligent economy”. To improve digital inclusiveness, the government is currently:

    Expanding Infrastructure: Deploying 100,000 km of fiber optic cable and establishing 1,450 additional digital hubs to ensure last-mile connectivity.

    Enhancing Accessibility: Focusing on providing affordable devices and public Wi-Fi to reach all parts of the country.

    Policy Innovation: Developing flexible frameworks, including regulatory sandboxes, to support startups and secure data protection.

    The Ministry underscored that bridging the divide requires moving beyond simple access to “meaningful participation,” where women are not just users of technology but innovators and decision-makers.

    Chief Guest at the event Lithuanian MFA Vice Minister Vidmantas Verbickas highlighted Kenya as a vital partner in Africa, noting that the cooperation is built on three key priorities: strengthening skills for a digital economy, creating practical partnerships, and fostering long-term impact.

    The Vice Minister noted that Lithuania’s approach is fully aligned with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which promotes sustainable investment and digital transformation.

    “Lithuania sees Kenya as a very important partner in Africa. A country with strong economical potential, a dnamic private sector, and a clear vision for digital and economic transformation. Lithuania is committed to working with Kenya not only as a donor, but as a reliable partner in building resilient systems and supporting innovation.” Verbickas stated.

    The vice minister promised to extend cooperation between Kenya and Lithuania through trade with more programmes and trade missions expected in the future.

    The conference featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between KNCCI and the Vilnius National Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Craft to further solidify the business ties between Kenya and Lithuania.

    KNCCI CEO KK Mutai reiterated that the Chamber Business Academy will continue to serve as a permanent platform for mentorship and capacity building to ensure the sustainability of these digital gains.

  • DPP secures life sentence in Kakamaga defilement case

    DPP secures life sentence in Kakamaga defilement case

    The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has secured a life sentence against a 72-year-old offender in Kakamega County.

    In a landmark judgment delivered at the Kakamega Law Courts on 19th March 2026, Andobe Sablah Aukhuma was sentenced to life imprisonment for defiling a 10-year-old Grade Four minor in the Providence area of Lurambi Sub-County.

    The court heard that, in addition to the grievous offence, the victim was infected with a sexually transmitted disease, further aggravating the harm inflicted.

    The conviction, secured under Section 8(1) as read with Section 8(2) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2006, followed a robust prosecution led by Prosecution Counsels Ian Makotsi and Stellah Adeny.

    In a separate but related case before the same court, the DPP also secured convictions against two adult males, Patrick Bakari (37) and Godfrey Esalaba, both from Emakaka Sublocation in Kakamega Central.

    The duo was each sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of defiling and impregnating a 15-year-old minor.

  • PS Hinga defends Langata Affordable Housing Project, counters petition claims

    PS Hinga defends Langata Affordable Housing Project, counters petition claims

    The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, Charles Hinga has defended the Southlands Affordable Housing Project in Langata, insisting that all legal, environmental, and procedural requirements were fully met despite ongoing court challenges.

    In a replying affidavit filed in response to a petition challenging the project, PS Hinga says that extensive public participation was undertaken in accordance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

    He argues that the process involved household surveys, key informant interviews, and public barazas across Kibra Lots 1 to 5 in Mugumo-ini Ward, Langata Constituency.

    Hinga revealed that initial meetings held at Ngei Primary School were disrupted by rumors of forced displacement, but the consultations were promptly relocated to project sites to ensure inclusive and meaningful engagement.

    Community members, youth leaders, ministry officials, and consultants attended the barazas, raising concerns about housing allocation, affordability, employment opportunities, infrastructure, and potential environmental impacts.

    “The barazas provided stakeholders with adequate opportunity to present their views, seek clarifications, and contribute to the planning process,” Hinga said, emphasizing that residents were assured no forced displacements would occur and that allocations would be transparent through the government’s Boma Yangu portal.

    Employment opportunities for local youth were also highlighted as part of the project’s social benefits.

    Addressing environmental concerns, Hinga argues that that the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report was submitted to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on 21st September 2025 adding that NEMA subsequently issued an Environmental Impact Assessment licence on 16th December 2025, authorizing the project subject to regulatory safeguards.

    He further adds that consultations with aviation authorities and the Kenya Defence Forces showed full compliance with safety and security requirements, with no objections received from Wilson Airport or Langata Barracks.

    On allegations that the project encroached on road and rail reserves or buffer zones, Hinga states that the land had been lawfully allocated for residential development under government planning frameworks.

    The PS further warned that prolonged suspension of the project under conservatory court orders could result in financial losses, contract terminations, litigation, and safety hazards at the unoccupied construction site.

    He has urged the court to adopt remedial measures that would allow the project to continue while addressing any procedural concerns, citing Supreme Court guidance on proportionality and public interest.

    “The Petition lacks merit, and continued delay undermines the State’s constitutional mandate to provide accessible and adequate housing,” Hinga concluded, asking the court to dismiss the petition with costs.

  • CS Murkomen condemns culture of staged abductions

    CS Murkomen condemns culture of staged abductions

    Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has hit out at former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju, accusing him of orchestrating a self-abduction and warning that such acts must be dealt with decisively.

    “These repetitive theatrics must come to an end,” he warned.

    The CS was speaking in Kositei, Tiaty, during the burial ceremony of Bill Lorupe Ballot Kassait, the son of William Kamket and Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait.

    Murkomen warned that false abduction cases undermine national security and mislead the public, adding that the government will take firm action against anyone found culpable.

    “Someone cannot incite the public and cause unrest after abducting themselves,” the CS warned.

    The CS called on the Judiciary to be vigilant when handling cases of staged abductions.

    “I want to ask the Judiciary to remain vigilant. If we bring before the courts individuals who abduct themselves, firm and severe action must be taken against them in accordance with the law,” said Murkomen.

    The CS further assured Kenyans of intensified security operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability in parts of Meru County and neighbouring counties that have recently experienced isolated incidents of banditry and cattle rustling.

    “The same way we have carried out disarmament in Kerio Valley, give us a little more time and we will disarm the remaining criminals and restore lasting peace in Meru, Samburu, and Isiolo counties,” he said, while warning political leaders against interfering with security operations.

  • KMTC urged to embrace innovation in training

    KMTC urged to embrace innovation in training

    The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Board Chairperson, Joseah Cheruiyot, has called on the College management to embrace innovative solutions aimed at addressing emerging market needs for KMTC graduates.

    In recent months, the College has rolled out entrepreneurship and soft skills programmes to equip learners with practical competencies required to navigate the evolving job market.

    Speaking to members of the management team and academic departments, Cheruiyot noted that the dynamic global environment calls for adopting new ideas to address current employment challenges.

    “I urge you to listen to students, as some of their ideas will enhance our competitiveness in the global job market. Staff should also continue to propose initiatives that will drive transformation within the College,” he said.

    The Board Chairperson made the remarks on Monday, March 23, 2026, during a three-day academic retreat in Mombasa convened to deliberate on key issues affecting teaching and learning.

    The forum is also reviewing and aligning policies with emerging trends and priorities in education and healthcare training.

    The Deputy Director, Academics, Dr. Nyawira Mwangi, urged members of staff to take advantage of the forum to better understand the College’s operations and enhance service delivery.

    During the session, Heads of Department presented various programmes under the Know Your Graduates initiative to clarify distinctions among courses in response to increased public inquiries.

    Programmes highlighted included Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Orthopaedic Technology, and Orthopaedic Trauma Medicine, as well as Dental Technology, Community Oral Health, Medical Engineering, and Optometry.

    Staff were encouraged to actively educate the public on available programmes and the diverse career opportunities they offer.

    During the discussions, the Registrar, Ronald Wasike, noted that Physiotherapy has emerged as the second most sought-after programme in the international job market after Nursing.

    He added that several highly marketable programmes offered by the College remain less well known to the public, yet present strong career prospects for learners. Also present are Board Directors Hardlyne Lusui, Eng. Dr. Joseph Atonga, Paul Cheboi, James Sitieney, among others.