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  • Leaders urge youth to champion peace, participate in Ol Kalou by-election

    Leaders urge youth to champion peace, participate in Ol Kalou by-election

    Mt. Kenya leaders have called on young people in Ol Kalou Constituency to play a leading role in promoting peace and participating in the parliamentary by-election scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026.

    Speaking during the finals of the Muchina Tournament at Captain Shopping Centre, the leaders led by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire urged the youth to reject violence, intimidation, and political incitement, and instead become ambassadors of peace before, during, and after the election.

    They encouraged eligible young voters to turn out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right, saying the future of the constituency depends on their active participation in the electoral process.

    The leaders noted that sporting activities such as the Muchina Tournament provide a platform for nurturing talent, promoting unity, and keeping young people positively engaged.

    They said investing in youth through sports and other empowerment initiatives is key to building a peaceful and prosperous society.

    Winners of the tournament were awarded cash prizes and trophies in recognition of their outstanding performances.

  • US and Iran trade fire as tensions rise over Strait of Hormuz

    US and Iran trade fire as tensions rise over Strait of Hormuz

    The US launched a new attack on Iran on Sunday evening, continuing days of strikes between the two countries. Iranian state media reported that the strikes killed one person in southwestern Iran, while four were injured.

    Within hours of the fresh US strikes, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had struck US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain.

    The escalating attacks, which cast doubt over the future of the interim US-Iran agreement signed in June, come amid conflicting claims over whether the Strait of Hormuz is open.

    Iran says it has closed the key waterway until further notice, while the US insists it is open.

    On Sunday evening, Centcom announced another round of strikes against Iran, which it said started at 17:00 ET (22:00 BST).

    Dozens of Iranian military targets, including air-defence systems, coastal radar sites, and missile and drone capabilities were struck, it said later.

    US forces were “prepared to ensure that freedom of navigation remains available to commercial shipping despite Iran’s continued unwarranted aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations,” Centcom said.

    Minutes before the initial Centcom announcement, Iranian state TV reported explosions in Sirik, Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Jask.

    “Following the attack of the American enemy on Monday morning… one person was martyred and four others were injured,” IRNA reported, citing the deputy governor for security and law enforcement in Khuzestan province, Valiollah Hayati.

    Oil prices jumped on Monday in Asia. Brent crude was up by 4.3% at $79.26 (£59.22) a barrel, while US-traded oil also rose by 4.3% to $74.50.

    Energy prices on global wholesale markets have swung wildly in recent months as traders reacted to developments in the conflict.

    Shortly after the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) usually passes.

    Despite the latest gains, prices are well below the more than $120 a barrel mark Brent reached at the end of April.

    The new wave of US strikes on Sunday evening, came after US forces hit 140 Iranian military targets, Centcom said on Saturday evening.

    Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded to those strikes with wide-ranging attacks on US bases and allies across the region, marking an escalation in the scale of hostilities.

    Among those targeted by Iran were Qatar, a mediator in ceasefire talks which had not been attacked since April, and the UAE, which had not been attacked since May. The BBC has approached US Central Command (Centcom) for comment on an attack in Jordan.

    The renewed fire has put in jeopardy an interim ceasefire agreement signed last month, which aimed to reopen the strait and eventually bring a permanent end to the conflict.

    Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump declared the Iranian attacks meant the ceasefire was over, while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of violating the deal.

    However, Trump said talks would still continue and mediators were trying to revive the process.

    On Sunday, US Central Command insisted the Strait was open, warning the US military was in position to make sure it stayed free-flowing.

  • ‘Jurassic Park’ actor Sam Neill dead at 78

    ‘Jurassic Park’ actor Sam Neill dead at 78

    New Zealand actor Sam Neill, best known for his role in the 1993 film Jurassic Park, has died at the age of 78.

    Announcing the news on Monday morning, Neill’s family said his death was “sudden and unexpected”.

    “It is with immense sadness that the whānau [extended family] of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney, Australia,” the statement said. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.”

    The family said that at the time of his death, Mr Neil had stayed cancer-free. The actor had revealed his cancer diagnosis in March 2023, describing it as “a ferocious type of aggressive” non-Hodgkin lymphoma.”

    However, in April, in an interview, the actor had revealed he had “no cancer.”

    “We’ve just had a scan just now, and there is no cancer in my body, that’s an extraordinary thing,” Neill told Australian outlet 7 News.

    In their statement, the family reiterated this.

    “The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer-free,” the statement continued. “They would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their incredible care.”

    Following the news of his death, tributes have started pouring in.

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has mourned Sam Neill, writing on X that he “starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts”.

    The New Zealand actor was regarded as an honorary Australian by many due to his connections to the country and he died in a hospital in Sydney surrounded by family.

    “Wry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance,” Albanese added. “He will be much mourned and long remembered. May he rest in peace.”

    To conclude, the family asked for privacy with a promise to share more information later.

    “More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss.”

  • Oil prices rise as US and Iran trade fire over Strait of Hormuz

    Oil prices rise as US and Iran trade fire over Strait of Hormuz

    The US launched a new attack on Iran on Sunday evening, continuing days of strikes between the two countries. Iranian state media reported that the strikes killed one person in southwestern Iran, while four were injured.

    Within hours of the fresh US strikes, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had struck US military bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain.

    The escalating attacks, which cast doubt over the future of the interim US-Iran agreement signed in June, come amid conflicting claims over whether the Strait of Hormuz is open.

    Iran says it has closed the key waterway until further notice, while the US insists it is open.

    On Sunday evening, Centcom announced another round of strikes against Iran, which it said started at 17:00 ET (22:00 BST).

    Dozens of Iranian military targets, including air-defence systems, coastal radar sites, and missile and drone capabilities were struck, it said later.

    US forces were “prepared to ensure that freedom of navigation remains available to commercial shipping despite Iran’s continued unwarranted aggression, harassment, threats, and arbitrary declarations,” Centcom said.

    Minutes before the initial Centcom announcement, Iranian state TV reported explosions in Sirik, Qeshm, Bandar Abbas and Jask.

    “Following the attack of the American enemy on Monday morning… one person was martyred and four others were injured,” IRNA reported, citing the deputy governor for security and law enforcement in Khuzestan province, Valiollah Hayati.

    Oil prices jumped on Monday in Asia. Brent crude was up by 4.3% at $79.26 (£59.22) a barrel, while US-traded oil also rose by 4.3% to $74.50.

    Energy prices on global wholesale markets have swung wildly in recent months as traders reacted to developments in the conflict.

    Shortly after the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) usually passes.

    Despite the latest gains, prices are well below the more than $120 a barrel mark Brent reached at the end of April.

    The new wave of US strikes on Sunday evening, came after US forces hit 140 Iranian military targets, Centcom said on Saturday evening.

    Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded to those strikes with wide-ranging attacks on US bases and allies across the region, marking an escalation in the scale of hostilities.

    Among those targeted by Iran were Qatar, a mediator in ceasefire talks which had not been attacked since April, and the UAE, which had not been attacked since May. The BBC has approached US Central Command (Centcom) for comment on an attack in Jordan.

    The renewed fire has put in jeopardy an interim ceasefire agreement signed last month, which aimed to reopen the strait and eventually bring a permanent end to the conflict.

    Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump declared the Iranian attacks meant the ceasefire was over, while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of violating the deal.

    However, Trump said talks would still continue and mediators were trying to revive the process.

    On Sunday, US Central Command insisted the Strait was open, warning the US military was in position to make sure it stayed free-flowing.

  • At least 27 killed, eight critically injured in Bangkok bar fire

    At least 27 killed, eight critically injured in Bangkok bar fire

    A huge fire tore through a bar in Bangkok late on Sunday, killing at least 27 people and leaving eight critically injured.

    The blaze started near the stage of the bar in the popular Chatuchak district, then spread rapidly, cutting power and engulfing the room with smoke, eyewitnesses say.

    Footage posted online show panicked customers screaming as they fled – some with their clothes on fire – through the flame-enveloped front door of Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao.

    Firefighters, who arrived at the scene just after midnight, quickly extinguished the fire. They found the bodies of most of the victims in a bathroom, where they had apparently sought shelter.

    Preliminary investigations by Bangkok’s disaster mitigation department suggest the fire could have been caused by an electrical short circuit in an air conditioner, though no official cause has been given.

    Authorities have promised a thorough investigation.

    This is not the first time such an incident has occured in Thailand.

    Despite official promises to improve fire and electrical safety standards following previous incidents, they are still often poorly enforced.

    Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene early on Monday, said a musician who was performing when the fire broke out told him “there was blasting and everybody tried to flee from the smoke and flames”.

    Many people did not make it out of the bar because they “went to the back of the building and tried to hide themselves… in the toilet”, the musician said, according to Anutin.

    Firefighters, who were alerted to the blaze by a passing driver, were reportedly able to bring the flames under control in about half an hour.

    However, despite their efforts, nine men and 18 women were killed, while more than 60 are now being treated in hospital, including eight who are suffering from critical injuries.

    Initial findings suggest the majority of the victims had died from smoke inhalation, said Suriyachai Raviwan, the director of Bangkok’s disaster mitigation department.

    Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt say the flammable interior decorations on the bar’s ceiling may have facilitated the blaze’s rapid spread.

    There are also reports of people found unconscious near the building’s emergency exit, suggesting that there may have been some obstruction, the governor added.

    Authorities say these suggestions can only be confirmed through further investigation by forensic officers.

    One motorcyclist, Surin Jaiharn, told AFP that he helped about five people flee the burning bar using clothing to extinguish flames on their bodies.

    “I feel depressed. I saw many deaths and I do not know the fate of the people I helped,” he told AFP.

    The driver who alerted the fire department told Thai news outlet the Daily News that he broke windows to help two people escape.

    As of Monday morning, the bar has been cordoned off, with shattered windows and furniture piled up outside its entrance. Confronting pictures have emerged of many body bags lined up outside the bar.

    Inside, the furniture, walls and ceiling are completely blackened, with parts of the ceiling peeled off. When the BBC arrived at the scene on Monday, an acrid smell of burning lingered in the air.

  • Maintain stringent biosafety protocols in Confined Field Trials, urges NBA

    Maintain stringent biosafety protocols in Confined Field Trials, urges NBA

    Kenya’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA), which is mandated to regulate research activities involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs), has urged research institutions conducting Confined Field Trials (CFTs) to strictly comply with the biosafety protocols stipulated in the Biosafety Act, 2009.

    Speaking during a visit to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) research facilities at Muguga (Biotechnology Research Institute – BioRI) and Kandara by a delegation from Senegal’s National Biosafety Authority, NBA Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ann Karimi emphasized that full compliance with biosafety protocols is essential to ensure that confined field trials remain contained and do not pose risks to people, animals, or the environment.

    Confined Field Trials are carefully controlled outdoor experiments used to test genetically modified crops under real farming conditions while ensuring they remain contained and do not affect people, animals, or the environment before they are commercialized or released to the market.

    As the national regulator, the NBA supervises these trials to verify that experimental crops pose no threats to human health or the environment before wider authorization is considered. The Authority carries out this mandate through continuous monitoring and inspection of all approved confined field trials.

    At the KALRO research facilities in Muguga and Kandara, researchers are developing genetically modified crops, including late blight-resistant potatoes and advanced cassava lines targeting diseases such as Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) and Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD).

    Dr. Karimi said the visit was intended to verify that all protocols governing confined field trials are being strictly observed, including the proper handling and disposal of trial materials to safeguard human health and the environment.

    “We are very pleased with the work being undertaken in these confined field trials. We will continue working closely with KALRO to ensure Kenya maintains its success in the safe development and regulation of GMOs. We are also delighted that Senegal’s delegation has had the opportunity to benchmark with us and learn from Kenya’s biosafety regulatory framework. We are satisfied with the level of compliance we have observed,” said Dr. Karimi.

    Kenya has approved several genetically modified crops for confined field trials across the country. These include Bt maize in Kiboko and Kitale; drought-tolerant maize in Kiboko; virus-resistant sweet potato in Kakamega; Virus Resistant Cassava (VIRCA) in Mtwapa, Thika, and Alupe; BioCassava Plus (BC+) in Alupe, Busia County; and GM potatoes at KALRO stations in Molo (Nakuru County), Muguga (Kiambu County), and Njambini (Nyandarua County).

    Other completed or ongoing trials include Bt cotton in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA), and African Biofortified Sorghum (ABS) in Kiboko, Makueni County.

    The Authority has already approved the commercial cultivation of Bt cotton, which has been grown in Kenya since 2020. To date, no adverse effects have been reported through the Authority’s monitoring and surveillance system.

    In animal research, the Authority has approved confined field trials for genetically modified vaccines to control Rift Valley Fever in cattle, goats, sheep, and camels.

    During the visit, Dr. Martin Mwirigi highlighted KALRO’s integrated research approach, which combines conventional breeding with modern biotechnology to develop improved crop varieties.

    Dr. Kuria showcased the stringent biosafety measures governing confined field trials and emphasized Kenya’s collaborative regulatory framework for promoting responsible innovation. He noted that Bt cotton has already been approved for commercial cultivation, while Bt maize and GM cassava are nearing commercialization, subject to completion of the regulatory approval process. GM potatoes are also awaiting regulatory approval following successful confined field trials.

    Working with national and international partners, KALRO remains at the forefront of advancing modern biotechnology through research and product development aimed at enhancing food security, improving farmers’ livelihoods, and building resilience to climate change.

    Senegal’s National Biosafety Authority Executive Director, Prof. Aliou Ndiaye, accompanied by General Secretary Dr. Colonel Lamine Kane and Ms. Aïssatou Ndiaye, commended the research activities at the two facilities, noting that they will go a long way in addressing food security and nutrition in Senegal.

    “We have learnt a great deal from Kenya’s experience in GMO research and biosafety regulation, and we intend to apply these lessons when we return to Senegal,” said Prof. Ndiaye.

    The visit aimed to provide the Senegalese delegation with firsthand knowledge of Kenya’s progress in agricultural biotechnology, biosafety regulation, and research-driven innovations designed to strengthen food security.

  • Kenya Tourism Board joins Africa PR Week as lead destination partner

    Kenya Tourism Board joins Africa PR Week as lead destination partner

    Kenya will be one of the main highlights at this year’s Africa PR Week, scheduled for August 26 to 28. Through the Kenya Tourism Board and its Magical Kenya campaign, the forum will focus on the origins and success of Kenya’s travel marketing.

    “Our theme this year is Redefining Africa: Africa as a Brand, and few institutions live that mission like the team behind Magical Kenya, one of the continent’s most recognised nation brands,” organisers said.

    As part of the collaboration, KTB will co‑host the Destination Pavilion, curating immersive cultural showcases and tourism experiences.

    Delegates from over 40 countries are expected to participate both in person and online will be invited to explore Kenya’s diverse offerings through curated pre‑ and post‑event packages, including the Great Wildebeest Migration, Nairobi city tours, and cultural circuits designed to extend visitor stays and boost the local economy.

    Speaking about the partnership, June Chepkemei, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Tourism Board said the opportunity was invaluable.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Africa Global PR Week 2026. This collaboration underscores the critical role PR practitioners play as storytellers in showcasing Kenya as a leading tourism destination,” Ms Chepkemei said. “Their expertise is invaluable in designing compelling narratives that highlight our diverse attractions. Furthermore, this partnership provides an excellent platform to emphasise the growing importance of MICE tourism, which is pivotal in diversifying our destination’s offering and attracting a new segment of visitors to experience wonder.”

    The Africa Global PR Week event is an annual gathering that began in 2025 to bring together communicators, PR practitioners, strategists and more in a bid to reshape the global African narrative.

    “This partnership with KTB ensures that Africa Global PR Week 2026 is not only a summit of ideas, but also a celebration of Kenya’s tourism excellence and Africa’s collective narrative,” said Mary Njoki, Chair of AGPRW.

  • ‘Moana’ underperforms at Box Office falling below expectations

    ‘Moana’ underperforms at Box Office falling below expectations

    The live-action remake of the Disney animated movie of the same name raked in $95 million (Kshs. 12.2B) at the global Box Office when it opened on Friday in Kenya and around the world.

    According to Deadline, the domestic haul for the movie, $43 million (Kshs. 5.5B), “underperformed studio expectations, which ranged from $60 million (Kshs. 7.7B) to $65 million (Kshs. 8.4B).

    Regardless of its revenue, ‘Moana’ still topped the Box Office charts without much competition in the family genre.

    The new film’s poor performance has been a surprise, according to analysts, compared to its 2016 counterpart. The original 2016 animated movie brought in more than $643 million (Kshs. 83.1B) worldwide and is the most-watched movie on Disney+ according to the streamer’s stats.

    A 2024 sequel grossed more than $1 billion (Kshs. 129.2B) at the global box office while the studio has sold more than 22 million “Moana”-themed toys.”

    It’s also believed that early criticisms of the film may have contributed to its poor performance. According to the BBC, “the movie, which was released on Friday, has been described in reviews as “flat”, “dull” and “dismal””.

    The Guardian, in their review, called the film a “competent but pointless and unexciting back-to-basics live-action remake” in its two-star review, while Variety said “the film “truly delivers ‘Moana’ – the beauty, the comic personality, the fairy-tale enchantment”, and described Johnson’s “fit” for the film as “perfect”.

    “Moana” stars Dwayne Johnson, who reprises his role as demigod Maui, with 19-year-old Australian-Samoan newcomer Catherine Laga’aia playing Moana, the teen daughter of a Polynesian chief.

    The movie is available to watch in cinemas across Kenya.

  • China advances industry-focused education with new AI teaching model

    China advances industry-focused education with new AI teaching model

    Shandong University of Science and Technology is successfully implementing a new Digital Intelligence and Industry-Education Integration model for talent development. According to Science and Technology Daily, a TV BRICS partner, the core of the new model lies in reorienting the educational process towards the practical needs of industry.

    The university utilises large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) language models and specialised knowledge graphs, adhering to the principle that “what is taught is determined by industry”, to translate labour market demands into relevant curriculum design.

    In 2024, the university took the lead in establishing the nation’s first knowledge graph platform for the safety engineering discipline, which integrates 10 core courses and 1,079 key knowledge points.

    This AI platform aggregates talent demand data from over 120 mining, chemical and emergency response enterprises to construct a “competency indicator database” for safety roles. Students can clearly see which disciplines correspond to which roles, whilst lecturers can adjust course content in a timely manner.

    The new educational model places great emphasis on practical training. The educational AI agents developed can simulate 37 types of emergency scenarios (such as methane explosions and water inrushes), allowing students to practise response measures in real time. Senior students also undertake work placements at enterprises, mines and workshops to address accident prevention issues.

    As Zhou Gang, Head of the College of Safety and Environmental Engineering at Shandong University of Science and Technology, emphasised, the professionals trained under this new model are not only capable of carrying out safety assurance work but can also effectively utilise digital tools to solve complex engineering problems in real-world environments.

    Courtesy/ Science and Technology Daily & TV BRICS

  • One killed as police arrest 14 over Kisumu, Nyahururu violence

    One killed as police arrest 14 over Kisumu, Nyahururu violence

    Eight suspects have been arrested following deadly clashes in Kisumu City that left one person dead, several others injured and property destroyed while six more suspects are in police custody over violence that disrupted a political rally in Nyahururu Town.

    In a statement, the National Police Service has condemned the incidents as acts of political intolerance, saying investigations are ongoing and warning that all those found responsible will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

    In Kisumu, police said violent confrontations between two opposing groups resulted in the death of one person, several injuries, the torching of nine motorcycles and damage to a police vehicle.

    “Preliminary investigations indicate that, in Kisumu City, a violent confrontation between two opposing groups resulted in the death of one person, several injuries, the torching of nine motorcycles and damage to a police vehicle,” read the statement.

    Adding that: “Following swift police intervention, eight suspects were arrested and placed in custody pending arraignment in court. Efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved are ongoing.”

    In Nyahururu Town, police arrested six suspects after a group of individuals allegedly attempted to disrupt a political rally by throwing stones, causing minor injuries to several members of the public, including one Joseph Gitau, who sustained a chest injury and was treated and discharged.

    “Contrary to some allegations, there was no shooting incident. Police responded promptly and arrested six suspects, who have been placed in custody pending arraignment,” NPS clarified.

    Condemning the violence in Kisumu and Nyahururu, the National Police Service stressed that such acts undermine public order, threaten national cohesion and violate citizens’ constitutional rights to peacefully associate, assemble and participate in political activities.

    “The Service strongly condemns these acts of political intolerance, violence and goonism. Such incidents undermine public order, threaten national cohesion and violate citizens’ constitutional rights to peacefully associate, assemble and participate in political activities,” NPS noted.

    The Service reiterated that no person regardless of social status, political affiliation or public office is above the law warning that anyone found engaging in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful gatherings will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law.

    Members of the public who may have information that could assist the investigation have been urged to report to the nearest police station or through the toll free numbers 999 and 911, via #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203, or by WhatsApp on 0709 570 000, to report anonymously.

    The National Police Service have vowed to remain committed to conducting a thorough, impartial and evidence-led investigation to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.