magicnewskenya

By Wilson Amondo The 2026 International Symposium on Streptococcus and GBS Disease (ISSAD) is set to kick off in East Africa, bringing together top experts to tackle the pressing issue of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease. This year's conference is particularly significant, as it coincides with a surge in GBS cases in sub-Saharan Africa. As the opening panel takes the stage, discussions will center around the latest vaccine candidates in clinical trials, with a focus on maternal immunisation approaches that could protect both mothers and newborns. The plenary session on disease burden and surveillance will reveal updated global estimates, highlighting the daunting data gaps in Africa and South Asia. But it's not just about numbers – the conference will delve into the human impact of GBS disease, with stories of stillbirths, prematurity, and maternal mortality. The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network will share recent data, shedding ...

By Wilson Amondo A fresh political storm has erupted within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after Oketch Salah publicly responded to remarks made by Ruth Odinga, sister to the late Raila Odinga. In a strongly worded statement, Salah accused Ruth of making “inaccurate” claims during an appearance before a major media house, insisting that his relationship was solely with her late brother and not with the wider Odinga family. “If you do not wish to associate with me, that is entirely your choice,” Salah stated, adding that he had never forced himself into her life nor sought her attention.  He maintained that his engagement in ODM affairs and proximity to Raila were based purely on personal trust and political collaboration with the former Prime Minister. Salah further revealed details surrounding Raila’s final days, claiming he facilitated Ruth’s travel to India after receiving calls that she wished to join them.  He said he personally arranged her business cla...

The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya has sharply criticised the recent nominations to the National Land Commission, accusing the appointing authorities of sidelining critical land professionals required to steer the country’s land governance framework. In a strongly worded statement, the institution said it was disappointed by Notification of Presidential Action No. V of 2026 issued by the Executive Office of the President of Kenya announcing nominees for chairperson and six members of the commission.  The body argued that the apparent exclusion of experts in land survey, spatial planning, land law and land economics undermines the technical foundation envisioned in law. The surveyors pointed to Section 8 of the National Land Commission Act, which explicitly lists land-related disciplines as recognised fields of expertise for appointment.  They questioned whether the Selection Panel applied a transparent scoring system and whether qualified land professionals who ...

By Grace Mwende Makovu NAIROBI, Kenya, February 17, 2026 - Mumias Sugar Company has issued a detailed explanation to farmers over prolonged delays in cane harvesting, citing overlapping ownership disputes with rival millers, a three-month industry shutdown, and difficult terrain in Busia County as the primary obstacles to smooth operations. In a public notice dated February 11, 2026, the miller acknowledged that harvesting activities have been severely disrupted by conflicts in the field over claims of self-developed cane. The company specifically named competitors West Kenya Sugar Company and Busia Sugar Industry, alleging that overlapping claims have led to complaints lodged with regulators and interruptions to harvesting operations, including the harassment of harvesting teams. The statement from Mumias Sugar reveals a chaotic situation in the sugarcane belt where multiple millers are operating in close proximity. With West Kenya and Busia Sugar both active in the r...

By Wilson Amondo In a sweeping public reversal, former Disability League organizing secretary Mohamed Haji has issued a forceful apology to several prominent Somali leaders and announced his immediate defection from the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Haji delivered the statement Tuesday before community elders, citing a personal reckoning and deep political disillusionment. He opened with a direct apology to Abduwali, a man he said he wrongly denounced due to a similarity of name in a past “political game.” “I am apologizing publicly for denouncing him, depriving him of his right as a Kenyan,” Haji stated unequivocally. He extended the apology to what he termed “important pillars” of the Somali community: Senator Abdul Adam Barre, former Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim, and former Assistant Minister Aden Kainan. He pledged to no longer use vulgar words against them.“Disrespecting them is not the norm of Somali culture,” he said. “I seek...

Yatta Member of Parliament Hon. Robert Ngui Basil has emerged as the best performing MP in Machakos County, following a series of development initiatives that have significantly improved access to water, education, and youth empowerment in the constituency. A key pillar of Basil’s performance has been investment in water and food security.  The MP has initiated and supported the construction of earth dams and water projects in areas including Muusini, Kisiiki, Ilumanthi, and Kathangathini, easing perennial water shortages.  He has also continuously lobbied for the proposed Yatta Mega Dam, a flagship project expected to boost irrigation, farming, and long-term food security across the region. In the education sector, Basil has overseen the construction of classrooms, sanitation facilities, and other learning infrastructure in several primary schools. His administration has also strengthened the NG-CDF bursary programme, enabling thousands of needy students to access...