magicnewskenya

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) have intensified calls for greater political representation and inclusion ahead of the 2027 General Election, unveiling a 10-point agenda that seeks to secure meaningful participation in governance, economic empowerment and access to leadership positions. The demands were made during a Persons with Disabilities Breakfast Forum held in Nairobi under the theme "Enhancing Democracy and Inclusion in the Political Space for Persons with Disabilities."  The forum was convened by the Office of the Government Spokesperson in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) as part of ongoing efforts to engage stakeholders on governance and inclusion issues. The discussions focused on promoting meaningful political participation and representation of persons with disabilities, addressing barriers to leadership and electoral engagement, enhancing accountability within political parties and public institutions, and advancing ac...

Wajir County is set to make history on June 1 as it hosts Kenya's Madaraka Day celebrations for the first time since independence, a move the government says reflects its commitment to inclusivity, national unity and equitable development. Speaking during a press briefing at Harambee Annex in Nairobi on Sunday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the decision to hold the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir marks a significant milestone for the North Eastern region, which has for decades remained on the periphery of major national events. Mwaura said the celebrations are more than a ceremonial occasion, describing them as a symbol of a united Kenya where every region has a place in the country's development agenda. "The choice of Wajir demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring no region is left behind," he said. Ahead of the national event, Wajir Town has undergone extensive infrastructure improvements, including the construction of...

The Government has expressed sorrow following a deadly fire outbreak at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, where several students are feared dead while others sustained injuries. In a statement issued on Thursday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura described the incident as heartbreaking and devastating to the country. “The Government has received with deep shock and profound sadness reports of a tragic fire incident at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil,” Mwaura said. He conveyed condolences to families, parents, teachers, and students affected by the tragedy on behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the school following the incident, with officers from the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, county disaster response units, firefighters, and medical personnel joining rescue operations. According to the Government, injured students were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment as aut...

The Government has pushed back against growing criticism surrounding the Finance Bill 2026, accusing unnamed individuals of spreading false and politically motivated information to mislead Kenyans. Addressing the media in Nairobi, Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said many of the claims circulating online about new taxes are inaccurate and intended to create fear among citizens. “There is a lot of misinformation and disinformation being spread online regarding the Finance Bill. We urge Kenyans to read the document for themselves instead of relying on propaganda and negative narratives,” Mwaura said. He dismissed reports alleging that the Government plans to introduce a motor vehicle circulation tax, increase taxes on Mitumba clothes, impose VAT on bread, or introduce fresh levies on mobile phones and digital transactions. Mwaura clarified that some of the controversial proposals initially discussed during consultations were either revised or dropped completely before the b...

The Kenyan government has announced that Nairobi will host the Africa Forward Summit 2026 from May 11 to 12, bringing together African leaders, global development partners, investors, innovators and civil society representatives for high-level discussions on Africa’s development agenda and global partnerships. In a statement issued Friday at Lake Naivasha Resort, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the summit marks a historic milestone as it will be held outside the Francophonie bloc for the first time. According to the government, the summit is expected to strengthen Africa-France cooperation while promoting an Africa-led partnership model focused on mutual respect, sustainable development and shared prosperity. The event comes ahead of France’s G7 Presidency in June 2026 and is expected to provide a platform for African leaders to push for reforms in global governance and economic systems. President William Ruto is expected to use the summit to advocate for equitabl...

By Wilson Amondo The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has raised alarm over what it describes as deepening governance failures, a rise in politically sponsored violence, and worsening socio-economic conditions, following a two-day regional meeting in Nairobi. Delegates drawn from NCCK member churches in Nairobi, Kiambu, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera convened at the YMCA Central Conference Hall under the theme “Strengthening Governance, Accountability, and Trust for credible elections,” where they expressed concern that Kenya’s democratic ideals are being undermined by what they termed a transactional political culture. In a strongly worded statement, the church leaders condemned the normalization of “goonism” in politics, warning that unemployed youth are increasingly being exploited by political actors.  “Paying a young Kenyan as little as 200 to 500 shillings to disrupt a meeting or intimidate a fellow citizen is not just a security issue; it is a grave viola...