magicnewskenya

Incoming Makueni Woman Representative Damaris Maweu has emerged as the top-ranked candidate in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections, a development seen as a major boost to her political standing within the party in the region. Her victory follows a tightly contested internal exercise that drew wide participation from party members, as UDA seeks to reinforce its grassroots structures ahead of future political contests. Maweu’s strong showing underscores her growing influence within the party base, with supporters backing her leadership credentials, mobilization efforts, and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda at the county level. Addressing supporters after the announcement, Maweu thanked party members for the trust they had placed in her, saying the outcome reflects a shared commitment to inclusivity and strengthening the role of women in leadership. Officials who supervised the elections noted that the process was largely peaceful and well-organ...

By Jane The Jubilee Party has appealed for a unified opposition front in the forthcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, urging its coalition partners to back one candidate under its banner. In a statement released by Secretary General Moitale Ole Kenta, the party framed the by-election as a crucial opportunity for opposition leaders to demonstrate cohesion and offer a credible alternative to the government. “This is a defining moment for the opposition… Kenyans are increasingly vocal and resolute in their demand for unity of purpose,” the statement said. The by-election follows the death of David Kiaraho, a Jubilee legislator, whom the party described as “a leader whose life was defined by humility, service, and an unbreakable bond with the people he represented” in Ol Kalou Constituency. While confirming it will field a candidate, Jubilee maintained that its position is justified by the fact that the seat was previously held by one of its members. It also assured cons...

By Jane Muthusi Kenya is stepping up its push to become a continental football powerhouse following a high-level meeting in Nairobi that brought together top African football leaders and global stakeholders. Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya hosted members of the FIFA Council, alongside officials from CECAFA and COSAFA, as well as presidents of football federations from across the continent. The meeting, held at Talanta Plaza, underscored growing confidence in Kenya’s ability to host major international tournaments, with Mvurya describing the gathering as a significant milestone in the country’s sports diplomacy efforts. Speaking during a press briefing, Mvurya said the presence of top football decision-makers signals Kenya’s rising profile in global football and its readiness to stage world-class events, including the ongoing FIFA Series. He noted that beyond hosting matches, Kenya is positioning itself as a key player in shaping...

Kenya has crowned winners of the 2025 National AI Hackathon, showcasing the country’s growing capacity to develop homegrown technology solutions addressing healthcare, security, and economic challenges. Top honours went to Caroline Gakii, Daniel Maitethia, and Ezekiel Otieno from Meru University of Science and Technology, who won KSh 2 million for developing a low-cost AI-powered digital microscope aimed at improving access to cancer and malaria diagnosis. Joshua Radula of Strathmore University finished second with a tool that translates speech and text into sign language, while Kelvin Mulama placed third with a system designed to detect financial fraud and strengthen financial integrity. The competition attracted over 5,600 registrations and more than 2,500 submissions, reflecting the rapid growth of Kenya’s innovation ecosystem. NIRU Vice Chancellor James Kibon said the initiative is focused on delivering practical impact. “What we are building is not just a competition, ...

The government has achieved 55 percent implementation of reforms across the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, and National Youth Service, according to Raymond Omollo. Speaking during a progress update, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration said the reforms—over 500 in total—are aimed at strengthening efficiency, accountability, and service delivery across the three security institutions. Omollo, who also chairs the National Steering Committee overseeing the reforms, said the progress reflects coordinated efforts involving multiple government agencies and oversight bodies, including the National Police Service Commission, Salaries and Remuneration Commission, and Public Service Commission. “We report notable achievement in the implementation of the reforms as sanctioned by the President. We are currently at about 55 percent,” he said, adding that the bulk of reforms are within the police service, followed by prisons and the y...

East Africa is preparing to take a major step in shaping its digital future, with leaders and experts set to converge in Kigali for a high-level regional conference focused on artificial intelligence and innovation. The 4th East African Community Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Conference, organised by the East African Science and Technology Commission and the Inter-University Council for East Africa, will run from March 30 to April 1 at the Kigali Convention Centre. The gathering is expected to bring together over 680 participants, including ministers in charge of ICT and innovation, researchers, private sector leaders, and development partners from across the East African Community.  The conference comes at a time when countries in the region are increasingly looking to artificial intelligence as a tool to accelerate economic growth and improve service delivery. Opening the event will be Rwanda’s ICT and Innovation Minister, Paula Ingabire, alongside senio...