magicnewskenya

The Sudanese Founding Coalition signed the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of Sudan for 2025 on Tuesday, marking a significant step in the country’s political transition. The constitution, signed in Nairobi, lays the foundation for a secular, democratic, and decentralized Sudan while abolishing the 2019 transitional constitutional document and all previous laws, decrees, and decisions. The new constitution affirms the separation of religion from the state and ensures that cultural, ethnic, and regional identities remain distinct from governance. It establishes equal citizenship as the basis for rights and duties and emphasizes voluntary unity among Sudan’s diverse communities. Under the new framework, Sudan will adopt a decentralized governance model, with power distributed across federal, regional, and local levels. The country will be divided into eight regions, each with its own constitution, provided it aligns with the national framework. The document also gua...

By Grace Mwende Nairobi, Kenya – KCS Sacco held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) with remarkable success, addressing key financial achievements, launching a new brand identity, and unveiling an education scholarship program. Speaking after the meeting, Chief Executive Officer Gitonga Kigo expressed satisfaction with the discussions and outcomes, emphasizing that the organization is on a strong growth trajectory. "We are happy because everything went as planned. We were able to discuss all the issues, and our members were very pleased with the report we presented. Last year was a good year for us, as we posted strong returns, declared dividends of 15 percent, and an interest rate of 8 percent," Kigo said. New Brand: KCS Sacco One of the key announcements at the AGM was the launch of KCS Sacco, a trademark name that reflects the institution’s expansion beyond its origins. Previously known as Karura Community Sacco, the organization has grown into a global entity wit...

KAKAMEGA, Kenya, February 28, 2025 – Invest and Grow (IG) Sacco has reported a significant improvement in its financial performance for 2024, driven by digital transformation and strategic financial management. During its 48th Annual Delegates Meeting in Kakamega, the Sacco announced key growth milestones, including an increase in its asset base and loan portfolio. IG Sacco's total assets grew from KSh14.1 billion in 2023 to KSh14.6 billion in 2024, reflecting a 4% increase (KSh565 million). Additionally, its income rose from KSh1.91 billion to KSh1.99 billion, marking an 4% growth (KSh83 million). Loan Portfolio Expansion Chairman Kennedy Keya disclosed that the Sacco’s loan portfolio expanded by 17%, rising from KSh10.5 billion in 2023 to KSh12.3 billion in 2024. This growth was attributed to an increased uptake of loans, enabled by continuous credit policy reviews that made credit more accessible and affordable for members. Loan disbursements also saw a substantial r...

Private security firms are urging stakeholders to engage in discussions over the implementation of the KSh30,000 minimum wage for security guards, arguing that the directive is unsustainable given the current economic conditions. The Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA), led by Chairman Cosmas Mutava, has emphasized the need for a balanced approach that considers both employer and employee concerns. Mutava's appeal comes after the Employment and Labour Relations Court dismissed a petition challenging the wage policy. The petition, filed in November 2023 by a group of private security company owners, was struck out after the petitioner failed to pursue it. In his ruling, Justice Mathews Nduma stated that the case had been abandoned and, therefore, could not proceed. “The petitioner having abandoned the suit, the case stood to be closed for lack of interest to prosecute,” ruled Justice Nduma. The judge also noted that the petition was an abuse of the court proc...

February 18, 2025 – Experts, political leaders, and representatives from various organizations have gathered at the Ferris Peace Conference in a bid to shape Sudan’s future. Among the attendees is Dr. Joe Herbishop, a conflict resolution expert and national figure, who believes the conference marks a turning point in Sudanese history. The conference brings together political parties, movements, native organizations, and traditional leaders, all united under a shared vision of peace, unity, and prosperity. According to Dr. Herbishop, a key focus of the gathering is to establish a constitutional framework that will guide the peace process and ensure equal opportunities for all Sudanese people. “The first step is to agree on a consensus-based constitution that will govern the peace process and social fabric of Sudan’s diverse communities,” Dr. Herbishop said. “From there, we will work to form a government of unity, known as the Peace and Unity Government.” The initiative comes...

The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in research dissemination and the implementation of the government’s Social Health Authority (SHA) initiative.  Speaking during the KEMRI Annual Scientific and Health Conference (KASH), KMTC CEO Kelly Oluoch emphasized the role of research in shaping healthcare policies and services. "This conference is an eye-opener for all of us, especially in the dissemination of research information and its application in real-world healthcare settings. As KMTC, we will work closely with KEMRI to ensure that research findings are accessible and beneficial to the public," Oluoch stated. KMTC, Kenya’s largest middle-level medical training institution, plays a key role in the health sector by training healthcare professionals across the country. Oliech highlighted that KMTC has been actively collaborating with KEMRI and...

The Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) has reiterated its commitment to supporting parents of children with disabilities, including those with autism, as part of its ongoing efforts to address the unique challenges they face. Speaking during a Parent Engagement luncheon at KISE, Director General Dr. Norman Kiogora emphasized the institution’s dedication to equipping parents with essential knowledge and resources to better support their children. "As KISE, we will continue to stand with parents of children with disabilities by providing advice, resources, and a strong support system to help them navigate the challenges they encounter," Dr. Kiogora stated. The event provided an interactive platform for parents to share their experiences, receive expert guidance, and explore best practices in caring for children with disabilities. KISE remains committed to fostering inclusive education and strengthening collaborations with families and stakeholde...

As we celebrate and mark the Chinese New year, we take a moment to reflect on the success story of China Square, the innovative supermarket that is making waves in Kenya’s retail market. Established in 2023, China Square opened its first branch at Unicity Mall on Thika Road. The store quickly gained popularity for offering a wide range of products at significantly lower prices compared to other retailers. With an extensive selection of products, ranging from household appliances, electronics, furniture, hardware, stationery, toys, pet supplies to car accessories, home décor, and utensils, China Square has become a one-stop shop for Kenyan consumers. The positive reputation built at the Unicity Mall location paved the way for rapid expansion. To date, China Square has opened six additional branches across the country, including locations at Karen Waterfront Mall, Lang'ata Uchumi Hyper, Mombasa Nyali Bazaar, and Kisumu Mega City Mall. The most recent additions to the chai...

NAIROBI, Kenya – The private security industry and the wider security sector in Kenya have paid glowing tributes to the late Delano Kiilu, the Secretary General of the Protective and Safety Association of Kenya (PROSAK), who passed away on January 25, 2025, following a short illness. In a heartfelt condolence message, the Chairman of the Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA), Mr. Cosmas Mutava, described Mr. Kiilu as a trailblazer in the security sector who had touched countless lives. “On behalf of the Protective Security Industry Association, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family, relatives, and friends of Mr. Kiilu during this difficult time. His absence will be deeply felt, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of many. May cherished memories bring comfort and peace,” said Mr. Mutava. Mr. Kiilu, a distinguished national security expert, made immense contributions to Kenya's security sector, particularly in counterterrorism efforts dating back ...

Makueni County Speaker Douglas Mbilu has launched a scathing attack on Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, accusing him of leveraging the name of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka to gain political traction in the Ukambani region. Speaking during a public forum, Mbilu alleged that Mutua's recent moves, including a Kamba leaders' meeting in Maanzoni, were calculated attempts to exploit Kalonzo's popularity. According to Mbilu, Mutua's public call for respect for Kalonzo during the meeting was a strategic ploy to ensure he was taken seriously by local leaders and residents. “Mutua is very smart. When he called for a meeting in Maanzoni, he realized that people would not listen to him without including Kalonzo,” Mbilu said. He further claimed that Mutua's appeal for Kalonzo's respect was merely a means to garner attention and legitimacy in the region, which has traditionally been a Wiper Party stronghold. Mbilu also accused Mutua of using f...

Nearly half of Kenyan Generation Z, aged 16 to 25, frequently snack on cereal, according to a survey by Weetabix East Africa. The study reveals that 48% of this youthful demographic prefer cereal as a snack, with four in ten citing its portability and convenience as a major attraction. The survey underscores the growing shift among Generation Z toward healthier diets, with a particular focus on ready-to-eat (RTE) meals packed with nutritional benefits such as high fiber, whole grains, and fortified vitamins and minerals. Dominic Kimani, CEO of Weetabix East Africa, attributed this trend to the increasing health consciousness of young Kenyans and their preference for functional foods that address weight management, nutrition, and convenience. Speaking during the launch of the Weetabix Fyatuka Reloaded Gen Z engagement program, Kimani said, “We expect this trend to be sustained for a long while, with people continuing to consume functional foods to support their health and we...

Nairobi Central MCA John Mwaniki has called on building owners within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) to take bold steps in elevating the city’s status by repainting their premises, installing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, and adopting aesthetically pleasing decorations and signage.  These measures, he asserts, are vital in transforming Nairobi into a clean, orderly, and visually appealing world-class city that attracts investors and tourists alike. In support of this initiative, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has endorsed the MCA's proposals, aligning them with his broader vision for a more secure, vibrant, and investor-friendly capital. "The time to make Nairobi shine on the global stage is now," said MCA Mwaniki. "I urge building owners to ensure their properties are repainted, well-decorated, and that all names and signage are uniform and appealing. This will not only enhance the city's image but also foster pride among re...

The African Pastoral Markets Development Platform (APMD) was officially launched in Nairobi yesterday, marking a significant milestone for Africa’s livestock sector.  The event, attended by stakeholders from across the continent, featured a keynote address by Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, who underscored the importance of sustainable and transformative interventions in pastoral communities. The APMD project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to foster inclusive, market-driven, and adaptive transformations across eight African countries over the next four years. Minister Maiha emphasized that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s strategic focus on modernizing the livestock industry to enhance food and nutrition security locally and continentally. “This ambitious project organically aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to transforming the livestock industry into a thriving, commercialized sector,” M...

Leading health experts have sharply criticized Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni for making what they describe as “unfounded and misleading” comments on smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes. The experts argue that Muthoni’s remarks, made during discussions on proposed legislation targeting vapes and nicotine pouches, lacked scientific evidence and could undermine public health efforts. Dr. Michael Kariuki, Secretary General of the Harm Reduction Society of Kenya (HRS), dismissed Muthoni’s assertions about the “dire health implications” of these products, accusing her of disregarding global scientific consensus. “The Principal Secretary’s remarks ignore evidence and risk discouraging smokers from adopting safer alternatives that could save their lives,” Dr. Kariuki said. “This approach will harm public health and delay progress in reducing smoking-related deaths.” HRS highlighted that smoke-free nicotine products, such as vapes and nicotine pouches, are proven ...

(PSIA Chairman Cosmas Mutava) The Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA) has called on private security players to adopt cutting-edge technologies and embrace innovation as the industry continues to evolve rapidly. PSIA Chairman Cosmas Mutava remains optimistic about the industry's future despite the challenges faced in 2024. He predicts a transformative 2025, emphasizing the need for collaboration across stakeholders, including security professionals, industry associations, and communities. “As we move into 2025, the private security industry is uniquely positioned to address some of society’s most pressing safety concerns. But success will require collaboration at all levels,” Mutava remarked. Highlighting the transformative role of technology, he noted that advancements like artificial intelligence, advanced surveillance systems, and integrated access control solutions have become indispensable in enhancing safety and operational efficiency. “This year, tech...