magicnewskenya

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...

Kenya is set to make history as Nyayo National Stadium prepares to host the first FIFA Women’s Series from April 11 to 15, 2026, featuring national teams from Australia, India, Malawi, and host nation Kenya. The announcement was made by Hon. Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary for Sports, who hailed the selection as a major vote of confidence in Kenya’s ability to host world-class sporting events. “This is a proud moment for our nation. Our Harambee Starlets will carry the hopes of all Kenyans, and I am confident they will shine on home soil,” CS Mvurya said.  Meanwhile, the Harambee Stars are in Kigali, Rwanda, competing in the FIFA Series Men’s matches to build performance and team cohesion ahead of future tournaments. The FIFA Women’s Series provides a platform to showcase emerging talent and strengthen Kenya’s global football profile.  Kenya is also among 48 national teams participating in FIFA’s International Friendly Series, which offers players international exp...

Johnson Sakaja has ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures built along riverbanks and the relocation of occupants on riparian land in a renewed push to address chronic flooding in Nairobi. The directive follows the submission of a 48-hour action report by the Infrastructure Subcommittee under the intergovernmental cooperation framework, marking the start of what county officials describe as a large-scale enforcement and restoration exercise. Speaking in Westlands during an inspection and demolition exercise near Westgate Shopping Mall, Sakaja said the county government had moved swiftly from planning to implementation. “The directive was clear within 48 hours, we needed a concrete action plan to address flooding. I have received that report, and implementation is now underway,” he said. The ongoing operation is targeting developments that have encroached on waterways, significantly reducing their capacity to handle stormwater. Authorities cited cases where ri...

By Grace Makovu   A storm is brewing in Western Kenya as landlords who leased premises to electric mobility company Spiro (Africa Smart Mobility Solutions Kenya Limited) accuse the firm of breaching lease agreements barely months after its high-profile launch by President William Ruto. The landlords, who provided space for Spiro's electric bike battery swap stations, claim the company has delayed rent payments for December and January, with some yet to receive a cent despite signed contracts and an initial three months of prompt payment. "When we signed agreements in August and September, everything seemed above board. We were paid for September, October, and November without issue. Then suddenly, December came and went, no payment. March is now ending, and still nothing," said a landlord in Kisumu who spoke on condition of anonymity. Another landlord in Bungoma expressed frustration at the silence from Spiro's management. "We have sent emails, ma...

As the political landscape ahead of the next General Election begins to take shape, Dr. Damaris Maweu is emerging as one of the new faces seeking to represent the women of Makueni County in the National Assembly. Running on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, Dr. Maweu is positioning herself as a leader who blends professional expertise, entrepreneurship and grassroots community work. A Pharmacist with an Entrepreneurial Spirit Dr. Maweu is a trained pharmacist and entrepreneur who founded Daroma Chemist, a pharmaceutical business built on the vision of improving access to healthcare services. After studying pharmacy at Mount Kenya University, she began her career working in various pharmacies where she gained practical experience in the healthcare sector.  Her exposure to patients and communities seeking medical help shaped her understanding of the healthcare challenges facing many Kenyan families. Over time, she transitioned from employment to entrepreneurshi...

By Judith Mwai Ali Gholampour, Iran’s Ambassador to Kenya, has called on the United Nations Security Council to urgently intervene over what he termed as escalating missile and warplane attacks allegedly carried out by the United States, warning that continued hostilities could destabilize global peace. Speaking during a briefing in Nairobi, the envoy urged the international community to act decisively to prevent further military confrontation, saying the situation risks spiraling beyond control if not contained through multilateral action. Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognizes a nation’s inherent right to self-defense, the ambassador maintained that Iran reserves the legal right to respond to any aggression against its leadership or sovereignty. “An attack against our leader will not break our determination as Islamic citizens of Iran. Instead, it exposes the moral bankruptcy of our enemies, especially during the holy month of Ramadan,” he said. He insisted...

By Judith Mwai Parents with children in informal schools across Nairobi are calling on the county government to extend the Dishi na County school feeding programme to cover their institutions, citing high daily meal costs and rising economic hardship. Jerantine Mutio, a parent at Flama Education Center, said she pays Sh30 per child per day for meals under the school’s feeding programme. With two children in school, she spends Sh60 daily — a cost she says is difficult to sustain. “If I had a child in a county public school under Dishi na County, I would only pay Sh5. But here I pay Sh30 per child. Sometimes you don’t even have the money,” she said, appealing to the government to subsidize meals for children in informal settlements. The Dishi na County programme, run by Nairobi City County, currently targets over 300,000 learners in public schools, where parents pay Sh5 per meal. Abdi Mohamed, Head of the School Feeding Programme at Nairobi City County, said the county is rev...

By Wilson Amondo  Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), in partnership with DigiTax, has engaged manufacturers in high-level talks on navigating VAT compliance under the Kenya Revenue Authority’s Tax Invoice Management System (TIMS) and Electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS). The industry seminar, held in Nairobi on February 26, 2026, came amid intensified enforcement by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), which has adopted automated, real-time invoice validation to seal revenue leakages and enhance transparency. The forum, themed Operational Impact and Issues Affecting VAT Compliance Through TIMS/eTIMS, addressed mounting concerns among manufacturers as eTIMS reshapes procurement, supplier management, and financial reporting processes. Under KRA’s expanded validation framework, income and expenses declared in tax returns are now cross-checked against data transmitted through eTIMS, alongside customs and withholding tax records.  This shift has elevate...

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...

Agano National Party has praised President William Samoei Ruto for withdrawing the proposed Religious Control Bill, saying the move protects constitutional freedoms and the right to worship. In a statement released after the announcement at State House, Nairobi, Agano Party Secretary-General Hon. Odanga Pessa said the decision reflects respect for the Constitution and Kenya’s diverse religious community. “The withdrawal of the Religious Control Bill upholds the Constitution and safeguards freedom of worship,” Pessa said, welcoming the President’s move. The party noted that the proposed Bill had drawn widespread concern from faith leaders and members of the public, with critics warning that it could lead to undue state interference in religious affairs. Agano Party said President Ruto’s decision sends a positive signal on the government’s commitment to protecting fundamental rights and urged continued engagement with religious stakeholders through dialogue rather than restri...

Agano National Party has condemned what it terms as a growing pattern of police brutality targeting churches and peaceful worshippers, warning that the actions threaten constitutional freedoms and Kenya’s democratic fabric. In a press statement, the party’s Secretary General and Nairobi Senatorial aspirant, Hon. Odanga Pessa, cited recent incidents in which police officers allegedly teargassed church compounds and disrupted prayer services in parts of Nairobi and other urban centres.  According to the party, the operations exposed clergy, women, and children to teargas inside places of worship. Pessa said the incidents constitute a direct violation of the Constitution, which safeguards freedom of worship, conscience, and peaceful assembly, and accused the security agencies of desecrating spaces meant for prayer, peace, and moral guidance. “Churches are sanctuaries, not battlegrounds,” the statement read, warning that the use of force against religious institutions under...

The collapse of a building under construction in South C, Nairobi, has once again exposed deep-rooted systemic failures in Kenya’s construction and development control systems, according to leading built environment professional associations. In a joint statement issued after the tragedy, the professionals described the incident as the outcome of long-standing weaknesses across the entire development chain — from planning approvals and design to construction, inspection, and enforcement. They noted that building collapses are rarely caused by a single error, but instead result from interconnected failures involving poor planning, compromised construction methods, substandard materials, weak inspections, corruption, political interference, and the involvement of unqualified practitioners. “This is not a professional turf war. It is a national safety crisis,” the statement said, warning that unless structural reforms are implemented, more lives will continue to be lost. The a...