magicnewskenya

Credit Bank’s men’s squash team has defeated Absa to win the championship at the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) Interbanks Tournament, capping a successful outing that also saw the bank’s CEO, Betty Korir, win the CEOs’ Run. The bank’s women’s squash team finished fourth in their category at the competition, held between October 3 and 17. The tournament brought together participants from across the banking sector for contests in squash, chess, athletics and darts at the Institute of Monetary Studies and KCB Group grounds. Korir, who also serves as KBA deputy chair, said the competition demonstrated the importance of teamwork and collaboration in strengthening institutions. “Sport encourages discipline, resilience, collaboration and accountability, qualities that are just as important in the workplace as they are on the field or court,” she said. She said Credit Bank’s participation reflected its commitment to maintaining an engaged and motivated workforce, adding that spor...

Abraham Kiptum and Mercy Rotich emerged as the biggest winners at the 23rd Stanchart Marathon after claiming the men’s and women’s full marathon titles in Nairobi on Sunday. The event attracted 30,700 runners representing more than 100 nationalities, including over 400 elite athletes, in a competition that combined professional athletics with mass participation. Kiptum won the men’s 42km race, while Rotich took the women’s title. Nahason Kipsang and Orba Chemurgor won the men’s and women’s 21km half-marathon categories, respectively. Alfred Kimani and Joy Cheptoyek emerged victorious in the 10km races, while Samuel Kuria and Mercyline Ajenjo claimed the men’s and women’s wheelchair race titles. The marathon offered a total prize purse of Sh11.24 million, with the full marathon champions each earning Sh2 million. Winners in the half-marathon and wheelchair races received Sh300,000 each, while the 10km champions took home Sh200,000 apiece. The event, staged along Nairobi’s So...

TVS Motor Company is placing emphasis on understanding local markets as Pradeep Chaurasiya takes over as Business Head of Africa for its International Business division, overseeing the company’s journey across more than 50 countries. Chaurasiya, who has spent eight years with the company in Africa, said the continent’s diversity requires businesses to adapt their strategies to different cultures, customer expectations and ways of doing business. “Africa is not one market. It is many, each with its own people, culture, and way of doing business,” he said. His appointment reflects a career progression that began with responsibility for one African country before expanding to a continent-wide leadership role. In his remarks announcing the development on October 14, 2026, Chaurasiya highlighted the lessons he had learnt while working across different markets, describing learning, curiosity and experimentation as important principles in business growth. He said understanding cus...

The Octagon Umbrella Retirement Benefits Scheme has grown its fund value to KSh3.2 billion after its aggressive investment portfolio delivered a 19.1 per cent return in 2025, outperforming the umbrella fund market average of 12.37 per cent. The scheme's performance highlights the growing role of umbrella retirement arrangements in Kenya as employers seek cost-effective ways to manage staff pension benefits while providing workers with investment options. According to Octagon Africa, the scheme's Balanced Fund returned 14.8 per cent, while its Conservative Fund recorded an 11.6 per cent return, with all three investment options posting positive results during the year. “The growth of the Octagon Umbrella reflects the increasing importance of professionally managed retirement arrangements that give employers efficiency while providing members with investment choice and access to their retirement information,” said Michael Komen, Head of Retail at Octagon Africa. The s...

NAIROBI, Kenya – September 2026 — Community leader and businessman Hon. Omar Aden has announced his intention to contest the Kamukunji Constituency parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket. Addressing supporters in Kamukunji, Aden said his political agenda would centre on unity, accountable leadership, economic empowerment and improved service delivery, with a particular focus on what he described as the everyday needs and aspirations of residents. Kenya’s 2027 General Election is scheduled for 10 August 2027, according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Aden said his campaign would seek to offer what he termed a new approach to representation, arguing that residents should assess leaders on their record of service and engagement with the community rather than political party affiliation alone. «“The people of Kamukunji are tired. They are tired of empty promises and they want real change. Our c...

Upesi Money Transfer is targeting more than KSh1 billion in outbound transactions through a four-month zero-fee campaign covering eight international payment corridors. The Kenyan outbound money transfer service said the campaign, which began on September 1 and runs until the end of December 2026, is expected to generate an average of about KSh276 million in transactions each month. China is projected to account for the largest share, with Upesi expecting transactions worth approximately KSh150 million monthly on the corridor, driven largely by Kenyan businesses sourcing goods and services from the Asian market. The campaign covers transfers from Kenya to China, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ghana, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigeria. “Cross-border payments are becoming increasingly important for businesses and individuals as trade and other economic links between Kenya and international markets grow. We want to make these transfers more accessible and a...

More than 1,000 runners gathered at Karura Forest on Sunday for the Friends of Karura Anniversary Race, adding momentum to preparations for the 23rd edition of the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon. The event featured 21km, 10km, 5km and 2km races, attracting runners, families and members of the community for a day centred on athletics, fitness and environmental conservation. Participants later joined a family-friendly celebration and a Berlin Marathon watch party at Amani Gardens. The Karura race is part of a series of preparatory events supported by Standard Chartered ahead of the Nairobi Marathon, which is scheduled for October 25 at Uhuru Gardens. Standard Chartered Bank Kenya and Africa Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing Joyce Kibe said the warm-up events are designed to give runners an opportunity to assess their preparation ahead of the main race. “The warm-up races are an important part of the journey towards the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, gi...

Wildlife conservation organisation WildlifeDirect has called for an independent investigation and 11 reforms to Kenya's pesticide regulation following the deaths of at least 15 elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem, warning that the incident exposes a wider public health and environmental crisis. In a statement, WildlifeDirect Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paula Kahumbu said the deaths should not be viewed as an isolated wildlife tragedy but as evidence of serious weaknesses in Kenya's pesticide governance, regulatory oversight and enforcement systems. She warned that if toxic chemicals used in farming are capable of contaminating crops consumed by elephants, there are growing concerns over the potential risks to farmers, farm workers, neighbouring communities, livestock and consumers. According to preliminary investigations by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the elephant deaths have been linked to cyanide contamination associated with pesticides used on tomato farms ...

Outgoing Government Spokesperson Dr. Isaac Mwaura has formally bid farewell to the Office of the Government Spokesperson, closing a nearly three-year tenure that saw the institution undergo significant expansion and modernization under the Kenya Kwanza administration. During an emotional six-hour farewell meeting at Harambee House Annex, Mwaura met with the 80-member team he led over the last 33 months and 17 days, reflecting on the office's transformation from a modest communication unit into a fully-fledged government communication institution. The meeting brought together staff from all six departments to review the office's achievements since Mwaura took over on October 5, 2023, as the fifth Government Spokesperson. Officials highlighted key milestones, including the introduction of 33 communication products designed to improve access to government information through television, radio, print and digital platforms. Among the initiatives launched duri...

The government has accused opposition leaders of undermining Kenya's economy by urging tourists to avoid visiting the country, insisting that Kenya remains a safe and attractive destination for both investors and visitors. Speaking at the Government Spokesperson's Media Centre at Harambee House Annex on Monday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura condemned calls for a tourism boycott, describing them as unpatriotic and harmful to thousands of Kenyans who depend on the sector for their livelihoods. Mwaura said Kenya's tourism industry continues to register strong growth, with international arrivals increasing from 1.48 million in 2022 to 2.7 million under the Magical Kenya initiative and the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) programme. Domestic tourism has also grown to 5.2 million travelers through the Tembea Kenya campaign, bringing the total number of tourists to about 7.9 million. He also praised Kenyans for defending the country's image after U.S.-b...

Former ICT Cabinet Secretary and former Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, has officially launched the People's Prosperity Party (PPP) and declared his bid for the presidency in the 2027 General Election. Speaking during the unveiling of the party's headquarters, Ustawi House, in Nairobi on Wednesday, Owalo announced that he would contest the presidency on a PPP ticket after being endorsed as the party's flag bearer. "I officially announce that I intend to seek the presidency of the Republic of Kenya on the People's Prosperity Party," Owalo said, expressing confidence that Kenyans would hand him victory in the August 2027 elections. He said a PPP government would spearhead what he described as Kenya's "third liberation" through an economic revolution aimed at delivering prosperity to all citizens under the slogan Ustawi kwa Wote. Owalo distanced himself from what he termed Kenya's "career polit...

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Somalia in Kenya on Wednesday hosted a colorful celebration to mark the 66th anniversary of Somalia's Independence and National Unity, bringing together thousands of Somalis and distinguished guests at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. The event commemorated Southern Somalia's independence from Italian colonial rule and the historic union of Northern and Southern Somalia on July 1, 1960, which led to the formation of the Somali Republic. During the celebrations, participants honored the country's founding fathers and freedom fighters while reaffirming their commitment to national unity, peace, and statehood. More than 50,000 members of the Somali community living in Kenya attended the event alongside diplomats, senior government officials from Somalia and Kenya, representatives of international and local institutions, academics, business leaders, youth representatives, and members of the Somali diaspora. The cel...

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms while warning against violence and destruction of property ahead of the planned June 25 demonstrations. Speaking during a press briefing at Harambee Annex in Nairobi on Monday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said Kenyans remain free to assemble, demonstrate and present petitions as provided for under Article 37 of the Constitution. However, he cautioned that peaceful protests should not be hijacked by criminal elements seeking to cause chaos and economic losses. Mwaura noted that while the government recognizes the importance of public demonstrations in a democratic society, recent protests have resulted in deaths, injuries and extensive damage to businesses and public infrastructure. "The right to protest is guaranteed by the Constitution, but no one has the right to destroy property, attack others or disrupt the lives and livelihoods of fellow citizens," he said. The spokesp...

The inaugural MNL Africa Leadership Circle 2026 has commenced in Nairobi, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, regulators, legal practitioners, investors, development institutions and private sector executives from five continents to discuss opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s economic future. Held under the theme “Doing Business in Kenya & Africa,” the forum is focusing on leadership excellence, innovation, sustainable development and strategic opportunities that can accelerate the continent’s growth and transformation. Participants are also exploring ways to strengthen Africa’s competitiveness, improve investment ecosystems and foster partnerships that promote long-term economic development. Opening the forum, Evelyne Mbula Nzuki, Founder and Managing Partner of MN Legal (MNL Advocates LLP), stressed the importance of aligning policy, investment and development goals across the continent. “Africa has never lacked opportunity. What it has often l...

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusion and expanding support for persons with disabilities and albinism, as Kenya marked three major milestones in the country's journey towards equality and human dignity. The commitment was highlighted during celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Thika School for the Visually Impaired, the 20th anniversary of the Albinism Society of Kenya (ASK), and the 11th International Albinism Awareness Day held at the Thika School for the Visually Impaired on Saturday. Speaking during the event, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura praised the progress made in advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, particularly those living with albinism, while calling for renewed efforts to eliminate discrimination and exclusion. Mwaura described the Thika School for the Visually Impaired as a pioneering institution that has transformed lives for eight decades. Established in the 1940s, the school became t...

The government has called for a candid national conversation on discipline, morality and student welfare following a wave of school unrest across the country, even as it defended the Finance Bill 2026 and highlighted key gains in the proposed national budget. Speaking at the Government Spokesperson's Media Centre at Harambee Annex on Monday, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the country must confront difficult issues affecting young people, including indiscipline, violence and moral decay in schools. "As a nation we have a challenge and we must address it. We have to have an honest conversation about discipline in schools," Mwaura said, adding that concerns surrounding immorality, violence and other social challenges among learners require urgent attention. The spokesperson urged parents to take a more active role in raising and guiding their children, arguing that schools and social media cannot replace the foundational responsibility of families in i...

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...