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Murang’a Purple tea debuts in Paris, France

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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Kenya’s distinctive Purple Tea has made its official debut in Paris, marking a significant milestone in the global positioning of one of Africa’s most unique specialty teas. The high-profile unveiling underscores Kenya’s growing ambition to move beyond bulk commodity exports and firmly establish itself in premium, origin-led agricultural markets.

Hosted at the iconic Hôtel de Crillon, the showcase introduced French consumers, elite tea experts, and industry stakeholders to a product celebrated for its rarity, vibrant character, floral aromas, subtle fruit notes, and naturally high antioxidant content. The launch follows a landmark agreement signed during the Africa Forward Summit between Gatanga Industries, Palais des Thés, and Equity Group, aimed at expanding market access for Kenyan specialty tea and connecting local producers directly to premium international consumers.

Cultivated on the fertile volcanic slopes of Kenya’s central highlands particularly in Murang’a County Purple Tea represents a new frontier for the country’s agricultural sector. Industry stakeholders are aggressively pursuing value addition through premium branding, strict traceability, and origin recognition to capture higher profit margins.

Beyond the traditional teacup, Kenyan specialty tea is already making waves in luxury culinary circles. At the recent G7 Summit in Évian, France, chefs from the Élysée Palace created a dark chocolate infused with Kenyan Grand Cru tea selected by Palais des Thés. This high-profile collaboration demonstrated how Kenyan tea can be transformed into luxury products that appeal to discerning international consumers, reinforcing the economic power of value addition.

Equity Group Managing Director and CEO Dr. James Mwangi emphasized that the unveiling reflects a decisive shift in how Kenya positions its agricultural heritage on the world stage.

“Kenyan tea needs a distinct sub-identity and strong geographical identity. What we are witnessing is the beginning of a journey to transform tea from a commodity into a premium product,” Dr. Mwangi stated. “Moving from commodity pricing to premium value demonstrates the scale of opportunity for farmers. This transformation has the potential to improve farmers’ livelihoods, expand access to education and healthcare for their children, and enable meaningful investment at the household level. Ultimately, this is a new way of creating value for farmers and the country. This is the new Kenya.”

Palais des Thés Founder and Chairman François-Xavier Delmas welcomed the milestone, noting that it signals a broader expansion of Kenyan specialty tea across European markets. Delmas highlighted the strategic importance of protecting the tea’s origin, noting that geographical indications are an extremely valuable tool to help consumers appreciate the unique quality of the product while strengthening international trade friendships.

Amplifyng this diplomatic sentiment, Kenya’s Ambassador to France, Hon. Betty Chebet Cherwon, hailed the initiative as a major step toward a more balanced trade relationship between the two nations. By moving beyond raw exports, Cherwon noted, the partnership allows Kenyan producers to capture greater value, deepen economic cooperation, and secure long-term sustainability.

Equity Group Holdings Non-Executive Chairman Prof. Isaac Macharia added that the Paris launch demonstrates the profound impact of public-private synergy. He noted that when farmers, financial institutions, and global markets align around a shared vision, it unlocks sustainable economic opportunities capable of transforming rural communities and boosting Kenya’s overall global competitiveness.

The Paris debut arrives at a critical juncture as Kenya aggressively pursues Geographical Indication (GI) status for its specialty Purple Tea. GI protection legally recognizes products whose qualities and reputation are intrinsically linked to their specific place of origin. For global consumers, GI certification provides an absolute guarantee of provenance and quality, while for Kenyan farming communities, it establishes the ultimate market differentiation required to command premium international prices.

High Court Spares Health CS Aden Duale After Ebola Quarantine Project Is Suspended

By
Vincent Amara
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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has avoided further contempt of court action after personally appearing before the High Court and confirming that the controversial U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine project linked to Laikipia Air Base has been suspended.

The court had summoned Duale over concerns that government officials may have failed to comply with earlier court orders regarding the proposed Ebola-related facility in Laikipia. His appearance and assurance that the project would not proceed played a key role in the court’s decision to close the matter, while issuing a strong warning on future compliance with court directives.

During the court hearing, Duale told the judge that the Kenyan government and the United States had stopped plans for the proposed Ebola quarantine project.

He also said that the Ministry of Health remains committed to following the Constitution, obeying court orders, and respecting the independence of the courts.

“The Ministry of Health remains committed to the constitutional principles of the rule of law, respect for court orders, and the independence of the Judiciary,” Duale said.

Following his appearance and confirmation that the project had been suspended, the court declined to take further contempt proceedings against the Health CS. However, it issued a stern warning emphasizing the importance of complying with court orders in the future.

The proposed Ebola quarantine project sparked public concern and court cases, with many people questioning how it was planned, whether the public had been properly consulted, and if it followed the law.

Kenya’s Rironi–Mau Summit Expressway to Charge Sh8 Per Kilometre Upon Completion

By
Vincent Amara
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The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced that motorists will be required to pay Sh8 per kilometre to use the Rironi–Mau Summit Expressway once the expansion into a dual carriageway is completed.

According to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the project will be jointly developed and overseen by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).

“Financial evaluation indicates that the CRBC and NSSF feasibility proposal is the preferred option due to its ability to handle the high costs and provide a lower toll of Sh8 compared to the Sh10 proposed by Hi-Speed Road & Bridge International Engineering Co. Ltd,” KeNHA said in documents seen by our sources.

The 175-kilometre Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway is expected to cost approximately Sh90 billion and is scheduled for completion by June 2027. This figure is less than half of the earlier estimated Sh190 billion proposed by a French consortium, whose plan was cancelled by President William Ruto over cost concerns.

Earlier this year, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the expansion of the highway would ease congestion and improve transport links in western Kenya.

“We borrowed money to build roads in rural areas, but key corridors like the Nairobi–Nakuru highway remained single carriageways. Making it a dual carriageway will help travellers reach their destinations faster,” Mbadi said.

Senate orders fresh lake Nakuru fish tests after petitioners reject state report

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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The Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence and Foreign Relations has ordered fresh sampling and testing of fish from Lake Nakuru after petitioners rejected a report tabled by the Kenya Fisheries Service. The directive forces a restart on an investigation tied to growing environmental and health concerns surrounding the lake’s fish population.

The petitioners argued that the initial testing exercise had been conducted unilaterally by the Kenya Fisheries Service and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). This solo approach ran contrary to earlier directions issued by the Committee, which strictly required the active involvement of all local and environmental stakeholders.

In response to these concerns, the Committee, under its Chairperson Senator Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo), directed that the entire exercise be repeated. To ensure complete transparency and credibility of the findings, the new rounds of testing must be performed in the direct presence of Committee members, petitioners, and other relevant stakeholders.

Furthermore, the lawmakers resolved to broaden their inquiry into the underlying issues plaguing the lake.

Members voted to officially invite officials from the Ministries of Tourism and Wildlife, Agriculture, and Interior to appear before the Committee to address key concerns raised in the petition before a final, comprehensive report is prepared.

Long wait for Taita Taveta residents as Mzima two water project stalls over shifting priorities and costs

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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Residents of Taita Taveta County will have to wait much longer before the multi-billion shilling Mzima Two water project comes to fruition, contrary to earlier assurances made by the national government. The delay deals a heavy blow to local communities who have been eagerly anticipating a permanent solution to the region’s long-standing water issues.

The county’s Senator, Jones Mwaruma, revealed that the national government has shifted its immediate focus to completing the multi-billion Mwache Dam project in neighboring Kwale County. This strategic pivot is intended to address the coastal region’s biting water scarcity by prioritizing infrastructure that is closer to completion.

Mwaruma explained that under the current state strategy, once the Mwache Dam is fully operational and filled, the water from the existing Mzima One pipeline which currently supplies a heavy volume to Kwale will be shut off from that route. Instead, that supply will be redirected entirely to Taita Taveta to boost local distribution for residents who have endured decades of shortages.

In addition to shifting priorities, the lawmaker cited severe funding shortfalls and inflated procurement costs as the primary bottlenecks stalling the Mzima Two infrastructure layout. The financial hurdles have made it impossible to move forward with the project under the current economic framework.

According to Mwaruma, the contracting firms that submitted bids to execute the mega-project quoted exorbitant amounts that far exceed what the national government has currently secured or allocated within its budget estimates. This massive budgetary gap has effectively put the project’s timeline on indefinite hold.

As the chronic water crisis continues to disrupt livelihoods across Taita Taveta, all eyes now remain fixed on the national government. Observers and locals alike are waiting to see how fast these alternative distribution strategies will yield tangible relief for the residents.

Taita Taveta remains an ODM stronghold despite zoning talks, assures Senator Mwaruma

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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Taiata Taveta Senator Jones Mwaruma

Taita Taveta Senator Jones Mwaruma has confidently declared that the county will remain a firm stronghold of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. His remarks come amidst emerging discussions regarding a potential constituency-sharing or “zoning” agreement between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

Speaking in Voi town after attending a Sunday church service organized by Sifa FM fans, Mwaruma emphasized that local residents have consistently demonstrated their loyalty to ODM in past general elections due to its unwavering stance on national governance.

The lawmaker highlighted ODM’s rich historical legacy in championing democracy and devolution, pointing to the party’s leadership in the successful campaign for the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.

However, Mwaruma raised a red flag over the proposed zoning strategy, warning that such political arrangements risk undermining the hard-earned democratic progress the country has achieved. In the same breath, he urged citizens to reject opportunistic politicians who make empty developmental promises without offering clear, actionable roadmaps for execution.

Turning his focus to local governance failures, Mwaruma launched a sharp critique against a Ksh 70 million borehole drilling rig purchased during the administration of former Governor Granton Samboja. The Senator expressed deep regret that despite the hefty price tag, the machinery has failed to alleviate Taita Taveta’s chronic water scarcity, managing to drill a mere 18 boreholes across the entire county over a span of nearly nine years.

Mwaruma utilized the platform to officially rally support for his upcoming gubernatorial bid for Taita Taveta County. Defending his credentials, he pointed out that senators who transition into governors across Kenya consistently deliver exemplary performances due to their extensive experience in oversight and devolution structures.

He closed by emphasizing that he is uniquely positioned to rescue the county from its current leadership shortcomings and unlock genuine economic development.

Lionel Messi’s world record sends defending champions into football knockouts.

By
Newton Ingui
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Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in their Group J clash at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday, securing the defending champions a place in the knockout stage.

Messi’s brace also saw him rewrite the record books. The Argentine captain became the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s FIFA World Cup history, surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose. His opener took him past Klose’s tally of 16 goals, while his second of the night extended his World Cup total to 18. The star player has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, equalling the record jointly held by France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho.

The 38-year-old endured a frustrating start after missing a sixth-minute penalty awarded following a VAR review. Austria responded with an energetic pressing game and troubled Argentina for much of the opening half.

Martha Karua barred from Uganda, declares regime a dictatorship

By
Newton Ingui
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The leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), Martha Karua, has stated that Uganda has returned to a dictatorial regime after she was detained and deported from the country upon her arrival at Entebbe International Airport.

Karua was accompanied by the president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Charles Kanjama, to attend the court case of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who is facing treason charges. However, Karua was barred from entering the country while Kanjama was allowed through.

Dr. Kizza Besigye has been in detention since late 2024 after he was arrested in Kenya and deported back to Uganda. The incident sparked a massive debate regarding human rights compliance within the East African region.

This is not the first time the veteran politician and lawyer has faced such a ban; Karua was also previously blocked from attending the court case of Tanzanian opposition politician Tundu Lissu last year.

ODM Ousts Edwin Sifuna from Secretary-General Position

By
Vincent Amara
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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially removed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary-General following an internal disciplinary process.

The decision was approved during a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at Chungwa House chaired by National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and attended by party leader Oburu Oginga.

“Having reviewed the report and findings of the IDRM, the NEC unanimously resolved to adopt the Committee’s recommendations and approve the removal from office of Senator Edwin Watenya Sifuna,” a statement signed by Acting Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo said.

“Consequently, Senator Sifuna shall cease to be the Secretary-General of the ODM Party.”

ODM said the disciplinary process proceeded after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) lifted earlier orders that had blocked action against Sifuna.

“On April 9, 2026, the Tribunal held that the Party was at liberty to proceed with, hear, and determine disciplinary proceedings against Senator Sifuna,” the statement added.

The party said Sifuna was invited to appear before the disciplinary committee but later declined to participate through his lawyer, citing alleged bias. ODM noted that the tribunal later dismissed his complaints and directed the party to complete the disciplinary process.

Economic boost for Taita Taveta: Kishushe mining operations resume after standoff resolution

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime

Mining activities in the Wanjala area of Kishushe, Wundanyi Constituency, have officially resumed, marking the end of a prolonged and tense stalemate between large-scale mining investors and local landowners. The breakthrough was solidified by the formal launch of mineral transportation from the Kishushe extraction site directly to the Manga processing plant, signaling a fresh start for the region’s extractives sector.

Speaking during the operational launch, Taita Taveta County Governor Andrew Mwadime expressed immense satisfaction with the resolution, projecting that the single mining venture will generate approximately KSh 540 million annually in Own Source Revenue (OSR) for the county.

Governor Mwadime heavily emphasized a strategic shift toward local value addition, stating that processing iron ore locally will maximize economic benefits for both the county government and the host community, thereby funding critical public services and driving regional development.

The highly anticipated breakthrough is largely credited to the newly elected leadership of the Kishushe Ranch Committee, who managed to navigate deep seated community grievances and restore lawful operations just seven months after taking office.

Spearheaded by Chairperson Matilda Waleghwa and Secretary Wilfred Mwalimo, the committee expressed optimism that the reviving sector would uplift local livelihoods, though they issued a strict appeal to incoming investors to ensure fair, safe, and timely labor compensation for all local workers.

The revitalization of the multibillion shilling iron ore project is backed by major industrial players, with Samrudha Resources Limited already commencing active extraction and Devki Steel Mills scheduled to roll out its expansive activities in the area shortly.

This massive operational resumption comes just ahead of an official, high profile commissioning ceremony expected to be presided over next month by President William Ruto.

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