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Kenya seeks bigger role for young creatives in global economy

By
Binti Wangila
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Kenya is seeking to strengthen its position in Africa’s growing creative economy by pursuing international partnerships aimed at creating more opportunities for young creatives in the global market.

The push emerged during a virtual meeting between Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Abraham Korir Sing’Oei and acclaimed actor, filmmaker and creative entrepreneur Sir Idris Elba, founder of Akuna Group.

During the meeting, Sing’Oei conveyed President William Ruto’s appreciation to Elba for his efforts to promote and support young creative talent across Africa.

Elba highlighted challenges facing young artists and creative entrepreneurs, noting that talent and inspiration alone are not enough to unlock their full potential.

He emphasized the need for practical support, including reliable payment systems, professional networks, access to international markets, creative education and emerging technologies.

The discussions also focused on the upcoming Commonwealth Summit in Antigua and Barbuda and the planned launch of the Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership.

The partnership seeks to place young people, enterprise, technology and cultural expression at the centre of efforts to promote shared prosperity across Commonwealth countries.

Kenya has expressed readiness to play a leading role in advancing the initiative across Africa and to position its creative sector more prominently on the global stage.

Sing’Oei said Kenyan youth should not only showcase their talents but should also become storytellers, innovators, entrepreneurs and owners within the creative industry.

The government is seeking to make the creative economy a stronger source of jobs, entrepreneurship and cultural influence, particularly for the country’s youthful population.

The focus is also on ensuring that creatives have access to the skills, technology, networks and commercial opportunities required to earn sustainable incomes from their work.

Foreign traders given 90 days to comply with Kenyan laws

By
Binti Wangila
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The government has given foreign nationals operating businesses in Kenya 90 days to regularize their immigration status and ensure their businesses are properly registered and licensed.

The government has warned that after the 90-day period, strict enforcement of the law will begin against those who fail to comply with the required regulations.

The move follows a directive by President William Ruto concerning the participation of foreign nationals in small-scale businesses in the country.

Hundreds of Burundian nationals reportedly flocked to their embassy in Nairobi yesterday seeking travel documents following the government’s directive.

State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the 90-day period will allow foreign traders to comply with requirements relating to immigration, work permits, business registration and licensing.

“Every person conducting business in Kenya is required to comply with applicable immigration, work permit, registration and licensing requirements,” Mohamed said.

He said the regularization exercise will be conducted in an orderly manner to give those affected an opportunity to correct their status before strict enforcement begins.

The move follows concerns raised by Kenyan traders over the increasing participation of foreign nationals in small-scale and informal businesses.

President Ruto has also directed that the Local Content Bill, 2025, currently before Parliament, be expanded to establish a legal framework governing participation in small-scale trade and entrepreneurship.

The framework will identify certain economic activities that may be reserved for Kenyan citizens, while protecting foreign nationals who are lawfully resident, employed, investing or conducting business in the country in accordance with the law.

The government has, however, clarified that the measures do not amount to a ban on foreign nationals doing business in Kenya, but are aimed at ensuring that those operating legally can continue their activities without unnecessary restrictions.

“Kenya will protect economic opportunities for its citizens, especially within the micro and small-enterprise sector, while remaining open to lawful foreign investment, enterprise and employment,” Mohamed said.

After the 90-day period, authorized government agencies will fully enforce laws governing immigration, work permits, business registration and licensing.

The government has also warned members of the public against harassing or threatening foreign traders during the enforcement process.

“No individual or group has the authority to harass, intimidate, threaten or interfere with foreign nationals or their businesses,” Mohamed said.

The government said the measures will not interfere with Kenya’s commitment to strengthening East African regional integration, including the free movement of people, labor, services and capital among member states.

Mohamed said concerns over economic competition cannot be used to justify discrimination or lawlessness, emphasizing that the rights of all people lawfully present in Kenya will be protected.

Nepal flash flood toll exceeds 1,350 as nation observes day of mourning

By
Newton Ingui
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In this photo provided by the Nepal Army, soldiers rescue a worker alive from a tunnel during an ongoing operation at the Trishuli-3A hydropower project in Nepal's Rasuwa district, Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. (Nepal Army via AP)

The death toll from catastrophic flash floods and mudslides across northern and central Nepal has climbed to 1,400, with nearly 5,845 people still reported missing.

The disaster, triggered on August 26 by a massive ice-rock avalanche along the Nepal-Tibet border, devastated towns, villages, and critical hydropower infrastructure along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. Across the border in neighboring Tibet, Chinese authorities reported at least 43 fatalities and over 500 people missing.

Over 21,000 security personnel—including teams from the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force—have been deployed alongside international technical squads to lead ongoing search and rescue efforts.

Specialized teams are attempting to access buried powerhouses and tunnels, including the Chilime, Upper Trishuli-1, and Trishuli 3A hydropower projects, where hundreds of workers remain unaccounted for.

DNA sampling and forensic identification processes are underway, as fast-flowing floodwaters carried many victims downstream into neighboring districts and toward Northern India.

The Nepalese government observed a national day of mourning, flying flags at half-mast to honor the victims as Prime Minister Balendra Shah renewed calls for international aid and highlighted climate change risks in the Himalayan region.

Homemade firearm recovered after police foil robbery in Garissa

By
Binti Wangila
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Police in Garissa County have recovered a homemade firearm allegedly used by a gang suspected of carrying out armed robberies along the Dagahaley–Mathangisi Road.

The firearm was recovered during a police operation supported by National Police Reservists (NPRs), following a tip-off from members of the public.

The gang is suspected of intercepting motorists along the road and robbing them at gunpoint.

Although police managed to recover the firearm, the suspects escaped before they could be arrested and remain at large.

The National Police Service said officers are pursuing several leads to identify and apprehend the suspects.

“The search for the suspects remains ongoing, with officers pursuing all available leads to identify and apprehend those responsible,” the National Police Service said.

The recovery of the firearm is believed to have helped prevent further attacks on motorists and other road users along the route.

Police have commended members of the public for providing information that helped facilitate the operation and urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.

Security officers are continuing with investigations as efforts to locate and arrest the suspects remain ongoing.

Kenya’s Job Ochieng scores first La Liga goal & delivers double assist in Real Sociedad thriller

By
Newton Ingui
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Harambee Stars winger Job Ochieng announced himself on the Spanish stage on Monday night, scoring his debut goal in La Liga and setting up two more to inspire 10-man Real Sociedad to a dramatic 3-2 away victory against Elche at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero.

The 23-year-old Kenyan international put in a Player of the Match performance, making history as only the second Kenyan to score in Spain’s top flight, joining Michael Olunga who accomplished the feat for Girona in 2018.

After a corner kick was initially cleared, Carlos Soler chipped the ball back into the box. An unmarked Ochieng struck a powerful right-footed volley straight into the roof of the net to give Real Sociedad an early lead.

Ochieng dispossessed Elche captain Pedro Bigas on the right flank and squared a precise pass to Yangel Herrera, extending the visitors’ advantage to 2-0.

With Elche fighting back to equalize 2-2 against a 10-man Sociedad team, Ochieng unlocked the defense late in stoppage time, threading a pass to Luka Sučić, who buried the winning strike to seal all three points.

The victory ended Real Sociedad’s eight-game winless streak on the road in La Liga. The display comes at a perfect time for Ochieng, who was recently named in Kenya’s provisional Harambee Stars squad for upcoming AFCON qualifiers.

Kalonzo Musyoka announces 2-day tour of Garissa and Tana River counties

By
Newton Ingui
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Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka during interview at his command Centre in Karen, Nairobi in this photo taken on November 4, 2021. Photo | Jeff Angote |Nation

Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has announced a two-day political tour of Garissa and Tana River counties as part of his ongoing nation-wide grassroots mobilization.

The former Vice President made the announcement via his official social media channels, confirming that the tour will take place on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September

Kalonzo stated he will bring his Ukombozi wa Kenya (Liberation of Kenya) political agenda directly to residents of the two region counties.

Branded as a grassroots outreach initiative, the visit aims to engage local communities, strengthen Wiper party structures, and address key governance and regional development challenges.

The tour forms part of broader efforts by the opposition coalition, led by Kalonzo Musyoka, to expand its political footprint into Northern Kenya and the Coastal region. The visit follows previous regional tours across Western Kenya and Coastal counties as opposition leaders step up early preparations ahead of the next electoral cycle.

IPOA confirms CCTV footage in Rex Masai inquest was not tampered with

By
Binti Wangila
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The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed that CCTV footage presented as evidence in the inquest into the death of Rex Masai had not been tampered with.

IPOA Senior Assistant Director of Forensics Joshua Mutua told the inquest that the footage underwent digital forensic analysis, which found no evidence of deletion, alteration or editing.

Mutua said the footage was retrieved by IPOA using a USB flash disk before being subjected to forensic examination.

Appearing before presiding magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, Mutua said the CCTV footage and other digital evidence presented before the inquest were in their original form.

“There was no evidence of deletion, alteration or editing of the footage,”Mutua told the inquest.

The testimony came as the inquest formally concluded after two years, having heard evidence from 30 prosecution witnesses and examined 48 exhibits.

The parties will now file their written submissions before the magistrate determines the circumstances surrounding Masai’s death.

Masai was shot dead in Nairobi during the June 2024 protests against the Finance Bill, becoming one of the most recognizable faces of the Gen Z-led demonstrations.

The conclusion of the inquest now paves the way for the magistrate to consider the evidence presented and make findings on the circumstances surrounding his death.

Taita Taveta County urges residents to focus on farming over politics to boost food production

By
Gibson Kisaka
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TAITA TAVETA — The Taita Taveta County Department of Agriculture is urging residents to pivot away from political distractions and focus on farm production, pointing to agricultural growth as the most reliable path toward strengthening household food security and expanding the local economy.

Speaking to residents at Mghange-Nyika in Wundanyi Constituency, Agriculture Chief Officer Stephen Mcharo highlighted that vast stretches of fertile land remain underutilized while young people increasingly spend their time engaging in political squabbles on social media. Mcharo urged the community to harness these natural resources for income-generating ventures, revealing that the Department of Agriculture is actively distributing seeds to local farmers to jumpstart crop yields and boost rural earnings.

Addressing public expectations around local governance, the Chief Officer clarified that political transitions alone do not automatically increase the county’s budget. Taita Taveta’s national revenue allocation is currently capped at Sh5.2 billion under the national revenue-sharing formula, a figure tied strictly to official population figures and registered voter numbers rather than who sits in the governor’s office. Mcharo warned that without raising population metrics, electing new leaders every cycle will not expand the public coffers.

Instead, county officials maintain that the true driver of financial independence is expanding own-source revenue through increased agricultural output and local industrialization. Mcharo appealed to residents to support Governor Andrew Mwadime’s economic agenda, emphasizing that bringing in private investors to establish manufacturing and processing industries is essential for creating jobs and expanding the tax base.

With political activity already beginning to rise across the region ahead of the 2027 General Election, county leadership is appealing for unity across party lines. Officials stressed that political rhetoric alone will not deliver infrastructure or development, urging residents to stay focused on productive, hands-on enterprise to build a self-sustaining future for Taita Taveta.

East Africa Law Society faults Ruto’s remarks on foreign traders, warns against EAC protocol violations

By
Newton Ingui
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The East Africa Law Society (EALS) has expressed concern over President William Ruto’s recent directive ordering a crackdown on foreign nationals operating small-scale businesses and hawking in Kenya.

In an official statement released from its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, the regional bar association warned that measures targeting economic activity must be grounded strictly in law and non-discrimination, rather than individual nationality.

EALS highlighted reports of growing anxiety and uncertainty among foreign nationals in Kenya, particularly citizens from East African Community (EAC) member states such as Burundi. Hundreds have reportedly sought consular assistance and documentation verification in Nairobi following the President’s announcement.

The regional legal body reminded the Kenyan government of its binding commitments under the EAC Common Market Protocol, which guarantees the free movement of workers, rights of establishment, and protection against nationality-based discrimination for EAC citizens.

While EALS acknowledged Kenya’s sovereign authority to enforce domestic tax, licensing, and immigration compliance, it emphasized that enforcement actions must strictly align with constitutional provisions and regional legal frameworks.

“The concern of EALS is with the application of these measures, particularly where nationality may become a determining factor in enforcement. Distinguishing unlawful conduct from nationality is crucial to preserving the integrity of the Common Market.”

Following widespread backlash and warnings from civil society organizations regarding potential xenophobic fallout, the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs sought to soften the narrative.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei stated that President Ruto’s remarks were “taken out of context”. He reassured regional partners that foreign nationals, including EAC citizens, with valid work permits and business approvals remain fully protected under Kenyan law to live and operate within the country.

Beyond Textbooks: How poverty and community action shape Taita-Taveta’s classrooms

By
Immanuel Mwakori
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TAITA TAVETA — At Kipusi Comprehensive School, every morning begins with a cruel economic calculation: a daily lunch fee of Sh30. For families living hand-to-mouth in Taita-Taveta County, that modest amount determines whether a child attends school hungry or stays home altogether.

That stark reality greeted education stakeholders on Monday as they fanned out across the county for the Elimu Fanaka school immersion exercise, held ahead of International Literacy Day.

Trading conference halls for frontline experience, participants departed Voi at 8:40 a.m. bound for 10 partner primary institutions: Mwakingali, Gimosi, Marungu, Ikanga, Kighombo, Kipusi, Wusi, Mghambonyi, Mbulia, and Kalambe. The delegation quickly discovered that improving literacy requires far more than distributing textbooks; it demands addressing the systemic poverty surrounding the classroom.

At Kipusi, which serves roughly 300 students, economic hardship directly impacts attendance. Yet amid the challenge, progress is visible. The school boasts a library established by Elimu Fanaka, complete with weekly literacy programming, internet access, a desktop computer, and a state-supplied smartboard. While educators report higher student engagement, chronic shortages of writing supplies and Kiswahili readers persist.

An hour away, Mwakingali Comprehensive illustrates the strain of rapid growth. Established in 1965, the institution now serves 1,075 students from early childhood through junior secondary level. While staffed by 28 Teachers Service Commission educators, infrastructure has failed to keep pace. Sanitation conditions have triggered formal health notices, requiring students and staff to haul drinking water from off-site. With many parents surviving on casual labor, meal contributions lag, often forcing teachers to pay out-of-pocket for sick children.

“These are not isolated cases,” noted one participant during the delegation tour. “In one school the urgent need is a dormitory; in another, it is basic sanitation, water, or foundational books.”

Despite infrastructure deficits, creative learning remains a vital lifeline. Across the visited institutions, music, drama, and storytelling continue to drive engagement. At Gimosi Comprehensive, Elimu Fanaka’s intervention helped resolve power challenges, while teacher workshops have measurably improved classroom interaction.

The day concluded at Kalambe Comprehensive School, where County Executive for Education Dishon Mngoda officially commissioned a new school library. Addressing parents, educators, and students, Mngoda commended Elimu Fanaka founder Kazi Mghendi for targeted local investment.

“Someone who gives your child a book is helping you more than one who gives you money,” Mngoda stated.

To sustain the momentum, Elimu Fanaka has partnered with local broadcaster Sifa FM Voi to launch a community-wide book donation drive. Stakeholders will gather Tuesday at Dan Mwazo Hall in Voi for formal International Literacy Day proceedings, shifting focus from initial field observations to long-term policy solutions.

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