A tense Senate session on Tuesday exposed major gaps in Kenya’s support systems for people living with invisible disabilities, with Senators and government officials clashing over delays, poor services, and lack of clear policies. The Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, chaired by Vice Chairperson Senator Crystal Asige, convened the session following a petition by Beatrice Likwop, a Kenyan living with invisible disabilities. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Social Protection Principal Secretary Joseph Motari, and representatives from the Council of Governors appeared before the Committee to respond. Beatrice, in an emotional statement, described the struggles she and others…
Author: David Wafula
The Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning on Thursday held a meeting with the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) to address growing concerns about the regulation of the popular Aviator Game of Chance. The meeting followed a statement sought on April 16, 2025, by Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, who called for urgent government action on what she termed the unregulated and widespread use of the game. Wangari accused Aviator operators of aggressively targeting vulnerable populations through media campaigns, worsening financial hardship among many Kenyans. “This is an addictive game of chance. I rise to seek a statement from…
The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) has come under sharp scrutiny after senior officials were questioned by the Public Investments Committee (PIC) on Commercial Affairs and Energy over a series of audit queries spanning three financial years. Appearing before the committee at Parliament Buildings, REREC CEO Dr. Rose Mkalama and General Manager of Finance Davis Cheruiyot faced tough questions over alleged financial mismanagement, including the irregular spending of more than Sh1.79 billion on land survey services. The session was chaired by Pokot South MP David Pkosing. According to the Auditor General’s report, the corporation paid surveyors large sums…
Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has sharply criticised the government over the recent spike in fuel prices, describing the official explanation as misleading and lacking in transparency. Speaking on Tuesday, Nyoro questioned the justification provided by the Ministry of Energy, which linked the price hike to global oil prices. He noted that international oil prices were actually higher last year compared to current levels, suggesting that the latest increase is not being driven by global trends. “The problem is not global prices—it’s excessive taxation and the securitisation of fuel levies. Over Sh80 per litre of petrol and Sh76 for…
Kenya is among nine African countries selected to introduce Lenacapavir, a groundbreaking long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, by January 2026. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed the development, noting that Kenya will roll out the new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug alongside Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Lenacapavir, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025, has also been endorsed in the latest World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines released in July. The drug is administered only twice a year, offering a discreet and highly effective alternative to daily oral PrEP…
Burna Boy has apologised for comments he made distancing himself from Afrobeats. The Nigerian singer-songwriter is seen as a trailblazer who has helped to bring the genre to a global audience. But he faced backlash over a 2023 Apple Music interview where he said it “lacks substance” and most artists in the space had “almost no real-life experiences”. Speaking to 1Xtra’s Eddie Kadi, Burna says the reaction to his comments made him realise why it was important to have an umbrella term to advance the Afrobeats movement. Burna, real name Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, made history in 2023 when he became…
Kenya Railways has announced that it will issue refunds to passengers affected by the suspension of the 10pm Madaraka Express passenger train from Mombasa to Nairobi on July 6, 2025. The train was cancelled due to what the corporation described as a technical hitch. In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 15, Kenya Railways said refunds will be given to those who were unable to travel using the alternative train services that were made available that day. “For passengers who had not printed their tickets, refunds will be automatically processed to the mobile number used during ticket purchase,” the statement…
African exporters are set to benefit from a new set of trade reforms introduced by the United Kingdom aimed at making it easier for developing countries to access the UK market and strengthen economic ties. The changes, announced on July 10, are part of an upgrade to the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). A key highlight of the reforms is the simplification of rules of origin, which will allow exporters in African countries to source raw materials and inputs from anywhere on the continent while still enjoying duty-free access to the UK. “This will make it easier for developing…
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is mobilising more resources to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts and tackle a growing funding shortfall that threatens the future of the country’s biodiversity. In a public notice issued on Tuesday, July 11, 2025, KWS announced a nationwide public participation process scheduled between July 29 and August 8. The process will give Kenyans a chance to give their views on proposed changes to access and conservation fees in parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and marine protected areas. KWS is currently grappling with a Sh12 billion annual budget gap. In the 2024/25 financial year, the agency generated Sh7.92 billion…
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has issued a directive requiring all financial institutions, motor vehicle dealers, and public and private entities to use only licensed providers for vehicle tracking and fleet management services. In a public notice released on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, CA Director General David Mugonyi said the directive aims to ensure safety, protect consumers, and improve service quality in the vehicle tracking sector. “In line with this mandate, CA licenses individuals and companies to provide ICT-related services under defined terms and conditions to ensure secure, innovative, and high-quality services,” Mugonyi stated. “Licensed providers are issued with…
The Sugar Development Levy officially came into effect on July 1, 2025, marking a new phase in the government’s plan to boost the sugar sector. In a public notice issued on Tuesday, July 15, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh Paul announced that the levy is now payable by all sugar millers. He said millers will be required to pay 4 per cent of the ex-factory price for locally manufactured sugar and 4 per cent of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value for each consignment of imported sugar. “The levy shall be remitted by…
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has officially declared the positions of Registrar of Political Parties and Assistant Registrar of Political Parties vacant. This follows the appointment of former Registrar Ann Nderitu as a Commissioner of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). In a public notice dated July 15, 2025, the Commission invited qualified Kenyans to apply for the two positions in accordance with the Political Parties Act. To be considered, applicants must have a university degree recognized in Kenya and at least 15 years of post-qualification experience in areas such as finance, law, governance, management, political science, or public…
Kenya Airways has announced plans to bring back into service three Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft that were grounded due to global supply chain problems and a shortage of aircraft engine parts. According to Kenya Airways Managing Director Allan Kilavuka, the first Dreamliner will resume operations on July 22, 2025, at 1:34 PM (EAT). The second aircraft is expected to return on September 25, 2025, while the third one will be back in the skies by December 19, 2025, marking the full restoration of the airline’s Dreamliner fleet. “With safety as our number one priority and travel demand rising, we are…
Britney Amber is 38 years old, born on November 10, 1986, in Banning, California, United States. Known for her long-standing career in the adult film industry and her work as a model, she has captivated fans with her beauty, professionalism, and vibrant personality. Although her real name remains private, she is widely recognized by her stage name, Britney Amber. Early Life Britney Amber was born and raised in Banning, California. Growing up, she had dreams of being in front of the camera and always loved the spotlight. She attended school like any typical child, developing a love for performance early…
Sarah Vandella is 41 years old, born on December 2, 1983, in Hauppauge, New York, United States. Known for her striking looks, captivating performances, and enduring presence in the adult film industry, Sarah has become one of the most recognized names in the genre since she began her career in 2007. Sarah Vandella Age 41 years (as of 2025) Date of Birth December 2, 1983 Place of Birth Hauppauge, New York Nationality American Zodiac Sign Sagittarius Early Life Sarah Vandella was born and raised in Hauppauge, New York, and is of white ethnicity and American nationality. Growing up, she was…