Nairobi Wire
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Jul 17, 2026 at 03:50AM
Hustler Fund borrowers who consistently pay back their loans on time could soon qualify for much larger credit limits from mainstream commercial banks. The government is actively working on new, data-driven financial products designed to reward solid repayment habits, giving small business owners access to the kind of capital that the Hustler Fund itself cannot support. This major policy shift comes after a high-level consultative meeting on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Chaired by Susan Mang’eni, the Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development, the meeting brought together the Hustler Fund, the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC), the Council of Economic Advisors (CEA), the
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Jul 17, 2026 at 03:49AM
President William Ruto has ordered all government entities, including ministries, state agencies, constitutional commissions, and county governments, to hand over information to the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ). The directive supports a nationwide transparency audit designed to map how open public institutions really are. Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the launch of consultations for Kenya’s first-ever State of Openness Report, Ruto said public bodies must submit timely, accurate, and complete details. “I direct every ministry, department, agency, constitutional commission and county government to extend their full cooperation to the Commission on Administrative Justice by providing timely, accurate and comprehensive
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Jul 17, 2026 at 03:48AM
The post Hilarious Memes in Nairobi This Friday appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
Jul 17, 2026 at 03:47AM
An emotional farewell unfolded in Ademasajida village, Wajir West, when Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers took away an ostrich from a woman who had raised it from a tiny chick. The removal brought a heartbreaking end to an unlikely, year-long bond. Abdia Ali Ibrahim broke down in tears as officers led the bird away from her homestead. She had rescued and protected the young bird during a devastating regional drought that wiped out massive herds of livestock and local wildlife. “I love this bird. She is part of my family,” she said between sobs. “I raised her with love, commitment,
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Jul 17, 2026 at 03:46AM
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has lost his position as the Senate Deputy Minority Whip. The decision comes just days after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) approved his removal as the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The party has swiftly appointed Migori Senator Eddy Oketch to take over the whip role, effective immediately. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced the leadership changes on Thursday, July 16, 2026, confirming they align with the Senate Standing Orders that govern the removal and election of the minority leadership. “By a letter dated July 16, 2026, I received correspondence
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Jul 17, 2026 at 03:45AM
The High Court has thrown out a petition challenging the registration of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). In her ruling, Justice Roselyne Aburili made it clear that litigants must first take disputes regarding the Registrar of Political Parties to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal. The petitioners had accused the former Registrar of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, who now serves as an Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner, of unlawfully registering the party without verifying essential statutory requirements. Justice Aburili declined to review these allegations, pointing to the court’s lack of jurisdiction and cementing the
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Jul 17, 2026 at 03:44AM
Thika Municipality is on the verge of becoming the sixth city in the Republic of Kenya. The Senate’s Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has approved the elevation, tabling a report on Thursday, July 16, 2026, that recommends transmitting the resolution to the President to issue an official City Charter under the Urban Areas and Cities Act. Once signed, Thika will join the ranks of Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nairobi. The committee described the application by the Kiambu County Government as exceptionally thorough, backed by strong documentation, extensive physical verification, and overwhelming public support. Beyond its robust local
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Jul 17, 2026 at 03:43AM
About 250 board members serving on 66 state corporations have retired following the rollout of Kenya’s Government-Owned Enterprises (GoE) Act, President William Ruto announced. Speaking on Thursday, July 16, during the launch of consultations for the country’s inaugural State of Openness Report in Nairobi, Ruto said the changes clear the way for the competitive recruitment of professionals to lead key state corporations. He added that the new law also prevents politicians from serving on parastatal boards until five years after they leave public office. Ruto said the reforms have already set off a major shake-up, with boards of 66 commercial
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Jul 17, 2026 at 03:42AM
The government has taken another major step to modernize Kenya’s main international gateway after the government signed an engineer-consultant contract for the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Modernisation Project. Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir witnessed the signing on Thursday, marking the start of the project’s implementation phase. The initiative aims to reshape JKIA into a world-class aviation hub that can handle Kenya’s rising passenger and cargo demand. Under the agreement, Dar Al-Handasah Consultants has been appointed to oversee major components of the work, including design reviews, project management, contract administration, and construction supervision. The firm will guide the
The post JKIA Modernisation Enters Key Phase, Promising Jobs and More Cargo Capacity appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
Jul 17, 2026 at 03:41AM
Several schools in Nairobi have issued alerts to parents after suspected mumps cases emerged among pupils, according to Nation.Africa. The schools used communication platforms to urge families to monitor symptoms closely and keep any child showing signs of illness at home. The notices warned that mumps spreads easily because it is highly infectious. The virus transmits through saliva, coughs and sneezes, and schools cautioned that infection can also spread when children share personal items. One school advisory told parents and guardians that an outbreak had been reported within its area and wider school community, Nation.Africa reported. The advisory added that
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Jul 17, 2026 at 03:40AM
The High Court has suspended the implementation of an Executive Order that placed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) under the Ministry of Interior. The suspension runs until the court hears and rules on a constitutional petition challenging the decision. In a conservatory order, the court halted implementation of Executive Order No. 2 of 2023, which appeared on November 1, 2023. The court said it issued the interim relief after IPOA did not oppose the application. “A conservatory order is hereby issued staying, suspending and/or restraining the 1st and 2nd Respondents, their agents, assigns, servants, or anyone acting under their
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Jul 16, 2026 at 03:50AM
The Wantam Movement has launched a digital voting platform that will let supporters in Kenya and abroad select the movement’s preferred presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election. The platform, called the Wantam Digital Election System, aims to create a public-led process for choosing the movement’s presidential flagbearer as political activity increases before the next election. Instead of relying on the usual negotiations where party leaders often decide candidates, the movement says the online vote will give ordinary supporters a direct say. It says supporters will identify the candidate they believe can lead the country. Organisers say voting starts
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Jul 16, 2026 at 03:49AM
Detectives have linked a Beretta pistol recovered after a fatal shootout with a violent robbery suspect in Joska, Machakos County, to Court of Appeal Judge Justice Aggrey Muchelule. On July 14, Muchelule told police that he only realized his firearm, an unlicensed Beretta pistol with serial number H20930Y, was missing from his heavily secured Kitusuru home after investigators contacted him. He said the police informed him that the pistol had been seized in Athi River South Sub-County on Monday evening, July 13, 2026. In a report recorded at the Spring Valley police station, Muchelule stated that he does not usually
The post DCI Links Justice Aggrey Muchelule Pistol to Viral Westlands Restaurant Robbery appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
Jul 16, 2026 at 03:47AM
President William Ruto has defended his administration’s major reforms, arguing that Kenya can only deliver meaningful transformation through firm and courageous leadership despite public criticism, protests, and ongoing court challenges. Speaking at State House in Nairobi, where he hosted AFC Leopards, Ruto said his government has stayed committed to the reform agenda. He added that lasting change depends on leaders who are prepared to make difficult decisions. Ruto said Kenya has the capacity to transform its economy, citing examples from other countries that achieved similar shifts. “Our country, Kenya, in our time, in our generation, we can take our country
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Jul 16, 2026 at 03:46AM
The murder trial of Kasipul Member of Parliament Ong’ondo Were resumed behind closed doors at the Kibera Law Courts on Tuesday. Under tight security, the eighth prosecution witness took the stand. The witness told the court that someone summoned him to Jacaranda, where he first met the first suspect, the man who would later act as the hitman. The witness used his motorcycle to ferry the suspect to a car wash, where they ate a meal before continuing their journey. In Buruburu, the suspects met up with a second man, who drove a white Toyota Crown. The motorcycle and the
The post “I Believed I Was Only Providing Transport”: Witness Testifies in Ong’ondo Were Murder Trial appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
Jul 16, 2026 at 03:45AM
The High Court has dismissed a petition by members of the Rastafarian community in Kenya seeking to legalize cannabis, known locally as bhang, for religious use. The court ruled that the petitioners failed to show that Kenya’s drug laws violate their constitutional rights. Judge Says Burden of Proof Not Met In a decision delivered on Wednesday, July 15, Justice Bahati Mwamuye held that the petitioners did not meet the burden of proving that the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act infringes on their freedom of religion, conscience, and belief as protected under the Constitution. Although the court dismissed the
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Jul 16, 2026 at 03:44AM
Kenyans applying for Police Clearance Certificates, also known as Certificates of Good Conduct, will soon see faster processing after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the rollout of the Multi-Biometric Identification System (MBIS)-ABIS Version 5. Launch Date Set for July 20 On Wednesday, the DCI said it will officially launch the upgraded biometric platform on Monday, July 20, 2026. The directorate linked the launch to efforts to improve the speed and efficiency of processing Police Clearance Certificates. The DCI added that the new system will significantly cut waiting times by strengthening biometric identity verification and streamlining how applications get
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Jul 16, 2026 at 03:43AM
Kenya’s wealthiest citizens show little interest in pursuing foreign passports or residency options, according to Knight Frank’s Wealth & Investment Trends 2026 report. Even as global mobility programmes gain traction, High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) remain focused on living and investing in Kenya. In a survey of wealth advisers, half said fewer than 10% of their clients were considering a second passport, while 38% reported that none of their clients sought alternative citizenship. The report says the pattern mirrors findings from 2025. It suggests that Kenya’s affluent continue to have strong confidence in the country’s long-term economic prospects despite ongoing global uncertainty.
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Jul 16, 2026 at 03:42AM
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) explained why it does not punish politicians for early campaigning. Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana said the commission can enforce campaign rules only after the official campaign period starts. Speaking during an interview with NTV on Wednesday, Mukhwana argued that many politicians take advantage of the legal gap on purpose. He added that these politicians then accuse the IEBC of selective enforcement, even though the commission cannot act before campaigns officially begin. “What I think that politicians do is that they deliberately adopt positions that undermine the credibility of the institution. If you look at
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Jul 16, 2026 at 03:41AM
The government, through Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Korir Sing’Oei has finally recognized Kenya’s leading inline freestyle skater, Kevin Kiarie. The PS hosted the talented skater as they discussed how Kenya can grow skating and explore ways to build stronger support for the fast-growing sport. The meeting followed a standout period for Kiarie. He has emerged as one of Africa’s top freestyle slalom skaters, even though Kenya has given the discipline limited attention and investment. After the meeting, Kiarie said he felt encouraged by the discussions and expressed hope for the sport’s future in Kenya. “Yesterday, I had a productive
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Jul 16, 2026 at 03:40AM
The main suspect in the murder of 25-year-old Joy Kanini Gathu will stay in custody for 21 days after a court granted detectives additional time to complete their investigations. On Wednesday, July 15, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that suspect John Nderitu Mureithi appeared before the Nyeri Law Courts on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Detectives then secured court orders to keep him detained as the probe continues. Detectives said multiple government agencies carried out the recovery operation together in a coordinated effort to retrieve the remains from the scene. “A determined multi-agency team comprising detectives from the DCI
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Jul 15, 2026 at 03:50AM
The government has announced the revival of the historic Ol Kalou Railway Station after nearly 46 years of inactivity. In a statement on Tuesday, July 14, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the station resumed operations in June 2026. He said this marked the restart of railway services along the 78-kilometer Gilgil–Ol Kalou–Nyahururu Meter Gauge Railway branch line after more than 4 decades. A Line Built in 1929, Idle Since 1980 Omollo explained that the line originally supported the movement of agricultural produce, but it later fell into neglect as road transport expanded and maintenance deteriorated. He said the colonial
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Jul 15, 2026 at 03:49AM
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has started preparations to roll out the Ambulance Evacuation Programme, inviting healthcare providers across the country to take part in training. In a notice issued through the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre (NADEC) on Tuesday, July 14, the SHA asked healthcare providers that own, operate, or work with ambulance services to attend the sessions. The authority said the training will familiarize participants with the operational requirements they will need before the program officially begins. SHA added that the training will cover ambulance dispatch and coordination through NADEC, participation requirements, clinical and operational service standards, and claims
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Jul 15, 2026 at 03:48AM
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Jul 15, 2026 at 03:47AM
A Grade 9 learner at CITAM Schools Ngong died on Monday morning after reportedly falling from the rooftop of a school building, a development that led police to launch investigations into the incident. The school later confirmed the tragedy, saying it occurred on June 13, in a statement shared with parents and guardians. In the statement, CITAM Schools said the Head of School and members of staff responded immediately after the learner fell. The school added that the student received urgent medical attention before staff rushed her to Karen Hospital in consultation with her parents, where doctors pronounced her dead
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Jul 15, 2026 at 03:46AM
The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has urged Kenya to overhaul its lending model to improve access to credit for ordinary people. Speaking at the East Africa Banking School Conference (EABSC) 2026 on Tuesday, July 14, KBA Chairman Paul Russo said lenders should stop using collateral as their main basis for approving loans. He said collateral should still provide protection in lending, but it should not serve as the primary tool for judging borrowers, because it continues to exclude many small businesses from formal financing. “While collateral will always have an important place in lending, it should not become the main
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Jul 15, 2026 at 03:46AM
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) says motorists who have not yet collected their logbooks should visit any Huduma Centre or official NTSA offices to pick up their documents. NTSA also directed Kenyans who want to check the status of their driving license and number plate applications to use the dedicated status portal on the NTSA website. In a statement on Tuesday, July 14, the authority urged vehicle owners with uncollected physical logbooks to collect them. NTSA said motorists have five months before the December 2026 deadline. The agency added that it will not hold printed logbooks for more
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Jul 15, 2026 at 03:44AM
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has approved licences for 25 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs), bringing the total number of verified DCPs in the country to 256 as of July 2026. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the CBK said it has received more than 800 applications since March 2022. It added that it has continued engaging applicants as it reviewed their submissions. The CBK described DCPs as lenders that operate digitally through Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) codes and offer a range of loan products. These include educational loans, development loans, and short-term personal financing, among other options. According
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Jul 15, 2026 at 03:43AM
Kenya is scaling up structured talent development programmes to train more than 10,000 young athletes as the government works to produce a new generation of sports stars ready to compete on the global stage. On Monday, President William Ruto shared the figure at State House as he hosted the Harambee Junior Starlets. The team had qualified for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, and the president said their performance shows why grassroots investment must remain central to Kenya’s sports future. Ruto explained that the athletes take part in programmes delivered through schools, county governments and the Kenya Academy of
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Jul 15, 2026 at 03:42AM
EALA Member of Parliament Kanini Kega says he narrowly escaped an attack along the Ol Kalou–Nyahururu road, alleging that armed men he believes were police officers tried to kill or abduct him. Kega said the incident happened at about 6:10pm as he left a Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) campaign event in Ol Kalou ahead of Thursday’s by-election. “I was driving along the Ol Kalou-Nyahururu road when a white double cabin D-Max abruptly stopped in front of us. One person got out and pointed a pistol at me,” Kega said. “My driver swerved and sped off.” Kega, a close ally
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