In his latest report, released Thursday, October 2, Guterres states that over the past three months, the M23 backed by the Rwandan army, has continued to expand its operations in North Kivu’s Walikale and Masisi territories.

The report details heavy military operations in areas under the movement’s control, particularly targeting FDLR strongholds often presented as a justification for the crimes committed by Rwandan forces in the land of Lumumba.

As Kinshasa pushes for international recognition of the Congolese genocide allegedly carried out by the Kigali regime, Kenya an important economic partner may soon be expected to speak out against Rwanda’s role in the ongoing atrocities in the DRC.

Nairobitimes

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Habib Lukaya, Country Manager at Roam, said: “The ride is not just about distance, but about proving that Africa is already writing its own story in the global electric mobility transition. After the 900 km and 6,000 km expeditions, the Road to Addis demonstrates once again that Roam Air can go the distance, built in Africa, for Africa.”

Each journey has redefined what is possible for electric motorcycles on the continent, and this latest adventure continues to showcase Africa’s leadership in clean transportation innovation.
Timed to arrive in Ethiopia ahead of Africa E-Mobility Week, one of the continent’s most influential gatherings on sustainable transport, the journey aims to prove what many riders are asking: Can electric motorcycles go the distance even where charging infrastructure is limited ?

The Roam Air, designed and manufactured in Kenya, is built to answer that question. With a 160-kilometer dual-battery range and the ability to charge from any standard power outlet, it eliminates range anxiety, demonstrating that electric mobility is not just a vision for tomorrow but a reality for Africa’s roads today.
The full trip will go through Moyale, Yabello, Hawassa, Ziway, Adama, and finally Addis Ababa. Along the route, the team will engage with communities, schools, and local leaders, while documenting the realities and opportunities of electrification.

The expedition is being produced in collaboration with Intro. Africa, with storytelling captured through live updates, a docuseries, and a feature film that will highlight both the technical performance of the motorcycle and the human stories encountered along the way.

The initiative is powered by Munja Energy as Platinum Sponsor, with Kenya Power (KPLC) providing charging infrastructure across Kenya and the Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) enabling access on the Ethiopian side.
With more than 76% of Kenyan households already connected to the grid and a dedicated e-mobility tariff in place, Kenya Power continues to be a driving force for clean mobility, ensuring that electric motorcycles like the Roam Air can be charged anywhere, anytime.

The rider is expected to arrive in Addis Ababa on October 10th, just in time for Africa E-Mobility Week, where the expedition will be showcased to policymakers, investors, and innovators from across the continent.

By Joseph Ng’ang’a 

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In Mandera, 62 residents who applied for new ID cards last week have already received them within seven days, following Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s directive during the Jukwaa la Usalama visit.
Handing over the IDs, Mandera County Commissioner, James Chacha, urged residents to take advantage of the simplified system.
“We encourage all eligible residents to come out in large numbers and register. The process is now much easier and more efficient,” he said.

Chacha also confirmed that the National Registration Bureau has rolled out Live Capture Unit technology, which allows mobile registration of students in schools and residents in remote areas.
“With this technology, every Kenyan will be able to access this crucial document without unnecessary delays,” he added.

The County Commissioner revealed that the mobile registration exercise will officially kick off this month across all sub-counties.
According to the Ministry of Interior, newly registered applicants will now receive their ID cards within three to seven days.

The reforms follow President Dr. William Ruto’s directive scrapping extra vetting requirements for border region residents, as well as the abolition of fees for first-time applicants.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the changes, noting that access to national identification will boost participation in education, employment, and voter registration.

by Adan Mohamed

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He noted that last year’s pastoralist policy dialogue in Wajir marked a turning point in Kenya’s approach, with bold commitments made on restoring rangelands, safeguarding pastoralist values and addressing land degradation.“This forum is not just another meeting in a city hotel, but a platform for deep reflection, collaboration and co-creation of solutions that are locally-led and globally relevant,” he said, adding that its outcomes will align with global discussions such as the 2026 International Year of Drylands and Pastoralism and the UNCCD COP17 in Mozambique.Harsama urged participants to ensure no community is left behind and no rangeland lost to degradation, stressing that inclusive dryland investment remains a government priority under the Sectoral Policy Framework.The PS further suggested that future meetings should be held in locations of pastoralist communities rather than in capital cities.Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Deputy Executive Secretary, Mohamed Abdi Ware, underscored the importance of shifting perceptions about pastoralist communities.“For IGAD, pastoralism is central because much of our landmass is arid or semi-arid.

These regions are where peace, security and regional integration converge,” said Ware.He challenged governments and partners to change the narrative from viewing pastoralists as marginalized or conflict-prone to recognizing them as resilient and resourceful.Ware also highlighted IGAD’s flagship programmes on pastoralism and the Drought Disaster Resilience, which has attracted significant investment from member states.“Pastoralists occupy some of the most valuable land in our region. Without strong governance, these communities face enormous pressure from commercial and external interests. We must safeguard their rights and ensure pastoralist land use is sustainable,” Ware added.Executive Director of ENDA Energie and Chair of the Global Network for Disaster Reduction, Emmanuel Seck, emphasized the human dimension of resilience, cautioning against approaches that exclude local communities.“Beyond research and resilience, there is humanity. If we do not put people at the center, then our work only benefits academics and policymakers without action on the ground,” said Seck.He observed that marginalization, lack of infrastructure and exclusion from political decision-making remain major challenges for dryland communities.Seck called for stronger cross-border cooperation through IGAD, the Great Green Wall and other regional frameworks to secure sustainable development.He praised initiatives such as Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises (SPARC) for advancing political dialogue on pastoralism and influencing global policy declarations linking climate change, conflict and peace.Seck cited practical innovations including solar-powered milk chilling units, drought-resistant farming and agroforestry as examples of resilience at the community level.“Drylands are not barren. They are rich in biodiversity, culture and solidarity. Where communities may appear to have little, they share everything. That is true wealth,” he said.He however, warned of the risks posed by declining international aid and shrinking climate finance, stressing that development risks becoming extractive and exclusionary if it ignores the socio-ecological realities of drylands.The forum is expected to lay the groundwork for joint strategies to strengthen food security, promote regional integration and build a sustainable future for communities living in arid and semi-arid areas.

By Naif Rashid & Darlene Kuria

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Acting under President Tshisekedi’s directives, Kolongele has managed to engage the opposition in dialogue, persuading leading figure Martin Fayulu to embrace a shared vision of national defense. Fayulu even accepted a meeting with the Head of State to forge a united front for the country. Several other opposition members have since crossed over to join Tshisekedi’s government.

Behind the scenes, observers credit Kolongele with playing a discreet but decisive role in both U.S.-Kinshasa security talks and the Doha discussions with the M23 rebel movement. At home, he has launched sweeping investigations into corruption within the army, leading to the arrest of senior generals accused of embezzlement, a move that has bolstered the strength of the Congolese armed forces on the frontlines.

These shifts have resonated beyond Congo’s borders. In Kenya, growing voices are urging President William Ruto’s administration to stop backing, from Nairobi, groups that undermine DRC’s stability. With major economic interests in Congo through Kenyan banks, many argue it is in Nairobi’s own interest to support peace for the Congolese people.

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Thabanja noted that by putting robust policies in place, Governor Susan Kihika’s administration was helping launch enormous economic benefits in the Creatives Cultural Industry that go beyond financial gains, driving industry growth that would reach Kenyan artists, entrepreneurs, and young people throughout the country.
He observed that as a UNESCO Creative City of Folk Arts, it is important for Nakuru to adopt evidence-based culture policymaking and a multi-stakeholder approach in designing programmes that foster creativity for sustainable development.
The proposed policy provides for building partnerships among stakeholders, developing infrastructure for the creative and cultural sector. The policy also aims to promote technology use and document Nakuru’s cultural heritage.
If approved, the City Board will oversee implementation of the policy and establish a Council for Arts, Culture and Creative Industries and an annual review would be conducted to track progress and maintain relevance.
Thabanja indicated that the policy was expected to provide a strong framework to support the growth, protection and promotion of Nakuru’s creative sector while preserving the city’s unique cultural identity and driving socio-economic development.
Port Louis in Mauritius and Nairobi in East Africa are among 15 cities in the continent recognized by UNESCO for their commitment to place culture and creativity at the heart of their development and for sharing knowledge and good practices.
Last year, Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) selected Nakuru as a pilot city to map out existing cultural heritage and creative industries to determine the contribution of the industry to the local economy to leverage on the UNESCO 2030 Culture Indicators Framework.
According to Thabanja, the selection of Nakuru as a pilot City to spearhead the mapping initiative is an affirmation of the influence of culture in the multi-cultural city.
“The selection of Nakuru to pilot the project is an extra cap for the city, which takes pride in its cultural diversity, which earned it the recognition of UNESCO as a UNESCO Creative City under the folk and craft category,” he added.
The streets of Nakuru are a constant reminder of the vibrancy of culture, as seen on its streets and estates, which are adorned with vibrant murals, graffiti, and street art, adding a creative and visually appealing touch to the city.
The city occasionally showcases the cultural heritage and traditions of the region through exhibitions, performances, and interactive experiences.
The Nakuru Players Theatre is another contributor to the bustling cultural growth with a vibrant performing arts centre that hosts various plays, musicals, and cultural performances throughout the year, thereby promoting artistic expression in the city.
Another hallmark of the city is the popular Nakuru’s street food festival, which is a delight for food lovers. From mouthwatering samosas to delicious grilled meats, the city offers a wide range of delightful street food options from different communities at affordable rates.
Kenya’s creative sector is growing rapidly, contributing approximately five per cent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
From fashion, film, music, and design to digital art and photography, the industry provides jobs and serves as an important cultural and economic driver.
But despite its potential, structural challenges persist, including limited access to funding, fragmented support systems, and inadequate infrastructure.
The creative and cultural industries are recognized as significant contributors to Kenya’s GDP, offering substantial potential for job creation, innovation, and revenue generation.

By Jane Ngugi 

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Speaking during the Economists Society of Kenya’s (ESK) annual conference at a Kwale hotel, Owalo says the economy, which was “on its deathbed” in 2022, was now on a firmer footing, following deliberate fiscal and monetary interventions by the Kenya Kwanza regime.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, noted that inflation has dropped significantly from 9.2 per cent in 2022 to 4.5 per cent in 2025, while the shilling has strengthened against the dollar, appreciating from an average of Sh160 to Sh129 during the same period. “Revenue collection has grown from Sh1.9 trillion in 2022 to Sh2.9 trillion today, while the fiscal deficit has narrowed from 6.2 per cent to 5.8 per cent,” he said.

Owalo further stated that foreign exchange reserves rose from $7.7 billion in 2022 to $10.9 billion by August 2025, while on lending rates, he acknowledged the challenges posed by the tight monetary policy, but said stability has now been restored, with the rates currently standing at 15.24 per cent after spiking to over 20 per cent in the past year.

Addressing public debt concerns, Owalo said Kenya’s debt rose from Sh8.76 trillion in October 2022 to Sh11.81 trillion by June 2025. However, he emphasised that the debt-to-GDP ratio has slightly improved, falling from 68.7 per cent to 67.8 per cent. “You cannot look at debt in isolation. What matters is how borrowed funds are used to expand the economy and increase the value of goods and services,” he explained.
Looking ahead, the Deputy Chief of Staff, pledged more efficiency, transparency and accountability in government.

He revealed that an Office of Government Efficiency had been established under his portfolio to streamline processes, enhance service delivery and curb revenue leakages.
“We want to seal loopholes that allow revenue loss and stop public officials from dipping their hands into the public jar,” he said

Furthermore, Owalo added that only recently, the government carried out a midterm review of its development plan and will introduce targeted interventions to address lagging areas, while consolidating progress made so far.

By Sadik Hassan

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Co-operative Bank head agribusiness Olive Ong’ele said that as Kenya’s leading agribusiness financier, it is a strategic investment in Kenya’s economic future.

“We’re directly engaging with 12,000 industry stakeholders because we understand that the success of Kenya’s horticulture sector requires dedicated financial leadership and innovative solutions tailored to this critical industry,” said Ong’ele.

According to the lender, the sponsorship aligns with its long-term goals of strengthening support across key sectors including horticulture, tea and coffee. Kenya’s horticulture sector is a significant contributor to the country’s export earnings, through the export of flowers, fruits and vegetables to international markets.

Flower exports alone are projected to reach Sh110 billion (US$851 million) in 2025 as per forecasts from the Kenya Flower Council.

The Naivasha Horticultural Fair serves as a crucial networking platform where exporters, growers, suppliers, and service providers converge to explore business opportunities and share industry insights; and their significance cannot be overstated for Kenya’s economy.

According to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) data, agriculture contributes 21.3per cent to GDP and accounts for 65 per cent of national export earnings, making events that strengthen industry networks and showcase innovations directly impact millions of livelihoods.

Co-operative Bank’s participation in the fair highlighted its specialised agribusiness banking solutions, including export financing, supply chain financing, and tailored loan products for horticultural enterprises.The bank’s representatives engaged with fair participants to discuss customized financial solutions that address the specific challenges facing the sector.

” Our specialised solutions address the sector’s most pressing challenges: from seasonal cash flow management for smallholder farmers to sophisticated export credit facilities for major flower exporters shipping to Europe. When Kenya’s horticulture exports grow, we ensure our clients have the financial infrastructure to capitalize on every opportunity,” added Ong’ele.

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The High-Level Week of UNGA brings together world leaders at a critical moment for multilateralism.

Leaders at the Opening Session of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) General Debate at the UN headquarters in New York

The President has been in New York holding sideline meetings with Global and African leaders.Ruto is leading Africa’s push for reforms in global finance, climate action, and peace.He seeks to reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to global cooperation, call for reforms of the financial system and demand fair access to development finance for developing nations.

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Dr Wanjiku, a consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician, opened the clinic in Muthiga less than a year ago because, she says, “the need is obvious.” “If you’re a mother, the ideal is one doctor for every 1,000 people,” she says. “We are nowhere near that. I think we are at one doctor for 5,000, maybe 6,000 people per doctor. We are very few in Kenya.”

Kenya’s 2023 Health Labour Market Analysis puts the total health workforce across 13 major occupations at almost 190,000 active workers, but medical doctors (generalists and specialists) make up only about 6.7 per cent of that.

According to another study, there are roughly 13,000 doctors in Kenya and of those, only about 4,908 are specialists, meaning fewer than half the doctors have specialist training.

The problem is not only how many specialists there are, but where they practise. Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council notes most of the specialists are bunched in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu, leaving large rural or peri-urban populations underserved.

But according to property consulting firms, there is ongoing robust growth in satellite towns such as Kikuyu, Kiserian, Juja and Thika, where land and property prices remain within reach of a wider spectrum of developers and middle class families.

“Price affordability was a factor in the performance of the various satellite towns in land price movement in the quarter, showing rising sensitivity among buyers amid tougher economic conditions as towns with a more affordable price entry point outperformed nearby areas with costlier land,” HassConsult co-CEO Sakina Hassanali said in April this year.

That is one reason medical specialists like Dr Wanjiku are setting up in Nairobi’s expanding satellite towns.

“Here I see everyone,” she says.

“Lower middle class to middle class. At times women come just to ask about consultation fees, and I find myself consulting them anyway.”

Her clinic offers the full spectrum of obstetrics and gynaecology: antenatal care, deliveries, fibroid operations, menopause management, cancer screening and the diagnostic work-up for fertility problems. For the more expensive interventions like IVF, she refers patients to specialists in larger hospitals.

Such clinics were mostly available in Nairobi, at a higher cost. Fertility issues, she says, are common among the middle and lower middle people.

“We are seeing a lot of women and men now suffering from fertility,” she says.

“I have seen a mother of 23 who has been married two years and has not conceived. For women under 35 we give one year. Above 35, six months, because ovarian reserve declines.”

Her explanations point to blocked tubes from untreated infections are common, male factors account for roughly half of infertility cases, and many problems can be diagnosed with relatively simple tests before anyone talks about expensive assisted reproduction.

Pain and menstrual disorders bring their own steady flow of patients.

“People should not suffer because of pain,” she says.

“Pain is telling you there’s a problem. I have seen girls miss school and women miss work because of heavy periods or cramps. It’s manageable.”

 She describes how she designed the clinic for privacy: separate consultation rooms, a procedure room placed away from the waiting area, a discreet entrance, because stigma drives delay. Women worry about gossip if they seek help for sexual or reproductive health issues.

“I used to go to Westlands for a fibroid scan,” says one patient, Esther (she agreed to used only one name), who lives near Muthiga, a bustling suburb.

“The queues were long; here I come early, they see me quickly. It saves me money and time.”

Grace Mwende comes for her antenatal visits. “I feel more comfortable here. I can walk, I don’t pay for a matatu or have to drive to town.”

The move to suburban practice also exposes the financial tightrope small clinics walk.

Dr Wanjiku runs mainly on cash patients for now. “I haven’t started taking insurance,” she admits. “Claims can take years to be settled, while clinic bills, such as staff, supplies, rent, come every day.”

National reviews of health financing and provider surveys show delays and administrative burdens in claims processing discourage some private providers from accepting insurance, even when social schemes cover the services.

Official data and professional organisations agree that suburban clinics alone will not solve the national shortage of specialised services.

The Health Labour Market Analysis and the Kenya Health Workforce Report make the point that Kenya needs continued investment in training, stronger retention policies and incentives for specialists to practise outside central urban hospitals if universal access is to be achieved.

Dr Wanjiku’s vision is modest and practical: a clinic where women can walk in from their homes, be seen, treated with dignity and referred easily when higher-level care is needed. She wants to add paediatrics, partner with other specialists, and normalise conversations about menopause and reproductive health.

“Menopause is stigmatised,” she says. “People see it as the end of femininity, but I see it as an empowering time. Women can rediscover themselves.”

She says if Kenya’s specialists continue to gravitate towards suburbs rather than only the inner city, that could ease the strain on central hospitals and make care more affordable and accessible.

For the women of Muthiga, a small clinic with a capable doctor already makes a tangible difference. “If a woman can walk in, be seen, and leave knowing she’s been cared for, then we’ve done something important,” Dr Wanjiku says.

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