news and current affairs.
Maraga Supports Youth Led Governance Reforms
Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga met with young civil society activists at his Nairobi home on Tuesday. The gathering included Generation Z advocates pushing for better governance in Kenya. A viral video captured Maraga singing a liberation song popular during the 2024 protests against the government. Maraga shared his support on social media after the meeting. "The youth's struggle for a better Kenya deserves all our support," he wrote. He thanked activist @Nyamisa_Chela and her team for their visit and praised their dedication to improving Kenya. These young activists lead civil society's demands for accountability and constitutional rights. The video shows Maraga joining their patriotic Swahili song, which honors victims...
Juma Assures Funding for Haiti Peacekeeping Mission
Kenya Says Haiti Mission Has Funds Despite US Aid Freeze. Kenya's National Security Advisor Monica Juma assured the Haiti peacekeeping mission will continue with available funds. The UN Trust Fund holds $110 million (Sh12.9 billion) to support operations. "Other countries have put enough money in the UN Trust Fund for Haiti to keep operations going," Juma said Wednesday. Her statement follows the United States' decision to freeze $13 million meant for the Kenya-led mission. This came after President Donald Trump paused foreign aid for 90 days. The UN announced the freeze on Tuesday. "The US pledged $15 million. After spending $1.7 million, $13.3 million remains frozen," said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. Canada leads donor...
Olekina Calls for Kenya's Economic Independence
Kenyan Senator Calls for Self-Reliance After US Aid Freeze. Narok Senator Ledama Olekina urged Kenya to boost its independence following cuts in U.S. aid. He asked Kenyans to focus on local resources and economic growth. "It's time to embrace independence. Let's realign our resources and work together to strengthen our economy," Olekina said Wednesday. President Donald Trump halted U.S. foreign aid on January 20 through a Stop-Work Order. The 90-day pause affects programs awaiting review under his policies. The freeze threatens HIV treatment services and jobs for 25,000 health workers. Over 20 million people worldwide receive support from PEPFAR and USAID programs. Treasury Secretary John Mbadi pledged government funding to keep...
Ruto Kicks Off Working Tour in Wajir
Kenyan President Starts Northern Tour in Wajir. President William Ruto landed in Wajir on Wednesday for a one-day visit. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Cabinet members joined him on this trip across Kenya's North Eastern region. The tour began Tuesday in Mandera. That evening, Ruto visited local projects, spoke to residents, and met with area leaders. His schedule includes a stop in Isiolo on Thursday. The regional visits will continue through Friday.
Wetangula Urges Economic Diplomacy Among Ambassadors
Kenya's Parliament Leader Pushes Economic Focus for Diplomats. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula called on Kenyan ambassadors to prioritize economic growth. He met with Kenya's US Ambassador David Kerich in Washington, D.C., to discuss trade and diaspora ties. "Washington stands as the seat of the World Bank, IMF, and global choices," Wetang'ula said. "Strong work here opens paths for Kenya's growth." Wetang'ula leads a group at the Annual National Prayer Breakfast, which draws 3,500 world leaders. He spoke about young US-born Kenyans losing touch with their roots. "The old pattern saw people sending cash home," he said. "Today's US-born Kenyans need reasons to link with their homeland." He wants better records of Kenyans...
Mining Unit Seizes 5 Copper Containers in Mombasa
Kenya Seizes Copper Shipment in Port Crackdown. Mining officials found five containers of copper at Mombasa Port marked with false papers. Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho said the shipment came from Nairobi and was headed to China. "The Mining Investigation Unit seized these containers today," Joho said. "They carried copper but listed different contents." The ministry stepped up efforts to stop illegal mineral trade. This marks the latest success in a growing campaign against unlawful mining practices. "Copper stands as both valuable and strategic," said Joho. "Illegal mining costs our nation needed income for development." The seizure follows recent raids in Nairobi and the Athi River. Those operations found rocks worth...
USAID Global Staff Placed on Administrative Leave
USAID Announces Global Staff Leave, Recalls American Workers. The United States Agency for International Development will place its worldwide staff on administrative leave starting Friday. The agency ordered all American citizens working abroad to return home. USAID staff leave begins before midnight Friday, marking a major shift under President Donald Trump's new policies. The change affects most direct-hire personnel, except those handling critical tasks and core leadership roles. "Essential workers will receive notice by Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST," USAID stated on its website. The decision puts 35,000 jobs at risk in Kenya alone, with more affected worldwide. USAID runs health and emergency programs in 120...
2025 Devolution Conference to Spur Partnerships
Kenyan Governors Set Plans for 2025 Devolution Conference. Kenya's Council of Governors announced plans for the 2025 devolution conference, which will be held in Homa Bay from August 12 to 14. The event aims to highlight local government achievements and address ongoing challenges. CoG Vice Chairperson Mutahi Kahiga called the conference "a vital platform for sharing knowledge about devolution in Kenya." The previous meeting took place in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, in 2023. The conference theme focuses on "For the People; For Prosperity: Devolution as a Catalyst for Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice." A sub-theme explores "Re-engineering County Governments to Accelerate Development and Close the Socio-Economic Divide." A...
Community Projects Boost Climate Action in Africa
African Carbon Credits Fund Climate Action and Local Growth. A new documentary, "Black Water," shows how carbon credits help African communities protect nature and fight climate change. The film features a project at Lake Mai Ndombe in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Local people run fish nurseries to restore the lake's ecosystem. "Fish became rare because of mosquito nets," said community elder Pong Paul. "In my youth, we caught big fish. Today, finding any fish proves difficult." Wildlife Works leads these efforts through carbon credit sales. The company helps communities stop logging in exchange for funding schools, health care, and farming projects. Their work covers 300,000 hectares of forest and lake areas. "We chose a path...
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