Kenya

Al-Shabaab Abducts Five Kenyan Chiefs in Mandera County Nairobi, Kenya — Imagine clocking in for a day’s work, only to vanish without a trace. This unsettling fate befell five National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) from Mandera County, allegedly whisked away by Al-Shabaab militants. Why now? The abductions come with a disquieting timing—just before President William Ruto's anticipated visit to the region. Julius Njeru, the Mandera South Sub…

Ebola Vaccine Arrival Spurs Immediate Action in Kampala Do you remember the last time an epidemic shook the very core of public health? This familiar unease crept back into Uganda as the first 2,160 doses of the Ebola vaccine arrived in Kampala—a determined effort against a formidable adversary. The cargo, teeming with both hope and urgency, marks a critical step towards preparing for what may unfold. Just yesterday, Uganda’s Health Ministry solemnly announced an outbreak. The trigger? A 32-year-old male nurse, who had…

The border between Somalia and Kenya, often a tense line in the sand, witnessed an unexpected turn of events recently. On a seemingly ordinary Sunday evening, 11 soldiers from the Somali National Army made their way to the Hulugho border, not to patrol or at the call of duty but to seek refuge. Armed, yet vulnerable, they surrendered, rifles shouldered and more than 1,000 bullets in tow. Their decision to cross over into unfamiliar territory did not go unnoticed. As they inched towards Garabey, a small enclave near the…

FILE - A man works on a computer, cyber codes cascading over him, in this imaginative illustration dated May 13, 2017. Today, a startling report reveals a troubling spike in the online sexual exploitation and abuse of children in Kenya. Consider young Winnie Muyam. Digital platforms were once her gateway to a vibrant social life and a universe of entertainment. Last year, everything changed for the 17-year-old. She started receiving messages from strangers, at first innocuous, then alarmingly intrusive. "They began by…

CAIRO - In an era where geopolitical landscapes are as fluid as ever, Egypt has subtly yet assertively reinforced its influence within the East African region. This diplomatic maneuver unfolded with the signing of a key defense pact with Somalia and a consequential strategic partnership with Kenya, an equally pivotal ally in the Horn of Africa. But, what drives these calculated alliances in such turbulent times? On the scintillating banks of the Nile, the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi welcomed the Kenyan leader,…

Credit: REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya The global fight against pandemics like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis faces a precarious moment. Why? On a fateful Tuesday, the Trump administration in the United States pivoted, deciding to freeze the supply of essential, lifesaving drugs intended for countries supported by US-AID. Ironic, isn't it? A world grappling with medical crises now finds itself cut off from a vital supply line. In an abrupt curtain call, a memo surfaced, targeting contractors and partners associated with US-AID. The…

In the merry month of May, a tempest brewed in local news circles over a demanding missive from kidnappers, requesting a hefty ransom—$1.5 million no less!—for two missing Cuban medics. The Kenyan government, cool as a cucumber, refused to cough it up, and mum was the word from Cuba about whether they were even acknowledging this audacious claim. Months have trickled by like sand through an hourglass, leaving folks high and dry when it comes to updates on the Cubans' whereabouts. Occasionally, whispers from the island…

Suspects in the Infamous Dusit D2 Incident to Face Justice in Kenya NAIROBI, Kenya - In the vibrant, bustling city of Nairobi, where history often intertwines with the present, a courtroom drama is set to unfold. This isn't just another news bulletin—it's the intricate unraveling of the chilling episode that forever altered the heart of the nation. Yes, it’s about the Dusit D2 attack, that haunting blot on the canvas of 2019 when lives were lost and structures rattled as chaos reigned supreme. The gavel has…

In a bold and transformative step, the Kenyan government has declared the elimination of Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) and visa requisites for travelers from across the African continent. Well, almost everyone—from the sands of Senegal to the shores of South Africa—can rejoice, except for those residing in Somalia and Libya, a decision influenced by persistent security concerns that linger like an unwelcome guest. This ambitious initiative aims to bolster regional integration and fuel tourism, promoting the idea that…

NAIROBI, Kenya - In a surprising twist that got everyone talking, Kenya has decided to roll out the welcome mat for travelers from across the African continent. But, here's the kicker: the mat seems to stop short of the borders of Somalia and Libya. Strange decision? Perhaps. But let's take a closer look at this diplomatic dance. Following a cabinet pow-wow in the lush landscapes of Kakamega, President William Ruto, with his top brass, laid out plans for a continental hug—oops, I meant, policy shift. By nixing…