Author: staff reporter

---

The vibrant, dusty streets of Utawala-Mihango buzzed with anticipation this morning as the newest branch of Naivas supermarket threw open its doors. More than just a new store, it felt like a promise – a promise of convenience, affordability, and a touch of the “good life” right here in the heart of the community.

From early morning, the parking lot was already filling up. Mama Njeri, a fruit vendor from across the street, stood back, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “I’ve been waiting for this!” she exclaimed, adjusting her brightly coloured headscarf. “No more long trips to town for good quality goods. Now everything is right here.”

Inside, the air was cool and crisp, a welcome respite from the Nairobi sun. Aisles were packed with neatly stacked groceries, fresh produce, gleaming appliances, and even a small section dedicated to clothing and electronics. The familiar Naivas jingle played softly in the background, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

The branch manager, seemed genuinely excited to be part of the Utawala community. “We’re not just here to sell groceries,” he said, his voice barely audible above the hubbub. “We want to be a part of the fabric of this community. We’re committed to sourcing locally where possible, supporting local farmers and suppliers, and providing employment opportunities for the youth of Utawala.”

His words resonated with Sarah Kimani, a young mother pushing a shopping cart laden with groceries. “It’s a huge relief,” she confided. “Before, getting affordable and quality food meant a long commute and lots of time wasted. Now I can spend more time with my children.”

The opening day offered more than just groceries. There were free samples of local delicacies, face painting for the children, and a live performance by a local music group. It was a celebration, a community coming together to welcome a new neighbor.

But the opening wasn’t without its challenges. The influx of shoppers caused a temporary traffic snarl-up on the usually quiet road outside, and some residents expressed concerns about the potential impact on smaller local businesses.

However, overall, the mood was overwhelmingly positive. The arrival of Naivas in Utawala-Mihango signifies more than just a new shopping destination. It represents growth, investment, and a brighter future for this vibrant community. It’s a sign that Utawala is on the map, attracting investment and offering its residents a taste of the conveniences previously only available in more established areas. As Mama Njeri walked into the store, a wide smile on her face, it was clear: Utawala was ready for its slice of the good life.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has praised the strengthened partnership between the government and private sector, saying it continues to play a pivotal role in positioning Kenya as a premium global tourism destination.
Speaking at the ongoing Jamhuri Tourism Week at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Miano said the collaborative approach has already delivered tangible results, including increased international arrivals and higher tourism revenue.
She highlighted the surge in international flight frequencies to Kenya this year as a clear indicator of rising global interest.
“Several international airlines have increased their frequencies. This shows that our partnership is working. We have also witnessed the opening of new hotels across the country. Through such collaborations, we will elevate Kenya’s brand to global standards, and I thank the private sector for this cordial relationship,” she said.
Miano added that engagement with private-sector stakeholders enabled the government to review and streamline the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system, making travel to Kenya significantly easier.
Earlier this year, Kenya scrapped visa requirements for all African and most Caribbean countries—exempting eligible travelers from ETA applications, lengthy forms, and visa fees. Visitors from these regions can now enter the country without prior authorization.
She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Open Skies Policy, noting that the initiative is being developed with active participation from industry players to further simplify access to Kenya.
Miano encouraged private sector partners to use the Tourism Week platform to present additional proposals ahead of expected announcements by President William Ruto during the Jamhuri Day celebrations.
“We urge the private sector to take advantage of this week. Let us have more suggestions on the table so we can present them to the President, who is expected to make major announcements for the sector,” she said.

Nairobi, Kenya – 04 December 2025: Fairtrade Africa, the leading independent farmer-owned organization for ethically certified producers, marks its 20th year milestone on the continent. Today, Fairtrade Africa stands at an exciting threshold with their ‘BE FAIR RIGHT NOW CAMPAIGN’, in time for the festive season – calling on local consumers, businesses and policymakers to choose ethical trade and to further support millions of African farmers and workers. The campaign was unveiled at a media event in Nairobi 02 December 2025 at The Wine Shop, Loresho.
The gathering brought together Fairtrade partners for an uplifting, yet insightful fireside chat focused on producer empowerment, ethical consumption, and the future of ‘fair trade’. Speakers reflected on the organization’s transformation from its early beginnings supporting a small number of coffee cooperatives to becoming a continent-wide movement driving sustainability and trade justice.
FAIRTRADE IN AFRICA
Fairtrade Africa is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers. It is an approach that is based on partnership; one between those who grow our food and those that consume it. Founded in 2005, it is a powerful voice for close to 1.5 million farmers and workers across 29 countries on the continent and Middle East. The organization has actively strengthened regional producer networks, promoted climate-resilient farming, enhanced market access, and ensured fairer terms of trade for smallholder farmers.
What’s the impact? Significant economic and social gains across rural communities. The ‘Fairtrade Premium’ (over and above the market price or the Fairtrade Minimum Price, whichever is higher) has grown from €21 million in 2013 to € 90.9 million in 2024. This social investment goes back into building up communities through education, health care, community infrastructure and housing – a critical lifeline for the farmers and their families (all democratically decided upon).
Fairtrade Africa’s Executive Director, Isaac Tongola, highlighted “For 20 years, Fairtrade Africa has stood for the belief that farmers and workers deserve a say in shaping their future. Their leadership has driven over €650 million into community investments that have changed lives across Africa. As we launch this campaign, we also want to remind consumers that we remain committed to fairer trade, stronger partnerships, and a more resilient future for the millions who grow our food.”
THE FAIRTRADE DIFFERENCE IN KENYA
There are 3 million estimated farmers and farm workers in Kenya, most of whom still get paid significantly less than the minimum legal rates (Ksh7,545.65)1. Fairtrade Africa’s mission is clear – ensuring producers receive fair compensation for their labour whilst building a resilient, sustainable community of farmers and workers for generations to come.
The proof is in the real-life impact stories, some of whom shared their personal testimonies at the event.
Gender Equality
Kenyan women perform between 42-65% of agricultural labour, yet will typically earn less, own less and have access to fewer resources than men2. With Fairtrade, these women gain access to leadership training, fairer pay and a longer-term plan that helps protect their communities and kids.
Nancy Gathaiga, Unit Manager Gatunguru Tea Factory, states, “Our work is centred on empowerment: ensuring women understand their rights and supporting men to embrace shared business ownership so women can effectively support production and quality control. This transformation means that women now hold 30% of leadership roles, a significant jump from when they had virtually no representation before certification. Fathers are now also actively handing down portions of their farms to empower the youth in continuing the family business.”
Climate degradation
To add to the social challenges, vital species are rapidly under threat endangering natural ecosystems that support farming. Without intervention, soon much-loved Kenyan tea and coffee will be disappear. Fairtrade Africa’s programs empower farmers to actively build environment resilience and sustainable practices:
Martin Kinyua, Mutura Tea Farms, shared, “using the Fairtrade Premiums, we have fundamentally transformed our operations. This year alone, we managed to raise 10 million shillings and used this to: upgrade 95% of our drying tables to metal to protect our forests, establish the biggest coffee nursery in Kenya’s cooperative sector to empower young people and women in farming, and invested in comprehensive staff training on workers’ rights.”
Mercy Chumo, Fairtrade Africa’s Youth Coordinator, highlighted the value of Fairtrade in supporting young farmers. “Fairtrade Africa creates a space for young farmers to share their realities, their needs, and the challenges they’re facing in farming. Even though we already have young people engaged across our value chains, they continue to navigate barriers in sustainable agriculture.
By coming together like this, they can motivate one another and inspire other young people who may want to find a path into agriculture. And we need more youth in farming for the future of our food systems! I mean, can you imagine a world without tea or coffee?
Through the platform FTA provides, young farmers can voice the support they need, share their knowledge, and explore new and innovative ways of farming. It’s through their leadership that we can continue strengthening the sustainability of our farms.”
Key partners in the BE FAIR RIGHT NOW CAMPAIGN include: Kericho Gold and Dormans Coffee whose commitment to ethical sourcing continues to expand opportunities for Fairtrade farmers across Kenya. These collaborations demonstrate how businesses can play a transformative role in strengthening sustainable value chains.
BE FAIR RIGHT NOW CAMPAIGN
The campaign aims to speak to local consumers to inform their purchasing choice. It features a digital quiz designed to educate while giving them the chance to win Fairtrade product vouchers, gift hampers, and a luxury weekend getaway in Diani.
Consumers can participate in the campaign at befairrightnow-kenya.org and purchase Fairtrade products at leading retailers countrywide.

1: Kenya Labour Market Profile 2024/ 2025
2: FAO Gender equality and Food Security Kenya 2022

-ENDS-

The Member of Parliament for Dagoretti North, Hon. Beatrice Elachi, continues to shine as she champions development projects across the constituency. Known for her warm and kindhearted leadership, Hon. Elachi has once again demonstrated her commitment to improving learning environments for local children.

A morning inspection at Milimani Comprehensive School showed significant progress in the construction of a new perimeter wall. The project, now steadily taking shape, is a major milestone in enhancing security and safeguarding the welfare of learners.

According to the project updates, the new wall will not only protect the school grounds but also offer parents peace of mind, knowing their children are learning in a secure and well-defined environment.

The MP affirmed her resolve to ensure the project is completed before schools reopen in January.
“Our goal is that by the end of this month, learners will return to a safer, improved school environment where they can concentrate fully on their education,” she stated.

Hon. Elachi emphasized that such investments reflect a broader commitment to strengthening institutions across the constituency.
“Together, we are building a better future for our schools in Dagoretti North,” she said.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, EGH continues to affirm her reputation as one of Kenya’s most impactful and forward-looking leaders, as the country celebrates a remarkable 48.1% surge in visitor arrivals—reaching 1.8 million visitors in just the first nine months of the year.

This phenomenal growth stands as a clear endorsement of Kenya’s bold shift to a visa-free travel policy, championed by H.E. President William Samoei Ruto and executed with exceptional precision, diplomacy and administrative excellence under the stewardship of CS Miano.

Her Touch: Calm, Capable and Transformational

CS Miano has been widely celebrated for her:

Steady, dependable leadership
Clear strategic vision for tourism growth
Ability to turn presidential directives into real, measurable outcomes
Professionalism that inspires confidence locally and globally

Her calm authority, meticulous attention to detail and deeply collaborative style have made her one of the most trusted voices in Kenya’s tourism renaissance.

A Minister Who Makes Big Ideas Work

Under her leadership, the Ministry has not only implemented the visa-free policy smoothly, but has also worked tirelessly to ensure seamless entry for all travellers, spearheading improvements to the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system and modernising frontline immigration processes.

CS Miano understands that the world is watching Kenya—and she has positioned the country as a truly borderless, welcoming, world-class destination.

A Leader Who Makes People Feel Seen and Welcomed

Her approach to tourism is not just technical; it is human.
It reflects her belief that every visitor carries Kenya’s story back to the world—and that their experience begins the moment they decide to come.

Her warmth, authenticity and unwavering professionalism have made her:

• a favourite among international partners,
• a respected figure in regional diplomacy, and
• a reassuring, inspiring presence to industry stakeholders.

A Future Built on Excellence

As visitor numbers rise, it is clear that Kenya’s global appeal is being powered not only by bold policy shifts, but by CS Rebecca Miano’s exceptional leadership, which continues to elevate Kenya’s profile as the ultimate safari, culture and beach destination.

She is guiding the sector with the confidence of a seasoned executive and the heart of a leader who deeply believes in Kenya’s potential.

Kenya’s tourism future is bright—and under CS Miano, it is in very capable hands.

Kajiado County on Tuesday kicked off a major land milestone with the issuance of lease titles across six rapidly growing townships—marking a decisive step toward ending decades of land insecurity and unlocking new investment opportunities.

Governor Joseph Ole Lenku led the exercise alongside National Land Commission (NLC) Chief Executive Officer, CHRP Kabale Tache Arero, in what officials described as one of the most transformative land regularisation programmes undertaken in the county in recent years.

Governor’s Vision for Livable, Well-Documented Towns

The initiative forms part of the Governor’s wider agenda for Livable Towns—a plan aimed at providing authentic and verifiable land ownership documents to residents of fast-expanding urban centres including:

• Kajiado Town
• Kitengela
• Isinya
• Namanga
• Embulbul
• Oloitokitok

With more than 36,000 validated plots across 52 townships** set to receive official lease titles, the Governor said the programme will enable landowners to access credit facilities from reputable financial institutions and spur new investments in the urban economy.

“This exercise will empower our local economies as more investors confidently put their land to productive use,” he said. “We are cleaning up the land sector and restoring order to the mess we found eight years ago. Land is our greatest resource.”

Kabale Tache Arero Commended for Exceptional Stewardship

A highlight of the day was the recognition of NLC CEO CHRP Kabale Tache Arero, whose strong administrative leadership, integrity-driven reforms, and steady collaboration with counties have accelerated the long-delayed titling process.

Stakeholders and county officials noted that under her stewardship, the NLC has:

• strengthened validation and verification procedures
• streamlined inter-agency coordination
• improved public confidence in land documentation
• enhanced transparency in allocation and registration processes

Her presence on the ground and hands-on engagement in the Kajiado rollout were widely praised as a signal of the Commission’s renewed commitment to service delivery and citizen trust.

County leaders lauded her role in ensuring that titling processes remain professional, transparent, and aligned with national land management standards.

A Boost to Investment and Urban Growth

The issuance of the new lease titles is expected to unlock billions of shillings in potential credit, as landowners gain access to financing for construction, business expansion, and housing development.

The Governor affirmed that the exercise will continue in phases until all validated townships receive their titles.

Kiambu Woman Representative Ann Wamuratha on Tuesday continued her countywide empowerment drive with a visit to Mbichi in Githobokoni Ward, Gatundu North, where she launched a series of livelihood-boosting initiatives under the NGAAF programme.

The Woman Rep, known among residents for her energetic and passionate approach to service, oversaw the distribution of equipment and support items aimed at strengthening community groups, traders, and vulnerable households.

During the event, two community groups—Ngiriaini Community-Based Organization and Trippple Self-Help Group—received tents and 100 chairs each to enhance their capacity to host meetings and social functions.

Several groups from across Gatundu North also benefitted from empowerment cheques, including:

• Mukurwe United Disabled Self-Help Group (Mang’u Ward)
• Kioneki Market Traders Group (Mang’u Ward)
• Igegania Soul Harvesters Widows Women Group (Chania Ward)
• Gathaite Location Farmers Group (Githobokoni Ward)

In addition, a range of business tools and equipment was issued to support small enterprises and improve service delivery. Beneficiaries received chips fryers, UV machines, salon equipment such as hair dryers and blow dryers, shaving machines, boda boda umbrellas and helmets, market umbrellas, trolleys, and white canes for persons with visual impairment.

The Mbichi Boda Boda Group also secured a car-wash machine to help expand their income-generating activities.

Ms. Wamuratha said the programme is part of her ongoing efforts to uplift communities and ensure residents across the county have access to opportunities that enhance self-reliance.

“We are moving step by step, ensuring every household feels the impact. When we empower our people, we build stronger communities,” she said.

The NGAAF empowerment caravan will continue across Kiambu County in the coming weeks.

The Kenya School of Government (KSG) today hosted the official launch of the OAG Academy, an initiative expected to significantly elevate audit standards and reinforce the country’s governance framework. The event was presided over by the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, underscoring the highest level of government commitment to transparency and professional excellence in public service.

The new Academy—established through a partnership between KSG and the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG)—will focus on building advanced audit competencies, integrating emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), and attracting regional trainees. The initiative is tailored to ensure Kenya’s audit systems evolve in step with global digital transformations.

The launch brought together key public sector leaders in a show of unified support. Among those present were Auditor-General FCPA Nancy Gathungu, National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo, EACC CEO Mr. Abdi Mohamud, Public Service Commission Vice Chairperson Mrs. Mary Kimonye, and National Police Service Commission Chair Dr. Amani Yuda Komora.

As Kenya accelerates digital reforms and public sector modernization, strengthening audit capability remains central to improving efficiency, accountability, and fiscal discipline. The establishment of the OAG Academy signals a shared national commitment to safeguarding the integrity of public financial management.

KSG Director-General Prof Nura Mohamed, who continues to champion results-based performance within the institution, reaffirmed KSG’s dedication to driving excellence in public service training and capacity building.

By Steve El Sabai

State Department for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development has deepened its national empowerment agenda by extending NYOTA Project Business Training to some of the most marginalised and geographically isolated communities in Lamu West Constituency. On Sunday, Principal Secretary Hon Susan Mang’eni led a comprehensive outreach mission to several remote training sites deep within the expansive Boni Forest, reaffirming the government’s commitment to uplifting young people who have long faced barriers to economic opportunities.

For years, many villages in Lamu’s interior have grappled with persistent isolation caused by poor road networks, limited access to government services, recurring insecurity, and the vast forest terrain that cuts off entire communities from mainstream initiatives. Youth from areas such as Kiwayu, Ndau, Mkokoni and Kiangwe often trek long distances for basic services and have historically missed out on capacity building programmes that are easily accessible in urban counties.

Against this backdrop, the arrival of NYOTA Project training in these villages represents a major breakthrough.

The visit began at Kiwayu Primary School in Kiunga Ward where young trainees from Kiwayu and Ndau villages gathered for sessions on business development, financial literacy and enterprise management. Many of these trainees are from fishing and small scale trading backgrounds and have had little exposure to formal entrepreneurship training.

The team later travelled to Mkokoni Ward and then to Kiangwe Village in Basuba Ward where additional groups of young people were undergoing capacity building. The vast distances between these villages highlight the scale of effort required to deliver training within Lamu’s unique environment.

PS Mang’eni noted that the NYOTA Project was deliberately designed to respond to the realities of places like Lamu where geographical barriers often hinder participation in national programmes. She reiterated that the government’s approach ensures that a minimum of seventy young people per constituency benefit from enterprise development training irrespective of terrain, distance or security challenges.

“Through partnerships with government agencies, youth in Lamu now have an opportunity to tap into value addition, establish cottage industries and fully participate in the priority value chains of this region including opportunities within the blue economy,” said Hon Mang’eni.

The blue economy remains one of Lamu’s greatest yet underutilised assets. Young people involved in fishing, boat making, seaweed farming and marine related trades stand to gain significantly from structured entrepreneurship training and improved access to markets.

The Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion Abubakar Hassan encouraged the trainees to take advantage of the programme, noting that the government aims to grow businesses that can thrive beyond subsistence level. He added that sustainable youth enterprises have the potential to boost the local economy, reduce dependency and create employment within these historically marginalised communities.

Basuba Ward MCA Hon Deko Barisa Bwana welcomed the programme, noting that many local youths have never had direct engagement with national empowerment initiatives due to the region’s rugged terrain and limited connectivity. He said the NYOTA Project offers a renewed sense of inclusion and hope for families in Lamu’s remote wards.

Lamu West is among seventeen counties currently implementing the NYOTA Business Support Component. Across the country, forty two thousand seven hundred and thirty five trainees drawn from five hundred and ten wards were invited for the classroom based training sessions in accordance with the project target of onboarding at least seventy trainees per ward.

For Lamu’s remote communities, the project marks a significant shift from years of limited access to such programmes and provides a foundation for skills development, enterprise growth and long term economic resilience.