Nairobi, Kenya —* A new citywide coalition bringing together nearly 80 residents’ associations has been launched in Nairobi, marking one of the strongest citizen-led efforts yet to push for orderly urban development, environmental protection and improved safety in the capital.
Dubbed Metro Alliance, the movement aims to give Nairobians a more influential voice in shaping the city’s future at a time when rapid growth, unplanned construction and rising insecurity remain major concerns for residents.
Speaking during the launch, Metro Alliance Chairman Ndirangu Maina said the coalition will help consolidate scattered community efforts into a more coordinated and powerful platform. “Nairobi’s future belongs to its people; and today, we unite to shape it,” he said.
Four-point agenda
The Alliance will work under four thematic pillars:
Urban Planning: Advocating lawful and transparent development;
Environmental Stewardship: Protecting rivers, wetlands, forests and green spaces;
Governance & Cohesion: Strengthening public participation and oversight;
Security: Supporting community-based strategies for crime prevention.
Vice-Chairman Geoff Luseno said the Alliance will help restore order in a city where communities have long worked in isolation. “Now we stand together for lawful planning, environmental protection, and safer neighbourhoods,” he noted.
Secretary Samora Sikalieh said the coalition seeks to influence policy and ensure that development projects prioritise people over profit. “Our goal is simple: a Nairobi that works for everyone,” he said.
Engaging government
The Alliance plans to partner with government agencies, policymakers and civic organisations to enhance oversight, protect public assets and push for infrastructure improvements.
While culture is important, it can never be used to justify violence or abuse.
The Ministry of Gender strongly condemns the brutal assault of a pregnant woman in Mbenek Dapashi village, Narok Central. The attack by her brothers following her decision to leave her marriage is a grave violation of her rights, dignity, and humanity.
The Government remains firmly committed to ending Gender-Based Violence (GBV) by:
Supporting survivors with care and protection,
Ensuring access to justice, and
Holding all perpetrators and enablers fully accountable.
We commend the swift action of the National Police Service in arresting key suspects and urge for the immediate apprehension of all others involved in this heinous act.
Today in Narok, together with Cabinet Secretary Hon. Hanna Wendot Cheptumo, we engaged county leaders, administrators, legislators, and community representatives to reaffirm our collective resolve to eliminate GBV across the country.
No woman, child, or man should suffer violence in silence. As a nation, we must unite to end all forms of gender-based violence and build a society anchored on dignity, respect, and justice for all.
Ann Wangombe Principal Secretary, State Department for Gender
A simmering tender conflict at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has boiled over into a full-blown legal and security crisis, casting a harsh spotlight on how Kenya’s most sensitive aviation services are managed.
In a petition filed before the High Court and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), whistle-blower Fredrick Mulaa paints a picture of an airport teetering on the edge of compromised security and collapsing protocol standards. The heart of the dispute lies in the coveted “meet and assist” service—a discreet but powerful operation responsible for ushering in diplomats, dignitaries, foreign delegations, and other VIP travellers.
These services, common at major international airports, demand rigorous professionalism, specialised clearance, and airtight security procedures. But according to the petition, JKIA’s version has descended into a battlefield of competing interests, questionable decisions, and outright defiance of legal orders.
Trouble first erupted when the Kenya Airports Authority’s (KAA) 2021 procurement process for the service was nullified by the High Court. A 2024 re-tendering effort appeared to offer a reset—until Tradewinds Aviation Services was disqualified at the technical evaluation stage. Yet, in a twist that has shocked industry insiders, KAA allegedly went ahead and signed contracts with Tradewinds and Umbato Safaris Limited—companies that had been previously disqualified or declared non-compliant.
The petition accuses KAA and its acting Managing Director, Dr. Mohammed Gedi, of disregarding binding court decisions and public procurement laws to force through the contracts. In what lawyers describe as a “blatantly illegal and corrupt” process, qualified bidders were sidelined, prompting legal action and public outcry.
The consequences, the petition argues, have already spilled into the security realm. JKIA—long considered a key regional gateway—has reportedly seen a rise in breaches linked to poorly vetted personnel and irregular access resulting from the disputed contracts. Alarm bells rang even louder when four suspects were arraigned on October 7 at the JKIA Law Courts for allegedly participating in a drug trafficking ring believed to be using the airport as a transit point.
A letter from S and S Advocates to the KAA Managing Director, also sent to the EACC, accuses the agency of openly violating court orders and endangering national security by allowing disqualified firms to operate.
The petition now seeks declarations that KAA violated the Constitution and procurement laws, setting the stage for a court battle that could redefine how critical airport services are awarded and monitored.
As the case moves through the corridors of justice, JKIA finds itself at the crossroads of legality, security, and public trust. For Kenya’s busiest airport, the outcome may determine not just who controls VIP access—but how safe and credible the gateway to the nation truly is.
Kenya’s profile on the global tourism stage has once again received a significant boost following our prominent mention in Travel + Leisure’s “Best Places to Go in 2026,” an internationally respected ranking that shapes travel decisions for millions around the world. This recognition is not only a testament to Kenya’s enduring appeal but also a clear signal that our efforts to elevate the country’s tourism offering are being felt far beyond our borders.
The inclusion of Kenya in this influential list comes at a defining moment for global travel. Today’s traveller is discerning, environmentally aware, and increasingly drawn to destinations that offer authenticity, meaningful cultural exchange, and responsible interaction with nature. Kenya stands uniquely positioned in this landscape. Our vast savannahs, exceptional wildlife conservation models, thriving cultural heritage, and steadily improving infrastructure together create a compelling proposition that few destinations can match.
What the Travel + Leisure feature reinforces is that Kenya is not merely a stop along a safari trail; it is a world-class destination whose diversity continues to evolve. From the timeless beauty of the Maasai Mara to the tranquillity of our coastal stretch, from the bustling creativity of Nairobi to the geological wonders of the Rift Valley, Kenya offers layered experiences that appeal to a broad spectrum of travellers. These qualities — paired with increased accessibility and enhanced visitor services — are at the heart of why the world continues to take notice.
This recognition also reflects the strategic direction pursued by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. Over the past several years, we have prioritised investments in connectivity, standards, and sustainability. New and improved roads have opened access to previously underserved destinations. Upgrades in accommodation and service quality are ensuring that visitors enjoy world-class experiences at every price point. At the same time, the growth of community-based tourism continues to empower local populations, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are felt widely and equitably.
However, international acclaim comes with responsibility. As interest in Kenya increases, so too must our commitment to preserving the natural and cultural assets that form the backbone of our tourism appeal. We remain steadfast in reinforcing wildlife protection measures, supporting conservation partners, and ensuring that tourism development follows principles of sustainability and respect for local communities. Our vision is not growth for its own sake, but growth that endures — growth that protects, uplifts, and inspires.
The coming years present a remarkable opportunity. With Kenya now spotlighted as a top global destination for 2026, we must seize this momentum. We are intensifying marketing efforts in key source markets, strengthening partnerships across the aviation and hospitality sectors, and accelerating programmes aimed at diversifying our tourism offerings. This includes promoting adventure tourism, cultural circuits, sports tourism, and conferencing — all areas where Kenya has demonstrated strong potential.
To the global traveller, I extend this invitation: Come and experience a nation where nature, culture, and innovation converge. Whether you seek adventure, tranquillity, or discovery, Kenya offers an experience that resonates long after the journey ends.
Our story is one of beauty, resilience, and boundless possibility — and the world is taking notice.
In a milestone moment for Kenya’s justice sector, Attorney General Dorcas Agik Oduor has officially partnered with leading corporate supporter Bangbet to launch the Mobile Legal Aid Center initiative—an innovative programme designed to bring legal services directly to underserved and remote communities across the country.
The project will debut in Machakos County before being scaled to all 47 counties nationwide. 
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AG Dorcas Oduor: A Leader Driven by Human Dignity and Service
As Kenya’s first female Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor has repeatedly emphasized that justice must be more than a constitutional promise—it must be an accessible, human-centered reality.
Her vision for the Mobile Legal Aid Center is rooted in compassion: to ensure that no Kenyan—child, mother, elder, or person with disability—suffers injustice simply because legal help is geographically distant or financially unreachable.
Each mobile unit features: • Two soundproof consultation booths • A legal aid and documentation area • Virtual court hearing facilities • Solar-powered energy systems • Wheelchair-accessible infrastructure 
“These centers must become places where every Kenyan can be heard,” Oduor has noted in previous statements—reflecting her belief that justice begins with listening.
Her leadership has reshaped the justice conversation: from bureaucracy to empathy, from theory to touchable service.
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Bangbet: Turning Corporate Responsibility Into Human Impact
In this groundbreaking initiative, Bangbet stands out as a key private-sector partner whose support goes far beyond symbolic contributions.
Bangbet has directly provided: • Funding for container acquisition and modification • Electrical works and solar power installation • Interior furnishings and ICT equipment • Support for virtual court infrastructure and public legal education 
For Bangbet, this project is not a branding exercise—it is a commitment to making justice accessible to people who need it the most.
The company has stated that its involvement reflects a simple philosophy: “A stronger society begins with empowered citizens.”
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Human Stories at the Heart of the Initiative
The collaboration between AG Dorcas Oduor and Bangbet is anchored not just in infrastructure, but in the human realities the program seeks to transform. The Mobile Legal Aid Centers are expected to unlock life-changing moments: • A child troubled by family conflict finally finding a safe place to speak. • A rural mother receiving legal guidance in a land dispute that has kept her awake for months. • An elderly man in a remote village accessing mediation services without traveling long distances.
These are the stories that AG Oduor hopes to surface—and the kind of impact Bangbet aims to support.
Together, they are turning legal access into something warm, reachable, and human.
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A Model of Public–Private Partnership
Following the Machakos pilot, the project will be refined and expanded to all counties, supported by a network of State Counsel, pro bono advocates, paralegal officers, and volunteers. 
Observers view the initiative as a significant example of how government leadership and private-sector commitment can combine to solve long-standing social challenges—particularly those affecting ordinary citizens.
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Conclusion: Justice With a Human Face
The partnership between Attorney General Dorcas Oduor and Bangbet is redefining what justice delivery can look like in Kenya.
A simple container—transformed, fitted, and sent into the field—now carries hope, dignity, and the assurance that someone is listening.
This is not just a government programme. It is a promise. A reminder that: Justice does not have to be distant, and care can travel.
The Kenya National Association of Private Colleges (KENAPCO) proudly announces that its Chairperson, Dr. Ekrah Ndung’u, has been honored with the TVET Champion of the Year Award. The award was presented last evening by Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan, State Department for Investments and Promotion, in recognition of Dr. Ekrah’s outstanding leadership and exceptional contribution to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Kenya.
Receiving the award, Dr. Ekrah expressed deep appreciation to the KENAPCO fraternity for the trust and confidence placed in her leadership.
“I am profoundly grateful to the KENAPCO community for entrusting me with this baton of leadership. This recognition reflects our collective effort to elevate the standards, visibility, and impact of private TVET institutions across Kenya,” she said. “I also extend heartfelt congratulations to my fellow board members & association members for their unwavering support and commitment.” KENAPCO has been on the forefront since operationalization of TVET Act of 2013 ,TVET strategy for Kenya,drafting of many policies like RPL Policy,Dual Policy and TVET reforms in Kenya.
Dr. Ekrah acknowledged the role of faith and perseverance in her journey, adding:
“I am eternally grateful to God for His strength throughout 2025.”
Under Dr. Ekrah’s stewardship, KENAPCO has continued to champion policy engagement, institutional strengthening, and sector reforms aimed at empowering youth with relevant skills for national development.
The association congratulates Dr. Ekrah on this distinguished achievement and reaffirms its commitment to advancing excellence and innovation in the TVET sector.
During the Third General Assembly of World Farmers Markets Coalition in Rome, Italy, the international farmers markets community came together to celebrate the WorldFMC Awards 2025, a tribute to the people, places, and initiatives that are driving a fairer, more sustainable, and more inclusive food system.
The awards were created to shine a spotlight on farmers, market managers, and cities who embody the values of local food systems: biodiversity, community resilience, short supply chains, environmental regeneration, and equitable access to fresh, nutritious food.
This year’s winners, a farmer from Peru, a market manager from Kenya, and the city of Rome tell a powerful story of how local action can inspire global change.
The Best Market Manager Award 2025 has been awarded to Dennis Andaye, the visionary behind Farmers Market Nairobi in Kenya.
For over 15 years, Dennis has shown extraordinary leadership in building and managing farmers markets in Nairobi. His work has transformed local markets into thriving community spaces where farmers, consumers, and families meet around food.
One of his most impactful innovations has been the digital vendor management system, which simplifies farmer registration, stall allocation, and data collection. This has made the markets more transparent, efficient, and scalable, while allowing better planning and promotion.
Dennis has also introduced Harvest Hour, a unique initiative that draws larger crowds and diversifies product offerings. He has collaborated with local media to produce the “Taste Off” cooking show, filmed directly at the market and aired on major TV station. These initiatives have helped to build a sense of identity and belonging around the market, turning it into a true social and cultural hub.
His vision goes beyond logistics. Dennis has implemented a system to collect unsold produce at the end of each market day and redistribute it to those in need. Ensuring that fresh, nutritious food reaches those who need it most. He is also working on a community fund to make this initiative sustainable all year long.
Furthermore, Dennis has mentored a new generation of market managers, expanding the farmers market model beyond traditional spaces. Under his guidance, markets have been set up in streets, restaurants, malls, and other urban venues. His work with the MAMi Project has become a blueprint for scaling farmers markets in Africa, empowering smallholder farmers and creating new economic opportunities in cities.
“Dennis’s vision breaks barriers, cultural, bureaucratic, and economic, proving that farmers markets can be powerful engines of inclusive urban development.”
The State Department for Housing and Urban Development has been lauded for its outstanding contribution to advancing urbanization and delivering accessible, high-quality housing for Kenyans through the Affordable Housing Program (AHP). This recognition underscores the transformative role of the department in reshaping Kenya’s urban landscape.
Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga received the accolade in Cape Town, South Africa, in acknowledgment of his visionary leadership and immense contribution to the development of Kenya’s mega cities through the Smart Cities Initiative. Under his guidance, urban development in Kenya has increasingly embraced innovation, technology, and sustainability, setting a benchmark for modern city planning across the continent.
The State Department was awarded the Certified Bronze Gigacity Award 2025 by the World Broadband Association (WBBA), meeting the rigorous criteria that define a “Gigacity.” This prestigious recognition highlights Kenya’s strides in integrating advanced digital infrastructure, efficient urban planning, and sustainable housing solutions to enhance the quality of life for its citizens.
Charles Hinga’s leadership has been pivotal in ensuring that housing initiatives are inclusive and responsive to the needs of ordinary Kenyans. From the provision of affordable homes to the promotion of smart, technology-enabled cities, the department’s interventions are transforming urban spaces into dynamic, resilient, and livable environments.
The award not only celebrates the achievements of the State Department but also serves as a testament to Kenya’s growing prominence in sustainable urban development on the global stage. It reinforces the nation’s commitment to creating modern cities that are technologically advanced, environmentally conscious, and socially inclusive.
This recognition is a well-deserved testament to the vision and dedication of Housing PS Charles Hinga and his team, whose innovative strategies continue to set new standards in urban planning and housing development in Kenya.
Renowned medic and respected Murang’a businessman Dr. Moses Mwangi has welcomed the government’s announcement of a major shift in Kenya’s polio immunization strategy.
The Ministry of Health recently confirmed that the country will transition from the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) to the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), which is administered through injection.
Dr. Moses described the move as a long overdue significant milestone in the nation’s public health journey, noting that the switch aligns Kenya with global best practices in disease prevention and eradication.
“This transition marks a new chapter in our fight against polio. It enhances protection for our children and reflects Kenya’s commitment to modern, evidence-based immunization strategies,” he said.
The adoption of the IPV is expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to eliminate the poliovirus and safeguard future generations from preventable diseases.
The Jamia Mosque Committee has announced the launch of a special photo exhibition celebrating 100 years of the mosque’s remarkable journey — a century defined by faith, community service, and leadership at the heart of Nairobi.
The exhibition, opening today at the mosque’s multipurpose hall, offers a rare glimpse into Jamia’s evolution from its humble beginnings in the 1920s to its current role as a leading spiritual, educational, and social institution. Visitors will be treated to a curated collection of archival photographs documenting the mosque’s transformation over the decades, its architectural splendor, and its enduring place in Kenya’s cultural and religious history.
“This centennial exhibition is more than a celebration of our past; it is a reflection of Jamia’s unwavering commitment to unity, service, and national development,” said a statement from the Jamia Mosque Committee. “Through these images, we honor the vision of our founders and the generations who have sustained Jamia’s mission of faith and community leadership.”
The opening ceremony will be graced by dignitaries, scholars, community leaders, and partners who have walked alongside Jamia Mosque in its century-long journey. The event will also provide a moment of reflection on the mosque’s milestones, achievements, and contributions to religious education, social welfare, and civic engagement in Kenya.
The photo exhibition will run from October 27 to October 30, 2025, and will be open to the public. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the visual story of one of Kenya’s most iconic religious institutions — a landmark that has stood as a beacon of faith, learning, and cultural heritage for generations.
As Jamia Mosque marks this centennial milestone, the exhibition stands as a living testament to its profound impact — past, present, and future — on both the Muslim community and the nation at large.
