INTERNEWS AFRICA

  President William Ruto addresses the International Conference on Nuclear Energy, KICC, Nairobi County, on March 25, 2026.   NAIROBI, March 26, 2026 – The Tsavo Ballroom at the KICC was charged with a different kind of electricity this week. As the International Conference on Nuclear Energy (ICoNE) draws to a close, the atmosphere isn't just one of academic discussion, but of a concrete national shift.The message from the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) and the executive is clear: Nuclear energy is no longer a "future" concept for Kenya—it is a scheduled reality.  The Road to Siaya The most significant takeaway from the summit is the firming up of the timeline. President William Ruto confirmed that the soil will be broken in March 2027 for the country’s first nuclear station. Choosing the shores of Lake Victoria in Siaya County for the initial 2,000 MW plant marks a pivot toward decentralizing heavy power generation away from the traditional geothermal hubs...

    NAIROBI, February 18, 2026 — The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has raised significant concerns following President William Ruto’s recent nomination of a new Chairperson and six commissioners to the National Land Commission (NLC). While the move seeks to restore a quorum at the commission, ISK argues that the selection process has sidelined "core land professionals"—specifically licensed surveyors, valuers, and land administrators—who possess the technical expertise required to manage Kenya’s complex land sector.   The Heart of the Dispute The NLC is constitutionally mandated to manage public land, advise on land policy, and investigate historical land injustices. According to the National Land Commission Act (2012), nominees should ideally have at least 10–15 years of experience in fields such as:   ·          Land Surveying and Spatial Planning ·          Land Econo...

                                                                        Drought crisis in Mandera worsens NAIROBI, KENYA – As we stand on the threshold of the holy month of Ramadan—a time of reflection, compassion, and shared humanity—the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) issues a grave and urgent warning: our nation is not just facing a dry season; we are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe that is tearing at the very fabric of our communities. The numbers coming from the 2025 Kenya Drought Report are staggering, but they do not tell the full story. Behind every percentage point is a mother in an ASAL county walking miles for a single jerrycan of brown water; a father watching his livestock—his only bank account—collapse from thirst; and children whose education ...

                                        Dr. Esther Muoria, PS TVET addressing journalist today at Jogoo house NAIROBI, February 5, 2026 — inside the halls of Jogoo House today, the atmosphere was one of urgent reform as the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) addressed the double-edged sword of "Modularization." While the government touts the new curriculum as the future of Kenyan industry, today’s meeting laid bare the systemic failures that are driving thousands of students out of technical colleges.   The "Modularization" Mandate: Skills over Degrees   Principal Secretary Dr. Esther Muoria reaffirmed that by the end of this year, all 246 public TVET institutions must fully transition to the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) modular approach.Unlike the old three-year diploma tracks, modularization breaks...

  For years, Nigeria has been recognized as Africa’s fintech powerhouse, largely due to the rapid adoption of mobile payment platforms. From bustling markets in Lagos to remote villages, digital wallets and mobile transfers have become part of everyday life. Yet in 2026, the country’s fintech story is evolving beyond simple transactions. A new generation of startups is building comprehensive financial ecosystems designed to serve millions of Nigerians who remain outside the formal banking system.  One of the most striking developments is the rise of micro ‑ insurance and savings platforms tailored for informal workers. These services allow market traders, artisans, and small business owners to protect themselves against unexpected losses while building financial resilience. By leveraging transaction histories instead of traditional collateral, fintech companies are enabling access to credit for people who were previously excluded from banking services. This innovation is trans...

  Kenya’s AI Startups Driving Inclusive Innovation Kenya has steadily positioned itself as one of Africa’s most dynamic hubs for artificial intelligence. What sets the country apart is not just the number of startups emerging, but the way these ventures are deliberately designing technology to address local challenges. Instead of chasing global trends, Kenyan innovators are building AI solutions that speak directly to the needs of farmers, healthcare workers, and students across the country. In agriculture, AI is transforming the way smallholder farmers interact with their environment. Startups are using satellite imagery and machine learning models to predict rainfall patterns, monitor soil health, and detect crop diseases before they spread. Farmers who once relied solely on traditional knowledge now have access to digital tools that help them plan planting cles more effectively. The result has been higher yields and reduced losses, proving that AI can be a powerful ally in the f...

  Kenya Railways Engineers explain the new railway line developments to stakeholders at Uplands station  NAIROBI, Kenya – In a significant boost to regional trade and infrastructure resilience, Kenya Railways has moved a step closer to fully restoring operations along the Uplands-Kijabe-Longonot Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) line.Following a successful test ride conducted this week, the Corporation confirmed that the critical corridor—which serves as a vital artery for cargo moving between the Port of Mombasa and East Africa’s hinterland—is nearly ready for the resumption of heavy freight traffic.   Overcoming Nature’s Hurdle The revival of this section marks the end of a challenging period for the national transporter. In April and May 2024, Kenya was hit by unprecedented "above-normal" rainfall. The resulting floods and landslides in the rugged Kijabe terrain washed away entire sections of the track, effectively severing the rail link and bringing operations to a stand...