Tessie Mudavadi, wife of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, has urged improved maternal and neonatal healthcare to boost survival rates among premature babies during World Prematurity Day celebrations.

Speaking in Nyeri County during the celebrations and launch of an infant pre-term mitigation programme, Mudavadi, who is the founder and chairperson of Ushiriki Wema Foundation, emphasised the need for early identification of pregnancy complications, improved antenatal care and access to specialised newborn services.

The event was attended by Guo Haiyan, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Kenya.

World Prematurity Day is celebrated to raise awareness about premature births, their associated risks and the need for improved neonatal care and support for affected families.

Mudavadi said the occasion was particularly significant as it marked the third anniversary of Okoa Malaika, an Infant Pre-Term Mitigation Programme established to distribute neonatal equipment to hospitals across the country.

"As we celebrate this day, I am delighted to also share that today marks not only the third anniversary of Okoa Malaika, but also a significant milestone in our journey: the final phase and successful completion of our Strategic Plan A, which is the distribution of infant incubators," she said.

Initiated on November 17, 2023, Okoa Malaika is jointly implemented by the Mudavadi Memorial Foundation Trust Fund and Ushiriki Wema Foundation to strengthen facility-based care for premature and vulnerable newborns.

Through 10 successive phases, the programme has distributed and handed over 92 neonatal incubators to 49 health facilities across 44 counties, improving access to specialised newborn care in Level 4 and Level 5 public hospitals.

Haiyan reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral healthcare cooperation, particularly in maternal and child health.
She noted that the Chinese Embassy has supported the Okoa Malaika Programme for three consecutive years, reflecting the enduring friendship between China and Kenya.

She emphasised the importance of medical equipment, timely treatment and collective goodwill in saving lives and improving families’ futures.

Haiyan highlighted the challenges facing premature babies, who require specialised medical attention, dedicated care and greater family and societal support.

“China prioritises women’s and children’s health as central to public health and development,” she stated.

Christopher Wambugu, the Senior Chief for Nyeri Central, welcomed the donation saying he understood firsthand what the machines mean to a parent.

Wambugu recalled that in 2013, his baby was born at only seven months at the same hospital and was immediately placed in an incubator.

"My baby survived because of an incubator," Wambugu said, his voice breaking with emotion.
"When your child is born too early, you feel helpless. You look at that small machine and you pray it keeps working. I am standing here today because that machine worked. That is why I know these incubators are not just equipment, they are life," he added.

Peris Muthee, a neonatal nurse at the Nyeri County Referral Hospital, said the donation could not have come at a better time.

She expressed joy at the donations, saying they will be of great help to the facility which handles premature and critically ill newborns from across Nyeri and neighbouring counties.

"We are very happy. These incubators will be of great help to us. With these new ones, more babies will get timely and safe care," Muthee said.

Okoa Malaika Brand Ambassador Njoki Mambo said providing incubators and other medical equipment was an important step towards improving newborn survival, but emphasised that premature babies also required continued attention after leaving hospital.

"Continued medical attention, follow-up assessments and family support are equally important in protecting their future," Mambo said.

She noted that the programme's latest phase involved handing over neonatal equipment to six counties in the Central region, reaffirming the commitment to ensuring that every newborn receives quality healthcare regardless of the circumstances of their birth.

"Today, we come together to hand over neonatal equipment to six counties in the Central region, while reaffirming a simple but powerful belief: every baby deserves the best possible start in life, including those born too soon," she said.

Mambo added that every piece of neonatal equipment represented hope for families and an opportunity for healthcare workers to save vulnerable newborns.

"Behind every incubator is a mother waiting to hold her child, a family hoping for good news, and a healthcare worker doing everything possible to help a newborn survive," she said.

authority for project professionals, has announced updated training eligibility requirements for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification. From 01 December 2026, live instructor-led training used to meet the PMP application’s 35-hour education requirement must be delivered through a PMI Authorised Training Partner (ATP) or an eligible accredited academic programme, including PMI Global Accreditation Center (GAC) accredited programmes.

The change covers both in-person classes and live online instruction. Candidates choosing live instructor-led training will need to check that their provider is eligible before enrolling. The change aims to support consistent preparation towards the PMP certification while continuing to offer multiple pathways for candidates to meet the certification’s education requirement.

“According to PMI’s Global Project Management Talent Gap report, Sub-Saharan Africa could need up to 4.6 million project professionals by 2035. As we help more professionals develop their skills, we have a responsibility to support the quality of their preparation,” said George Asamani, MD, PMI Sub-Saharan Africa. “Our Authorised Training Partners play an important role through official PMI learning materials and instructor support that help candidates prepare with confidence.”

PMI Authorised Training Partners deliver training using official PMI-developed course content and PMI-certified instructors to provide structured exam preparation. Each learner receives a learning kit with materials to support participation in the course and preparation for the examination. Resources include knowledge checks, case studies, and practice activities to help candidates work through what they have learned.

Candidates can identify PMI Authorised Training Partners by looking for the ATP badge and verifying the provider in PMI's Training Partner Directory. This helps ensure they are selecting a trusted provider authorised to deliver official PMI training and learning resources.

“Authorisation carries a responsibility. Professionals place their trust in providers who carry the PMI ATP badge, and that trust must be earned through the learning experience,” said Karen Micah, Director, Channel Partnerships & Programs, PMI. “The strength of the programme depends on how partners deliver in the classroom, whether online or in person.”

Training completed before 1st December 2026 will remain eligible under the existing requirements. Candidates who have already completed qualifying education will not need to repeat it due to the policy change. Self-paced and on-demand training will remain eligible regardless of provider, subject to the applicable PMP education requirements. Professionals who prefer to study independently or need to fit learning around work and family commitments can continue to choose this route.

Candidates planning to complete live training on or after 1st December 2026 should confirm their provider’s eligibility before paying for a course. They should check how the course meets the 35-hour education requirement, what learning materials and instructor support are included, and retain their completion records for their application.

Professionals who have already booked training that crosses the effective date should consult PMI’s published guidance and speak to their provider about how the requirements apply to their course.

Training organisations affected by the change can explore becoming a PMI Authorised Training Partner or partnering with an established ATP. The programme is open to different types of organisations, including training companies, consultancies, employers offering internal training and academic institutions. Eligible accredited academic programmes remain a recognised route, with GAC accreditation following a separate academic review process.

For further information, including recognised training pathways and guidance on the transition, visit pmi.org/learning/authorized-training-partners. Training organisations can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss participation in the Authorised Training Partner programme.

Former tenants of Buxton Estate have renewed calls for accountability and transparency over the controversial Buxton Point redevelopment project, demanding that the Mombasa County Government and the developer make public the joint venture agreement and implement recommendations aimed at securing housing for the displaced residents.

Addressing the press, Haki Yetu Executive Director Peter Kiama accused the county government and the developer of failing to provide clear information and accountability regarding the project, saying former tenants had waited too long for justice.

“We feel this issue is full of opaqueness and scandal. There is no accountability or clarity from the developer and the county government. Justice is long overdue for the former tenants, and both the county  government and the developer should stop the evasive drama,” said Kiama.

He insisted that any agreements relating to the redevelopment must be documented and made available to the public, noting that written commitments were essential in ensuring accountability.

“Our law is very clear. If there is any agreement, let it be on paper. This is what we are also fighting for. The houses were meant for former tenants, so why are some of the completed units now being converted into Airbnbs?” he posed.

Former Buxton tenants' Secretary John Tsuma also called on the county government to release the joint venture agreement between the county and the developer, Gulf Cap, saying the public deserved to know the terms governing the redevelopment project.

Tsuma outlined a series of demands, including the immediate implementation of Senate recommendations proposing the allocation of 522 housing units to former Buxton tenants under a tenant-purchase scheme.

He further demanded that Gulf Cap publish a comprehensive list of beneficiaries who had already received units in the completed development to establish transparency in the allocation process.

“The county government should make the joint venture agreement with the developer available to the public and the media. The county government and the developer should immediately implement the Senate recommendations to allocate 522 units to former Buxton tenants under the tenant-purchase scheme,” said Tsuma.

He also called for the immediate commencement of negotiations involving former tenants, the county government and the national government to establish a framework for allocating houses to the remaining 336 former tenants.

The latest demands come amid renewed tensions surrounding the Buxton Point redevelopment, with former tenants continuing to seek clarity on the allocation of housing units and tthe fulfilment of commitments made during the relocation and redevelopment process.

The former tenants maintain that transparency in the project's agreements, allocation of completed units and implementation of the Senate recommendations remain critical to resolving the longstanding dispute.

The protracted dispute surrounding the Buxton Point redevelopment in Mombasa has taken a dramatic turn following an alleged attack on county government officials who were attempting to deliver an official communication enforcing a suspension order issued by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Mohammed Hussein Amadoh.

The incident reportedly occurred barely a day after the Lands CECM ordered the suspension of all construction and related activities at the Buxton Point development pending the resolution of longstanding grievances raised by former residents.

Speaking following the confrontation, Amadoh maintained that the county government would not be intimidated or deterred from enforcing the law, insisting that the rights of former residents must be protected.

“I am here to make sure that our people get their rights. I will not leave here until we enforce the law. The contractor has not adhered to the rules we set, and we cannot allow this situation to continue,” said Amadoh.

He alleged that some individuals confronted the county officials using crude weapons during the attempted delivery of the official communication.

“You have seen some youth attacking us with pangas and stones, but this will not stop us. We are going to stand with the people. No one is above the law, and no one is going to intimidate me. I will execute my duties as provided for in the Constitution,” he added.

Amadoh dismissed suggestions that the county’s intervention was politically motivated, arguing that the dispute had existed long before the current developments and required an administrative and legal solution.

“Let no one say this is politics. It is not politics. This issue did not start today. Our people have been raising these concerns for years, and we cannot continue watching as their grievances remain unresolved,” he said.

The government has announced an ambitious plan to connect 10 million households to piped Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) through reticulation by 2028, as part of efforts to expand access to cleaner and more affordable cooking energy.

Principal Secretary for Petroleum Philip Kello Harsama said the government was working with the private sector to roll out the initiative, which is expected to transform access to cooking gas across the country.

Harsama was speaking in Mombasa during the groundbreaking ceremony of a 30,000-metric-tonne LPG storage and handling facility being developed by Asharami Group at the Kenya Petroleum Refineries Limited (KPRL) facility in Changamwe.

The project is expected to strengthen Kenya’s LPG storage and handling capacity, enhance supply chain resilience and improve the reliability of distribution, potentially contributing to lower cooking gas prices.

Speaking during the ceremony, Harsama described the investment as a significant milestone in the development of Kenya’s LPG infrastructure, noting that improved storage and handling facilities were critical to strengthening energy security.

“LPG is central to the Government’s clean cooking agenda. Investments in storage and handling infrastructure are critical to enhancing supply security, improving distribution efficiency and expanding access to affordable and reliable cooking energy for Kenyan households and businesses,” Harsama said.

He said Kenya remained committed to transitioning households from traditional biomass fuels, including firewood and charcoal, to cleaner energy alternatives.

“As a country, we remain committed to transitioning from traditional biomass fuels to cleaner energy solutions. Achieving this ambition requires sustained investment, strong partnerships and a supportive policy environment,” he added.

Managing Director of Asharami Limited, Bayo Shotomi, said the 30,000-metric-tonne facility would provide a major economic boost by accelerating the country’s energy supply chain while creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic activity.

Shotomi said the investment was driven by growing demand for LPG in Kenya and would support the government’s clean energy agenda by making distribution more efficient and affordable, particularly for institutions such as schools and hospitals.

“This is done because of the demand for LPG energy in Kenya. It will ensure lower prices for distribution of clean energy in schools and hospitals and restore forests from firewood cutting,” he said.

He noted that increased access to LPG would help reduce dependence on firewood, contributing to forest conservation while supporting the transition to cleaner cooking solutions.

On his part 

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General, Eng. Edward Kinyua, said the multi-billion-shilling investment would stimulate economic growth while addressing the health risks associated with the use of traditional cooking fuels.

Kinyua highlighted the dangers of indoor air pollution, saying the country loses approximately 25,000 lives annually due to the problem.

“We are losing 25,000 lives because of indoor pollution, therefore this is about saving lives,” he said.

He said the project supported the government’s agenda of transitioning households from biomass fuels to LPG, a move expected to improve public health and expand access to cleaner cooking energy.

Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has today announced a strong financial performance for the six months ended 30th September 2026, with Group service revenue growing by 13.1% to KES 226.1 billion, reflecting sustained growth across its Kenya and Ethiopia operations.

Group Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 27.5% to KES 129.2 billion, while Group net income grew by 35.9% to KES 58.2 billion, demonstrating the company's resilience and continued execution of its strategic vision.

In Kenya, Safaricom delivered service revenue of KES 216.0 billion, representing growth of 11.3%. In a significant milestone, the business recorded Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) of KES 101.8 billion, surpassing the KES 100 billion mark for the first time in a six-month reporting period. M-PESA revenue for the Group grew 13.6% to KES 100.1 billion, crossing the KES 100 billion mark for the first time in a half-year period.

Beyond financial performance, M-PESA continues to deliver greater value to customers, with 53% of all transactions and approximately 81% of Lipa na M-PESA and Pochi la Biashara merchant transactions and 63% of consumer transactions remained free/zero rated during the period, making financial services accessible and affordable for millions of Kenyans.

“We remain firmly focused on delivering our Vision 2030 ambition of becoming Africa's leading purpose-led technology company. Our performance reflects strong execution across our businesses, while Ethiopia's sustained growth and commercial momentum brings us closer to our target of achieving EBITDA break-even by the end of this financial year,” said Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO, Safaricom PLC.

C1 - Public In Ethiopia, Safaricom continued to record strong growth, with service revenue increasing by 71.6% to KES 10.6 billion. The business now serves 15.4 million threemonth active customers, reflecting growing demand for digital connectivity and financial services.

Ethiopia contributed 17% of the Group's service revenue growth, reflecting its increasing contribution to the Group's overall performance. The business also made significant progress towards breaking even, with its loss before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) narrowing by 96.5% to KES 434.4 million.

“The results demonstrate the resilience of Safaricom's business and the strength of our strategy. Importantly, this growth remains anchored in our purpose of transforming lives, ensuring that the value we create is reflected not only in our financial performance but also in the opportunities we enable for our customers, shareholders and the communities we serve,” said Adil Khawaja, Chairman, Safaricom PLC.

Safaricom's financial performance continues to be underpinned by its purpose of transforming lives. During the half-year period, over 1.5 million lives were impacted through Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations’ education, health and economic empowerment programmes.

The company also continued investing in youth development, with 60,000 young players participating in the fifth season of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba football tournament so far.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS – SAFARICOM GROUP • Service revenue: KES 226.1 billion, +13.1% YoY • EBITDA: KES 129.2 billion, +27.5% YoY • Net income: KES 58.2 billion, +35.9% YoY

KEY HIGHLIGHTS – SAFARICOM KENYA • Service revenue: KES 216 billion, +11.3% YoY • EBIT: KES 101.8 billion, +13.7% YoY • M-PESA revenue: KES 100.1 billion, +13.6% YoY KEY HIGHLIGHTS – SAFARICOM ETHIOPIA • Service revenue: KES 10.6 billion, +71.6% YoY C1 - Public • Three-month active customers: 15.4 million, +38.4% • EBITDA loss: KES 434.4 million, narrowed by 96.5% YoY

IMPACT ON COMMUNITY – SAFARICOM KENYA • Over 1.5 million lives transformed through Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations during HY27. • 60,000 young players participating in Chapa Dimba so far.

Journalist and aspiring Likoni Member of Parliament Mwanahamisi Hamadi has pledged to invest in youth talent development through the TAJI LANGU Foundation, saying young people should not allow their backgrounds to determine their future.

Hamadi said the initiative seeks to create opportunities for children and young people to develop their talents, build discipline, boost their confidence and pursue their dreams despite the challenges they face in their communities.

“Young people of Likoni, do not allow the environment in which you grow up to determine how far you can go in life. Every one of you has a talent, a dream and the potential to achieve something great,” she said.

She noted that young people who begin their sporting journeys on neighbourhood pitches have the potential to rise to international platforms and represent Likoni, Mombasa and Kenya in major competitions.

“Today, you may be playing football on local neighbourhood pitches, but tomorrow, one of you could be flying the flag of Likoni, Mombasa and Kenya in major international competitions,” Hamadi said.

The journalist urged young people to prioritise education, respect their parents, uphold discipline and avoid negative influences that could derail their ambitions.

She emphasised that the foundation's mission goes beyond football, describing it as an initiative aimed at opening doors of opportunity, nurturing talent and building a generation guided by dreams and strong moral values.

“What we are starting is not just about football. It is about opening doors of hope, nurturing talents and preparing a generation with dreams, discipline and strong values,” she added.

Hamadi's initiative comes as she positions herself in the race for the Likoni parliamentary seat, with youth empowerment, talent development and community engagement featuring prominently in her messaging.

She called on young people to embrace unity and work together towards achieving their aspirations.

“Let us grow together, play together and win together. Every talent deserves a chance, and every child deserves a future,” she said.

Car & General (Trading) Limited, in partnership with TVS Motor Company and The Nyeri National Polytechnic, today officially inaugurated the TVS Motorcycles Training Center at The Nyeri National Polytechnic, marking a significant milestone in strengthening technical skills and professional training for Kenya's fast-growing two-wheeler industry.

The Training Center was jointly inaugurated by George Rubiri, General Manager, Car & General (Trading) Limited; Pradeep Chaurasiya, Business Head - Africa, International Business, TVS Motor Company; and Rachel Kimani, Chief Principal, The Nyeri National Polytechnic.

The new 225-square-metre facility is designed to provide specialized training in motorcycle technology, repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and emerging mobility solutions, equipping students and industry practitioners with practical skills required by the sector, empowering learners with marketable skills that can lead to employment as certified technicians, establishment of motorcycle repair workshops or growth of spare parts businesses, creating sustainable livelihoods and supporting Kenya’s growing mobility sector.

Valued at over USD 30,000, the facility features a modern 30-seater classroom equipped with a digital projector, TVS motorcycle training engines, special tools, two TVS motorcycles, an air compressor, tyre changing machine, wheel alignment machine, and two motorcycle service ramps.

The launch comes at a time when Kenya's two-wheeler economy continues to play an increasingly important role in national development. The industry encompasses motorcycle transport, boda boda services, delivery and logistics, spare parts, repairs and maintenance, financing, insurance, and the growing electric mobility segment. It is estimated that more than 2.5 million Kenyans depend directly or indirectly on the sector for their livelihoods, while the industry contributes approximately KSh 660 billion annually to the economy.
Beyond mobility, motorcycles support agriculture, trade, digital commerce, financial inclusion, healthcare access, education and rural development by connecting communities to jobs, markets, schools and essential services.

Speaking during the launch, George Rubiri, General Manager of Car & General (Trading) Limited, said the center represents an important investment in the future of Kenya's mobility ecosystem.

"The motorcycle industry has evolved into one of Kenya's most important economic sectors, creating employment, enabling entrepreneurship and supporting millions of livelihoods. As the industry grows, the need for professionally trained technicians becomes even more critical. This Training Center is our contribution toward building the technical capabilities required to support a safer, more productive and increasingly locally manufactured mobility industry."

Mr. Rubiri noted that Car & General, which is marking 90 years since its inception, has partnered with TVS Motor Company for over 25 years, providing customers across Kenya with quality motorcycles, genuine spare parts and after-sales support, while assembling TVS motorcycles locally in Nakuru.

Pradeep Chaurasiya, Business Head - Africa for International Business at TVS Motor Company, emphasized the importance of skills development in supporting sustainable industry growth.

"TVS Motor Company believes that skills development is fundamental to strengthening the mobility sector. This Training Center will provide learners with access to modern motorcycle technologies and industry-relevant knowledge while supporting the development of a skilled workforce that can meet the changing needs of the market. We are proud to partner with Car & General and The Nyeri National Polytechnic in creating opportunities for young people and advancing technical excellence in Kenya."

TVS Motor Company is one of India's leading manufacturers of two and three-wheelers and has maintained a strong presence in Kenya through its long-standing distribution partnership with Car & General.

For Rachel Kimani, Chief Principal of The Nyeri National Polytechnic, the facility demonstrates the value of industry-academia collaboration in preparing graduates for the workplace.

"Technical and vocational education must remain closely connected to industry if we are to produce graduates who are ready for employment and entrepreneurship. The TVS Motorcycles Training Center will enrich our training capabilities, expose learners to current industry technologies and strengthen the practical competencies required in the modern mobility sector. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to quality skills development and national economic growth."

Established in 1977, The Nyeri National Polytechnic is one of Kenya's leading public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, offering programs in engineering and technology, computing and informatics, agriculture and environmental studies, automotive engineering, electrical and electronics engineering, and other professional disciplines.

The new center is expected to help bridge the skills gap within the motorcycle industry by providing hands-on training aligned to real-world industry requirements while fostering innovation, safety and professionalism across the sector.

The partners noted that the initiative marks the beginning of a broader collaboration between industry and academia aimed at strengthening technical education, supporting local manufacturing, and enhancing the competitiveness of Kenya's mobility economy.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called on Eastern African countries to strengthen anticipatory action and invest in disaster preparedness, warning that early warning systems alone are insufficient in protecting communities from the growing impact of disasters.

IGAD Executive Secretary has urged member states to move beyond predicting disasters and take proactive measures to prevent their impacts through timely interventions and predictable financing before disasters strike.

Speaking during the ministerial segment of the Second Eastern Africa Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action (EADP2) in Mombasa, the Executive Secretary said the region must prioritise translating climate forecasts and early warning information into practical interventions.

"Over the past two days, our deliberations have reinforced a fundamental message: we must move from predicting disasters to preventing their impacts. Early warning is essential, but it is not enough," he said.

He emphasised the need to ensure that forecasts trigger timely action and that financial resources are readily available before disasters occur.

The IGAD chief noted that discussions during the two-day regional platform had highlighted the importance of linking short-term anticipatory interventions with long-term resilience and development strategies.

He called for stronger government ownership of anticipatory action, urging member states to integrate disaster preparedness into national policies, institutions and budgets.

"It also requires our partners to help mobilize predictable humanitarian, development and climate finance, including innovative financing solutions that match the scale of risks facing our region," he said.

The meeting brought together government ministers and senior disaster management officials from Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan and Djibouti, alongside representatives of the World Bank, European Union humanitarian partners (ECHO), Germany, the United Nations and other development agencies.

The Executive Secretary said the ministerial segment presented an important opportunity for member states to turn technical discussions into concrete political commitments through the proposed Mombasa Ministerial Declaration on Anticipatory Action.

"Today, we have an important opportunity to translate our technical deliberations into political commitment through the Mombasa Ministerial Declaration on Anticipatory Action," he said.

He urged all IGAD member states to support the endorsement of the declaration and ensure its commitments translate into tangible action, stronger cross-border cooperation and measurable benefits for communities across the region.

According to the Executive Secretary, effective anticipatory action requires agreed thresholds that trigger early interventions, supported by predictable and pre-arranged financing that can be released quickly before disasters strike.

" This commitment reinforces government leadership and coordination, ensuring that anticipatory action is triggered by pre-agreed thresholds and backed by predictable, pre-arranged financing that can be released swiftly before disasters strike," he added.

IGAD reaffirmed its commitment to supporting member states through climate forecasting, early warning systems, disaster risk management expertise, capacity development and regional coordination.

The regional organisation also pledged to continue advocating for increased investment in resilience across the Greater Horn of Africa.

The Second Eastern Africa Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action seeks to strengthen regional cooperation and promote proactive approaches to disaster risk management, particularly as communities face increasing climate-related risks.

The Executive Secretary concluded by calling for a collective shift towards resilience, urging stakeholders to transform risks into opportunities for sustainable development.

"Let us transform risks into resilience, commitments to investment, and from reactive response to lasting resilience," he said.