Communities in Kilifi County today received over KSh 60 million in compensation for losses linked to human–wildlife conflict, marking a significant step in restoring trust and dignity among the affected families. 

This was payment from 2014 to October 2020, clearing part payments for human deaths. In the meantime, the government is committed to clearing all pending compensation claims. 

Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano, accompanied by KWS Board of Trustees Chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Walter Raria Koipaton and KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga, led the cheque issuance ceremony in Marafa.

Also present were Kilifi Deputy Governor Hon. Florah Mbetsa, Woman Representative Hon. Gertrude Mbeyu, National Assembly Deputy Leader of Majority and Kilifi North MP Hon Owen Baya, other Kilifi County Members of Parliament, MCAs, and national government officers led by the Kilifi County Commissioner Josephat Biwot.  

CS Miano stressed that compensation is a constitutional right under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, not a favour.

She stressed the government’s resolve to translate policy into tangible benefits for citizens, highlighting more than 1,300 human–wildlife conflict cases reported in Kilifi since 2021.

Nationwide, the current administration has already disbursed KSh 2.8 billion in compensation, with an additional KSh 1.36 billion under processing — a demonstration of sustained government goodwill to ease the burden on affected communities.

Beyond compensation, she outlined a six-pillar prevention strategy, including corridor fencing, modern early warning systems, and enhanced ranger presence, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to community upliftment through Corporate Social Investment projects such as building classrooms, distributing water tanks, and supporting local development.

KWS Board Chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Koipaton reinforced the Board’s pledge to guide KWS towards becoming a more community-oriented, solution-driven institution anchored in transparency, partnership, and innovation.

He assured the community that the Board is actively engaged in reviewing and supporting stronger measures to protect both people and wildlife, adding that inclusive, people-led conservation remains central to KWS’s mission.

Prof. Kanga acknowledged the hardship caused by recurring wildlife incursions in Ganze, Magarini, and Vitengeni, pledging KWS’s unwavering commitment to protect communities while conserving Kenya’s natural heritage. 

He confirmed the deployment of a fully equipped Problem Animal Management Unit (PAMU) in Kilifi to improve rapid response and reduce fear among residents.

These interventions, anchored in the KWS Strategic Plan 2024–2028 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, reflect a shared vision: a future where communities and wildlife not only coexist, but flourish together in safety, harmony, and mutual benefit.

The Kenya Ports Authority has completed construction of the Shimoni fish port.

The completion of the Sh2.6 Billion project marks a significant milestone in the efforts to harness the potential of the Blue Economy.

The modern port dedicated solely to fish production, processing and value addition will transform the local economy, increasing opportunities for the exportation of the finished products to the region as well as local consumption.

Key infrastructure under the project includes a jetty measuring 75-meter by 30-meter and a 135-meter causeway capable of berthing two fishing vessels simultaneously.

Additional critical facilities at the port include a dedicated fish processing plant, cold storage units, reefer stations, a power substation, an ice-making plant, a bio-digester, and wastewater management system.

"The Shimoni Fish Port is poised to transform the region’s fishing industry by improving efficiency, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating new economic opportunities." reads a statement from KPA.

Speaking during an earlier tour of the project, to assess the construction progress, KPA Managing Director noted that the project underscores government’s commitment to improving livelihoods in the Shimoni community and the surrounding region. 

“This project is a testament to the government's dedication to ensuring that the coastal communities benefit directly from marine resources,” Capt. Ruto said.

George Rubiri has been elected the Chairperson of the Motorcycle Sub-sector of the Kenya Manufacturers Association (KAM).

He succeeds Alvin Mageto, former Director at Kibo Africa Limited, who has held the position since 2021. George Rubiri is the General Manager of Car & General (Trading) Limited.

The Chairperson of the sub-sector serves of voluntary terms for two years, as may serve for a further two years if re-elected. Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of KAM, Tobias Alando said, “Key to success will be offering strategic leadership to the sector. George will annually review the sector’s performance and reporting it to the Board through the Secretariat. He will also represent the sector in various forums and escalate any relevant issues to the advisory committee for final arbitration when needed.”

Established in 1959 as a private sector body, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has evolved into a dynamic, vibrant, credible and respected business association that unites industrialists and offers a common voice for businesses.

In his acceptance speech, George Rubiri said, “First, I want to thank Alvin Mageto for his dedication and commitment during his tenure. I believe I will fit in his shoes and move the sector forward. The motorcycle industry is very important to the Kenyan economy and cannot be wished away. We will work as a team and ensure it plays its vital role.”

Car & General is a diversified distributor of TVS motorcycles, Piaggio three wheelers, Kubota tractors, Toyota forklifts, Cummins generators, Develon earthmovers among other equipment in East Africa. Car & General was the pioneered the use of two and three wheelers as taxis in Kenya over two decades ago.

By Wojtek Piorko, Managing Director, Africa at Vertiv

Kenya is entering a new digital era, one defined by accelerated connectivity, data growth and the move towards artificial intelligence (AI).

But to fully make use of these opportunities, the country must address the infrastructure demands driving tomorrow’s digital economy.

Across Africa - and notably in Kenya - connectivity has surged. The country is home to some of the continent’s fastest-growing mobile and internet penetration rates, and with 4G already dominant, 5G is poised to accelerate that trajectory.

The Communications Authority of Kenya’s (CA) recently released quarterly Sector Statistics report covering July to September 2024 that stated that the country’s mobile data subscriptions grew to a record 53.7 million by the end of the quarter, with 4G constituting 58.1 percent. It noted that the adoption of 4G and 5G technologies has continued to grow, mainly driven by the growing demand for high-speed Internet for activities such as streaming, online learning, remote work, and e-commerce.

In addition, the CA’s report said that the total data/Internet subscriptions rose by 4.9 percent to 1.57 million from 1.50 million recorded as of the end of June 2024.

Satellite Internet subscriptions also recorded a significant increase of 104.7 percent during the reference period.

The evolution of networks, however, is only part of the story. Kenya’s digital potential now hinges on the infrastructure that supports data-intensive applications like artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing.

According to some analysts, data centre capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to triple between 2021 and 2026, with Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria contributing the lion’s share.

For Kenya, the focus goes beyond capacity and extends to readiness. The rise of AI workloads brings with it unparalleled demands on power, cooling and data throughput.

Data centres are now expected to handle unprecedented power densities. All of these factors contribute to traditional IT setups no longer sufficing.

Kenyan enterprises, telcos and service providers must now prepare for higher rack densities, hybrid energy models and real-time compute at the edge.

With AI workloads pushing beyond 80kW per rack in some environments, next-generation data centre architecture, featuring liquid cooling, battery energy storage and modular scalability, is essential.

At the same time, sustainability isn’t optional. As energy efficiency becomes a global priority, operators in Kenya face several pressures: supporting growing digital demand while keeping environmental footprints low and combatting power grid constraints. 

All-in- solutions like VertivTM 360AI, fast-deployable prefab builds, battery energy storage systems (BESS), liquid cooling and hybrid solar-power integration can help strike that balance, especially in a region where grid reliability varies.

With many reference sites in eastern Africa, where these solutions have been successfully installed and support local businesses, Vertiv is the first choice of providers for many regional and global customers.

Liquid cooling and hybrid solar-power integration can help strike that balance, especially in a region where grid reliability varies.

With many reference sites in eastern Africa, where these solutions have been successfully installed and support local businesses, Vertiv is the first choice of providers for many regional and global customers. 

Vertiv’s approach, which is backed by global R&D, local expertise and a broad portfolio of edge-to-core solutions, is designed to help Kenyan organisations navigate this journey.

The organisation’s Kenyan office serves not only as a sales hub, but also provides comprehensive technical and service support, as well as access to a Customer Experience Centre offering pre-sales, sales and service certification training.

The road to 2030 is digital, intelligent and interconnected. Let’s ensure Kenya is ready.

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) has announced a new commitment to support 100,000 schoolgirls across Kenya with sustainable menstrual health products and hygiene education by 2030.

The announcement was made by DTB Group Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Nasim Devji, during the launch of the second phase of its #AchieveMoreGirl Initiative at Sinaga Girls Secondary School where 1,500 girls from the school and other learning institutions received the reusable menstrual hygiene kits.

The DTB #AchieveMoreGirl initiative is a flagship multi-year programme which aims to empower schoolgirls across the country by providing sustainable menstrual health kits and hygiene education to support continued access to education.

The programme addresses challenges faced by vulnerable girls in marginalised communities with limited access to menstrual health products.

Speaking at the distribution drive, Ms. Devji noted that: “We launched the #AchieveMoreGirl initiative in 2020 and since then we have been able to reach 30,000 girls across 22 counties countrywide. This 5-year exercise exposed us to the level of need that still exists in our society when it comes to Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), particularly for marginalised young girls and women”

She added that: “The level of need across vulnerable communities in Kenya has necessitated a further commitment from us to reach 100,000 girls by 2030. Our goal is supporting access to education for many school-going girls, with the aim of improving their education outcomes.”

The programme addresses both access and stigma, helping reduce school absenteeism and build dignity and confidence among adolescent girls.

The initiative also includes training workshops to teach both women and men how to produce reusable menstrual products.

"The #AchieveMoreGirl initiative is about ensuring that no girl is left behind simply because of her period. When DTB removes barriers to education, we unlock potential, and we are proud of the impact we have made so far and even more committed to the journey ahead.” Ms. Devji concluded.

Stephanie Kiragu’s culinary story doesn’t begin in a Michelin-starred kitchen or under the bright lights of a television studio, it begins at home, watching her father prepare Githeri, mixed with avocado and sweet bananas.

What many found odd, she found inspiring. That spark of curiosity, ignited in a Kenyan kitchen, evolved into a passion.

By the age of 29, Stephanie had already made her mark, becoming one of the youngest restaurant owners in Kenya, a milestone built on relentless passion, vision and an unwavering commitment to her roots.

Her love for food, influenced by her father, led her to pursue Culinary Arts and Hotel Management in world-class institutions across Spain, Switzerland and Chicago.

Her career journey has taken her from Tenerife (Spain), Dubai, San Francisco, Crans-Montana and back home to Kenya, each stop adding new layers to her culinary craft and precision while expanding her understanding of food.

Today, Stephanie is many things, entrepreneur, chef, mentor, wife and mother. And each title sparks her mission. As a chef, she creates through creativity; as an entrepreneur, she builds for meaning; as a mentor, she lifts the next generation; and as a wife and mother, she brings warmth and compassion into all she does.

“I like to see myself as an advocate for culinary innovation and education,” she says. "Bringing local flavours such as homegrown coriander, green pepper and root vegetables, to the forefront."

Her restaurant, Como, is a manifestation of this philosophy. It’s not just a place to eat, it’s a place to learn, explore and celebrate. “I see my restaurant as an educational tool,” she says. “We are all about changing perceptions.” In a country where the food industry is experiencing a vibrant renaissance, Stephanie stands at the centre of this movement, challenging Kenyans to reconnect with their culinary heritage.

At Como, traditional favourites like nyama choma sit beside innovations such as an eight-hour slow-cooked Molo lamb shank.

Chef Stephanie’s menus reflect her international culinary experience. One of her most distinctive contributions to the local dining scene is the use of whisky, both through infusion and carefully crafted food pairings.

“Kenyans are becoming more adventurous with their palates,” she explains. “They’re embracing the idea of elevating our food with pairings, and whisky fits naturally into that.”

Stephanie recently curated a three-course dining experience featuring The Singleton’s range of aged single malts to demonstrate the versatility of whisky in gastronomy.

The fruity notes of The Singleton 12-Year-Old brought freshness and balance to the starter, enhancing delicate flavours.

The 15-Year-Old, with its rich, nutty undertones and subtle spice, complemented the savoury depth of the main course. Finally, the velvety character of The Singleton 18-Year-Old added indulgence and warmth to the dessert, rounding off the experience with elegance.

For Stephanie, whisky is more than an accompaniment, it’s an ingredient that, when skilfully applied, weaves a multi-sensorial narrative through the meal.

Her work with The Singleton showcases how Kenyan cuisine can be elevated with global inspirations.

Reflecting on her proudest moment, Stephanie doesn’t hesitate: the opening of Como. “It was the moment I had dreamed of for most of my life,” she recalls. “Seeing it come to life, after years of hard work and vision, still gives me chills.” That moment wasn’t just a business milestone; it was a homecoming. A return to the passion sparked by a simple childhood meal, now reimagined on a national and global stage.

Looking ahead, Stephanie’s ambitions extend beyond Kenya. She’s setting her sights on international collaborations, especially with chefs across Africa, where shared cultural ties and bold ingredients like whisky will continue to play starring roles.

But wherever her journey takes her, her focus remains clear: to craft food that connects people, celebrates culture and creates lasting memories.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has inaugrated the leadership development training for the first cohort of the IGAD Leadership Academy in Mombasa, Kenya.

The IGAD Leadership Academy was established to facilitate the mentorship and provisioning of future leaders with the critical sets necessary to steer the course of rapidly developing multi-cultural African society in the 21st century and beyond.

Speaking during the inaugration IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu extended sincere gratitude to the Governments of Kenya, Sweden, and Japan for their steadfast support in turning the vision of the Academy into reality.

Mercy Kwambai and Samson Lemayan are the winners of the 25th Edition of the Lewa Safari Marathon which was held today at the Lewa Conservancy in Meru County.

Thirty-six-year-old Kwambai, a mother of two, clocked 2:47:17 to win the women’s 42km race, successfully defending her title for the second year consecutively.

Finishing in second and third place were Evaline Lagat and Monica Watetu, who posted times of 3:02:31 and 3:20:21 respectively.

“It is exciting to defend my title for the second year. The course was quite hot and tough, with some challenging hilly terrain, but thanks to good preparation and training, I managed to win the race. This is my third time participating in this event, my first was in 2022, where I finished second in the half marathon. I use this race to prepare for other competitions, and I am glad for the positive impact it creates in the community,” said Mercy Kwambai.

Samson Lemayan from Maralal emerged the winner in the men’s race after crossing the finish line with a time of 2:28:35. Close behind were John Musee and Joseph Kariuki, who settled for second and third place who clocked 2:29:18 and 2:29:36 respectively.

“The first time I participated in this event was in 2018. I didn’t perform well then, but today I’m glad to have emerged as the overall winner. It’s really exciting to see how the marathon has grown and the impact it is creating in the community. I want to commend the organizers and sponsors like Safaricom for making this event a big success,” said Samson Lemayan.

The 21km men’s category was claimed by Michael Kamau with a time of 1:06:37. Justine Lelitan and Simon Saidimu followed closely, finishing in 1:07:48 and 1:08:07 respectively.

In the 21km women’s category, Mary Waithera, who was in her best form, carried the day with a time of 1:18:27. Pauline Ngigi and Susan Wanjiru secured second and third place with times of 1:28:21 and 1:29:04 respectively.

In the 10km corporate race, Reuben Ng’ang’a and Sara Van Der Laan were the winners in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.

Winners of the 42km and 21km races each walked away with KES 150,000. The first runners-up took home KES 80,000 each, while the second runners-up received KES 60,000 each.

“Thank you to all the winners and participants of this year’s Lewa Safari Marathon. As one of the key partners, we are proud of the impact the marathon has made over the past 25 years. We remain committed to this initiative, which supports wildlife conservation while also transforming lives.” Said Dr. Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom PLC CEO.

This year’s marathon attracted over 1,400 participants, both local and international. Since its inception, the marathon has raised over $9 million with the funds going to support wildlife conservation.

“As we face unprecedented threats to our planet, it is essential that we take action to protect our wildlife and their habitats. Today’s Lewa Safari Marathon participants have seized the opportunity to challenge themselves and connect with nature. They have also made a positive impact on the communities and wildlife of northern Kenya and beyond. Thank you to everyone who took part in this truly challenging event, Kenya's most spectacular wildlife conservancy.” Said Mike Watson, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy CEO

The event was mainly sponsored by Safaricom and Huawei. Other sponsors this year included Access Bank, ICEA Lion, Highlands, AMREF, Elewana, Safarilink, GardaWorld, Tropical Heat, and African Originals.