RCMRD LAUNCHES BIODIVERSITY OUTLOOK FOR EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA

SANNE WILLEMS REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP DELEGATION OF EU

The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) in collaboration with the European Union has launched the Biodiversity Outlook for Eastern & Southern Africa (BOESA) to strengthen regional conservation action.

The publication was launched during the Regional Workshop on Integrated Landscape Seascape Modelling for Climate Resilience Development in East Africa taking place in Nairobi at the RCMRD.

BOESA is a regional resource designed to strengthen access to biodiversity knowledge and support evidence-based conservation and policy action across 24 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. It brings together biodiversity information, regional perspectives and practical experiences to support understanding of the region's biodiversity.

Speaking at the launch, Sanne Willems from the Regional Partnerships, Delegation of the European Union to Kenya said collecting data is not enough and there is need to translate research into policy and action.

“We have seen many programmes conduct valuable research, but we often lack the next step of translating it into policy and therefore into action. This programme is translating that data into very accessible information for young people as well as decision-makers,” she said.

RCMRD Director General Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza said BOESA reflects the importance of bringing together data, knowledge and regional experiences to support informed decisions.

“By making this information more accessible, we aim to support policymakers, conservation practitioners, researchers, development partners and communities in advancing nature-positive action across the region,” he said.

The launch comes at a critical time as countries work towards the 2030 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and ahead of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) scheduled for 19th to 30th October 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia.

PPK YOUTH LEAGUE REJECTS UNIVERSITY FUNDING BILL, GIVES GOVERNMENT 7 DAYS TO PUBLISH FUNDING REPORT

The People's Party of Kenya (PPK) Youth League has rejected in totality the proposed tertiary education financing Bill, accusing the government of turning student funding into a debt trap.

Speaking at the party headquarters in Nairobi, the youth leaders led by their Chairperson said funding should not become a debt to students and demanded the immediate publication of the findings of the Presidential Committee on Education Funding.

The League called on President William Ruto and the Cabinet Secretary for Education to remove all interest charges accrued from education loans, arguing that interest on student loans is punitive to poor learners.

They further demanded that graduates be given a three-year grace period before they start repaying their loans to allow for a smooth transition from education to employment, and that students who have not paid their loans be removed from the Credit Reference Bureau listing after three years.

According to the Youth League, the recommendations of the funding model review committee should be made public without further delay. They have given the government seven days to publish the report and provide clarity, failure to which they have threatened to publish it themselves.

BEYOND THE STAGE: WHY CONCERT SECURITY MATTERS

By: Peter Kinyanjui

Security is not an add-on to the event. It is part of how the event is designed to work.

On December 20, 2025, thousands of music fans gathered at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium for what was expected to be a night of music and celebration featuring Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake and Gabzy. A crowd surge at the entrance tragically resulted in the death of one person, with several others injured. Reports from the night pointed to delays at the gates and heavy rain, with large crowds waiting on slippery ground to enter the stadium, leading to growing confusion and anxiety. This is not an isolated incident. Around the world, people have lost their lives at concerts and festivals, mostly as a result of poor crowd control and sudden surges.

The stakes are rising. Kenya’s entertainment scene is booming, drawing ever larger audiences to concerts and festivals while driving growth across the creative economy, tourism and hospitality. More events and bigger crowds mean the margin for error is narrowing, not widening.

While concert attendees are looking forward to a great time and unforgettable memories, there’s one factor that will determine whether the event is remembered for the right reasons. It’s not the sound, the organisation of the event or even the quality of the artists-it is security. Security should not only be part of the conversation when something goes wrong. It should be part of the concert experience.

The question every event organiser should ask themselves is whether they are doing enough to keep people safe at these concerts. It is important to understand that large crowds are not inherently dangerous; they simply require professional management, and not merely management by people who look like they can handle a crowd.

Security at a concert begins long before the first artist walks on stage and long before the first ticket is sold. When thousands of people gather in one place, effective security cannot be reduced to checking tickets, preventing theft, or responding when something goes wrong. A comprehensive security and crowd-management plan should be in place before tickets go on sale. That means understanding how people will arrive, move and leave; identifying potential pressure points and bottlenecks; anticipating how weather will change conditions underfoot; ensuring entrances, exits and emergency routes can safely handle the expected numbers; establishing clear communication channels; and deploying trained personnel who can recognise something you bolt onto an event. It is part of how the event works.

There is a common misconception that crowd control means security officers standing around telling people what they cannot do. Effective crowd control is about making it easy for people to do what they came to do, have a good time and get home safely, and that requires careful planning.

Professional security is not simply about manpower. It requires risk assessment, an understanding of crowd psychology, communication, coordination, and preparedness. Security teams must understand the environment they are working in and anticipate how people will respond to delays or sudden changes. The security team must also have clear communication channels with event organisers, emergency medical teams, and the authorities should a situation escalate.

In today’s world, technology must be leveraged to help with crowd management. Security teams can use CCTV for real-time monitoring, allowing them to identify developing problems and respond quickly. Integrated communication systems ensure that organisers, emergency responders, and security personnel remain connected throughout the event. But even with the latest technology, people remain at the heart of effective security.

A well-trained security officer will often be the first person to recognise signs of distress. In most cases, major incidents stem from small issues that can be defused early. This is where security personnel come in. They provide direction, recognise when an attendee needs assistance, de-escalate tense situations and help to create an environment where people feel both welcomed and protected.

Safety should never be viewed as an operational expense that can be trimmed to save costs. Security should instead be treated as an investment in people. One poorly managed event where people feel unsafe can discourage audiences from attending future events. A safe and well-managed event, on the other hand, can encourage concert lovers to keep coming back and even attract sponsors.

Even as event organisers work towards providing the best security, every party at the venue has a role to play. Security providers must continuously invest in training, technology, and event management capabilities. Venues must have infrastructure that supports large crowds and safe movement, and attendees must follow guidance from security personnel and remain aware of their surroundings.

In December, thousands of people went to Nyayo Stadium expecting a night of music. One of them did not go home. Every conversation about crowd management in this country should begin there.

If security has done its job well, no one will talk about security at all. They will talk about the music, the lights and the crowd singing every word back. That is the point: good security is invisible, and what it buys is a night people remember for the right reasons. For every organiser, venue and attendee, the true measure of a successful concert is not the good time that was had- it is that everyone who came for it got home safely.

There is a common misconception that crowd control means security officers standing around telling people what they cannot do. Effective crowd control is about making it easy for people to do what they came to do, have a good time and get home safely, and that requires careful planning.

Professional security is not simply about manpower. It requires risk assessment, an understanding of crowd psychology, communication, coordination, and preparedness. Security teams must understand the environment they are working in and anticipate how people will respond to delays or sudden changes. The security team must also have clear communication channels with event organisers, emergency medical teams, and the authorities should a situation escalate.

In today’s world, technology must be leveraged to help with crowd management. Security teams can use CCTV for real-time monitoring, allowing them to identify developing problems and respond quickly. Integrated communication systems ensure that organisers, emergency responders, and security personnel remain connected throughout the event. But even with the latest technology, people remain at the heart of effective security.

A well-trained security officer will often be the first person to recognise signs of distress. In most cases, major incidents stem from small issues that can be defused early. This is where security personnel come in. They provide direction, recognise when an attendee needs assistance, de-escalate tense situations and help to create an environment where people feel both welcomed and protected.

Safety should never be viewed as an operational expense that can be trimmed to save costs. Security should instead be treated as an investment in people. One poorly managed event where people feel unsafe can discourage audiences from attending future events. A safe and well-managed event, on the other hand, can encourage concert lovers to keep coming back and even attract sponsors.

Even as event organisers work towards providing the best security, every party at the venue has a role to play. Security providers must continuously invest in training, technology, and event management capabilities. Venues must have infrastructure that supports large crowds and safe movement, and attendees must follow guidance from security personnel and remain aware of their surroundings.

In December, thousands of people went to Nyayo Stadium expecting a night of music. One of them did not go home. Every conversation about crowd management in this country should begin there.

If security has done its job well, no one will talk about security at all. They will talk about the music, the lights and the crowd singing every word back. That is the point: good security is invisible, and what it buys is a night people remember for the right reasons. For every organiser, venue and attendee, the true measure of a successful concert is not the good time that was had- it is that everyone who came for it got home safely.

Peter Kinyanjui is the Governance, Risk and Assurance Manager at SGA Security Kenya

Afreximbank and EABC Expand Digital Trade Access for East African Businesses through Africa Trade Gateway

 

 The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the East African Business Council (EABC) are expanding access to digital trade opportunities for businesses across East Africa by connecting them to the 300 million EAC Common Market and the 1.3 billion-consumer AfCFTA market through the Africa Trade Gateway (ATG).

 

The ceremonial signing of the ATG Agency Agreement during the inaugural East Africa CEO & Investment Forum, held on 17–18 September 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two organisations.

 

The EABC has been actively promoting the digital ecosystem to its members and supporting their onboarding. The partnership combines EABC’s regional business network with ATG’s digital trade services to help businesses find verified buyers and suppliers across Africa and beyond, access information on trading partners and connect with finance and payment solutions.

 

In his remarks, Mr. Emeka Onyia, Director, Digital Business and Innovation at Afreximbank, said: “The Africa Trade Gateway is Africa’s digital trade ecosystem; It connects businesses with the partners and services they need to trade. We help companies identify opportunities, engage with trusted buyers, suppliers and financial institutions, and turn those connections into complete transactions. Each successful deal strengthens the network, attracts new participants and creates even greater opportunities for African businesses.”

 

“Many businesses know there are opportunities beyond their borders but struggle to identify trusted partners or access the services required to trade. Through our collaboration with EABC, more East African businesses will be able to enter new markets with greater confidence by accessing the trusted network and digital services available through the Africa Trade Gateway.” Mr. Onyia added.

 

“EABC is empowering East African enterprises with knowledge on AfCFTA market opportunities, Rules of Origin, tariff concessions, customs procedures and export requirements, complemented by tailored advisory support on market entry and export readiness.”

 

“As an onboarding agent for the Afreximbank Africa Trade Gateway (ATG), EABC is connecting enterprises to the platform, enabling access to business-to-business matchmaking and trade finance solutions that can facilitate intra-African trade under the AfCFTA.”

1,189 YOUTHS ARRESTED OVER POLITICAL GOONISM SINCE 2022, MURKOMEN REVEALS

1,189 people have been sentenced for political violence and goonism since 2022, Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed.

Murkomen noted that the sentences imposed by courts varied depending on the gravity of the crime.

He said the government was committed to combating goonism and political violence ahead of the next general election. 

"This is part of the evidence for those who say that the police are doing nothing to arrest goons,” he said.

Murkomen was speaking as he appeared before the Senate Plenary to respond to questions raised by Senators on various matters of national security and government service delivery.

The CS also affirmed that the government is on course in implementing the National Disaster Risk Management Strategy 2025-2030, among other interventions to combat national disasters and emergencies, including expected El Niño rains.

"The National Disaster Operations Centre continues to coordinate disaster preparedness and response at the national level under a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” said the CS.

Murkomen further reaffirmed that the country is safe, noting that the government has made significant progress in combating security threats and continues to strengthen government service delivery across the country.

ABSA BANK KENYA CELEBRATES NAIROBI'S SUCCESSFUL BID TO HOST THE 2029 WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

 Absa Bank Kenya extends its congratulations to Athletics Kenya, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, and the generations of Kenyan athletes whose achievements have helped secure Nairobi's successful bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. This milestone reflects decades of athletic excellence and affirms Kenya's standing among the world's leading athletics nations.

As a committed partner in sports development, Absa celebrates this milestone as recognition of Kenya's enduring contribution to global athletics, the dedication of generations of athletes, coaches and support teams, and the leadership of Athletics Kenya in advancing the sport on the global stage. Over the last decade, Absa has invested close to KES 2 billion in the Kenyan sports ecosystem. This includes six years as the proud title sponsor of the Absa Kip Keino Classic, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting that has helped demonstrate Nairobi’s capacity to deliver world-class athletics events. Absa also supports the globally acclaimed Absa Sirikwa Classic Cross Country, a World Athletics Gold Level Cross Country Tour event that is held at the Lobo Village in Eldoret.

Speaking on the historic milestone, Absa Bank Kenya Marketing and Corporate Affairs Director, Mwihaki Wachira, said:

"We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate this historic achievement for Kenya, Africa and the global athletics community. Bringing the World Athletics Championships to African soil for the first time is a defining moment that reflects decades of excellence by Kenyan athletes, the leadership of Athletics Kenya and the collective efforts of all those who have worked to elevate the sport. For years, our investment in events such as the Absa Kip Keino Classic and Absa Sirikwa Classic has been driven by a belief that Kenya belongs on the global stage."

Absa’s support for Athletics Kenya extends beyond events sponsorship to championing holistic athlete development and welfare. The bank continues to run financial literacy programmes across training camps, empowering Kenyan athletes to effectively manage their earnings and secure their financial futures.

Having walked side by side with Athletics Kenya for nearly a decade in nurturing local talent and elevating the sport, Absa celebrates this historic achievement as a defining moment for Kenya’s athletics legacy and a proud milestone for the continent.

FAMILY GROUP FOUNDATION AND KENYA FOREST SERVICE PARTNER TO ADVANCE NGONG HILLS RESTORATION THROUGH A ONE-MILLION TREE SEEDLINGS NURSERY PROJECT

 The Family Group Foundation has partnered with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to support restoration efforts in the Ngong Hills Forest Ecosystem through the Foundation’s ongoing development of a one-million tree seedlings nursery project.

The partnership, formalised through a three-year Framework for Collaboration, will focus on enhancing seedling production capacity, supporting tree-growing initiatives and strengthening community participation in forest conservation within the Ngong Hills Ecosystem.

The collaboration builds on restoration efforts that began in 2021, with the Foundation having invested over 18 million so far to support the restoration of the landscape. Since then, more than 20,000 indigenous seedlings have been planted, with 70 acres under active restoration.

“As a Foundation, our target is to scale restoration efforts across the full 240-acre target landscape by 2030. This partnership provides a stronger platform to move beyond individual tree-planting activities towards long-term ecosystem restoration. The Kenya Forest Service is key because they bring the technical expertise and institutional mandate required to manage forest ecosystems. Together, our strengths create a stronger platform for lasting climate action impact,” said The Family Group Foundation Executive Director John Waimiri.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry estimates that the Ngong Hills Forest requires approximately one million trees, alongside fencing and geo-mapping, to support restoration and address degradation and encroachment.

“Today we mark an important step in advancing forest conservation and landscape restoration. Our focus goes beyond growing trees to also supporting the communities living around these landscapes. We therefore value this partnership as it demonstrates what can be achieved when government and the private sector work together towards a common environmental and community development goal,” said the Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko.

The partnership will build on KFS’s Model Tree Nursery blueprint, which is designed to establish high-capacity, standardised nurseries that can significantly increase quality seedling production.

This initiative supports Kenya’s broader climate action and tree-growing agenda, including the Government’s 15 billion Tree Growing Programme, while demonstrating the role that partnerships between government, the private sector and communities can play in accelerating ecosystem restoration.

EABC CALLS FOR PROTECTION OF EAC SERVICE SUPPLIERS AND FAST-TRACK LIBERALISATION OF TRADE IN SERVICES

 The East African Business Council (EABC) calls on EAC Partner States to strengthen the protection of East African service suppliers and fast-track the liberalisation of trade in services.

Under Annex V of the EAC Common Market Protocol (2010), Partner States committed to the free movement of services and scheduled seven priority sectors: business, communications, distribution, education, financial, tourism and travel, and transport services. Several deadlines for the elimination of restrictions, including those set for 2010, 2013 and 2015, have already passed. 

Services account for approximately 46% of EAC GDP, over 30% of formal employment and about 24% of intra-EAC trade. They are the backbone of regional integration, supporting finance, transport, ICT, tourism, professional services and distribution. 

EABC recognises that enforcement of immigration, licensing, tax and other applicable laws is a sovereign responsibility of Partner States. At the same time, compliance requirements should be applied fairly and transparently and should not create unnecessary barriers for legitimate EAC service suppliers.

EABC encourages Partner States to support the registration and formalisation of informal service suppliers, fast-track implementation of outstanding commitments on trade in services, and complete the scheduling of pending commitments.

Further, EABC urges EAC service suppliers to register where required, keep licences and tax documents in order, comply with host-country laws and report instances of harassment through appropriate channels.

Service suppliers from every Partner State operate across borders and contribute to intra EAC services trade  employment and investment. Facilitating their legitimate operations is central to the objectives of the EAC Common Market.

ZAMARA PARTNERSHIP WITH AMETHIS TOWARDS PAN AFRICAN GROWTH

  Leading pan-African financial and insurance solutions zamara group has  today announced the completion of an investment by Amethis  a leading Africa focused investment firm, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Zamara's growth journey.

The Strategic partnership will support investment in technology and innovation, stronger client solutions  talent and regional growth.

It aims at  bringing  together Zamara's more than 30 year track record deep client relationships, local market knowledge and diversified financial services capabilities with Amethis' experience investing in and supporting high growth businesses across Africa.

The investment will support Zamara's long term ambition to build a leading pan African brand after successful huge  market penetration in  Kenya.

BISHOP MAGRET WANJIRU ENTERS RACE FOR NAIROBI GUBERNATORIAL

Former starehe member of Parliament and Jesus is Alive bishop Magret wanjiru has entered the race to unseat Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja in the coming general elections.

Speaking during a church service at her city Church Bishop Wanjiru has placed herself as the best bet for Nairobi city residents citing her experience in leadership and understanding of problems facing Nairobians.

Bishop Wanjiru entry into Nairobi gubernatorial complicates the matrix for the govervrnors race seat which has attracted a huge number of politicians including kasarani member of Parliament Ronald Karauri, business lady Agness Kagure,John Gakuya eying the seat through DCP and Embakasi East legislator Babu Owino.

BLIND SIGHT AFRICA WINS 500K IN WOMEN IN STEM SUMMIT PITCH ARENA

VICTORIA MWAURA WINNER BLINDSIGHT AFRICA 

Six founders  battling today at KICC for the  KSh 500,000 investment prize at the Women in STEM Africa Summit 2026 Pitch Arena second edition.

The contestants include Innobid (AI), Blindsight Africa Ltd (Creative Tech), The Kiasili Basket Ltd (Agritech), Concierge East Africa (Transport), Bunifu Youth Hub (EdTech), Tallycheck Ltd (EdTech) and Showri Technologies.

Up for grab was a raffle that won iphone 14 by Lisa a participant in the conference in the final days of   Women in STEM Africa Summit 2026  today with the highly anticipated Pitch Arena taking center stage at the Main Plenary of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi.

 six shortlisted founders pitch their innovations live before a panel of five judges and potential investors. The winner will walk away with KSh 500,000 in investment capital plus continuous mentorship.

The Pitch Arena comes at a time when Kenya is pushing a knowledge driven economy through the Kenya Research Financing and Capacity Strengthening Masterplan (2026-2036), targeting 2% of GDP for research, and the Competency Based Education (CBE) Framework with dedicated STEM pathways. Despite this barriers remain including limited financing for women innovators, mentorship gaps and limited exposure to global ecosystems.

Innobid (Eliud Luutsa  AI), Blindsight Africa Ltd (Victoria Mwaura - Creative Technology), The Kiasili Basket Ltd (Njeri Macharia - Agritech), Concierge East Africa (Margaret Wangeci - Transport), Bunifu Youth Hub (Patricia Wanjiru - EdTech), Tallycheck Ltd (Caesar - EdTech) and Showri Technologies (Creative Technologies).

To qualify all had to have a registered, tax compliant business with two years of market traction.

The ventures were assed by Dr Fiona Asonga (CEO, TESPOK), Kevin Korir  Enos Weswa (Country Director, UK-Kenya Tech Hub), Amb. Franck Adjagba (WITIA Advisory Board) and Eunice Pohlmann (Founder and Chair, WITIA).

Strict rules applied in judging where six slides maximum in preliminary, ten in final, no demo videos, no laptop swaps, and a hard stop on time with a visible clock were used.

Judging was on five criteria 20 points each for a total of 100 points, Problem, Solution, Traction, Market and Model, and Founder and Team. Judges score independently before deliberating and will provide written feedback to every founder who participated.

The Pitch Arena curtains closed  the two day summit which called for greater investment in women, education and innovation to shape Africa’s future bringing young women together.

WOMEN IN STEM AFRICA SUMMIT CALLS FOR INVESTMENT IN WOMEN INNOVATORS

 The Women in STEM Africa Summit 2026 opened today at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi with a strong call for governments, private sector, academia and investors to increase investment in women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The two day summit is organised by Women in Technology and Innovation Africa (WITIA) in partnership with UNESCO, and runs from 3rd to 4th September 2026.

Themed Discovering Talent,Driving Innovation Shaping Africa’s Future  the summit has brought together policymakers, educators, technology leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, researchers, students and development partners.

The conference discusses leadership, policy, innovation, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, research and opportunities for women and girls in STEM. 

The Summit was presided over by cabinet secretary of Education Hon Migos Ogamba as Chief guest who said  Africa cannot build a competitive economy by producing ideas without creating pathways for those ideas to become enterprises, He noted that women and young innovators need access to skills, financing, markets and networks.

Speaking at KICC CS Migos said  Africa must move beyond generating ideas and create practical pathways for women innovators to turn innovations into sustainable businesses.Education systems should identify and nurture STEM talent among girls from an early age.

The Africa we want to build will require a generation that is confident in science, technology, engineering and mathematic, adding that girls should be given equal opportunities to learn, experiment innovate and lead.The summit aims to address a persistent gender gap.Data from UNESCO shows women make up less than 30 percent of researchers in sub-Saharan Africa with even lower representation in engineering and computer science. 

The conference will include a youth led startup innovation challenge a technology exhibition and a ministerial roundtable on inclusive STEM policy.

The summit concludes tomorrow 4th September with recommendations expected for governments seeking to increase participation of girls and women in STEM education and careers and a call for greater investment in women education and innovation to drive Africa's future.

NATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS CONVENTION PUSHES FOR PEACEFUL, CREDIBLE 2027 ELECTIONS

 Religious leaders, state agencies and civil society actors have called for sustained inclusive dialogue and practical action to safeguard Kenya's democratic path as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election.

The call was made during the two day National Stakeholders Convention on "Democratic, Credible and Peaceful 2027 Elections" held at Ufungamano House, Nairobi, from 2nd to 3rd September 2026.

The convention convened under the Kenya Religious Leaders Forum, brought together the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), alongside representatives from government, civil society, the private sector and professional groups.

According to the organizers, the forum sought to assess the readiness of constitutional bodies with electoral and security mandates, identify key risks that could undermine a democratic and peaceful electoral process, and develop joint mitigation measures.

The convention also provided a platform for stakeholders to formulate strategies and commitments aimed at protecting the integrity of democratic outcomes before, during and after the 2027 electoral cycle.

Stakeholder engagement has increasingly become a key approach in Kenya's policy formulation, with recent consultations focusing on strengthening public institutions, improving service delivery and ensuring that policy decisions are informed by evidence and citizens' experiences.

Participants at the Ufungamano meeting stressed the need to move beyond discussions to concrete action, noting that leaders must listen to citizens and ensure agreed recommendations translate into measurable outcomes.

Representing the IEBC Chairperson, Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana outlined the Commission's state of preparedness and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a credible, transparent and peaceful 2027 General Election.

Dr. Mukhwana called on the religious community and all stakeholders to play their respective roles, hold the Commission accountable and embrace dialogue as a means of "charting the country's peaceful path to 2027."

His remarks come at a time when public scrutiny of electoral institutions is rising, with calls for early preparations, transparency and public confidence-building ahead of the polls.

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) participated through a delegation led by Secretary General Sheikh Abdullahi Salat, accompanied by Head of Religious Affairs Sheikh Yusuf Maki.

In a statement SUPKEM said its participation underscores its commitment to peaceful democratic engagement, national cohesion, responsible civic participation and credible electoral processes.

"The Council continues to advocate for an electoral environment where all Kenyans can exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and freely, while ensuring that faith communities contribute constructively to the protection of peace, justice and national unity," SUPKEM said.

SUPKEM added that through engagement with fellow religious institutions and other national stakeholders, it remains committed to supporting efforts that promote democratic, credible and peaceful elections.

The stakeholders noted that the national conversation comes at a critical period in Kenya's democratic journey, making dialogue, peaceful engagement and respect for democratic institutions increasingly important.

In a joint call the forum urged continued consultations that bring together diverse voices and create space for constructive engagement on the country's social, economic and governance priorities.

The convention is expected to issue a joint statement outlining key resolutions and commitments by stakeholders towards a peaceful 2027 election.

RELIGIOUS LEADERS CALLS FOR CALM AHEAD OF GENERAL ELECTIONS

Religious leaders from across the country have rised concerns about the general elections preparedness saying a lot has to be put in place to ensure there is no violence before and after the elections.

Gathered from the National church council of Kenya ( NCCK) SUPKEM,KCCB,and Evangelical churches  have called for end to goonism,abductions of government critics and taming of inflammatory statements from political class.The leaders reiterated the need for credible and peaceful elections as core to the future of a peaceful country Kenya.

The two day conference held at ufungamano house comes to an end tomorrow and aims at achievement a condusive environment towards a violence free general elections in August 10th 2027.

STANDARD GROUP EDITOR FOUND SAFE ADTER ABDUCTION

The Standard Group PLC is relieved to inform the public that it's Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich has been found safe this morning following his abduction along the Gilgil Nakuru highway last night by unknown people.

Mr Kiprotich was located by a Standard Group team led by the Group CEO Chaacha Mwita at around 6.30am near Masinga Dam after being dumped by his captors in the early hours of the morning. He had sought refuge with a nearby family who took him in and cared for This follows persistent attacks to the government by the media house headlines and stories.

The standard group thanks everyone who mobilised through the night to search for him prayed for him and stood with this Group and his family through an anxious few hours  including the household that opened its doors to him.

According to chacha mwita the managing editor of the group circumstances of Mr Kiprotich's abduction remain deeply troubling and public will be updated in subsequent bulletins on the unfolding story.

SOUTH SUDAN URGED TO ACCELERATE EAC INTEGRATION AND POSITION ITSELF AS A REGIONAL HUB FOR INVESTMENT

South Sudan has been urged to accelerate the implementation of its East African Community (EAC) commitments and position itself as a strategic hub for investment, production, manufacturing and regional value chains.

The call was made at the EABC CEO’s Trade and Investment Roundtable in Juba, convened by the East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with the South Sudan Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SSCCIA) and GIZ bringing together government, private-sector leaders and regional stakeholders to identify practical measures for unlocking trade and investment opportunities.

Hon. Annette Mutawe Ssemuwemba, Deputy Secretary General of the EAC Secretariat, urged South Sudan’s public and private sectors to accelerate the coordinated and consistent implementation of EAC commitments to position the country as a strategic hub for investment, production, manufacturing and regional value chains. She applauded H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, for assenting to the EAC Treaty on 22 April 2026.

She highlighted progress in strengthening South Sudan’s legal and institutional foundations for integration, including the EAC Treaty Establishing Act, 2026, customs reforms and the Nimule–Elegu One Stop Border Post. She urged further implementation of the EAC Customs Union, Single Customs Territory, Common External Tariff, Rules of Origin and Common Market commitments.

Hon. Ssemuwemba also identified policy predictability, removal of non-tariff barriers, harmonised procedures, efficient trade facilitation and integration of services—including transport, finance, insurance, ICT, tourism and professional services—as essential to reducing the cost of doing business and attracting investment.

In his remarks, Hon. Amb. John Lual Akol Akol, Chairperson of EABC, called for stronger government–private-sector collaboration to remove barriers to trade and investment and strengthen South Sudan’s participation in the EAC market.

“We must move from regional commitments to practical action by removing barriers, improving connectivity and creating an environment where businesses can trade, invest and grow across East Africa.” said Hon. Amb. Akol.

He identified NTB resolution, implementation of EAC commitments, tax and regulatory harmonisation, improved transport and border procedures, access to finance and stronger regional value chains as priorities for enhancing competitiveness.

Mr. Ahmed Farah, Executive Director of EABC, said the EAC offers South Sudan access to a regional market of more than 331 million people and a combined economy of approximately US$357 billion, creating significant opportunities for trade and investment.

“South Sudan’s future cannot be imported. It must be produced, financed and built here, and then traded across East Africa.”

He urged South Sudan to use its import demand to identify local investment and production opportunities, particularly in livestock, agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, construction materials, logistics, tourism, finance and digital services. He also called for economic diversification and stronger agricultural investment in irrigation, processing, storage and value addition.

Mr. Farah further urged businesses to become more bankable and investment-ready, while encouraging financial institutions to expand access to working capital, equipment finance, insurance, leasing and digital payment solutions.

Hon. Dr. Woda Jeremiah Odok, Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), representing the South Sudan EALA Chapter Chairperson, Hon. Kennedy Aysason Mukulia, emphasised the role of Parliament in harmonising national legislation with EAC laws, strengthening oversight and removing barriers to trade and investment.

She highlighted the need to align national tax and business laws with EAC frameworks, strengthen trade statistics and harmonise standards. She also called for stronger NTB reporting and resolution mechanisms, faster implementation of One Stop Border Posts, pre-arrival customs clearance and adoption of the Authorized Economic Operators Programme.

Ag. Director General for Social and Political Affairs, stated that South Sudan has waived registration requirements (Alien Pass) for EAC citizens. He urged the private sector to report non-tariff barriers, including unlawful roadblocks and other impediments, to improve the efficiency of regional trade corridors.

Mr. Kur Nyok Deng, Secretary General, SSCCIA, called for stronger government–private-sector collaboration to identify business constraints, unlock investment opportunities and develop practical policy solutions. He reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to working with Government, EABC and the EAC to translate dialogue into investment, jobs and economic growth.

Hon. Wieu Wieu Mou, Deputy Chairman and Secretary General of SSCCIA, said regional integration offers opportunities to expand businesses, attract investment, create jobs and access wider markets. He highlighted potential in agriculture, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, transport, logistics and services, and called for stronger government–private sector cooperation to address transport costs, infrastructure gaps, access to finance and border challenges.

The panel session, “South Sudan’s Integration into the EAC and Private Sector Perspectives on Boosting Intra- and Extra-EAC Trade and Investment,” highlighted significant opportunities for South Sudan to deepen EAC integration, attract investment and strengthen its role in regional trade and value chains.

With accelerated implementation of EAC commitments, South Sudan can improve trade facilitation, reduce business costs and create a more predictable investment environment. The country has strong potential in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, renewable energy, ICT, tourism, logistics and manufacturing, providing a strong foundation for diversification, value addition and job creation.

The panel emphasised priorities including operationalising EAC Customs Union and Single Customs Territory arrangements, strengthening Rules of Origin, digitising customs, improving border infrastructure and strengthening NTB resolution mechanisms.

Participants also called for greater access to finance, insurance, leasing and digital payments, alongside increased investment in agricultural mechanisation, irrigation, storage, agro-processing and regional distribution. 

Improved transport, energy and digital connectivity, as well as stronger standards and certification, will further enable South Sudanese businesses to access regional markets. Tourism also presents significant opportunities through the country’s national parks and Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape.

The panelist  emphasized South Sudan’s next decade in the EAC should be a decade of implementation, production, value addition, investment and exports.