Kenya’s audiovisual sector continues to attract growing interest from international creative studios seeking to document authentic African stories and cultures.
Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke, EBS, today held a meeting with Karibimage International Studios, a production house focused on documenting localized African content in the broadcasting and audiovisual space.
Discussions explored opportunities to produce documentaries celebrating African cultures, lifestyles, societies and communities, alongside dedicated programming on fashion, culture and everyday life.
The engagement also highlighted the importance of empowering young creatives through storytelling that reflects shared human experiences across the continent.
The Karibimage delegation included David Destin, Founder and CEO; Jane Jaquin, Associate; and Brandon Opondo and Jeanne De Villeneuve from the Trade Department of the Embassy of France in Kenya. The company expressed interest in expanding its programmes across Africa, including in Kenya.
Belgut MP Nelson Koech has announced plans to support the family of one of the victims who died in the tragic helicopter crash that also claimed the life of Emurua Dikirr MP Johanna Ng’eno.
On Thursday, March 12, the lawmaker visited the family of the late Amos Kipngetich in Narok County, where he offered condolences and pledged assistance following the devastating incident.
“Earlier today, I visited the family of the late Amos Kipngetich at their home in Soget Village, Mogondo Ward, Emurua Dikirr Constituency.
“Amos was among the victims of the plane crash that claimed several lives, including that of my colleague, Hon. Johanna Ngeno,” he said.
Koech stated that beyond covering education costs for Amos’ sibling, he would also ensure that the victim’s immediate family members receive better houses.
“In addition to paying school fees for Amos’s sibling, as directed by H.E. the President, I will immediately commence the construction of houses for Amos’s mother and his brothers,” he added.
File image of Nelson Koech at Amos Kipngetich’s home
This comes a week after President William Ruto directed that the Shauri Moyo Housing Estate under the Affordable Housing programme should be named after Ng’eno.
Speaking on Friday, March 6, he explained that the move was to honour Ng’eno for his contribution to the Housing Plan.
Ruto revealed that the National Assembly Housing Committee had put forward a request to appreciate the work by the late MP, who was the Chair.
“The Committee recommended that one of the biggest estates in Nairobi, with more than 4,500 houses, called Shauri Moyo, should be named Johana Ng’eno Boma Yangu Estate.
“Therefore, I am directing the Ministry of Housing to rename the estate in commemoration of Ng’eno’s leadership and contributions,” he declared.
Ruto disclosed plans to honour a promise he made to the late MP to build a university in Emurua Dikirr Constituency.
He committed to give Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu, who was Ng’eno’s father-in-law, Ksh20 million to purchase land where the institution would be built.
Ruto also promised additional funding from the State Department of Housing.
“I have informed PS Hinga that the government will raise Ksh750 million to build the university and student hostels. I will be back in July for the groundbreaking ceremony,” he disclosed.
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has issued a notice reminding employers of their responsibility to deduct and remit employee health contributions on time.
In a statement on Thursday, March 12, the authority noted that employers are required by law to submit employee contributions within a specific timeline to ensure workers continue benefiting from health services under the national scheme.
“The Social Health Authority (SHA) reminds all employers of their legal obligation to deduct and remit employee contributions on or before the 9th day of the following month to ensure continued access to services,” the statement read.
SHA further called on employees to actively monitor their accounts and verify that their employers are fulfilling this obligation.
“Employees are also encouraged to regularly check their SHA status and confirm that deductions made by their employer have been received and reflected in their statement,” the statement added.
File image of a Social Health Authority (SHA) signage
To make it easier for members to confirm their contribution status, the authority provided several platforms through which individuals can access their records and report any irregularities.
“You can check your status through: profile under the Afyayangu portal www.afyayangu.go.ke, Afyayangu app, dial *147# or eligibility@sha.go.ke. If you notice that your contributions have not been deducted, remitted, or updated on time, report immediately,” the statement concluded.
The Blues defender had two years remaining on his previous contract but has now committed his future to Chelsea.
James has been with the Blues since he was six and has established himself as a key player in recent seasons after breaking into the first-team.
While injuries have limited his impact at times, the 26-year-old has managed to stay fit this term, making 35 appearances across all competitions so far.
James has weighed in with two goals and seven assists in those games and will hope to help Chelsea secure Champions League football for next season.
The Englishman has played 225 games for his childhood club, scoring 16 goals and assisting 31 others.
James deserves a new and improved deal given his services to Chelsea over the years, and he will be desperate to win the Premier League title with them soon.
The right-back has won the Champions League, Conference League, the UEFA Super Cup and two FIFA Club World Cups with the Blues.
James has watched Chelsea lose three FA Cup finals and one Carabao Cup final and will hope they can win the FA Cup this term.
They play Port Vale in the quarter-final and will fancy their chances of advancing to the semi-finals.
The Blues are back in Premier League action tomorrow when they host Newcastle United and a win will help boost their chances of finishing in the top-four.
Chelsea play Paris Saint-Germain afterwards on Tuesday in the second-leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, and they need to put up an incredible performance to progress following a 5-2 defeat in the first-leg.
James will look to inspire his teammates as they eye a comeback against the French club, and fans are eagerly anticipating the match.
Four of six crew aboard a US military refuelling aircraft have died after it crashed in Iraq, US Central Command (Centcom) says.
Rescue efforts continue after the loss of the KC-135, it said, having earlier said neither hostile nor friendly fire were involved in the downing of the aircraft.
The tanker had been involved in ongoing US operations against Iran, and was one of two aircraft involved in the incident, the military command unit said. The second landed safely, it added.
The Boeing-manufactured aircraft are capable of refuelling planes midair and typically play a major role in US military operations. They were used extensively in the first Gulf War to extend the range of fighter jets and bombers.
The KC-135 usually has a crew of at least a pilot, a co-pilot and a boom operator responsible for operating the refuelling arm of the aircraft.
Centcom described the crash as happening over friendly airspace, but this is a region of Iraq where pro-Iranian militias operate. Iran’s military claimed on state TV that an allied group had targeted the plane with a missile.
Since the outbreak of the US-Israel war with Iran, seven US soldiers have been confirmed as having been killed in the conflict.
The US military has now lost at least four aircraft during the current war.
Earlier this month, three F-15s were shot down in “an apparent friendly fire incident” over Kuwait, officials said. All six crew members were able to safely eject.
Boeing manufactured the KC-135 Stratotanker for the US military in the 1950s and early 1960s.
It has been a backbone to the US military’s air refuelling fleet, and allow combat aircraft to carry out longer missions without needing to land.
Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a partial closure at the Globe Roundabout to allow repair works on a bridge over the Nairobi River.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, KeNHA said the disruption will run from March 12 to March 19, 2026, as engineers undertake reinstatement work on the Nairobi River bridge at the busy junction.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority would like to inform the public that Thika Superhighway shall be partially closed at Globe Roundabout to enable the reinstatement works at the Nairobi River bridge,” the notice read.
KeNHA said the works will affect traffic flow along several routes connecting the Nairobi Central Business District and surrounding roads, urging motorists to follow the new traffic management plan during the period.
Motorists travelling from Thika towards the CBD will be required to use the Globe Overpass, while those heading to University Way will be redirected through Prof Wangari Maathai Road.
The authority also announced alternative routes for drivers accessing other key roads within the city.
“Traffic from Thika to Kirinyaga Road and OTC will use Ring Road, while motorists from Kipande Road heading to the CBD will use Limuru Road (Fig Tree) before joining Prof Wangari Maathai Road,” KeNHA said.
Drivers from University Way or the CBD who intend to make a U-turn at Globe Roundabout to head back towards Thika will instead use the Guru Nanak U-turn.
KeNHA urged motorists to remain cautious around the construction site and cooperate with officers managing traffic during the works.
“Temporary traffic control measures, lane management, or diversions may be introduced as technical investigations and stabilisation works progress,” KeNHA said in the notice.
He added that motorists should follow directions from police officers and traffic marshals on site to avoid confusion and ensure safety.
Globe Roundabout is one of Nairobi’s most critical traffic junctions as it connects several major roads leading to the CBD, Thika Superhighway, University Way, Kipande Road and Limuru Road.
The junction also links traffic heading towards Kirinyaga Road and the OTC area, making it a key entry and exit point for thousands of motorists accessing the city centre daily.
According to KeNHA, the Thika Superhighway remains one of the busiest transport corridors in the capital, serving commuters travelling between Nairobi and satellite towns such as Thika, Ruiru and Juja.
The temporary closure is expected to ease movement for engineers carrying out repairs on the bridge structure while maintaining traffic flow through the alternative routes announced by the highways authority.
Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) marked a major milestone on 12th March 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, with the launch of the Synodal Formation Manual.
This practical guide helps dioceses, parishes, and communities walk together in mission, communion, and participation, bringing the Synod on Synodality to life.
Created with guidance from bishops across the region, it includes training tools and songs, encouraging listening, dialogue, and shared responsibility as the Church in Eastern Africa continues its journey together.
The manual reflects the voices and wisdom of the entire AMECEA family, showing what can be achieved when the Church walks together. It invites everyone from bishops to parish members to take part in building a stronger, more united Church.
Through prayerful discernment and collaboration, it aims to strengthen the culture of encounter and inspire communities across the region to actively live out their faith.
Kirinyaga Senator James Murango has petitioned the Senate to address the long-standing land tenure crisis in the Mwea Settlement Scheme and the systemic delays in soil analysis services provided by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
Speaking on the floor of the House on Thursday, March 10, 2026, Senator Murango sought two separate statements from the Standing Committees on Land and Agriculture, emphasizing that these two issues were the primary bottlenecks hindering the economic potential of his constituents and Kenyan farmers at large.
The legislator first highlighted the plight of thousands of families in Mwea who have occupied their land since the 1950s but remain without formal ownership documents.
He noted that approximately 8,050 acres across Gathigiriri, Thiba, Tebere, and Wamumu Wards have never undergone formal adjudication, leaving residents in a state of perpetual tenure insecurity.
Senator Murango challenged the government to provide a clear timeline for mapping these villages and issuing title deeds, arguing that the lack of documentation had limited access to credit and public services.
“This has perpetuated insecurity of tenure, hindered planning and development, and limited access to public services and investment,” the Kirinyaga Senator stated during his address.
Turning his attention to the agricultural sector, Senator Murango criticized the current state of soil testing in the country.
He informed the House that many farmers were waiting far too long for results from KALRO, and that when the results finally arrived, they were often too technical for the average farmer to implement.
The legislator called for a decentralized approach and a more simplified reporting system to ensure that smallholder farmers do not waste money on the wrong fertilizers.
The Senator expressed his concern that the status quo had “left most farmers at risk of investing in costly farm inputs without commensurate yields,” and demanded to know what steps were being taken to expand access to these vital services.
Amazon just unveiled a new personality type for Alexa+. The “sassy” option is reserved for adults and the company claims it will throw out censored curse words from time to time.
Amazon describes this option as a combination of “unfiltered personality” and “razor-sharp wit, playful sarcasm and occasional censored profanity.”
We aren’t yet sure how the chatbot handles the censoring. Does it use a garden variety bleep or a replacement word like fudge or something? I managed to get it to say “damn” and “hell”, but couldn’t force anything more profane than that.
In any event, adult users have to jump through a couple of hoops to activate this mode. It won’t work if there’s an enabled Amazon Kids profile on the account and it requires additional security checks, like face scans.
The company also warns people upon being selected that the new tone could contain “mature subject matter.” I’m more afraid of the bot using “clever comebacks” to absolutely shred my buying habits. Yes, I buy bagged popcorn when I have plenty of uncooked kernels in the pantry. I’m working on it.
This is still Alexa+, despite the ability to drop colorful language every now and again. It’s not an adult AI companion like the anime-inspired weirdness Grok recently trotted out or whatever erotica-infused nonsense OpenAI has been working on.
This is just the latest personality type that the company has introduced for the chatbot. Users can also choose from sweet, brief or chill, with the last one resembling a surfer archetype.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Coast Regional office Thursday convened a multi-agency conference in Mombasa to enhance collaboration among criminal justice actors and deepen understanding of key prosecution policies.
The conference focused on the ODPP’s policies on the decision to charge, plea bargaining and diversion, which are key processes in the administration of criminal justice.
Coast Regional Coordinator and Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Joseph Kimanthi officially opened the one-day conference and outlined the mandate of the ODPP within the criminal justice system.
Kimanthi emphasized the importance of close collaboration among institutions involved in investigations and prosecutions to ensure efficiency and fairness in the administration of justice.
The conference was designed to provide a structured multi-agency platform for sharing information on the mandate and policies of the ODPP, with a focus on practical lessons drawn from investigation and prosecution processes.
The discussions also aimed at strengthening cooperation among agencies while enhancing appreciation of the ODPP’s role in the criminal justice system.
Deputy Regional Coordinator and Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Tito Wanga presided over the training, with several prosecutors facilitating sessions.
During the technical sessions, ODPP prosecution counsels Alex Ndiema and Martin Karuiki facilitated a presentation on the decision to charge, highlighting the legal and evidential considerations prosecutors evaluate before instituting criminal proceedings.
Principal Prosecution Counsels Franklin Sirima and Brenda Ogada took participants through plea bargaining.
Sirima and Ogada explained how the policy can help expedite the resolution of cases while ensuring justice is achieved.
“Plea bargaining allows an accused person to plead guilty to a charge through an agreement with the prosecution. It helps resolve cases faster, reduces court backlog, and allows the court to determine an appropriate sentence while ensuring justice is served,” the two stated.
The process starts with an accused person voluntarily admitting to the offense before recording a confession between a competent judiciary officer or a senior police officer from the rank of chief inspector.
On the part, Principal Prosecution Counsel Keya Ombele and Prosecution Counsel Martin Mbote delivered a presentation on diversion, stating the role of the policy in solving minor offences notably involving vulnerable offenders outside the formal court process.
Ombele and Mbote indicated that the policy only allows eligible cases to be handled through rehabilitation, reconciliation, and community-based interventions.
The conference was organized by the ODPP in partnership with Reach Out Centre Trust, a Mombasa-based organization involved in drug abuse prevention and rehabilitation.
The forum, held at Saphire Hotel, brought together officers from the ODPP, the National Police Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the State Department for Correctional Services (Probation), and the Children’s Department.
The participants ended the conference with a question-and-answer session to reflect on lessons learned while resolving to enhance inter-agency collaboration with a view to revitalizing access to justice in the region.
