Safaricom Foundation has funded a Kes 8.9 Million computer laboratory at Biringo SDA Secondary School in Kisii County.
The project funded by Safaricom Foundation’s Pamoja Scheme is set to enhance the learning experience while upskilling learners in digital skills.
The digital hub equipped with 39 computers, printers and projectors are set to integrate and streamline training at the institution, adding value to learners at the institution in line with the Competency Based Education (CBE) requirements.
The Pamoja Scheme by Safaricom Foundation enables Safaricom staff engage in a community project of their choice within the communities they serve.
“Technology has the unparalleled power to unlock the potential of our students by upskilling them digitally, aligning them to growing demands in technology skilling, while allowing them to deepening their research. This laboratory will integrate these learners’ studies giving them an opportunity to access quality education”, said Esther Waititu, Trustee, Safaricom Foundation.
The Foundation is also equipping teachers through a Scaling Digital Skills Program launched in 2024, aimed at supporting 35 Teacher Training Colleges with digital infrastructure.
This programme will upskill 20,000 teachers through technology to improve the quality of education across all 47 counties.
As part of its community investments, Safaricom Foundation set aside Kes 100 Million towards the Ndoto Zetu initiative which gives Kenyans to select projects they want funded in education, health and economic empowerment.
The Usamaria initiative is another project by the Foundation which supports patients from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by offsetting their medical bills in public hospitals.
A year after suspected camel herders torched homes and forced dozens of families to flee, displaced residents of Mutha Ward in Kitui South Constituency say they are still living in fear and uncertainty, unable to return to their land and rebuild their lives as insecurity continues to cast a long shadow over the once-quiet villages.
Kitui county commissioner Erustus Mbui conducted a high-level security assessment tour of areas whose residents were displaced last year following attacks in which houses and property were allegedly torched by suspected camel herders.
The Commissioner, who was accompanied by senior security officials, said the visit was aimed at evaluating the security situation and finding lasting solutions to the persistent tension and reported invasions that have left many families homeless and living in fear.
While returning from inspecting the remains of Kona Kaliti Police Station — which was destroyed during last year’s unrest — Mr Mbui’s convoy was ambushed at Kalalani by individuals believed to be camel herders. The group reportedly hurled stones at the vehicles, forcing the team to retreat.
Commissioner Mbui speaking during this tour urged residents to refrain from engaging in physical confrontations with camel herders, as the Government intensifies efforts to restore peace and stability in the region
“On our way back we were ambushed, but we did not retaliate. If we want these incidents to come to an end, we must avoid engaging in physical fights that could cost lives,” said the Commissioner.
He later held a tense consultative meeting with displaced residents in Musenge, where he cautioned locals against leasing their land to the herders, warning that such arrangements were undermining security operations.“If you do not want these people in your area, do not accept their money or any form of resources from them. It becomes difficult for security teams to remove them because they will always return to reclaim what they paid for,” he warned.
Residents, however, raised serious concerns over what they termed as collusion between some police officers and the herders, accusing the officers of failing in their duty to provide adequate security.
“The main challenge is that the OCS is allegedly collaborating with the camel herders, making it difficult for us to get justice whenever we report cases,” lamented one resident.
They also called on the Government to dismantle what they described as illegal camps established by the herders across the ward, saying their continued existence was fuelling insecurity and preventing displaced families from returning home.
Security agencies are now under increasing pressure to investigate the allegations, take decisive action against those found culpable, and restore public confidence as efforts to return normalcy to the troubled area continue.
Nedbank Group, South Africa’s fourth-largest bank, has secured a Kenyan regulatory waiver that clears the way for its plan to acquire about 66% of NCBA Group, one of East Africa’s biggest lenders.
Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) exempted Nedbank from a rule that would have forced the lender to make a mandatory offer for 100% of NCBA if it crossed key ownership thresholds.
“Nedbank Group is now pleased to advise shareholders and noteholders that on 19 February 2026, the CMA granted the CMA Exemption,” the lender said in the waiver update.
Without the waiver, Nedbank would have had to launch a full takeover bid, potentially increasing the cost and complexity of the transaction. The exemption allows the South African lender to pursue a partial acquisition of roughly two-thirds of NCBA.
The approval satisfies one of the core conditions attached to the January offer and maintains the deal structure. Nedbank Group plans to acquire about 66% of NCBA Group by purchasing shares from existing investors in proportion to their existing holdings, rather than making a full buyout offer.
Nedbank first announced the proposed transaction on January 21. The CMA approval was required by May 31, 2026. Without it, Nedbank would have likely proceeded with a full takeover offer for 100% of NCBA instead of the planned partial acquisition.
Nedbank said investors holding 77.54% of NCBA Group have agreed to accept the offer, up from 71.2% in January, giving it enough committed shares to secure its planned partial takeover and reducing the risk of the deal falling through.
The offer remains subject to other conditions, including additional regulatory and customary approvals outlined in the January circular. The transaction, if completed, would deepen Nedbank’s footprint in Kenya’s banking sector and could alter competitive dynamics in a market already defined by consolidation and cross-border expansion.
India and the US have deferred trade talks which were set to take place this week as they “study the implications” of the US Supreme Court striking down the Donald Trump administration’s global tariffs, an Indian commerce ministry official told the BBC.
An Indian delegation was due to travel to Washington this week to finalise the terms of an interim trade deal which was announced earlier this month.
The agreement reduced US tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, even though several aspects of it remained unclear.
The Supreme Court ruling has led to new uncertainties as Trump said he would impose global tariffs of 15% on all goods coming into the US.
It’s not clear yet what the court ruling and the new tariffs mean for existing trade deals between the US and other countries.
The new developments come after a chaotic few months for Indian exporters who have been grappling with 50% tariffs imposed by Trump, which came into effect on 27 August. The duties included a penalty for buying Russian oil, which Trump had long criticised.
The Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations has announced it is considering Thika Municipality’s application for conferment of city status.
In a notice on Monday, February 23, the committee invited members of the public to submit memoranda expressing their views on Thika’s bid for city status.
“In accordance with the provisions of Article 118 of the Constitution, the Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations now invites interested members of the public to submit any representations that they may have on the matter by way of memoranda,” read part of the notice.
Submissions may be sent to the Clerk of the Senate via P. O. Box 41842-00100, Nairobi, or hand delivered to his office at the Main Parliament Buildings in Nairobi.
Alternatively, members of the public can email submissions to clerk.senate@parliament.go.ke and copy to senate.devolution@parliament.go.ke.
File image of the Senate Assembly.
The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 9, 2026, at 5.00 p.m.
The committee also announced it will hold a public hearing on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Thika Municipal Chambers in Thika Town
“In addition, the Committee will hold a public hearing on the afore-mentioned matter on Friday, 6th March, 2026, at 10.00 a.m. at Thika Municipal Chambers, Thika Town. Members of the public are welcome to attend this hearing,” the notice added.
If approved by the Senate, Thika will become the country’s sixth city after Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
President William Ruto conferred the City Status on Eldoret on August 15, 2024, during an event at the Eldoret Sports Club.
“Now henceforth by dint of these presents and charter may it be known to all that Eldoret Municipality shall have the status of a city together with all such rank, powers, and responsibilities as are incidental to a city under the law and its name is decreed to be the city of Eldoret,” Ruto stated.
Nakuru was, on the other hand, granted city status in 2021 under the administration of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has sent mixed signals about his political future even as he declared interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial seat.
In an interview on Sunday, February 22, the MP suggested that his loyalty lies primarily with the electorate rather than any political outfit.
However, in the same breath, Babu declared his ambition to lead the ODM Party, sending mixed signals about his immediate plans within the party.
“My party is the people. We have seen people being elected even without parties. The first loyalty that I have is to the people. Once you are loyal and you work for the people, you don’t need a party. I will communicate about that. For now, we must be the ODM party leader. I must be the ODM party leader. I know that I deserve it and I am capable,” he said.
At the same time, Babu made it clear that his ultimate target is City Hall, expressing confidence that he will succeed Johnson Sakaja as Nairobi Governor.
He criticised the current county leadership and its working relationship with the national government.
“I will be the next governor of Nairobi County. Sakaja handed over his responsibilities to the president. He was simply saying that he is tired, he can’t do this work, help me. An incompetent national government comes in to help an incompetent county government.
“The governor became a different governor who cannot deliver services. They are saying Nairobi has technical issues, there is nothing technical about Nairobi,” he added.
Babu also drew a sharp contrast between his leadership style and that of Sakaja, pointing to his track record as Embakasi East MP.
“The difference between Sakaja and Babu Owino is that you are looking at a basket of knowledge. The difference is like the ground and the sky. Babu is a performer. Babu has performed at Embakasi East and Babu was ranked as the best MP in terms of performance rating for two consecutive years,” he continued.
File image of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino
Babu further framed his gubernatorial bid as a mission driven by service delivery rather than privilege.
“It shows you clearly that Babu can deliver and has always delivered from the university. We are going there not about beauty but duty. Babu came to Nairobi by bus, and Sakaja came to Nairobi by birth. I want to leave Nairobi a better place for those who came by birth,” he further said.
This comes months after ODM leader Oburu Oginga assured Babu of the party’s ticket for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027 if he wins in the nominations.
Speaking on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Oburu said Babu should not be worried about being denied the party ticket.
Oburu urged Babu not to walk away from the party, assuring him that he will not be denied the ticket since he has been a loyal member of ODM.
“I don’t see any issue with Babu Owino. I have heard he is troubled, thinking ODM might block his bid for the Nairobi governor seat, but I don’t understand why he feels that way. If he wins the nominations, there’s absolutely no reason he wouldn’t get the ticket.
“He shouldn’t walk away. We want the Nairobi governor race to be open and competitive. There is no need for him to panic; we wouldn’t deny him the ticket, especially since he is one of us and has been a loyal ODM member for years,” he said.
Babu had voiced his frustrations over what he perceived as unfair treatment within the ODM party, questioning why his loyalty and commitment seem unappreciated despite years of service.
Babu revealed that Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka had offered him a senior leadership role, a move that has made him reflect on how he is valued in his own political home.
“I haven’t yet joined the Wiper party. Kalonzo said, ‘Babu, if you come to the Wiper party, I’ll make you the Deputy Party Leader.’ Which means they wish me well, so why is it that in my own house, ODM, I’m not wished well? Even a polling station chairman position, I can’t be given?” he posed.
Babu also appeared to acknowledge that his chances of securing an ODM ticket for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027 may be diminishing, citing recent political developments as evidence.
“I’m a politician. I saw my brother Sakaja being endorsed at the Bomas of Kenya. Even when he was almost impeached, they saved him. Raila and Ruto helped him. That’s how I know my ticket with ODM is gone. Or will go,” he added.
Several people sustained injuries on Monday, February 23, following a collision between a passenger bus and a canter along Thika Road, near the Safari Park Hotel.
Preliminary reports indicate the crash occurred on the Nairobi-bound lane, causing significant traffic disruptions along one of the city’s busiest highways.
Photos and videos showed the bus lying on its side, while the canter had rammed into a roadside guardrail. Early indications suggest the accident may have occurred during an overtaking attempt.
Witnesses said that heavy rains and misty conditions contributed to poor visibility. One commuter told reporters, “It was rainy and a bit misty, and visibility was a bit poor as we were heading to the Nairobi CBD. Traffic was intense after the incident as it stretched all the way to Githurai.”
Both Nairobi-bound and Thika-bound lanes were affected, with congestion building over several kilometres. Police and emergency personnel were deployed promptly to manage traffic and extract the vehicles safely.
At the time of reporting, no fatalities had been confirmed, although several passengers were being treated for injuries sustained during the crash.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution while driving, particularly in rainy or misty conditions, to avoid similar accidents along the busy highway.
Hon. James Wanjohi, the Incoming Member of Parliament for Kabete Constituency, has announced a special empowerment scholarship program aimed at equipping youth in Kabete with practical and marketable skills.
In a public announcement titled “Empowering Kabete Through Skills,” Hon. Wanjohi unveiled the initiative in partnership with Wanjohi Technical Training Institute (WTTI).
Addressing members of the clergy and churches within the constituency, Hon. Wanjohi acknowledged the vital role religious institutions play in providing hope and spiritual guidance to their communities.
The empowerment drive comes alongside other youth focused initiatives which were led by Hon.Wanjohi, including the James Wanjohi Muguga Ward Pool Table Tournaments, which recently reached their finals on 22,February, 2026.The pool events are being held weekly in every ward within the county.
The recent tournament attracted hundreds of young people, offering them a constructive platform for engagement, mentorship and personal growth.
Participants credited the initiative with helping them stay away from crime, build confidence and overall, form positive social networks, while also competing for cash prizes ranging from Ksh 1,000 to Ksh 12,000.
Under the scholarship programme, Wanjohi noted that his commitment to youth empowerment and poverty eradication has inspired the launch of the sponsorship program.
The institute is currently enrolling students in professional courses including Barista Training (Professional Coffee Making), DJ Skills (Sound and Entertainment Management) and Digital Marketing (Social Media and Online Business).
Under the Wanjohi Scholarship Offer, tuition fees will be fully paid by Hon. James Wanjohi himself.People with Disability and orphans are fully sponsored…They are not supposed to pay even registration fees.
Interested applicants will only be required to pay a registration fee of Ksh 1,000.
However, in a special provision the letter described as being “in the spirit of compassion,” Hon.Wanjohi stated that all orphans and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will be exempted from the Ksh 1000 registration fee.
The letter has called upon churches to share the opportunity with their congregations to ensure that no talent in Kabete remains untapped due to lack of school fees.
Interested applicants can register by calling 0701 252 525 or by visiting their offices in any ward within Kabete Constituency.
Hon. Wanjohi expressed appreciation for community partnership in building a more skilled and self reliant Kabete.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three senior officials from the Garissa County Government over alleged fraudulent payments amounting to Ksh 51,495,516.
The suspects are Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Balambala Ward, Abdi Ibrahim Daar, who is also the sole director of Qorjarey Enterprise & General Supplies Limited, former Director of Accounting Services for Garissa County, Mohamud Dubow Korane and former Senior Principal Economist, Yussuf Bethe Ali.
According to the Commission, the arrests follow investigations into payments made to Qorjarey Enterprise & General Supplies Limited for goods and services that were never delivered.
The payments, which were made between August 2021 and September 2022, were purportedly for the supply of emergency relief food items and water trucking services.
EACC investigations established that the company was irregularly paid the full amount of Ksh 51,495,516 without any goods, works or services being provided to the County Government.
Further findings revealed that there was no approved procurement plan or budgetary provision for the purported services during the 2021/2022 financial year.
The Commission also noted that Qorjarey Enterprise & General Supplies Limited was not among the prequalified suppliers for the financial years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023.
Additionally, investigators found that documents were allegedly forged to facilitate and support the irregular payments.
EACC further alleges that Mohamud Dubow Korane and Yussuf Bethe Ali processed and approved the payments in favour of the company without following procurement procedures and despite the services not being rendered.
Investigations also revealed that Abdi Ibrahim Daar, who previously served as a Social Development Officer in Garissa County between 2018 and 2022, is the sole director and bank signatory of the company that received the funds.
Following completion of investigations, the Commission forwarded the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who approved charges against the three suspects.
They are facing multiple charges including conspiracy to commit an offence of corruption, abuse of office, forgery and fraudulent acquisition of public property under the Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act and the Penal Code.
The suspects, who were arrested on February 22, 2026, are expected to be arraigned before the Garissa Law Courts for plea taking.
In addition to the criminal proceedings, EACC has indicated that it will pursue civil action to recover the allegedly lost public funds.
A wave of violence has broken out in Mexico after the country’s most wanted drug baron was killed in an operation seeking his arrest.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, was the leader of the feared Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel and died after being seriously injured in clashes between his supporters and the army on Sunday.
Four CJNG members were killed during the operation in the town of Tapalpa, in the central-western Jalisco state, and three army personnel were also injured, the Mexican defence ministry said.
Retaliation for the drug lord’s death has seen violence spread to at least a dozen states, with CJNG blocking roads with burning vehicles.
Throughout Sunday there were reports of gunmen on the streets in Jalisco and elsewhere.
Eyewitnesses filmed plumes of smoke rising over several cities including Guadalajara – one of the host cities of the forthcoming Fifa World Cup.
Jalisco’s Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro declared a code red in the state, pausing all public transport and cancelling mass events and in-person classes.
Tourists who spoke to news agency Reuters described the resort town of Puerto Vallarta as a “war zone”.
Some 250 roadblocks were in place across the country during the unrest, with 65 in Jalisco, the BBC’s US news partner CBS reported. In its latest update, the Mexican security cabinet said four blockades remained active in Jalisco.
The cabinet says 25 people have been arrested, 11 for their alleged participation in violent acts and 14 more for alleged looting and pillaging.
Shops were on fire and about 20 bank branches were attacked in the violence, it added.
