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Kenya
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Home Blog Page 6

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur signs new contract

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has signed a new deal at the club.

The Uruguay international has made 122 appearances for the club since joining from Juventus in 2022.

The 28-year-old started as Spurs ended their 17-year trophy drought by beating Manchester United in the Europa League final last season.

Tottenham did not specify the length of Bentancur’s new deal, referring to it instead as “long-term”.

“I feel really good and I’m very happy to continue my story with this fantastic club,” he said.

“We have a new head coach, a new captain and I want to enjoy many more years at the club.”

Bentancur joined the club under Antonio Conte but the Italian only lasted another 14 months in north London before he was sacked.

Ange Postecoglou replaced the former Chelsea boss in 2023, before Thomas Frank took over from the Australian earlier this year.

“I’m extremely happy that Rodrigo has committed his future to the club,” said Frank.

“It shows his belief in what we are building here and that we are starting a journey which we hope will be really special.”

Arsenal open talks with Timber over new deal

Arsenal have opened talks with defender Jurrien Timber over a new contract.

The Gunners want to reward the Netherlands international for the impressive performances that have seen him emerge as a vital member of Mikel Arteta’s side.

Talks are at an early stage, but there is a will from all parties to reach an agreement to extend his stay in north London beyond his existing deal that expires in 2028.

The 24-year-old arrived from Ajax in a deal worth £34.4m in the summer of 2023, but his first season at the Emirates was ruined by an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in the opening game of the campaign against Nottingham Forest.

The injury saw him make just one more appearance all season, but he recovered to play 51 times during the 2024-25 campaign.

The defender has maintained his impressive form this season, playing a key role in Arsenal’s promising start to solidify his place as first choice right-back.

The club are also in talks with Bukayo Saka over a new long-term contract amid optimism that the England star will sign soon.

Key central defender William Saliba has already signed a new five-year deal.

Difficult to put timeline on Alisson injury – Slot

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says it is “difficult” to say when goalkeeper Alisson will return from injury.

The Brazilian injured his hamstring during the Reds’ 1-0 defeat by Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday.

A report in the Athletic, external claimed the 33-year-old would be out of action for about six weeks, which would see him return after the international break in mid-November.

But, after ruling Alisson out of Saturday’s trip to Chelsea (17:30 BST), Slot was reluctant to put a timeframe on the goalkeeper’s recovery.

“It depends on how fast his recovery goes,” said Slot.

“So, Saturday it’s clear [he’s injured], he’s not going to play for Brazil and I would be surprised if he would be there in the first game after the international break.

“But from there on, sometimes things can go a bit faster or a bit slower. It’s always difficult to say the amount of days and weeks, but for the upcoming games he will not be part of us or the Brazil team.”

Giorgi Mamardashvili, a £29m signing from Valencia last summer, is set to start in Alisson’s absence at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool remain top of the Premier League, despite last weekend’s defeat at Crystal Palace.

The Reds are hopeful striker Hugo Ekitike and winger Federico Chiesa will be available for the trip to Stamford Bridge, with both players set to train on Friday.

No problem with Bellingham, Foden or Grealish – Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel says he has “no problem” with Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden or Jack Grealish after the trio were left out of his England squad for next week’s games against Wales and Latvia.

Bellingham has failed to earn a recall despite returning from a shoulder injury, while Foden and Grealish also miss out despite returning to form with Manchester City and Everton respectively.

England boss Tuchel said Bellingham had wanted to be included in the squad, having spoken to the 22-year-old on the phone.

“He is a special player, and for special players there can always be special rules,” Tuchel said of Bellingham, who has made just one start for Real Madrid since returning to fitness.

“But we decided to keep with the straightforward decision of inviting the same group.

“Jude always deserves to be here. There is also the situation that he has not quite gathered his full rhythm again at Real Madrid – he has not finished a full match.

“He wanted to be called up. We had a phone call.”

Tuchel was keen to stress his positive relationship with Bellingham after he was forced to apologise to the midfielder earlier this year for calling his behaviour on the pitch “repulsive” during a live interview.

The German said he used the words “unintentionally” and would be more careful in future.

Asked if he had a problem with Bellingham, Tuchel said: “No. There is also no problem with Phil Foden or Jack Grealish either.”

Speaking to BBC Sport, Tuchel added: “This is the decision, if they like it or not. They know my appreciation, they know I clearly see and observe how good Phil is at the moment for Manchester City.

“Jack knows that I see how influential he is for Everton and is on the way to being the best version of himself. Jude knows he is a special player. He knows that I know he is a special player.

“So, they have to accept it and nothing changes this decision against them or for the other players. It does not change my appreciation for their talent and personality.”

Bukayo Saka replacing the injured Noni Madueke is the only change to last month’s squad, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Jarell Quansah retaining their places after being late additions last month because of injury.

The Three Lions face Wales in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday before a World Cup qualifier in Riga on 14 October.

If England win in Latvia they will need a maximum of two points from their final two qualifiers – against Serbia and Albania in November – to reach next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The Three Lions produced their best display by some distance under Tuchel’s leadership when they beat Serbia 5-0 away from home in Belgrade last time out.

Tuchel says that performance meant it was an easy decision to stick with largely the same squad, though “there are absolutely no guarantees” for any player when it comes to selection.

“We had the best camp, the best performance and it was only three and a half weeks ago. It wasn’t half a year ago or many months ago, so a very tight decision went in the favour of the guys who were in camp,” he told BBC Sport.

“Are there players who are out who deserve to be with us, yes of course. Are they big personalities? Are there special players out? Yes, of course, I think that will never change because we only have a certain amount of players to call up, but there is always a way back into camp.”

Tuchel added: “Foden is in a very good moment. Adam Wharton deserves to be with us. Curtis Jones and Trevoh Chalobah are getting minutes with their clubs.

“There are players who deserve to be here. Cole Palmer is injured and is a special player. It will always be like this.

“Are we a better team with Jude? Yes. But I told you before, what do we do if Jude is injured before the World Cup? Do we just cancel?”

Govt Raises Ksh193.8 Billion, Uses Part to Pay Eurobond

The government has successfully raised USD 1.5 billion (Ksh193.8 billion) from international investors and used part of the funds to pay off a portion of its Eurobond ahead of schedule.

In a statement on Friday, October 3, National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo confirmed the move, describing it as a milestone in managing Kenya’s debt.

He explained that the financing round was part of a strategy to reduce risks associated with debt repayments and improve investor confidence in Kenya.

“The Government is pleased to announce that it has successfully raised USD 1.5 billion (Ksh193.8 billion) from international investors and at the same time paid off USD 1 billion of the 2028 Eurobond ahead of schedule.

“This is the third such transaction since 2024, and it shows the Government’s firm commitment to managing debt more wisely, paying off loans on time, and protecting Kenyans from sudden repayment shocks,” he said.

Kiptoo disclosed that the funds were secured through two parts, a 7-year loan at 7.875% interest and a 12-year loan at 8.8%. 

According to the PS, combined, the terms gave Kenya an average borrowing rate of 8.7%, lower than what the country would have paid earlier this year.

“The money was raised in two parts; a 7-year loan at an interest rate of 7.875%, and a 12-year loan at 8.8%, together giving Kenya a better rate of 8.7%, which is 1% lower than what the country would have paid at the start of the year,” he added.

Kiptoo noted that the arrangement provides Kenya with much-needed flexibility in handling repayments.

“By securing this deal, the Government has also smoothened and lengthened loan repayments, giving Kenya more breathing space in managing its finances,” he further said.

Kiptoo further explained that investor demand for the bond exceeded expectations, signaling renewed global confidence in Kenya’s economic prospects.

“The response from investors was very strong. The Government asked for USD 1.5 billion, but investors offered more than USD 7.5 billion, five times the amount needed.

“Most of this support came from trusted international fund managers in the United States and the United Kingdom, showing that the world has renewed confidence in Kenya’s economy,” he stated.

Kiptoo said the benefits of the transaction go beyond immediate debt repayment, as it is expected to ease the burden on taxpayers.

“This success means Kenya will spend less on interest, ease pressure on taxpayers, and keep the economy stable while creating room to fund development priorities such as roads, health, and education,” the statement concluded.

This comes a month after President William Ruto said he intends to develop Kenya’s economy and make it self-reliant away from external lenders.

Speaking in Siaya County on Sunday, August 31, while gracing an interdenominational service, he observed that Kenya has the potential to develop its economy to compete with the other known ones across the globe.

He likened Kenya to Asian countries like Korea, China and Singapore which have grown to perform world economies in a short period of time.

According to Ruto, such successes can only be realised with political stability, thanking ODM leader Raila Odinga for embracing the Kenya Kwanza regime to create an enabling environment for growth.

“We are citizens of a great nation called Kenya, and it is our responsbility and up to us to change the destiny of this nation. What we have done to bring together people and assemble the broad-based government, is because it is necessary for the unity of this nation so that we can prosecute the important agenda of developing this nation and its transformation,” he said.

Ruto explained that Kenya’s undoing is the lack of goodwill to implement transformation.

He noted that the country has the resources and viable plans but fail at the implementation level due to unpatriotic holders of power and positions of influence.

“There is no shortage of resources and plans in this country. What stands between the greatness of the country and the present is a focused, patriotic and courageous leadership. I am confident about the future of this country. 

“Like the Korean, Chinese and Singapore transformed their countries, we can also change this Kenya in our lifetime and make it go to the first world. Singapore was on same level as Kenya 60 years ago, today they are in the first world as we still struggle in the third world,” he said.

Ruto noted that there were indicators for a transformed economy under his regime, adding that in less than 20 years, Kenya will undertake development projects without having to rely on external debts.

He explained that Kenya has the resources and minds to effect change, citing the apparent success of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), which he noted avails a pool of funds for investiment at the expense of external loans.

Ruto stated that reducing importation of basic commodities is also an indication of a thriving economy.

“Look at what we have done with the NSSF. In three years, we have double our savings. We had Ksh 320 billion, now we have Ksh 640 billion. What is going to happen in five, or ten or 20 years? We will not be borrowing money from outside but locally because we will be having enough savings. 

“Look at what we have done in agriculture; we have cut down the importation of sugar by 70%, cut the importation of maize by 70%, because we have invested resources in production,” he further said.

President Ruto Appoints 9 Ambassadors, High commissioners, and Consuls-General

President William Ruto has appointed nine senior diplomats to serve as High Commissioners, Ambassadors, and Consuls-General in Kenya’s foreign missions worldwide.

According to a Gazette Notice dated October 2, 2025, the Head of State appointed Anthony Mwaniki Muchiri as an Ambassador, and Florence Chepngetich Bore, who will serve as a High Commissioner. Lucy Kiruthu has also been named an Ambassador in the new deployment.

Others appointed to the prestigious diplomatic positions are Henry Wambuma, Abdirashid Salat Abdille, Joseph Musyoka Masila, who will serve as an Ambassador, Edwin Afande, who has been appointed as an Ambassador, Jayne Jepkorir Toroitich, and Judy Kiaria Nkumiri.

“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by Article 132 (2) (e) of the Constitution, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, appoint” the nine individuals “to be High Commissioners, Ambassadors, and Consuls-General in Kenya’s Foreign Missions,” the gazette notice reads.

The President has also appointed John Cox Lorionokou as the Registrar of Political Parties for a six-year term.

Additionally, Ruto named Agatha Wanjiku Wahome as the Assistant Registrar of Political Parties for six years. This appointment was also made under the Political Parties Act, with the President exercising powers conferred by section 34A of the Act.

In another significant appointment in the same notice, Ruto designated Claris Awuor Ogangah as the Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights for six years.

“IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by Article 250 (2) (c) of the Constitution of Kenya and in accordance with the procedure set out under section 11 (9) of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Act.”

President Ruto Issues Directive to All PSs as Gov’t Rolls Out NYOTA Program

President William Ruto has issued an update on the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) project, a government initiative supported by the World Bank which provides jobless Kenyan youths with up to Ksh50,000 in start-up capital.

The initiative will provide Ksh50,000 grants to each of the 70 young people selected from each of our country’s 1,450 wards, enabling them to launch business ventures.

In a statement on Friday, October 3, 2025, President Ruto announced that his administration has adopted a whole-of-government approach to delivering the NYOTA project, ensuring its smooth and successful implementation.

The Head of State convened a high-level meeting at State House, Nairobi, with Principal Secretaries to prepare for the nationwide roll-out of the project’s business support programme.

According to Ruto, all the Principal Secretaries will be in the 47 counties on Monday, October 6, to meet Governors, Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), and chiefs to sensitise the leaders and youth on the programme, and to align implementation at the grassroots.

“By involving leaders from the Executive, Legislature, and county governments, the process will be transparent and inclusive, ensuring that every young person has a fair chance to benefit. This Ksh5 billion programme will support 100,000 young people nationwide,” Ruto said.

“Through NYOTA, we are investing in our youth, unlocking opportunities, and driving enterprise and innovation across Kenya.”

The program is built on the success of the World Bank-supported Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP), which, over the years helped thousands of young Kenyans launch businesses, gain skills, and create jobs.

NYOTA aims to empower 800,000 vulnerable youths aged 18 to 29 across all 47 counties by establishing 110,000 youth-led enterprises and certifying 20,000 artisans through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) initiative.

It also aims to skill and connect 90,000 youths to employment, while training 600,000 on financial literacy and access to government procurement opportunities.

Through Component 2, implemented by the State Department for MSME Development via the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), the project will provide entrepreneurship training, business development services, and phased start-up capital to 70 youth in every ward.

After classroom training, each youth will undergo two months of mentorship and incubation support, followed by staged seed money, with continued guidance from business development experts to foster their enterprise growth.

NYOTA issued an update on Wednesday, August 20, announcing that the selection process has been successfully completed and that the shortlisted youths have already received notification messages.

It further congratulated all applicants who had been selected for the program.

“Out of the 1 million applications received in Phase 1 for the Business Support Grant, only 110,000 were required,” the statement read in part.

Kenya’s broader challenge remains job quality, with only 10% of the workforce in formal employment.

While the overall unemployment rate is 5.4%, youth unemployment stands at 8.4%, with most young people trapped in low-paying, unstable informal sector jobs.

With the population projected to hit 63.9 million by 2030, including 22.3 million youths aged 15–34, the pressure to create sustainable employment opportunities continues to mount.

Kiambu county government announces job vacancies; how to apply

The County Government of Kiambu, through the County Public Service Board, has announced a series of job opportunities across multiple departments.

In a notice on Friday, October 3, the Board outlined vacancies in the Departments of Administration, Finance and Economic Planning, Roads and Public Works, as well as the Department of Health Services.

According to the notice, the positions are available on contract terms and applications are open to suitably qualified individuals.

Under the Department of Administration and Public Service Management, the County is seeking a Director of Public Participation, with one position available.

In the Department of Finance and Economic Planning, three openings have been advertised, including the position of Deputy Director Supply Chain Management, Principal Economist, and Deputy Director Supply Chain Management.

The Department of Roads, Transport, Public Works and Utilities is also looking to recruit 30 drivers.

A major recruitment exercise has also been rolled out in the Department of Health Services, targeting 77 medical specialists. 

The positions available include fifteen posts for Obstetricians and Gynecologists, fifteen posts for General Surgeons, eight posts for Psychiatrists, eight posts for Paediatricians, eight posts for Paediatric Dentists, eight posts for Radiologists, eight posts for Maxillofacial Surgeons, and eight posts for Physicians.

Successful applicants in the medical field will be responsible for diagnosis, care, treatment, training, and supervision in various health facilities across the county.

The county is seeking specialists with at least three years’ post-internship experience, valid practicing licenses from the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, and recognized qualifications in their respective fields.

Applicants are required to submit cover letters alongside copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, testimonials, and identification documents. 

In addition, all applications must be addressed to the Secretary/CEO, County Public Service Board, P.O. Box 2362-00900, Kiambu. 

Submissions should be made in sealed envelopes, clearly marked with the position applied for, and delivered to the County Public Service Board offices. 

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, October 15.

The Board noted that no money should be paid to secure any of the positions, warning applicants against falling victim to fraudsters. 

It also noted that shortlisted candidates will be subjected to background checks with relevant agencies including the Kenya Revenue Authority, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Higher Education Loans Board, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Credit Reference Bureau.

The county reiterated its commitment to being an equal opportunity employer, encouraging women, youth, and persons living with disabilities to apply.

Relief for Kenyans as Tanzania Makes U-Turn on Ban Targeting Foreign Businesses

The government has assured Kenyans doing business in Tanzania that they will not be affected by the recently introduced Business Licensing (Prohibition of Business Activities for Non-Citizens) Order, 2025.

This follows a successful round of bilateral consultations between Nairobi and Dodoma, where both governments reached an understanding on how the new regulations will be applied.

Principal Secretary for East African Community Affairs, Caroline Karugu, said in a statement that the order would not disrupt the operations of Kenyan traders currently engaged in business in Tanzania.

“The United Republic of Tanzania reported that so far, no Kenyan business has been affected by the order and further reassured no Kenyan business will be affected even in future,” she said.

“We further encourage Kenyan nationals running businesses in the United Republic of Tanzania to engage the Kenyan High Commission in the event of any distress and for information.”

The Tanzanian government’s reassurances come after weeks of concern among Kenyans, especially following the order issued on July 28, 2025, which prohibited non-citizens from participating in a wide range of business activities.

Many feared the measures would lead to closures and job losses for cross-border traders, a significant number of whom are Kenyan nationals.

The order, gazetted by Tanzania’s Ministry of Industry and Trade under Government Notice No. 487A, was introduced after amendments to the Finance Act, 2025.

It reserves at least 15 business activities exclusively for Tanzanian citizens, including retail and wholesale trade, mobile money operations, repair of electronics, salons, parcel delivery, clearing and forwarding, tour guiding, real estate brokerage, and small-scale mining.

Non-citizens are barred from obtaining new licenses in these sectors, and existing permits will not be renewed once they expire.

Kenya had earlier raised concerns over the new directive stating that it risked undermining regional integration efforts under the East African Community, which guarantees free movement of labour and the right of establishment among partner states.

The diplomatic understanding is expected to calm anxieties that had gripped cross-border traders in recent weeks.

Two businesspeople granted bail in case involving imported goods amid fake milk concerns

Written by Kelly Were

Two businesspeople, Mohammed Abdullahi and Zamzam Ahmed, were granted bail by a Nairobi court after individually entering not guilty pleas to accusations of not presenting legal import documentation for their goods.

The two appeared in court on Thursday after being arrested for allegedly running their businesses in the Eastleigh area without the necessary order letters for imported products.

Represented by his lawyer John Swaka, Mohammed Abdullahi was charged with refusing to show the documents on October 1, 2025, as he sold milk products at BRT Com Wholesalers on Eastleigh Road.

His lawyer told the court that Abdullahi, a small-scale businessperson, had cooperated with investigators. Pleading for leniency, the lawyer asked for a cash bail of five thousand shillings.

The prosecution, however, objected to these simple terms and asked the court to impose additional bail conditions. The presiding magistrate, after considering arguments from both sides, decided that Abdullahi should be released on a cash bail of ten thousand shillings with one surety.

An additional order was issued by the court for the defense to receive all pertinent legal papers, which include copies of witness statements. The mention for Mohammed Abdullahi’s case is set for October 16, 2025.

In a related case, Zamzam Ahmed faced a comparable charge of failing to supply an investigating officer with order letters for imported items. This charge originated from operations at Hafla Wholesalers and Salama Wholesalers, also on Eastleigh Road in the Starehe Sub-County, on the first of this month.

According to the prosecution, Ahmed was selling dairy products and declined to provide the required documentation for goods ordered from overseas.

Zamzam Ahmed also pleaded not guilty in court. The magistrate subsequently released her on a cash bail of ten thousand shillings. A hearing for her case is scheduled in Court 6 on the sixteenth of this month.

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