EAST AFRICA TIMES

Reporting by Elijah Odanga  Nairobi business mogul  Mukhtar Rehemtulla Omar popularly known as Roy.  Mukhtar Rehemtulla Omar, popularly known as Roy, has spoken out for the first time since his acquittal in a high-profile case that once made national headlines. The retired police officer turned businessman, who now serves as Chief Executive Officer of the ROY Group of Companies, says the allegations that he illegally repackaged baby diapers in 2018 were part of a malicious scheme by business rivals determined to bring him down. “I have learned from my vast experience that business, just like politics, is a dirty game. Rivals can go to great lengths to tarnish your name, backstab you, and do anything to kick you out of business,” Omar told journalists. In 2018, Omar’s company imported more than 5,000 bales of Easy Diapers for sale in Kenya after what he described as a “careful market study.” He said the products were stored in warehouses as the firm secured approvals and c...

Reporting by Elijah Odanga The countdown has begun for the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS-2), set to take place from September 8–10, 2025 , at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Co-hosted by the Government of Ethiopia and the African Union , the summit carries the theme “Accelerating Global Climate Solutions: Financing for Africa’s Resilient and Green Development.” More than 45 heads of state and government , alongside policymakers, climate experts, financial institutions, civil society, youth representatives, and the private sector, are expected to gather in Addis Ababa. The summit will serve as a pivotal platform to advance Africa’s climate leadership, strengthen collaboration, and push for concrete financing commitments that translate pledges into action. Africa remains the region most vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing less than 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions . Rising temperatures, recurrent droughts, and floodin...

Reporting by Jameson Mutua  A women’s group by the banner Broadbased Queens has unveiled a new social empowerment initiative dubbed the Broadbased Wills Program, designed to advance political stability, foster national cohesion, and empower women through transformative development interventions. The program, which subscribes to and supports the national broad-based agenda, is championed under the shared vision of President William Samoei Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, with a focus on strengthening women’s roles in socioeconomic development. At its core, the initiative is anchored on four key pillars: the Social Health Authority (SHA), the Affordable Housing Program, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) support, and the Affirmative Government Fund. These pillars aim to provide women — especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds — with resources, skills, and opportunities to improve their livelihoods. The rollout will follow a structured two-phase approach. Phase...

 By James Mutua  Michael Mwangi (center), an occupational therapist from Mama Lucy Hospital, with Jane Wamugu (right) of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and Nicholas Otieno (left) during a media interview in Nairobi. Nairobi residents living with epilepsy and other neurological conditions are receiving a boost through a joint disability registration and medical assessment exercise spearheaded by the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) in partnership with the Kenya Association for the Welfare of People with Epilepsy (KAWE) and Nairobi County health officials. Speaking during the exercise in Kariobangi, Jane Wamugu, the Nairobi County regional coordinator for NCPWD, emphasized that epilepsy has long been recognized as a disability, contrary to misconceptions. “Epilepsy has been diagnosed as a disability since the inception of the council. The challenge is that awareness among the public remains low, and that is why we are here today,...

 By Jameson Mutua  SportyBet is making a bold return to the Kenyan market, positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing betting platforms built on innovation, convenience, and trust. Registration is quick and seamless, while account funding has been simplified for users. With M-Pesa Paybill 590555, players can deposit instantly through the SIM Toolkit. For even greater convenience, SportyBet also offers a direct online deposit option, allowing users to start betting without unnecessary delays. At the heart of the SportyBet experience is the Cashout Revolution, a game-changing feature that gives players full control of their bets: Regular Cashout allows bettors to secure profits or minimize losses before a match ends. Partial Cashout lets players withdraw part of their stake while keeping the remainder active. Auto Cashout enables users to set custom rules so bets are automatically cashed out when their preferred conditions are met. “Cashout is no longer just a feature but ...

 By Steve El Sabai  Families of young Kenyans killed during the 2024 Gen Z protests have delivered a defiant message to the state: justice cannot be bought. In a joint statement issued Tuesday, the bereaved families rejected government plans to compensate victims’ kin, insisting that no amount of money could erase the pain of lives cut short by state violence. The government, through a taskforce chaired by Prof. Makau Mutua, recently unveiled a compensation framework for victims and their families. While acknowledging the gesture, the families said their definition of justice goes far deeper than payouts. “Compensation alone, without truth, acknowledgment, accountability, and reform, is nothing more than blood money,” the statement read. “No family will accept their loved one’s life being reduced to a cheque.” The families laid out a five-point framework they believe must be honored before any true healing can begin. First, the state must openly admit that those killed were no...

By East Africa Times Reporter  Lieutenant General Pilot Al-Tahir Mohamed Al-Awad Al-Amin, Commander of the Sudanese Air Force, accompanied by the Commander of Sudanese Air Defense and members of the Sudanese Military Industry Corporation, conducted a visit to Pakistan. During the visit, the delegation met with the Pakistani Minister of Defence, the Chief of the Pakistan Air Force, and several senior officials. The visit resulted in the Sudanese Army’s Military Industry Corporation signing a defense contract with Pakistan exceeding $1.5 billion, according to ProPakistani, which includes:    10 K-8 Karakorum trainer/light attack aircraft     20 Shahpar-2 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)     150 YIHA-III UAVs     50 MR-10K UAVs     50 Ababeel-5 UAVs     Engines for MiG-21 fighter jets     150 ASV Mohafiz armored vehicles    Air defense systems of types HQ-9 and HQ-6 Media reports suggest that the contract i...

Reporting by Kelvin Malick  Law $ Legal Affairs  Law Society of Kenya President Ms. Faith Adhiambo addressing delegates at the Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort in Kwale. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is holding its Annual Conference 2025 at the Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Kwale County, attracting legal professionals from across the country to deliberate on matters affecting the profession and justice sector. The five day meeting, which began on Tuesday, August 12, will run until Saturday, August 16, and has brought together advocates, judges, magistrates, senior government officials, academics, and representatives from civil society and the private sector. The conference provides a platform for members to share experiences, examine emerging legal trends, and develop strategies for addressing challenges related to the rule of law, human rights, and access to justice. Opening the meeting, LSK President [insert name] said the forum is an opportunity to refl...

 By Brenda Oluoch  The Harm Reduction Society of Kenya is calling for urgent policy reforms to address the dangers posed by alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and hazardous pesticides.  Speaking during an interview at the Law Society of Kenya annual conference, the Society’s Secretary General, Dr. Kariuki Michael Ndung’u, a consultant paediatrician, epidemiologist, researcher and public health advocate  said evidence-based strategies could save thousands of lives. “Our focus is on four products that cause immense harm to Kenyans ,alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and pesticides, we want to protect non-users, especially youth and children, while helping current users transition to safer alternatives or quit altogether, ”said Dr Ndung'u. He welcomed recent proposals by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 and limit advertising.  “These measures will reduce access to alcohol by young people,”...

 By Enock Mwenga In a bold stride toward a healthier future, Kenya has officially launched a national declaration to eliminate Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), widely known as sleeping sickness. The milestone event was marked during a high-level breakfast gathering at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi, attended by senior government officials, public health experts, and development partners. Held under the inspiring theme "One Health, One Fight, towards a sleeping sickness free Kenya," the occasion underscored Kenya’s determination to eradicate this neglected tropical disease. Transmitted by the tsetse fly, HAT is a parasitic disease that, if untreated, can be debilitating or even fatal. The declaration affirms the government’s long-term resolve to protect both human and animal health from this zoonotic threat. The event was spearheaded by the Kenya National Public Health Institute (NPHI) in collaboration with the Government of Kenya. Guests were treated to compelling docu...

 By Kelvin Malick Serena Hotels ushered in a new chapter in guest engagement and regional tourism with the official launch of the Serena Prestige Global Loyalty Club App during a glamorous cocktail evening held at the Nairobi Serena Hotel. The event, which brought together distinguished guests, corporate partners, and longtime Serena loyalists, marked a milestone in the brand’s digital transformation. With live saxophone tunes, signature cocktails, and Afro-fusion rhythms setting the tone, attendees were treated to a celebration of innovation, tradition, and hospitality at its finest. Taking to the stage with warmth and vision, Mr. Ashish Sharma, CEO of Serena Hotels Africa, recalled the early days of the Serena Prestige Club. What began twelve years ago as a modest loyalty program, dependent on signed business cards and limited redemptions, has now evolved into a fully digital and borderless experience. “This is not just a digital upgrade,” Sharma noted. “It is a complete transfor...

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon issuing his address to the media By Cynthia Masibo   Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and media stakeholders have committed to strengthening collaboration ahead of the 2027 General Election, in a bid to enhance transparency, public trust, and the safety of journalists during the electoral process. The engagement forum, convened by the Kenya Editors’ Guild in partnership with the Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa, brought together senior IEBC officials, editors, and representatives from the Media Council of Kenya (MCK). Discussions focused on improving information sharing, updating cooperation frameworks, and addressing the growing impact of technology and artificial intelligence on election coverage. Opening the session, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon underscored the need to “learn from the past to better prepare for the future.” He outlined a five‑point commitment by the Commission, including early and struct...

By Jameson Mutua  In a bold political realignment, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has officially partnered with the KIKAO Youth Movement, marking a significant step toward transforming youth political engagement in Kenya. The collaboration culminates in the launch of the DNA Youth Movement—an energized platform that brings youth to the forefront of the country’s political discourse. Speaking during the partnership event in Nairobi, DNA Party Leader Hon. Godfrey Kanoti described the union as “a revolutionary moment,” signaling a decisive shift in youth inclusion. “Today is a turning point, a signal to the nation that Kenya’s youth are no longer knocking on doors. You are opening your own,” Hon. Kanoti declared. The KIKAO Youth Movement, known for its vocal grassroots advocacy, has now been fully integrated into DNA’s political framework, positioning the party as a new home for aspiring young leaders. Bright Shitemi, CEO and Chairperson of KIKAO, lauded the development as a c...

 By Jameson Mutua  TEAM EVOLVE leader Mr. Fred Ogolla addressing the press in Nairobi on Monday.  TEAM EVOLVE, a civic advocacy group led by Prof. Fred Ogolla, has issued a strong condemnation of the government's recent decision to allow the importation of 500,000 metric tons of duty-free rice. In a statement released today, the group warned that the move poses a serious threat to Kenya’s domestic rice industry, national food security, and economic sovereignty. The government, through Gazette Notice No. 10353 dated July 28, 2025, authorized the duty-free import of grade-1 milled white rice until December 31, 2025. TEAM EVOLVE argues that this decision undermines the livelihoods of local farmers and small businesses, while benefiting politically connected importers. “Kenya should be investing in agriculture to secure food sovereignty—not flooding the market with cheap foreign imports that destroy local industries,” said Prof. Ogolla. “This is not just poor policy—it is a b...

 By Jameson Mutua  BAHLITA Secretary-General Mr. Boniface Gachoka addressing the media in Nairobi on Monday.   The Bars, Hotels & Liquor Traders Association (BAHLITA) has made a passionate public appeal for ticket sponsorship to support thousands of disadvantaged football fans after more than 20,000 were left outside the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, during a recent CHAN tournament match. In a press statement issued Monday, BAHLITA Secretary-General Boniface Gachoka expressed deep concern over the locked-out fans, highlighting that only 44,000 spectators attended the match in a stadium that holds 60,000. “Despite the venue’s capacity, thousands of passionate Kenyans were unable to access the game due to lack of funds,” said Gachoka. “We are calling on Kenyan corporations, businesses, churches, bloggers, and civic-minded individuals to help sponsor tickets for fans—especially those in the ghettos, students, persons with disabilities, and low-income communi...

 By Jameson Mutua  The Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF), has launched a groundbreaking mobile science laboratory initiative aimed at advancing STEM education for girls in underserved schools across Kenya. The program seeks to bridge the gap in science education by delivering hands-on learning experiences directly to rural and marginalized communities, in line with ENAF’s overarching mission of promoting equity in education and empowering girls. The launch event attracted strong endorsements from key partners, including the British High Commission, the Malaysian High Commission, and the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Kenya Chapter — all of whom pledged continued support for ENAF’s vision. Dr. Riria, President and CEO of ENAF, described the mobile science labs as a transformative tool to inspire and engage girls who would otherwise lack access to practical science education. “We are targeting the underserved, underprivileged, marginalized girl — the one who ...