Kenyans have been warned about the growing presence of cereals contaminated with dangerous levels of aflatoxins in local markets, raising concerns over food safety and the potential health risks posed to consumers. The alert follows findings by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), which revealed that some cereal samples collected from markets across the country contained aflatoxin levels far above internationally accepted safety limits. Speaking during celebrations to mark World Food Safety Day on June 2, KALRO Director General Patrick Ketiem disclosed that some products recorded contamination levels of up to 500 parts per billion (ppb), significantly exceeding…
Author: Davin Muthoni
United States President Donald Trump has nominated veteran diplomat Henry Wooster as the next US ambassador to Kenya, filling a position that has remained vacant for nearly 19 months at a time of heightened diplomatic engagement between Nairobi and Washington. The nomination, announced by the White House on Tuesday, is subject to approval by the US Senate. If confirmed, Wooster will take charge of one of America’s most strategically important diplomatic missions in Africa amid ongoing discussions over trade, regional security and public health cooperation. His nomination comes at a sensitive period in US-Kenya relations, with both countries navigating controversy…
Seven students being held by police over the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy have reportedly disclosed what drove the arson attack that claimed the lives of 16 learners and left several others injured. According to investigators, statements recorded from the suspects point to growing frustration among some Form Four students following a decision by the school administration to bring forward examination dates from 16 June to 2 June. Preliminary investigations have also linked the unrest to disagreements over funding for a cultural event. The students were reportedly unhappy after being instructed to contribute towards costs that had previously been…
President William Ruto has defended Kenya’s decision to support the establishment of an Ebola preparedness facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, insisting the move is part of a long-standing partnership with the United States and aimed at strengthening the country’s readiness against potential outbreaks. Speaking to the media on Monday evening, the President said the decision followed a request from U.S. President Donald Trump and was based on Kenya’s commitment to international cooperation in tackling global health threats. “Our partnership with the American government is a mutual agreement. When President Trump asked Kenya to support them by having a…
The High Court has issued fresh conservatory orders stopping the government from establishing or operating any Ebola exposure, quarantine, isolation or treatment facility in Kenya under any arrangement with the United States or any other foreign entity. The orders, issued after the Attorney General failed to appear in court, came in a petition filed by Katiba Institute challenging the alleged plan to host Ebola-related facilities in the country. “Since the respondents are not in court, it is ordered that pending the hearing and determination of the petition, orders will be issued in terms of prayer F, H and I….” Court…
President William Ruto has said he will accept the results of the 2027 General Election, pledging to respect the will of voters whether he wins a second term or is defeated. Speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday under the Kenya Kwanza administration, the President said he would step aside if he loses, but would also fully commit to governing should he be re-elected. The event, held amid appeals for political tolerance and national unity ahead of the polls, brought together top leaders including Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Speakers Moses Wetang’ula and Amason Kingi, Prime…
The High Court has temporarily barred the government from establishing or operating any Ebola quarantine, isolation, or treatment facility in Kenya under agreements with the United States or any other foreign partner. The court also prohibited authorities from admitting, transferring, or facilitating the entry into the country of individuals exposed to or infected with Ebolas under the disputed arrangement, pending the determination of the case. The conservatory orders were issued after the court certified as urgent a petition filed by the Katiba Institute challenging the reported agreement. The petition questions an alleged deal involving Kenya and foreign governments, including the…
The Judiciary of Kenya is developing a new artificial intelligence (AI) policy and practice directions aimed at regulating the use of AI in court processes following growing concerns over lawyers filing AI-generated documents and fabricated legal authorities. The proposed framework comes after several judges recently struck out pleadings after discovering that some submissions contained AI-generated content and non-existent case citations. Documents circulated to advocates for public participation show that the Judiciary intends to establish an AI governance framework as part of its wider digital transformation agenda. The Law Society of Kenya (Law Society of Kenya) said while inviting feedback from…
Public outrage has erupted following reports that the United States plans to establish an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in Kenya for American citizens exposed to the deadly virus, even as the Kenyan government defended the proposal as part of international health cooperation. Reports published by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal indicated that the Donald Trump administration intends to set up a quarantine facility in Kenya to monitor and treat Americans exposed to Ebola amid the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed ongoing discussions between Kenya and the…
Sixteen students have been confirmed dead following a devastating dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, while dozens of others were rushed to hospital after sustaining injuries. Police said 74 learners were admitted to hospital after the blaze broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning. According to an incident report filed at Gilgil Police Station, the school principal, Joycelene Muraguri, alerted authorities about the fire at around 3.30am. Police officers led by the Sub-County Police Commander, alongside detectives, responded to the scene and found one of the dormitory blocks already engulfed in flames. The affected…