Author: Special Correspondent

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched a Minor Traffic Offence Enforcement Framework, commonly known as the new digital or instant traffic fine system. The framework, which took effect on 1 June 2026, was launched by NTSA in collaboration with the National Police Service, the Judiciary, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). According to NTSA, the framework implements Sections 117 and 117A of the Traffic Act. Road users who violate traffic safety rules will face the following fines and penalties: PSV-specific offences Public service vehicle (PSV) operators will face a wide range of fines…

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Tensions between Iran and the United States abruptly reignited on Tuesday after Washington blamed Tehran for downing a military helicopter, prompting retaliation from the Iranians and likely adding obstacles to ending the war amid weeks of deadlock. US President Donald Trump said in a social media post that the “Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache helicopters” while it was patrolling the Strait of Hormuz. “There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” Trump said. The US Central Command said on X that forces began…

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By Muchira Gachenge Prosecutions against constitutional judges, investigations under the banner of “state security”, and a growing number of corruption indictments have made Madagascar’s judicial system a central pillar of the transition regime’s strategy. In Antananarivo, the proceedings initiated against four judges of the High Constitutional Court (HCC) mark a significant turning point. The Public Prosecutor requested, and obtained, authorisation to prosecute four senior constitutional judges for “conspiracy to destabilise the state”, on the grounds that they had deemed admissible a petition seeking the removal of the President of the Refoundation. Justice Minister Fanirisoa Ernaivo, who had just returned from…

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Global health leaders have called for strengthened international cooperation to contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and prevent its spread to neighboring countries. Nearly 500 Ebola cases have now been confirmed in the deadly outbreak raging in central Africa, a WHO overview showed on Saturday, amid mounting concerns over the swelling scale of the epidemic. The global appeal for strengthened international cooperation came during a high-level briefing on Friday by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, or Africa CDC, and the WHO, which warned about the rapid spread of the Bundibugyo Ebola…

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A low hum rises above Kenya’s savanna as a drone sweeps across vast conservation lands, scanning terrain that would take rangers hours to cover on foot — part of a growing shift toward technology-driven wildlife protection powered by artificial intelligence and real-time data systems. The Kenya Wildlife Service, or KWS, is integrating AI-enabled surveillance, drone technology and digital monitoring platforms into its operations, allowing rangers to detect threats, track wildlife movements and respond to incidents in real time. The approach is aimed at tackling persistent challenges such as poaching, human-wildlife conflict and the management of vast, remote ecosystems in the…

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For the first time in years, Somalis endured a night of gunfire in the capital, Mogadishu, on Thursday, as political factions clashed over the extension of the president’s term. International observers have expressed concern, with the US embassy in Mogadishu calling the violence “reckless” and urging dialogue. Here is what we know: What sparked the clashes? President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s supporters changed the constitution in March laying out the framework for Somalia’s first direct elections, moving away from the clan-based system in which elders pick their representatives. But opposition parties and rivals strongly opposed the reforms and boycotted the vote,…

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By Otieno Bildad Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has defended the government’s plan to establish an Ebola isolation facility at Laikipia Airbase despite opposition from lawmakers. Speaking before the National Assembly Health Committee on Wednesday, Duale said the facility is part of a network of 23 isolation centres the government is establishing to strengthen preparedness against infectious disease outbreaks. He maintained that the project is provided for under the Public Health Act and does not require public participation. “We shall not consult. This epidemic does not require consultation. Before Kenyans die, the government has a responsibility to protect both Kenyans…

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Regional election observers have praised Ethiopia’s adoption of new electoral technologies and strong voter participation in its seventh general election, describing the process as a notable step in the country’s efforts to strengthen democratic institutions despite persistent security challenges. The polls on Monday were the second general election held since 2018 after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was elected. As one of Africa’s most populous nations and a key diplomatic player on the continent, developments in Ethiopia are closely watched by regional governments and international partners. Preliminary assessments released on Wednesday by observer missions from the African Union and the Intergovernmental…

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Israel said on Wednesday it had killed Hamas’ newly appointed armed wing chief in Gaza, days after it killed his predecessor, while intensifying military pressure in Gaza and expanding operations in Lebanon. The Israeli military said Mohammed Odeh was killed in an operation in Gaza on Tuesday. A relative of Odeh confirmed his death to Reuters and said the funeral would take place after noon prayers in Gaza City. Hamas has yet to issue an official statement. Gaza health officials said six people were killed and more than 20 others wounded in the same Israeli strike that destroyed an upper…

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By Regan Oluoch Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has suspended kidney transplant services at Mediheal Group of Hospitals in Eldoret, pending ongoing investigations into the facility’s transplant activities. According to the Ministry of Health, the decision follows concerns surrounding hundreds of kidney transplant procedures, reported at 372 cases, which are currently under review. The Ministry has not publicly disclosed detailed findings, stating that investigations are ongoing. Two Ministry of Health officials have also been suspended to facilitate the probe, according to official sources. The suspension has come amid public concern and ongoing scrutiny regarding the regulation of kidney transplant procedures…

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