The vibrant MYWO Board Retreat in Sagana is a pivotal gathering driving transformative change for women across Kenya. Among the distinguished leaders present is the Principal Secretary Susan Auma Mang’eni of the State Department of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, alongside the Deputy Government Spokesperson, Mwanaisha Chidzuga.
In her compelling address to the MYWO Board members, the Principal Secretary emphatically called upon the board to harness its expansive grassroots network as a powerful catalyst for economic empowerment and inclusive development. She underscored the critical role of women at the community level as agents of growth and resilience, urging the board to amplify their impact by championing opportunities that unlock women’s potential across all sectors.
PS Mang’eni’s message resonated deeply, emphasizing that empowering women entrepreneurs is not merely a policy objective but a national imperative for sustainable economic transformation. She highlighted that women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of Kenya’s economy and stressed the need to support them through capacity-building, innovative financing, and improved market access.
She challenged the board to strategically leverage their unique position to foster innovation and scale grassroots initiatives that drive tangible change in communities. PS Mang’eni emphasized that inclusive development requires removing barriers women face, such as limited access to capital, training, and technology, and urged MYWO to lead in bridging these gaps.
Her visionary leadership embodies a new era for MSMEs, where inclusivity and grassroots engagement become the cornerstone of Kenya’s economic future. The Principal Secretary’s presence and stirring words serve as a clarion call to action—igniting renewed commitment to advancing women’s economic rights and uplifting communities nationwide.
The momentum at the MYWO retreat signals a bold step forward, propelled by leaders like Hon. Susan Auma Mang’eni who champion the empowerment of women.
In an era where true servant leadership is rare, Virginia Wachanga, the passionate and tireless Member of County Assembly for Hellsgate Ward in Naivasha Constituency, Nakuru County, has risen above the rest earning her place as one of the most outstanding and best performing MCAs in the region.
Against all odds, and despite persistent challenges such as limited funding from the county government and poor road infrastructure, Wachanga has continued to serve with distinction. Her leadership is not driven by politics, fame, or fortune, but by an unshakable commitment to uplifting the lives of the people she represents.
What sets Virginia apart is her relentless drive to deliver. She has shown that true leadership is not about the size of your budget, but the size of your heart. With minimal resources, she has managed to initiate and complete key development projects, from improving access to water and sanitation, to enhancing healthcare delivery and educational support for needy students. Her work speaks for itself transformational, consistent, and deeply impactful.
Wachanga has also emerged as a beacon of hope for youth and women empowerment. She has rolled out various initiatives aimed at nurturing talent, supporting small businesses, and creating opportunities for economic growth within her ward. Her mentorship and engagement with grassroots groups have created a ripple effect of hope and ambition among residents.
Known for her accessibility and hands-on leadership style, Virginia Wachanga doesn’t lead from a distance she is always in the field, walking side by side with her constituents, listening to their needs, and working tirelessly to address them. Her humility, grace, and unmatched work ethic have earned her deep respect across political divides.
Under her watch, Hellsgate Ward has witnessed not only development but also renewed confidence in what good leadership can achieve. Wachanga is the embodiment of servant leadership, a woman of action and vision whose service goes beyond words.
As Nakuru County continues to watch her star rise, many agree that Virginia Wachanga is not just a high-performing MCA she is a transformational leader, a voice for the voiceless, and a powerful example of what leadership should look like. Her journey is an inspiration, her impact undeniable, and her future nothing short of promising.
Members of Parliament have commenced review of the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 sponsored by Hon. Abdul Haro.
The Bill seeks to amend the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Act to provide greater clarity and structure on allowances for teachers and appointment in acting capacities.
Led by Committee Chair, Hon. Julius Melly, Members engaged stakeholders including the Teachers Service Commission, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET), the Attorney General, and representatives from the National Treasury.
One of the key proposals in the Bill is to amend Section 11 of the TSC Act by inserting a new clause (fa) requiring the Commission, “in consultation with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), [to] facilitate payment of allowances to teachers in the manner set out in the Fourth Schedule.”
Lawmakers’ noted that the clause seeks to formalize various teacher allowances, including house allowance, commuter allowance, hardship allowance for teachers in gazetted hardship areas and special duty allowance for teachers acting in administrative capacities or deployed to arid and semi-arid lands currently covered in the TSC’s regulations.
Teachers Service Commission opposed the amendments, arguing that the proposed clauses are already covered under the TSC Code of Regulations (CORT).
“These allowances are already provided for under the Code of Regulations for Teachers. Including them in the Act would create legal duplicity,” said the TSC Deputy Director Legal Services, Mr. Allan Sitima in a submission to the Committee.
“Responsibility allowances were scrapped following SRC’s advisory. We cannot reintroduce them without breaching the constitutional mandate of the SRC,” Mr. Sitima added.
KUPPET supported the Bill but recommended enhancing it further to safeguard teachers’ rights through collective bargaining.
“We propose an amendment stating that the TSC, in consultation with SRC and after negotiations with teachers’ unions, shall facilitate the payment of allowances,” said Hon. Omboko Milemba, MP and KUPPET official.
KUPPET also pushed for clauses to ensure risk allowances for teachers exposed to unsafe environments and enhanced pay for those with postgraduate qualifications.
Members of the Education Committee considered New Section 32A on Acting Appointments which proposes allowing TSC to appoint teachers in acting capacities for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of six months, provided they meet the prescribed qualifications.
Hon. Clive Gesairo expressed concern regarding reports of a large number of teachers serving in acting capacity without any allowances for a long period of time.
“There are too many teachers in acting positions without formal appointments or acting allowances,” said Hon. Rebecca Tonkei. “It’s unfair. We must protect them.”
Hon. Nabii Nabwera demanded that the TSC submit comprehensive data on all teachers serving in acting capacities and whether they are being remunerated accordingly. “We want to know the numbers, the cost, and if the budget covers this,” he said.
On acting allowances, KUPPET argued that the amendment would protect teachers from arbitrary decisions and ensure fair compensation.
“We have teachers who have acted in senior positions for many years without allowances. This Bill will provide legal protection and clarity,” said Hon. Omboko Milemba and KUPPET representative.
Public Service Commission, Legal Representative Ms. Jacqueline Mamina noted that allowances should be based in regulations which can easily be amended as needed. “If allowances are domiciled on Regulations, which are more flexible in terms of amendments. If you place them in the law, we would have to every time we want to add allowances or to remove would have to go through this regular process,” she added.
In their submission, the Attorney General’s office noted that passing the Bill in its current form would require amending or deleting overlapping provisions in existing regulations.
“There’s a need to harmonize the Bill with current subsidiary legislation to avoid inconsistencies,” a representative advised the Committee.
Committee Chair, Hon. Julius Melly requested National Treasury to submit a detailed financial analysis to understand the budgetary implications of the proposed allowances.
“While we acknowledge TSC’s operational mandate, the Committee is also keen to entrench accountability and fairness in the teaching service,” said Hon. Melly.
The Committee on Education is expected to review the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2024 prepare and table its report in the House.
Dr George Wachiuri is more than just a name in Kenya’s business landscape — he is a symbol of resilience, vision, and transformational leadership. As the CEO of Optiven Group, Dr Wachiuri’s journey from modest beginnings to becoming one of the country’s most respected entrepreneurs is both inspiring and instructive.
His path to success has not been without obstacles. In fact, Dr Wachiuri is a living example that the road to greatness is rarely ever straight. It is filled with detours, setbacks, and learning curves. But what sets him apart is his unwavering determination, patience, and a crystal-clear sense of purpose. Through every challenge, he has risen stronger, wiser, and more committed to making a difference.
Dr Wachiuri’s story is not just about personal achievement — it’s about building a legacy. Through Optiven, he has redefined the real estate sector, introduced innovative solutions for property ownership, and empowered countless Kenyans to invest in their dreams. His leadership is grounded in integrity, faith, and a people-first approach.
Beyond business, Dr Wachiuri is a passionate mentor, philanthropist, and public speaker. He believes that success is not just about profit, but about impact. Through the Optiven Foundation, he continues to support education, health care, and poverty alleviation programs across the country, touching thousands of lives.
In his own words and actions, Dr Wachiuri reminds us that success is not a destination, but a journey — one that demands consistency, courage, and character. His life is a compelling narrative of how purpose and persistence can transform dreams into reality.
In a bold diplomatic maneuver, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi officially presided over the inauguration of the Somaliland Liaison Office in Nairobi, just days after the Kenyan government initially halted the launch, citing procedural non-approval.
The event, held with grandeur and symbolic significance, signaled Somaliland’s growing assertiveness on the international stage, particularly in East Africa. President Abdirahman, renowned for his unwavering leadership and pursuit of recognition for the self-declared republic, used the Nairobi platform to reinforce Somaliland’s intention to deepen bilateral ties and economic cooperation with Kenya.
The ceremony drew a host of high-profile dignitaries, reflecting the regional weight of the occasion. Among the notable attendees were Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii, Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute, and several Members of Parliament from various counties. Their presence underscored a quietly growing interest in Somaliland’s diplomatic overtures and a broader conversation around its legitimacy and autonomy.
This high-level event follows a brief diplomatic standoff last week when Kenyan authorities halted the scheduled launch, arguing that it lacked the necessary governmental approvals. The decision sparked debate and speculation, but the swift reversal hints at ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations and a potential softening of Kenya’s stance toward Somaliland’s de facto independence.
With its Liaison Office now open in Nairobi, Somaliland aims to strengthen its political and economic footprint in the region. The office is expected to serve as a hub for trade facilitation, diplomatic engagement, and cross-border cooperation in sectors such as education, infrastructure, and security.
For Somaliland, which continues to seek international recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, this development represents a strategic leap forward. President Abdirahman’s diplomatic finesse and unrelenting advocacy for Somaliland’s visibility are slowly shifting regional dynamics and drawing attention from both allies and skeptics alike.
Whether this liaison office leads to formal recognition or serves as a symbolic gesture of strategic presence, it is a clear statement: Somaliland is ready to engage, ready to be heard, and no longer willing to be sidelined in the discourse of African diplomacy.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Leader Irungu Nyakera has sharply criticized the government’s decision to cancel the party’s venue booking at Kasarani Grounds, terming it a “direct assault on constitutionalism, the rule of law, and democratic space in Kenya.”
In a strongly worded statement, Nyakera accused the authorities of political sabotage after Sports Kenya revoked the party’s venue allocation, despite it being duly booked and paid for. He said the cancellation on what he termed as “flimsy and suspicious grounds” demonstrated open contempt for legal process and set a worrying precedent.
“This is not just venue politics, it is political sabotage that sets a dangerous precedent for authoritarian rule,” Nyakera said.
He warned that the decision undermines fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, including the freedom of assembly and political participation. “We urge the government to reconsider this unconstitutional action and respect the right of every Kenyan to assemble, organize, and participate in political life freely,” he added.
Despite the setback, Nyakera affirmed that the DCP launch will proceed as planned on 3rd June at Kasarani Grounds. He added that should access to the venue be denied, the event will be relocated to Thika Road.
“Come prepared. Come in comfortable shoes,” Nyakera said, signaling the party’s readiness to mobilize supporters regardless of the obstacles.
The move to block the DCP from holding its event at a state run facility has sparked wider debate about shrinking democratic space in the country. As the political season gains momentum, observers are watching how authorities handle public freedoms and political inclusivity.
The DCP leadership insists they will not be silenced, and that the movement to usher in a new era of development focused politics will push forward.
The Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), under the leadership of CEO Benta Opande, is taking bold and urgent action to confront the mental health crisis plaguing the education sector. With suicide and depression rising among teachers, and lifestyle diseases reaching alarming levels, KEWOTA has made mental wellness its top priority this May—recognized globally as Mental Wellness Month.
This month’s tragedy—the reported suicide of a mathematics and chemistry teacher from Gachie High School in Kiambu County—has underscored the painful reality facing educators. For KEWOTA, it is a call to action. “Every teacher we lose is a guiding light extinguished too soon. We must act now,” says CEO Benta Opande.
In response, KEWOTA is rolling out the 2024–2025 Teachers’ Mental Wellness Walk, with charity walks planned across five counties this Saturday. The movement will culminate in a national walk on Sunday, May 25, symbolizing a united front in the fight for mental wellness among educators.
More than just symbolic, these walks represent a growing national movement one that has already sparked the development of Kenya’s first-ever Teacher Wellness Centre. This pioneering facility will offer mental health support tailored specifically to the needs of teachers, including counseling, therapy, and preventative wellness programs.
“Our vision is clear,” says Opande. “We are walking to heal teachers, and in doing so, we are healing the nation. This is just the beginning.”
Through this initiative, KEWOTA is not only breaking the silence around mental health but also driving long-term solutions. With the support of communities, education stakeholders, and the public, the organization hopes to transform schools into spaces of safety, support, and wellbeing.
KEWOTA is calling on all Kenyans to join the movement through purchase of a T-shirt for Ksh 1,000. Show up. Walk with us. Speak out. Because when teachers heal, the nation begins to heal too.
Left to right: Dr. Pamela Levira – African Union, Ujunwa Ojemeni – E3G, Dr. Tedd Moya – University of Oxford, Anne Songole – CLASP Kingsley Ofei-Nkasah – GD Resource Center
By Churchill Simiyu
Nairobi, Kenya – Wednesday, 28th May 2025 In a major milestone for Africa’s climate leadership, the Just Transition Platform (JTP) officially launched the Principles for a Just and Equitable Transition during a high-level convening held at the Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi. The gathering brought together influential African experts and leaders in energy, finance, gender justice, and the world of work, sending a strong signal that Africa is ready to lead on its own terms in the face of climate change.
The launch capped a three-year journey that began with the platform’s establishment in 2022 and continued through extensive consultations, regional workshops, and validation processes. With co-conveners ClimateWorks Foundation and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Africa at the helm, the Just Transition Platform has grown into a credible and inclusive initiative focused on ensuring that climate action in Africa centers equity, justice, and local realities.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Pamela Levira of the African Union emphasized that the platform is not simply an academic exercise, but a dynamic space for African collaboration and solution-making. She highlighted that the principles reflect continental aspirations aligned with global frameworks, while also demanding that Africa’s needs, experiences, and leadership be recognized in international climate negotiations.
Ujunwa Ojemeni of E3G underscored the importance of rejecting top-down climate strategies that fail to resonate with African communities. She noted that for too long, Africa has been treated as a passive recipient of climate solutions developed elsewhere. The launch of these principles, she said, repositions Africa as a proactive shaper of its own climate destiny.
The principles unveiled cover five priority sectors—energy, trade and finance, the world of work, agriculture and land use, and the care economy—each grounded in a firm commitment to justice, sovereignty, and inclusive development. In the energy sector, the emphasis is on sustainable resource management, energy justice, and innovation. Countries are encouraged to adopt transition models that integrate local knowledge and technological advancement, ensuring communities have access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
For trade, investment, and finance, the principles advocate for fair systems that reduce structural debt and dependency, while emphasizing transparency, safeguards, and African-led partnerships. This vision challenges historical models where Africa’s wealth is extracted with little benefit to its people, calling instead for shared prosperity rooted in economic dignity.
Dr. Tedd Moya from the University of Oxford highlighted the critical role of labour in climate resilience. He stated that any successful climate policy must include social protection, decent work, and legally guaranteed rights for workers in both formal and informal sectors. He warned that without deliberate inclusion, climate reforms could deepen inequalities, especially for Africa’s youth, women, and vulnerable workers.
Anne Songole from CLASP spoke on the often overlooked care economy, reminding participants that unpaid and underpaid care work is at the core of African resilience. She called for gender-responsive climate action that values and supports women’s contributions, especially in rural and last-mile communities. The principles advocate for the transformation of care systems and the full inclusion of women in climate leadership across all sectors.
Kingsley Ofei-Nkasah of the GD Resource Center reiterated the importance of community-rooted action. He stressed that a truly just transition must challenge extractive models and promote African control over natural and financial resources. He pointed out that the transition must be informed by local realities, from energy poverty and land inequality to structural financial barriers.
The day’s program featured a dynamic session titled “Advancing Just Transition in Africa: Climate Change and the World of Work.” Government officials, civil society leaders, and international experts engaged in dialogue on how to harmonize national development goals with climate resilience, technological transformation, and social justice. The conversations reflected growing consensus that climate ambition must go beyond emissions reductions to tackle the deeper systemic issues that threaten African livelihoods.
With the unveiling of the Principles, Africa takes a confident step forward in demanding climate solutions that serve the people, not just the markets. The document lays a foundation for embedding justice across national climate plans, investment decisions, and development strategies. As countries prepare their next round of Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, the principles offer a timely and comprehensive framework to ensure that the transition is not only green, but also fair and inclusive.
The Nairobi launch marks a turning point where Africa no longer accepts externally imposed blueprints but instead offers its own, built from the ground up. The Just Transition Platform’s work sends a clear message: Africa’s transition will be African-led, socially just, and deeply rooted in the aspirations of its people.
With white cap is the three months tournament Sponsor Thomas Omollo who is a prominent businessman flanked by Kibera area chief Shaban Juma (right)and other area leaders .
A cash token of Sh.80,000 awaits the winners of the Directors Cup which kicked off over the weekend. Second runners up will pocket sh ,60,000 while the third winner will walk away with 40,000.The forth winner will receive 20,000 with other trophies awaiting the winners of various categories including Best player of the tournament. The tournament meant for Kibera teams in Langata constituency has been sponsored by prominent businessman Thomas omollo who doubles up as the Director of Saviour King Education.
The tournament sponsor promised to make the event exciting and entertaining in the entire tournament. He promised to extend the tournament to other regions and spread the excitement as a way of promoting local talent. The three months football tournament brings together 16 teams from the heart of kibera slums.
One of the teams featuring in the tournament lining up ahead of the kick off that got underway over the weekend
The tournament was launched on the 17th of May ,2025. The eight teams are featuring for the four matches played in the day.
It is a vibrant first edition that has brought on board both former league players and aspiring league players from all over kibera.
The edition as per its name, has seen players of all ages , community groups such as churches and reformed groups register for the event.
By Fred Maingi The proverbial 40 days of a thief appears to have knocked the door after the Ethics & Anti corruption commission,(EACC) send a strong warning to offenders that their days are numbered. The commission has subsequently send a strong warning to those involved in the vice to stop with immediate effect before the law catches up with them. The commission is further investigating 500 cases of forging of academic certificates which has reached an alarming rate. The chief guest Felix Koskei & Head of the public service warned the offenders they will be apprehended once caught. He said out of these,134 files have been completed with 85 of them being forwarded to the office of the Directorate of public prosecution and 33 matters pending in court .20 cases have been concluded in court resulting in 13 convictions and seven acquitted. The commission has also prioritised the recovery of salary and other benefits derived on the basis of employment acquired through fake or falsified records. In attendance in the well attended conference were the chair person EACC Dr David Oginde PhD,the chair person public service commission Ambassador Anthony Muchiri, EACC commissioners,and development partners among other officials.
