The Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association (KEWOPA) has issued a fierce and unrelenting condemnation of the outrageous teargassing of students at Butere Girls High School—a vile, shameful act that has shocked the nation and laid bare the growing crisis of police brutality in Kenya.
In what can only be described as a grotesque display of state-sponsored violence, young schoolgirls were subjected to teargas within the very grounds that should shield them from harm—their classrooms. This was not only a reckless breach of duty by those entrusted with public safety, but a heartless violation of children’s rights, security, and dignity.
KEWOPA is appalled.
In a strongly-worded statement, the association termed the incident “unacceptable and deeply concerning,” demanding immediate investigations, full accountability, and concrete action to ensure the safety of children is never again compromised by state agents.
“This act is a stain on our nation’s conscience. Our children are not enemy combatants. They are innocent students who must be protected, nurtured, and shielded from harm—not brutalized with chemical weapons meant for riot control,” KEWOPA declared.
The association further decried the normalization of excessive force by police officers, calling it a clear sign of institutional decay and moral collapse within the enforcement ranks.
KEWOPA is calling on the Ministry of Education, the National Police Service, the Interior Ministry, and human rights watchdogs to act decisively and transparently. The nation cannot sit back and watch as its future—its children—is brutalized. Schools must remain sanctuaries of learning, not war zones.
KEWOPA stands united in defense of Kenya’s daughters. The time for justice is now.
The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, chaired by Sen. Julius Murgor (West Pokot) today heard responses from both law firms of Kaplan & Stratton Advocates representing Kenya Breweries Ltd. and Avocate Harrison Kinyanjui representing 125 former employees of KBL in an ongoing probe over unpaid compensation to former Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) employees who had been laid off.
The hearing, which follows a previous tense engagement by the Committee with the Advocates Complaints Commission (ACC), aimed to clarify issues raised in a Petition to the Senate brought by 125 aggrieved former KBL staff.
At the outset, Advocate Harrison Kinyanjui raised an objection on the issues being a live Judicial proceeding and therefor sub Judice, on the grounds that an imminent Hearing of settlement of final dues to all former KBL employees in this case was coming up for hearing on 2nd May 2025.
The lawyer cited Senate Standing Order 103, which restricts Parliamentary discussion on matters currently before the courts to avoid prejudice.
However, the Committee insisted on hearing the matter and Sen. Miraj Abdullahi referenced a Speaker’s Ruling of 2nd August 2018, noting that even if active judicial elements are present, the Committee retains discretion on whether to proceed with a hearing before it.
Sen. Gloria Orwoba further reinforced the Committee’s powers under Article 125(1) of the Constitution, affirming their authority to summon and gather information equivalent to that of the High Court.
Sen. Beth Syengo supported proceeding with the session, pointing out that the Committee is bound by petition timelines and cannot delay proceedings indefinitely in deference to Court schedules.
Kaplan & Stratton Advocates, represented by Advocate Peter Gachuhi, opened their submissions by distancing the firm from the central complaints in the petition.
Mr. Gachuhi emphasized that the core grievances appeared to relate to Client and Advocate issues between Harrison Kinyanjui on the one hand and the Petitioners on the other hand, and allegedly not Kaplan & Stratton.
“We paid the firm of Harrison Kinyanjui Adcocates the judgment sum of Kshs. 9,405,541 as ordered by the Court for remittance to the Petitioners.These amounts were made in full and final settlement and discharge vouchers were duly signed. Those are legal and binding documents,” stated Mr. Gachuhi.
However, the Committee pointed out discrepancies in the Consent which Mr. Gachuhi was citing with the Judgement, noting that this was only part of the payments to be made to the former employees.
In that regard, Sen. Gloria Orwoba drew attention to the Consent filed and co-signed by Kaplan & Stratton and Harrison Kinyanjui Advocate s, which referenced Paragraph 14 of the Court judgment—a section specifically dealing with withheld refundable deposits, not the one-month salary in lieu of notice referenced in paragraphs 18 and 20 of the Judgement.
Advocate Kinyanjui acknowledged this distinction, stating that indeed what had been paid by Kaplan and Stratton was paid to the Petitioners and that it wa “the full and final settlement was in respect to the withheld monies.” and not the one month notice payments which were still to be paid awaiting the outcome of an appeal lodged by KBL.
This I turn raised questions about whether Kaplan & Stratton Advocates had indeed fully complied with the judgment of the Court.
Sen Seki Lenku (Kajiado) noted Mr. Gachuhi’s hesitancy and suggested that the Committee could escalate the matter by summoning the CEO of EABL, KBL’s parent company.
Mr. Gachuhi, in response, requested the Committee to await the outcome of a related court ruling scheduled for 2nd May 2025.
This absolved Advocate Kinyanjui from blame before the Committee and points more squarely at Kaplan & Stratton’s failure to fully execute the judgment of the Court, especially in regard to the non payment of the one month damages for unlawful termination to the former employees.
The session was characterised by pointed inquiry by the Senators who pressed for clarity and accountability.
In terms of resolutions, the Committee directed the Advocates Complaints Commission to follow up with Kaplan & Stratton on the transfer of the outstanding sums of the one month damages to be remitted to Advocate Kinyanjui for forward transmission to the 125 Petitioners, with a firm deadline of June 2025.
Sen. Orwoba requested the Petitioners to apologise to Advocate Harrison Kinyanjui for the negative impression created that he had failed to account for their dues when this was not the case at all.
Sen. Seki equally requested the Petitioners to be patient in that regard and appreciate the work and effort of Advocate Harrison Kinyanjui which had been rendered pro bono to secure them Justice.
The Network Against Human Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants (NAHUSOM), a coalition of civil society and faith-based organizations, has raised the alarm over the disturbing rise in human trafficking for forced criminality involving Kenyan nationals.
In a joint statement issued Thursday in Nairobi, NAHUSOM—which includes groups such as Counter Human Trafficking East Africa (CHTEA), the Salvation Army, Sema Nami, among others—called on the Government of Kenya to urgently establish a Special Inquiry Commission to investigate the trafficking of citizens, particularly to conflict zones like Myanmar, where victims have reportedly been forced into cybercrime under duress.
The call follows alarming revelations from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. In February, the Ministry confirmed that several Kenyans were among hundreds of foreign nationals lured to Myanmar and held in fraud centres operated by armed rebel groups. According to the Ministry, victims were coerced into online crimes including fraud, phishing, romance scams, identity theft, and cryptocurrency scams—often under inhumane and life-threatening conditions.
NAHUSOM expressed deep concern over this emerging form of exploitation, describing it as a chilling evolution of human trafficking. While the crime has traditionally involved forced labor, sexual exploitation, and domestic servitude, traffickers are now forcing victims to commit criminal acts. This trend not only deepens the trauma for survivors but also threatens Kenya’s national security and global cyber safety.
The network also drew attention to the ongoing suffering of Kenyan domestic workers in Gulf countries, where many continue to face abuse, exploitation, and even death.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts in rescuing and repatriating some victims from Myanmar, NAHUSOM emphasized the need for stronger and more transparent interventions. The network urged the state to establish a fully mandated commission to uncover the full extent of trafficking for forced criminality, investigate those involved, and ensure accountability for institutions, recruitment agencies, and individuals found complicit.
Additionally, NAHUSOM called for enhanced protections for Kenyan migrant workers and stronger reintegration support systems for trafficking survivors.
Reaffirming its commitment to the fight against human trafficking, NAHUSOM said it will nominate anti-trafficking experts to support the work of the proposed commission and collaborate with the government on efforts to protect victims, prosecute offenders, and strengthen prevention mechanisms.
“We urge immediate action to ensure that no Kenyan becomes a victim of such exploitative and criminal trafficking schemes,” the statement read in part.
The network concluded by calling on the government to act swiftly and decisively, saying it is a matter of national urgency and human dignity.
On April 5, 2025, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) launched a lion capture operation in Mutara-Rumuruti to address rising human-wildlife conflict. Lions have been reported to be preying on livestock, increasing tensions in the community.
During the search operation for the lions, the KWS Veterinary and Capture Unit came across a limping bull. Dr. Maurice Gichangi, a KWS vet, sought permission from the bull’s owner to provide care. With consent, he treated the animal’s injured leg—going beyond their call of duties to offer relief.
The lion search operation continues, aiming to relocate the lions and reduce the conflict. This incident highlights KWS’s commitment to both wildlife conservation and the well-being of communities.
Every action counts, and every life matters! By working together, we can ensure harmonious coexistence in our shared spaces for generations to come.
The Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) embarked on a transformative journey, ushering in new leadership focused on accountability, presence and purpose.
Senator Veronica Maina was elected Chairperson on 1st April 2025, leading alongside Vice Chair, Senator Hezena Lemaletian. Senators Beth Syengo, Mariam Omar and Esther Okenyuri continue their roles as Secretary, Treasurer and Organizing Secretary, respectively. They promised their commitment to creating a more inclusive and purpose-driven KEWOSA, ensuring that no woman is left behind.
KEWOSA is also confronting a national crisis, the rising tide of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. In a press statement this Wednesday, KEWOSA expressed its outrage over the increasing violence against women and girls across the country demanding action.
“We mourn the loss of 17-year-old Gaala Aden Abdi from Wajir, murdered for rejecting an arranged marriage. We remember the woman in Baringo, tragically killed by her estranged husband in front of her children. We stand with widows in Kisii and Nyamira, who are stripped of their dignity by outdated customs. These are not traditions they are crimes,” said Chairperson Sen. Maina.
While appreciating the government’s allocation of Ksh. 100 million under the leadership of the President to combat GBV and femicide, KEWOSA stressed that laws alone are insufficient without implementation. With counties like Nairobi, Kiambu and Nakuru grappling with alarming cases, KEWOSA is taking the fight to the grassroots. Each nominated senator has been allocated KSh 930,000 to lead advocacy and community sensitization programmes tailored to their constituencies.
“From advocating for gender desks in police stations, expediting GBV case prosecutions and promoting responsible media reporting, to fostering community-centered action and empowering survivors, KEWOSA is declaring: Enough is enough. Today’s message is not just a statement. It’s a call to action,” Sen. Maina affirmed.
KSG Director General Prof. Nura Mohamed, Ph.D, EBS and Principal of IPA Dr. Shabaan M. Suleiman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Kenya School of Government and Institute of Public Administration (IPA), Zanzibar to advance areas of mutual interest such as capacity development and research in various areas- governance, human resource management, and environment sustainability among others. Together with Prof. Mohamed from KSG, are Dr. Prisca Oluoch, Director Linkages and Collaboration and Ms. Elizabeth Ngava, Principal Administrative Office in the Office of the Director General.
The Kenya Women Senators Association (KEWOSA) embarked on a transformative journey, ushering in new leadership focused on accountability, presence and purpose.
Senator Veronica Maina was elected Chairperson on 1st April 2025, leading alongside Vice Chair, Senator Hezena Lemaletian. Senators Beth Syengo, Mariam Omar and Esther Okenyuri continue their roles as Secretary, Treasurer and Organizing Secretary, respectively. They promised their commitment to creating a more inclusive and purpose-driven KEWOSA, ensuring that no woman is left behind.
KEWOSA is also confronting a national crisis, the rising tide of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. In a press statement this Wednesday, KEWOSA expressed its outrage over the increasing violence against women and girls across the country demanding action.
“We mourn the loss of 17-year-old Gaala Aden Abdi from Wajir, murdered for rejecting an arranged marriage. We remember the woman in Baringo, tragically killed by her estranged husband in front of her children. We stand with widows in Kisii and Nyamira, who are stripped of their dignity by outdated customs. These are not traditions they are crimes,” said Chairperson Sen. Maina.
While appreciating the government’s allocation of Ksh. 100 million under the leadership of the President to combat GBV and femicide, KEWOSA stressed that laws alone are insufficient without implementation. With counties like Nairobi, Kiambu and Nakuru grappling with alarming cases, KEWOSA is taking the fight to the grassroots. Each nominated senator has been allocated KSh 930,000 to lead advocacy and community sensitization programmes tailored to their constituencies.
“From advocating for gender desks in police stations, expediting GBV case prosecutions and promoting responsible media reporting, to fostering community-centered action and empowering survivors, KEWOSA is declaring: Enough is enough. Today’s message is not just a statement. It’s a call to action,” Sen. Maina affirmed.
The ICC World Federation of Chambers (WCF) and the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KICC), in partnership with Absa Bank Kenya, host the WCF Africa Summit from 9 to 10 April 2025 at the KICC in Nairobi.
Nairobi, 8th April 2024 – Nairobi hosts delegates from over 70 countries during the World Chambers Federation (WCF) Africa Summit on 9th and 10th April 2025. This high-level summit, held in partnership with the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), the World Chambers Federation (WCF) and Absa Bank Kenya, is bringing together global and regional stakeholders in trade, investment, and development.
This landmark event is organised under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework to promote economic growth, innovation, and collaboration. Under the theme “Africa’s Global Future: Integrated, Innovative, and Sustainable, ” the summit will focus on innovation and digital transformation, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance trade. It will also address the integration of sustainability into trade and investment discussions, aiming for commitments to green growth, climate-friendly business practices, and strategies for inclusive trade that involve women and youth in commerce.
During the summit’s opening ceremony President Ruto emphasised the importance of Chambers of Commerce in pushing for trade integration especially in Africa.
“Chambers of Commerce are indispensable because they bring a proactive and a solution-oriented perspective thus the KNCCI and World Chamber Federation serve as vital bridges between government and enterprise helping businesses navigate risks, unlock opportunities and expand into global markets. Their advocacy and support empower local entrepreneurs to think globally and act boldly. In Kenya, we fully embraced this transformation and in 2022, 41% of our exports were destined for African countries. Our manufacturers and tech start-ups are expanding across the region demonstrating our strong conviction that Kenya’s and Africa’s fortune lies in intra-trade,” said President Ruto
On her part Absa Bank Kenya Business Banking Director Elizabeth Wasunna praised the efforts of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and the World Chambers Federation in providing a platform for a vital discussion on Africa’s trade and investment future.
“This forum gathers the right people, including government leaders, business leaders, and policymakers, to align on strategies that unlock Africa’s full economic potential. At Absa, we focus on strategically providing the necessary frameworks to support SMEs, including women, for growth in Kenya, across Africa, and globally. Our commitment to empowering Africa’s tomorrow together remains steadfast, and this summit presents an opportunity for Absa to demonstrate our dedication to advancing Africa’s economy,” said Wasunna.
“We know that Africa faces a big challenge of a financial gap of USD 100 billion annually, while governments build physical infrastructure, as Chambers of Commerce our focus is to form trusted networks enabling trade despite the physical limitations in terms of logistics in Africa, provide business intelligence information so that MSMEs can be able to trade across Africa and globally, and distribution solution mechanisms which KNCCI is best known to solve trade disputes,” said KNCCI President Erick Rutto.
The two-day summit will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and engaging networking sessions designed to drive Africa’s economic transformation and pave the way for the continent’s next era of growth and prosperity.
Kenya has been ranked as the fourth best-performing tourism destination in Africa, a recognition announced during the 2nd UN Tourism Africa and Americas Ministerial Summit held in Livingstone, Zambia. The accolade is a testament to Kenya’s growing appeal and the remarkable recovery of its tourism sector in the post-pandemic era.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, speaking in Mombasa earlier this year, released the Annual Tourism Sector Performance Report for 2024, revealing impressive growth figures. According to Miano, international tourist arrivals rose by 15%, reaching 2.4 million visitors compared to 2.08 million in 2023.
“These numbers are not just statistics — they reflect the hard work, strategic investment, and innovation that have revitalized our tourism sector,” Miano said. “Our aggressive marketing campaigns, product diversification, enhanced connectivity through new flights, and adoption of digital platforms have made Kenya a competitive global destination.”
Tourism earnings also saw a sharp rise, increasing by 19.79% from KSh 377.49 billion in 2023 to KSh 452.20 billion in 2024. Domestic tourism contributed significantly to this growth, with bed-night occupancy rising by 12%, from 4.6 million in 2023 to over 5.1 million in 2024.
Cruise tourism also witnessed a remarkable upswing. In 2024, Kenya welcomed 6,561 cruise tourists — a staggering 163.5% increase from 2,490 the previous year.
The recognition at the UN Tourism Summit solidifies Kenya’s position as one of the continent’s leading tourism destinations. Looking ahead, Miano expressed confidence in the sector’s future trajectory.
“Based on current trends and our growth strategy, we remain optimistic that Kenya is on course to welcome 3 million visitors by 2025, potentially generating KSh 560 billion in tourism earnings,” she stated.
Kenya’s diverse offerings — from wildlife safaris and cultural heritage to coastal retreats and adventure experiences — continue to draw international
By Churchil Barasa Nairobi, Kenya – April 9, 2025 You are cordially invited to Kenya High School, Nairobi, where the Kenya Education Fund (KEF) hosted an impactful Life Skills Workshop for Form 2 and Form 3 students. The event, held on the morning of April 9th, brought together students, parents, educators, and volunteers in a vibrant gathering centered on personal growth, mental wellness, and academic preparation.
The workshops were part of KEF’s broader initiative to empower its scholarship recipients with critical life skills throughout their four-year high school journey. A total of 365 students—205 from Form 2 and 160 from Form 3—benefited from the sessions, which focused on developing well-rounded, resilient, and future-ready individuals.
For the Form 2 cohort, this marked the second installment in the KEF life skills series. Students explored a range of topics including effective communication, self-awareness, drug awareness, character development, and reproductive health. The workshop also included academic and career guidance, where learners evaluated their community service projects and fine-tuned their action plans. A key highlight was a mental wellness session facilitated by KCB Foundation, which equipped students with practical coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety.
Meanwhile, the Form 3 workshop kicked off with a special parents’ meeting, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement beyond financial support. Discussions covered financial literacy and the shared responsibility of nurturing successful, ethical, and community-minded youth.
Form 3 students engaged in sessions on responsible social media use, decision-making, and problem-solving, along with personal resilience and talent development. They also reflected on their community service experiences and laid out plans for sustained engagement in their localities. KEF further supported them with new school uniforms, shoes, and essential textbooks, ensuring no barrier hindered their progress.
The workshops were enriched by the presence of over 30 KEF Alumni volunteers, who served as mentors, and a licensed therapist, who offered one-on-one counseling to support students’ mental health.
Through these workshops, KEF reaffirmed its mission to go beyond scholarships and invest in the holistic development of every student. As the students left the hall, many carried not just new knowledge and resources, but also renewed purpose and confidence.
