Mwea MP Mary Maingi has reaffirmed her commitment to improving the working conditions of rice farmers, emphasizing the need to enhance yields, improve the quality of rice, and ensure that farmers reap better financial rewards from their hard work.
As part of her efforts to modernize rice farming in Mwea, Maingi has overseen the full cementing of the K3 Canal in Mwea West, a crucial project aimed at improving water distribution. With this upgrade, farmers will now have a reliable and uninterrupted water supply, preventing wastage and optimizing irrigation efficiency. The improved infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance rice production, ensuring that farmers can cultivate their crops with minimal disruptions caused by inconsistent water supply.
Water is a critical resource for rice farming, and the completion of this project marks a major milestone in supporting local farmers. By reducing water loss and ensuring steady irrigation, the cemented K3 Canal will help maximize productivity and contribute to higher yields. This initiative aligns with Maingi’s broader agenda of creating long-term solutions that uplift the agricultural sector in Mwea, making rice farming more sustainable and profitable.
Maingi remains steadfast in her vision to modernize rice farming through strategic investments in infrastructure and better agricultural practices. Her leadership continues to prioritize farmer welfare, ensuring that they have the necessary support to thrive in an increasingly competitive agricultural landscape. With such initiatives, Mwea is poised to solidify its position as Kenya’s leading rice-producing region.
The MP has called on all stakeholders to support ongoing efforts aimed at transforming the sector, urging farmers to take advantage of the improved water infrastructure to maximize their yields. As she continues to champion agricultural development, her commitment to empowering rice farmers remains unwavering.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has reaffirmed Kenya’s position as a premier destination for world-class sporting events, celebrating the Magical Kenya Open as a key highlight on the international golf calendar. As the prestigious tournament unfolds at Muthaiga Golf Club, Miano emphasized that the event is more than just a competition; it is a testament to Kenya’s growing influence in global sports tourism.
Speaking at the tournament, Miano acknowledged the immense value the Magical Kenya Open brings to the country, not only by attracting top-tier golfers but also by placing Kenya firmly on the international stage. She highlighted that Kenya’s magic lies not only in its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also in its ability to host high-profile events that draw global attention. The tournament, part of the DP World Tour, continues to enhance Kenya’s reputation as a hub for excellence in sports and tourism.
Miano further underscored that Kenya is a nation of champions, a fact reflected in its ability to organize and execute world-class events such as the Magical Kenya Open and the WRC Safari Rally. These annual sporting spectacles serve as powerful platforms to showcase the country’s hospitality, infrastructure, and investment opportunities in the tourism sector. By consistently delivering such top-tier experiences, Kenya reaffirms its position as a leading destination for sports tourism.
As the competition intensifies at Muthaiga, Miano called on Kenyans to take pride in the nation’s achievements and embrace the opportunities these global events bring. With each successful edition of the Magical Kenya Open, Kenya continues to prove that it is not just a land of scenic beauty but also a land of action, ambition, and excellence.
The tournament remains a shining example of Kenya’s ability to attract and host elite sporting events, further boosting tourism and solidifying its place on the world map. Under Miano’s leadership, the Ministry of Tourism remains committed to supporting such initiatives that elevate Kenya’s standing in the global arena. As the Magical Kenya Open 2025 progresses, the world watches in admiration, witnessing yet another chapter in Kenya’s legacy of sporting brilliance.
Zetech University has embarked on a transformative partnership with Dr. Kevit Desai, CEO of Centurion Systems Limited, and Andre’ Varma to enhance industry-aligned training, entrepreneurship, and digital resilience. This collaboration aims to equip students with practical, market-driven skills while fostering innovation and commercialization.
Through this initiative, students will gain hands-on experience, turning ideas into thriving enterprises. Cybersecurity training will strengthen digital resilience, while global market linkages will open doors for local innovations and startups to access international opportunities. The partnership also emphasizes sustainability and capacity building in higher education, ensuring long-term impact.
To nurture problem-solving skills and disruptive thinking, incubation hubs, bootcamps, and hackathons will provide students with real-world exposure. This collaboration will unlock vibrant research opportunities, intellectual property commercialization, and dual training programs, ultimately shaping a future-ready workforce.
By bridging the gap between academia and industry, Zetech University is reinforcing its commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness. Stay tuned as we redefine the future of education!
Nairobi, Kenya – The closing ceremony of the IGAD States Learning and Exchange Visit, held at Ole Sereni, marked the culmination of a highly productive and insightful engagement among representatives from various countries. The event, attended by key stakeholders in land governance, provided a unique platform for sharing best practices, exchanging knowledge, and fostering collaboration in addressing land-related challenges.
National Land Commission (NLC) CEO CHRP Kabale Tache Arero, who graced the occasion, emphasized the significance of sustaining the momentum in land reforms across the region. In her address, she urged participants to implement the lessons learned during the exchange to drive meaningful change in their respective countries. She reiterated that effective land governance is critical in ensuring equitable development and sustainable resource management, underscoring the need for continuous innovation and inclusive approaches in tackling land governance challenges.
Arero expressed profound gratitude to Sweden for its invaluable support in the development of the Community Investigation Guidelines, a framework currently underway to enhance transparency and community participation in land-related processes. She highlighted the crucial role of international partnerships in advancing land reforms and ensuring that land administration systems remain participatory, accountable, and community-centered. Sweden’s support, she noted, is instrumental in reinforcing mechanisms that empower communities to have a stronger voice in land governance, ultimately leading to fairer and more transparent processes.
She further acknowledged the African Development Bank for its continued support in strengthening land governance initiatives and called upon the institution to maintain its assistance in addressing emerging issues identified during the learning program. The insights gained from the exchange visit, she observed, have unveiled new areas requiring urgent intervention, and with sustained support from development partners, countries in the region can effectively address these challenges while enhancing policy frameworks that promote equitable access to land and sustainable land use planning.
The success of the IGAD States Learning and Exchange Visit would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of the National Land Commission and the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development. Arero commended the two institutions for their leadership and coordination in ensuring the smooth execution of the program, which provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue and shape the future of land administration in their respective countries. Their dedication, she noted, reflects a broader commitment to promoting collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening land governance structures at national and regional levels.
As the learning exchange came to a close, Arero reaffirmed the need for sustained cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and robust institutional support to drive land reforms forward. The discussions and experiences shared during the program have not only deepened the understanding of land governance challenges but also provided actionable insights that will shape future policies and strategies. With continued commitment from all stakeholders, the region is poised to make significant strides in ensuring fair, transparent, and inclusive land administration for sustainable development.
Nairobi, Kenya – Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs, Geoffrey Kaituko, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of Kenyan seafarers. This follows a productive meeting with Adams Barasa and Brian Otiato from the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K), who paid him a courtesy call.
The discussions focused on strategies to safeguard the rights and well-being of Kenyan seafarers, both locally and internationally. Brian Otiato, a member of the newly established Seafarers Wages Council, and Adams Barasa, the International Advisor on Labour Matters to COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli, shared insights on key challenges facing the industry.
PS Kaituko emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and trade unions to ensure fair wages, improved working conditions, and better opportunities for Kenyan seafarers.
“The maritime sector plays a crucial role in our economy, and the welfare of our seafarers must be prioritized. Engaging key stakeholders like COTU-K is essential in addressing existing challenges and shaping a sustainable future for the industry,” said Kaituko.
The meeting comes at a time when the government is intensifying efforts to strengthen Kenya’s maritime sector and enhance employment opportunities for seafarers in global shipping.
Stakeholders remain hopeful that continued dialogue and policy reforms will lead to meaningful improvements in seafarers’ working conditions, reinforcing Kenya’s position as a key player in the international maritime industry.
The Kenya School of Government (KSG), in partnership with Public Service Governance (PSG), has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance in the public service. This was highlighted during a multi-agency summit on good governance, peace, security, and human rights, held under the theme “Come, Let’s Reason Together.”
The summit brought together key stakeholders to engage in dialogue on accountability, responsibility, transparency, and effective communication—pillars that form the foundation of a stable and progressive nation.
Speaking on behalf of KSG Director General, Dr. Tom Wanyama, the Acting Senior Director of Finance and Administration at KSG emphasized the need for openness in leadership. He noted that transparency in governance requires leaders to be accountable to the people, adding that KSG plays a crucial role in shaping public servants to uphold these values.
PSG CEO, Ambassador Esther Waringa, called on all stakeholders to fully commit to the principles of good governance. She stressed that a collaborative approach is essential in ensuring that governance structures uphold integrity, foster peace, and protect human rights.
The summit serves as a critical step toward reinforcing ethical leadership and strengthening governance frameworks in Kenya’s public service. It is expected that continued engagements of this nature will contribute to a more accountable and transparent governance system in the country.
Othaya Member of Parliament, Hon. Wambugu Wainaina, has reaffirmed his commitment to education by issuing bursary cheques worth Ksh. 4,075,000 to various day secondary schools in Mahiga and Karima wards. This initiative, part of his ambitious ‘Masomo Bora’ program, aims to make education accessible and affordable, ensuring that no student is forced out of school due to financial constraints.
Through this transformative program, each student enrolled in a day secondary school receives Ksh. 8,000, with parents required to pay only Ksh. 1,000 per term. The initiative provides much-needed financial relief, reducing school dropout rates and enabling students to focus on their education without the stress of unpaid fees.
Speaking at Munyange Day Secondary School during the bursary issuance, Hon. Wambugu emphasized the critical role of education in transforming lives and driving social development. He expressed his unwavering commitment to prioritizing education and urged parents to take full advantage of the program.
“I am a strong believer in the transformative power of education, and I am committed to fostering equality through learning. This program is meant to ensure that no child is sent home due to a lack of school fees. However, I urge parents to play their part by ensuring their children attend school consistently and make the most of this opportunity,” he stated.
The Ksh. 4,075,000 disbursed marks a significant investment in the future of Othaya’s youth, strengthening the constituency’s education sector and promoting academic excellence. The ‘Masomo Bora’ initiative is not just about financial support—it is a deliberate strategy to curb school dropouts, empower students, and secure a brighter future for the community.
Parents, teachers, and local leaders have lauded the program, calling it a lifeline for many families who struggle to keep their children in school. With education at the core of his development agenda, Hon. Wambugu continues to champion initiatives that uplift the community, ensuring that every child in Othaya has an equal opportunity to succeed.
The Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Public Works held sessions with the State Departments for Housing & Urban Development and Public Works to consider the 2025/26 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) in preparation for the next financial year’s Budget.
Chaired by Hon. Johanna Ng’eno, the Committee was briefed on the Budget Implementation status of the financial year 2025/26. Key policies underpinning the expenditure ceilings and indicative performance targets linked to the policies and programs in the 2025 BPS, among others.
The Committee noted that the State Department for Housing and Urban Development (SDHUD) had utilized Kshs. 21,110.07 million out of the approved budget of Kshs. 85,195.80 million as of 31st December 2024 representing an absorption rate of 25%.
The committee members demanded explanation as to the slow uptake of funds in the 1st half of the year, which sought to be apprised on why markets stall, utilization of Boma Yangu proceeds and utilization of accrued interests of the Affordable Housing monies invested in Treasury Bills.
Speaking before the Committee Members, the Permanent Secretary for SDHUD, Mr. Charles Hinga attributed the slow absorption rate to delays in the disbursement of funds by the Affordable Housing Board caused by lengthy onboarding of Board onto Government payment system being a new state corporation. The Board came into being in March 2024.
The PS explained that the onboarding process was lengthy and involved the National Treasury and the Central Bank of Kenya. As a result, The Board only accessed funds in October, more than 3 months into the new financial year.
The PS assured the committee that the absorption in the last half of the year shall be much faster given the many contracts for construction of affordable housing in virtually every part of the country.
The PS informed the committee that there were 124k units under construction with another 121k awarded and under negation.
20th February 2025: MANSA, a global fintech innovator in cross-border payments, has announced the successful close of its $10 million funding round. This marks a significant milestone for the company in its mission to alleviate liquidity challenges for payment companies worldwide. MANSA’s stablecoin-based solution offers payment providers in emerging and mature markets a flexible and reliable way to manage liquidity challenges in cross-border payments.
MANSA has raised $3 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Tether and co-led by Polymorphic Capital with participation from other prominent investors, including Octerra Capital, Faculty Group, and Trive Digital. The fintech company has secured an additional $7 million in liquidity funding from institutions, including corporate investors, quantitative funds, and alternative investment firms. The funds will support MANSA’s further market expansion into Latin America and Southeast Asia, alongside the rollout of bespoke liquidity and ancillary solutions tailored to address complex cross-border payments needs.
Co-founded by Mouloukou Sanoh and Nkiru Uwaje, MANSA has deep expertise across traditional finance, payments, and Web3. The team shares a passion for innovation and is committed to transforming how money moves globally and building next-generation market infrastructure for payments and financial services.
“Securing $10 million in pre-seed and liquidity funding marks a significant milestone in our mission to transform the way money moves. By bringing payments on-chain and leveraging efficient liquidity solutions, we are addressing critical challenges in cross-border transactions—making payments faster, cheaper, and more reliable worldwide” said Mouloukou Sanoh, CEO and Co-Founder of MANSA. “This funding accelerates our global expansion, enabling us to empower payment companies with seamless, real-time settlement infrastructure and drive the future of payments”
Since its launch in August 2024, MANSA has gained traction by building partnerships with major payment companies across Africa, Asia, and South America. These strategic alliances have contributed to the proliferation of its instant liquidity solutions, resulting in $27 million in transaction volume to date, with nearly $11 million in on-chain transaction volume in January – reflecting a 574% growth from August 2024. MANSA leverages stablecoins, thereby reducing settlement delays and transaction costs, and giving payment providers the resources to scale their operations efficiently.
“MANSA’s vision for addressing liquidity challenges in cross-border payments aligns with our mission to create a more efficient and inclusive financial system. By leveraging USDT for real-time settlements and instant payouts, MANSA is solving critical pain points for payment companies operating in emerging markets. We are proud to collaborate with MANSA and support their efforts to reshape global payment infrastructure.” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether.
Strategic Expansion Plans The newly secured funds will be instrumental in MANSA’s strategic expansion into Latin America and Southeast Asia – regions where liquidity challenges hinder cross-border transactions. MANSA intends to expand its reach and influence by enabling faster, more affordable payment solutions through scaling its liquidity infrastructure and developing strategic partnerships.
MANSA’s commitment to financial inclusion and innovation is consistent with its objective to transform cross-border payments. The company’s solutions are intended to address global liquidity shortages and provide a faster, more accessible way for businesses and individuals to transact across borders.
Cross-border payments are at the heart of global commerce, yet many payment providers face significant liquidity shortages. These liquidity gaps can lead to delayed settlements and increased operational costs, particularly in emerging markets, where reliable and scalable solutions are scarce. Globally, the remittance already costs an average of 6.5% of the amount sent, disproportionately impacting developing regions. And with the total value of cross-border payments projected to hit $290.2 trillion annually by 2030, inefficiencies in the current system could cost businesses billions.
Many young people tend to overlook the importance of retirement planning, often believing it is something to think about later in life. However, financial experts agree that the earlier you start, the better. The power of compound interest makes a strong case for beginning your savings journey as soon as possible. When you start setting aside money in your 20s, you don’t just earn interest on your initial savings—you also earn interest on the interest accumulated over time. This continuous cycle of growth allows your money to work for you, ensuring financial security in your later years.
Delaying retirement savings can have significant consequences. Waiting until your 40s or 50s to start saving means missing out on decades of potential growth. A person who begins saving even a modest amount in their 20s is likely to end up with significantly more wealth than someone who starts saving a larger amount much later in life. The secret lies in time—your greatest asset when it comes to financial planning.
SasaPay is making it easier for people to take control of their financial future by offering a simple, affordable, and accessible savings solution. Whether you are employed, self-employed, or running a business, you can secure your future by developing a saving habit today. Every coin counts, and with the right plan in place, financial freedom in retirement is within reach.
