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Kenya parastatals are no longer mere bureaucratic entities. They are engines of transformation, proving that government institutions can deliver impact, innovation, and accountability. Across energy, agriculture, tourism, finance, education, and water sectors, a new generation of parastatals is rewriting the narrative — placing service to citizens at the core of their mission.

From connecting remote villages to the national grid, to empowering tea farmers and diversifying tourism offerings, these agencies are shaping the country’s development agenda with remarkable consistency. Their achievements are not only measurable but deeply transformative, restoring public trust and delivering inclusive growth at scale.

1. The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC)
   REREC is lighting up Kenya’s development journey with purpose. Over the last two years, REREC has implemented 5,000 electrification projects, connecting more than 60,000 new customers across all 290 constituencies. Under a World Bank-supported initiative, the Corporation has developed 38 mini-grids in historically underserved counties and remote islands. In a bold move to support agricultural transformation, REREC is rolling out a Ksh 2.9 billion electrification program for the Galana Kulalu food security project, which includes two substations and 58 kilometers of power lines to reduce irrigation costs. Furthermore, the agency has mobilized over Ksh 4 billion through partnerships with county governments and the National Government Constituency Development Fund, enabling the rollout of more than 450 additional projects countrywide.
2. Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA)
   KMA has been instrumental in safeguarding Kenya’s maritime domain. KMA has significantly strengthened regulatory enforcement on safety, marine pollution prevention, and illegal fishing. Through enhanced port security and marine conservation frameworks, Kenya’s blue economy has become more resilient and sustainable. The Authority has also positioned the country as a regional maritime leader, actively participating in international platforms and advocating for equitable exploitation of ocean resources.
3. Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA)
   KTDA has remained the cornerstone of Kenya’s tea sector, especially for smallholder farmers. In the past financial year, KTDA paid out over Ksh 180 billion in bonuses, offering a lifeline to more than 650,000 tea growers. With the launch of the premium “Chai Gold” brand, KTDA is also diversifying Kenya’s tea portfolio. The agency has further enhanced its fertilizer distribution system and adopted advanced ICT solutions to improve transparency and traceability in the tea value chain.
4. Tourism Research Institute (TRI)
   TRI is playing a crucial role in shaping tourism policy and growth through evidence-based insights. The Institute has published groundbreaking research on post-COVID travel trends, domestic tourism patterns, and the potential of non-traditional segments such as eco-tourism and adventure travel. TRI’s collaboration with county governments and international tourism stakeholders has led to more targeted investment in tourism infrastructure and marketing. By institutionalizing data-driven planning, TRI is ensuring that tourism diversification is strategic, inclusive, and sustainable.

BEIJING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) — China has contributed its wisdom, solutions and strength to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and the advancement of sustainable development for mankind, according to a think tank report released on Sunday.

Titled “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains for Beautiful China and World: China’s Ecological Civilization Concept and Practice, and How They Inspire the World,” the report was jointly released by Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, and the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.

According to the report, China has demonstrated the global value of the concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” by solidifying global green consensus, stimulating the vitality of green transition, leading global environmental governance and jointly building a green Belt and Road.

In advancing the global green energy transition, China’s accelerated development of the new energy sector has enriched global supply and alleviated global inflationary pressures. For ten years in a row, China has led the world in both photovoltaic and wind power installations, contributing more than 45 percent of the growth in global non-fossil energy consumption, the report noted.

Meanwhile, China has partnered with over 100 countries and regions in green energy projects, with a large number of landmark energy initiatives and small-scale, people-benefiting projects taking root, effectively addressing electricity shortages and high costs in the host countries, according to the report.

China’s practices have proven that developing countries are fully capable of finding a balance between environmental protection and development and China has provided them with a pathway for their reference, the report said. ■

This photo shows a think tank report titled “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains for Beautiful China and World: China’s Ecological Civilization Concept and Practice, and How They Inspire the World.” (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

By John Kariuki

The High Court in Kerugoya has issued a conservatory order stopping the government from implementing a contentious decision to import 500,000 metric tonnes of rice duty-free. The directive, contained in Gazette Notice No. 10353 dated July 28, 2025, had been approved by the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries but is now suspended pending further hearing.

The order was granted on August 11, 2025, by Honourable Justice Edward M. Muriithi following an urgent application filed by the Farmers Party. The court certified the matter as urgent, citing the potential economic ramifications for Kenyan rice farmers. The case will be heard on August 14, 2025, for further directions.

According to the Farmers Party, the government’s decision posed a direct threat to the livelihoods of thousands of local rice growers, particularly in Kirinyaga County, Kenya’s rice basket. They argued that flooding the market with cheap duty-free imports would cripple local production, undermine the national food security agenda, and negate years of investment in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme.

In its earlier press statement, the party condemned the move as ill-advised, warning that it could reverse gains made in supporting smallholder farmers. The leadership emphasized that Kenya has the capacity to meet a significant portion of its rice demand if farmers are adequately supported with infrastructure, irrigation water, modern milling facilities, and fair market access.

Party officials stressed that the government should instead prioritize purchasing and distributing locally grown rice, coupled with investment in value addition, rather than opening the market to potentially subsidized foreign rice. They maintained that such imports would not only hurt farmers but also weaken the country’s resolve to achieve self-sufficiency in staple food production.

The court’s decision offers a temporary reprieve to farmers as the legal battle unfolds. The Farmers Party has urged rice growers, cooperatives, and agricultural stakeholders to remain vigilant and united in defending the local market, vowing to continue advocating for policies that protect and promote Kenyan agriculture.

BEIJING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) — China has stepped up efforts over the past 20 years to build an ecological economic system, fostering new growth drivers and advantages for development through high-level environmental protection, according to a think tank report released on Sunday.

Titled “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains for Beautiful China and World: China’s Ecological Civilization Concept and Practice, and How They Inspire the World,” the report was jointly released by Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, and the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.

China has charted a development path that converts the advantages of ecological resources into economic benefits by protecting the ecological environment, maintaining ecological functions, and leveraging ecological compensation mechanisms, the report said.

It added that the country has also designed a pathway to spur economic development by fully leveraging ecological advantages, including developing eco-agriculture, eco-tourism and eco-industry.

The report also noted that China leads the world in both green credit and green bond issuance.

As of the end of 2024, China’s outstanding balance of domestic and foreign currency green loans stood at 36.6 trillion yuan (about 5.13 trillion U.S. dollars), and its total green bond issuance exceeded 4.1 trillion yuan. ■

By John Kariuki

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has officially opened the newly constructed Garissa County Assembly chambers and offices, marking a major milestone in the county’s effort to strengthen governance and service delivery.

The modern facility has been designed to provide a conducive environment for members of the county assembly (MCAs) to carry out their legislative, oversight and representation roles effectively. It features a state-of-the-art debating chamber, administrative offices, committee rooms and modern meeting spaces to enhance efficiency and collaboration among lawmakers.

Governor Jama praised the project as a significant step toward empowering the assembly, noting that strong institutional infrastructure is critical to the success of devolution. “A functional and well-equipped assembly enables MCAs to deliver on their mandate and ensures better oversight, legislation and representation for our people,” he said during the opening ceremony.

The new facility is expected to improve working conditions for MCAs and staff while providing adequate space for public participation forums and stakeholder engagements. The improved assembly environment will also foster transparency and accountability by facilitating more inclusive and well-structured legislative processes.

The launch event brought together MCAs, county officials, development partners and members of the public, all celebrating a key investment that directly supports democratic governance at the county level.

BEIJING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) — A report released on Sunday expounds on China’s innovative approach in ecological conservation and its global impact.

Titled “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains for Beautiful China and World: China’s Ecological Civilization Concept and Practice, and How They Inspire the World,” the report was jointly released by Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, and the Research Center for Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.

The report provides a detailed introduction of the historical background, core views, and great significance of the Chinese concept “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,” and expounds on the concept’s theoretical innovation, its practices in China, and its global value. ■

This photo shows a think tank report titled “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains for Beautiful China and World: China’s Ecological Civilization Concept and Practice, and How They Inspire the World.” (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Nairobi – Republic of Kenya, August 8, 2025

IMCTC concluded today, Friday, a five-day specialized training course titled “Countering Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering – Foundational Level,” in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, as part of the strategic initiative “Capacity Building”, aimed at refining institutional and security capacities in Member States and strengthening their efficiency in countering financial crimes related to terrorism.

The closing ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Major General Luka K Kutto, General Officer Commanding Eastern Command of Kenya, along with other senior security and military officials, representatives from legislative, regulatory, and financial bodies in the Republic of Kenya, as well as IMCTC delegation and experts in countering financial crimes.

In his speech on the occasion, Major General Kutto praised the key role played by IMCTC in building the capacities of Member States and activating institutional partnerships to confront terrorist threats. He commended the course content and the wealth of its topics, emphasizing that enhancing coordination and exchanging expertise among countries is a key pillar in detecting terrorism financing networks and cutting off their sources.

The participants also expressed their appreciation for the professional and technical level of the course, highlighting the benefits they received from the interactive sessions, which covered: the legal framework for countering terrorism financing, financial analysis tools, mechanisms for international cooperation, and strategies for prevention and reporting. The course also included practical demonstrations and advanced training on the use of modern technologies in tracking and monitoring suspicious financial activities.

This course comes as part of a comprehensive series of training programs executed by IMCTC across various Member States, to support their national efforts to counter terrorism and strengthening the principles of international partnership, in line with the UN Security Council Resolutions and relevant international standards.

Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya is set to host the 25th edition of the East African Community (EAC) MSME International Trade Fair from November 1 to 10, bringing together thousands of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from across the region.

The milestone event, which rotates annually among EAC member states, will be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) and various other venues within Nairobi County. It will mark a major return for Kenya as host and is expected to draw significant attention from policymakers, investors, development partners and entrepreneurs.

Organised under the theme “Accelerating Regional Trade Through MSME Innovation and Integration”, the fair aims to enhance cross-border collaboration, market access, and policy dialogue to support the growth of small businesses.

Boosting Trade, Creating Jobs

Speaking during the official announcement on Thursday, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSME Development, Wycliffe Oparanya, said Kenya is committed to unlocking the potential of the MSME sector, which contributes over 33% to the national GDP and employs millions.

“The trade fair is not just a platform for showcasing products — it is a strategic forum for strengthening regional economic integration, building networks, and creating employment,” said CS Oparanya. “We are proud to welcome innovators, artisans, and business leaders from all EAC partner states to Nairobi.”

The Cabinet Secretary emphasized the government’s continued investment in MSME financing, training and digitisation, noting that the event will also feature capacity-building workshops and panel discussions on access to finance, regional trade policies, and e-commerce.

Celebrating 25 Years of MSME Collaboration

The 2025 edition will also celebrate 25 years since the inception of the regional fair, which has grown to become one of the most important platforms for MSMEs in East and Central Africa.

Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Chairman James Mureu described the fair as a “turning point” for East African MSMEs recovering from the impact of COVID-19, inflation, and rising production costs.

“This fair symbolises a quarter-century of resilience, innovation and partnership among our micro and small businesses. It is an opportunity to showcase locally-made products, share technology, and expand networks beyond national borders,” said Mr. Mureu.

MSEA is working closely with EAC Secretariat, Nairobi County Government, and private sector sponsors to ensure inclusive participation, especially for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

Thousands Expected to Attend

Organisers expect over 3,000 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors, including buyers from the region and beyond. Exhibits will cover sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, textiles, ICT, food processing, and creative industries.

Stalls are already being booked through the MSEA portal and at regional coordination centres, with priority given to enterprises that have demonstrated innovation or export readiness.

By Churchill Simiyu
Reporter Nairobi Kenya.

In a bold political maneuver poised to upend Kenya’s traditional power structures, the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Party has officially partnered with the fast-rising KIKAO Youth Movement, setting the stage for a youth-driven revolution ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Unveiled during a high-energy press briefing in Nairobi, the alliance was described by DNA Party Leader Hon. Geophrey Kanoti as a “revolutionary moment” and a definitive end to youth tokenism in Kenyan politics.

“Kenya’s youth are no longer knocking on doors. You are opening your own,” Kanoti declared, announcing the formation of the DNA Youth Movement, which will now serve as the party’s primary youth engine—powered by KIKAO’s expansive grassroots presence across 40 counties.
The announcement came with immediate structural impact. Several young leaders from KIKAO were appointed to top party roles, including Bright Shitemi, Chepkoech Towett, and Stanley Muchiri—signaling the party’s commitment to real, not rhetorical, youth inclusion.

Shitemi, who chairs the KIKAO Youth Movement, emphasized the significance of the partnership:

“Together, we will change the DNA of our leadership—and of our country.”

The collaboration promises to invest in youth through political education, policy development, and mentorship—offering a strategic platform for Gen Z and Millennial voices to shape Kenya’s political narrative, not just echo it.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Kanoti issued a rallying call:

“2027 will be the Youth Tsunami. The only question is—will you ride the wave, or watch it pass you by?”

With a clear generational shift underway, the DNA–KIKAO alliance could mark a defining moment in Kenya’s democratic evolution—one that places power not in the hands of the few, but in the future.

In the presence of His Excellency Major General John Nkoimo, General Officer Commanding Central Command (GOC) representing His Excellency the Chief of Defence Forces of the Republic of Kenya, IMCTC launched today, Monday, in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, a five-day specialized training course titled “Countering Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering – Foundational Level,” as part of the strategic initiative “Capacity” aimed at enhancing the efficiency of security and regulatory agencies in member states and strengthening their institutional capacities to counter financial crimes related to terrorism.

In his remarks during the opening ceremony, the GOC of Kenya’s Central Command emphasized the importance of collective action in countering the growing threats of terrorism financing, noting that the course organized and supervised by IMCTC represents a practical step towards strengthening the capabilities of Kenyan institutions in this field. He added that countering terrorism financing is a collective commitment that can only be achieved through integrated institutional coordination and effective international cooperation. He further stressed that this training course organized by IMCTC is a strategic investment in building skills, strengthening networks, and empowering institutions against illicit financial flows that fuel terrorist groups.

The course also aims to enable participants to understand the national and international legal frameworks related to countering terrorism financing and money laundering, further improve their skills in using modern techniques to analyze financial data and detect suspicious activities, and develop mechanisms for cooperation and information sharing among local and international entities.

This course’ participants include representatives from legislative and executive bodies, financial and regulatory institutions, and civil society organizations, as it will address seven main themes, including: the legal framework; sources and means of terrorism financing; financial analysis and detection mechanisms; international and regional cooperation; prevention strategies, awareness and training programs, and promoting a culture of reporting suspicious activities.

The course comes as part of a series of training programs conducted by IMCTC in member states to support their efforts to counter terrorism threats and cross-border crime, in line with international best practices and standards, and to enhance the integration of roles between different sectors to address those challenges.