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.
The All Party Parliamentary Group for Africa (APPG) has released a pivotal new report emphasizing the critical role the UK can play in facilitating a just and rapid energy transition across Africa. Titled “Africa’s Just Energy Transition: How Can the UK Support?”, the report underscores the urgent need for high-income countries, multilateral institutions, and African nations to collaborate in addressing the continent’s energy challenges, climate vulnerabilities, and development needs.
Produced over an 18-month inquiry involving diverse stakeholders from Africa and beyond, the report highlights that while Africa has contributed minimally to global climate change, it bears the brunt of its impacts. Nearly 600 million Africans still lack reliable electricity, hampering economic growth and development. Meanwhile, Africa holds vast potential for renewable energy sources—including solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal—and possesses some of the world’s largest carbon sinks and critical minerals essential for a global clean transition.
Lord Oates, a prominent advocate and contributor to the report, stated, “To achieve a just energy transition in Africa that reduces energy poverty and accelerates development in a climate-friendly way, the UK, alongside other high-income nations and multilateral bodies, must step up. This is a partnership that can shape a sustainable future for Africa and the world.”
The report details a comprehensive set of nine recommendations for the UK government, focusing on delivering existing climate commitments, mobilizing domestic and international finance, fostering investment-friendly policies, and supporting African innovation and industrialization. Key strategies include enhancing the use of blended finance, expanding private sector investments, optimizing carbon markets, and strengthening regional cooperation through initiatives like Just Energy Partnerships (JEPs) with countries such as South Africa and Senegal.
In addition, the report advocates for innovative solutions like solar mini-grids, stand-alone renewable systems, and clean cooking technologies to rapidly expand access to electricity and improve living standards. It also emphasizes the importance of creating regulatory environments conducive to investment and supporting African efforts to mobilize domestic resources.
The findings and recommendations aim to inform policy debates and foster stronger partnerships between the UK and African nations in pursuit of a sustainable, inclusive energy future. The report has been circulated widely across both continents and is expected to influence future policy initiatives.
The full report is available for download on the Royal African Society’s website here.
As Africa continues to face the dual challenges of climate change and development, the APPG’s report underscores the vital role of international cooperation—particularly the UK’s—in ensuring a fair, equitable, and sustainable energy transition that benefits millions across the continent.
A coalition of 30 child-focused civil society organizations (CSOs) has called on the government to significantly increase the budget allocation for child welfare services in the upcoming 2025/26 financial year.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, the CSOs welcomed the recent creation of the State Department for Children Welfare Services and praised Kenya’s ongoing commitment to children’s rights as enshrined in the Constitution, the Children Act 2022, and international frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
However, the coalition expressed concern over the current funding levels, which they argue are grossly inadequate given that children make up 46% of the country’s population.
“With just over Ksh 11 billion allocated to the new State Department, this translates to only Ksh 260 per child for all welfare services,” the coalition said. “That amount is insufficient to effectively rescue, protect, and support our children.”
The CSOs warned that failing to invest in child protection has significant economic consequences, estimating the cost of inaction at more than $10.8 billion annually due to health and productivity losses.
To address the gap, the coalition is proposing a Ksh 4.5 billion increase for the Directorate of Children Services. The additional funds would be directed towards county-level operations, care reform, violence prevention and response, child participation programs, and staffing.
Breakdown of the proposal includes:
Ksh 1.4 billion for operations in 47 counties and 336 sub-counties.
Ksh 600 million for care reform initiatives such as family tracing and reintegration.
Ksh 600 million for addressing child abuse and violence.
Ksh 500 million to support child participation forums.
Ksh 400 million for positive parenting programs.
Ksh 1.29 billion to recruit more children officers and reduce the 40% vacancy rate.
In addition to financial proposals, the CSOs recommended institutional reforms, including the separation of Social Development Programmes from Children Welfare Services and the establishment of dedicated departments for Child Participation and Ending Violence Against Children.
They also criticized the misalignment of current budget indicators with the new mandate of the State Department and called for revisions in line with the National Care Reform Strategy (2022–2032).
The coalition flagged the unutilized Ksh 32 million Victim Support Fund, recommending its reallocation to support child abuse victims. They also urged the operationalization of the Child Welfare Fund, with a proposed annual allocation of Ksh 1 billion through 2030.
With over 26 million Kenyans under the age of 18, the CSOs stressed the importance of inclusive and child-friendly budgeting processes. They urged the National Treasury and Parliament to involve children in planning and decision-making to ensure their voices and rights are prioritized
Shadrack Otchere Founder Admission World Consult Limited adressing the media during the Edu fair event at Argyle hotel
NAIROBI, Kenya – May 17, 2025 By Brenda Asugu
The highly anticipated Edu-Fair Ignite 2025 officially took off in Nairobi today, uniting educational institutions from around the world with aspiring African students. Hosted at the Argyle Grand Hotel, opposite Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the international education fair marks a significant milestone in cross-border academic collaboration, thanks to a landmark partnership between Admission World Consult Ltd of Ghana and Kenya’s Jubilant Stewards of Africa.
The event drew participation from over 20 countries, including top universities and colleges from the UK, Canada, USA, and Europe, offering students a one-stop hub for international education guidance, admissions insight, and career mapping.
In his opening address, Jared Oundo, Director of Jubilant Stewards of Africa, underscored the transformative power of education and its role in shaping global citizens. “Today marks more than just an event—it marks an opportunity. An opportunity for discovery, connection, and transformation,” he said. “We are not just encouraging academic migration; we are empowering global citizens.”
Edu-Fair Ignite 2025 is more than an exhibition—it’s an interactive experience. Attendees engaged in exclusive one-on-one consultations with university representatives, participated in expert-led seminars, and joined panel discussions exploring emerging educational trends and challenges.
The event aims to bridge the gap between African talent and international academic institutions. “This fair is where questions are answered, dreams are nurtured, and careers begin to take shape,” said Oundo, encouraging students to dive deep into available opportunities
Since its inception in 2018, the Edu-Fair services has connected thousands of students with international institutions. The 2024 edition in Accra, Ghana, drew over 2,200 students and 89 institutions, resulting in numerous successful international enrollments. Nairobi is the latest city to host the initiative, with upcoming editions planned for Kumasi and Accra on May 21 and 23, respectively
Admission World Consult Ltd, a two-time recipient of the Ghana Business Standards Award for Educational Consultancy of the Year (2023 & 2024), and Jubilant Stewards of Africa, a community-centered NGO, share a mission to provide African students with tools to succeed globally. Their collaboration reflects a commitment to breaking down educational barriers and fostering inclusive development.
Organizers invited stakeholders, policymakers, and institutions to actively support the fair’s vision. The event also served as a platform for government ministries to articulate policy direction on international education and talent development.
As the event came to a close, a resounding message echoed through the halls: Africa’s youth are ready to learn, grow, and lead—and Edu-Fair Ignite 2025 is just the beginning.
