Ministry of Health headquarters at Afya House, Nairobi/FILEThe Kenya Accreditation Services (KENAS) has suspended standardisation accreditation for the National Public Health Laboratory Kenya (NPHL).KENAS cited non-compliance with updated ISO standards as the reason for the decision.In a letter to NPHL director Dr John Kiiru, KENAS Chief Executive Officer Dr Walter Ongeti noted that the laboratory had not transitioned from ISO 15189:2012 to ISO 15189:2022, as required under KENAS Circular No. 2 of 2023.“In view of the foregoing, KENAS was forced to proceed to the accreditation [suspension], in accordance with the provisions of KENAS Circular No. 2 of 2023, without further…
Author: by Allan Kisia
Ministry of Health headquarters at Afya House/FILEThe Ministry of Health has directed the Kenya National Public Health Institute (KNPHI) to strip its Deputy Director for Laboratory Services, Leonard Kingwara, of his roles.In a letter dated January 19, 2026, MoH explained that Kingwara is not registered with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB).The letter instructed acting KNPHI Director to immediately bar Kingwara from undertaking any functions related to laboratory services. The letter was also copied to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.According to the ministry, Kingwara is not authorised to practice within KNPHI’s laboratory services unit because he lacks the mandatory…
Ushiriki Wema Foundation chairperson Tessie Musalia (right) and Turkish Ambassador Subutay Yuksel sample coffee during handing over of state-of-the-art barista machines to Kenya Utalii College/HANDOUTKenya Utalii College has launched a new Barista Training Centre in a move aimed at expanding employment and income opportunities for young people in the hospitality and coffee sectors.The initiative has been supported through a partnership between the Republic of Türkiye, via the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), and the Ushiriki Wema Foundation.The collaboration seeks to equip Kenyan youth with practical, industry-relevant skills that respond to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the coffee…
Doctors performing plastic surgery procedure/HANDOUTKenyans are increasingly embracing plastic surgery as a way of enhancing their physical appearance, boosting self-confidence and improving overall well-being, with doctors reporting a noticeable surge in demand during the festive season.Medical practitioners say the end-of-year holidays, often associated with rest, reflection and self-renewal, have become a popular period for individuals seeking both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.With many people taking time off work and social obligations easing, the festive season offers an ideal window for recovery and healing.According to Dr Martin Ajujo, a plastic surgeon at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, the growing acceptance of plastic surgery…
Political activist Kasmuel McOure/XPolitical activist Kasmuel McOure has expressed confidence that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will withstand the internal disagreements currently affecting its senior leadership.In a statement, McOure downplayed claims that the party is facing collapse, saying ODM’s strength lies in its grassroots structures and long-standing supporters.He said ODM’s resilience is rooted not only in its leaders but also in the ordinary members who contribute to mobilisation efforts and electoral activities.McOure noted that internal disputes alone are unlikely to weaken the party, adding that any future challenges would more likely arise from neglecting the support systems that have sustained…
Kenya Diaspora Alliance chairperson Dr. Shem Ochuodho, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Officer at Jubilee Health Insurance Njeri Jomo, Bupa Global Kenya Chief Executive Officer and Principal Officer Uditha Jayaratne and Kenbright CEO and Chief Actuary Ezekiel Macharia at launch of Global Medical Cover/HANDOUTKenyans living abroad are set to enjoy improved healthcare services for themselves and their loved ones back home following the launch of a Diaspora Medical Insurance Cover in Nairobi on Monday.The new insurance product is a partnership bringing together the Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA), Bupa Global Kenya, Kenbright, and Jubilee Health Insurance.Under the arrangement, Jubilee Health…
Abdimalik Mohamed Issack, founder and director of Livemall Online Shop./HANDOUTDespite the rapid growth of e-commerce in Kenya, the journey to a fully functional and trustworthy digital marketplace remains fraught with challenges.Fueled by the widespread use of mobile money, improved internet access, and a youthful, tech-savvy population, online shopping has quickly become a part of daily life.For Abdimalik Mohamed Issack, founder and director of Livemall Online Shop, a Nairobi-based e-commerce platform, these hurdles have been part of the growing pains of a sector on the verge of transformation.Issack launched Livemall in 2021 with a vision of offering high-quality sneakers, electronics, and…
A kid undergoing a disability assessment procedure at Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE)/HANDOUTThe number of Kenyans seeking disability assessments at the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) has surged dramatically since the operationalisation of the Social Health Authority (SHA) in October 2024.KISE Director Dr. Norman Kiogora revealed that the figures have increased sixfold, rising from an average of 100 to 600 monthly assessments. The significant uptick is attributed to SHA’s full coverage of disability assessment costs for both children and adults.“SHA is paying for all disability assessment costs for both children and adults,” Dr. Kiogora confirmed in an interview…
Rune Engstrom, Destination Africa-South Africa, Pascal Tokodi, Rehema Ibrahim- Kenya Airways and Duncan Muriuki, Destination Africa-Kenya at the #TwendeSouthAfrica tourism showcase at Two Rivers Mall in Nairobi/HANDOUTThe spirit of pan-African travel came alive at Two Rivers Mall as Destination Africa and Kenya Airways teamed up to host the vibrant #TwendeSouthAfrica tourism showcase.The initiative is aimed at promoting intra-African tourism and encouraging Kenyans to discover the beauty, history, and culture of South Africa, now accessible visa-free with direct flights from Nairobi.The campaign highlighted affordable, all-inclusive travel packages, offering families, schools, and companies a stress-free alternative to navigating unreliable booking platforms or…
Ushuru SACCO CEO William Pudha, receives an award from Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, during the 103rd Ushirika Day celebrations held at the KICC, Nairobi, on July 12, 2025/HANDOUTPrime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalising Kenya’s economy through a robust and empowered cooperative movement, placing the sector at the heart of national transformationSpeaking at the 103rd Ushirika Day and International Cooperative Day celebrations held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Mudavadi emphasised the critical role of cooperatives in implementing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).He highlighted strategic focus areas under BETA—including revitalising…
Group CEO of APA Apollo Group Ashok Shah/HANDOUTAshok Shah, the Group CEO of APA Apollo Group, has been honoured with the coveted CEO of the Year award at the 10th edition of the African Insurance Awards, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Hosted by Africa Re, the awards ceremony is widely regarded as a benchmark for excellence in the continent’s insurance industry, celebrating innovation, leadership, and transformative impact across Africa.Shah emerged as the standout winner among a competitive pool of nominees representing top insurance leaders from Kenya, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Tunisia.The award recognises Shah’s visionary leadership,…
Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua addresses a rally in Narok on June 30, 2025/HANDOUTOpposition leaders led by former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua are scheduled to begin a two-day political tour of western Kenya on Thursday, July 3.The tour is part of a growing national campaign aimed at rallying public support and addressing what they term a “liberation cause” for the country.Gachagua will be joined by key opposition figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party–Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Attorney General Justin Muturi, and former Interior…
Real estate firm Finsco Africa issues title deeds to new homeownersDirectors of Kenyan real estate firm, Finsco Africa, are continuing their U.S. tour with a strong focus on engaging Tanzanians in the diaspora and linking them with investment opportunities back home.Following a successful three-day Diaspora Investment Forum held from May 2–4, 2025, attention now shifts to the next key event — a Meet and Greet scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2025, at 827 Central Ave, Kent, Washington.The earlier forum attracted a vibrant turnout and featured insightful presentations by Group CEO Mwaura Kogi and Finsco Tanzania Managing Director Christina Shusho, a…
Chairman of the National Service and Walinzi SACCO Isaac Andabwa (second left) and Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya (right) during the official launch of the sacco.A sacco targeting workers in the private security sector has been launched in Nairobi, marking a significant turning point for Kenya’s frontline workers.The National Service and Walinzi Sacco seeks to bring financial empowerment to thousands of unsung heroes with the support of Ministry of Co-operatives and MSME Development in partnership with key stakeholders.Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya praised the Sacco’s launch as a “shining example of deliberate financial empowerment” and a much-needed solution for private security officers…
President William Ruto with Prof Makau Mutua at State House, Nairobi, April 30, 2025. /PCSPresident William Ruto has appointed Prof Makau Mutua as the Senior Adviser of Constitutional Affairs in his office.He said Mutua, a lawyer by profession, brings a wealth of experience in legal, constitutional and human rights matters.”Congratulations Prof Mutua. I welcome you to join a dynamic team of public servants in the implementation of our Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” Ruto said in a statement Wednesday evening.Mutua is a former Azimio spokesperson and his appointment further serves to demonstrate Ruto’s committment to working with the opposition wing led…
Left to Right: Dubai Islamic Bank Kenya director Michael Murphy, Abdulla Abdulraheem, Commercial attache, UAE embassy and Ag. CEO Mary Kanuku cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the bank’s branch in South C, Nairobi/HANDOUTDubai Islamic Bank-Kenya(DIB), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC, the largest Islamic bank in the UAE, has marked another milestone in Kenya.The bank has officially opened its new branch in the South C branch in a strategic expansion across Nairobi.The launch reinforces the bank’s commitment to providing accessible Shariah-compliant financial solutions.”This expansion reflects our customer-first approach,” said Mary Kanuku, the acting…