Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Evening Edition, Wednesday 26 August 2026

Evening Edition for Wednesday, 26 August 2026. Running time 8:15.

In this bulletin

Diaspora News

1. Kenya signs deal to send skilled care workers to Canada
2. Remittance apps transform money transfers for Kenyans abroad
3. Family seeks answers after Kenyan dies in Spanish prison
4. Kenya and Netherlands to boost protection for Kenyans abroad

Immigration News

1. Canada invites 5,000 French-speaking candidates in Express Entry draw
2. US proposes $103K fee for H-1B visa applications

Kenya News

1. Meru farmer turns food waste into a thriving livestock business
2. Drought causes food prices to soar in Kenya
3. Sakaja faces pressure to leave UDA for ODM
4. Gachagua alleges voter data manipulation plot

World News

1. Flash floods devastate Nepal-Tibet border, killing many (see also: Heavy casualties feared as flash flood sweeps across parts of northern Nepal)
2. Kenya Airways to introduce onboard Wi-Fi in 2027
3. Pakistani PM suspends health official after deadly hospital fire

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

Good evening. It's 6 o'clock this evening on Wednesday, the twenty-sixth of August, and here is your evening edition.

Coming up.

Kenya signs deal to send care workers to Canada.

Flash floods on Nepal-Tibet border leave many dead.

US proposes hefty fee for H-1B visa applicants.

Those stories, and more, in the next few minutes.

In diaspora news, Kenya has inked a deal with Athari Global Workforce Solutions to send skilled care workers to Canada. Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu and AGWS's Deepak Soni signed the agreement, which ensures Kenyan candidates receive training and certifications. This follows a successful pilot placing forty-six professionals in Canadian care facilities. The program aligns Kenyan training with Canadian standards, safeguarding workers' rights and promoting skill-based migration under the Muuguzi Majuu Programme.

Staying with diaspora news, digital platforms are revolutionizing how Kenyans abroad send money home. Mobile-first services now offer faster alternatives to traditional channels, with fintech apps allowing transfers without visiting banks. Mobile money, growing in Kenya, expands financial access, especially in rural areas. Services like LemFi enable multi-currency transfers, easing cross-border payments. This competition is driving down costs and improving speed, with some companies claiming near-instant transfers.

Also in diaspora news, a Kenyan family is demanding answers after George Odhiambo died in a Spanish prison on August thirteenth. Odhiambo was nearing the end of a sentence for theft when he died. His family accuses authorities of withholding details and denying access to his remains. They call for an independent investigation and seek help from Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure Odhiambo's rights as a detained Kenyan citizen were upheld.

In more diaspora news, Kenya and the Netherlands are enhancing cooperation to protect Kenyans living in the Netherlands. Dutch Ambassador Jan Bakker met with Kenya's Roseline Njogu to discuss improving diaspora support and bilateral ties. The Netherlands hosts a sizable Kenyan community, making this cooperation crucial. The initiative aims to safeguard Kenyans' rights and strengthen social and economic connections, reflecting Kenya's commitment to its citizens overseas.

Turning to immigration news, Canada invited five thousand French-speaking candidates for permanent residency in its recent Express Entry draw. Held on August nineteenth, this draw required a minimum score of 382, the lowest since March twenty twenty-five. Canada aims to boost Francophone communities outside Quebec by targeting bilingual immigrants. The Express Entry system evaluates candidates on factors like language proficiency and education, aligning with Canada's demographic goals.

Also in immigration news, the US proposes a one hundred three thousand dollar fee for H-1B visa applications. The Department of Homeland Security aims to cover immigration system costs, expecting to raise about eight point eight billion dollars annually. Universities and non-profits may be exempt. This comes amid wider changes to the H-1B program, including a new wage-based selection process for twenty twenty-seven, reflecting ongoing immigration policy shifts.

In Kenya news, a Meru farmer is transforming food waste into a thriving livestock business, earning about six hundred thousand shillings monthly. By repurposing food waste as livestock feed, the farmer addresses environmental concerns and promotes sustainable agriculture. This innovative model not only provides financial stability but also inspires local communities to rethink waste management, encouraging educational programs and workshops to further spread these sustainable practices in agriculture.

Staying with Kenya, a severe drought is sharply increasing food prices across the country. Below-average rainfall has reduced crop yields, affecting staple foods like maize and beans. As supplies dwindle, prices have surged by as much as thirty percent, straining household budgets. The government is promoting drought-resistant crops and improved irrigation, but the ongoing dry spell poses challenges for food security and reliance on imports may increase.

Also from Kenya, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is under pressure to switch from the United Democratic Alliance to the Orange Democratic Movement. Though urged by senior ODM figures, Sakaja has not decided. He describes himself as an "employee of the people" and says his choice will reflect Nairobi residents' wishes. Sakaja's close ties to the late Raila Odinga and ODM's support complicate his decision, as political dynamics shift.

In more Kenya news, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accuses the IEBC of rigging a tender for election technology to favor a South Korean firm. He claims this could manipulate voter registration in areas opposing President Ruto, like Western Kenya and Nairobi. Gachagua warns of potential disenfranchisement and security threats, as he embarks on a political tour in the US. The IEBC has not responded to these allegations.

In world news, flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border have killed at least 95 people, with hundreds missing. The disaster was triggered by a glacial ice avalanche, devastating villages and infrastructure. Simultaneously, another flash flood struck northern Nepal's Rasuwa region, killing at least 17. Both incidents highlight the vulnerability of Himalayan communities to climate change. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but challenging terrain and damaged infrastructure complicate operations.

Staying with world news, Kenya Airways plans to offer onboard Wi-Fi by the second quarter of twenty twenty-seven. This move aligns with global aviation trends, as in-flight connectivity becomes essential for travelers. The initiative aims to enhance passenger experience, allowing internet access and content streaming during flights. As competition in aviation grows, Kenya Airways seeks to modernize its fleet and improve services without significantly raising ticket prices.

Also in world news, Pakistan's Prime Minister has suspended a health official after a hospital fire killed 14 newborns in Lahore. The fire, caused by an electrical fault, raises concerns about hospital safety protocols. The suspension is part of a broader investigation into the tragedy. Families demand justice and reforms, and the incident draws attention to Pakistan's strained healthcare system, highlighting issues like inadequate resources and outdated infrastructure.

And that is your evening edition. The next bulletin is at midday tomorrow. You can read every one of these stories in full, and much more besides, at Mwakilishi.com. Have a good evening.

Bulletins are published twice a day, at midday and 6pm Eastern. Listen to past bulletins.