Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Evening Edition, Thursday 03 September 2026
Evening Edition for Thursday, 03 September 2026. Running time 9:13.
In this bulletin
Diaspora News
- Kenyan Drag Artist Makes History on US Drag Race
- Judiciary Webinar on Legal Protections for Kenyans Abroad
Immigration News
Kenya News
- Bodyguard Detained in Murder Investigation
- Kenya's Food Import Bill Soars Amid Drought
- Government Plans to Stabilise Milk Supply and Prices
- Standard Editor Found Safe After Abduction
World News
- Ruto Grants Kajiado Control Over Amboseli National Park
- UNICEF Reports Kenyan Children Vulnerable to Online Abuse
Business News
Real Estate News
Lifestyle News
Transcript
This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.
Good evening. It's 6 o'clock this evening on Thursday, the third of September, and here is your evening edition.
Coming up.
Kenyan drag artist makes history on US Drag Race.
US naturalisation hurdles rise for permanent residents.
Kenya faces soaring food import bill amid drought.
Those stories, and more, in the next few minutes.
Turning to diaspora news, Kenyan-born drag artist Mercedes Iman Diamond made history as the first Muslim contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2019. Born in Mombasa and raised in the US, she highlights her Kenyan heritage on the show. Despite health challenges, including strokes, she continues to perform, sharing her experiences as a Muslim, queer individual. Her appearance, including a runway look inspired by the Kenyan flag, brought Kenyan identity to an international audience.
Staying with diaspora news, Kenya’s Judiciary hosted a webinar on legal protections for Kenyans seeking jobs abroad. Led by Lady Justice Anna Mwaure and featuring experts like Irene Kashindi, the event focused on recruitment, workers’ rights, and dispute resolution. Discussions included the responsibilities of employers and trade unions. With more Kenyans seeking overseas work amid concerns over recruitment fraud, the Judiciary emphasizes stronger frameworks to protect migrant workers and ensure fair treatment.
Turning to immigration news, the US naturalisation process is becoming more challenging for lawful permanent residents. The National Foundation for American Policy reports rising denial rates, longer processing times, and higher fees. Employment queues exceed one point two million cases, with further increases expected. Proposed fee hikes could make applications unaffordable. Denial rates have more than doubled since May twenty twenty-four, coinciding with a new civics test introduction. These changes pose significant hurdles for immigrants seeking citizenship.
Turning to Kenya, the bodyguard of a figure known as Bii is detained for twenty-one days amid a murder investigation. This case raises concerns about security and accountability within personal protection. Public demand grows for transparency and due process. Rising violent crime in Kenya heightens fears, prompting calls for reforms. The situation underscores the importance of oversight in security services, as the public closely watches the investigation's developments and their implications for law enforcement trust.
Also in Kenya, the country's food import bill has surged due to severe drought impacting agricultural production. Crop failures have pressured the government and farmers to rely more on imports, raising concerns over food security. The drought's effects, coupled with global economic factors, challenge rural communities dependent on agriculture. This situation highlights the need for sustainable farming practices and better water management to address climate-related challenges and ensure long-term food sovereignty in Kenya.
Staying with Kenya, the government is addressing declining milk supplies and prices. Limited rainfall affected production, prompting plans to work with feed manufacturers for better distribution. Duty-free yellow maize imports will support feed production. Temporary milk imports from neighbors may occur if needed. The Kenya Dairy Board enhances oversight, aiming to stabilize the market. A recent three point seven percent drop in milk deliveries highlights the need for these measures, amid concerns over rising prices.
Finally in Kenya, a Standard Group Associate Editor was found safe after being abducted near Masinga Dam. This incident raises concerns about journalist safety in Kenya. Inspector General Japheth Kanja has ordered a thorough investigation. The abduction, amid other violent crimes, contributes to public insecurity and questions about law enforcement effectiveness. Swift law enforcement response emphasizes journalist safety, as the media and public watch for accountability and justice, impacting press freedom and information dissemination.
Turning to world news, President William Ruto announced Kajiado residents will manage Amboseli National Park. This decision aligns with returning resource control to local communities, empowering them economically. Previously managed by Kenya Wildlife Service, the park's local jurisdiction aims for direct community benefits. This move supports sustainable development and community involvement. By transferring management, the government seeks to enhance local employment and entrepreneurship through tourism, setting a model for similar conservation efforts across Africa.
Staying with world news, a UNICEF report reveals over one in four Kenyan children face tech-facilitated sexual abuse. This alarming finding stresses the need for child online safety measures. As digital use grows, children are more exposed to exploitation, from grooming to non-consensual image sharing. The report calls for coordinated government, tech firm, and civil society efforts. The Kenyan government is urged to enhance digital literacy and safety protocols to protect young users from online dangers.
Turning to business news, President William Ruto ordered Tata Chemicals' removal from Kenya, citing insufficient local economic contribution. The company, involved in Kajiado County's mineral extraction, faces scrutiny over job creation and value addition. This move reflects a policy shift towards aligning foreign investments with national goals. Concerns about economic benefits from foreign enterprises prompted the decision. The impact on Kenya's investment climate and local economy remains to be seen, as foreign companies reassess operations.
Staying with business, Kenyan farmers and entrepreneurs are turning cotton waste into profitable products. Discarded stalks, gin waste, and textile offcuts now form briquettes, textiles, and mattress fillings. This innovation offers new revenue streams and supports women-led enterprises. Briquettes provide an alternative energy source, crucial in areas lacking reliable fuels. This development reduces pollution and creates economic opportunities, particularly for women. The growing industry serves as a sustainable development model, boosting Kenya's economy and empowering communities.
In real estate news, about three hundred Mukuru residents will be prioritized for affordable housing in a new allocation. CEO Joe Mutugu said genuine applicants who previously missed out will be verified and accommodated. The decision follows complaints about deposits taken without guaranteed units. The State Department for Housing plans to reclassify some units as social housing. The government continues with the Boma Yangu initiative, addressing high demand and ensuring transparent allocation processes for residents.
In lifestyle news, Dr Benson Kibore has petitioned Parliament to recognize chronic sexual dysfunction as a disability. Citing its impact on mental health and family life, he calls for legal changes to support affected individuals. A twenty twenty-six study found over ten percent of Nairobi men face performance issues, challenging views that dysfunction affects only older men. If approved, the proposal would amend the Persons with Disabilities Act, offering tax exemptions and health coverage to help those affected.
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.
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