Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Midday Edition, Wednesday 16 September 2026

Midday Edition for Wednesday, 16 September 2026. Running time 9:11.

In this bulletin

Diaspora News

Immigration News

Lawsuits challenge Trump's new 'public charge' immigration rule

Kenya News

World News

Sports News

Nairobi to host 2029 World Athletics Championships

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

Good afternoon. It's midday on Wednesday, the sixteenth of September, and here is your midday edition.

Coming up.

Government warns of fraudulent overseas job offers.

Martin Kimani appointed UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa.

Nairobi to host 2029 World Athletics Championships.

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

The government has urged Kenyans seeking jobs abroad to verify recruitment agencies and employment offers through official channels. At the Employment and Labour Relations Symposium in Nairobi, officials stressed the need for licensed agencies and authenticated contracts. The State Department for Diaspora Affairs highlighted risks such as trafficking and exploitation, advising prospective workers to check with the Ministry of Labour and other bodies. Bilateral agreements aim to ensure fair wages and conditions abroad.

London-based entrepreneur Bonnie Wesh has returned to Kenya to campaign for the Nachu Ward MCA seat in Kiambu County. His campaign focuses on fighting illicit brews, following reports of alcohol-related deaths in the area. Wesh has started a petition for intervention by local and national authorities and has long been active in community affairs. He operates an online platform discussing local issues and aims to improve responsiveness of government channels for urgent threats.

Jacky Achieng Kuhn founded Kenyan Women in Germany, or KWIG, to help Kenyan women navigate life and work in Germany. With about 15,000 Kenyans residing there, KWIG offers support in integration, advocacy, and empowerment. The organisation assists with business registration, digital skills, and addresses domestic abuse risks. KWIG also fosters economic links with Kenya through diaspora investment opportunities, making it a vital network for Kenyan women settling in Germany.

A coalition of 22 states and cities has sued to block a US immigration rule broadening the definition of 'public charge'. Led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, the lawsuit argues the rule could force immigrants to choose between essential services and legal status. The lawsuits, in New York's Southern District Court, claim DHS exceeded its authority and violated procedural laws. The rule, effective September eighteenth, impacts visa and green card eligibility.

Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party, has responded to President Ruto's criticism of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Gachagua emphasized that Kenyatta should not be viewed as an opponent in the upcoming 2027 elections. This exchange highlights ongoing political tensions in Kenya as alliances shift and rivalries grow. Observers are closely watching these interactions, aware of their potential impact on voter sentiment and party strategies for the next election.

The High Court has dismissed a bid by Deputy Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli to stop USIU-Africa's graduation on the twenty-sixth of September, twenty twenty-six. Justice Patricia Mande found no grounds for conservatory orders, noting that halting the event would affect students not involved in the case. Masengeli contested his exclusion from the PhD graduation list. The court will revisit the matter on October twenty-first, twenty twenty-six for further directions.

Kenya is considering extending maternity leave from 90 days to six months, addressing a social issue affecting families nationwide. The proposal, reported by Daily Nation, aims to benefit mothers and newborns, enhancing child development and maternal health. Advocates argue longer leave supports gender equality and work-life balance, encouraging women’s workforce participation. This debate mirrors global trends, as countries recognize the importance of supporting families during early child-rearing stages.

Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe has linked Kenya’s milk shortage to drought and increased household stockpiling. Speaking to senators, he noted a five percent drop in processing due to dry conditions affecting fodder supplies. Kagwe highlighted that panic buying has exacerbated perceptions of scarcity. He urged prompt payments to farmers by cooperatives. Kagwe expects improved rainfall to boost fodder and milk production, while advocating for expanded fodder farming and investment in semi-arid areas.

Kenyatta National Hospital has explained the deaths of five premature babies transferred from Thika Level Five Hospital. Born at 25 weeks, the quintuplets required intensive care due to low birth weights. Despite advanced interventions, they succumbed to complications. Thika and Juja MPs criticized Kiambu County's neonatal capacity, urging better-equipped facilities. Comedian Eric Omondi has supported the bereaved family and called for improved emergency newborn care through his 'Sisi Kwa Sisi' campaign.

Sharon Otieno's father has told the High Court he forgives former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, suggesting a non-custodial sentence. Douglas Otieno noted Obado's remorse and attempts at reconciliation. However, he remains bitter towards co-convicts Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero, who were last seen with Sharon before her death. The family sought an interpreter for the hearing. Sharon, a Rongo University student, was killed in September 2018, and her murder trial continues.

Ambassador Martin Kimani has been appointed as the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, highlighting Kenya's growing global influence. Known for promoting peace and sustainable development, Kimani will address critical African issues like economic recovery and climate change. His appointment underscores the importance of African leadership in international governance. It inspires African professionals to pursue roles in global decision-making, marking a significant step in ensuring Africa’s voice in the UN system.

At least 70 people have died following a gold mine collapse in Sudan's West Kordofan. The disaster highlights the dangers faced by artisanal miners lacking safety measures. Artisanal mining is crucial for many Sudanese families but often involves hazardous conditions. The tragedy underscores the need for improved safety regulations in Africa's mining sector. It raises questions for Kenyan diaspora involved in development initiatives, emphasizing responsible mining practices and worker protection.

A building collapse in Gaza City has killed at least 20 people, with dozens missing. The war-damaged building housed 10 families and its collapse has brought global attention to Gaza's dire humanitarian situation. Rescuers are working to find survivors amid the debris. For the Kenyan diaspora with ties to the region, this tragedy highlights the ongoing crisis. The international community is urged to provide aid and support to affected families.

Nairobi will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking Africa's first time hosting the event. President Ruto praised the decision and emphasized Kenya's investment in sports infrastructure. The government plans to build 32 stadiums to prepare for the event. This milestone highlights Kenya's role as a leading athletics nation and showcases its ability to host large-scale international events. It positions Africa prominently on the global sports map and opens opportunities for future competitions.

And that is your midday edition. The next bulletin is at 6 o'clock this evening. You can read every one of these stories in full, and much more besides, at Mwakilishi.com.

Have a good afternoon.

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