Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Midday Edition, Saturday 19 September 2026

Midday Edition for Saturday, 19 September 2026. Running time 9:03.

In this bulletin

Diaspora News

Maraga Supports E-Voting for Diaspora Kenyans

Immigration News

Kenya News

World News

Business News

Sports News

Kenya Races to Prepare for Afcon 2027

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

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

Coming up.

Maraga calls for diaspora e-voting in the US.

US rules tighten for Kenyan green card applicants.

Kenya rushes Afcon 2027 preparations amid challenges.

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

Turning to diaspora news, former Chief Justice David Maraga is advocating for electronic voting for Kenyans living abroad. During a meeting with nearly three hundred nurses in Maryland, he emphasized the importance of diaspora participation in elections. Maraga is on a US tour to engage Kenyans abroad and incorporate their views into his presidential campaign. The tour, which started on the sixteenth of September, is part of his outreach to diaspora communities.

In immigration news, Kenyans applying for US green cards face stricter scrutiny of their finances under a new rule effective from the eighteenth of September. The US Department of Homeland Security now considers a wider range of public benefits when assessing applicants' potential to become a “public charge”. This change allows officers more discretion, moving beyond the 2022 framework, which focused mainly on cash assistance and long-term care.

Staying with immigration, a US court has blocked a major part of President Trump's immigration plan. The decision prevents deportations to third countries without allowing migrants to express safety concerns. This ruling emphasizes the need for procedural safeguards and could influence international migration policies. The court's decision highlights the tension between the Trump administration's policies and judicial oversight, with broader implications for migration management.

Also in immigration, the Trump administration has extended the one hundred thousand dollar H-1B visa fee hike for another year. This impacts many skilled workers, including Kenyans aspiring to work in the US. The fee aims to curb visa system abuse, raising concerns among companies relying on international talent. For Kenyans, this presents a significant financial barrier, potentially discouraging skilled professionals from pursuing US opportunities.

Concluding immigration news, USCIS has implemented a rule limiting asylum applications for ineligible aliens. Announced in Washington D.C. on September nineteenth, this rule prevents reapplications from those previously denied. It's part of efforts to manage the asylum backlog and streamline processes. The policy could impact African immigrants, restricting asylum chances if initial claims lack eligibility. Advocacy groups are expected to scrutinize this decision for fairness concerns.

Turning to Kenya news, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has promised to replace a taxi destroyed in the Homa Bay Linda Mwananchi rally violence. The vehicle, driven by Steven Otieno, was set on fire during a confrontation with armed youths. Otieno, who sustained injuries, lost his main income source. Sifuna's pledge offers hope amidst disputes over compensation responsibilities. The incident highlights challenges faced by activists and drivers at political rallies.

Staying with Kenya, President William Ruto has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of undermining his government. This political tension surfaced in Nairobi amidst charged dynamics. Ruto's criticism, amidst challenges facing his administration, underscores a deepening rift with Kenyatta. While Kenyatta remains largely silent, political analysts believe Ruto's remarks aim to consolidate support ahead of the twenty twenty-seven elections. The conflict reflects broader governance issues within Kenya's political landscape.

Turning to world news, at least twenty-six people have died in tribal clashes in South Sudan's Jonglei state. The violence highlights ongoing struggles for resources and power, raising humanitarian concerns. Communities caught in the crossfire face displacement and suffering. Since independence in twenty eleven, South Sudan has faced political instability and ethnic violence, often fueled by resource competition. Humanitarian organizations are assessing needs as the international community expresses concern.

Staying with world news, the Yemeni conflict intensifies as Houthi forces advance towards Marib Province, challenging Saudi-backed government forces. Known for its oil reserves, Marib is a strategic stronghold. The escalation threatens Yemen's stability and has wider Middle Eastern implications. The province's capture could shift power dynamics, impacting the humanitarian crisis. Calls for a durable peace process are renewed as hostilities re-ignite, stressing the need for conflict resolution.

Also in world news, South African journalist Owen Ndlovu has been found dead with gunshot wounds after being abducted near Johannesburg. Ndlovu was a respected figure in media, and his murder highlights the growing risks for journalists in South Africa. The escalation in violence against media personnel poses significant threats to press freedom. Ndlovu's death has prompted calls for a thorough investigation and underscores the urgent need for journalist protection.

Concluding world news, the African Development Bank and Korea have signed a deal to launch a joint AI Hub. This initiative aims to support Africa's technological growth by focusing on AI development and adoption. The hub will facilitate knowledge exchange and technical expertise, benefiting sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education. This collaboration highlights the importance of international partnerships in leveraging technology for sustainable development across Africa.

Turning to business news, KCB Bank Uganda is backing Uganda's push for mineral value addition. The bank's financial support aims to enhance industrialization and boost the country's economic growth by investing in processing technologies. This initiative aligns with Uganda’s strategy to maximize its mineral resources and stimulate local industries. KCB Bank’s involvement underscores the importance of aligning financial services with national development priorities to foster sustainable economic growth.

Staying with business, the Kenya Revenue Authority has intercepted smuggled goods valued at about forty-six point seven million shillings. The consignment, including cigarettes and powdered milk, was en route to Nairobi. This seizure highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal trade and protect revenue. Smuggling presents significant challenges for customs authorities, impacting the economy and public health. The KRA's success emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and international cooperation in enforcing trade regulations.

In sports news, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda face pressure to accelerate preparations for the twenty twenty-seven Africa Cup of Nations. CAF President Patrice Motsepe has urged East African nations to expedite infrastructure development to meet tournament standards. Kenya, co-hosting for the first time, must upgrade stadiums and facilities. The government and private investors are working to ensure readiness, as delays could jeopardize hosting rights and impact economic benefits from this prestigious event.

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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