Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Evening Edition, Thursday 24 September 2026

Evening Edition for Thursday, 24 September 2026. Running time 9:29.

In this bulletin

Diaspora News

Kenya News

World News

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

Good evening. It's 6 o'clock this evening on Thursday, the twenty-fourth of September, and here is your evening edition.

Coming up.

Maraga calls for stronger institutions during U.S. tour.

Acute milk shortage hits Kenya, prices double.

U.S. Congress extends AGOA, boosting African trade.

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

In diaspora news, former Chief Justice David Maraga has emphasized the need for stronger, independent institutions in Kenya during his visit to Minnesota. He praised U.S. examples of enduring public bodies, suggesting Kenya should adopt similar models for future generations. Maraga's tour also highlighted youth involvement in governance, pointing to Minnesota's programs as potential models for Kenya. His wider U.S. tour focuses on constitutionalism and accountability, aiming to strengthen Kenya's democratic future.

Staying with diaspora news, the IEBC has announced that Kenyans abroad will vote manually in the twenty twenty-seven elections. Vice Chair Fahima Abdallah ruled out e-voting before twenty thirty-two, citing current laws. Diaspora voting will remain limited to presidential elections and referendums. The number of countries for diaspora voting will increase from twelve to twenty-six. Advocates urge reforms for greater participation, as many remain excluded due to limited registration opportunities.

In Kwale County, the government provided diaspora support through the Diaspora Mashinani programme. Families were informed about raising concerns for relatives abroad, while prospective migrants received advice on verifying recruitment agencies and contracts. Officials stressed pre-departure preparation for safe migration. The meetings also promoted skills development for international job opportunities, highlighting sectors like nursing and ICT. Local residents were encouraged to strengthen skills through TVET and RPL programmes.

Turning to Kenya news, the crackdown on illicit alcohol and drugs has intensified, with over three thousand three hundred arrests and six hundred seventy-five thousand litres of alcohol seized. Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the government's focus on dismantling financial networks supporting the trade. Assets linked to trafficking will be frozen and forfeited to the State. President Ruto directs recovered assets to support rehabilitation, aiming to target traffickers while aiding affected communities.

In Kirinyaga, Senator Kamau Murang’o faces criticism for distributing branded women's underwear as part of his political outreach. Residents questioned the initiative's value, preferring practical support. The underwear bore branding linked to women's representatives, sparking further controversy. Murang’o, who plans to run for governor, has been scrutinized for his campaign methods. Critics urge politicians to focus on projects that improve livelihoods rather than short-term handouts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has raised concerns about Kenyans being recruited to fight for Russia. Speaking at the United Nations, he urged Kenya to protect its citizens from deceptive recruitment. A report estimates about one thousand Kenyans have been recruited, with nearly ninety deployed to the frontline. The issue has prompted parliamentary scrutiny and families reporting relatives missing or captured. Ukrainian footage confirms foreign nationals among those killed or captured.

Kenya is experiencing an acute milk shortage, causing prices to double in several regions. The shortage is attributed to adverse weather, rising production costs, and supply chain disruptions. Farmers are struggling to meet demand, impacting consumers, especially in rural areas. The crisis affects households and businesses reliant on milk products. This shortage raises concerns about food security and nutrition, particularly for children, prompting calls for interventions to stabilize the dairy industry.

In world news, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met to discuss the escalating AI race. Both nations aim to dominate AI technology, impacting sectors like defense and healthcare. The meeting highlighted the strategic importance of AI and explored frameworks to prevent an AI arms race. Developing regions are watching closely, as AI developments could significantly impact industries from agriculture to telecommunications. Cooperation on ethical standards was also discussed.

East Africa faces a worsening hunger crisis, with IGAD reporting 40.3 million experiencing severe food shortages. Factors include conflict, droughts, and economic shocks. Countries like Kenya and Somalia suffer from poor harvests due to insufficient rainfall. The crisis threatens long-term development and requires international support. Humanitarian agencies call for increased funding and investment in resilient agricultural systems to improve regional food security and address immediate needs.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas criticized Israeli actions in the West Bank at the United Nations, condemning ongoing aggression. His remarks highlight frustration with faltering peace initiatives in Gaza. Abbas seeks renewed international support amid tensions, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu addressing the assembly soon. The conflict affects global diplomatic relations, with developing regions watching closely. The UN plays a key role in mediating peace efforts, though success remains elusive.

Russia intensified its assault on Ukraine, coinciding with President Zelenskyy's UNGA address. The attack highlights ongoing regional volatility, with Ukraine seeking increased international support. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives since twenty fourteen. Global condemnation of Russia's actions is widespread. The situation impacts international markets and security, with developing nations closely monitoring potential effects on trade and economic stability. Diplomatic channels remain open, urging dialogue and resolution.

In business news, the U.S. Congress has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA, through twenty twenty-eight. This extension strengthens trade relations between the U.S. and Sub-Saharan Africa, allowing duty-free access to the U.S. market. AGOA's continuation supports African economic growth, crucial as economies recover from the pandemic. While challenges remain, including infrastructure and compliance issues, AGOA offers opportunities for economic diversification and recovery across the African continent.

In real estate news, the Environment and Land Court has suspended land rates collection in Kajiado County. The court order halts the implementation of the Kajiado County Finance Act twenty twenty-six, pending a legal challenge. Lawyer Shadrack Wambui, leading the petition, argues the reintroduction of land rates is unlawful. The court previously ruled against similar provisions, citing procedural failures. The current suspension prevents immediate collection, but the legal dispute continues.

In lifestyle news, Kenya confronts a four point five billion shilling funding gap for tuberculosis control, as donor support wanes. This shortfall threatens TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention efforts. TB remains a leading cause of illness and death in Kenya. Health officials call for increased domestic funding and innovative strategies to secure alternative resources. The crisis highlights the need for coordinated responses to maintain progress in controlling this infectious disease.

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.

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