Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Evening Edition, Saturday 26 September 2026

Evening Edition for Saturday, 26 September 2026. Running time 8:46.

In this bulletin

Immigration News

US Green Card Lottery registration window shortened

Kenya News

World News

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

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

Coming up.

US shortens Green Card Lottery registration period.

Ruto dismisses opposition criticism as 'free publicity'.

Russia targets Ukraine's data centers, says Zelensky.

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

Turning to immigration news, the United States has announced a significant reduction in the registration window for the twenty twenty-seven Diversity Visa Lottery. This move is likely to impact many potential immigrants from Africa, including Kenya. Traditionally, the registration period spans several weeks, but this time it has been curtailed, creating urgency among applicants. The U.S. Department of State, which oversees the program, has not disclosed the new duration or explained the change, adding to the uncertainty for hopeful applicants. The shortened window may pose challenges for those needing time to gather necessary documentation. This news has caused concern among African diaspora communities, as the program is a critical opportunity for families seeking a new life in the United States.

Turning to Kenya, President William Ruto has dismissed opposition criticism of his development record as mere 'free publicity' for his government. Speaking in Wundanyi, Taita-Taveta, Ruto rejected claims that infrastructure projects are biased towards his political strongholds. He affirmed his commitment to building roads nationwide, starting with a tour of the Coast region. There, the President focused on land ownership, education, and infrastructure. Ruto pledged urgent road repairs and announced the issuance of twenty thousand title deeds in Taita-Taveta next week, part of a broader program for nearly two hundred thousand titles in six coastal counties. Additionally, Ruto laid the foundation stone for a one hundred forty-five million shilling hostel at Wumingu Technical College.

Staying with Kenya, the Ukombozi Alliance, led by Wiper Patriotic Front's Kalonzo Musyoka, is intensifying its opposition campaign in Busia County. Kalonzo aims to rally support against President William Ruto for the twenty twenty-seven elections. At rallies in Bumala and Nambale, he emphasized his long-standing partnership with the late Raila Odinga, using an audio recording of Odinga praising his loyalty. The alliance, rebranded from Azimio, seeks to be the main opposition force. Kalonzo criticized the government for worsening economic conditions and pledged to abolish the housing levy. He also welcomed court decisions blocking the partial sale of Safaricom shares. Alongside other leaders, Kalonzo called for unity to strengthen the opposition against Ruto's administration.

Turning to world news, experts are urging African parliaments to strengthen budget oversight amid rising debt levels and financial vulnerabilities. The call emphasizes establishing independent Parliamentary Budget Offices to enhance fiscal scrutiny. Africa's total debt stock continues to rise, exacerbated by global economic uncertainties. This scenario heightens the need for efficient budget oversight to prevent fiscal mismanagement and ensure sustainable growth. Illicit financial flows are a significant obstacle, with billions reportedly lost annually, often due to weak governance. Strengthening oversight could curb such flows by promoting transparency. Additionally, procurement inefficiencies inflate costs and lead to corruption. Institutionalizing rigorous budget oversight could help address these challenges, making financial management more transparent and accountable across the continent.

Also in world news, Russia has intensified its campaign against Ukraine by targeting data centers, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. These attacks, he says, aim to disrupt the daily lives of Ukrainians by interfering with their ability to connect, study, and work. This represents a strategic shift in the conflict, designed to undermine civilian morale. The attacks on data centers are part of broader cyber and physical assaults targeting Ukraine's infrastructure. The disruptions could significantly impact sectors reliant on digital connectivity, including IT and online services. Beyond Ukraine, other nations, particularly in Europe, are monitoring the situation closely, concerned about hybrid warfare tactics combining cyber and conventional military strategies. The international community continues to express solidarity with Ukraine amid these developments.

Further in world news, Uganda is grappling with severe malnutrition, described as a 'weapon of starvation' amid economic hardships. Families are struggling to secure basic sustenance, with children suffering from malnutrition. This crisis highlights broader economic struggles as living costs rise and incomes falter. Malnutrition in Uganda reflects systemic issues affecting many developing nations, where instability leads to widespread hunger. The use of hunger as a conflict tool is a critical concern for international bodies. Addressing these crises requires coordinated global support to provide food aid and improve agricultural productivity. Sustainable solutions are imperative, focusing on increasing access to agricultural technologies and stabilizing local economies. Efforts to tackle these humanitarian challenges are crucial for improving the livelihoods of vulnerable populations.

Staying with world news, tensions are escalating in Ethiopia's Tigray region, raising fears of renewed conflict between the TPLF and the national army. This follows a period of uneasy peace after previous hostilities devastated the region. The TPLF, once Ethiopia's ruling party, has had a contentious relationship with the government, leading to friction and sporadic confrontations. Renewed conflict could have severe humanitarian consequences, including widespread displacement and infrastructure damage. The international community is monitoring the situation closely due to potential regional instability. Ethiopia, a key player in the Horn of Africa, is crucial for regional peace. Efforts to mediate between the government and TPLF continue, with calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution to avoid further humanitarian crises.

Finally in world news, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has announced the Global Grids Accelerator, a new initiative to boost electricity infrastructure investment in Africa and South-East Asia. This program aims to transform priorities into actionable investments for clean and affordable energy, crucial for economic growth. The initiative comes as regions face challenges in expanding energy infrastructure, affecting sectors like healthcare and education. The African Development Bank expects the initiative to attract governments, financial institutions, and private investors to support grid projects. This collaborative effort aims to mobilize resources for resilient and sustainable energy systems, aligning with global goals to transition to a low-carbon economy. The Global Grids Accelerator highlights the UN's commitment to combat climate change and support sustainable development.

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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