Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Midday Edition, Saturday 26 September 2026

Midday Edition for Saturday, 26 September 2026. Running time 8:55.

In this bulletin

Diaspora News

Immigration News

Kenya News

World News

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

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

Coming up.

Kenya sends 169 teachers to France under language exchange.

DHS proposes to revoke work rights for H-1B spouses.

Fresh fighting erupts in Ethiopia's Tigray region.

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

In diaspora news, Kenya will send 169 teachers to France for the 2026 to 2027 academic year under a French language exchange programme. Participants will work in primary and secondary schools and teach English while improving their French skills. Kenya, a leading contributor to the programme, prepares these teachers with intensive training. Secretary for Diaspora, Isaiya Kabira, highlights multilingualism's growing importance for Kenyans seeking jobs abroad. French Ambassador Wadid Benaabou describes the initiative as diplomacy through people.

Staying with diaspora news, Kenya is exploring ways to involve teachers abroad in strengthening its education sector. In New York, Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu met Kenyan educator Njeri Gachathi to discuss skills and technology transfer. Gachathi's 'Kids for Play' programme, which brings creative learning to Kenya, exemplifies diaspora contributions. The MwalimuMajuu initiative seeks to connect Kenyan professionals abroad with educational developments at home, showcasing the potential for innovative teaching methods to enhance early childhood education in resource-constrained areas.

Turning to immigration news, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposes a rule to revoke work authorization for H-1B visa holders' spouses. This move could affect thousands of dual-income families, including Kenyans in the diaspora. Currently, spouses with H-4 visas can work in the U.S., a policy introduced under President Obama. Immigration advocates argue the change could destabilize families financially. The Trump administration's focus on tightening immigration could reverse this provision, impacting many in the Kenyan and African diaspora.

Staying with immigration, a recent ICE incident in Austin, Texas, highlights shifts in U.S. immigration policy under the Trump administration. The event underscores the administration's focus on enforcement and has raised concerns among immigrant communities, including Kenyans. Increased ICE presence and aggressive deportation tactics are part of efforts to tighten border security. Critics argue these policies create fear and uncertainty, affecting diverse immigrant populations. The incident is a stark reminder of the tensions between enforcement agencies and immigrant communities.

Turning to Kenya, stakeholders in Uasin Gishu County are voicing concerns over the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2025. They worry that stricter regulations could hurt local businesses and livelihoods. The bill aims to enhance public health by restricting tobacco advertising and increasing taxes. However, business owners fear job losses and economic repercussions. As Parliament reviews the bill, stakeholders urge consideration of the tobacco sector's economic impact. The debate reflects global tensions between public health and economic interests.

Also in Kenya, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua pledges to stop hard drugs entering the country within a year if elected. Speaking in the U.S., he outlined plans for stronger border surveillance to block heroin, cocaine, and cannabis. Gachagua links this to his past success against illicit brews, achieving a seventy percent success rate. He stresses the need for tighter alcohol regulations to combat social issues. Kenya's strategic location makes it a key route for international drug trafficking.

Staying with Kenya, a woman was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with cocaine worth over thirteen point five million shillings. The suspect, on a watch list since last year, was intercepted while attempting to fly to Bangladesh. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reported finding three bags of cocaine weighing about three thousand three hundred and eighty-three grammes. The arrest is part of broader efforts to combat drug trafficking, with authorities pledging to prevent airports from becoming drug conduits.

Also from Kenya, teenage mothers face challenges with unpaid maternity bills due to gaps in the Social Health Insurance system. The SHA was intended to improve healthcare access, but implementation issues have left mothers stranded in hospitals. These young women often lack financial resources, exacerbating their vulnerability. Delays in discharge increase distress, highlighting the need for government action. As the healthcare sector seeks solutions, stakeholders stress the importance of addressing SHA system shortcomings to support vulnerable populations effectively.

Turning to world news, fresh fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray region raises fears of wider conflict. Tensions between the Tigray People's Liberation Front and the national army threaten to destabilize the region. Internet restrictions in Tigray further isolate residents, complicating humanitarian efforts. The conflict, marked by human rights violations, risks drawing in neighboring regions. International observers call for dialogue, but deep-seated mistrust hampers peace efforts. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with millions displaced and in urgent need of assistance.

In Kenya, President William Ruto maintains a commanding lead in the latest Mizani presidential preference poll ahead of the twenty twenty-seven election. Ruto holds thirty-eight point seven percent support, outpacing closest rival Kalonzo Musyoka at twenty-seven point five percent. Ruto's administration has focused on economic initiatives, impacting his popularity. The fragmented opposition field could advantage Ruto if it persists. The poll results are significant for Kenya's political landscape and could influence regional stability and economic partnerships.

Also in world news, South Sudan's President has dissolved the government as the country prepares for its first elections since twenty eleven. This move is part of efforts to stabilize South Sudan and establish a credible electoral process. The dissolution aligns with peace agreements aimed at addressing political tensions and conflict. South Sudan's transition faces challenges, including ethnic divisions and economic hardships. The international community closely watches these developments, as successful elections could impact stability in East Africa.

Finally, Iran has proposed a seven-day plan to end regional conflicts, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reviving nuclear talks. This move could ease global oil market tensions and stabilize fuel prices. The strait's reopening is crucial for global energy supply, while nuclear negotiations aim to address proliferation concerns. The international community is monitoring these efforts, as successful diplomacy could reshape Middle East dynamics and benefit developing nations reliant on stable oil supplies. Analysts await stakeholder responses.

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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