Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Evening Edition, Tuesday 29 September 2026

Evening Edition for Tuesday, 29 September 2026. Running time 8:43.

In this bulletin

Diaspora News

1. Volunteers in Lebanon seek Kenyan woman's family
2. Kenyan woman drives trucks across Europe
3. UAE eases visitor visa extension rules
4. IEBC to expand diaspora voting in 2027

Immigration News

1. U.S. Visa Bulletin changes impact African immigrants
2. UK opens citizenship route for stateless people
3. Global immigration rules shift in major destinations
4. U.S. executive order affects H-1B visa process

Kenya News

1. Lawyers withdraw from Rose Mbithe Mulwa murder case
2. Martha Karua mourns the loss of her father
3. Muranga's Kiganda becomes first certified coffee estate in Africa
4. Ruto supports Dangote refinery amid legal challenges (see also: Kenya Ruto Assures Open Shares in Dangote Refinery)

Lifestyle News

1. Kenya to manufacture HIV-prevention drug

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

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

Coming up.

Kenya to manufacture HIV-prevention drug in a major health breakthrough.

Kenya's IEBC plans to expand diaspora voting to 26 countries by 2027.

Dangote's multi-trillion-shilling Lamu refinery faces legal challenges.

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

Turning to diaspora news, volunteers in Lebanon are appealing for help to trace the family of a Kenyan woman named Selina, reportedly living on the streets of Beirut. Selina, who identifies with the Luhya community and speaks Kamba, is believed to have worked as a domestic worker. Without official documents, her identity remains unconfirmed. The search focuses on connecting her with relatives in Kenya to support her return. Members of the public with information are urged to come forward.

Staying with diaspora news, Wangui Njeri Sally, a Kenyan truck driver, is carving out a career in Europe's haulage industry by driving heavy commercial vehicles. Sally navigates long hours, varying weather, and traffic across borders. Her social media posts share the realities of trucking, showcasing women's growing presence in this traditionally male-dominated field. Her story reflects diverse career paths for Kenyan women abroad, highlighting opportunities beyond typical migrant roles.

Also in diaspora news, the UAE has eased rules for extending certain visitor visas. Eligible travellers can now renew their permits without leaving the country, with tourist entry permits extendable up to 120 days, and family reunion or business visas up to 180 days. Some visas, like those for truck drivers and vessel crew, are non-renewable. Extensions require sponsor submission, with fees varying by visa type and location, including charges in Dubai.

Finally in diaspora news, the IEBC plans to expand diaspora voting from 12 to 26 countries for the 2027 elections. Chairperson Erastus Ethekon announced the mapping of additional countries as part of Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration. The expansion aligns with Article 82 of the Constitution, supporting gradual implementation of diaspora voting rights. The IEBC faces challenges of scale and cost but aims to consult with Kenyans abroad for effective implementation.

Turning to immigration news, the U.S. October 2026 Visa Bulletin shows significant changes affecting global applicants, including Africans. While Chinese applicants see advancements, the EB-2 and EB-3 categories face retrogressions, lengthening waits for skilled workers and professionals. These adjustments underscore the fluid nature of U.S. immigration policies and impact Kenyans and other Africans seeking employment-based visas. The bulletin guides applicants on filing timelines, crucial for planning immigration strategies.

In the UK, new rules now allow stateless people to register as British citizens. Eligibility depends on birthplace and birth date, with adults paying £1,670 for application and ceremony fees. Those under 18 pay £1,000, but can apply for a fee waiver. The registration process aims to provide stateless individuals with access to education, employment, and healthcare, offering a defined path to citizenship and easing the financial burden for eligible children.

Recent global immigration changes affect students, workers, and visitors in Australia, the US, Europe, Japan, and the UK. Australia's new rules limit partners and children for most students, while the US retains its existing duration-of-status system after a court ruling. In Europe, interior ministers met to discuss border cooperation. These shifts reflect evolving immigration strategies, impacting international mobility and requiring individuals to adapt to changing policies in these key destinations.

Also in immigration news, a U.S. executive order now requires economic factors, like layoffs, to be considered in H-1B visa adjudication. This change aims to prioritize U.S. workers during economic challenges, affecting many international professionals, including Kenyans. The order adds complexity and potential uncertainty for applicants and employers, highlighting the dynamic nature of U.S. immigration policy. It raises concerns over the impact on businesses and visa holders reliant on foreign talent.

Turning to Kenya news, five defence lawyers have withdrawn from the murder case involving Rose Mbithe Mulwa and others. The decision leaves the accused without their previous legal team as they contest allegations of mistreatment in custody. Rose Mbithe Mulwa objected to the withdrawal, accusing lawyers of abandoning her at a critical stage. She claims police misconduct and unequal treatment of suspects, with complaints under review by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Martha Karua is in mourning following the passing of her father, Jackson Karua. His death has prompted condolences from political leaders, including President William Ruto and Kalonzo Musyoka. Jackson Karua was a respected figure, and his loss is deeply felt across the nation. The tributes reflect his influence and legacy, which resonate within the community and highlight the values instilled in his family, particularly in his daughter, Martha Karua.

Muranga's Kiganda coffee estate has made history as Africa’s first certified coffee estate. This achievement highlights a commitment to quality and sustainable practices, setting a benchmark for the continent's coffee industry. The certification is expected to enhance Kiganda's reputation globally, boosting the local economy and inspiring other producers. It underscores the potential for Kenyan farms to meet international standards, improving livelihoods and offering a model for agricultural innovation.

President Ruto supports the Dangote refinery in Lamu amid legal challenges over land ownership. Residents claim ancestral rights, halting construction until mid-October. Ruto warns against obstruction, citing past investment losses. The refinery, estimated at about two trillion shillings, promises economic growth and job creation. Ruto assures transparency, encouraging public share ownership. This major project could transform Kenya’s industrial landscape and enhance regional energy supply.

In lifestyle news, Kenya will begin manufacturing an HIV-prevention drug, marking a major health breakthrough. This initiative aims to improve access to essential medications and reduce import reliance. Local production is expected to lower costs and boost public health outcomes. The move aligns with global efforts to eradicate HIV transmission, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Though details are limited, this development promises significant impact on the health sector.

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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