Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Midday Edition, Tuesday 29 September 2026

Midday Edition for Tuesday, 29 September 2026. Running time 9:11.

In this bulletin

Diaspora News

Immigration News

Kenya News

Lifestyle News

Kenya to manufacture HIV-prevention drug locally

Transcript

This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.

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

Coming up.

Kenya plans to manufacture HIV-prevention drugs locally.

IEBC to expand diaspora voting to 26 countries by 2027.

New U.S. executive order changes H-1B visa process.

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

In diaspora news, Judy Achieng Rimstad, a Kenyan living in Norway, shares how the country supports parents through its welfare system. She highlights financial support, including payments of up to about five hundred thousand shillings during parental leave. Norway also offers subsidised childcare and public healthcare to ease the financial burden of raising children. These policies aim to address demographic challenges, such as declining birth rates and an ageing population. Judy's insights offer a glimpse into the comprehensive support available to parents in Norway.

Staying with diaspora news, Kenyan students in Hungary are receiving mentorship to help them adjust to life abroad. The Association of Kenyan Students in Hungary organised a programme at the Hungarian University of Sports Science in Budapest. It connected new students with peers and alumni who shared experiences and advice on academic and cultural integration. The programme, themed “Global Mentorship for Local Impact,” aims to ease the transition for new arrivals. It highlights the importance of community support and knowledge-sharing for international students in Hungary.

Also in diaspora news, volunteers in Lebanon are searching for the family of a Kenyan woman living on Beirut's streets. The woman, known as Selina, previously worked as a domestic worker there. Her identity is unclear, complicating efforts to contact her relatives in Kenya. Selina identifies with the Luhya community and speaks Kamba. Volunteers hope to connect her with support and possibly arrange her return to Kenya. The public is urged to come forward with any information that might help trace her family.

In more diaspora news, Wangui Njeri Sally, a Kenyan truck driver, is making her mark on Europe's haulage industry. Sally drives heavy commercial trucks across several countries, managing long hours and challenging conditions. Her work requires technical skill and concentration, and she shares her experiences on social media. Sally's career reflects the growing presence of women in this traditionally male-dominated field. Her story highlights the diverse opportunities available to Kenyans living abroad, showcasing migration's potential beyond typical migrant occupations.

Turning to visa news, Kenyans in the UAE can now extend certain visitor visas without leaving the country. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security allows tourist entry permits to be renewed multiple times up to one hundred twenty days. Visit visas for family reunions and business exploration can extend up to one hundred eighty days. However, some permits, like truck driver visas, cannot be renewed. Fees and requirements vary, and sponsors handle extensions. This change eases the visa process for eligible Kenyans.

In election news, the IEBC plans to extend diaspora voting from twelve countries in twenty twenty-two to twenty-six countries for the twenty twenty-seven General Election. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said this expansion is part of the second phase of Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration. The initiative aims to involve more Kenyans living abroad in the electoral process. Each country will be treated as a single polling centre. The expansion aligns with the constitutional mandate for progressive voter registration of Kenyans living outside the country.

Turning to immigration news, major destinations are altering immigration rules in September twenty twenty-six. Australia will limit partners and children for new students, while the U.S. faces legal challenges over fixed admission periods for students and journalists. In Europe, border management and migrant return strategies were discussed. These changes affect students, skilled workers, and visitors. The shifts highlight ongoing global immigration policy adjustments, influencing the experiences of international migrants, including Kenyans, in these regions. The evolving landscape underscores the complexities of immigration.

In U.S. immigration news, an executive order now requires economic factors to be considered in H-1B visa adjudications. This change affects foreign professionals, including Kenyans, working in the U.S. Federal agencies must now account for the economic climate, particularly layoffs, when processing H-1B applications. The order aims to prioritize U.S. workers amidst economic challenges. This adds complexity to the H-1B process, potentially affecting skilled professionals in technology and engineering fields. The decision highlights the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration policy.

Also from the U.S., USCIS has expanded the public charge review for Green Card applicants. This impacts Kenyans and other African immigrants seeking permanent residency. The public charge rule allows denial of Green Cards to those relying on government aid. The revised criteria consider age, health, income, education, and skills more comprehensively. This policy shift may require applicants to provide extensive documentation to prove financial independence. It could reduce successful Green Card applications from African countries, impacting family reunification and employment-based immigration.

Turning to Kenya news, Muranga's Kiganda coffee estate has become Africa’s first certified coffee estate. This milestone reflects the region's commitment to quality and sustainable practices. It enhances the estate's reputation and sets a benchmark for coffee production across the continent. The certification is expected to boost the local economy and inspire other coffee producers to pursue similar standards. This achievement is a source of pride for Kenyan farmers and highlights the potential for local farms to meet international standards, improving market access.

Also in Kenya news, President Ruto has warned against attempts to block a multi-trillion-shilling oil refinery in Lamu, backed by Aliko Dangote. The project faces legal challenges from residents over land ownership. A court ordered a halt until mid-October. Ruto claims the challenge is driven by those seeking shares rather than genuine concerns. He cautioned against tactics that previously deterred investors. The refinery, estimated at about two point nine trillion shillings, could be the largest in East Africa, processing seven hundred thousand barrels daily.

In lifestyle news, Kenya plans to manufacture an HIV-prevention drug, marking a significant health breakthrough. This initiative aims to combat the HIV epidemic and improve public health outcomes. By producing the drug locally, Kenya hopes to enhance access and reduce costs. The move is part of a broader strategy to ensure preventive measures are accessible. This development could positively impact the health sector, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in the pharmaceutical industry. Further details on partnerships and production timelines are expected to emerge.

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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