Mwakilishi News Bulletin - Evening Edition, Saturday 17 October 2026
Evening Edition for Saturday, 17 October 2026. Running time 8:49.
In this bulletin
Immigration News
- USCIS warns immigrants about rising scams
- Canada updates Express Entry for high-wage workers
- DHS proposes costly OPT fees for international graduates
Kenya News
- Ida Odinga condemns chaos at Raila's memorial event
- Fraud case investigates cloned SIM card of Kenyan official
- Building collapse during Moi Avenue demolition injures four
- Security operation at JKIA seizes smartphones and drones
- President Ruto inspects Nandi affordable housing project
World News
Transcript
This is the news from Mwakilishi.com.
Good evening. It's 6 o'clock this evening on Saturday, the seventeenth of October, and here is your evening edition.
Coming up.
USCIS warns immigrants about rising scams and fraud risks.
Kenya confirms more Ebola cases, raising public health concerns.
KEMRI gains charter, boosting health research in Kenya.
Those stories, and more, in the next few minutes.
Turning to immigration news, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services is alerting immigrants to potential scams and fraud. The agency warns that applicants for immigration benefits face risks from individuals posing as lawyers or officials. USCIS advises that no representative is needed for filing forms and emphasizes using licensed attorneys or accredited representatives if help is sought. Scammers often make the immigration process seem complex, using social media and calls to target victims. USCIS and the Department of Justice offer resources to find legitimate legal help, aiming to protect immigrant communities from unauthorized and damaging fraud schemes.
Staying with immigration, Canada is updating its Express Entry system from the third of November twenty twenty-six. The new changes will give extra points to candidates with Canadian work experience in high-wage jobs. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab says the revised system will focus on applicants whose skills match Canada's economic needs. Points will be added for work experience and job offers in eligible occupations. The Labour Market Impact Assessment requirement for job offers will be removed. This move aims to retain temporary workers and graduates, making their transition to permanent residence smoother while supporting Canada's economy.
Also in immigration, the US Department of Homeland Security has proposed new fees for Optional Practical Training, impacting international graduates. The proposal suggests a seventy thousand dollar fee for the first OPT recommendation and thirty thousand for subsequent ones. Published on the eighth of October twenty twenty-six, these fees would increase work authorisation costs. Colleges would pay the fees and may pass them onto students or employers. The proposal is under review, with existing OPT arrangements still in place. The OPT programme helps graduates gain US work experience and explore immigration options. DHS will consider public feedback before any decision.
Turning to Kenyan news, Ida Odinga has condemned the disruption during Raila Odinga’s memorial in Bondo. She called for respect among political leaders and their supporters, highlighting that the event's purpose was overshadowed by hostility. Ida noted concerns over organised attempts to disrupt proceedings, which undermined the memorial's dignity. She stressed that political differences should never justify disrespect towards guests. Encouraging peaceful dialogue, Ida reflected on Raila's legacy of promoting reconciliation. She defended the decision to invite leaders from diverse political backgrounds, urging Kenyans to uphold mutual respect and democratic coexistence in honour of Raila's commitment to dialogue.
Staying with Kenya, authorities are probing a fraud case involving a Principal Secretary's alleged SIM card cloning. The scheme reportedly defrauded about seven million shillings, raising concerns over digital communication security among officials. The cloned SIM facilitated unauthorized transactions, spotlighting vulnerabilities in government infrastructure. The investigation will explore the cloning methods and implications for cybersecurity. It underscores the sophistication of fraud techniques and the need for robust protective measures. As digital crime evolves, there is a call for increased awareness and education on digital security among officials and citizens to safeguard sensitive information.
Also from Kenya, four workers were injured when a building collapsed during a demolition on Moi Avenue in Nairobi. The site, previously occupied by Club Avenida, had 24 workers present when the incident occurred. Three were hospitalized at Kenyatta National Hospital. Rescue teams, including canine units, ensured all workers were accounted for, with no fatalities reported. Nairobi City County is investigating whether the demolition had the necessary approvals and supervision. The county emphasized the need for developers to adhere to safety standards and coordinate with officials to prevent such incidents, ensuring public safety in future demolition projects.
In more Kenya news, the Kenya Revenue Authority seized 52 refurbished smartphones and three drones at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. A cleaner was stopped while carrying two backpacks, which belonged to a passenger who had asked her to bypass customs. The luggage was screened, revealing electronic devices. The passenger was traced and admitted to giving the bags to the cleaner. The items are held at a customs warehouse pending investigations. The KRA reminds travelers that all items must pass through proper customs procedures, emphasizing adherence to regulations to avoid penalties and maintain airport security.
President William Ruto has inspected various development projects in Nandi County. The government plans to invest about eighteen billion shillings in housing, education, and market projects. During his visit, Ruto commissioned the Kaiboi Economic Stimulus Programme Market and inspected the Nandi Hills Affordable Housing Project, which includes 729 housing units. The investment aims to construct 4,000 housing units, 7,000 student beds, and 15 modern markets. The projects are expected to create jobs and business opportunities. The affordable housing programme is central to Kenya Kwanza's agenda, promoting construction sector employment and supporting local enterprise development.
Turning to world news, Kenya's Health Ministry has confirmed four new Ebola cases, raising the total to seven. The cases include a relative of the first patient and three healthcare workers, highlighting the risks faced by medical personnel. The outbreak has increased scrutiny of the government's response and surveillance measures. Efforts are underway for contact tracing and monitoring, emphasizing the importance of robust health infrastructure. The Ministry of Health is expected to collaborate with international organizations to manage the outbreak. The global health community is closely monitoring the situation, given its potential regional impact.
In other world news, President Ruto has extended the reduced VAT rate of 8 percent on petroleum products. This decision follows the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority's recent fuel price review. The extension offers temporary relief to consumers, delaying potential cost increases. It will last for 90 days, providing stability in fuel prices and impacting transportation and goods costs. The move aligns with efforts to streamline Kenya Revenue Authority governance and boost economic activity. EPRA's review already factored in the VAT extension, easing concerns over rising fuel costs among motorists and industries reliant on petroleum products.
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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