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iSTART Media
Nyoro’s Second Act — Building an Alternative After Breaking Away
By Erick Mbogo Githuku Nyoro has now made his political choice. The next question is whether he can turn that choice into a credible governance alternative. As Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election, his political journey may ultimately be judged less by the dramatic nature of his departure from UDA and more by what he builds after leaving it. Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro’s decision to leave the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and join the oppos
15 hours ago4 min read
Homa Bay Rally Chaos: Arrests Begin as Questions Over Political Violence Grow
By Erick Githuku Mbogo The battle for ideas has been hijacked by machetes—Kenya must decide if this is its future. Two lives lost, dozens wounded, and a nation asking: can 2027 be secured? Two days after violence disrupted the Linda Mwananchi political tour in Homa Bay, attention has shifted from the scenes of chaos to the difficult questions of accountability, security and the safety of political participation ahead of the 2027 General Election. The National Police Service
2 days ago3 min read
Failed Peace Deal Deepens Fears of Wider US-Iran War as Strait of Hormuz Becomes New Flashpoint
By Erick Githuku Mbogo August 18, 2026: Hopes of a negotiated end to the U.S.-Iran war have weakened after a 60-day diplomatic window expired without a lasting agreement, leaving the strategically important Strait of Hormuz at the center of a confrontation threatening to deepen the region's security and economic crisis. The deadline followed a June memorandum of understanding intended to halt hostilities and create a pathway towards resolving disputes over Iran's nuclear prog
2 days ago3 min read
President Ruto's Blueprint for a First World Kenya. The Betterment he says must drive the succeeding chapter
By Erick Githuku President William Ruto has unveiled a forward -looking economic agenda that he says can move Kenya towards earning her first world status, placing productivity, infrastructure, human capital, technology and industrialization at the center of the country's next phase of development. The President's remarks come as Kenya approaches the near end of the Vision 2030 blueprint and begins discussions of what should replace it. In a special nation address on July 30,
Aug 115 min read
South Africa’s June 30 Anti Immigration Protests Spark Escalated Tensions, Even for Documented Migrants
South Africa’s June 30 anti‑immigration protests, staged under a self‑declared deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave, escalated tensions across major cities and spilled over onto documented migrants, who found themselves evicted, harassed, and targeted simply for being foreign. While organizers insisted their campaign was aimed at “illegal immigrants,” the marches blurred distinctions between lawful residents and the undocumented, leaving thousands of migrants — with
Jul 15 min read
President Ruto vouches for Kenya's workforce in Norway trade talks
President William Ruto’s visit to Norway has spotlighted Kenya’s youthful workforce and clean energy credentials, with commitments on maritime jobs, expanded trade, and renewable partnerships. The Oslo talks, detailed at the Kenya–Norway Business Forum, show how Kenya can leverage its human capital and strategic location to attract investment while creating pathways for employment and sustainable growth. President William Ruto has urged Norwegian entrepreneurs to look beyond
Jun 103 min read
EABC Warns Against Trade Barriers as Ebola Outbreak Tests East Africa’s Cross Border Systems
East Africa’s private sector is warning that the Ebola outbreak must not be allowed to paralyze trade. The East African Business Council (EABC) has urged governments to coordinate health measures across borders, while health ministers and international agencies stress that reactive closures could worsen risks by driving movement underground. The East African Business Council (EABC) has urged governments, border agencies, and businesses to remain calm and coordinated in their
Jun 62 min read
Utumishi Girls Fire Leaves 16 Dead, Experts Propose Safety Mechanisms to Avoid Future Incidents
A deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy has shaken the nation, with nine students now facing court over arson charges. As families mourn, the government has ordered a nationwide safety audit of boarding schools, while education unions and past commissions demand stricter enforcement of safety standards to prevent future tragedies. The country is mourning after a devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, left sixteen students dead and several others
Jun 23 min read
Kenya’s 23rd National Prayer Breakfast Calls for Forgiveness and Unity
Kenya’s 23rd National Prayer Breakfast held at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, brought together leaders across the political divide to reflect on unity, forgiveness, and reconciliation. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi urged leaders to champion dialogue and humility as the country heads toward the next General Election, while faith leaders and civil society emphasized the need to translate prayer into tangible action for peace and social cohesion. At Safari Park Hotel on May 28, 20
May 292 min read
UK Commits £20 Million to Reinforce Ebola Response in Eastern DRC Amid Global Health Emergency
The United Kingdom has pledged fresh funding to help contain the Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, directing resources to frontline responders, sanitation systems, and maternal health facilities. The move comes as WHO and African partners warn that the Bundibugyo strain, with no licensed vaccine, demands not only emergency action but long‑term investment in community‑driven health resilience. Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is once again grappling w
May 232 min read
Kenya and Kazakhstan Forge New Bridge Linking East Africa to Central Asia
Kenya and Kazakhstan have signed wide‑ranging agreements in Astana that position Nairobi as a continental hub for Central Asian engagement while opening Kazakhstan to African markets. The deals span trade, ICT, mining, transport, and climate cooperation, marking a rare interregional partnership that could reshape connectivity between Africa and Eurasia. Kenya’s state visit to Kazakhstan this week has produced a set of agreements that go beyond traditional diplomacy, signallin
May 202 min read
Kenya to Host Landmark UN Internet Governance Forum in 2026 as Global Debate on Digital Futures Intensifies
Kenya will host the 21st United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Nairobi from December 14–18, 2026, bringing together more than 9,000 participants from over 165 countries to debate the future of digital policy. The summit comes at a pivotal moment, with the IGF now established as a permanent UN body and global attention focused on issues such as AI regulation, data sovereignty, and digital inclusion. Kenya’s selection as host of the 2026 IGF marks a return to the gl
May 193 min read
Experts Push for Action on Menstrual Health Services and Clean Water Gaps among School Girls and Women
Experts in menstrual health and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are calling for urgent action to close persistent gaps in access to menstrual health services and clean water, warning that these challenges undermine the dignity, education, and rights of women and girls. In Uganda, menstrual health and WASH challenges remain deeply intertwined. A 2025 audit revealed that 64% of schoolgirls miss classes due to lack of menstrual materials and inadequate sanitation facilit
May 183 min read
Kenyans Walk to Work as Nationwide Matatu Strike Over Fuel Prices Brings Cities to a Standstill
Kenya’s cities turned into rivers of pedestrians on Monday morning after matatus and other transport operators staged a nationwide strike over soaring fuel prices, leaving thousands to trek long distances to work, schools, and markets in what has quickly become one of the most disruptive industrial actions in recent memory. The strike began at midnight, announced by the Transport Sector Alliance, and by dawn the impact was visible everywhere. Bus stops that usually throb with
May 184 min read
Kenya’s Universities Hit Record 670,000 Enrolment as Students Pivot to Skills-Based Courses
Kenya’s higher education sector has reached a milestone, with enrolment climbing to about 670,000 students across public and private universities. The surge reflects growing confidence in universities as engines of opportunity, while signalling a shift toward skills‑driven courses such as medicine, ICT, law, and education that promise stronger pathways to employment and innovation. Kenya’s universities are swelling with numbers that tell a story of ambition, anxiety, and adap
May 153 min read
Kenya Moves to Secure Vaccine Future as BioVax Hosts French Delegation
Kenya has stepped up efforts to cut reliance on imported vaccines, with Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga leading a tour of the Kenya BioVax Institute in Embakasi alongside French Minister for International Development Éléonore Caroit and global partners. The visit showcased Kenya’s ambition to build local manufacturing capacity, strengthen health security, and position itself as a regional hub for vaccine production. Kenya’s push to secure its vaccine f
May 144 min read
Kirinyaga Governor Waiguru’s Ksh.200M Mwea Water project Shows How Infrastructure Can Unlock Grassroots Solutions
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has launched a KSh.200 million bulk water supply project in Mwea, set to deliver clean piped water to over 30,000 households across eight wards, while also allocating land for the expansion of Wang’uru Market. The twin investments are designed to solve long‑standing community challenges—ending reliance on unsafe water sources and creating modern trading spaces that boost small businesses—showing how infrastructure can directly improve health, a
May 132 min read
Museveni Sworn In for Seventh Term as Uganda Faces Questions on Democracy and Future Leadership
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a record seventh term, extending his rule beyond four decades. Supporters hailed his leadership for delivering peace and infrastructure, while critics pointed to disputed elections, rights abuses, and shrinking democratic space. For a country with one of the world’s youngest populations, the moment raises urgent questions about governance, succession, and how Uganda can build solutions that balance stability with democr
May 134 min read
President Ruto Urges Africa to Finance Its Own Future, Citing Kenya’s Affordable Housing Model
Opening the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, President William Ruto urged African nations to move beyond dependency and unsustainable borrowing by mobilising domestic capital and building financial sovereignty. He cited Kenya’s affordable housing programme—funded with $4 billion raised locally—as proof that African countries can finance their own transformation, create jobs, and expand opportunities without relying solely on externa
May 123 min read
Macron Meets Ruto in Nairobi Ahead of Africa Summit Focused on cross‑border Investment and Africa–Europe Relations
French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Nairobi and talks with President William Ruto come just before the opening of a two‑day Africa Forward Summit, the first ever held in an English‑speaking African country. The forum will bring together African leaders and business executives to discuss economic development and cross‑border investment, as France seeks to reset ties with the continent. For Kenya and Africa at large, the summit carries implications for trade, jobs, and
May 124 min read
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