Sema News

By Michael Nyamai - NAIROBI, KENYA, AUGUST 26, 2026 — Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, declaring that the government will not be intimidated into abandoning its crackdown on illegal liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) operations. Photo caption:Energy and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi (centre) addresses the media in Nairobi, where he defended the government’s crackdown on illegal LPG trade, warning that authorities will not succumb to political pressure or intimidation. Photo courtesy. Wandayi accused politicians and cartels of attempting to derail government efforts to clean up the LPG sector, insisting that public safety would take precedence over political pressure. “The government will not succumb to pressure from politicians and cartels hell-bent to benefit from LPG illicit trade, even if they choose to work in cahoots with Rigathi Gachagua,” Wandayi said. The CS warned that the government was prepared to intensif...

By Michael Nyamai - NAIROBI, KENYA August 25, 2026  — Kenya is stepping up efforts to position its micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the heart of regional trade, with the government unveiling an ambitious plan to expose hundreds of local businesses to the wider East African market. Cooperatives and MSME Development CS Wycliffe Oparanya and PS Susan Mang’eni (centred) consult during the official commissioning of the EAC MSME Trade Fair 2026 National Organizing Committee in Nairobi, as Kenya steps up preparations to showcase 500 enterprises from all 47 counties Speaking during the official commissioning of the EAC MSME Trade Fair 2026 National Organizing Committee, Cooperatives and MSME Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya said the government considers MSMEs a critical engine of economic growth, employing millions of Kenyans and contributing more than 30 percent of the country’s GDP. “If it is focused on MSMEs, then it will change the economy of this country,...

By Michael Nyamai - NAIROBI, KENYA, AUGUST 24, 2026 —  The Interior Designers Association of Kenya (IDAK), Association of Construction Managers of Kenya (ACMK) and The Architects Alliance have rejected the Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Bill, 2026, warning that the proposed regulatory framework could undermine professional autonomy and create conflicts within Kenya’s built environment sector. Association of Construction Managers of Kenya (ACMK) President Ephraim Kakui (centre) with representatives of the Interior Designers Association of Kenya (IDAK) and The Architects Alliance during a joint briefing in Nairobi: Photo courtesy. The associations, speaking during a joint media briefing in Nairobi led by Ephraim Kakui, President of the Association of Construction Managers of Kenya (ACMK), said they are not opposed to regulation but want legislation that properly recognises the distinct roles and competencies of different built-environment professions. “We are not ...

By Michael Nyamai - NAIROBI, KENYA, AUGUST 20, 2026 - Nairobi has become the centre of Africa’s entrepreneurship story as 20 of the continent’s most promising business leaders battle for a place in the grand finale of the 2026 Africa’s Business Heroes Prize. Africa’s brightest business minds have converged in Nairobi for the 2026 Africa’s Business Heroes semi finals, chasing a coveted spot in the Top 10 and a chance to compete for a share of US$1.5 million in grant funding. Photo courtesy. The regional semi finals, running from August 21 to 22, bring together entrepreneurs selected from more than 24,000 applications submitted across all 54 African countries. The 20 semi finalists represent 12 African countries and 11 sectors, including agritech, healthcare, manufacturing, fintech, technology and climate solutions. Their businesses collectively generated approximately 85 million US dollars in revenue in 2025. The entrepreneurs are pitching their businesses before a panel of experienced ...

By Michael Nyamai - NAIROBI, KENYA, AUGUST 19, 2026 - The United Alternative Government of Kenya has called on the International Criminal Court to closely monitor the rising cases of political violence in the country and assess whether they warrant action under the Rome Statute. PLP leader Martha Karua, flanked by opposition principals, addresses journalists in Nairobi as the United Alternative Government calls on the International Criminal Court to monitor alleged political violence in Kenya and assess whether it warrants further action. Photo courtesy. Speaking to journalists in Nairobi, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua read a joint statement by key opposition principals, warning that recent attacks involving political leaders, journalists and civilians point to a worrying pattern ahead of the 2027 General Election. The opposition cited reported incidents involving former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Rongai, Fred Matiang’i in Mulot, and violence surrounding Lind...

By Michael Nyamai  NAIROBI, KENYA  AUGUST 17, 2026 — The Vijana na Ruto National Youth Political Movement, led by its chairperson Isaac Ntharagwa, has demanded disciplinary action against Starehe MP Amos Mwago over remarks attributed to him during a political engagement in Nakuru last week. Vijana na Ruto National Youth Political Movement led by chairperson Isaac Ntharagwa addresses the media in Nairobi on Monday, August 17, 2026, as the group called for accountability and an apology from Starehe MP Amos Mwago over remarks attributed to him against President William Ruto. Photo courtesy  In a strongly worded press statement issued in Nairobi on Monday, the youth movement accused Mwago of crossing the line between legitimate political criticism and what it described as disrespect towards the office of the President. The movement said political leaders are free to challenge government policies but must maintain decorum when addressing the Head of State. “Political criticism...

By Michael Nyamai -  NAIROBI, KENYA, AUGUST 17, 2026 — Drama unfolded outside Jogoo House after a group of activists staged a protest demanding the resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja over what they described as growing concerns surrounding alleged abductions and recent chaos in Homa Bay. Activists protest outside Jogoo House in Nairobi demanding the resignation of Inspector General Douglas Kanja over alleged abductions and police conduct, as six demonstrators are arrested during the standoff.Photo courtesy  The activists gathered outside the government offices intending to air their grievances and address the media on the security situation, particularly the incidents reported in Homa Bay. However, their plans were cut short after police moved in and arrested six protesters, preventing them from proceeding with their planned media address. The arrests created tension outside Jogoo House as the activists confronted police officers while insisting that they...

  By Michael Nyamai -  NAIROBI, KENYA, AUGUST 11, 2026 — Kenya has strengthened its partnership with Huawei Kenya to accelerate the transition toward a smarter, cleaner, and more renewable-powered energy system. (L)Sean Lixiang, Director Huawei digital Power Department, (2nd L) Maureen Mwaniki Director public Affairs Huawei Kenya, (C) Alex Wachira, Principal Secretary State Department of Energy, KPLC representative and (R) Eng.Peter Njenga CEO of KenGen during the Kenya Energy Transition Forum 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill, Nairobi. The State Department for Energy, in partnership with Huawei Kenya, held the Kenya Energy Transition Forum 2026 in Nairobi, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, and technology experts to explore ways of modernising the country’s power system. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said Kenya’s abundant geothermal, hydro, wind, and solar resources provide a stron...