As next year’s elections approach, journalists have been cautioned against falling prey to misinformation which is rampant during the era of artificial intelligence (AI). Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Chairman Maina Muiruri says the media must maintain public trust at the height of misinformation, disinformation, manipulated images and misleading narratives that often compromise the truth during electioneering. Muiruri who spoke when he officially opened a training session for digital media practitioners in Ruiru, Kiambu County, told journalists instead to use AI to identify manipulated content, analyze data and improve fact-checking. He also disclosed that a report prepared by MCK shows that 60 percent of journalists who will be covering the upcoming election will be doing it for the first time, hence the need for training and sensitization. The workshop was organized by Digital Journalists of Kenya (DJK) association under the theme; ‘Using AI to enhance content authenticity and build information credibility in a general election season.’ DJK Chairman Andy Kagwa The DJK Chairman Andy Kagwa said the media must counter against hate speech and toxic political statements even as newsrooms and organizations like MCK , Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) and Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) launch initiatives to strengthen election monitoring and misinformation tracking systems. Christine Much...
Read briefing The government has underscored its commitment to reducing plastic pollution at source and promoting sustainable waste management through stronger refill and reuse systems. Speaking during the handover policy recommendations on strengthening refill and reuse systems, Deputy Director, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Njoroge Mbitu noted that the recommendations seek to complement Kenya’s existing waste management and extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework. “The recommendations seek to complement Kenya’s existing waste management and extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework by promoting waste prevention, encouraging reusable packaging, strengthening producer responsibility and supporting the development of a circular economy,” noted Mbitu. Deputy Director, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Njoroge Mbitu Mbitu who spoke while receiving the policy recommendations on behalf of the State Department for Environment and Climate Change said Kenya has made significant progress in addressing plastic pollution, including through the 2017 ban on plastic carrier bags, the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022, and the Sustainable Waste Management (Extended Producer Responsibility) Regulations, 2024. “The Government continues to strengthen implementation of these frameworks while working with stakeholders to address emerging challenges in plastic waste managemen...
Read briefing National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has attended the General Audience at the Vatican, led by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, describing the occasion as a moment of reflection, fellowship and goodwill. Speaker Wetang’ula said the audience gathered faithful from across the world to receive the Pope’s message of peace, hope and service to humanity. “I had the honour of attending the General Audience at the Vatican, presided over by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Wetang’ula said. He said the occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on the enduring values that unite people and nations, including peace, compassion, dignity and a shared commitment to building a better world. “This was a moment of reflection, fellowship and goodwill as we joined faithful from across the world to hear the Holy Father’s message of peace, hope and service to humanity,” he said. Wetang’ula noted that the audience also provided an opportunity to strengthen bonds of fellowship and reaffirm the importance of solidarity among people and nations. “The occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on the enduring values that unite humanity, including peace, compassion, dignity and a shared commitment to building a better world.” The Speaker reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening its engagement with the international community and to fostering partnerships grounded in mutual respect, dialogue, and shared values...
Read briefing The revival of Sony Sugar has sparked hopes for business growth in the sugar-belt towns, such as Awendo Town and surrounding areas, which are now bustling with activity. In an interview, Sony Sugar Company 2025 Limited Managing Director (MD) Jane Pamela Odhiambo attributed the region’s confidence to the reforms that President William Ruto initiated last year. Specifically, she said that the move to ensure that farmers are paid weekly for their cane has enhanced circulation of money– giving locals the buying power–and opened new opportunities for traders. According to her, approximately Sh150 million is circulating in Awendo Town and surrounding areas every month from payment of cane, adding that sugarcane growing is the mainstay for many households. “So my day-to-day work is to make sure that the plant is working, that cane is being grown, that cane is being delivered, that customers are being served, that customers are paying on time, and that suppliers are paid, just to make sure that operations run efficiently and effectively,” she said. “Now the turnover of this company, if we mill well, is somewhere in the area of Sh5 billion per year. Now if you look at that turnover, a lot of that money goes back to this economy because of the farmers, whom we pay around 120 to 150 million per month,” she stated. An aerial view of the expansive Sony Sugar nucleus in Awendo, Migori County...
Read briefing Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has dismissed accusations of unfair treatment of LPG traders across the country. While responding to the opposition on allegations that the government is confiscating LPG cylinders from traders illegally, Wandayi said only illegal refilling stations are being targeted on a bid to improve public safety. “LPG safety is paramount to the consumer and for this reason we urge politicians to refrain from attacks to public officers and law enforcement agencies legitimately performing their duties as required by Law,” said Wandayi in a statement. On Wednesday, DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua accused the government of confiscating 200,000 LPG gas cylinders from traders as government affirms it’s position on combating illegal refills and trade of cooking gas. “I wish to assure the public that Government will not succumb to pressure from politicians and cartels hellbent to benefit from LPG illicit trade. The crackdown on illegal LPG operations will be intensified until full compliance is achieved,” he added. Wandayi also dismissed accusations that the police was conducting the crackdown illegally. Wandayi says to ensure traders comply with the the Energy Act Cap. 314 and the Petroleum Act Cap 308, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) works collaboratively with the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal...
Read briefing The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has confiscated 868 assorted alcoholic beverages and arrested two suspects during a multi-agency crackdown on the illicit alcohol trade in Eastleigh, Nairobi. The operation, which took place at Section 3 on 18th Street, targeted outlets suspected of distributing illicit alcoholic products. The team included officers from NACADA, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the National Police Service. According to NACADA, items seized included alcoholic beverages bearing suspected fake KRA stamps, uncustomed beer from Defence Forces Canteen Organisation (DEFCO) stores, and expired and suspected counterfeit products. A distributor and a retailer were arrested during the operation and taken to Jogoo Road Police Station. The seized products have been sent for analysis to confirm their authenticity and compliance with regulatory requirements. The operation is part of ongoing intelligence-led enforcement activities being conducted nationwide, following growing public concern over the manufacture, distribution, and sale of counterfeit and illicit alcoholic beverages. NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the Authority is collaborating with other government agencies to intensify enforcement against manufacturers, distributors, and outlets involved in unlawf...
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