President Ruto Calls Kenyan Diaspora a Key Human‑Resource Asset During New York Visit

President William Ruto told New York audiences that Kenya’s overseas community is a valuable human‑resource capital essential for the nation’s economic and social development.
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From Underdog to City Hall Contender: Ronald Karauri Forces His Way Into Nairobi Governor Conversation

By Milton Were The race for Nairobi governor is beginning to acquire a different complexion, and Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri is increasingly becoming a name that cannot simply be ignored. Once viewed as an outsider in a contest expected to revolve around Governor Johnson Sakaja and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Karauri has declared his candidature and is seeking to build a case around management experience, business leadership and a less confrontational political style. Karauri's entry is particularly interesting because he does not fit comfortably into the traditional mould of a Kenyan politician. Before entering elective politics, he spent a decade in aviation, serving as a Kenya Airways captain between 2005 and 2015. He subsequently moved into corporate leadership as SportPesa chief executive before contesting the Kasarani parliamentary seat in 2022 as an independent candidate. He won with 32,406 votes, establishing himself politically without relying on the ticket of one of Kenya's dominant parties. That journey from the cockpit to the boardroom and eventually Parliament is central to understanding the proposition Karauri is putting before Nairobi. His supporters can point to a career requiring discipline, management and decision making, while his critics and rivals can legitimately ask whether those qualities can be transferred to the considerably more complicated business of running Nairobi County. That is precisely the debate his candidature introduces. For a city struggling with garbage collection, drainage, traffic, deteriorating roads, markets, healthcare and revenue management, the question of administrative competence is likely to feature prominently in the 2027 campaign. Karauri himself has framed Nairobi's problems primarily as failures of leadership, telling Kasarani residents when announcing his bid that he intends to seek the governorship and believes the city can be run differently. From Political Underdog to Serious Conversation Karauri was not initially the politician dominating discussion about the Nairobi succession battle. Sakaja naturally commanded attention as the incumbent, while Babu Owino had spent considerable time building his profile as a prospective challenger. Businesswoman Agnes Kagure and several other politicians have also featured prominently in discussions about the seat. What has changed is that Karauri is no longer merely a name being floated from the sidelines. He is a declared aspirant, a sitting Nairobi MP and a politician who has already demonstrated an ability to win an election as an independent. Recent coverage of the developing race now routinely places him among the politicians seeking to challenge Sakaja, alongside Babu and other contenders. That distinction matters. Being an underdog is different from being irrelevant. Karauri may have started this contest outside the group commanding the biggest polling numbers, but his political résumé gives rivals reason to watch how his campaign develops. Business Acumen Will Be Central to His Case Karauri's strongest differentiating characteristic is arguably his business background. Nairobi is not merely a political capital; it is an economic engine requiring the daily management of revenue, infrastructure, licensing, health facilities, markets and thousands of county employees. The governor is therefore both a political leader and the chief executive of an enormous public institution. Karauri can credibly point to years spent managing organisations outside government. His aviation career demanded discipline and adherence to systems, while corporate leadership exposed him to budgets, personnel, strategy and organisational accountability. His subsequent move into Parliament added the political and public-service dimension that was absent from his earlier career. None of that automatically makes somebody an effective governor. Public institutions operate under constitutional, procurement and public-finance rules that differ fundamentally from private companies. But it gives Nairobians a concrete professional record to interrogate rather than a political biography built exclusively around rallies, party positions and elections. The challenge for Karauri will be translating the language of management into a detailed programme for City Hall. Nairobians will want to know what a Karauri administration would actually do about garbage, drainage, water, county hospitals, markets, traffic and revenue collection. Business credentials become politically valuable only when they can be connected to measurable public outcomes. A Political Identity That Is Harder to Box In Karauri's independent victory in Kasarani also gives him an interesting argument in a cosmopolitan county where tribal arithmetic alone cannot guarantee victory. Nairobi is home to virtually every Kenyan community, meaning any successful gubernatorial coalition must cross ethnic, class and geographic boundaries. His political identity has not been built around positioning himself as the representative of one ethnic bloc. That does not prove that any politician is entirely free from Kenya's ethnic political dynamics, but Karauri's 2022 independent candidature gives him a different starting point from politicians whose careers have been inseparable from major party structures. His comparatively restrained public style is another distinction. Karauri is generally less combative in his public presentation than some of his rivals. Supporters interpret that temperament as humility and composure; voters will ultimately decide how much weight to give those qualities when assessing leadership. For Karauri, however, the real test of non-tribal politics will come when he attempts to organise across all 17 Nairobi constituencies. Kasarani alone cannot deliver City Hall. He will need meaningful support in Embakasi, Westlands, Lang'ata, Dagoretti, Starehe, Kamukunji, Makadara and the rest of the county. Babu Owino Cannot Be Ignored The presence of Babu Owino makes the contest even more complex. Babu has developed a highly visible political identity, particularly among younger voters, and remains deeply engaged in the Nairobi gubernatorial conversation. He has also recently been organising his political vehicle as he prepares for the battles ahead. Karauri represents an almost opposite political style. Where Babu is combative, vocal and intensely political, Karauri presents a quieter corporate persona. Where Babu has built much of his national identity through political activism, Karauri arrived in politics after careers in aviation and business. Karauri has "shocked" Babu personally. Babu now faces a gubernatorial field containing another sitting Nairobi MP with financial, corporate and political experience. That inevitably complicates the contest. Sakaja Also Has Another Rival to Watch For Sakaja, incumbency provides both opportunity and vulnerability. He will be able to defend his administration using projects and policies implemented during his term, while every challenger will simultaneously use the city's unresolved problems to question that record. City Hall sources privately describe Sakaja as worried about Karauri and is hoping on grassroots leaders being mobilised in response to his emergence. The political reality is already significant without embellishment: Sakaja faces a growing field of declared challengers, and Karauri is now among them. Every credible entrant changes the calculations around alliances, party nominations, constituency mobilisation and campaign resources. Karauri's presence therefore matters even before anyone can reliably measure the eventual size of his support. The Real Karauri Test Starts Now Karauri has successfully moved himself from businessman to MP and now from constituency politician to declared gubernatorial aspirant. His next transition will be the most difficult: convincing millions of Nairobi voters that the skills that worked in aviation, corporate management and Kasarani can work at City Hall. That requires much more than a compelling personal story. It requires organisation, policy, grassroots structures and a convincing answer to the basic question every Nairobi gubernatorial candidate must face: what exactly will you do differently? The underdog label may remain appropriate when measured against current polling, but dismissing Karauri altogether would overlook his unusual political trajectory and the fact that he has already defied conventional expectations once by entering Parliament as an independent. Nairobi's race is still open, crowded and fluid. Babu Owino remains a major player, Karauri now enters the ring stronly and Sakaja remains a failed incumbent. Karauri has done is secure a place in the conversation. The former pilot, businessman and political outsider is now sitting at the same gubernatorial table as Nairobi's established political heavyweights. The next year will determine whether Ronald Karauri can turn that seat at the table into a genuine countywide movement.
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Kenyan Workers Stranded in Juba Accuse Recruiter Ann Kathure Rutere of Withholding Salaries

A group of Kenyan workers stranded in Juba, South Sudan, has renewed complaints against recruiter Ann Kathure Rutere, accusing her of failing to pay salaries they say are owed to them after she recruited them for employment. The workers, who have requested that their identities be withheld over fears of possible repercussions, say their situation has deteriorated as they struggle to survive away from home without the income they expected from their jobs. According to the workers, they travelled to South Sudan after being recruited for employment but claim that salaries they expected to receive have not been paid, leaving them financially strained and uncertain about their next move. The latest complaints put Rutere back in the spotlight, with the workers saying concerns about alleged non-payment had previously been raised but their grievances remain unresolved. “We are now stuck in Juba, South Sudan, and the situation has become increasingly difficult for us,” the workers said in their appeal. They say what began as an opportunity to earn a living abroad has instead left them struggling far from their families and without money they claim they legitimately earned. The workers are now appealing for intervention from relevant Kenyan authorities, asking officials to establish what happened to their salaries and assist them in finding a safe way out of their predicament. “We are Kenyans working away from home, and we simply want what we are owed and a safe way out of this difficult situation,” they said. The allegations raise questions that Rutere should be given an opportunity to answer, including how much money is allegedly outstanding, why the workers say they have not been paid, who their contractual employer is, and what arrangements are being made to resolve their situation in Juba. The workers are demanding answers and intervention before their circumstances deteriorate further.
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NCBA Set to Lose Majority Local Control as Nedbank Takes Up to 66% Stake

NCBA Group is headed for one of the biggest ownership shake-ups in its history after the Central Bank of Kenya approved South Africa-based Nedbank Group’s acquisition of up to **66 percent of the Kenyan lender’s issued share capital**. The approval, granted on August 28 under Section 13(4) of the Banking Act, potentially puts majority control of NCBA in the hands of a South African financial conglomerate, subject to completion of the transaction under the agreement between the parties. For NCBA, the deal represents a striking transformation for a banking group created only in 2019 through the merger of NIC Group and Commercial Bank of Africa. Once completed at the maximum approved stake, Nedbank would hold nearly two-thirds of NCBA, leaving the Kenyan-listed lender operating under a fundamentally different ownership structure. The development is particularly significant given NCBA's footprint across East Africa. The Nairobi-headquartered group has banking subsidiaries in **Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda**, alongside a joint venture in Côte d’Ivoire, and interests spanning stock brokerage, insurance, investment banking and leasing. Nedbank, meanwhile, is headquartered in South Africa and listed primarily on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with a secondary listing in Namibia. Its existing African operations stretch into Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Zimbabwe. The acquisition therefore gives the South African group a potentially powerful platform for expanding its influence across East Africa through an established Kenyan banking franchise. CBK has welcomed the transaction, arguing that it will promote competition while strengthening the stability and resilience of Kenya's banking sector. But the sheer size of the proposed **66 percent holding** makes this more than an ordinary investment in NCBA. It represents a potential transfer of majority ownership of one of Kenya's prominent financial groups to a foreign banking giant. **The sharper question for the story is:** what does the deal mean for NCBA's existing major shareholders, boardroom influence, strategic direction and its identity as a Kenyan banking group? That angle hits harder **without inventing trouble at NCBA that isn't supported by the CBK release**.
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Uganda Revenue Authority Takes Out Full-Page Newspaper Ad to Congratulate Museveni’s Daughter on Becoming Bishop

KAMPALA, Uganda The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) has taken out a full-page newspaper advertisement congratulating President Yoweri Museveni's daughter, Pastor Patience Rwabwogo , on her consecration as an Episcopal Bishop. The conspicuous congratulatory message appeared in the Weekend Vision newspaper as part of a special publication marking the consecration. Under the headline “Congratulations Pastor Patience on Your Episcopal Consecration,” URA's management and staff extended their wishes to Rwabwogo as she assumed her new religious role. “On the joyous occasion of your consecration as Bishop, the Management and Staff of the Uganda Revenue Authority extend our heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes,” the message reads. URA described Rwabwogo's elevation as recognition of her faith, leadership and commitment to Christian ministry. The tax authority further prayed for wisdom, strength and good health for the President's daughter as she takes on her new responsibilities. The advertisement concludes with another congratulatory message to Bishop Patience Rwabwogo , signed by the management of the Uganda Revenue Authority. The decision by a government tax collection agency to purchase prominent newspaper space celebrating a religious milestone involving a member of Uganda's First Family is likely to attract public interest, particularly over the relationship between state institutions and prominent political families. The advertisement does not state how much URA paid for the full-page placement. Rwabwogo is one of the daughters of President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni and has for years been involved in Christian ministry. She leads Covenant Nations Church in Luzira, Kampala, which is marking its 20th anniversary alongside her elevation to Episcopal Bishop. Ahead of the consecration, President Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni hosted international evangelist Bishop Dr LaDonna C. Osborn at State House Entebbe. Osborn travelled to Uganda for Rwabwogo's consecration. Rwabwogo's relationship with Uganda's First Family has inevitably placed greater public attention on an otherwise religious event. The URA advertisement is particularly striking because the authority is a taxpayer-funded public institution responsible for assessing and collecting government revenue. While public institutions routinely publish congratulatory messages marking major national events and achievements, URA's decision to dedicate a full newspaper page to the President's daughter's church elevation could raise questions about the expenditure involved and the criteria used by government agencies when purchasing such advertisements. There is, however, no information in the advertisement indicating whether the placement formed part of a broader institutional advertising campaign or how the expenditure was approved. The full-page message nevertheless adds a distinctly governmental presence to celebrations surrounding Rwabwogo's elevation, turning what would ordinarily be a church affair into an event receiving recognition from one of Uganda's most important state agencies.
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Aga Khan University Hospital Pushes East Africa Into New Era of Robotic Surgery

Aga Khan University Hospital Pushes East Africa Into New Era of Robotic Surgery.
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Kwetu eSIM: Your Easy Guide to Staying Connected While Travelling

Travelling abroad? Forget the stress of hunting for a local SIM card the moment you land. With Kwetu eSIM , you can get connected before you even leave home and stay online wherever your trip takes you. Here’s everything you need to know — from downloading the app to buying, installing, gifting and managing your eSIM. 📲 Step 1: Download the Kwetu eSIM App Getting started is easy. The quickest option is to visit kwetuesim.com/download. You’ll automatically be redirected to the right app store depending on the phone you’re using. You can also search for Kwetu eSIM directly on: * Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kwetu-esim/id6789627153 * Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.kwetuesim&hl=en * Huawei AppGallery: https://appgallery.huawei.com/app/C118267379 Once you’ve downloaded the app, create your account using your email, Google Account, Apple Account (for iOS users), or Yahoo Account. And just like that, you’re ready to start exploring! ✈️ 🌍 Step 2: Choose Your Destination & Buy an eSIM Heading to South Africa? Tanzania? France? Wherever your next adventure takes you, finding a bundle is simple. 1. Search for your destination Type the country you’re visiting — for example, South Africa. You can also search by city or location. For example, searching Cape Town and Kwetu eSIM will show you the available South Africa options. 2. Pick your bundle Browse the available bundles and choose the one that works best for your trip. You’ll find different options, including: Fixed-data bundles — for example, 5GB. These work until you use up the purchased data. Unlimited bundles — these allow continued usage but may be subject to a Fair Usage Policy and speed throttling. For example, with a 3GB/day Unlimited bundle, you can use up to 3GB at full speed during the day. Once you reach that limit, your speed may be throttled to 2Mbps, with the allowance resetting the next day. 💡 Travel tip: If you’re mostly using WhatsApp, Google Maps, email and social media, a smaller bundle may be enough. If you’ll be streaming, uploading lots of videos or working remotely, consider a larger or Unlimited bundle. 3. Check the details Found a bundle you like? Tap on it to see more information, including: * 📶 Available network * ⚡ Connection speeds * 📊 Data allowance * 📜 Fair Usage Policy for Unlimited bundles * 💰 Price Make sure you check these details before purchasing so you know exactly what you’re getting. 4. Pay and you’re good to go! Tap Pay at the bottom of the screen and select your preferred payment method. Kwetu eSIM currently supports card and M-Pesa payments, with more payment options coming soon. You can also choose to gift the eSIM to someone else — perfect if you’re helping a friend, family member or travel companion get connected. Once your payment is successful, the eSIM will be assigned to the relevant account. Important: Paying for the eSIM does not automatically install it on your phone. You’ll need to install it separately. 📡 Step 3: Install Your eSIM Bought your bundle? Time to get connected! 1. Go to My eSIMs in the Kwetu eSIM app. 2. You’ll see all your purchased eSIMs and their current statuses. 3. Select the eSIM you want to install. 4. View the eSIM details and tap Install eSIM. 5. Kwetu eSIM will take you to the appropriate installation process for your device. 6. Follow the instructions on your screen. Once installation is complete, you’re ready to connect when your trip begins. 🌍📶 🎨 Step 4: Understanding Your eSIM Status Not sure whether your eSIM is ready, active or finished? The colour of your eSIM makes it easy to tell what’s happening. 🟡 Yellow — Ready to Install Your eSIM has been purchased and is waiting to be installed. 🟢 Green — Installed & Active Your eSIM is installed and currently active. 🔴 Red — Almost Ending or Ended Your eSIM is approaching the end of its validity or has already ended. Depending on its status, you may be able to top it up.
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