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Report254 TV, Langata, Nairobi (2026)

07/08/2026

RUTO RALLIES KENYANS FOR NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON ECONOMY, URGES SHIFT FROM POLITICS
By Hillary Shimnagha | August 7, 2026

President William Ruto on Thursday called for a national dialogue on economy and development next week, urging Kenyans to shift focus from politics to issues affecting livelihoods.

Speaking during a public engagement, the Head of State said political debates have dominated the country for too long without solving citizens' daily problems.

"Siasa haiwezi kupunguza gharama ya maisha. Uchumi na maendeleo ndio itapunguza gharama ya maisha, ndio itafanya Kenya iwe ni nchi ambayo tunajivunia sisi wote," President Ruto said.

He announced the planned "gongamano la Wakenya" will seek consensus on how to grow the economy, create jobs, increase food production and boost exports to make Kenya a higher income country.

"Hii Kenya, maendeleo itapatikana vipi? Hii Kenya, uchumi tutaiguza vipi? Kwa sababu tukikuza uchumi, nafasi ya ajira itapatikana? Gharama ya maisha itashuka chini?" he posed.

The President expressed confidence that Kenya can achieve what other nations have done, and challenged political opponents to present policies instead of insults and tribal rhetoric.

"Wacheni ukabila, wacheni matusi, wacheni vitimbi. Nyinyi mtueleze, ajenda yenu ni gani? Sera yenu ni gani? Mpango yenu ni gani?" he said.

13/05/2026

KENYA BETS ON DIGITAL FUTURE: PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES 30,000KM FIBRE OPTIC ROLLOUT, DOMESTIC TECH MANUFACTURING AT AFRICA FORWARD SUMMIT

Kenya is laying 30,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable and manufacturing digital devices locally as His Excellency charts an ambitious technology-driven path for the nation's youth.

Speaking at the Africa Forward Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, the Head of State outlined a sweeping digital transformation agenda anchored on education reform, infrastructure investment, and positioning Kenya as the continent's premier technology destination with young Kenyans at the centre of it all.

"We are also investing in digital infrastructure fibre optic. They've just said we are manufacturing now here in Kenya," the President told delegates, drawing applause from a packed audience of heads of state, global CEOs, and youth representatives. The declaration marked a pivotal moment: Kenya is no longer just consuming technology, it is building it.

The fibre optic rollout targeting full national coverage is designed to ensure that no corner of the country is left offline. The infrastructure push runs parallel to a domestic manufacturing drive that now includes phones, computers, and other digital assets, signalling a deliberate move up the technology value chain that directly creates employment for Kenya's young population.

Underpinning this digital shift is a fundamental rethink of the education system. His Excellency made clear that curriculum reform is not cosmetic but structural realigning learning with the demands of a modern, technology-driven economy. "Apart from reforming the education system, putting more money in and realigning education so that it speaks to the requirements of the now," he said, framing skills development as the foundation upon which all other investments rest.

That foundation is already attracting global interest. Last year, Teleperformance the world's largest Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company established operations in Kenya, joining a growing list of international firms choosing Nairobi over competing African cities. The President challenged summit attendees to interrogate that choice. "I'm going to ask Kate why she chose Kenya out of all the other countries, why? There must be something," he said, suggesting Kenya's combination of skilled youth, internet infrastructure, and entrepreneurial culture is its most compelling pitch to the world.

The BPO sector's rapid expansion is testament to that pitch. Global companies are increasingly setting up in Kenya because of what the President described as a triple advantage: young people with the right skills, reliable internet connectivity, and an enterprising population with an innate drive to innovate. Together, these factors are converting Kenya from an aid recipient into a technology investment destination.

The Ministry of ICT, the President confirmed, is now working on an active strategy to attract the world's top technology companies to Kenya not just as clients, but as partners in building the digital economy. The ambition is clear: make Kenya the address the world's tech giants cannot afford to ignore.

"The future is about technology. The future is digital, and AI is going to be at the centre of it," His Excellency declared, in a closing statement that served less as a summary and more as a national directive one that places Kenya's youth squarely at the heart of the country's tomorrow.

By Hillary Shimnagha

28/03/2026

KENYA BAGS KSH.449B INVESTMENT AT KIICO 2026 LAUNCH

Kenya has secured investment commitments worth more than Ksh.449 billion as the Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO 2026) opened in Nairobi, marking one of the largest single‑event inflows in the nation’s history and signaling renewed confidence in Kenya’s economic reforms.

President William Ruto, who presided over the opening ceremony of the three‑day forum, described the agreements as a turning point for Kenya’s economy. “We are demonstrating that Kenya is open for business, and that our policies are designed to attract and protect investment,” Ruto said. “These commitments will create jobs, expand industries, and position Kenya as a leader in sustainable development.”

The deals span agriculture, manufacturing, mining, healthcare, ICT, real estate, and energy. Government projections indicate that the investments will generate more than 63,000 direct jobs while strengthening Kenya’s role as a regional hub for innovation and green growth. Ruto emphasized that Kenya’s youthful workforce, strategic location, and ongoing reforms in taxation and governance are key factors driving investor confidence.

Statistics highlight the scale of the achievement. Kenya’s foreign direct investment inflows stood at approximately Ksh.110 billion in 2024, meaning the new commitments represent a more than four‑fold increase. The ICT sector, which has been growing at an average of 10.8 percent annually since 2019, is expected to benefit substantially from the new deals, while agribusiness investments are projected to enhance food security and export earnings. The renewable energy sector, already contributing over 80 percent of Kenya’s electricity mix, will receive additional financing to expand wind and solar projects.

Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui reinforced the government’s message, saying: “KIICO 2026 is not just about signing agreements. It is about building partnerships that will transform our economy and ensure that investment translates into real opportunities for our people.”

Kenya’s message is clear: the country is ready to move from promises to delivery, using investment as a tool to tackle unemployment, drive industrialization, and achieve sustainable growth. The Ksh.449 billion secured at KIICO 2026 marks one of the largest single‑event investment commitments in Kenya’s history, setting the stage for a new era of economic transformation.

27/03/2026

DEPUTY PRESIDENT CALLS FOR INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT TO TRANSFORM KENYA AND AFRICA

Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has underscored the importance of technology and private sector partnerships in driving Kenya’s and Africa’s transformation. Speaking at the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative (AGII) Forum in Nairobi, Kindiki said the continent’s future growth will depend on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration between governments and investors.

Kindiki noted that while globalization shaped the past four decades, the next era will be defined by digital economies and green industrialization. He emphasized that governments alone cannot deliver transformation without the expertise, capital, and innovation of private sector players.

“Africa’s transformation will be driven by technology and partnerships. We must harness innovation to create industries that serve our people and protect our environment,” DP. Kindiki told delegates.

According to the World Bank, Africa’s digital economy could contribute up to $180 billion by 2025, representing nearly six percent of the continent’s GDP. In Kenya, the ICT sector already contributes 7.7 percent to GDP, with mobile subscriptions surpassing 65 million. These figures highlight the transformative potential of technology in shaping Africa’s future.

The Deputy President also pointed out Africa’s youthful population, with over 60 percent under the age of 25, as both a challenge and an opportunity. Harnessing this demographic dividend through technology-driven industries, he said, will be key to sustainable development.

The AGII Forum brought together leaders, investors, and innovators from across Africa to discuss pathways for industrial growth that protect the environment. Delegates highlighted renewable energy, digital finance, and smart agriculture as sectors where partnerships could deliver immediate impact.

Economists argue that Kindiki’s remarks reflect a strategic shift in Africa’s development narrative, moving from reliance on globalization to homegrown technological solutions. With Nairobi already hosting major global tech firms and startups, Kenya hopes to leverage private sector innovation to expand opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, and services.

If successfully implemented, the push for technology and partnerships could transform Africa’s trade and industrial landscape, reduce unemployment, and position the continent as a competitive player in the global economy.

27/03/2026

BLUE ECONOMY STRATEGY POSITIONED AS KEY TO YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN KENYA

Kenya has stepped up efforts to reduce youth unemployment by investing in the blue economy, a sector that includes fisheries, aquaculture, marine conservation, and coastal resource management. The government, through the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), announced new projects aimed at creating thousands of jobs for young people in coastal and inland regions.

Speaking during the government’s Bonga na Gava program, KMFRI Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paul O***a said Kenya’s youth, who make up over 60 percent of the population under 25 years, stand to benefit from opportunities in fish farming, seaweed cultivation, and aquaculture.

“The blue economy is a frontier for job creation. By scaling up aquaculture and marine conservation, we can empower young people, reduce unemployment, and promote environmental sustainability,” Dr. O***a stated.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), youth unemployment remains high at 13 percent nationally, with coastal counties recording even higher rates due to limited industrial opportunities. The government hopes that investment in aquaculture and marine industries will absorb thousands of unemployed youth while diversifying Kenya’s economy.

One flagship project is the National Mariculture Resource and Training Centre in Kwale County, expected to produce up to five million fish larvae annually, making it the largest facility of its kind in East Africa. Officials say the centre will serve as a hub for training, research, and commercialization of aquaculture, directly creating jobs and indirectly supporting value chains in processing, transport, and export.

Economists project that Kenya’s focus on the blue economy could generate over 350,000 jobs by 2030 if properly implemented. Local manufacturers and farmers have expressed optimism, noting that tariff‑free access to new markets and marine resource expansion will enhance competitiveness. Civil society groups, however, urged transparency in the rollout and called for safeguards to ensure small‑scale fishers and local communities benefit from the initiative.

If successfully implemented, Kenya’s blue economy strategy could transform the country’s coastal regions, reduce unemployment, and position Kenya as a leader in sustainable marine resource management in Africa.

23/03/2026

KENYA PURSUES ZERO‑TARIFF DEAL TO NARROW CHINA TRADE GAP

Kenya has intensified efforts to reduce its KSh 500 billion trade deficit with China by pursuing a zero‑tariff agreement that would open new opportunities for Kenyan exports. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki made the announcement during the High‑Level Kenya–China Business Forum in Nairobi, attended by senior officials from both countries.

“Our shared objective is to expand Kenya’s exports to the Chinese market, particularly value‑added agricultural products, scale up the value chain, increase manufacturing cooperation, and strive to move towards a more balanced trade between our two economies,” DP. Kindiki said.

The Deputy President noted that while Kenya and China have enjoyed strong relations since independence, the trade deficit has remained wide, with imports from China dominated by machinery, electronics, and manufactured goods.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Kenya’s imports from China exceeded KSh 600 billion in 2025, while exports stood at less than KSh 100 billion, leaving a deficit of slightly over KSh 500 billion. The government hopes that tariff‑free access will allow Kenyan products such as tea, coffee, avocados, textiles, and manufactured goods to gain a stronger foothold in the Chinese market.

China has already announced that its zero‑tariff policy on Kenyan products will take effect on May 1, 2026, a move expected to lower export costs, boost competitiveness, and unlock new revenue streams for Kenyan businesses.

Economists argue that the agreement could mark a structural shift in Kenya–China trade relations, transitioning from a primarily import‑driven relationship to a more balanced, export‑oriented engagement. Local manufacturers and farmers expressed optimism, noting that tariff‑free access would enhance market opportunities and strengthen Kenya’s role in Africa–China trade.

Civil society groups, however, urged transparency in the negotiation process and called for safeguards to ensure that small‑scale producers benefit from the agreement.

If successfully implemented, the zero‑tariff deal could transform Kenya’s trade dynamics, reduce the deficit, and position the country as a competitive exporter in the global market.

19/03/2026

KSH 2.1B ENERGY PROJECT TARGETS 23,589 FAMILIES IN GANZE AND KILIFI NORTH

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has unveiled a KSh 2.1 billion rural electrification programme in Kilifi County, aimed at connecting 23,589 families to the national electricity grid. The announcement was made at Kakanjuni Trading Centre in Ganze, where Kindiki emphasized the government’s commitment to bridging the rural‑urban energy gap.

“Electricity is a basic right in modern society. By powering homes in Kilifi, we are unlocking opportunities for education, healthcare, and enterprise. This project is about dignity and development for our people,” Kindiki said.

The programme, implemented by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), will roll out across Ganze and Kilifi North constituencies. It is expected to be completed within 18 months, with transformers, poles, and wiring installed to connect households that have long relied on kerosene lamps and firewood.

According to the Ministry of Energy, Kenya’s electricity access rate currently stands at 77%, with rural areas trailing behind urban centres. The government’s universal electrification agenda targets 100% access by 2030, and Kilifi’s project is a critical step toward achieving that goal.

Statistics from REREC show that the KSh 2.1 billion investment will directly benefit more than 120,000 residents, while indirectly supporting schools, health centres, and small businesses. The initiative is also expected to create hundreds of jobs during installation and maintenance.

Local leaders welcomed the programme, noting that electrification would boost Kilifi’s economic activity. Farmers said access to electricity would allow them to adopt modern irrigation and storage methods, while youth groups expressed optimism about opportunities in digital work and entrepreneurship.

Civil society groups urged transparency in allocation and timely completion, stressing that rural electrification must remain inclusive and affordable.

If fully implemented, the Kilifi electrification programme could mark a turning point for the county, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and opening doors to education, healthcare, and economic growth.

17/03/2026

OVER 160 KAKAMEGA HOUSEHOLDS SET FOR POWER ACCESS UNDER NEW ELECTRIFICATION DRIVE

More than 160 households in Nderema Village, Navakholo Constituency, Kakamega County are set to be connected to the national electricity grid following the launch of a KSh 12.6 million rural electrification project by President William Ruto.

The project, implemented by the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), is expected to be completed within two months, bringing power to 161 homes that have long relied on kerosene lamps and firewood for lighting and cooking.

“Electricity is not just about light; it is about opportunity. With power, children can study longer, businesses can thrive, and healthcare can improve. This project is about transforming lives in rural Kenya,” President Ruto said during the commissioning ceremony.

According to the Ministry of Energy, Kenya’s current electricity access rate stands at 77%, with rural areas lagging behind urban centres. The government’s universal electrification agenda aims to achieve 100% access by 2030, with rural projects like Nderema forming a critical part of the plan.

Statistics from REREC show that the project will cost KSh 12.6 million, covering installation of transformers, poles, and wiring to connect households. The initiative is expected to directly benefit more than 800 residents, while indirectly supporting schools, health centres, and small businesses in the area.

Local leaders welcomed the project, noting that electrification would boost economic activity in Navakholo. Farmers said access to electricity would allow them to adopt modern irrigation and storage methods, while youth groups expressed optimism about opportunities in digital work and entrepreneurship.

The President emphasized that rural electrification is a key pillar of the Bottom‑Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritises inclusive development. He urged communities to safeguard infrastructure and ensure timely payment of electricity bills to sustain the programme.

If fully implemented, the project could mark a turning point for Nderema Village, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and opening doors to education, healthcare, and economic growth.

14/03/2026

GOVERNMENT STEPS IN WITH FINANCIAL RELIEF FOR FLOOD‑STRICKEN FAMILIES

The Government of Kenya has announced a relief package for families affected by the recent floods, pledging KSh 200,000 compensation per family that lost loved ones, alongside full coverage of hospital and mortuary bills.

Public Service, Human Capital and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku made the announcement in Kangundo, Machakos County, during a humanitarian outreach programme. He said the initiative is part of the government’s broader disaster response strategy to ease the financial burden on grieving families.

“We cannot bring back the lives lost, but we can stand with families during this painful time. The government will provide KSh 200,000 to each bereaved family and cover all hospital and mortuary bills to ensure dignity in care and burial,” Ruku stated.

According to the National Disaster Operations Centre, floods triggered by heavy rains have claimed at least 49 lives nationwide since early March, with hundreds displaced in Nairobi, Machakos, Kisumu, and other counties. The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that rainfall will continue in several regions, raising fears of further flooding.

Statistics from the Kenya Red Cross Society indicate that more than 5,000 households have been affected, with families losing homes, crops, and livestock. The government has deployed emergency teams to provide food, shelter, and medical support in the hardest‑hit areas.

The compensation plan is expected to cost the State over KSh 200 million, depending on the final tally of victims. Officials say the funds will be drawn from the National Emergency Response kitty, which was expanded in 2025 to strengthen disaster preparedness.

Ruku emphasized that beyond immediate relief, the government is working on long‑term flood mitigation measures, including construction of dams, drainage systems, and relocation of vulnerable communities. He urged county governments to collaborate closely with national agencies to ensure effective disaster management.

Families welcomed the announcement, saying the support would ease the burden of funeral expenses and hospital bills. Civil society groups, however, called for transparency in disbursement to ensure all affected households benefit.

If fully implemented, the relief package could mark a turning point in Kenya’s disaster response, combining humanitarian support with resilience planning.

10/03/2026

PRESIDENT RUTO OUTLINES PRIVATISATION DRIVE TO BUILD RESILIENT ECONOMY

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a resilient economy by accelerating the privatisation of State corporations, with proceeds directed into the National Infrastructure Fund to finance mega projects.

Speaking at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) bell‑ringing ceremony on Tuesday, Ruto said privatisation is a strategic shift aimed at reducing reliance on debt financing while mobilising resources locally to strengthen Kenya’s economic foundation.

“We are unlocking value in State corporations to finance infrastructure and create jobs. Privatisation is not about selling assets; it is about building resilience and ensuring Kenya’s economy is future‑proof,” President Ruto told investors and stakeholders.

According to the National Treasury, the government recently sold a 65% stake in the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), raising KSh 106 billion. These funds will be leveraged to crowd in an estimated KSh 1.2 trillion through the National Infrastructure Fund.

The Fund, established in 2025, aims to mobilise KSh 5 trillion over the next 10 years to finance critical projects in energy, transport, and water. Ruto emphasized that privatisation will ensure sustainable financing for infrastructure without burdening future generations with debt.

Statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) show that Kenya’s public debt currently stands at KSh 11.2 trillion, representing 68% of GDP. Analysts argue that shifting to privatisation and investment‑led growth could ease fiscal pressure while boosting investor confidence.

The President’s remarks come at a time when Kenya is implementing its Medium‑Term Economic Recovery Strategy, which prioritises job creation, industrialisation, and climate‑resilient infrastructure. Privatisation is expected to attract both local and foreign investors, expand capital markets, and enhance efficiency in formerly State‑run enterprises.

Stakeholders at the NSE welcomed the directive, noting that transparent privatisation will deepen Kenya’s financial markets and broaden opportunities for ordinary citizens to invest in national assets.

Public participation forums are expected to follow, as Parliament prepares to debate the Privatisation Bill, 2026, which will provide the legal framework for future transactions.

If fully implemented, the programme could mark a turning point in Kenya’s economic policy, balancing fiscal discipline with inclusive growth.

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