NAIROBI, Kenya 13 April, 2026 In a coordinated effort to transform youth development from primary school through post-secondary education, the Chalan Foundation is rolling out a six-pillar strategy across 10 counties, reaching 100 schools that have already been assessed through a baseline survey conducted with support from the Ministry of Education. According to Rox Otieno, head of programs at Chalan Foundation, the organization runs most of its initiatives inside schools, including scholarship access, life skills and leadership programs, and a STEAM curriculum, while also deploying community-based interventions to reach learners outside the classroom.

The foundation's baseline survey identified 10 schools per county, creating a clear data-driven starting point for tracking student progress. Beyond primary and secondary education, Chalan Foundation has launched NextGen360, a program designed specifically for post-secondary learners to help them navigate the transition to higher education or the workforce. Early data from the foundation's internal tracking shows student cohorts advancing from a baseline index of 100 to targets ranging between 116 and 127, suggesting significant competency gains across different counties.

With the Ministry of Education as a key partner and 100 schools already active, Rox Otieno and his team are now focused on scaling the STEAM and leadership curricula while expanding NextGen360 mentorship pathways. The foundation expects to release its first full impact report in the coming months, with the goal of proving that an integrated, school to career model can work across diverse Kenyan counties.

NAIROBI, Kenya 11 April, 2026 The inaugural Digital Wealth Lab program, facilitated by Hatima Africa, concluded yesterday to widespread acclaim, drawing entrepreneurs, freelancers, and career professionals eager to master practical tools in digital business and personal development. The workshop aimed to bridge the knowledge gap for youths transforming their career paths, offering them a structured pathway from traditional employment mindsets into sustainable digital and entrepreneurial livelihoods.

A defining moment of the workshop came during the session led by Charles Msilanga, Founder and Executive Director of Hatima Africa, who served as the keynote facilitator. Speaking to a rapt participants, Msilanga issued a powerful challenge to participants to harness artificial intelligence boldly, but with clarity and intentionality. "We are living in a world flooded with ambiguous information," Msilanga told the crowd. "That noise can paralyze you or mislead you if you are not careful. That is why you must embrace AI in your daily projects and gigs, not as a gimmick, but as a tool to cut through the confusion and make your brand stand out." He urged entrepreneurs to move beyond basic AI usage and instead integrate it strategically into content creation, customer engagement, data analysis, and workflow automation. But technology alone, he warned, is not enough. "Your environment will shape your outcome. Get good mentors. Find worthy company. The people you surround yourself with will either amplify your vision or quietly erode it. Choose wisely." His remarks drew sustained applause and sparked animated small-group discussions throughout the remainder of the event.

Throughout the day, the workshop covered a comprehensive range of topics designed to equip participants for the modern digital economy. Sessions explored the era of AI and what it means for work, business, and value creation in the coming decade. Facilitators guided attendees through the critical importance of mental framework and mindset, emphasizing that technical skills alone are insufficient without the right psychological foundation to navigate uncertainty, rejection, and rapid change. Deep dives into the digital economy helped participants understand current trends, emerging opportunities, and where their skills could fit into evolving market demands. Most importantly, the workshop provided hands-on demonstrations of AI tools and practical strategies on how to utilize them, from content generation and customer service automation to data analysis and workflow optimization.

The Digital Wealth Lab is the latest initiative under Hatima Africa's broader mandate: to educate, build capacity, empower communities, and advance sustainable development. Founded and led by Charles Msilanga, the organization has steadily built a reputation for moving beyond conventional seminars to deliver practical, outcomes-driven training that equips individuals with skills they can immediately apply in their livelihoods. Yesterday's workshop embodied that philosophy. Rather than passive lectures, participants left with actual digital assets, sales funnel drafts, content calendars, and financial tracking templates, that they built with their own hands under facilitator guidance.

Participant reactions underscored the workshop's impact. Clyde Ogalo, an attendee, described Msilanga's message on mentorship as timely. "He said 'worthy company.' That hit differently. I've been working alone for two years, and honestly, I've stalled. Today reminded me that I need people who challenge me, not just people who cheerlead," Ogalo said.

Looking ahead, Hatima Africa has made a firm commitment to scale its efforts and support more young people in achieving their goals. Program organizers announced that the Digital Wealth Lab is not a one-off event but the beginning of a sustained movement to reach youths across Kenya, including those in underserved communities who lack access to digital skills training. "This is just the start," Msilanga affirmed. "We are committed to walking with young people as they build their futures. No one should be left behind in this digital shift."

NAIROBI, Kenya 10 April, 2026 Huawei has reinforced its commitment to advancing digital inclusion in Kenya through a donation of broadband equipment to an ICT Hub classroom at the New Mukuru Primary School, located within the Mukuru Affordable Housing Project.

The technology firm has developed a low-cost, quick-to-install, and easy-to-maintain internet infrastructure solution known as DQ-ODN. Enabled by Safaricom, the system offers entry-level unlimited home fiber access from just 800 KES per month between 50 and 70 percent cheaper than regular packages.

The donated equipment includes a fiber-to-the-office solution, five Wi-Fi 7 access points capable of supporting a large number of high-speed devices, two CCTV security cameras, and a smart screen (IdeaHub). Together, these tools will enhance connectivity, safety, and digital learning for one of Nairobi’s fastest-growing urban communities.

“At Huawei, we believe connectivity is the foundation of opportunity,” said Freshina Morogo, ICT Solutions Manager Huawei Kenya Company Limited. “By supporting the Mukuru community with digital infrastructure and tools, we are not only connecting homes but enabling access to education, livelihoods, and a better quality of life.”

As Kenya accelerates the delivery of affordable housing, the focus is increasingly shifting beyond physical structures to access to opportunity. Reliable internet connectivity is now fundamental for education, employment, digital finance, and government services. Huawei’s intervention aligns with its global digital inclusion vision under the Huawei Tech4All initiative.

The Mukuru Affordable Housing Project reflects a broader shift toward integrating digital infrastructure into urban development from the outset. Kenya’s recent building code reforms requiring fiber-ready infrastructure underscore the importance of embedding connectivity during construction.

“The donated equipment will deliver immediate and tangible benefits to over 500 learners and residents,” Morogo added. “Reliable Wi-Fi will enable access to online learning and digital work, while the IdeaHub smart screen will enable interactive, digital-first learning experiences within the ICT hub.”

The Affordable Housing Programme is designed to deliver dignity, inclusion, and opportunity. Integrating digital infrastructure ensures residents are not left behind. This initiative contributes directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, helping to bridge the digital divide and unlock pathways to inclusive growth.

As African cities continue to expand, integrating digital infrastructure into housing developments will be critical. Huawei has reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside government, developers, and communities to scale similar initiatives across the continent.

The Family Group Foundation has signed a strategic partnership with the Military Wives Association of Kenya to formally institutionalise technical and vocational skills training within the Kenya Defence Forces, marking a significant step toward scaling youth empowerment and economic inclusion among military families.

The programme has so far benefitted 290 dependents, aged 18 to 25 years, of service personnel in the Kenya Defence Forces, with the goal of enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Speaking during the fourth cohort graduation of 89 dependents of Kenya Army servicemen and women, held at Embakasi Garrison, Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri commended the programme's impact in equipping young people with marketable skills. "I would like to appreciate the strong partnership of the Military Wives Association of Kenya and The Family Group Foundation. This is indeed a truly great creation that has equipped these young men and women with not only technical skills but has also instilled in them confidence," he said.

The partnership has now successfully graduated four cohorts, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 290. The first cohort saw 51 graduates from Kenya Army dependents, the second cohort saw 50 graduates from Kenya Air Force dependents, while the third cohort included 100 graduates from Kenya Navy dependents.

Family Bank CEO Nancy Njau said the initiative reflects the lender's broader commitment to positive social impact and youth opportunity. "At Family Bank, we believe in promoting positive social impact. This partnership represents our commitment to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for our young people. By formalising our partnership with the Military Wives Association, we look forward to empowering the next generation through education, skills development, and mentorship, ensuring that every young person has the tools to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society," she said.

Since graduation, beneficiaries of the programme have made a notable impact in the job market, transitioning into the Kenya Defence Forces as skilled tradesmen, moving into employment, and establishing their own businesses.

Military Wives Association of Kenya Chairlady Grace Kahariri said the collaboration is helping young people build resilience and practical pathways into the future. "Through our partnership with The Family Group Foundation, these students have been equipped with essential skills to navigate the complexities of modern life and build a more resilient future. This joint effort strengthens our mission to empower and uplift young talent," she said.

Beyond entrepreneurship, the partnership will also look to support high school scholarship programmes, psychosocial support initiatives, and climate action efforts, including environmental conservation and ecosystem restoration, in line with the shared vision of both organisations to drive inclusive socio-economic development.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has officially issued nomination certificates to its candidates for the upcoming by-elections, with party leaders praising the recently concluded primaries as a model of transparency, fairness, and technological innovation.

During a ceremony at the party's headquarters, National Election Board official Wycliffe Ndwati said the event marked the successful culmination of a nomination exercise conducted over the weekend. "We are gathered here today for a ceremony to issue certificates to our candidates who won the various party primaries in the just concluded by-election nominations," Ndwati said.

National Election Board Chairman Anthony Mwaura underscored the credibility of the process, revealing that the party had not received any formal disputes regarding the outcome. "So far, we have not received any complaint for the dispute of this election. That means the exercise that you did was beyond reproach," he stated.

Mwaura described the nominations as a milestone for the party, attributing the smooth conduct to the adoption of digital technology in managing the electoral process. He expressed confidence in the candidates' prospects, adding, "As you look at them today, we believe that by May 14th they will be elected as Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly."

Senior party leaders highlighted the growing strength of UDA, noting its consistent success in previous by-elections where it won all available seats. One leader urged the aspirants to remain united, praising the National Election Board for conducting credible nominations. "We are not in the business of losing elections. We are grateful to all those who participated and accepted the outcome," he said, calling on those who lost to rally behind the winners.

The leader further called for political maturity, advising against airing grievances on social media. "In Kenya, we must create a culture where we concede elections with integrity and honour. Your anger should be expressed through the ballot, not social media," he said.

Another speaker commended the party for embracing electronic voting, calling it a landmark achievement in the country's political landscape. "We are the first political party in this country to vote electronically in nominations. This ensures that our candidates truly reflect the will of the people," he said, noting that the system now uses ID scanning technology to verify voters and reduce errors.

He added that the advancements had strengthened confidence in the party's processes, positioning UDA as a benchmark for other political parties. "We can even have other countries come to benchmark on how to conduct nominations," he remarked.

The official urged successful candidates to remain loyal to the party's manifesto once elected, stressing collective responsibility in governance. "When you belong to a political party and are elected, you are duty-bound to support its policies. If your ideas conflict with the manifesto, go with the manifesto," he said, adding that UDA remains focused on fulfilling its pledges on housing, universal health coverage, and food security ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Candidates were also encouraged to unite their supporters and former rivals to strengthen the party ahead of the by-elections. "In a political contest, you will always have opponents. But once you win, bring them on board. We are now one team," one official said.

Leaders expressed optimism about the future of digital elections, with one official noting, "I am hopeful that in the coming years, Kenyans will be able to vote from their homes, with results announced the same day."

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the successful candidates, officially clearing them to fly the party's ticket in the upcoming by-elections. Party officials expressed confidence that the candidates would replicate the party's past electoral successes, citing strong grassroots support and the integrity of the new digital nomination system.

In a major step toward modernizing its agricultural sector, Kenya today officially launched the Electronic Warehouse Receipt System Central Registry (eWRS-CR), a landmark digital platform designed to curb post-harvest losses and unlock crucial financing for the nation’s millions of smallholder farmers.

The platform, launched by the Warehouse Receipt System Council (WRSC) in partnership with TradeMark Africa (TMA) and funded by the British High Commission (BHC) in Nairobi, creates a secure, government-owned digital hub that automates and centralizes the management of warehouse receipts.

This system allows farmers to store their produce in certified warehouses and receive an electronic receipt as proof of ownership. The receipt can then be used as collateral to secure loans from financial institutions, allowing farmers to avoid the cycle of distress selling immediately after harvest when prices are typically at their lowest.

“This platform strengthens trust among market participants, enhances commodity security, and unlocks access to financing for farmers and agribusinesses. It lays a firm foundation for structured agricultural trade and positions Kenya as a regional leader in agricultural market innovation,” Mr. Mbogo said.

Dr. Juma Mukhwana hailed the platform as a “confidence-building intervention” that will empower farmers and attract private investment. “By enhancing transparency, strengthening trust, and enabling access to finance, this system empowers farmers, attracts private sector investment, and contributes to Kenya’s broader economic transformation,” he said.

Agriculture is the backbone of the Kenyan economy, with smallholder farmers contributing over 75% of national output. However, the sector has long been stifled by two major challenges: a severe lack of access to credit, with less than 5% of bank lending going to agriculture, and staggering post-harvest losses, which can reach 30-40% for some commodities. The eWRS-CR directly tackles both issues by transforming harvested crops into a viable financial asset.

According to Lucy Komen, Ag. CEO and Registrar of the WRSC, 114 warehouse receipts have been registered for nearly 600,000 kilograms of deposited commodities, demonstrating the system’s readiness and early adoption by the private sector.

“We are encouraged by the private sector’s growing embrace of warehouse operations, which is critical to the success of the system,” said Ms. Komen. “The structured market systems enable farmers to focus on production while ensuring their commodities are safely stored, financed, and traded within a structured and secure marketplace.”

The benefits extend beyond Kenya’s borders. TradeMark Africa’s Kenya Country Director, Lillian Mwai-Ndegwa, framed the initiative as a foundational step for seamless regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She explained that by making goods traceable and “trade-ready” at the source, the system prevents delays later in the supply chain.

“Seamless borders do not begin at the crossing point. They begin long before a pickup or a lorry reaches the border. They begin at source,” said Ms. Mwai-Ndegwa. “Systems like the Electronic Warehouse Receipt platform ensure that commodities are traceable, trusted and trade-ready from the moment they enter the value chain.”

The British High Commission’s Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director, Diana Dalton, highlighted the tangible impact on farmers’ daily lives. “Kenya and the UK are injecting innovation into agriculture. Not only does this system put more money into farmers pockets, but it also means produce like maize can be used to take out a short-term loan to pay school fees, without a farmer selling their produce at a cheaper price,” Ms. Dalton said.

The launch of the eWRS-CR signals Kenya’s transition from pilot programs to a national, structured agricultural trading system, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to build a more transparent, efficient, and inclusive agricultural economy.

Ms. Mary Kerema, OGW, delivering remarks on behalf of Eng. John Tanui, MBS, the Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy issued a blunt assessment that government efforts to digitize critical records are failing, risking the paralysis of Kenya's broader digital transformation agenda.

Speaking to ICT Directors and stakeholders at a breakfast meeting hosted by the Kenya Association of Records Managers and Archivists (KARMA) at the Serena Hotel, Kerema said progress since the Ministry directed State Corporations to adopt paperless systems in March 2023 has been significantly low.

Kerema highlighted Section 17(3) of the 2016 Access to Information Act, which mandated public entities to computerize records within three years, and outlined key issues: weak policy frameworks, poor implementation, limited ISO best-practice usage, major skills gaps, weak ICT-records collaboration, and weak change management.

Kerema urged ICT Directors to embed records-management principles into digitalization projects, prioritize ICT training, and work closely with records professionals. The Ministry, via the ICT Authority, pledged support for standards and capacity building.

She also highlighted KARMA's annual conference in Mombasa as a key opportunity to bridge the ICT-records management divide.