With prolonged dry spells and unpredictable rainfall threatening harvests, the government has continued to urge farmers to adopt drought-resistant crops that can withstand harsh climatic conditions while sustaining household incomes.

A good example of such crops is sorghum, a less demanding crop known for its ability to thrive in relatively dry conditions.

Unlike crops that require consistent rainfall to perform well, sorghum has a deep root system and uses water efficiently, enabling it to withstand dry conditions better than many conventional cereals.

Also Read:How Black Soldier Fly farming is reshaping animal feed business

Beyond its ability to survive drought, sorghum presents several commercial opportunities that could make it a valuable source of income for smallholder and commercial farmers alike.

One of its biggest attractions is the potential for a ready market. Breweries, commercial bakeries and animal feed manufacturers use sorghum as a raw material, creating opportunities for farmers to supply processors in bulk.

Where buyers offer formal contracts, farmers can plan production around agreed quality requirements, quantities and delivery schedules, reducing the uncertainty associated with selling produce after harvest.

However, farmers are advised to look for market before planting to avoid losses.

Sorghum is also easy to manage, which translates to low production costs.  Compared with some conventional cereals, it requires less fertiliser and fewer chemical treatments under suitable growing conditions.

This, however, depend on the variety planted, soil fertility, pest pressure and farming practices. The crop’s relatively short growing season offers another advantage.

Early maturing varieties allow farmers to plan subsequent planting activities or diversify into other crops where rainfall and soil conditions permit. .

Sorghum also offers value beyond its grain. The stalks, leaves and other crop residues can be used as livestock feed, including as material for silage when properly harvested and preserved.

In livestock-producing areas, farmers may sell these by-products to dairy and beef producers, creating an additional source of revenue from the same field.

Additionally, the crop’s grain can be stored for extended periods when properly dried and kept under suitable conditions. This allows farmers to sell their produce when market prices are good instead of disposing of their harvest immediately after threshing.

Importantly, sorghum farmers are not limited to one market. Depending on grain quality, location and prevailing prices, sorghum can be sold to industrial processors, local food markets, poultry feed manufacturers and regional processing enterprises.

Also Read: Azolla farming offers Nyeri farmer a low-cost feed alternative

Why sorghum farming could be a goldmine for farmers in arid and semi-arid areas first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The college is assessing the German labour market to identify opportunities for Kenyan dental health professionals, with a delegation led by Chief Executive Officer Kelly Oluoch visiting the country to engage prospective employers and assess industry requirements.

In a statement issued on October 8, KMTC said the mission involves ABC Deutschland and the African Business Community Kenya, with discussions focusing on workforce demand, professional competencies and the requirements for employment in Germany.

“Our vision is not only to train competent health professionals, but to ensure that their skills can take them wherever opportunities exist. Germany offers opportunities for our dental health graduates, and KMTC is deliberately building partnerships and pathways to connect them to that market,” said Oluoch.

The delegation visited Dental Zentrum, where lead dental surgeon Martin Golliner said Germany has more than 70,000 practising dentists, with individual clinics requiring at least two dental assistants to support their operations.

The demand for dental support staff could provide an opening for KMTC graduates trained in community oral health and dental technology as the college seeks to align its programmes with international labour market needs.

KMTC Head of the Community Oral Health Department Dr George Githu said shifts in dental disease patterns and demographic changes in Germany could create opportunities for graduates to serve in both private and public dental care facilities.

The team also toured Unterberger Dental, a laboratory where dental technologists from various countries manufacture oral prostheses and appliances, including dentures, crowns and bridges.

The visits provided the college with an opportunity to examine the technical skills, equipment and professional standards expected in the German dental sector.

Also Read: KPC Inuka Tech Fellowship Helps 30% of First Cohort Secure Jobs

Deputy Director Academics Prof Nyawira Mwangi said the findings would help KMTC strengthen the preparation of students seeking international careers.

“What we have observed gives us valuable insight into how we can prepare our Dental Technology and Community Oral Health students for international practice,” she said.

KMTC Head of the Dental Technology Department Joseph Wainaina said the practical training offered by the college could help graduates adjust to new technologies and evolving practices in the dental industry.

To prepare students for the potential placements, KMTC plans to introduce German-language lessons for relevant programmes in the 2026/27 academic year.

German dental specialists and ABC Deutschland representatives are also expected to interact with students to explain workplace standards and the preparations required for employment in Germany.

KMTC dental programmes

KMTC offers two three-year dental programmes: the Diploma in Community Oral Health and the Diploma in Dental Technology.

The Community Oral Health programme trains students in preventive and primary oral healthcare, public education and the management of common dental conditions. Training includes scaling, polishing, fillings and minor oral surgical procedures, including tooth extractions, at Level IV and V hospitals.

Applicants must have a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) mean grade of C (Plain), with at least C (Plain) in English or Kiswahili and Biology or Biological Sciences. They must also attain at least C- (Minus) in any two of Physics or Physical Sciences, Chemistry and Mathematics.

The Dental Technology programme focuses on the design, manufacture and repair of dental prostheses and appliances. Students learn to produce dentures, orthodontic appliances, crowns and bridges, alongside laboratory techniques used to restore oral function and improve dental appearance.

Entry requirements include a minimum KCSE mean grade of C (Plain), with at least C (Plain) in English or Kiswahili and Physics, Physical Sciences or Chemistry. Applicants must also have at least C- (Minus) in Biology or Biological Sciences.

The proposed German employment pathway could give graduates of the two programmes an additional route into the labour market.

Also Read: Need to utilise digital technologies to support basic education

KMTC graduates eye jobs in Germany as college explores new opportunities first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Her story, marked by uncertainty, determination and faith, offers a glimpse into the difficult beginnings behind a career that has taken her into the company of some of the world’s most influential figures.

Before establishing herself in the political communication industry, Njoroge endured periods of financial distress that forced her to explore different ways of making ends meet.

She recalled spending nearly a month selling pens, pencil sharpeners and erasers on the streets of Nairobi in an attempt to raise money for her basic needs.

At the height of her struggles, she considered taking up domestic work instead of returning to her rural home.

She later found employment at a posho mill, an experience that underscored the uncertainty she faced as she tried to establish herself.

Also Read: George Ruto and other public figures who studied at Mang’u High School

Her educational journey was equally challenging. Born in Githiga, Kiambu County, Njoroge grew up in a modest Christian household.

The loss of her mother at the age of 10 left her under the care of her father and grandparents, who struggled to meet the cost of her education at Moi Girls Kamangu.

After completing her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations in 2004, she faced the daunting task of financing her further education.

In a desperate attempt to secure assistance, she travelled to Kabarnet Gardens to seek an audience with former President Daniel arap Moi.

Her efforts to meet the former Head of State were unsuccessful, as General Service Unit officers at the entrance turned her away.

However, an aide later contacted her and advised her to pursue scholarship opportunities through the Moi Foundation.

Njoroge eventually pursued her higher education later in life, earning two degrees along the way. Yet, it was not only formal education that would shape her professional future.

A longstanding passion for writing would prove instrumental in opening doors that once appeared beyond her reach.

Also Read: Kenyan nurse Maureen Wanjiru Ngure deported by ICE from U.S

Her interest in writing began during her years at Moi Girls Kamangu, where she served as editor of the school magazine. The experience helped nurture a skill that would later become central to her career.

Unable to finance the activities of a non-governmental organisation she hoped to establish, Njoroge turned to social media to engage young people on issues she cared about.

Drawing from books she had read and her personal interests, she used her online platforms to share ideas and build a community around her work.

That decision eventually brought her to the attention of people who could help advance her ambitions. One of her Facebook followers shared the telephone number of Peter Kenneth, then a prominent political figure.

Armed with little more than her secondary school certificate, a Facebook page and a Twitter account, Njoroge walked into Kenneth’s office at the Treasury in January 2012.

The encounter marked the beginning of her career in political communication, a field in which she would go on to build a decade of experience.

Reflecting on the breakthrough, Njoroge recalled a moment of introspection that challenged her to recognise the resources already within her reach.

“Pauline, what do you have in your hand?” she remembered being asked.

Her answer was simple: she could write, and she had a Facebook page.

What had initially been a means of expressing herself and connecting with other young people gradually became a professional tool that would shape her career.

Over time, her work brought her into contact with presidents, presidential candidates and heads of international institutions.

She also shares meals with monarchs and prominent global leaders, a striking contrast to the hardships she experienced in her early years.

“This is a story of possibilities, of daring to dream big despite the circumstances,” she said.

She also attributed her journey to divine intervention, drawing a connection between her experiences and the biblical theme of God lifting the disadvantaged from obscurity to positions of honour.

“A story of a God who raises the poor from the dust and seats them with kings, literally,” she said.

Also Read: Equity Group CEO Dr James Mwangi Appointed to South-North Commission on Development

From hawking to corridors of power: Inside Pauline Njoroge’s journey of resilience first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Available to Emirates Holidays customers traveling to Thailand, the pass unlocks exclusive offers of up to 40% off, with no minim onward connections to Bangkok and Phuket.

In South Africa, travellers can reach Thailand through Dubai. Emirates operates 56 weekly flights between South Africa and Dubai from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, with onward connections to Bangkok and Phuket.

Emirates Holidays customers can redeem their offers by simply presenting their vouchers and a copy of their passport at the reception of the participating mall or outlet to collect their Welcome Package. The offers include shopping and dining vouchers across 14 participating malls across Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Krabi and Chiang Mai. The Thailand Pass also includes a complimentary shuttle service between centralwOrld and Central Village Bangkok, in addition to complimentary VIP lounge access at both venues.

Five ways Emirates is helping customers travel with greater confidence

The pass also unlocks Buy 1 Get 1 Free offers on a selection of top attractions and experiences across Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya and Krabi, including Playsquare Laser Tag, Playmondo, Swensen’s, Auntie Anne’s, Aquaria Phuket, OTO Playpark and Monowheel, along with an additional 5% discount on Karmakamet wellness products.

The launch comes as Thailand remains one of Emirates Holidays’ most popular destinations, with bookings up 10% year-on-year. It also builds on Emirates’ continued investment in Thailand. The airline recently deployed its Airbus A350 aircraft to Phuket and today operates retrofitted Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft with new Premium Economy cabins to Bangkok. The airline operates 49 weekly flights to Thailand, reflecting sustained demand for the destination, making the Thailand Pass a timely addition to Emirates Holidays proposition for travellers.

The Thailand Pass is available on package bookings made until 31 March 2027, giving customers ample time to plan their Thailand getaway and take advantage of the exclusive benefits. Emirates Holidays’ customers can also secure their trip with a deposit, in addition to benefitting from a flexible cancellation policy, allowing them time to apply for visas where needed, or make last-minute changes.
Customers in Kenya and South Africa can make their bookings through participating travel agencies.

Further details on the Thailand Pass, including terms and conditions, h hellare available on the Emirates Holidays website: emiratesholidays.com/destination/asia/thailand.

Emirates Holidays launches pass with up to 40% discounts for travellers first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Using the validated Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale alongside participatory interviews, researchers found that more than one in four workers in Nairobi show symptoms of depression, while approximately one in three experience anxiety. Overall, 22.4 percent of respondents across all study sites screened positive for depression, 30.6 percent reported anxiety, and 12.7 percent experienced moderate to severe stress.

The data exposes a dramatic geographical divide between urban informal settlements and rural healthcare settings. In Nairobi, depression rates reached 26.4 percent, compared to 8.2 percent in rural Kiambu. Similarly, anxiety affected 33.8 percent of Nairobi promoters against 18.9 percent in Kiambu, while elevated stress levels stood at 15.4 percent and 3 percent, respectively.

Researchers attributed this disproportionate burden in urban areas to demanding workloads, severe economic vulnerabilities, and hyper-dense living conditions. Only eight percent of Nairobi-based promoters considered their workload manageable, compared with 24 percent in Kiambu, while 40 percent of urban respondents expressed persistent fears of losing their positions.

Structural financial strain emerged as a primary catalyst for worker burnout across both settings. Between 93 and 97 percent of surveyed health workers reported that their monthly stipends were inadequate or unfairly compensated, while between 92 and 94 percent regularly spent their own personal money on client transport, mobile airtime, and basic emergency medical costs.

“Hidden Scars”: Violence Against Children and Mental Health in Kenya

Furthermore, although Kenya relies on approximately 107,000 promoters to anchor its national Universal Health Coverage agenda through household screening, health education, and emergency referrals, institutional support remains severely constrained. The recommended supervisory ratio of one Community Health Assistant per community unit is frequently breached, with some assistants forced to oversee up to 100 promoters, thereby limiting opportunities for meaningful mentorship or psychosocial support.

Extending beyond administrative and financial stressors, the study highlights acute environmental and physical safety risks facing the frontline workforce. Promoters act as primary responders during climate shocks, such as the 2024 Nairobi floods, which displaced families and escalated community health hazards while directly affecting the workers’ own households. Additionally, female health promoters reported persistent safety concerns during routine household visits and late-night referrals, including vulnerability to verbal abuse and sexual harassment.

To mitigate these systemic pressures, the research team has developed and piloted a four-component mental health intervention package engaging 500 promoters and 50 supervisory assistants. The model combines mental health literacy to reduce stigma, a five-week peer-led self-care curriculum adapted from the World Health Organization’s stress management guidelines, capacity-building for supervisory assistants in supportive leadership, and automated mobile messaging offering wellness encouragement and direct referral contacts.

To sustain the health workforce, researchers urge county and national governments to integrate promoter well-being into the national Community Health Strategy, guarantee timely stipend payments, enforce strict supervision limits, and establish confidential reporting mechanisms for workplace harassment.

SHINE research report reveals hidden mental health crisis first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The Commission’s 20 members were presented in Berlin on October 5 by its Co-Chairs, former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and former Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla.

Dr Mwangi is one of only two business leaders appointed to the Commission and the only representative from Africa.

Dr James Mwangi joins prominent global leaders

The South-North Commission brings together senior figures from international institutions, government, business, academia, development and civil society.

Its members include World Bank President Ajay Banga, World Trade Organization Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, UN Development Programme Administrator Alexander De Croo and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Denis Mukwege.

The Commission also includes former senior government officials from South Africa, Senegal, Indonesia, Spain, Brazil, Uruguay and Germany, with a majority of its members coming from the Global South.

Equity’s Dr James Mwangi Receives the UNHCR Visionary Award

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Mwangi said the Commission has an opportunity to move beyond traditional approaches to development cooperation and establish more effective partnerships.

“Willy Brandt’s Commission gave the world the language of interdependence. Fifty years on, our task is to turn that language into partnerships that work.”

He added that Africa should increasingly be viewed as a source of growth, talent, innovation and investment rather than primarily through the lens of aid.

Dr Mwangi said he would bring to the Commission Equity’s experience in mobilising domestic and international capital, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, and using financial and economic inclusion to create jobs and shared prosperity.

Commission builds on Willy Brandt’s legacy

The South-North Commission builds on the legacy of the North-South Commission, chaired by former German Chancellor Willy Brandt from 1977.

The original Brandt Commission played an influential role in shaping discussions around economic interdependence and cooperation between developed and developing countries.

The new Commission is scheduled to hold its first meeting in Bangkok on October 16 and 17, 2026, alongside the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings.

It is expected to present interim findings in 2027, marking 50 years since the establishment of the Brandt Commission, before publishing its final report at the end of 2028.

Its recommendations are expected to contribute to discussions on the global development agenda following the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr Mwangi brings financial inclusion experience

Dr Mwangi joins the Commission with more than three decades of experience in banking, financial inclusion and private-sector development.

Equity Group serves 23.3 million customers across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. The Group says 98% of its transactions now take place outside its physical branches.

His appointment also brings an African private-sector perspective to discussions about how domestic capital, private investment and financial institutions can contribute to development.

Dr Mwangi will serve on the Commission in his personal capacity.

Dr James Mwangi awarded Lifetime Achievement at the All-Africa Business Leaders Award

Equity advances Africa-focused development initiatives

Alongside Dr. Mwangi’s participation in the Commission, Equity Group is continuing several initiatives focused on economic development across Africa.

Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan

Equity’s Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan (ARRP) is a USD 6 billion initiative targeting 100 million customers and five million borrowing businesses by 2030.

The programme is designed to strengthen East African value chains and connect businesses to regional and international markets. Partners supporting the plan include the International Finance Corporation (IFC), British International Investment (BII) and FMO.

Private-sector financing for development

Equity also presented a proposal at the 2025 UN Financing for Development Conference in Seville, calling for a new approach to development financing with a greater role for private capital.

The proposed model seeks to use public funds to reduce investment risks and attract domestic savings and private capital through local financial institutions.

The approach comes amid increasing pressure on traditional development assistance and growing demand for alternative sources of development financing.

Accra Reset

Dr Mwangi also participated in the one-year review of the Accra Reset initiative during the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026.

Equity says it will continue supporting the Ghana-led initiative, which focuses on strengthening sovereign capacity and developing more balanced partnerships across the Global South.

From humiliation to empowerment: How Dr. James Mwangi redefined banking in Africa

Equity focuses on agriculture, climate and youth

Agriculture, climate finance, education and youth employment are also part of Equity’s development agenda.

About 30% of Equity’s lending is directed to agriculture, while the Group has set a target of allocating more than 30% of its loan book to climate-aligned sectors by 2030.

Through its Wings to Fly and Elimu programmes, Equity has supported more than 60,000 scholars.

In May 2026, Dr Mwangi and Equity launched a USD 1 billion fund aimed at supporting creative industries development across East and Central Africa.

The initiative is also linked to the objectives of Dr Mwangi’s work on the World Bank Jobs Council.

Who sits on the South-North Commission?

The Commission brings together leaders from international institutions, government, business, academia, development organisations and civil society.

International institutions: Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank; Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation; and Alexander De Croo, Administrator of the UN Development Programme, participating in an official and consultative capacity.

Former government leaders: Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg and former Deputy President of South Africa; Aminata Touré, former Prime Minister of Senegal; Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Independent Co-chair of the IDA22 replenishment and former Finance Minister of Indonesia; Arancha González Laya, Dean of the Paris School of International Affairs and former Foreign Minister of Spain; Izabella Teixeira, Co-chair of the UN International Resource Panel and former Environment Minister of Brazil; Omar Paganini Herrera, former Foreign Minister and former Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining of Uruguay; and Hermann Gröhe, President of the German Red Cross and former Health Minister of Germany.

Development, peace and civil society: Mark Green, President and CEO of ONE and former USAID Administrator; Dr Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Co-president of the Global Survivors Fund; Dr Comfort Ero, President and CEO of the International Crisis Group; Daniel Bertossa, Secretary General of Public Services International; and Nudhara Yusuf, Co-chair of the Coalition for the UN We Need.

Academia and research: Prof. Kaushik Basu of Cornell University and Co-chair of the UN High-Level Expert Group on “Beyond GDP”; Prof. Xue Lan, Dean of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University; and Elsy Milan, researcher at the Center for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London and COP30 negotiator for Lebanon.

Business: Altagracia Gómez Sierra, Chair of Promotora Empresarial de Occidente in Mexico, and Dr James Mwangi, Group Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings.

Africa’s private sector gains a seat in global development discussions

Dr. James Mwangi’s appointment gives Africa’s private sector representation in a commission examining the future of international development cooperation.

For Equity Group, the appointment also provides an international platform for the Group’s experience in financial inclusion, private-sector financing, entrepreneurship, agriculture, climate finance and job creation.

The Commission’s work over the next two years will provide recommendations on how countries and institutions in the Global South and North can build new forms of economic and development cooperation beyond the traditional aid model.

Equity Group CEO Dr James Mwangi Appointed to South-North Commission on Development first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Over the decades, the institution has produced individuals who have gone on to occupy influential positions and shape the country’s social, political and economic landscape.

Among its more recent alumni is George Kimutai Ruto, the youngest son of President William Ruto, who returned to his former school on Saturday, October 3, 2026, as Mang’u marked its centenary celebrations.

George joined other former students for the unveiling of a new basketball court, an event that brought together the school’s past and present generations.

Also Read: Money President Ruto’s son makes from matatu business daily

Away from the official programme, he spent time with students on the sports grounds before addressing the wider student body.

In his interaction with the students, George reflected on the realities that accompany life beyond secondary school, urging them to remain resilient as they navigate the opportunities and difficulties that come with adulthood.

His return also offered a glimpse into his own journey since leaving the institution. George joined Mang’u High School in 2013 and completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations in 2016, attaining a B+ grade.

During his time at the school, he was accommodated at the Archbishop Ndingi Mwana Nzeki dormitory. Those who studied alongside him remember a student who rarely sought attention and largely kept to himself.

Following his secondary education, George pursued further studies at Strathmore University, graduating in 2021. He later travelled to the United Kingdom, where he undertook aviation training and eventually qualified as a commercial pilot.

Beyond aviation, George has ventured into entrepreneurship and has established interests in the transport industry, including significant investments in the matatu business.

Also Read: Nairobi Named Among Africa’s Five Cities to Watch

A century-long educational legacy

George’s return came at a particularly significant moment in the institution’s history as Mang’u High School celebrated 100 years of existence.

The school’s story stretches back to 1926 when it was established at Kabaa under the leadership of Dutch priest Michael Joseph Witte, a member of the Holy Ghost Fathers.

The institution’s origins, however, can be traced further back to July 2, 1913, when the first Catholic priest arrived in Kabaa with the intention of establishing a mission. The mission was set up on a five-acre parcel of land but was later abandoned in 1920 after failing to attract a sufficient number of converts.

By 1923, Witte was working at another Catholic mission in Kilungu, where he was running a Central School for Catechists. Plans subsequently emerged to expand the institution into a larger Central Training School for Catechists.

Witte and his superior at Kilungu, Fr Horber, concluded that Kilungu was unsuitable for the proposed expansion and began considering alternative locations.

Mang’u, Riruta and Kabaa were identified as possible sites, with Witte favouring Kabaa. The proposal was eventually approved by the bishop, setting the stage for the development of the institution that would later become Mang’u High School.

Over the decades, the school has evolved into one of Kenya’s best-known secondary schools, building a reputation for academic achievement and producing graduates who have made their mark in different sectors of national life.

A roll call of prominent alumni

George joins a long list of notable Kenyans who passed through Mang’u before rising to prominence.

Among the school’s distinguished former students are former President Mwai Kibaki, whose political career culminated in his election as Kenya’s third president, as well as former Cabinet minister John Michuki and the late politician and trade unionist Tom Mboya.

Other prominent alumni include businessman George Muhoho, politician Cyrus Jirongo and former Kamukunji MP George Thenge.

Also Read: Kenyan Investors Gain Direct Route to Dangote Refinery Share Offering Through Unsponsored GDR

George Ruto and other public figures who studied at Mang’u High School first appeared on Bizna Kenya

The reports have sparked speculation that the homegrown retailer could be facing financial difficulties, although the company has not publicly announced that it is shutting down its operations.

“What’s happening with Muhindi Mweusi supermarkets? I’ve been to two of them and I noticed that shelves are running empty,” A Facebook user under the Username Nick Lee posted.

Among the outlets allegedly showing signs of closure are the Tassia and Witeithie branches. The Witeithie outlet is reportedly closed, with conflicting claims suggesting that the premises are either undergoing renovations or could be taken over by another supermarket.

“Muhindi Mweusi Supermarket in Witeithie shut down a few days ago. Reasons for the closure are still unclear. However, unverified reports suggest it’s under renovation with other sources claiming another supermarket is about to replace it,” A post on the Thika Thika Facebook page reads.

A retailer built on affordability

Muhindi Mweusi has built its business around relatively affordable goods, with much of its network concentrated in Nairobi neighbourhoods serving lower and middle-income households.

The retailer expanded its footprint to 16 outlets after opening a branch in Athi River in November 2025.

Its outlets include stores in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Pipeline, Transami, Tassia, Kayole, Chokaa, Umoja, Kariobangi South, Witeithie, South B, Dagoretti and Athi River.

The latest concerns come after the supermarket suffered a major setback in March 2023 when its Tassia outlet was looted during political demonstrations led by the Azimio la Umoja party.

According to the retailer’s operations manager Peter Maguli, the outlet lost property and merchandise worth an estimated Sh15 million.

“We lost goods and property estimated at Sh15 million. These include assorted goods, TV sets, gas cylinders and mattresses,” Maguli said.

Video circulating online showed attackers forcing their way into the outlet after staff had closed for the day. Police later arrested several suspects in connection with the incident.

A sector marked by closures

The questions surrounding Muhindi Mweusi come against a long history of turbulence in Kenya’s supermarket industry.

Some of the country’s biggest retail names have disappeared from the market after years of financial difficulties.

Nakumatt, once one of the region’s largest supermarket chains, eventually closed all its outlets after struggling with rent arrears and supplier debts.

Tuskys followed a similar path after years of declining sales, unpaid suppliers and mounting financial obligations. The High Court ordered the liquidation of Tuskys in 2023, bringing an end to the retailer’s three-decade history.

Uchumi, another once-dominant Kenyan retailer, has also undergone a dramatic contraction, while foreign chains including Shoprite and Choppies eventually withdrew from the Kenyan market.

A recent analysis by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) found that the number of branches operated by major supermarket chains fell significantly between 2018 and 2023, with Tuskys, Uchumi, Nakumatt, Choppies, Game Stores and Shoprite accounting for much of the reduction.

The report attributed the decline to factors including financial losses, management weaknesses, changing consumer behaviour, growing competition, high operating costs and broader economic pressures.

Also Read: Safaricom launches Shari’ah-compliant MMF, opens investing from Sh100

Kenyans question Muhindi Mweusi’s survival as shelves remain empty first appeared on Bizna Kenya

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 7, Kenya Airways said the medical emergency occurred on Tuesday, October 6, aboard a flight travelling from Nairobi to Lagos.

The passenger reportedly became unresponsive at approximately 9.20 pm Nigerian time, about 20 minutes before the aircraft was scheduled to arrive at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

KQ said cabin crew administered first aid and implemented emergency procedures as the aircraft continued to its destination. The plane landed at 9.41 pm, where medical personnel were waiting to assess the passenger.

Also Read: How the Rise of Kenya’s global workforce is reshaping employee healthcare

“Upon further examination, the medical personnel confirmed that the passenger had passed away,” KQ said in a statement.

The airline did not identify the passenger or disclose the circumstances that may have led to the medical emergency.

Preliminary reports indicate that the deceased, a male passenger, had become aggressive during the flight and had made several attempts to open the aircraft’s cabin door.

Videos shared by passengers on social media show several passengers appearing to restrain the man as he confronts the cabin crew.

The circumstances that led to the confrontation have not been independently established, including what prompted the passenger to allegedly attempt to open the cabin door.

KQ said it was coordinating with the deceased’s family, local authorities and aviation regulators to provide the necessary support following the incident.

“We convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” the airline said.

Previous fatalities involving Kenya Airways flights

The latest incident adds to several passenger deaths reported in connection with Kenya Airways flights.

On April 11, 2025, an elderly passenger died aboard Kenya Airways flight KQ003 travelling from New York to Nairobi after experiencing a medical emergency mid-flight.

KQ said the crew was alerted to the passenger’s collapse at about 8.40 am Nairobi time. Three medical professionals travelling on the aircraft volunteered to assist, and emergency procedures were initiated using the available onboard medical equipment.

The aircraft was diverted towards Entebbe International Airport in Uganda to facilitate urgent medical care. However, the passenger was pronounced dead before landing.

On September 2, 2022, Kenya Airways confirmed the death of a passenger aboard flight KQ002, which was travelling from Nairobi to New York.

The airline said the passenger was found unresponsive at approximately 6.30am on Friday, September 2, after the aircraft had departed Nairobi late the previous evening.

The fatality came less than two weeks after another passenger died on a Kenya Airways flight operating on the same route.

The case reported on August 22, 2022, involved a passenger aboard Kenya Airways flight KQ003 from New York to Nairobi who died following a medical emergency that prompted the aircraft to divert to Casablanca, Morocco where the passenger was confirmed dead.

In another case on September 14, 2022, another passenger died at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport while preparing to board a Kenya Airways flight to Mombasa.

The passenger reportedly developed breathing difficulties while boarding flight KQ612, before being pronounced dead while the aircraft was still on the ground.

The repeated reports of passenger deaths involving Kenya Airways flights have raised questions about the airline’s preparedness to manage medical emergencies, including the cabin crew’s capacity to respond to life-threatening situations.

Also Read: 8 health insurance benefits you may be missing

Questions raised after passenger dies on Kenya Airways flight to Lagos first appeared on Bizna Kenya

Big EnergyThe PowerHub expansion significantly broadens Sun King’s inverter portfolio, which now ranges from 2.2 kW to 30 kW, providing solar energy solutions for customers ranging from small households to large businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and light industrial operations. PowerHub systems can be run in parallel, meaning two or more units can be connected together to increase total power output.

This allows customers to run larger appliances and equipment, including water pumps, washing machines, microwaves, and more. The systems are designed to grow with customer needs: users can choose the power capacity, battery storage, and solar panels they require today, then expand their system over time without replacing existing equipment.

The new inverter options are available nationwide for customers who need more from their power systems: air conditioning that stays on, uninterrupted work calls when the grid fails, and freedom from generators at dusk. For businesses, schools, clinics, and light industrial sites, the expanded range provides enough capacity to power entire buildings. “The latest additions to our PowerHub range take us into new territory. We can now serve homes, shops, businesses, schools, hospitals, and offices of virtually any size. PowerHub systems are already powering offices and entire schools.

Sun King opens first large-scale solar manufacturing facility in Kenya

This expansion is another step forward to deliver more energy across Kenya. Simply put, it is more power,” says Atta Arome, Product Head, Solar Inverter Systems at Sun King.Why Sun King Operating in Kenya since 2007, Sun King has become one of the country’s most trusted solar brands, first gaining recognition for making solar power affordable through flexible daily payment options.

Today, 1 in 5 Kenyans have access to Sun King solar solutions which has a nationwide presence. Across Africa, more than 330,000 Sun King solar products are installed every month. The company supports customers through a trusted network of agents in the communities where it operates, backed by a payment system designed to meet customer needs.

“Millions of customers across Africa know they can trust Sun King to help them make the move to solar. With quality products, professional installation, after-sales care and flexible financing all under one roof. As we expand PowerHub, we’re giving even more customers the confidence to access the reliable energy they need to power their homes and businesses,” said Catherine Mudachi, Vice President of Marketing at Sun King. Customers work directly with Sun King throughout the entire process.

The company designs the technology, installs the systems, provides ongoing service, and backs every installation with a full warranty. “Starting from KSh 23,600 a month with a small down payment, customers can access more power straight away, with flexible payments, full warranty and nationwide installation and after-sales support.” says Victor Agandi, Vice President, Pay As You Go, East and Southern Africa.

“This means customers receive support from a single trusted provider throughout the lifetime of their system.” Where to Get Sun King PowerHub Systems Sun King’s full range of PowerHub Solar Inverters are available now across Kenya through Sun King’s nationwide agent network, starting from Ksh 15,500 a month with a 22,600 down payment. Customers can also attend in-person demonstrations at local activations to experience the systems firsthand, ask questions, and purchase directly from trained Sun King agents.

Sun King expands PowerHub Solar Inverter Range to 30kW, Targets businesses and homes first appeared on Bizna Kenya