A new literacy paper calling for urgent evidence-based action to address gaps in learning has been highlighted at an education conference in Embu.

The paper which was previewed ahead of its official launch later in the year at the ongoing 6th Biennial Education Evidence for Action (EE4A) and EDF-Kenya Conference at the University of Embu recommends immediate translation of evidence-based information into government policies for implementation in classrooms to address global learning poverty.

The literacy paper has been produced by the What Works Hub for Global Education (WWHGE), with the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP) and the British Council as core partners.

It highlights that:

• Foundational literacy is essential – without it, children are locked out of future learning opportunities.

• We know what works – structured pedagogy, teacher professional development, and targeted interventions can dramatically improve outcomes at scale.

• Partnerships accelerate impact – by linking global evidence with local policy and classroom practice, governments and partners can achieve sustainable learning gains.

EE4A (Education Evidence for Action) is a biennial conference and initiative that bridges the gap between education research and decision-making in the education sector, with Zizi AfriqueFoundation playing a key role as the organizer and host of the EE4A conference, where education stakeholders and researchers gather to deliberate on critical issues and inform policy and practice. 

The What Works Hub for Global Education is an international partnership, funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Gates Foundation, working out how to effectively implement education reforms at scale.

This collaborative initiative comprises 12 strategic partners and 43 consortium partners, convened by the Blavatnik School of Government, the programme’s host institution.

At the conference, WWHGE convened education leaders in a session titled “Strengthening the Evidence Ecosystem: Building a Roadmap for Education Reform in Kenya.”

The Hub emphasised its mission: to take rigorous global evidence, such as the GEEAP Literacy Paper, and ensure it moves into government policy and ultimately into classrooms.

Through collaboration with ministries, teacher training institutions, and local organisations, WWHGE is helping countries translate recommendations into practical reforms that directly shape how teachers teach and how learners acquire foundational skills.

The British Council’s Learning and Life for Global Education (LL4GE) initiative also featured at the conference. LL4GE integrates literacy, language, and life skills to provide young people with both academic and social competencies, equipping them for future employment, resilience, and active citizenship.

Together, WWHGE (with GEEAP), the British Council, and LL4GE represent a powerful synergy: advancing literacy through both policy-to-classroom reforms and holistic learner development.

The What Works Hub for Global Education, working with GEEAP, the British Council, and other partners, will now take forward the Literacy Paper’s recommendations by embedding evidence into national reform agendas and supporting governments to implement them in classrooms at scale.

This marks the next phase of WWHGE’s mission: ensuring that every child, regardless of context, benefits from proven strategies to acquire foundational literacy and learning skills.

A new literacy paper calling for urgent evidence-based action to address gaps in learning has been highlighted at an education conference in Embu.

The paper which was previewed ahead of its official launch later in the year at the ongoing 6th Biennial Education Evidence for Action (EE4A) and EDF-Kenya Conference at the University of Embu recommends immediate translation of evidence-based information into government policies for implementation in classrooms to address global learning poverty.

The literacy paper has been produced by the What Works Hub for Global Education (WWHGE), with the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP) and the British Council as core partners.

It highlights that:

• Foundational literacy is essential – without it, children are locked out of future learning opportunities.

• We know what works – structured pedagogy, teacher professional development, and targeted interventions can dramatically improve outcomes at scale.

• Partnerships accelerate impact – by linking global evidence with local policy and classroom practice, governments and partners can achieve sustainable learning gains.

EE4A (Education Evidence for Action) is a biennial conference and initiative that bridges the gap between education research and decision-making in the education sector, with Zizi AfriqueFoundation playing a key role as the organizer and host of the EE4A conference, where education stakeholders and researchers gather to deliberate on critical issues and inform policy and practice. 

The What Works Hub for Global Education is an international partnership, funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Gates Foundation, working out how to effectively implement education reforms at scale.

This collaborative initiative comprises 12 strategic partners and 43 consortium partners, convened by the Blavatnik School of Government, the programme’s host institution.

At the conference, WWHGE convened education leaders in a session titled “Strengthening the Evidence Ecosystem: Building a Roadmap for Education Reform in Kenya.”

The Hub emphasised its mission: to take rigorous global evidence, such as the GEEAP Literacy Paper, and ensure it moves into government policy and ultimately into classrooms.

Through collaboration with ministries, teacher training institutions, and local organisations, WWHGE is helping countries translate recommendations into practical reforms that directly shape how teachers teach and how learners acquire foundational skills.

The British Council’s Learning and Life for Global Education (LL4GE) initiative also featured at the conference. LL4GE integrates literacy, language, and life skills to provide young people with both academic and social competencies, equipping them for future employment, resilience, and active citizenship.

Together, WWHGE (with GEEAP), the British Council, and LL4GE represent a powerful synergy: advancing literacy through both policy-to-classroom reforms and holistic learner development.

The What Works Hub for Global Education, working with GEEAP, the British Council, and other partners, will now take forward the Literacy Paper’s recommendations by embedding evidence into national reform agendas and supporting governments to implement them in classrooms at scale.

This marks the next phase of WWHGE’s mission: ensuring that every child, regardless of context, benefits from proven strategies to acquire foundational literacy and learning skills.

A new literacy paper calling for urgent evidence-based action to address gaps in learning has been highlighted at an education conference in Embu.

The paper which was previewed ahead of its official launch later in the year at the ongoing 6th Biennial Education Evidence for Action (EE4A) and EDF-Kenya Conference at the University of Embu recommends immediate translation of evidence-based information into government policies for implementation in classrooms to address global learning poverty.

The literacy paper has been produced by the What Works Hub for Global Education (WWHGE), with the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP) and the British Council as core partners.

It highlights that:

• Foundational literacy is essential – without it, children are locked out of future learning opportunities.

• We know what works – structured pedagogy, teacher professional development, and targeted interventions can dramatically improve outcomes at scale.

• Partnerships accelerate impact – by linking global evidence with local policy and classroom practice, governments and partners can achieve sustainable learning gains.

EE4A (Education Evidence for Action) is a biennial conference and initiative that bridges the gap between education research and decision-making in the education sector, with Zizi AfriqueFoundation playing a key role as the organizer and host of the EE4A conference, where education stakeholders and researchers gather to deliberate on critical issues and inform policy and practice. 

The What Works Hub for Global Education is an international partnership, funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Gates Foundation, working out how to effectively implement education reforms at scale.

This collaborative initiative comprises 12 strategic partners and 43 consortium partners, convened by the Blavatnik School of Government, the programme’s host institution.

At the conference, WWHGE convened education leaders in a session titled “Strengthening the Evidence Ecosystem: Building a Roadmap for Education Reform in Kenya.”

The Hub emphasised its mission: to take rigorous global evidence, such as the GEEAP Literacy Paper, and ensure it moves into government policy and ultimately into classrooms.

Through collaboration with ministries, teacher training institutions, and local organisations, WWHGE is helping countries translate recommendations into practical reforms that directly shape how teachers teach and how learners acquire foundational skills.

The British Council’s Learning and Life for Global Education (LL4GE) initiative also featured at the conference. LL4GE integrates literacy, language, and life skills to provide young people with both academic and social competencies, equipping them for future employment, resilience, and active citizenship.

Together, WWHGE (with GEEAP), the British Council, and LL4GE represent a powerful synergy: advancing literacy through both policy-to-classroom reforms and holistic learner development.

The What Works Hub for Global Education, working with GEEAP, the British Council, and other partners, will now take forward the Literacy Paper’s recommendations by embedding evidence into national reform agendas and supporting governments to implement them in classrooms at scale.

This marks the next phase of WWHGE’s mission: ensuring that every child, regardless of context, benefits from proven strategies to acquire foundational literacy and learning skills.

Cummins C&G, which specialises in the sales, service and support of Cummins engines and power equipment (generators, alternators, turbochargers and filtration systems) across East Africa, has officially opened its state-of-the-art workshop in Kenya.

Launched on Monday, August 25, 2025 by Erick Sangoro, the Managing Director of Cummins C&G, Vijay Gidoomal, the Chief Executive Officer of Car & General (Kenya) Plc and Ignacio Gonzalez, the Executive Director of Cummins Powergen Markets EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa), the engine rebuild centre is located along Lusaka Road in Nairobi.

Speaking at the launch, the CEO of C&G, Vijay Gidoomal said, “In the region, the Cummins’ brand is strengthened by Cummins technical expertise and C&G’s local market knowledge and network. This has enabled us keep our mantra of making customers smile in every street, every town.”

The workshop features a dynamometer test, a generator performance test that involves a genset being connected to a dyno load bank that simulates real working conditions and measures how the generator performs under different loads including output power, voltage and frequency stability, fuel consumption and efficiency, cooling system performance, exhaust emissions.

The Managing Director of Cummins C&G, Erick Sangoro said, “Dyno testing verifies the rated capacity, ensures genset reliability and safety, validates designs and repairs and detects issues like over-heating, unstable voltage, poor fuel efficiency and mechanical faults early. This ensures compliance with standards, builds customer confidence and reduces risk of field failure by catching defects before deployment.”

Apart from general generator repairs, engine rebuilds will also be undertaken here.

This is the restoration of a worn-out or damaged generator engine to a close to new condition. Rebuilt engines run reliably and efficiently. The centre will also be used as a technical training facility for customers.

On his part, Ignacio Gonzalez the Executive Director of Cummins Powergen Markets EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India and Africa) said, “We are happy about the relationship between C&G and Cummins Inc that goes beyond transactions and focuses on collaboration. This has enabled us ensure that our customers remain happy.”

Car & General was appointed the Cummins distributor in 2006. In 2017, the Cummins C&G 50:50 joint venture was formed with Cummins Inc.in 2023, C&G re-acquired the 50 per cent stake from Cummins Inc, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary once again. 

Car & General is a diversified distributor of motorcycles, three wheelers, tractors, forklifts, generators, earthmovers among other equipment in East Africa.

It represents Cummins in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia and Seychelles.

Hundreds of Kenyan gaming enthusiasts gathered on Saturday at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for the thrilling 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention.

The event transformed the venue into an electrifying hub of energy, skill, and creativity, as gamers competed and showcased their talent in an immersive high-energy environment.

As part of its support, Safaricom powered the gaming experience with 5G network connectivity, giving participants a chance to experience firsthand the speed, low latency, and reliability of the network.

This ensured smooth gameplay and seamless online interactions, a critical component for competitive and social gaming alike.

“We are proud to partner with Otamatsuri to power this year’s convention with our 5G network. This is not just about showcasing speed and reliability, it is about enabling experiences, connecting communities, and supporting the growth of gaming culture in Kenya.” Said, Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom PLC.  

Beyond gaming, the event celebrated diverse aspects of pop culture including movies, TV shows, music, technology, cosplay, performances, and merchandise exhibitions.

 “The turnout this year has been incredible, with an overwhelming number of gamers joining us to experience the event and showcase their talent. I would like to thank our key sponsors, especially Safaricom, for their strong support in powering this event with 5G. The speed and stability of their network has been a game-changer for our competitors. We are optimistic about growing this convention to even greater heights in the coming year.” Jotham Micah, organizer.

The highlight of the event was a Local Area Network (LAN) Party, an electrifying all-night gaming marathon where participants brought their own PCs or consoles, connected to a blazing-fast local network, and battled head-to-head in nonstop competition. Mixing the thrill of a tournament with the atmosphere of a festival, the LAN Party featured intense matchups across multiple genres, including shooters, strategy games, sports titles, and more. Fueled by adrenaline, energy drinks, and the drive for victory, gamers played through the night, competing for prizes, bragging rights, and community glory.

Otamatsuri, an annual anime, manga, and multi-entertainment convention, has become one of the most vibrant pop culture festivals in Kenya, attracting a youthful and dynamic fanbase. Beyond gaming, the event celebrates diverse aspects of pop culture including movies, TV shows, music, technology, cosplay, performances, and merchandise exhibitions.

From the gamers’ perspective, the convention highlighted just how far Kenya’s gaming scene has evolved. Murray Lidambiza, a veteran gamer with two decades of experience, reflected on the journey of local e-sport.  “I started gaming 20 years ago and seeing how the community has grown is incredible. Events like this show how far we have come. Reliable network connectivity is at the heart of gaming, and providers like Safaricom have been instrumental in making gaming and e-sports possible in Kenya. Without strong internet, we simply can’t game.”

With thousands in attendance, a buzzing atmosphere, and Safaricom’s 5G network connectivity at its core, the 2025 Otamatsuri Gaming Convention reaffirmed its position as one of Kenya’s biggest gaming and pop culture events.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the expansion of its proprietary One UI platform to its home appliance lineup, delivering a unified and intuitive software experience across smartphones, TVs and now smart appliances.

As a part of this initiative, smart appliances will be receiving software updates for 7 years after launching, starting from 2024-launched home appliances being updated in September.

“By bringing One UI to smart appliances, we are transforming the way people interact with technology in their homes,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team of the Digital Appliances (DA) Business at Samsung Electronics. “This consistency ensures that the experience feels natural and familiar across all our devices.”

A Unified Software Experience Across Samsung Products

With One UI, Samsung is unifying the user experience for the product categories of mobile devices, TVs and home appliances through the application of consistent design elements and functionality.

This includes Apps & Services like Bixby, Gallery and Samsung TV Plus, which are being made available across various types of screens to enable seamless device interaction and media consumption. 

Device Connectivity is also enhanced through SmartThings, integrating the home’s devices into a unified ecosystem with easy access to helpful services like Family Care, Pet Care and Home Care.

When it comes to Common UI, users will get the benefit of familiar interfaces like Now Brief, which deliver personalized and relevant information at a glance.

Now Brief offers family members a curated selection of useful content, including daily weather updates, family schedules, tailored recipes, and home insights such as how much time is left on the washing machine.

7-Year Software Support for Smart Appliances

Wi-Fi-enabled Samsung home appliances will be eligible for software updates for up to seven years after launching, starting from models launched in 2024. This commitment supports product longevity, enhanced functionality and prolonged security throughout the product lifecycle.

Coming This September: Updates for 2024 Smart Appliances

Beginning in September, eligible 2024 launched models will be receiving various software updates that bring enhancements in usability, intelligence and security:

Upgraded Security: Knox Matrix, Samsung’s comprehensive security solution extending protection across devices based on private block chain technology, will be extended to Wi-Fi enabled refrigerators, washers and dryers, air conditioners, EHS, and slide-in induction ranges launched in 2024.

All of these products will be protected through Trust Chain, which allows connected appliances to monitor each other’s security status. Screen-equipped models like the refrigerator with Family Hub or 9” screen and Bespoke AI washers with the 7” screen will also be receiving advanced protections like encrypted Credential Sync and Passkey support.

These screen appliances will also be updated with the Knox Security dashboard provided on 2025 models, which allow users to easily monitor the security status of connected appliances in real time.

Smarter Features: Refrigerators with the Family Hub™ and 9” screens will benefit from the upgraded AI Vision Inside applied to 2025 products, which now supports the recognition of frequently used packaged foods in addition to a larger number of fresh foods.

Bixby is also upgraded to support Voice ID, allowing it to recognize user voices and provide personalized experiences on shared devices. Users can also enable Bixby quickly and intuitively by simply double tapping on the screen.

Service Expansion: Samsung TV Plus, supported on refrigerators with Family Hub, will also expand to Canada, Brazil and India in addition to the originally supported countries, and 7″-screen washing machines will support eight additional Indian local languages such as Bengali, Punjabi, and Gujarati.

Refined Interface: A refreshed One UI design — first seen on 2025 appliances — will come to 2024 models like refrigerators, washers, ranges and EHS products, offering intuitive navigation and region-specific settings.

By expanding One UI across product lines, Samsung is realizing its vision of a cohesive, intelligent and secure home — where users enjoy familiar interfaces, personalized services and consistent control regardless of screen or device.

A section of Suppliers across Mombasa County has officially joined hands to launch the Mombasa Suppliers Association (MSA), a new umbrella body that will represent their collective voice and push for reforms in the sector.

The association was born out of the need to address long-standing challenges facing suppliers, including delayed payments, lack of representation, and limited engagement with policymakers.

Leaders of the association say their mission is to create a platform that unites suppliers, safeguards their businesses, and promotes fair competition.

"Our coming together is a big win for suppliers in Mombasa. For too long, many have operated in isolation, facing challenges individually. With this association, we now speak with one voice and can better engage government, private sector, and other stakeholders,” said the Chairman Evans Momanyi.

Adding" Our association brings together different groups of people including persons  living with disabilities"

The MSA also plans to roll out training and mentorship programs to empower members with skills in financial management, compliance, and modern business practices. According to its leaders, this will not only benefit suppliers but also uplift the overall standards of service delivery in the county.

Additionally, the association will act as a watchdog to ensure transparency in procurement processes and fight against corruption that has often locked out genuine suppliers.

Members have pledged to uphold integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all their dealings.

The Mombasa Suppliers Association is expected to begin member registration in the coming weeks, with plans to hold its first Annual General Meeting later this year.

More than 100 women groups in Kwale County have benefited from over  Sh5 million disbursed through the office of the Women Representative.

According to Kwale Women Represenatative Fatuma Masito, the funds will help the different Women groups in sustaining their businesses and activities.

" So far we have disbursed the funds to 140 Women groups, we divided the groups into 5 main groups with each main group getting kshs 200 000."  said Masito.

Adding " My main goal is to ensure that our Women are fully empowered and can sustain their lives"

Masito further called on Women in the county to come together and form groups in order to benefit the different empowerement programmes from her and the government.

"We have several empoweremnt programs in the country but you will only benefit from them when you inare groups and united" se argued.

National Assembly Speaker  Moses Wetang’ula has voiced concern over the frequent issuance of conservatory orders by judges against the National Assembly, saying the practice disrupts the legislative process.

Speaking during a joint session between the National Assembly leadership and the Judiciary on the second day of the Third Leadership Retreat, Wetang’ula noted that several matters before Committees and the House have been halted due to such orders.

“This is a matter that needs to be addressed by the Judiciary urgently,” he said, adding that some hearings are pushed up to six months ahead, adversely affecting the progress of legislation.

The retreat was attended by Chief Justice Martha Koome and senior Judiciary officers.

Wetang’ula further urged the Judiciary to centralize cases filed against Parliament in Nairobi, where the institution is domiciled. He argued that such a move would cut costs and enable Parliament’s legal team to respond more effectively.

"Currently, our lawyers are forced to travel to upcountry courts, only to find magistrates on leave or transferred along with files,” he explained.

On Judiciary funding, Wetang’ula assured Chief Justice Koome of Parliament’s support in enhancing its budget.

He acknowledged that the Judiciary’s requests were justified, particularly in light of its ambitious programme to expand access to justice.

Koome revealed that the Judiciary plans to establish magistrate courts in all 290 constituencies but currently has only 143.

She said underfunding by the National Treasury had slowed this effort and appealed to the National Assembly to intervene.

"The Judiciary requires enhanced allocations for infrastructure development. This will ensure equitable access to justice across the country,” she stated.

Koome emphasized that cooperation between the Judiciary and Legislature does not erode institutional independence.

Instead, she argued, structured dialogue would prevent adversarial relations that often paralyze governance.

"This conversation is long overdue. Had we convened earlier, some misunderstandings and instances of working at cross purposes might have been avoided,” she said.

She added that the principle of separation of powers secures checks and balances but must be exercised in a spirit of constructive engagement.

“Institutional comity does not erode independence. There is a difference between institutional independence and decisional independence. While institutions may engage, decisional independence remains sacrosanct,” she affirmed.

National Assembly Clerk Samuel Njoroge also called for enhanced knowledge sharing between Parliament and the Judiciary through their respective training institutions, the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training and the Kenya Judiciary Academy.

"Collaboration between our institutions of learning will strengthen capacity-building and reinforce professional growth for our officers,” he said.

The retreat, themed “Social Transformation through Institutional Comity,” sought to build consensus on shared priorities, fiscal planning for the 2025/26 financial year, and improved cooperation between Parliament and the Judiciary.

The East Africa Oceans Festival (TEAOF) in conjuction with other partners and stakeholders has organised a major beach clean up exercise set for this Saturday,

According to the organisers, this is among the activities lined up ahead of the festival set to take place in October.

Addressing the media on Thursday morning, TEAOF co-founder Hamisi Mwaguya noted that the exercise combat ocean plastic pollution and protect Kenya’s marine ecosystems along the Kenya’s coastline.

“We will be kicking off the East African Ocean Festival 2025 with an exciting line-up: a Health Walk from Sabasaba to Jumeirah Beach in Nyali, a Beach Cleanup to restore our shores, and to crown it all ,a spectacular Camel Race competition expected to draw both local and international tourists,” charged Mwaguya.

Mwaguya called on Mombasa residents to come out in large numbers and participate in the events.

On her part Kenya Coast Guard Services Sub-Lieutenant Deborah Karimi emphasized the need to protect marine life from plastic waste.

“We continue to urge beachgoers to keep our ocean clean. Littering along the shores poses a serious threat to fish and other marine organisms,” she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Baus Taka co-founder Dr Dr. Tayba Hatimy who called on beach users to work together with other stakehokders in regular cleaning of the beaches.

Other partners of the event include, Mombasa Walk Movement, Texas alarms, Jumeriah Hotel, Mombasa County Government, KWS,  the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) among others.