The National Assembly has passed the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Bill, 2022, marking a historic step in regulating fertility treatment, surrogacy, and reproductive health in Kenya.

The Bill establishes a legal framework for assisted reproductive services, safeguards the rights of parents, surrogates, and children, and outlaws exploitative commercial surrogacy.

During Tuesday’s third reading of the Bill, Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula hailed Members of Parliament for concluding what he described as “a long and protracted process,” commending them for enacting a law that is both morally grounded and culturally sensitive.

“Thank you, honorable members, for finally bringing to an end this long, protracted process,” he said, lauding Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo-Mabona and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma for their collaboration in refining the legislation.

"Honourable Millie, you should also thank your colleague, Kaluma, for his tremendous industry in making your Bill have a moral color and make it applicable to our country, without giving a window to foreigners to come in and do things that are unacceptable to us,” he added.

Wetang’ula praised Odhiambo for her courage in championing the Bill, saying she had given a human face to an issue often shrouded in stigma.

"Very few people own up their situation and do what you have done. The majority live in denial,” he said, quoting Jamaican-American poet Roy “Gramps” Morgan: “Heaven has a place for people like you.”

The Bill provides a regulatory framework for fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination, gamete and embryo donation, and surrogacy. It ensures that all Kenyans regardless of gender or marital status can access reproductive technology safely and ethically.

It also establishes an Assisted Reproductive Technology Committee under the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to license clinics and experts, regulate practice, and maintain a confidential national register of donors, embryos, and children conceived through assisted methods.

The law promotes access to affordable and quality fertility care in line with Article 43(1)(a) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health.

It permits only altruistic surrogacy where a surrogate mother receives no payment beyond medical expenses and protects the rights of children conceived through assisted methods, granting them equal legal status to naturally conceived children.

It further imposes stiff penalties for unethical practices such as human cloning, the sale of gametes or embryos, and sex selection, with fines of up to KSh 10 million or imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Speaker Wetang’ula said the law balances scientific advancement with Kenya’s cultural and moral values, ensuring protection from foreign exploitation while upholding family dignity.

Under the new framework, only Kenyan citizens aged 25–55 years may seek surrogacy, while surrogate mothers must be 25–45 years old, have borne at least one child, and pass medical and psychological assessments.

All procedures require written consent, and posthumous use of reproductive material is prohibited without prior authorization.

The law caps gamete donations at ten instances per person and mandates counseling for intended parents and surrogates.

Surrogates are entitled to three months’ leave after birth, while intended mothers and fathers receive maternity and paternity leave, respectively.

The legislation also forbids abandonment or exploitation of surrogate mothers or children, recognizing intended parents as the child’s legal guardians immediately after birth.

With infertility affecting one in six couples globally, the law places Kenya among a handful of African nations with a clear framework for assisted reproduction.

It is expected to expand access to fertility care, standardize clinical practices, and promote accountability within the sector.

“I know I have relatives and friends who live in your situation and will benefit from this. This legislation will make a real difference in their lives,” Wetang’ula said.

The Assisted Reproductive Technology Act, 2022 will now be transmitted to the Senate for concurrence before being presented to the President for assent.

The rolling plains of Narok will come alive this Saturday 15th November at William Ole Ntimama stadium, as the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba tournament arrives in the South Rift, bringing together the rhythm of football, the energy of local culture, and the passion of a community that lives and breathes sport.

At the heart of this leg are six men’s and two women’s teams drawn from across the region, all eager to make their mark.

The men’s fixtures feature Maa FC, Sita Rangers FC, Zoo FC , Konoin FC, Namanga River FC, and Father Ntaiya FC, while the women’s contest will see Maasai Queens FC face NYS Starlets Gilgil in what promises to be a spirited South Rift derby.

Maa FC Captain Dennis Naimoru expressed gratitude and optimism ahead of the weekend’s fixtures:

“We want to thank SportPesa for bringing Cheza Dimba to Narok. Last year, we played in a regional tournament with many challenges. We supported ourselves through our own funds and well-wishers. It has been a struggle, but we are determined to win. Our fans should be assured that we will carry this home.”

Adding to the day’s excitement, celebrated artist Papaa Masai will headline the entertainment lineup, bringing his signature Maasai-inspired sound and energy to the Narok crowd.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Deborah Maina, Public Relations and Advertising Executive, SportPesa said:

"Cheza Dimba is more than a football tournament, it is a platform for self-belief and opportunity. Through Tujiamini, we continue to bridge communities across Kenya, giving talented youth a chance to shine, connect, and inspire. Narok is a proud footballing county, and we are delighted to bring the South Rift leg here.”

The South Rift leg builds on the success of previous tournaments held across Central, Western, North Rift, North Eastern, Eastern, Coast, Nairobi, and Nyanza regions, continuing the journey toward the national finals.

The most recent champions include Bondo United and Magina Starlets from the Nyanza edition, and Mseto FC and Achievers FC who triumphed in the Nairobi tournament, each representing the growing spirit and talent that define the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba platform.

SportPesa has committed a total of KES 30 Million to this year's Tujiamini initiative, an endeavor that reinforces the platform’s dedication to belief, opportunity, and empowerment.

So far, the initiative has supported sports, community projects, creative ventures, and social impact initiatives across various regions and counties.

This support has reached over 430 beneficiaries in the three award categories, in addition to fifteen grassroots football teams across Kenya.

Human rights defenders and gender equality advocates have called on the government to intensify efforts to end the rising cases of femicide in the country.

Speaking during a femicide exhibition held in Mombasa, activists decried the alarming number of women being brutally killed, saying urgent policy action and stronger law enforcement are needed to protect women and girls.

The exhibition, dubbed “Maskani”, has so far been held in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Nakuru, before making its way to Mombasa.

The moving showcase features portraits and personal stories of femicide victims, aiming to humanize statistics and spark meaningful public dialogue on gender-based violence.

Organizers said the event was not only a memorial for victims but also a platform to demand accountability and justice for families who continue to suffer in silence.

Multidisciplinary artist Thayu Kilili, who co-curated the Maskani exhibition, said the name was inspired by the fact that most femicide cases occur within homes and family settings.

“We chose the name ‘Maskani’ because it represents the domestic spaces where people should feel safest, yet tragically, many women are losing their lives there,” Kilili explained. 

Adding that the exhibition seeks to turn these painful stories into a national conversation that pushes for prevention and justice.

Steve Colins from The Creative Garage expressed concern over the growing normalization of violence against women, citing disturbing conversations from the public.

“One man openly said he would kill his girlfriend if he sent her fare and she didn’t show up that tells you how deeply rooted the problem is,” Colins said.

He criticized the government for doing “very little” despite forming a task force and allocating funds to tackle the crisis.

“We need more than token gestures; the government must strengthen the gender department, invest in public education, and commit more resources if we are serious about ending femicide,” he added.

Njeri Migwe, the Executive Director of Usikimye, described femicide as a national crisis that demands immediate action.

“Between January and March alone, we were losing one to two women every day to femicide but sadly, this number has now grown. We are currently losing between two and three women daily,” Migwe revealed.

She noted that the exhibition uses powerful images to amplify the message.

“A photograph speaks louder than words, and that is why we chose to advocate through this visual platform to make the pain visible and impossible to ignore,” she said.

Migwe further highlighted that cultural and religious practices in some regions, including Mombasa, often hinder justice for victims. “In many cases, once a woman is killed, she is buried the same day, making it difficult to pursue investigations or obtain justice. We must confront these barriers if we truly want to protect women and end this cycle of silence,” she emphasized.

According to gender rights groups, more than 100 women have been killed in gender-related attacks this year alone, with many cases going unresolved. They attributed the rise to a culture of impunity, weak investigations, and societal attitudes that normalize violence against women. Participants at the event urged both the national and county governments to strengthen support systems for survivors, enhance public awareness, and ensure that perpetrators face the full force of the law.

TECNO, a global AI-driven innovative technology brand who recently celebrated a remarkable achievement at IFA 2025, has announced the release of the TECNO SPARK Slim in Kenya, the thinnest curved-screen smartphone in the world, with a mere 5.93mm in thickness.

To ensure overall durability, SPARK Slim defies traditional trade-offs by combining an ultra-slim design that passes military sector certification with a huge 5160mAh battery.

The SPARK Slim will retail at Ksh 27,999 exclusive of VAT. Maintaining the SPARK series' youthful, colorful, and fashionable DNA, the device's lightweight body and sophisticated 3D-curved profile provide a comfortable in-hand feel, while its aerospace-grade fiberglass rear cover makes it stronger but thinner.

Vibrant color selections further emphasize uniqueness, and the expressive Mood Light design adds an interactive, playful element that speaks to youthful imagination.

By combining substance, style, and slimness, SPARK Slim offers a high-end experience that goes above and beyond what is expected in its price range.

Redefining the Harmony between Ultra-Thin Design and Durable Performance: Sleek Yet Strong At only 5.93mm, the TECNO SPARK Slim makes its debut as the smallest curved-screen smartphone in the world.

TECNO's innovative honeycomb space stacking technique, which maximizes 12% of internal space and makes it possible to reduce down eight essential components—from the motherboard to the battery and cooling system— while keeping the device thin overall, is responsible for this accomplishment.

The 5160mAh high-density lithium cobalt oxide battery that powers the SPARK Slim provides up to 24.8 hours of Day of Use (DOU) despite its incredibly thin design.

Additionally, it allows bypass charging, 10W reverse charging, and 45W rapid charging. This innovative battery solution demonstrates that being thin does not equate to having poor endurance because it resists swelling even after extended use.

A 0.3mm ultra-thin vapor chamber and a high-conductivity graphite layer with a thermal performance of 1800W/m•K are integrated into SPARK Slim to create a 24,532mm² cooling system that ensures continuous performance even under demanding conditions.

This keeps the gadget cool in its incredibly thin shell while enabling steady charging and gaming performance.

The new MediaTek Helio G200 chipset in SPARK Slim builds upon this solid base of power and thermal stability.

With a design that strikes a mix between performance and efficiency, it guarantees seamless daily use and has TÜV-certified fluency for up to five years, providing consumers with long-term stability and assurance in their gadget.

Compact yet Sturdy:

Dependability supported by Military-Grade Standards, the TECNO SPARK Slim maintains durability without sacrificing exceptional thinness.

Its 0.36mm aerospace-grade fiberglass back cover is 200% more flexible and 300% stronger than traditional materials, yet being 0.19mm thinner. Corning® Gorilla® Glass 7i protects the screen, and the gadget is IP64 rated against water and dust, so you can use it with confidence every day.

Slender Yet Chic:

Embracing Personal Expression Slim White and Cool Black are two classic hues of SPARK Slim that infuse classic elegance into contemporary fashion trends.

With its ultra-narrow frame and elegant curves, the device weighs just 156g and has a wonderful slender grip that feels elegant and comfortable in the hand.

Aside from its incredibly thin appearance, SPARK Slim has an interactive Mood  Light design on the back with two circular "eyes" that use multi-scene lighting effects to simulate emotions.

In situations like turning on and off the power, charging, receiving calls, activating Ella, and receiving notifications, the eyes exhibit amusing light animations that convey emotions like happiness, discontent, or blinking.

This makes the device a fashionable daily companion and a means of showcasing personality for Gen Z users, transforming useful notifications into a distinctive form of fashionable self-expression. In addition to providing entertaining interaction, SPARK Slim offers a remarkable visual experience.

With a maximum brightness of 4500 nits and a refresh rate of 144 Hz for incredibly smooth responsiveness, its 1.5K highresolution curved display provides immersive clarity and vibrant visuals even in bright outdoor settings.

Superior Experiences with TECNO AI and Other Technologies

By integrating TECNO AI, SPARK Slim empowers young people in their study, work, and creative output by offering real-time translation, document summary, and AI photo correction.

With the addition of Touch Transfer, customers may effortlessly link two TECNO devices by simply tapping them together to share data, films, or photographs. The tablet offers enhanced entertainment and productivity with dual system support and Dolby dual stereo speakers, further augmenting the experience.

A crucial feature in remote or offline settings, the gadget also boasts TECNO's best-in-class "FreeLink" technology, which allows two-way talks and direct Bluetooth-based messaging even in the absence of cellular coverage.

With the introduction of SPARK Slim, TECNO demonstrates once more that power and slimness can coexist. With its 5.93mm shell, SPARK Slim is the thinnest curved-screen smartphone in the world.

It not only pushes the limits of revolutionary technical power, but it also offers ultra-slim experiences that are unparalleled in terms of performance and endurance. It offers users who do not want to be defined and who wish to express themselves at any time a useful, fashionable, and user-friendly ultra-slim experience.

Market Availability

The TECNO SPARK Slim is available at all TECNO Mobile Kenya brand stores and e-commerce platforms.

Detectives in Nyali, Mombasa, have arrested a woman who staged a robbery against her British boyfriend, after luring him to her apartment for what was supposed to be a "dream date".

According to a statement from the Directorate of criminal investigations (DCI) the suspect, Samira Mumbi Kiarie, aka Samira, had been wooing the Briton for months on the net, charming him with promises of everlasting love.

Blinded by affection, the man packed his confidence and visited her posh apartment in Nyali, oblivious that he was walking into a scripted heist.

"Barely minutes into the rendezvous, the door burst open. Two men stormed in, one claiming to be Samira's furious husband; the other flashing a fake police ID." reads the statement from DCI.

The "husband" accused the Brit of wrecking his home, as the fake cop threatened arrest.

The terrified foreigner was then coerced into transferring a cool Sh800,000 to mobile phone numbers provided by the gang.

Once the cash landed, the trio calmly escorted their victim out before vanishing into Mombasa's humid night like ghosts after payday.

But the honeymoon didn't last. Acting on forensic intelligence, detectives launched a stealth pursuit, arresting Samira and one of her accomplices, Paul Webster Mangeni, aka Paulo.

Investigations have since established that the two are part of a notorious syndicate that lures foreigners through dating sites, sets them up in Airbnbs, and robbing them of their hard-earned money.

Both suspects are in police custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment, as the hunt intensifies for their partner-in-crime, who is still at large.

Kenafric Beverages and Bottling Limited has been recognised for its outstanding performance, innovation, and commitment to quality at the Kenya Beverage Excellence Awards 2025, taking home multiple honours that reaffirm its leadership in Kenya’s dynamic beverage sector.

The company’s flagship energy drink brand, STEAM, which includes STEAM Original, STEAM Power, and STEAM Recharge, won a total of 3 awards.

STEAM was named the Most Preferred Energy Drink in Kenya for its trusted quality and enduring consumer appeal, while the newly introduced STEAM Recharge received the Most Preferred New Beverage Concept award, recognising its customer-centred design and refreshing formulation. 

Additionally, STEAM’s Power Up Game On Campaign earned the First Runner-Up for Best Marketing Campaign of the Year, celebrating its creativity, engagement, and impact among Kenyan youth.

Kenafric Beverages and Bottling Limited was also recognised as Runner-Up in the Manufacturer of the Year category, underscoring its reliability, consistency, and manufacturing excellence.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Chehar Shah, Managing Director of Kenafric Beverages and Bottling Limited, said:

"We are honoured by this recognition, which reflects the trust our consumers have in our products and the dedication of our team. The variants of the STEAM Energy Drinks embody our commitment to innovation and customer-centred product development, while Kenafric Beverages and Bottling Limited's recognition as Runner-Up in the Manufacturer of the Year category underscores our unwavering focus on quality and reliability. These awards reaffirm our promise to continue delivering beverages that inspire and energise Kenya.”

Emmaculate Aoko, Brand Manager for STEAM at Kenafric Beverages and Bottling Limited, added "This recognition is deeply rewarding because it comes directly from our consumers. The awards affirm our continuous drive to innovate, enhance quality, and deliver beverages that truly resonate with the Kenyan consumer.”

The Kenya Beverage Excellence Awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and quality across Kenya’s beverage industry, recognising brands and manufacturers that continuously raise standards and deliver products that meet evolving consumer needs.

Categories span soft drinks, bottled water, juices, dairy beverages, and energy drinks.

Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has announced a 52.1% growth in group net income to KES.42.8billion for the six months to 30th September 2025, demonstrating resilience and growth across its Kenya and Ethiopia operations.

In its Kenya operations the company recorded a 22.6% growth in Net income to KES 58.2billion, 9.3% jump in service revenue to KES 194.0billion, and 13.1% growth in EBIT to KES 89.5billion.

In Ethiopia, losses reduced by 20.1% year-on-year to KES (15.5 billion), even as pricing and currency reform challenges perpersisted.

"This is a strong set of results, and a solid start to our Vision 2030 strategy cycle, maintaining our FY26 guidance. We remain focused on executing our strategy through segment-led execution and integrated solutions,” said Peter Ndegwa, Group CEO, Safaricom.

In addition to the strong set of results, the company continued to invest heavily in communities. Safaricom recently launched the Citizens of the Future program, an initiative set to benefit 500 schools with infrastructure upgrades, 10,000 scholarships and over 56,000 beneficiaries of digital literacy over the next five years.

“It has been 25 years of transforming lives, through innovation and community empowerment, a journey powered by purpose and collaboration. We have transformed the lives of over 22 million Kenyans through the Safaricom and M-PESA Foundations. We remain anchored in purpose, driving sustainable growth and positive change,” Ndegwa said.

Further, the company launched Safaricom Ethiopia Foundation in July this year, investing over ETB 650million in community projects under education, youth and economic empowerment, a demonstration of the company’s commitment to purpose before profit.

Pungulu Pa Productions is proud to announce the launch of PUNGULU PARTY! – a one-of-a-kind children’s festival that will take place in Nairobi on Sunday 7th December 2025 at Parade Ring, Ngong Race Course from 12 - 7 PM. PUNGULU PARTY! festival will bring the world of Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes to life through an immersive, family-friendly experience celebrating African culture, music, art and heritage. It will create a joyful space where families can connect, play and share in the rhythms, rhymes and beauty of African creativity together.

TICKETS TO PUNGULU PARTY NOW AVAILABLE ON MOOKH

Inspired by the success of the Uli & Tata animated series, PUNGULU PARTY! will be a celebration of African creativity, nature and culture, featuring interactive showcases and live performances, including African nursery rhyme sessions, puppet shows depicting nature’s wonders, traditional games and activities designed to engage children and families in playful learning and cultural discovery.

The festival will also feature Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defence workshops and demonstrations specially designed for children, promoting confidence, discipline and physical wellness in a fun, family-friendly environment. It will also include a uniquely curated marketplace highlighting sustainable, child-friendly products such as locally made toys, fashion, art and food — showcasing the best of Made in Kenya creativity. 

Chief Nyamweya, Creative Director of Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes, explains: “After the release of the first 11 episodes, we realized families didn’t just want to watch Uli & Tata; they wanted to step into the world of the show. Parents asked us for real-life experiences that could bring the magic to life for their children. That’s how PUNGULU PARTY! was born — a pop-up festival where kids and their parents can sing, dance, play and discover together.”

At its core, PUNGULU PARTY! focuses on music, storytelling, crafts, cuisine and fashion. Every aspect of the event is thoughtfully rooted in indigenous traditions, while highlighting modern expressions of Kenyan and African identity. Through the festival, Pungulu Pa Productions (producers of Uli & Tata) aims to ignite pride in local heritage among children and families, as well as preserve and evolve African cultural knowledge for future generations.

The creation of PUNGULU PARTY! event was inspired by the groundbreaking Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes that debuted in 2014.

The animated series follows the adventures of two Kenyan siblings who discover magical instruments in their Nairobi home, summoning Tuki, an ancient giant turaco bird from the Kakamega Forest, Kenya’s last remaining tropical rainforest. Together, they journey across Kenya and Tanzania, exploring diverse landscapes, cultures and nursery rhymes.

Blending animation, music and cultural storytelling, the series celebrates Africa’s rich heritage while offering children an engaging and educational exploration of their world. Each episode weaves traditional stories, local songs and valuable cultural lessons that inspire young audiences to appreciate their roots and the beauty of Africa’s natural and cultural diversity.

Uli & Tata’s African Nursery Rhymes addresses the lack of African-centered content in children’s media, ensuring African children and the global diaspora see themselves reflected in the entertainment they consume.

Sarah Mallia, Producer of the series says, “Many parents want their children to grow up proud of who they are and where they come from and that’s exactly what we wanted to achieve with Uli & Tata and this festival,” adding on the production’s collaboration with Kenyan artists, musicians, storytellers and cultural practitioners, “We’re nurturing talent while also shaping a future where culture drives creativity, job creation and social transformation. We want to inspire the next generation through authentic African stories, helping them connect with their roots.”

Through PUNGULU PARTY!, Pungulu Pa Productions continues to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for African heritage, offering families a joyful, engaging way to connect with their roots. 

Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) has unveiled a nationwide promotion dubbed ‘Shangwe @25’, marking 25 years of connecting and transforming lives.

The campaign will reward customers with exciting prizes and extend the celebration to communities across Kenya through shared impact initiatives.

As part of the promotion, 25 customers will become millionaires, each winning KES 1 million alongside an additional KES 250,000 to support a community project of their choice. In doing so, every win will have a ripple effect – uplifting both the individual and their community.

In addition, 25 Small & Micro business will each win a Bajaj Tricycle to power business mobility while 15 Large and Medium Enterprises will each receive KES 500,000 to support community projects of their choice. Every week, five (5) Small & Micro business will also win stock worth KES 250,000.

There will also be winners of airtime, data bundles, 5G routers, mobile devices and instant M-PESA cash prizes ranging between KES 100 to KES 10,000. 

This year’s festive season will feature the ‘Green Box’ experience, where customers will unwrap surprises ranging from devices to festive treats like chicken, goats, sheep bringing a touch of joy to homes across the country.

“For 25 years, Safaricom has been at the heart of Kenya’s transformation, connecting people to people, people to opportunities and people to knowledge. As we mark this milestone, we celebrate not just our journey but the millions of customers, partners and communities who have made it possible. ‘Shangwe @25’ is our way of saying thank you and ensuring that when one customer wins, their community wins too,” said Peter Ndegwa Safaricom Group CEO.

The promotion will roll out through regional launches and market activations across the country, engaging customers and ensuring broad participation.

Customers can enter the promotion by simply transacting on M-PESA, including sending money, paying with M-PESA, redeeming or using Bonga Points, or purchasing any Safaricom product such as data bundles, voice bundles, digital products, integrated bundles, or Home Fibre subscriptions and renewals. Post Pay and Home Fibre Family Share customers are also eligible to participate in the ‘Shangwe za 25’ promotion.

For merchants, participation involves buying, renewing, or reactivating any business solutions, including Buy Goods and Pochi La Biashara, to stand a chance to win.

M-PESA agents who carry out deposit or withdrawal transactions of KES 1,000 or more will also earn entries into the promotion and stand a chance to win.