Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi, has urged county assemblies to take a more active and structured role in Kenya’s affordable housing agenda, emphasizing oversight, equity and intergovernmental coordination as critical to delivering sustainable urban development.

While contributing as during as a panelist on “Affordable Housing and Urban Development: County Assemblies’ Role in Kenya’s Housing Transformation,” Senator Miraj positioned housing as both a national priority and a devolved responsibility that requires alignment between the Senate and county governments.

She outlined the scale of the housing challenge, noting that the deficit remains significant both globally and locally, with Kenya facing an annual shortfall of nearly two million housing units.

This, she said, explains why affordable housing has been fast-tracked as a key policy pillar.

Senator Miraj emphasized the Senate’s constitutional role as both protector and facilitator of county governments, stressing that effective implementation of housing projects must respect devolved functions.

“County assemblies are the primary oversight bodies, while the Senate provides secondary oversight. These roles must complement each other to ensure accountability without undermining county mandates,” she said.

She highlighted key legislative frameworks supporting the programme, including the Affordable Housing Act 2024, Land Amendment Act 2025, and related regulations, noting that these laws are intended to streamline implementation while safeguarding county interests.

A central proposal in her remarks was the establishment of joint oversight mechanisms between the Senate and county assemblies. She called for structured collaboration through joint committees, shared information systems, and coordinated site visits to monitor projects, track use of housing levies, and oversee public-private partnerships.

Senator Miraj also raised concerns about equity and inclusion, particularly for communities living on ancestral land. She cautioned that without clear allocation frameworks, housing units risk being taken up by those outside local communities.

“County assemblies must legislate to protect vulnerable groups and ensure fair access to housing,” she said.

Drawing from recent engagements, including collaboration with Nairobi County, she pointed to emerging safeguards such as commitments to resettle displaced residents without additional cost, describing them as practical steps toward inclusive implementation.

She concluded by calling for stronger public participation and better coordination across levels of government, noting that the success of the housing programme will depend not just on policy, but on how effectively institutions work together to deliver for citizens.

George Asamani, Managing Director, Project Management Institute, Sub-Saharan Africa

Volunteering is often framed as an act of goodwill rather than a pathway to professional growth. This view misses an important point. In many cases, volunteering is one of the most effective ways to build capability, credibility, and leadership. April, designated as Global Volunteer Month, provides a timely opportunity to reconsider a practice that remains widely misunderstood, particularly in emerging markets.

Across Africa, the disconnect between education and employability remains a persistent concern. According to the African Development Bank, 10–12 million young Africans enter the job market each year, yet employers continue to cite gaps in experience, problem-solving skills, and leadership readiness. The issue is not a lack of talent, but a lack of exposure.

Traditional career paths, where progress depends on one’s level within an organisation, do not always provide the range of experience needed in a fast-changing economy.

Volunteering, when approached with intention, can help close this gap. It puts people in situations where they are given real responsibility. This is evident across global professional communities, including PMI, where just under 18,000 volunteers contribute to initiatives that shape practice and build capability.

In many ways, it mirrors the pressures of formal roles, without the delays that usually come with waiting for such opportunities. This is particularly relevant for early and mid-career professionals.

In traditional settings, leadership is often something people have to wait for. It usually comes with senior roles, titles, and years of experience, rather than readiness or potential.

In volunteer environments, however, people often step into leadership early. Managing projects, working with teams, engaging stakeholders, and dealing with challenges are part of the day-to-day experience. This creates faster growth, which is hard to achieve in more rigid organisational structures.

The absence of financial compensation is often cited as a deterrent. In many contexts, where financial pressure is real, this concern is understandable. But it also reflects a narrow view of value. The benefits of volunteering may not be immediate, but they are significant. It builds experience that sets you apart, creates networks that open doors, and shows your ability to lead and deliver. Over time, these advantages grow and compound.

Volunteering also helps build a different kind of professional network, one that is less transactional and more lasting. These relationships are built on shared purpose, not immediate gain. In markets where professional systems are still developing, such networks can offer mentorship, support, and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

There is also a broader point to consider. As African economies become more connected to the global system, it is important not just to follow standards but to help shape them.

Many of these standards are developed through collaboration, often by professionals contributing their expertise rather than through formal roles. Taking part in these processes allows individuals to go beyond their immediate organisations and engage in wider professional conversations.

It is worth noting that not all volunteering is created equal. The value lies not in the act itself, but in the quality of the experience. Roles that demand accountability, offer exposure to diverse perspectives, and involve measurable outcomes contribute most meaningfully to personal and professional growth. Approached in this way, volunteering becomes less about giving time and more about making deliberate investments in one’s development.

For individuals, the implications are straightforward. In an environment where experience is often the most significant barrier to progression, volunteering offers a practical way to overcome it. It allows professionals to build a track record, test their capabilities, and expand their horizons in ways that formal roles may not immediately permit.

The broader implication is equally important. If more professionals engage in meaningful volunteer work, the cumulative effect is a stronger, more capable workforce, one that is better equipped to navigate complexity and drive project success. The question is not whether volunteering is worthwhile. It is whether Africa can afford to overlook one of the most accessible ways to build the experience its workforce urgently needs.

Nyali parliamentary aspirant, Said Abdallah, has stepped up efforts to mobilise residents to register as voters, conducting a series of grassroots engagements across key areas in Nyali, including Kongowea Market and Mkomani.

The exercise, which forms part of ongoing voter registration campaigns ahead of the next electoral cycle, saw the aspirant interact directly with traders, youth, and residents, urging them to take part in the democratic process.

Speaking during a visit to Kongowea Market  one of the busiest trading hubs in Mombasa  Abdallah emphasised the importance of civic participation, noting that voter registration is a critical step in shaping leadership.

“Registering as a voter is not just a right, it is your voice. Without it, you cannot influence the future of Nyali,” he said.

At Mkomani, the aspirant continued with door-to-door sensitisation and small public forums, where he encouraged first-time voters, particularly the youth, to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise.

“We want to see young people come out in large numbers. Leadership decisions affect you the most, so you must be part of the process,” Abdallah added.

The mobilisation drive comes amid heightened political activity in Nyali, a key constituency in Mombasa County, as leaders and aspirants intensify efforts to boost voter turnout.

Kongowea, known for hosting one of the largest open-air markets in the region, remains a strategic point for such campaigns due to its high population and economic activity, while Mkomani continues to be a vital residential area within the constituency.

Political observers note that voter registration has become a central focus for aspirants seeking to build early support bases. Similar initiatives have been seen across the county, with leaders advocating for increased civic awareness and participation.

Abdallah concluded his tour by calling on electoral authorities to ensure the registration process remains accessible and transparent.

“We urge all stakeholders to make the process smooth and inclusive so that no eligible voter is left out,” he said.

The voter registration exercise is expected to continue in other parts of Nyali in the coming days as campaigns gather momentum.

Mombasa County has launched an emergency exercise to repair and unclog drainage systems across the Central Business District (CBD) and other affected areas following heavy rains experienced since Thursday night.

The move aims to ensure the smooth flow of stormwater and prevent flooding that has disrupted transport and business activities in parts of the coastal city.

County officials confirmed that teams were deployed early to clear blocked drainage channels, remove waste, and repair damaged infrastructure to restore normalcy.

"The ongoing exercise is meant to ensure free water flow within the CBD and surrounding areas, especially during this rainy period,” a county official said.

Several parts of Mombasa experienced waterlogging after hours of heavy rainfall, exposing challenges in the drainage system largely caused by clogging from solid waste and silt buildup.

The county government has also urged residents to avoid dumping waste in drainage systems, emphasizing that proper waste disposal is key to preventing blockages and ensuring long-term solutions to flooding.

Authorities say the clean-up and repair exercise will continue in the coming days as part of broader efforts to improve drainage infrastructure and enhance the city’s resilience to heavy rains.

A 43- year old popular Tanzania musician has been charged before a Shanzu court with allegation of committing rape against a middle aged woman.

Sefu Shabani Ramadhan alias 'Matonya was charged with one count of rape contrary to Section 3(1) as read with Section 3(3) of the Sexual Offences Act No. 3 of 2006.

Chief Magistrate Hon. Robinson Ondiek heard that Matonya intentionally and unlawfully penetrated the woman through the use of force on 7 April 2026, at Josy Joka Apartments in Nyali Sub County within Mombasa County.

The famous Bongo Flava popular music well known for his hit songs including "Vaileti, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Principal Prosecution Counsel Keya Ombele applied to the court to impose a stringent bond terms against the accused, stating that he is a foreigner with no fixed local abode.

Ms Ombele submitted that unless a tougher bond terms are imposed, the accused is likely to flee the country and frustrate the course of justice.

The prosecution also prayed to the court to direct the immigration department to place a red alert against the accused person at the border points to bar him from sneaking back into his country.

In his ruling, Hon. Ondiek directed that the accused to deposit Ksh 500,000 bond with one Kenyan surety and leave his Tanzanian passport with the court until his case is heard and determined. 

The court further ordered Matonya not to leave court’s jurisdiction without its permission and directed the immigration department to issue an alert at the border to deter his unlawful departure. 

The accused had travelled to Mombasa during the Easter holidays to record music when he allegedly met the complainant through a friend in Bamburi.

It is alleged that the complainant received a call from her friend inviting her to join them for a social outing at an apartment rented by the accused. Although she initially hesitated, she later agreed.

The three reportedly met at a wines and spirits outlet before proceeding to Jacy Joka Apartments in Nyali, where they had drinks and food.

Later, the accused and his female friend retired to the bedroom, leaving the complainant in the living area where she slept on a couch.

The prosecution alleges that while she was asleep, the accused approached her and began touching her inappropriately before forcefully penetrating her despite her resistance.

She is said to have raised an alarm, prompting her friend to rush to the scene and find the two in the living area.

In the ensuing commotion, the accused allegedly assaulted the complainant and later called security guards and the landlord, claiming the women had stolen from him.

Police officers from Nyali Police Station responded and initially detained the two women after the accused lodged a complaint. However, the complainant later reported that she had been raped.

She was taken for medical examination, a P3 form filled, and statements recorded before the accused was arrested and charged.

Lawrence Ochieng’ Nyaguti from the Office of the President has been elected the new Secretary General of the Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS) following a decisive victory in elections held at Cocoa Beach Hotel in Nyali, Mombasa County.

Nyaguti garnered 126 votes to defeat Nyatike Member of Parliament Hon. Tom Odege, who secured 54 votes in the tightly contested race that attracted delegates from across the country.

The elections, held in Mombasa, ushered in a new leadership team expected to steer the union’s agenda on workers’ welfare, labor rights, and engagement with government institutions.

In the same elections, Geoffrey Korir was elected Chairman, with Titi Mohammed Mbwana and Benedict Makuthu Kitheka taking positions as 1st and 2nd Deputy Chairmen respectively.

Confat Ademba and Julius Metto were elected as 1st and 2nd Deputy National Secretaries General, while Stella Okaka and Velmah Anyiso Nakuti took up the roles of 1st and 2nd Assistant Secretaries General.

Judy Wangari was elected Treasurer, deputized by Ambrose Kibet. Wilson Asingo secured the Organising Secretary position, with Esther King’ori elected as Deputy Organising Secretary.

Mary Mukiri was elected Women Leader, while Ellon Cheruyiot will serve as the Young Worker representative.

Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki has stepped in to support the Mombasa ParaVolleyball team by donating jerseys and balls as the team prepares to compete in the upcoming inter-county tournament.

The timely intervention by the Senator has been welcomed by players and officials, who say the gesture will significantly boost the team’s morale and performance on the national stage.

Senator Faki reaffirmed his commitment to supporting local talent and ensuring inclusivity in sports development across the county.

"Our para-athletes deserve equal opportunities to showcase their talent. As leaders, we must step up and support them in every way possible,” said Senator Faki. “This is just one step towards ensuring that no team is left behind.”

The team’s Chairman, Jared Otieno, expressed gratitude for the Senator’s support, noting that the team had struggled to secure assistance despite reaching out to the relevant county authorities.

"We sincerely thank Senator Faki for coming through for us at a critical time,” said Otieno. “It is unfortunate that despite our repeated pleas, the county has not supported the team. This donation gives us hope and motivation as we head into the tournament.”

Players also hailed the move, saying the new kits and equipment would boost their confidence as they represent Mombasa against other counties.

The Mombasa ParaVolleyball team is set to compete against teams from across the country, with hopes of bringing home top honors despite the challenges faced in preparation.

Senator Faki’s support underscores the growing call for more investment in para-sports and grassroots initiatives, ensuring that all athletes—regardless of ability—have a fair chance to excel.

 Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu has called on Deputy Registrars to transform court registries into efficient, accountable, and responsive units, noting that such reforms are critical to realizing the constitutional promise of access to justice under Article 48.

Speaking while officially opening the Annual Deputy Registrars’ Conference, themed “Transforming Court Registries: Enhancing Efficiency, Accountability, and Service Delivery,” the DCJ noted that registries manage the entire lifecycle of a case from filing to execution.

She warned that dysfunctional registries contribute to case backlogs, frequent adjournments, missing files, disorganized proceedings, and even corruption.

“Registries are the gateway to justice; every case begins at the registry. If this first point of contact is inefficient, confusing, or inaccessible, access to justice is immediately compromised. Indeed, for many litigants, the registry is the court,” she said.

Justice Mwilu noted that registries are often the public’s primary point of interaction with the Judiciary, making them the face of the institution

. A professional, accessible, and service-oriented registry, she said, is key to building public trust and confidence in the courts.

“Registries are the Judiciary’s anchor for accountability and transparency. By ensuring that processes are documented, actions are traceable, and decisions are accessible, they strengthen accountability mechanisms from performance management to audits and complaints handling,” she added.

The DCJ emphasized that courts cannot effectively deliver justice through judgments and rulings if registry systems remain inefficient, dysfunctional, or compromised. Efficient registries, she said, enable a justice system that is orderly, predictable, and fair.

She commended the conference for placing registries at the center of judicial transformation, underscoring that administrative excellence is inseparable from substantive justice and that efficient systems are essential for the delivery of constitutional rights and remedies.

On digital transformation, Justice Mwilu highlighted ongoing efforts within the Judiciary, including e-filing, case tracking systems, transcription services, and registry automation.

She urged Deputy Registrars to ensure that technology is effectively implemented and supported through discipline, training, and accountability.

“Technology must simplify processes, enhance transparency, and improve access but it will only deliver results if properly implemented, monitored, and continuously improved,” she said.

She described Deputy Registrars as occupying a central and indispensable role at the intersection of technology and justice, ensuring that innovation translates into tangible improvements in service delivery for litigants, advocates, and other court users.

Justice Mwilu further noted that Deputy Registrars are responsible for establishing and maintaining registries, managing court records, and preserving institutional memory with accuracy, integrity, and accessibility, functions that are foundational to the proper functioning of the courts.

Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya noted that a Deputy Registrar is placed at the very center of the wheel of justice. She explained that judges cannot proceed unless properly filed, organized, and case-managed matters are placed before them.

Likewise, litigants cannot meaningfully advance their cases without efficient, responsive, and accessible administrative pathways.

“Behind every file in our registries is a human story: a widow waiting for succession, a child waiting for maintenance, an employee waiting for dues, an accused person waiting for release. When we delay or mishandle processes, we are not merely handling files—we are affecting lives. This means that we must be deliberate in eliminating preventable inefficiencies,” said Mokaya.

The conference brings together Deputy Registrars from the High Court, the Environment and Land Court, and the Employment and Labour Relations Court to reflect on emerging challenges, share practical experiences, and develop strategies to strengthen registry performance—positioning registries as centers of excellence.