Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Managing Director Capt. William K. Ruto has assured investors of the Authority’s commitment to supporting infrastructure that underpins Special Economic Zones (SEZs), singling out the Dongo Kundu project as a game-changer for industrialization.

Speaking during the ARISE IIP–Kenya Investment Forum at Vipingo Ridge, Capt. Ruto said SEZs are central to the country’s strategy of attracting large-scale foreign and domestic investment, boosting exports, and creating jobs under Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

"The government’s goal is to use these zones to attract investment, boost exports, and create jobs—all of which are central to its long-term development agenda,” Capt. Ruto said.

He noted that without robust infrastructure, tax incentives and regulatory reforms tied to SEZs would be ineffective. “Infrastructure is the main catalyst for investors, enabling them to operate efficiently, competitively, and profitably,” he added.

Ruto said several investors have expressed interest in the Mombasa Special Economic Zone (MSEZ) and the adjacent Dongo Kundu Port (DK1), which the government has identified as a key base to spur Kenya’s industrialization.

KPA has positioned itself as a key facilitator of the SEZ agenda, highlighting the Dongo Kundu project as a major link between port efficiency and industrial growth.

Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (ARISE IIP), a pan-African infrastructure developer and operator, is hosting the inaugural Kenya Investment Forum on 15 and 16 September 2025, in Kilifi County.

The forum, powered by ARISE IIP, spotlights the company’s pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s industrial transformation through Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

At the heart of ARISE IIP’s strategy in Kenya is the revitalization of the cotton and textile value chain. Since 2023, the company has distributed over 1,560 tonnes of certified cotton seeds to farmers and played a central role in shaping Kenya’s Cotton, Textile, and Apparel Policy.

Building on this foundation, ARISE IIP is pursuing modernizing existing textile plants while also preparing to launch a new state-of-the-art garment and industrial textile facility at the Vipingo SEZ. These investments are expected to create thousands of jobs, expand export opportunities, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a competitive textile hub on the continent.

Beyond textiles, ARISE IIP is targeting other high-impact industries in Kenya.

These include renewable energy, with projects in solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass; automobile assembly and EV production to drive the country’s mobility future; pharmaceuticals, including local drug manufacturing and health tech innovation; heavy and light manufacturing in agro-processing, consumer goods, and industrial equipment; logistics and warehousing with integrated supply chain and port-adjacent solutions; recycling and circular economy initiatives to address waste management; and minerals, through value addition for resources such as titanium and limestone. 

George Olaka, Group Chief Financial Officer of ARISE IIP and CEO of ARISE IIP Kenya, affirmed the company’s long-term vision: “At ARISE, our core mandate is transformation. Transformation of raw materials into finished goods. Transformation of unemployment into opportunities. Transformation of Africa’s narrative—from a continent that exports commodities, to one that exports finished products.”

The company’s success in Gabon, Benin, and Togo, where ARISE IIP has developed thriving SEZs that have attracted billions in investment and created hundreds of thousands of jobs, provides a proven blueprint for Kenya. The upcoming Vipingo Special Economic Zone, a partnership with Centum, will replicate this model, transforming Kilifi County into a world-class industrial hub.

James Mworia, CEO of Centum and Chair of Vipingo SEZ, called for bold vision and strong partnerships to drive Kenya’s industrial future saying: “From building a cashew nut industrial pipeline to tackling water challenges, investing in affordable energy with LaGas, and supporting youth through 500+ scholarships — Centum is proving that growth and impact go hand in hand. Vipingo is the product and Arise IIP is the partner we were waiting on to ensure its success.”  

Mr. Hassan Abubakar Hassan, CBS, Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industrialisation, said: “We continue to engage with the private sector to address the emerging business challenges, noting recently, you held a Private Sector Round Table to further understand and address emerging issues. As a Ministry we are also working to strengthen the Private Sector by coming up with a Policy and legal framework for the Chambers in Kenya.  

The groundbreaking of the Vipingo Special Economic Zone project will take place on September 16, 2025, in a ceremony to be presided over by H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, marking a decisive step in Kenya’s industrialization journey.

The company’s capacity to deliver large-scale industrial infrastructure has been further buoyed by a recently completed USD 700 million capital raise, where they welcomed Vision Invest, a Saudi Arabian infrastructure investor and developer, into its shareholder base.

ARISE IIP’s Kenya Investment Forum brings together partners, including Centum Investment Company, Afreximbank, the Kenya Special Economic Zones Authority (SEZA), Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, among other private and public sector players, to chart a way forward for Kenya’s industrialization.

ARISE IIP has also hinted at further investment announcements to be made during the Forum, signaling its continued commitment to building industries that drive Kenya’s long-term economic growth.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for a whole-of-society approach to eliminate child labour in the Kenya. 

The CJ underscored the need for collaboration across institutions noting that while the Judiciary plays a critical role, it cannot achieve this goal alone.

Speaking during the official opening of the Employment and Labour Relations Court Annual Symposium (ELRASE III), themed “Elimination of All Forms of Child Labour and Access to Justice,” Justice Koome emphasized that eliminating child labour demands a whole-of-society approach.

She called on Parliament to strengthen and update legal protections, the Executive to implement effective policies and allocate resources, the private sector to adopt ethical business practices, and for civil society and communities to advocate for and protect children at the grassroots level saying that every institution and every citizen has a role to play.

“This symposium provides an ideal platform to forge this collective responsibility. By reflecting together, sharing experiences, and co-creating solutions, we move closer to building a Kenya where no child is exploited,” said Chief Justice Koome.

She maintained that discussions must go beyond words and translate into concrete actions that transform the lives of children at risk of or already involved in child labour.

The CJ insisted that the symposium should not end as a series of insightful presentations but it must become a turning point in how child labour is collectively addressed in Kenya.

CJ Koome challenged participants to commit to strengthening systems of accountability to ensure no employer, institution, or individual can exploit children with impunity.

Further, she challenged them to commit to expanding access to justice for children through responsive legal procedures and legal aid models as well as empowering children and families so that children are found in classrooms, not workplaces.

“Justice for children is justice for society. In protecting their rights, we protect our collective future. In giving them education and freedom from labour, we give our nation new leaders, innovators, and dreamers. In eliminating child labour, we honour not only our constitutional obligations but our moral duty as human beings,” said the Chief Justice.

She further noted that child labour is not only a legal violation but a grave social injustice that robs children of their childhood, dignity, and future. It denies them their rights to education, health, rest, and play, while entrenching cycles of poverty and depriving society of the innovations and contributions of an empowered generation.

CJ Koome highlighted the pivotal role of the Employment and Labour Relations Court in the fight against child labour, particularly in interpreting and enforcing labour standards, adjudicating disputes, and protecting the rights of vulnerable workers.

She pointed out that the Judiciary has gone a step further by establishing specialised Children’s Courts, designed to provide child-sensitive spaces that uphold the dignity and welfare of children during judicial processes.

“In addition, the Judiciary has developed the Child Justice Strategy (2023–2030). This strategy provides a coherent framework for ensuring that every child who interacts with the justice system is protected, heard, and treated with dignity,” she noted.

CJ Koome called on all stakeholders—judges, policymakers, advocates, employers, religious leaders, academics, and citizens—to leave the symposium with a renewed commitment to ending child labour

“Let us ensure that the conversations we hold here give birth to concrete actions that protect the dignity, dreams, and rights of our children. Together, through justice, collaboration, and commitment, we can eliminate all forms of child labour,” urged the Chief Justice.

Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, Hanna Wendot Cheptumo noted that the forum comes at a critical time when Kenya has made notable progress in aligning its laws and policies with international labour standards adding that the gathering provides stakeholders with a unique opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and recommit to action. 

The Principal Judge of the Employment and Labour Relations Court, Justice Byram Ongaya, said the symposium brings together stakeholders to deliberate on the elimination of child labour and access to justice.

It provides a platform for sharing progress, identifying challenges and agreeing on immediate actions needed to ensure that no child is subjected to exploitative and or hazardous work.

Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars were yesterday, treated to an unforgettable football experience as they witnessed, first-hand, the thrill of a live LaLiga Hypermotion clash between SD Huesca and Málaga CF at the iconic El Alcoraz Stadium.

The hard-fought match was decided in the dying minutes, as Liberto Beltrán struck in the 94th minute to give Huesca a 1-0 win.

Ahead of the match kick off, the All-Stars were given exclusive tour to SD Huesca’s facilities, including the team’s dressing room, before being hosted for a VIP lunch with officials from the SD Huesca Academy and a representative from the Kenyan Embassy in Spain, giving them a taste of the professional football environment.

The memorable afternoon came just a day after the All-Stars enjoyed a meet-and-greet with SD Huesca’s senior team, where they interacted with the pros, asked questions, and listened to motivational talks about the realities of professional football.

The players shared their personal journeys, offering the young stars encouragement and powerful lessons on what it takes to become a professional footballer and succeed in the game including discipline, sacrifice, and relentless hard work.

“It’s truly amazing here in Spain. We are really enjoying our training, and personally, I have learned so much over the past six days. One of the most exciting moments was getting the opportunity to interact with the SD Huesca senior team. They spoke to us about what it takes to become a professional footballer. The biggest lesson I took from that conversation was the importance of discipline and always giving your best. Beyond football, we have also had the chance to visit many interesting places around Spain, experiences I never imagined I would have, especially on my own. But thanks to Safaricom Chapa Dimba, it has all been made possible for me.” Said Patience Kasichana, Chapa Dimba All-Stars Player.

The All-Stars are in Spain for a week-long elite training camp, where they are not only sharpening their football skills but also broadening their horizons through cultural experiences. Off the pitch, they have toured Zaragoza City, Canfranc Estación, Podoactiva, the leading podiatry and biomechanics centre in Europe and the historic Casco Histórico de Huesca, giving them a blend of football and culture.

Up next, the action shifts back to the pitch as the All-Star Boys’ team takes on SD Huesca, U23 in their fourth and final friendly clash today at the Huesca Academy Grounds.

More than 500 residents of Miritini were presented with title deeds on Saturday, as part of a land regularisation exercise spearheaded by the Mombasa County Government.

The residents mainly from the Miritini Site and Service Scheme, launched in 1986 with support from the World Bank and handed over to residents in 1996 could not hide their joy as they received the imporant document.

The scheme has since developed into a residential neighbourhood with key infrastructure such as piped water, sewerage, electricity, drainage and paved roads.

Out of 921 plots within the scheme, 420 had already been titled in earlier phases. The latest round saw more than 400 plots regularised, with officials assuring residents that the remaining titles would also be processed.

"I have lived here for over 15 years without a title deed, I have always been living in fear not knowing what will happen to my piece but thank God that I can now sleep well with no worries. My appreciation to our Governor Nassir and area Mp Badi Twalib for initiating this important step." said Halima Omar, one of the beneficiaries.

Speaking during the event area Mp Badi Twalib revealed that he was also a beneficiary.

"I have been a squatter. It is not that I lacked the means to acquire land, but I deliberately waited so that I could go through this process with my people. I wanted to show that I am not above the struggles they face,” said Badi.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir noted that he plans to issue over 30,000 title deeds to residents before 2027.

"This milestone not only empowers families with the security of ownership but also strengthens our County by expanding our valuation roll and increasing revenue to serve our people better. We are organized and have a serious plan to expand this initiative to other parts of the county in an orderly fashion." said Nassir.

Adding "My Plan is to ensure that at 30,000 title deeds are issued by 2027. My plea to you as Mombasa residents is please be careful of politicians who want to use the land issue to divide us."

On his part, the County  Executive Member (CECM) for Lands and Planning Mohamed Hussein urged the residents to be vigilant against land cartels.

"We are committed to resolving the land issues in Mombasa, but we need your help. Stay alert and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes,” Hussein advised.

The event was also graced by top national and regional leaders, including former Mombasa Governor and current Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, MPs Junet Mohamed, Edwin Sifuna, Omar Mwinyi, Zamzam Mohamed, Rashid Bedzimba, Mishi Mboko, Rozah Buyu, Beatrice Elachi, Renee Mayaka, and a host of MCAs and County Executive Members.

NETSCOUT SYSTEMS, INC. has released its latest global threat intelligence report, revealing that South Africa, Morocco and Kenya were the three most targeted African countries for Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks in the first half of 2025.

South African sectors take DDoS strain

South Africa ranked as the continent’s primary hotspot, recording 213,523 DDoS attacks during the six-month period. Several of its industries featured prominently among the most attacked at a global level. These sectors included:

• Insurance agencies and brokerages – first worldwide, with 6,680 attacks;
• Other computer-related services – first worldwide, with 18,243 attacks (Kenya followed in second place with 8,730);
• Portfolio management and investment advice – first worldwide, with 1,571 attacks (Kenya again came in second with 720);
• Commercial banking – second worldwide, with 4,653 attacks;
• Electronics and appliance retailers – third worldwide, with 255 attacks;
• Electronics computer manufacturing – third worldwide, with 525 attacks; and
• Wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) – South Africa ranked fourth globally with 126,551 attacks, while Morocco placed tenth with 64,517.

The report also showed that Seychelles was positioned as sixth globally for attacks on software publishers (183), while Nigeria uniquely recorded 108 incidents aimed at beauty salons, the only country in the world to have this sector noted in the report.

While South Africa remained the most attacked African nation, Morocco ranked second with 75,624 DDoS incidents, and Kenya third with 46,786 attacks during the first half of 2025. Together, these three countries accounted for the vast majority of malicious activity across the continent.

Complex multivector events in South Africa, Kenya, Libya and Nigeria

NETSCOUT’s research showed that South Africa, Kenya, Libya and Nigeria all recorded 23 attack vectors in a single attack, followed closely by Morocco with 20. 

Attack vectors refer to the different methods cybercriminals use to overwhelm their targets. The most commonly seen examples in Africa for the first six months of 2025 ranged from DS (destination port floods) to Dn (DNS query floods) and Ta (TCP ACK floods). The increasing variety of vectors shows that attackers are using multi-layered techniques to bypass defences and cause maximum disruption.

Tunisia sees longest, largest attack

In terms of duration, Tunisia experienced the longest single DDoS attack in Africa, clocking in at 418.68 minutes (nearly seven hours). Other countries close behind included Côte d’Ivoire (415.34 minutes), Burkina Faso (356.49 minutes), Mali (336.63 minutes), and Libya (242.6 minutes). Such prolonged attacks emphasise the persistence of adversaries in attempting to cripple connectivity and online services.

The report also revealed the largest DDoS attack statistics observed in selected African nations, as follows:

• Tunisia –maximum bandwidth of 756.61 Gbps and throughput of 49.51 Mpps, recorded across 6,346 attacks;
• Algeria - maximum bandwidth of 432.02 Gbps, throughput of 41.05 Mpps, noted across 186 attacks; and
• South Africa - maximum bandwidth of 312.46 Gbps and throughput of 27.46 Mpps, detailed across 213,523 attacks.

Commenting on the findings, Bryan Hamman, regional director for Africa at NETSCOUT, said: “NETSCOUT’s latest threat intelligence underlines how Africa is firmly in the sights of global cybercriminals. South Africa continues to experience extremely high volumes of DDoS activity, with its critical industries increasingly under threat. 

“At the same time, Morocco, Kenya and other nations are facing rising attack sophistication, as shown by the high number of vectors. The prolonged strikes in Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali and Libya, alongside record-breaking bandwidths and throughputs, further demonstrate the determination of attackers to disrupt essential services,” he added.

“As connectivity expands and the digital economy matures across Africa, organisations must recognise the essential need for intelligence-driven, proven DDoS defences that can truly safeguard their operations, customers, and reputations.”

NETSCOUT maps the DDoS landscape through passive, active, and reactive vantage points, providing unparalleled visibility into global attack trends. NETSCOUT protects two-thirds of the routed IPv4 space, securing network edges that carried global peak traffic of over 800 Tbps in 1H2025. It monitors tens of thousands of daily DDoS attacks by tracking multiple botnets and DDoS-for-hire services that leverage millions of abused or compromised devices.

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) have signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Nairobi to promote a professional and responsible media environment in preparation for Kenya’s 2027 general election and upcoming by-elections.

The agreement outlines a collaborative approach to support journalist training, media accreditation, and improved access to reliable electoral information.

IEBC Chairman Dr Erastus Ethekon described the MoU as a vital step towards ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.

Adding “Hate speech, ethnic division, and intimidation have no place in our elections. The media has a crucial role in shaping elections positively, and we aim to support open and credible outcomes."

MCK CEO David Omwoyo reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to maintaining high journalistic standards.“This MoU represents our joint effort to encourage ethical, accurate, and responsible media coverage,” he said.

Adding “We are actively engaging stakeholders such as the Kenya Union of Journalists, Kenya Editors Guild, and Bloggers Association of Kenya to reinforce our support for free and fair elections.”

Mr Omwoyo stressed the importance of addressing misinformation and disinformation, particularly given the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and deepfakes. “As we approach 2027, tackling disinformation through enhanced media and digital literacy is essential to empower voters,” he said.

Commissioner Dr Alutalala Mukhwana, Chair of IEBC Communications and Publicity Committee, highlighted the importance of effective communication given the significance of elections. "We are committed to working closely with the media to share timely and accurate information with the public,” he said.

The MoU establishes a wide-ranging framework for collaboration, including training for journalists, independent content producers, and media practitioners on electoral processes, democracy, governance, and social development, with the IEBC providing expert facilitators.

It also encompasses capacity-building for IEBC Commissioners, staff, Returning Officers, and other personnel in media relations, crisis communication, and public speaking, alongside a streamlined accreditation process requiring journalists to present a valid MCK accreditation card or number to ensure professionalism.

To enhance access to electoral information, the partnership will establish media centres to provide journalists with supportive working environments and support joint voter and civic education initiatives to promote digital literacy and public awareness of the electoral process.

Further, a collaborative fact-checking platform will be set up to counter misinformation and disinformation related to elections, with further opportunities for cooperation to be explored as mutually agreed, marking a significant milestone in fostering credible elections and an informed electorate.

The MoU marks a significant milestone in ensuring Kenya’s media and electoral institutions collaborate effectively to support credible elections and an informed electorate.

The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has marked a historic milestone with the launch of the first School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Leaders present during the launch led by County Governor Abdulswamad Nassir hailed the move describing the moment as a breakthrough for the Coast.

“This is a historic day for Mombasa. We have opened doors for our youth and secured the future of healthcare in our county. Each sub-county will have two top students on full scholarship, who will remain to serve our people,”

Nassir also revealed that the county government has sponsored 12 students to study medicine at the new school.

 Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki called on the youth from Mombasa county to take advantage of the new school to pursue their careers.

"We now have our own school of medicine here, you do not need to travel all the way to Nairobi or other areas, soi my call to you is take full advantage of this new school. As your leaders we are ready to help you where we can." said Faki.

On her part Professor Marleen Temmerman, from Ghent University in Belgium who are part of the funders of the project, commended the National and County governments for their cooperation towards achieving the project.

“This year, 60 students began their six-year journey to become doctors, 12 of them supported by the governor’s scholarships. With partnerships between TUM, Ghent University, and the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, students will gain world-class training and hands-on experience in both hospitals and community facilities,” Prof. Temmerman said.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib commended the university's management for the achievement noting that the move now puts Mombasa in the national market.

"I remember very well that sometimes back I raised an issue in Parliament on why we do not have a medicine school, I have also had several discussions with the Vice Chancellor concerning the same,  it gives me a lot of joy to witness this happening." noted Badi.

This new achievement makes TUM one of only thirteen universities in Kenya chartered to offer medicine.