The government has stepped up emergency preparedness measures following forecasts of heavy rainfall and possible flooding by the Kenya Meteorological Department.

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku assured Kenyans that all relevant agencies have been fully mobilized to respond swiftly to any emergencies arising from the expected downpours.

Speaking at St Andrew’s AIPCA Church, Mailune in Igembe North, Meru County, Ruku said his ministry is working closely with disaster response agencies, including the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the Kenya Red Cross, the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), and the National Youth Service under the State Department for Special Programmes.

“This is a multisectoral effort. Every department under special programmes has been directed to act proactively. We are focused on mitigating the effects of floods before they occur, not merely reacting after the damage,” he said.

The CS urged residents in flood-prone areas—particularly along the Tana River, Nzoia River, Budalangi flood plains, and Nyando River—to move to higher ground and remain vigilant to official safety advisories. He emphasized that nationwide response teams are on standby to provide timely intervention where needed.

Ruku reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring no Kenyan is left vulnerable, noting that the State Department for Special Programmes is developing strategies to cushion communities from the anticipated impacts of the rains.

Beyond disaster preparedness, the CS addressed recent unrest in Siakago Town, where tensions between Muguka traders from the Ameru and Ambeere communities sparked looting and vandalism. He appealed for calm, urging leaders to promote peace and unity.

“The problem in Siakago is not business rivalry but a failure by a few people to play their part in service delivery. Mt Kenya East is one family—Meru, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi must work together for shared prosperity,” he said.

Ruku also highlighted ongoing government initiatives, including plans to decentralize Huduma Centre services to the village level to ease access and cut costs for rural residents.

On food security, he defended the government’s fertilizer subsidy reforms, stressing that they are designed to support genuine farmers while eliminating corruption by cartels.

He further noted continued government investments in education and healthcare, citing reforms under the Social Health Authority as critical to sealing loopholes that allowed misuse of NHIF funds by private hospitals.

Addressing the youth, the CS encouraged them to seize training and empowerment opportunities through the National Youth Service (NYS).

“NYS is not just about uniforms. It is about equipping our young people with skills, discipline, and a foundation for future employment and service to the nation,” he said. Capital News

This August, London played host to the 15th Edition of Africa Fashion Week London, a spectacular two-day celebration of African creativity and heritage. 

Held at Space House, London, England, the event brought together designers, models and fashion enthusiasts from across the continent, cementing its reputation as the world’s longest-running showcase dedicated to African and African-inspired fashion. This year’s theme was; Co-create, Collaborate, Elevate and Celebrate.

For Kenya, this year’s edition was a proud moment on the global stage. Under the British Council’s Creative DNA initiative, three Kenyan brands; Sevaria by Jamie Bryan Kimani, Epica Jewellery by Sharon Wendo and Kisero Nairobi by Kevin Abwova, stood out for their culturally grounded creations. 

Sevaria attracted attention with its striking unisex designs, which combined sustainable materials with textiles inspired by the Maasai to create a contemporary, environmentally friendly edge. 

By combining traditional Maasai beadwork with modern design, Epica Jewellery introduced a little bit of Nairobi’s artistic flair to London. Each handcrafted piece carries the weight of culture and history. Father-son leather brand Kisero Nairobi combined Nairobi’s history with modern, international appeal, showcasing flawless handcrafted skill. 

Conversations continued through the event as designers, industry professionals and audiences gathered for illuminating panel talks on reimagining the “Made in Africa” narrative, the impact of AI on design, sustainability and direct-to-consumer business strategies. 

These discussions positioned fashion as a force for ethical innovation and cultural redefinition in addition to being an aesthetic effort.

The event was not just about clothes, but also a multi-sensory celebration. From the energy of the runway to the bustling exhibition hall, the air was alive with music, conversations and creativity. 

Global Kenyan names like Malaika Firth, alongside the talented designers attended the event. Whether in the front row or the runway, the presence of Kenyan fashion icons were a striking symbol of the nation’s growing influence in international style circles.

As the lights dimmed on AFWL 2025, one thing was clear; this was more than a fashion showcase, it was a bridge between culture, a platform for collaboration and a reminder that Kenya’s creative voice is resonating far beyond its borders. 

For Nairobi’s fashion community, the event was both a celebration and a challenge, to keep building, innovating and claiming space on the global stage. 

The next chapter of this story might see even more Kenyan names, not just participating but also leading the charge in shaping the future of African fashion. Fiona Muthoni, TV 47

MOGADISHU, Somalia

Somalia said on Sunday that it has concluded voter registration for Mogadishu’s municipal council elections, set for Oct. 30, in what authorities described as a historic step in the country’s democratic process.

Nearly 1 million residents of the capital registered for the polls, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission.

“On October 30, 2025, the people of Mogadishu will head to the polls to elect members of the municipal council and the mayor of Mogadishu. I am very pleased that nearly one million people have registered with us, and their list will be announced on the 27th of this month,” Commission Chairman Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan told reporters in Mogadishu.

The announcement comes amid political tensions over Somalia’s electoral model. Opposition leaders, including former presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, have rejected the government’s one-person, one-vote plan.

Talks last week between the opposition and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ended without a deal. Opposition groups warned they may hold a parallel vote, calling the direct-election plan unilateral.

The 2022 election was based on Somalia’s 4.5 clan-based system, which allocated equal parliamentary shares to four major clans and a half-share to minority groups.

Somalia has not held direct elections since 1967. By Mohamed Dhaysane, Anadolu Agency   

IEA News

The project will update the base year for calculating Congo’s national economic indicators from 2005, adopting the 2008 System of National Accounts (SNA 2008) in line with international standards

SOURCE African Development Bank Group (AfDB)