馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Kenya Railways revives Gilgil鈥揘yahururu line after 46 years, delivers fertiliser ahead of Ol Kalou by-election
via Tuko3 min read
Kenya Railways has revived freight services on the Gilgil鈥揘yahururu branch line after 46 years, transporting 396 tonnes of government-subsidised fertiliser from Athi River Railway Station to National Cereals and Produce Board depots in Ol Kalou and Nyahururu. This initiative aims to support farmers in Nyandarua and Laikipia counties, key agricultural regions. Major firms like OCP Kenya, Bamburi Cement PLC, New Kenya Cooperative Creameries, and Autoports Freight Terminals Ltd have expressed interest in using the restored corridor for transport and trade. Beyond cargo, the line is expected to support passenger services, reducing transport costs, stimulating trade, creating jobs, and boosting tourism. In a parallel development, the State Department of Energy launched an electrification program in Ol Kalou, overseen by Principal Secretary Alex Wachira, to connect 110 households and public institutions to electricity. The timing of these projects has led to political discussions, with some Kenyans viewing them as a potential effort to influence voter sentiment ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
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Nairobi City County has officially gazetted the Development Control Policy 2026, a significant step in Governor Johnson Sakaja鈥檚 efforts to bring order to the capital鈥檚 rapidly expanding built environment and control unplanned developments. This policy establishes a comprehensive legal and planning framework to guide the approval of buildings and land developments in the city. Governor Sakaja stated that the policy replaces fragmented planning approaches with a clear and predictable development framework, aiming to protect residential neighborhoods, public spaces, and the environment while promoting sustainable investment. The new policy will guide development approvals through defined zoning regulations, building height limits, density controls, environmental safeguards, and infrastructure capacity. New developments will also be aligned with the availability of essential services such as water, sewerage systems, and road networks. The framework was developed with extensive public participation, involving resident associations, professionals, developers, and local communities. Sakaja described the policy as a key pillar of his administration鈥檚 vision for a well-planned, modern, and livable capital city, ensuring orderly and sustainable growth that benefits all residents. The gazettement follows the policy鈥檚 approval by the Nairobi City County Assembly and fulfills the county鈥檚 commitment to establish an enforceable development control framework. The policy is expected to stre
Must ReadDuring the closing hours of the Ol Kalou Constituency parliamentary by-election on Thursday, July 16, hooded armed men attacked journalists and fired teargas at voters. Incidents occurred at Ol Kalou Comprehensive School and AC Primary School, where masked individuals, some armed and in unmarked vehicles, clashed with crowds. Radio Africa Group's Enos Teche was physically assaulted and had his camera seized by hooded men arriving in a convoy of five Toyota Prado SUVs and a smaller vehicle outside Ol Kalou Comprehensive School. Witnesses reported police officers were present but did not intervene. Teche was also affected by teargas launched by the hooded men to disperse a crowd. NTV cameraman George Kieru's equipment was also confiscated at the same location. At AC Primary School, a separate group of hooded men confronted youths, and teargas was reportedly fired from their escort vehicles. Videos showed masked individuals with guns in a Toyota Land Cruiser, attempting to disperse people outside polling stations, and men with batons pursuing members of the public, with claims of election interference. A police Land Cruiser was also seen moving through crowds outside Ol Kalou Comprehensive School. Voters stated they remained outside polling stations after casting ballots to safeguard the results.
Kenya has officially established its first resident diplomatic mission in Kingston, Jamaica, with Ambassador Mwenda Karisa appointed as the High Commissioner. This move signifies a significant expansion of Kenya's global diplomatic presence and aims to enhance trade, tourism, education, and cultural connections between the two nations. Previously, diplomatic relations were managed remotely. The new permanent office will provide full-time diplomatic presence and consular support for Kenyans in the Caribbean. The announcement generated considerable excitement among Kenyans online, with many expressing enthusiasm for the strengthened ties and the potential for travel and cultural exchange.