馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Kenyan software engineer develops Mfumo platform to boost voter participation and access to electoral information
via Tuko5 min read
Samuel Waithaka, a Kenyan software engineer, has developed Mfumo, a civic-tech platform designed to enhance voter participation and access to electoral information in Kenya ahead of the 2027 general election. The platform addresses challenges voters face, such as locating Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission IEBC offices for registration assistance or transferring voting stations. Mfumo utilizes a chatbot that allows users to share their location and receive guidance to the nearest IEBC office. Waithaka, whose background is in software development and building chatbots, was motivated to create Mfumo after observing difficulties people encountered in finding IEBC offices and accessing reliable civic information. He aims for the platform to help citizens critically examine leadership qualities and make informed choices. While building the platform was not technically challenging, Waithaka notes that raising awareness and recruiting volunteers to map IEBC offices nationwide have been the biggest hurdles. User feedback on Mfumo's intuitive design and usability has been consistently positive.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a forecast indicating rainfall in at least 20 counties over the next 24 hours, with wet and cool weather persisting across the country. The forecast, issued at 3pm on Thursday, July 24, covers the period from 9pm Thursday to 9pm Friday. Conditions will vary, from light showers in some highland counties to thunderstorms in parts of western Kenya and the Rift Valley. Counties expecting rainfall include Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kisii, Migori, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Bomet, Nyamira, Embu, Nyeri, Nairobi, Taita Taveta, and Nyandarua. Nairobi residents can expect a partly cloudy night, followed by cloudy skies with sunny intervals in the morning, and light showers in the afternoon, with temperatures between 13掳C and 25掳C. Nyandarua is forecast to have colder conditions, potentially dipping to 9掳C. Strong winds exceeding 25 knots are also forecast for northern and coastal counties such as Marsabit, Mombasa, and Lamu.
Must ReadMigori governor Ochilo Ayacko has offered condolences to the family of the late Sharon Otieno following the conviction of former governor Okoth Obado, Michael Oyamo, and Caspal Obiero for her 2018 murder. A Nairobi court found the three guilty of the killing, which occurred in September 2018 near Kodera Forest in Homa Bay county. Ayacko described the verdict as a "painful moment" for all involved, extending prayers to Sharon's family for strength and comfort. He also acknowledged the difficult time for the families of the convicted individuals, offering his thoughts and prayers to them as they confront the judgment. Lady Justice Cecilia Githua of Milimani Law Courts delivered the conviction, stating that the prosecution proved the trio's involvement, with Obado financing the killing, Oyamo playing a central role, and Obiero participating in concealing the offense. The court found their collective conduct demonstrated common intention and malice aforethought. The accused have been remanded, and their bond conditions canceled, as they await sentencing. Pre-sentence and victim impact assessment reports have been ordered and must be filed within 21 days before a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Must ReadThe UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a planned British Army Training Unit Kenya BATUK military exercise, typically held in Laikipia, will be relocated outside Kenya for 2026. This decision was made because the UK failed to secure the necessary licenses and approvals from the Kenyan government. A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence stated that British military exercises in Kenya require formal authorization from relevant Kenyan authorities, and these licenses for the planned exercise in Laikipia were not issued. The UK expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging the disappointment this may cause for communities and businesses in the Laikipia region that benefit from the economic activity generated by the exercise. Despite the relocation of this specific training, the UK affirmed its commitment to its defense partnership with Kenya and stated it would continue to engage with the Kenyan government to resume in-country training at the earliest appropriate opportunity. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that this decision applies only to the particular scheduled exercise and does not signify an end to BATUK's presence in Kenya or the broader defense relationship between the two nations.