Author: Ableditor

New estimates warn of rising nutrition needs across arid counties, with experts calling for stronger community health services and sustained access to treatment. More than 883,000 children aged between six months and five years in Kenya are projected to require treatment for acute malnutrition between April 2026 and March 2027, highlighting the scale of the country’s continuing child nutrition challenge. The latest analysis by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), released in September 2026, estimates that 221,000 cases among children could involve severe acute malnutrition, the most dangerous form of undernutrition. An additional 117,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are…

The government is developing a national action plan to tackle anaemia, which continues to affect women, children and adolescents across the country. Kenya is stepping up efforts to combat anaemia, with the government working on a national action plan to address one of the country’s persistent public health challenges. The initiative comes amid concerns over the high prevalence of anaemia among young children and women of reproductive age, with health experts warning that the condition can affect maternal health, child development, learning and productivity. On October 2, 2026, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with international nutrition organisation Nutrition International,…

Research published in October 2026 links healthier maternal diets to a lower risk of infant colic and eczema. A mother’s diet during pregnancy could influence her baby’s health after birth, with new research suggesting that women who eat healthier diets may have a lower likelihood of having infants who experience colic and eczema. The study, published on October 12 in JAMA Network Open, found that infants born to women who followed a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy had a lower risk of developing both conditions. The research was conducted by scientists from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston Children’s…

Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited has warned that more than 1,100 jobs and livelihoods are at risk following the suspension of its mining operations in Kenya, raising concerns about the future of one of the country’s established industrial exporters. The company says the prolonged shutdown could force it to declare approximately 500 employees redundant, disrupt contractual obligations and derail a planned Sh3.62 billion expansion project. The mining operations have remained suspended since July 28, 2026, following a directive by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs over alleged regulatory non-compliance. The dispute has since escalated into a legal battle…

Formula 1 is set to return to Africa for the first time in more than three decades after announcing an agreement with Rwanda to host the African Grand Prix from the early 2030s. The race will take place at a purpose-built circuit in Bugesera, approximately 40 kilometres south of Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, marking a major milestone for African motorsport and the championship’s global expansion. The announcement, made on Tuesday, October 13, brings an end to a 33-year absence of Formula 1 racing on the continent. The last Grand Prix held in Africa was the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami…

Nigerian fitness company i-Fitness is preparing for its next growth phase after expanding to 30 locations, with Accra and Abidjan emerging as potential markets for its West African expansion. What began as a single gym in Lagos has grown into a multi-location fitness business with ambitions beyond Nigeria. Backed by private equity firm Verod Capital Management, i-Fitness is positioning itself to tap into new opportunities in West Africa’s organised fitness and wellness industry. The company, founded in 2015 by entrepreneur Foluso Ogunwale, has expanded its network across Nigeria as demand for structured fitness services creates opportunities for operators capable of…

Ethiopia has opened a new precious metals refinery in Addis Ababa as the country seeks to strengthen local mineral processing and increase export earnings. The facility is designed to process more than 600 tonnes annually, including gold and other precious metals, creating an opportunity for Ethiopia to add value to its mineral resources before they reach international markets. By processing precious metals locally, Ethiopia aims to strengthen its position in the global minerals trade, potentially retain more value within its economy and expand export opportunities. The development also reflects broader efforts to build domestic industrial capacity and reduce reliance on…

Tanzania is set to begin phasing out physical airtime scratch cards on January 1, 2027, starting in selected areas as the country advances its transition towards a cashless economy. Under the planned changes, mobile phone users will be encouraged to purchase airtime through alternative channels, including mobile money services, ATMs and digital platforms. The move signals a shift towards digital airtime distribution, potentially changing how consumers top up their mobile phones and access telecommunications services. The phased implementation will begin in selected areas, although further details on the locations and rollout schedule will be important in determining how quickly the…

Artificial intelligence (AI) could deepen inequality in Kenya if workers lack affordable internet access, digital skills and the tools needed to benefit from emerging technologies, the World Bank has warned. According to a new report by the global financial institution, 88% of Kenyan workers are in jobs with low exposure to AI, highlighting the need to expand access to digital technology and strengthen skills development. The findings underscore the importance of investing in digital infrastructure, affordable internet connectivity and training programmes to help more Kenyans participate in the evolving digital economy. As AI adoption grows across industries, workers with limited…

Kenya is emerging as one of Africa’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) centres, with the World Bank identifying the country alongside Nigeria and South Africa as a major contributor to the continent’s AI innovation, research and investment activity. The recognition places Kenya among a small group of markets helping shape Africa’s developing AI ecosystem, supported by technology startups, research institutions, digital infrastructure and growing investor interest.The three countries account for a significant share of the continent’s AI-related innovation, venture capital activity and research output, reflecting their growing influence in the development and adoption of emerging technologies The World Bank’s October 2026…