Egypt has reportedly proposed a Ksh12.9 billion financing mechanism to support dam construction and water projects in Kenya, signalling a potential shift in regional cooperation within the Nile Basin. According to the proposal, the funds would be directed toward initiatives within the Southern Nile Basin framework, including expanded rainwater harvesting programmes and key infrastructure projects such as the development of the Koru Dam. Kenyan and Egyptian delegations pose for a photo after conclusion of the Nile Basin Cooperation talks. In Nairobi, Egyptian officials reiterated their opposition to unilateral actions in the Nile Basin, calling instead for cooperation guided by international law and mutual respect among riparian states. The eighth session of the Egypt-Kenya Joint Commission is scheduled to be hosted in Cairo later this year, where the technical blueprints for the dam projects and industrial logistical zones will be finalized.

February 18, 2026 17:37 UTC

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has rejected Israel's recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation. In December, Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia more than 30 years ago. Meanwhile, Abiy urged Turkey to support Ethiopia's quest for sea access, arguing that it was unjust for the country to remain landlocked. Eritrea officially seceded from Ethiopia in 1993, leaving the country without access to a 1,350km (840-mile) Red Sea coastline. This all comes against the backdrop of fears of a return to conflict in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, which borders Eritrea.

February 18, 2026 17:20 UTC

Parliament supports the motion to regulate TikTok in Kenya. Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)Will Kenya ban TikTok? The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner was tasked with engaging social media platforms to assess compliance with the Data Protection Act, Cap. 411A to empower the Communications Authority of Kenya to regulate social media platforms. MP Millie Odhiambo, among other MPs, has seconded the proposal to regulate TikTok in the country.

February 18, 2026 17:15 UTC

Audio By VocalizeSenator Abdul Haji was endorsed for the Garissa governor seat by the Samawathal Council of Elders. [File, Standard]Elders in Garissa County are split over endorsement of the governor candidate, igniting a fierce political storm. At the centre of the political divide is the endorsement of Senator Abdul Haji for the seat by the Samawathal Council of Elders. After careful deliberations we have resolved to endorse Haji for governor for Garissa for 2027 election,” he said. Former Ijara MP Ahmed Ibrahim Abass from Samawathal of the Ogaden clan has declared interest in the Garissa governor seat.

February 18, 2026 17:00 UTC

The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

February 18, 2026 16:30 UTC





Ugunja MP Moses Omondi addressing the media after presiding over a bursary issuance ceremony at Sigomere Secondary School. /KNAWrangles within ODM pitting the camps led by the party leader Oburu Odinga and embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna will soon be ironed out during a forthcoming national delegates conference, Ugunja Member of Parliament Moses Omondi has said. He was speaking at Sigomere Secondary School in Ugunja subcounty during the issuance of bursary cheques to secondary school students. He said that the meeting will bring on board all the delegates, even those with divergent opinions, who will be given the opportunity to express themselves. He said that 4,646 students applied for bursaries, but after scrutiny and assessment, 4,019 succeeded in having their education funded by the CDF.

February 18, 2026 16:12 UTC

Governor Sakaja's "Let's Make Nairobi Work" pledge faces public scrutiny 18th February, 2026Governor Johnson Sakaja’s bold campaign pledge to “Make Nairobi Work” is now at the heart of a heated political and social debate online. Supporters say progress is visible across the city, pointing to ongoing reforms and service delivery efforts. Critics, however, argue that Nairobi is still battling the same long-standing challenges — and in some areas, they claim, the situation has worsened. Is the city truly working, or is the promise still a work in progress?

February 18, 2026 15:52 UTC

Embakasi East member of parliament Babu Owino /HANDOUTEmbakasi East MP Babu Owino has declared himself the “king of protests”, claiming no protest has ever taken place in Nairobi without his involvement. This means I am always at the forefront of protests,” Babu said. “Protests drove colonisers away, multipartism was brought about through protests, and some of the ODM cabinet secretaries were put in office after we held protests,” he said. Babu Owino, who is serving his second term as MP, has been among the leaders who regularly participate in protests and mobilise supporters. His remarks come amid ongoing debate over the role and impact of protests in influencing political decisions and public policy in Kenya.

February 18, 2026 15:40 UTC

Former Chief Justice David Maraga/FILEFormer Chief Justice David Maraga has declared he is open to working with opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 General Elections. “I believe there will come a time when we will work together and I am ready to collaborate with opposition candidates who are firm in the fight against corruption,” Maraga said. He also added that he was willing to collaborate with leaders committed to upholding the law. “I am happy to work with anyone who shares that commitment to fighting corruption and upholding the rule of law,” he said. As we think about the election of our president, I want you to bear in mind the role of the Law Society in this country,” Maraga said.

February 18, 2026 15:26 UTC

The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

February 18, 2026 14:51 UTC

Kanye West, one of the most successful rappers in the world, is all set to arrive in India for an epic performance. India has become a big destination for international artists, and Kanye is the latest addition to that. 24-time Grammy winner will do a grand show in Delhi, which is part of his 'Ye Live' world tour. Kanye West India Tour tickets- How to bookThe tickets are available on District by Zomato, and it went live on February 18, 2026, at 4 PM IST. Kanye West, who goes by the stage name 'Ye', is a rapper, songwriter and record producer.

February 18, 2026 14:34 UTC

Audio By VocalizeSpeaker Moses Wetang’ula with the Egypt's Ambassador to Kenya Hatem Yousri Hosni. [Wetangula, X]National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has emphasized the need to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy through a robust parliamentary friendship group between Kenya and Egypt, aiming to deepen bilateral ties. Wetang'ula highlighted irrigation as a key area of collaboration, pointing to Egypt’s advanced irrigation systems that support large-scale agricultural production. He said both countries could hold bilateral talks to explore the adoption of Egypt’s modern irrigation practices in Kenya. Hosni noted that Egypt has significantly increased food production over the years through modern irrigation, adding that similar approaches could be implemented in Kenya through sustained cooperation.

February 18, 2026 14:20 UTC

Audio By VocalizeFormer Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu leaves Milimani court on February 13,2025. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]Jailed former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Ndungu Waititu Babayao has secured a major reprieve after the High Court reduced his bail terms to Sh20 million pending appeal in the Sh588 million corruption case. In a ruling delivered at the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, Lady Justice Wilfrida Okwany allowed Waititu’s application to review the earlier bond terms that had required him to furnish a Sh53.5 million bank guarantee. “I find that the instant application is merited and I therefore allow it in the following terms. The court observed that although the prosecution had opposed the application, it had also conceded in its replying affidavit that it did not oppose admission to bail pending appeal, subject to reasonable and adequate security.

February 18, 2026 14:11 UTC

AS he jumped in his car two days after a boozy night out, Scotty T had no idea everything was about to be taken away from him. “I always think to myself like, at the end of the day, he’s mine.. And I’m like, f**k everything else. In his most honest chat to date, Scott tells us that the mother of his son is actually someone he has known for nine years, and not a one-night stand, as many people suspected. AdvertisementAdvertisementFighting back tears, Scott tells us: “She actually fell pregnant the year before [with my child] but sadly lost the baby. And he’s going to be mint.

February 18, 2026 14:08 UTC

Leena Nair is the Global Chief Executive Officer of Chanel and one of the most prominent Indian-origin business leaders in the world. She became Chanel’s first female CEO and the first person of Indian origin to lead the iconic French luxury house. Before joining Chanel, she spent nearly three decades at Unilever, rising from an intern to the company’s Global Chief Human Resources Officer. Chanel’s chairman, Alain Wertheimer, selected Leena Nair as the Global CEO of Chanel. Leena became Chanel’s first female CEO, the first person of Indian origin to lead the brand and one of the few women of colour to head a global luxury house.

February 18, 2026 14:04 UTC