Phode News Hub

The Kenya Senate has been actively discussing and advancing the Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2026, but recent reports (as of March 17, 2026) indicate that the bill has been introduced, tabled, and is under debate in the Senate rather than fully adopted or passed into law yet. Sponsored by Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, the bill was introduced in February 2026 (published in the Kenya Gazette around February 19, 2026) as Kenya's first comprehensive attempt to regulate AI.  It aims to establish a legal framework for the development, deployment, and governance of AI systems, emphasizing ethical use, transparency, innovation, and protection of human rights and data privacy. Key Provisions of the Bill Office of the Artificial Intelligence Commissioner — This is a central new body proposed in the bill. The Commissioner would be appointed by the President (with parliamentary approval) and head an independent office to oversee AI regulation. Powers include: 1. Classifying AI sy...

Nairobi ODM Delegates have endorsed Winnie Odinga for the position of Deputy Party Leader.  Winnie is currently serving as a Member of Parliament for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and is the daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Makadara MP George Aladwa proposed Winnie Odinga's nomination, suggesting she fills the position left vacant by her late father, Raila Odinga, in the Nairobi Delegates Committee.  Aladwa also proposed creating a fourth Deputy Party Leader position to accommodate Winnie Odinga. If approved, Winnie will join Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Kisii Governor Simba Arati to deputize Siaya Senator Dr Oburu Oginga. The move is seen as an attempt to bring fresh ideas to the party and represents the views of the young generation.  However, some party leaders have expressed concerns about the Odinga family's dominance in the party.

Russian government has stated that there will be no repatriation for Kenyans allegedly serving in the Russian military; Foreign Affairs CS Mudavadi and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov claimed that the two nations were not part of the contracts They are on their own! There will be no repatriation for Kenyans serving in Russian army until contract termination. “All Kenyans who signed contracts did it voluntarily,”  Russia Minister Sergey Lavrov stated. However, Russia agreed to place Kenya on its stop list, barring recruitment of Kenyans into the Russian Special Operation forces following bilateral talks between the two nations. The Russian government has denied allegations of recruiting Kenyans to fight in Ukraine, claiming it's a "dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign".  However, the Kenyan government has received assurances from Russia that no Kenyan citizens will be forcibly recruited into their security forces. Reports indicate that over 1,000 Kenyans have...

As of mid-March 2026, the Strait of Hormuz was effectively disrupted and largely closed to commercial shipping due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which began with strikes on Iran around February 28, 2026. Iran did not imposed a total, formal blockade on all traffic, but it: 1. Issued warnings via radio and statements that "no ship is allowed to pass" or that the strait is closed. 2. Declared vessels from the United States, Israel, and their allies (including Western nations) as legitimate targets. 3. Attacked or harassed ships attempting transit, including with drones, missiles, and threats of mining. 4. Allowed limited passage for ships from allies like China, Russia, and in some cases India, while restricting or blocking others. This has resulted in: 1. A massive drop in vessel traffic (e.g., near-halt with only isolated transits reported in recent days). 2. Shipping largely stalled since early March, with tankers avoiding the route due to risks. Abo...

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been confirmed safe and is undergoing a medical checkup, according to recent reports and statements from his office amid ongoing rumors during the Israel-Iran conflict. His office has explicitly stated that he is "fine" and actively working, dismissing speculation about his safety and status following Iranian attacks and related misinformation.  This includes clarifications that he recently visited a health center (likely for routine or follow-up care) and a synagogue, while denying any assassination or serious incident. Key context from reliable updates: Netanyahu's office released statements confirming he is healthy, with a strong handshake (metaphorically emphasizing he's operational), and engaged in work. Rumors of his death, injury, or "missing" status (including viral claims about AI-generated videos or "six fingers") originated largely from Iranian sources (e.g., IRGC statements phras...

Raphael Tuju, the former Kenyan Cabinet Secretary and politician, has presented a petition/ protest letter to the Supreme Court of Kenya regarding the ongoing seizure and potential auction of his prime properties in Karen, Nairobi. This incident occurred on March 13, 2026, where Tuju made a dramatic appearance at the Supreme Court premises.  He sought to hand over a protest letter addressed to Chief Justice Martha Koome, likely expressing grievances over the judicial handling of his long-running debt dispute and the related property issues. The core issue stems from a multi-billion-shilling debt (reported figures vary between Sh1.9 billion and higher amounts like Sh2.2 billion or more in accumulated interest and related claims) owed by his company, Dari Limited, to the East African Development Bank (EADB).  The debt dates back over a decade to a 2015 loan facility, secured against high-value Karen assets including: 1. Entim Sidai Wellness Sanctuary 2. Tamarind Kare...