Phode News Hub

 Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's office has declined a planned visit by a youth group (described in reports as a "youth lobby group" or "group of youths/young people," often linked to Gen-Z or emerging leaders) to his Ichaweri residence in Gatundu. This development was reported across Kenyan media outlets on February 22, 2026. The office issued an official statement signed by Communications Secretary Kanze Dena Mararo, clarifying that Uhuru Kenyatta is currently not in a position to host the group. No prior formal communication or arrangements were made with his office, and organizers were encouraged to reach out formally in advance for any future engagements. The statement emphasized Uhuru's respect for Kenya's youth—their energy, ideas, and patriotism—and his belief in the importance of inter-generational dialogue for the nation's future.  He remains open to constructive meetings, but stressed they should occur in a dignified, structured manner t...

On February 21, 2026, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna led a major "Linda Mwananchi" rally at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega County.  The event drew massive crowds and was attended by key figures from a faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Godfrey Osotsi, Caleb Amisi, Anthony Kibagendi and Majimbo Kalasinga among other key leaders. The rally was part of the "Linda Mwananchi" campaign tour, focusing on issues like the high cost of living, taxation, governance, and defending ODM's independence amid internal party tensions.  Supporters processed through Kakamega town before gathering at the grounds, with reports describing a "sea of humanity" and high energy. The event faced disruptions: Tear gas was lobbed into the crowd, briefly interrupting Sifuna's speech, but the rally resumed after the crowd regrouped and controlled the situation. There were incidents involving suspect...

Commercializing a prototype in Kenya involves transforming your innovation from a proof-of-concept stage into a marketable product or service that generates revenue. This process requires protecting your intellectual property (IP), validating market demand, securing funding, and selecting the right business model.  Kenya has a supportive ecosystem with government agencies, grants, and innovation hubs to help.  Below is a step-by-step guide based on established practices and resources. 1. Protect Your Intellectual Property (IP) Before commercialization, safeguard your innovation to prevent copying. In Kenya, IP protection is handled by the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI). Register your IP : File for patents, trademarks, copyrights, or industrial designs. Patents are crucial for inventions and provide a 20-year monopoly.  Start with a patent search to ensure novelty, then apply via KIPI's online portal. Costs range from KSh 3,000–50,000 depending on the type. Why...

 As of February 20, 2026, Sifuna and his team (including figures like Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and others) are en route and in preparation for the major event scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega, with possible stops in areas like Khayega and Mbale.  This is part of their anti-Ruto "Linda Mwananchi" (Protect the Citizen) campaign, following a previous rally in Kitengela that faced disruptions. Key highlights from recent reports: 1. Well-wishers donated a fully equipped sound truck (with a powerful system) to support the Kakamega tour.  Sifuna humorously noted additional gifts like 20 chickens, joking about where to prepare them. 2. The caravan faced challenges en route: The sound truck was attacked and stoned in Riat near Kondele, Kisumu, damaging the windscreen. Reports also mention vandalism in Kisumu while heading to Kakamega. Despite this, Sifuna has emphasized that the journey and rally will proc...

 Ida Odinga (full name: Canon Dr. Ida Betty Odinga, EGH), the widow of the late former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, recently underwent parliamentary vetting on February 20, 2026, before the National Assembly's Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations.  This was for her nomination by President William Ruto as Kenya's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), headquartered in Nairobi. During the vetting session, she shared aspects of her personal background, life journey, and experiences—effectively narrating elements of her "past life" in response to questions about her qualifications, motivations, and readiness for the diplomatic role.  She described growing up in a medical family (her father a medical officer and mother a nurse), being born in Kabarnet, losing her father young, and being raised by her mother in areas like Gem and Migori.  She highlighted her education, including a ...

 Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has strongly criticized Governor Johnson Sakaja regarding a recently signed cooperation agreement between Nairobi City County and the National Government. The deal was signed on February 17, 2026, at State House between President William Ruto alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Governor Sakaja.  It establishes a framework for collaboration on areas such as roads, street lighting, solid waste management, security, and other infrastructure projects.  Reports indicate the national government will provide significant funding support, up to KSh 80 billion over time, to help improve service delivery in Nairobi, while emphasizing that no county functions are being formally transferred, and devolution remains intact. However, Sifuna blasted the move, expressing surprise and concern over the signing ceremony.  He pointed out that Sakaja had previously assured the public (including in his State of the County Address)...