Republic of Kenya, East Africa
Nairobi has become the first African city to host the World Athletics Championships, with Munich set to stage the 2031 edition. The decision follows a World Athletics council meeting in Budapest, highlighting Africa’s emergence in the sport and the continued growth of global championships.
A survey of how intelligence, counter-terrorism, and national security strategies have evolved since the 2001 attacks, reflecting on failures, reforms and shifting threats as the world marks the 25th anniversary.
Gloucestershire and Forestry England are surveying for a potential beaver reintroduction in the Severn Vale. Defra says beaver reintroduction could boost nature recovery, with beavers already in Greathough Brook since 2018. A licence would be required, and consultations with landowners are underway.
Meta has rolled out updates to its AR glasses to deter covert filming, adding a stronger capture LED safeguard and hardware-based privacy measures. The moves come as regulators in the EU probe the glasses and venues consider bans; the company reports a small share of devices have been tampered with and vows ongoing updates.
The Vice President of Tanzania has announced his resignation, citing a commitment to change. The move follows CCM deliberations that expelled Emmanuel Nchimbi and nominated Deogratius Ndejembi to succeed him. Parliament will review the nomination in the coming days. The timeline places the new deputy president in position ahead of the constitutional deadline.
A string of maternal deaths across Kenya and Lesotho highlights ongoing gaps in childbirth care. In Lesotho, male midwives are increasingly attending births to reduce mortality, while Kenya faces delays in referrals and shortages of equipment and transport that leave mothers with little protection against fatal hemorrhages.
Meta has agreed to pay up to $18 billion and to change Facebook and Instagram defaults for US users under 18. The deal ends a federal trial and requires age verification, a two-hour daily cap, night blocks, muted school-hour notifications, removal of visible like counts and limits on cosmetic filters.
The FDA has approved daraxonrasib (Rasonque), a once-daily pill from Revolution Medicines, for adults with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have received prior therapy or cannot take combination chemotherapy. A 500‑patient trial has shown median survival of 13.2 months versus 6.7 months for chemotherapy; a 30‑day supply will cost about $39,800 and expanded access has already treated thousands.
Athletes face a late setback as Sawe withdraws from the BMW Berlin Marathon with an unspecified injury, while contenders in Sydney and London push toward potential records. The Berlin race remains a marquee event, with a women’s field led by Tigist Assefa and a reshaped men’s lineup after Sawe’s withdrawal.
In Zurich, Dos Santos and Russell set world records in sprint hurdles, with Werro nearing a 800m world record. Duplantis clears 6.25m in a high-stakes pole vault, as Wanyonyi claims a world-leading 800m time; crowd witnesses multiple all-time moments.
Protests erupt in Nairobi as traders rally against the Kenya Revenue Authority’s rise of the minimum yield for consolidated cargo to 3.2 million shillings, up from 2.5 million. Demonstrators say the change will raise import costs for small businesses and hit consumer prices. Police secure major streets as traders plan to present grievances to leadership.
Gobena has broken the Sydney Marathon course record with a 2:04:42 win, while Peres Jepchirchir sails to a women’s title in 2:18:31, as Sydney hosts its second World Marathon Major with 40,000 runners on a scenic Harbour Bridge course.
Nurses in Kenya have intensified pressure as talks over the 2017 collective bargaining agreement remain unsettled. Nurses insist on implementing signed deals, while county governments cite budget limits. Doctors warn of strain on the healthcare system as the standoff continues, with potential impacts on patient care.
The UN Environment Programme has published a report concluding the world will likely exceed the Paris 1.5°C limit within years. UNEP recommends an "overshoot, peak and decline" pathway that combines immediate, deep emissions cuts, rapid methane reductions and carefully governed carbon dioxide removal to return temperatures below 1.5°C this century.
Zambia’s president has inaugurated a new term amid ongoing tensions after August elections. Observers flag uneven counting and concerns over the conduct, while opposition leaders face treason charges and arrests. Calls for unity contrast with reports of intimidation and legal challenges.
Uber has winded down its operations in Nigeria and Uganda after a thorough review, effective September 2, 2026. The move comes as part of a global restructuring that includes cutting about 3,300 jobs. The company remains committed to sub-Saharan Africa but is refocusing investments on growth, automation and markets with stronger opportunities.
El Niño has strengthened toward historic levels, with NOAA and other forecasters projecting a 75% chance of a record-breaking event in late 2026. The phenomenon is driving higher global temperatures, shifting rainfall, and fueling droughts and floods across regions. Governments warn households to prepare for potential disruptions and to stock essentials.
The Kenyan government has directed Tata Chemicals Magadi to leave the Lake Magadi area, arguing the century-old operation has not delivered enough local industrial development or jobs. Officials plan to replace it with investors who will establish local factories, including a glass plant in Kajiado and a chemical processing facility. The move is drawing mixed reactions as talks continue.
Namibia has reached an agreement with the United States to phase out the US-AIDS funding for HIV programs starting in 2027, with Namibia taking over financing through a technical cooperation model as the US reduces its aid. The deal follows Namibia’s rejection of the US data-sharing provisions and surpasses UNAIDS targets on testing and treatment. The transition will integrate HIV response into Namibia’s national health system.
Leeds Crown Court has convicted two men, Baqa Haider and Nathan Rivers, for their roles in an "industrial scale" scheme that processed criminal cash into gold and exported it with fake invoices. Haider has been jailed for six years; Rivers has received a 27‑month suspended sentence and a curfew. Police are still seeking three men sentenced in absence.
Hafidh Ameir Hassan has died at about 8:00am in Zanzibar after a heart condition. Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi has announced the death and said burial arrangements are under way on the island. Hassan had been married to President Samia Suluhu Hassan since 1978; the couple has four children, including one daughter who is a lawmaker. Hassan served as Tanzania’s First Gentleman since 2021, during his wife’s presidency.
Climate patterns have intensified this year, driving heatwaves, droughts and floods across multiple regions. Governments are mobilising finance, strengthening resilience, and adjusting policies as temperatures and rainfall shift. Aid budgets face pressure while activists warn of rising humanitarian needs.
A leadership change at the National Elections Commission raises questions about preparations for December polls as South Sudan continues a delayed transition under the 2018 peace agreement. Cabinet amendments and UN warnings underscore concerns over credible, inclusive elections.
UNICEF reports 171 million learners across 106 countries faced climate-related disruptions in 2025. Storms, floods and heatwaves disrupted classes; girls face higher dropout risks. The report warns of US$200 billion in potential lifetime earnings losses and calls for resilient school infrastructure and data systems.
Amnesty International has found that migrants from Brazil, Colombia, Sri Lanka and South Africa were lured by fake civilian jobs to Russia and then conscripted into the Russian army. The group says coercion, passport seizure and false promises amount to trafficking in many cases. Ukraine and Russia have long recruited foreigners for their wars, with thousands serving on both sides.
The CIA has released 71 declassified presidential daily briefs from 1998 to 2001, detailing warnings about Osama bin Laden, hijack threats, and al‑Qaida’s interest in weapons. The documents, described by CIA Director John Ratcliffe as an act of transparency, show how analysts tracked bin Laden’s networks and financing, with some warnings prefiguring attacks in the United States.
The U.N. Security Council has extended the Darfur arms embargo for one month as negotiations continue on potential changes. The United States is pushing for a countrywide ban and stronger sanctions on arms flows and aid workers, while Russia and other members push back. The war in Sudan has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions.
West African cotton sectors are being recalibrated to add value locally. Mali aims to spin fibre into yarn; Benin is expanding finished-product exports from the GDIZ hub; Kenya is reviving its textile value chain from farm to fashion amid policy pushes. The push seeks to create jobs, curb imports, and widen local participation.
Dangote’s refinery IPO has begun, offering 4.1 billion shares at 525 naira each with a minimum of 10 shares. The plan aims to democratise ownership, expand Africa’s largest refinery, and double capacity by 2030. The issue runs through October, with listing scheduled for November. Analysts warn there are risks, including currency headwinds and potential overvaluation.
World Athletics has awarded Nairobi the hosting rights for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, with Munich securing 2031. Kenya’s bid highlights upgraded Kasarani Stadium and Africa’s growing footprint in global track and field.