Author: Lorine Otamo

Lorine Otamo is a science journalist who covers health, technology, agriculture, and climate change. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and a knack for simplifying complex scientific topics.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has gazetted the draft Wildlife Conservation and Management (Access and Conservation Fees) Regulations, 2025, proposing an increase in park entrance fees to close an Sh11.87 billion annual funding shortfall. These regulations now await parliamentary approval. In FY 2024/25, KWS generated Sh7.92 billion against a target of Sh19.79 billion, constraining its ability to protect wildlife, restore degraded ecosystems, and respond to human-wildlife conflict and poaching threats. Regulatory Impact Assessment Supports Fee Revision A Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) carried out before drafting the new regulations found that 75 per cent of stakeholders—visitors, tour operators, and local communities—are…

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All public beaches in Mombasa, including Jomo Kenyatta (Pirates), Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu, Shelly, Tiwi, Maasai, English Point, Kanamai, and Kikambala, remain closed following a directive issued by Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir on Friday, May 23, 2025. The governor’s statement, released from his office, announced the immediate two-day closure of these beaches. In addition to beach closures, the directive suspended all ocean-based commercial and recreational activities, such as fishing and water sports. Construction activities were also halted due to “the high risk posed by wind-related hazards,” with contractors instructed to secure their sites. The decision was made in response to…

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Novotel Nairobi Westlands, a premier Accor property, is honouring mothers throughout May with curated experiences, culminating in a special Mother’s Day celebration on May 11. Mother’s Day, observed globally on the second Sunday of May, celebrates motherhood and the profound impact of mothers. Its modern origins trace to Anna Jarvis, who, inspired by her mother’s community health advocacy, hosted the first U.S. Mother’s Day in 1907. By 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday, a tradition now embraced in Kenya and worldwide. Rooted in ancient Greek and Roman festivals honouring mother goddesses like Rhea and Cybele, the day…

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MultiChoice marks 30 years of shaping Kenya’s film and television industry with the launch of its “Your World of More” anniversary campaign, running until September 30, 2025. The initiative honours loyal viewers and reaffirms the company’s commitment to delivering diverse, premium content through DStv, Showmax, and GOtv, spotlighting authentic African stories. Driving Kenya’s Creative Economy Since its inception in February 1995, MultiChoice has been a cornerstone of Kenya’s creative economy, investing over $50 million in the local film industry since 2016. Collaborations with over 30 local production houses have produced more than 100 original titles, creating jobs and supporting small-to-medium…

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Kenya Airways has honoured Caroline Ndonga, a distinguished station manager, by naming one of its newest Boeing 737 aircraft in her honour. With a robust background in aviation and hospitality management, Ndonga’s leadership and operational expertise have earned her this prestigious recognition. “Not just our Burundi Station Manager, but a force of resilience, safety, and unwavering leadership. Today, her name soars on the side of our newest B737, honouring a woman who keeps us grounded while helping us fly higher. Because some names deserve the skies,” Kenya Airways stated. As station manager, Ndonga oversees operations at the Burundi station, bringing…

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In February 2025, Kenya welcomed 155,391 international visitors, a 5.0% dip from January’s 163,601, aligning with expected post-holiday travel declines. Despite the monthly drop, this figure reflects a robust 6.1% increase compared to February 2024’s 146,442, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) February 2025 Reports. The year-on-year growth underscores Kenya’s strengthening position in global tourism, driven by several key factors: a recovering tourism sector, strategic marketing campaigns, and the streamlined Electronic Tourist Authorisation (eTA) system, boosting accessibility. Enhanced air connectivity, with new routes from IndiGo, Fly Dubai, and Airlink, alongside diverse tourism offerings…

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