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Kenya eyes 16.8pc growth in UK tourist numbers

Kenya is targeting a 16.8 per cent increase in tourist arrivals from the United Kingdom by the end of the year, as the government steps up efforts to attract more visitors from the European market.

The country is banking on increased international marketing, airline partnerships and expanded travel trade engagements to convert growing interest in its tourism products into actual bookings.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei said the country was using the ongoing World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026 to strengthen partnerships, promote lesser-known destinations and showcase its diverse tourism offerings.

Chepkemei said Kenya was positioning itself beyond the traditional wildlife safari experience by promoting a combination of coastal tourism, culture, adventure, wellness and community-based experiences.

“Our pitch is that Kenya offers much more than the iconic safari experience. Visitors can combine wildlife, coast, culture and adventure in one destination. We are also bringing lesser-known destinations into the spotlight to encourage travellers to explore more of Kenya,” she said.

Kenya is targeting 199,645 visitors from the UK this year, up from 170,936 recorded in 2025.

The United Kingdom remains one of Kenya's key tourism source markets, with Europe accounting for 28.67 per cent of international arrivals, making it the country's second-largest source market after Africa.

A total of 691,194 European visitors travelled to Kenya in 2025.

More than 40 Kenyan tourism trade partners are participating in the London exhibition, where they are marketing the country's attractions and seeking new business partnerships with international tour operators, travel agents and other industry players.

Chepkemei said the campaign would also address issues influencing travel decisions, including affordability, safety perceptions and sustainability.

Beyond the exhibition, KTB is pursuing targeted digital marketing campaigns, airline partnerships and competitive tourism packages to improve Kenya's visibility and encourage both first-time and repeat visits.

The board is also seeking to position Kenya as a year-round destination, allowing visitors to experience different tourism products beyond the traditional safari seasons.

Tour operators attending the event said WTM London provided an important platform for Kenya to reposition its tourism products and strengthen its appeal to European travellers.

They said the annual exhibition had played a significant role in promoting Kenya's travel industry by creating opportunities for trade partnerships and connecting local tourism businesses with international markets.

True Adventure Sales and Planning Director Kathryn Hardman said Kenya had established a strong reputation in adventure and wildlife tourism, giving it an advantage in attracting European visitors.

She said the country had further potential to grow its market share through diversification of tourism experiences, improved accessibility and continued investment in new products.

The engagements at WTM London come as Kenya seeks to grow international visitor numbers by expanding its traditional tourism markets while opening up opportunities in emerging destinations.

November 3, 2026
Motorcycle-riding gang hacks two police officers, flees with two loaded AK-47 rifles in Ruai

Two police officers were seriously injured and two AK-47 rifles stolen after they were attacked by a gang of motorcycle-riding men in Ruai, Nairobi.

The officers, identified as Corporal John Maritim and Corporal Felistus Tuitoek, were on beat duties when the gang attacked them at about 1 am on Tuesday, according to a police report.

Members of the public who reported the incident rushed the injured officers to Reale Hospital in Utawala for treatment.

Police officers led by the Ruai Sub-County Police Commander visited the hospital and found the two officers in serious condition.

Maritim sustained a deep cut to the back of his head and injuries to his hands. He was reported to be unresponsive at the time of the hospital visit.

Tuitoek also sustained a deep cut to the back of her head and injuries to both hands but was responsive, according to the report.

Police believe the officers were attacked with a sharp object.

The gang reportedly escaped with two AK-47 rifles, each loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition.

The stolen firearms were identified as AK-47 serial number 5524217, issued to Maritim and AK-47 serial number 5525776.

Police officers were deployed to the ground in an effort to recover the stolen weapons and pursue the attackers.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Ruai is handling the case, which police classified as robbery with violence and injury to police officers.

Investigations are ongoing, with police expected to provide further details as efforts to trace the attackers and recover the firearms continue.

November 3, 2026
Kenya, Netherlands launch Sh410 million programmes to boost trade and investment

Kenya and the Netherlands have launched two new programmes worth a combined €2.74 million (approximately Sh410 million) to improve the business environment, address investment barriers and strengthen trade relations between the two countries.

The initiatives were unveiled during the Sustainable Trade Roundtable held in Nairobi on Tuesday, November 3, bringing together government officials, Dutch businesses, industry associations and other stakeholders to discuss challenges facing businesses and opportunities for deeper economic cooperation.

The programmes will run for three years and focus on accelerating business climate reforms, strengthening regulatory systems and creating a more favourable environment for private sector investment.

The first initiative, valued at €1.74 million, will be implemented by Financial Sector Deepening Kenya (FSD Kenya), the Business Registration Service (BRS) and the Competition Authority of Kenya.

It will focus on accelerating business climate reforms through digital regulatory services, enhanced financial transparency and more competitive public procurement.

The second programme, valued at €1 million, will be implemented by Genesis Analytics, Aaereton Blu and KenInvest.

It will support the development of pro-investment policies and establish an early-warning observatory through a dedicated Kenya Investment Delivery Unit.

The unit will identify emerging regulatory challenges and address rising business costs affecting investors.

Speaking during the roundtable, Netherlands Vice Minister for International Development Pascalle Grotenhuis described Kenya as a strategic partner and one of three priority countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside South Africa and Ghana.

“Kenya is a strategic partner for the Netherlands and we see significant opportunities to deepen our economic cooperation,” she said.

Grotenhuis said bringing together government and business would help identify practical solutions to improve the business environment, unlock investment opportunities and strengthen trade relations.

She identified agriculture and food systems, water, health, agro-logistics, renewable energy, digitalisation and climate-resilient infrastructure as key areas of cooperation.

She also highlighted the potential of strategic economic corridors, particularly the Northern Corridor, in strengthening Kenya's position as a regional trade gateway.

Director of Agriculture in the State Department for Agriculture Evelyn Heyi said closer cooperation between the two countries was important in facilitating trade and expanding market access for Kenyan agricultural products.

“Strengthening this partnership requires continued collaboration between our governments to streamline regulatory frameworks, address trade barriers and create a more predictable environment for businesses,” Heyi said.

The roundtable also provided Dutch companies operating in Kenya with an opportunity to highlight challenges affecting their operations.

Among the concerns raised were high air freight costs, delayed VAT refunds, double taxation within the East African Community and unpredictable regulatory and policy changes.

Participants called for sustained government engagement and stronger public-private collaboration to address the challenges, improve investor confidence and create a more competitive business environment.

The two programmes are expected to strengthen institutional capacity, address regulatory barriers and support private sector-led investment and growth.

The engagement builds on longstanding economic and diplomatic relations between Kenya and the Netherlands, including the State Visit in March 2025 and the establishment of the Kenya-Netherlands Joint Trade Committee.

The committee provides a structured platform for economic dialogue and cooperation between the two governments.

November 3, 2026
Second body recovered from Eastleigh building rubble as rescue operation continues

A second body has been recovered from the rubble of a collapsed building in Eastleigh, Nairobi, as search-and-rescue operations continue.

The National Police Service (NPS) in a statement on Tuesday said that a multi-agency team retrieved the body of a woman from the site, bringing the number of recovered bodies to two.

Four people have so far been rescued alive from the rubble, according to the police.

In a statement, the NPS said it continued to support the ongoing rescue operation and extended its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

The Service also wished those injured a quick and full recovery.

Police urged members of the public to keep away from the affected site to allow emergency responders, rescue personnel and specialised equipment to operate without interference.

The multi-agency team is continuing to clear the remaining debris in an effort to establish whether more people are trapped.

The NPS said it would issue further updates as new developments emerge.

The latest recovery comes 11 days after the multi-storey building under construction collapsed along 9th Street in Eastleigh on October 23, trapping workers and people who may have been inside the premises.

The first body, also that of a woman, was recovered on Friday, October 30, eight days after the incident. The discovery came as rescue teams intensified efforts to access the lower sections of the structure, particularly the basement, where some missing people were believed to be trapped.

The operation has faced challenges as rescuers work through tonnes of concrete and other debris to reach sections of the building that remain inaccessible.

As of November 1, about 85 per cent of the debris had been cleared, with 16 people still unaccounted for following a verification exercise by the Kenya Red Cross and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Nairobi North County Commissioner Simon Osumba said investigators had used mobile phone data to establish that nine of the missing individuals were at the building shortly before it collapsed.

The collapse also triggered investigations into possible breaches of construction regulations and failures in building supervision.

The Director of Public Prosecutions directed the DCI to investigate possible negligence, omissions or misconduct by public officials, developers and construction professionals involved in the project.

Investigators are expected to establish whether the building had the necessary approvals, was properly inspected and complied with construction safety requirements.

The NPS said the multi-agency team remained committed to the search-and-rescue operation and would issue further updates as new developments emerged.

November 3, 2026
ODM dealt a blow as Kaunya, Ragen lead defection to MDG

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has suffered a political setback following the defection of its elected leaders to the Movement for Democracy and Growth (MDG), a party led by Ugenya MP David Ochieng’.

The defections, led by Teso North MP Oku Kaunya and David Ragen, the ODM Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Alego Central Ward in Siaya County, mark a significant development in the emerging political contest for influence in the Nyanza and Western Kenya regions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The leaders announced their allegiance to MDG during a colourful political gathering held at the party’s headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi, where more than 500 aspirants seeking various elective positions declared their support for the party.

The aspirants, drawn from 17 counties across the country, also expressed their intention to contest for elective seats under the MDG ticket in the 2027 General Election.

Addressing the gathering, Ochieng’ declared that the party was fully prepared for the next General Election and would field candidates in all elective positions across the country, except the presidency.

He maintained that no amount of intimidation, political pressure or coercion would deter MDG from pursuing its electoral ambitions.

“Let it be very clear to everybody that MDG will field candidates across the country irrespective of underhand machinations to dissuade us from doing so. We are not going to cede any ground,” Ochieng’ said.

The Ugenya legislator accused some political parties of seeking zoning arrangements to restrict competing parties from fielding candidates in certain regions.

He argued that such arrangements were an attempt to limit political competition, insisting that every party should be free to seek support from Kenyans regardless of geographical or political strongholds.

Ochieng’ also challenged opposition leaders to move beyond criticising President William Ruto’s development agenda and present practical alternatives to the challenges facing the country.

He cited opposition to major infrastructure and industrial development projects, including the proposed Dangote-led oil refinery at the Coast and the Mau Summit–Rironi road project, arguing that Kenyans needed constructive alternatives rather than constant political criticism.

According to the MP, the electorate was interested in policies and proposals capable of improving livelihoods, creating opportunities and addressing the country's development challenges.

On matters of leadership integrity, Ochieng’ said MDG would subject all its prospective candidates to strict integrity checks to ensure they met the constitutional and legal requirements for public office.

On his part, Kaunya attributed his decision to leave ODM to dissatisfaction with the party's internal leadership and electoral processes.

He argued that a growing number of members had lost confidence in the party leadership due to what he described as flawed internal elections and failure to uphold democratic principles.

Kaunya maintained that political parties should provide platforms for democratic participation, transparency and fair competition rather than limit members' political ambitions.

November 3, 2026
James Mwangi elected KTDA chairman, succeeds Njeru

The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Holdings board has elected James Githinji Mwangi as its new chairman, replacing Enos Njeru following a fresh board election.

In a leadership change announced on Tuesday, November 3, KTDA said Samson Mosonik Menjo would retain his position as vice chairman.

The agency did not disclose the circumstances surrounding Njeru’s exit or provide details of the board election that produced Mwangi.

In a statement, KTDA said the leadership change would not disrupt its operations, assuring tea farmers and other stakeholders of continuity as the agency continues to oversee the interests of smallholder tea growers.

“KTDA reassures all stakeholders that business operations will proceed seamlessly, with an unwavering focus on driving efficiency and promoting the best interests of tea farmers,” the agency said.

Mwangi takes over at a critical institution in the country’s tea industry, which plays a central role in supporting the over 700, 000 smallholder farmers through tea processing, factory management and the marketing of their produce.

The agency works with tea factories across the country, making its leadership influential in decisions affecting farmers’ earnings, operational efficiency and the competitiveness of Kenyan tea in international markets.

The latest change comes less than eight months after Njeru returned to the chairmanship in March 2026.

Njeru was elected chairman on March 4, 2026, replacing Chege Kirundi, who had taken over the position in January 2025.

Kirundi had replaced Njeru following an earlier board election that triggered a dispute over the leadership.

Njeru had initially been appointed chairman in July 2023 following the resignation of David Ichoho.

He was subsequently re-elected in August 2024 for another three-year term before Kirundi’s election altered the leadership in January 2025.

The changes have highlighted the contestation surrounding leadership of the agency, which represents the interests of smallholder tea farmers and oversees a significant part of the country’s tea production and marketing system.

In March, when Njeru returned to the position, KTDA said the board remained committed to strengthening corporate governance, protecting farmers’ value and positioning Kenyan tea competitively in regional and international markets.

The agency has also been pursuing reforms aimed at improving governance, compliance and accountability across its operations.

For farmers, changes at the top of KTDA are closely watched because board leadership influences the direction of the agency and its engagement with tea factories and growers on matters affecting the sector.

Mwangi’s immediate task will be to steer the board while maintaining confidence among farmers and other stakeholders during the transition.

KTDA did not announce any changes to its wider board structure or outline new policy priorities under Mwangi’s chairmanship.

The agency reiterated that its focus remained on efficiency and safeguarding farmers’ interests, signalling continuity in its stated priorities despite the change at the top.

The new chairman takes office as the tea sector continues to face pressure to improve returns to growers, strengthen governance and maintain Kenya’s position in the global tea market.

November 3, 2026
Tunakupenda wifi: Tanzanians welcome Charlene Ruto ahead of white wedding

Charlene Ruto has received warm and loving messages from Tanzanians following her bridal shower celebrations ahead of her upcoming white wedding to fiancé Isaya Yunge.The daughter of President William Ruto shared photos from the bridal shower on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, giving her followers a glimpse of the intimate celebration attended by her close friends and family.

November 3, 2026
Where to watch every episode of brutal police series making viewers sick

Murder Suspect No.1 aired a brutal episode this week (Image: 5 Broadcasting Limited / Paramount / Brinkworth Productions)

Every episode released so far can be binged in one go.

A chilling police series perfect for fans of 24 Hours in Police Custody makes viewers "sick" as a new episode returned to television screens this week.

Major Crimes Unit previously gripped viewers with brand new episodes, but that came to an end last month and was replaced this week on television screens. But Channel 5 aired a gripping replacement that all true crime fans will not want to miss.

Murder Suspect No.1 was first released in 2025 and instantly became a hit with true crime fanatics who crowned the show as being "as good as 24 Hours in Police Custody".

Murder Suspect No.1 can be streamed on Channel 5 online (Image: Channel 5)

Following top homicide teams, the series plunges viewers into the inner workings of police forces as violent murder investigations unfold, with viewers watching as detectives work against the clock for justice.

On Monday (November 2), a chilling new episode – which marked the second episode in Series 2 – aired on Channel 5 at 9pm as it explored one man's harrowing confession and a challenging murder investigation.

Channel 5 teased: "A man walking along the hard shoulder of the M40 confesses to murder; police discover a woman dead at her home in Havant; and detectives must prove what happened when their suspect refuses to talk."

The new episode came after a lengthy wait for viewers as the last new instalment was released earlier this year. But in bad news for fans, Murder Suspect No.1 is not on the television schedules next week, and it is not yet known when a new episode will air.

In the meantime though, fans can binge watch every episode so far, all free of charge. Here's everything you need to know about the gripping series that continues to bring in high praise.

Murder Suspect No.1 follows a real life murder investigation (Image: 5 Broadcasting Limited / Paramount / Brinkworth Productions)

There are currently seven episodes of Murder Suspect No.1 that have so far been released since it first hit screens last year. It's not yet known when, or if, new episodes will air on Channel 5, but in good news for fans, every episode can be streamed online.

Viewers can catch all episodes on Channel 5 online for free as instalments include a brutal axe attack as well as a one punch murder.

From the first 999 call to the final courtroom verdict, the series place viewers deep inside the investigation, as officers piece together the evidence, challenge suspects in interview and race to uncover the truth. Channel 5 has teased: "We follow top homicide teams as a series of violent murder investigations unfold."

The latest instalment once again horrified fans as one true crime fan took to social media to say: "Wow, what a horrific way to die. Honestly, that was absolutely evil what he'd done to her." They later added: "Be prepared."

One person commented: "Wasn't it horrendous", as another echoed: "Was absolutely brutal." A third added: "I literally nearly threw up thinking what she went through."

The newest episode isn't the only one leaving its imprint on Channel 5 viewers as previously, watchers admitted they were left feeling "sick" after brutal scenes.

November 3, 2026
PS Korir Sing’Oei Shares Details of Gov’t Deal With Actor Idris Elba

DetailsForeign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei on Tuesday, November 3, shared details of a government partnership with British actor Sir Idris Elba.Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei on Tuesday, November 3, shared details of a government partnership with British actor Sir Idris Elba.

November 3, 2026
George Russell’s unaired radio message at Mexico City GP ahead of Kimi Antonelli’s world title win speaks volumes

George Russell couldn't hide his anger over an unaired radio message during the Mexican Grand Prix after suffering a deployment issue.

While Mercedes were ecstatic after Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 F1 World Championship, it was another disappointing race for teammate Russell, who finished a disappointing sixth in Mexico.

The 28-year-old started second on the grid at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, but dropped to sixth instantly at the first corner after losing speed on the approach to Turn 1 and couldn't recover from there.

It materialised after the race that Russell suffered a deployment issue off the line in Mexico – similar to the problem he encountered in Belgium earlier this season – and that ultimately cost him ground after receiving a 10-second time penalty for crashing into Isack Hadjar at Turn 6 on the opening lap.

Unaired radio messages that cannot be reproduced due to broadcast rights restrictions have since emerged and revealed how Russell initially pressed Mercedes for answers before opting to keep quiet.

“Mate, what was..? What was that about?," Russell said to race engineer Marcus Dudley, on Lap 1.

The Briton then asked Mercedes to check his car for damage following a collision with Hadjar. “Check front-left. And front wing," he said before being heard complaining about his deployment issue at the start, with team principal Toto Wolff issuing an apology to his driver.

"Mate, how is this..? Impossible! No. Ah. I’m gonna shut the f**k up," Russell continued before Wolff responded: “Sorry, George, for that.”

After the race, a clip circulated on social media of Wolff consoling a tearful Russell, who released a statement on Mercedes behalf addressing what went wrong for him in Mexico and congratulating Antonelli on his title win.

"Firstly, congratulations to Kimi on a thoroughly deserved championship," a statement read. "He has done a fantastic job this season and can be incredibly proud of what he has achieved.

“Unfortunately, it was a very disappointing race on my side. I made a good start and was in a strong position, but then we suffered an issue which caused me to not have full deployment down the straight.

“That cost us a lot of positions and ultimately took us out of contention for a strong result. It’s frustrating to have the race compromised by something outside of my control but that is racing.

“We will reset after this weekend and look to come back stronger in Brazil. We still have a constructors’ championship to win and my full focus is on helping the team achieve that.”

On Monday (November 2), Russell reflected on a year that had begun with title ambitions but has since been marked by reliability issues and inconsistent performances.

The Mercedes star acknowledged that he has struggled to rediscover his best form – currently sitting fourth in the drivers' championship – 130 points behind Antonelli after winning three races all season.

"Now feels like a pretty suitable moment to speak from the heart," Russell wrote on Instagram ahead of the final four races of 2026.

"This season started off exactly how I had hoped but it very quickly unravelled with tough luck and poor performances. It’s been the first proper season of my career where I’ve had more bad days than good.

"Has it been tough to deal with? Yes, very. Has it been tough to pick myself up week in, week out? Yes, very. Confusion at times? Often. All I know is that I’ve given it my all and 2026 was not meant to be my year."

F1 returns to Brazil this weekend as the Sao Paulo Grand Prix takes centre stage from November 6-8.

November 3, 2026