President William Ruto on Friday evening hosted Muslim leaders and faithful for an Iftar dinner at State House in Mombasa, where he called on religious leaders, parents and political leaders to work together to address the growing challenge of drug abuse among young people.

Speaking during the Ramadhan gathering, the President emphasized the importance of moral guidance and community responsibility in protecting children from harmful influences that threaten families and society.

“We ask you, as people who believe in God, to help us protect our children from drug abuse and the bad influences that are threatening our families,” said President Ruto.

He urged religious leaders and parents to play a stronger role in guiding the youth and instilling discipline and values.

“We need to come together as religious leaders, political leaders, parents and all members of society to guide and pray for our children. The issue of drug abuse is really affecting our society and we must not leave it to the government alone,” he added.

The President also addressed concerns regarding alleged discrimination in the issuance of national identity cards in the past, saying every Kenyan has a constitutional right to be registered and issued with an ID.

"I have heard several leaders here saying that there was discrimination in previous regimes when it comes to the issuance of ID cards. I want to say clearly that every Kenyan deserves to get an ID. This is not a favour; it is a right,” he stated.

President Ruto noted that his administration has taken steps to ensure that all eligible Kenyans are registered and issued with identification documents.

“My administration has worked to ensure that each Kenyan is registered and has an ID,” he said.

The Iftar dinner brought together a cross-section of leaders from the Coast region and beyond, reflecting the spirit of unity and interfaith engagement during the holy month of Ramadhan.

Among those present were ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Abdulswamad Nassir, the Governor of Mombasa, among other leaders

The Port of Lamu has recorded another significant milestone after the 9,000-capacity Pure Car Carrier (PCC) MV Grande Auckland made its maiden call at the facility, marking a major boost for the port’s growing role in regional and international shipping.

The vessel arrived at the port earlier today carrying 469 brand-new motor vehicles manufactured in Europe over the past two years. Discharge operations began mid-morning, with the vehicles rolling off the ship as part of a transshipment operation destined for the Middle East.

Initially, the cargo had been scheduled for discharge at the Port of Jebel Ali—the largest and busiest port in the Middle East—but shipping operators opted to reroute the shipment through Lamu, citing the port’s operational efficiency and strategic location.

The vessel was officially received by General Manager of the Port of Lamu, Captain Aziz Mzee, who presented a Certificate of First Call to the ship’s master, Captain Uros Golsuf, in recognition of the vessel’s historic first visit.

Captain Aziz commended Nisomar Shipping Agency Ltd for selecting Lamu as a transshipment point for the Middle East-bound cargo.

“We appreciate the confidence shown by Nisomar Shipping Agency in choosing the Port of Lamu as the safest and most economical transshipment port in the Indian Ocean for cargo destined for the Middle East,” said Captain Aziz.

He described the vessel’s call at Lamu during its voyage from Europe to Mumbai as a major endorsement of the port’s growing efficiency and reliability.“The decision to call at the Port of Lamu on the voyage from Europe to Mumbai is quite fulfilling and demonstrates strong confidence in the port’s operational capabilities,” he added.

Captain Aziz further revealed that the port has continued to register steady growth in vessel traffic since the start of the year.

“From January to date, we have received 43 cargo vessels, including container carriers and fishing vessels. Since the port became operational, we have handled between 130 and 143 vessels,” he said.

Officials from Nisomar Shipping Agency Ltd also reaffirmed their confidence in the port’s ability to handle international cargo efficiently.

Chartering and Business Development Manager for Africa, Munir Minas, said Lamu had emerged as the most secure and strategically located port for handling the consignment.

“The Port of Lamu has so far proven its operational excellence. In our assessment, it ranked highest in terms of security for the new motorcars and is the closest and most efficient route to the Middle East compared to alternative options such as Madagascar from Europe,” said Minas.

He added that the port’s strategic position along major shipping routes makes it an increasingly attractive option for transshipment operations.

Meanwhile, the Pure Car Carrier is expected to complete discharge operations later tonight before departing tomorrow for its next destination.

The successful handling of the vessel and its cargo further strengthens the Port of Lamu as an emerging maritime hub in the Western Indian Ocean and highlights its growing role in supporting global shipping and logistics networks.

Property owners in Mombasa County have been urged to pay their annual land rates through the county’s digital platform before the March 31, 2026 deadline to avoid penalties and interest.

According to the County Government of Mombasa, thousands of property owners have already embraced the online payment system through the county ePortal, which allows residents to settle their land rates conveniently without visiting county offices.

The digital platform enables users to register their properties, generate statements, make payments and track applications from anywhere at any time.

In a statement, the county government said the initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize service delivery and improve efficiency in revenue collection.

“As the County Government continues to modernize service delivery in various sectors, residents, property owners, businessmen and the like are being encouraged to embrace the use of our County digital revenue system to make payments faster, simpler and more convenient,” the county government said.

The administration noted that adopting digital payments will significantly reduce congestion at county offices while improving service efficiency.

"By embracing digital payments, residents reduce queues, improve efficiency and make it easier to stay compliant with key obligations such as land rates, PSV levy and parking,” the statement added.

The county further encouraged property owners who have not yet registered on the platform to do so through the official ePortal and clear any outstanding balances before the deadline.

Residents can access the platform through the county’s ePortal to make payments and manage their property records online.

County officials say the digital revenue system is part of ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, convenience and accountability in service delivery across the county.

Failure to settle land rates before the March 31, 2026 deadline may attract penalties and interest as provided under county revenue regulations.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has gazetted new Court of Appeal stations and additional Small Claims Courts across the country in a move aimed at expanding access to justice and reducing the distance Kenyans travel to seek appellate services.

In a press statement issued by the Judiciary of Kenya on Monday, the Chief Justice announced the establishment of two new Court of Appeal stations at Kakamega Law Courts and Meru, sitting at Nkubu Law Courts.

The addition brings the total number of Court of Appeal stations in the country to eight.

Other existing Court of Appeal stations include Nairobi, Mombasa,Nakuru, Nyeri, Kisumu and Eldoret.

According to the Judiciary, the Chief Justice has also established a Court of Appeal Sub-Registry at the Embu Law Courts in line with the Court of Appeal (Organization and Administration) Act, increasing the number of sub-registries to five.

The other sub-registries are located in Malindi, Garissa, Kisii and Busia.

The Judiciary said the establishment of additional appellate stations forms part of ongoing efforts to decentralize court services and enhance access to justice for citizens across the country.

"The expansion is expected to reduce the distances travelled by litigants, advocates and other court users to access appellate services. It will also reduce the cost of pursuing appeals, particularly for those in the Eastern and Western regions,” the statement said.

At the same time, the Judiciary has expanded the reach of Small Claims Courts by establishing new courts in several towns, including Maua, Mumias, Molo, Kapsabet, Ngong, Kenol, Kiambu, Mavoko, Makueni, Kilifi, Kikuyu, Vihiga, Homa Bay, Bungoma and Nyamira.

The additional stations bring the total number of Small Claims Courts in the country to 55.

Small Claims Courts handle civil and commercial disputes involving relatively low monetary value and are designed to provide a faster, simplified and affordable resolution process.

The Judiciary noted that the expansion reflects its continued commitment to bringing justice closer to the people while strengthening efficient service delivery through specialised courts and decentralized judicial infrastructure.

By increasing the number of appellate and Small Claims Court stations, the Judiciary hopes to reduce case backlog, improve turnaround time and ensure that Kenyans can access justice more conveniently within their local jurisdictions.

Inmates at Shimo la Tewa Women’s Prison in could soon receive assistance in acquiring national identification cards and registering for the Social Health Authority (SHA) following a pledge by nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi.

Speaking during a visit to the correctional facility to mark International Women's Day, Abdillahi said she had been informed that several inmates were facing challenges accessing health coverage under the Social Health Authority due to lack of national identification cards.

“I have been informed that some of you are facing several challenges, among them the issue of SHA registration. Some of you have not been registered because you do not have national identification cards,” said Abdillahi.

The senator assured the inmates that she would take up the matter with relevant government officials to ensure the situation is addressed.

“As a fellow woman, I am taking that responsibility to speak to the Principal Secretary in charge and see how we can bring the registration exercise here and ensure those who do not have ID cards are issued with them and registered with SHA,” she said.

Abdillahi further noted that some inmates may not have the financial capacity to pay for their medical cover and pledged to explore ways the government could step in to support them.

“For those who cannot afford to pay for their medical cover, we will also try to find a way to see how the government can come in and support you so that you can access medical services,” she added.

The legislator also hinted at possible legislative interventions aimed at improving the welfare of inmates.

“I will also look into whether there are legislative gaps that we can address in Parliament to make your stay here better and ensure your rights are protected,” she said.

During the visit, Abdillahi encouraged the inmates to remain hopeful despite their circumstances, sharing the biblical story of Joseph as an example of perseverance and faith.

In the Bible, Joseph went through many challenges including being imprisoned, but that did not mark the end of his life. In fact, if Joseph had not gone to prison, he would not have later become a king,” she told the inmates.

She urged them to remain optimistic and use the time in prison to reflect, reform and prepare for a better future.

"Your situation today does not define your future. Have hope and believe that tomorrow can be better,” she said.

The visit formed part of activities marking International Women’s Day, which focuses on celebrating the achievements of women while advocating for equality, empowerment and the protection of women’s rights.

Female staff from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) visited the women’s section of Shimo La Tewa Prison as part of activities to commemorate International Women’s Day, spreading messages of hope, resilience and empowerment to inmates.

The outreach programme, organized by the KPA Women Congress, brought together female employees of the Authority who spent time engaging with inmates at the maximum prison facility.

The visit formed part of the global celebration that recognizes the achievements of women while advocating for gender equality and empowerment.

During the visit, the KPA women donated various essential items and necessities aimed at supporting the welfare of the inmates and improving their living conditions within the correctional facility.

Speaking during the outreach, KPA General Manager for Supply Chain Management Evelyn Shigoli, who represented the Managing Director, emphasized the importance of compassion and solidarity among women.

"As women, we must always support and uplift each other wherever we are in society. Days like today remind us that unity, compassion and encouragement can make a huge difference in someone’s life,” she said.

Shigoli noted that learning from one another and standing together as women plays a key role in building stronger communities.

"Women have immense potential. At the port, for instance, we have women operating cranes while others are pilots guiding ships. This shows that women can excel in any field when given the opportunity,” she added.

She encouraged the inmates not to lose hope despite their current circumstances, reminding them that life challenges should not define their future.

“What you are going through now are life challenges. Do not give up. Being in prison is not the end of life. There is still hope and an opportunity to rebuild your lives,” she said.

Shigoli further noted that the observance of International Women’s Day provides institutions and individuals with an opportunity to extend a hand of support to vulnerable members of society while promoting inclusion and empowerment.

The inmates welcomed the visit and expressed appreciation for the gesture, noting that such interactions help boost their morale and remind them that society has not forgotten them.

International Women’s Day is marked annually around the world to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while also calling for continued action towards gender equality.

Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki has urged inmates at the Shimo La Tewa Prison to take advantage of vocational skills offered in prison to rebuild their lives once they complete their sentences.

Speaking during a visit to the correctional facility in, the senator urged the prisoners to use their time behind bars productively by mastering skills such as carpentry, masonry and tailoring.

Faki told the inmates that the knowledge and practical skills they gain in prison could help them become self-reliant and reintegrate successfully into society after their release.

"You should take advantage of the skills that you acquire here, whether it is masonry, tailoring, carpentry or any other skill, and use it when you get out of jail,” said Faki.

He reminded the inmates that being in prison does not mark the end of their lives and urged them to remain hopeful and focus on building a better future.

"Being here is not the end of the world. What matters is how you prepare yourself for the day you will walk out of these gates,” he said.

The senator also shared a personal story about his own family to encourage the inmates, revealing that his brother was once jailed following the failed 1982 Kenyan coup attempt but later rebuilt his life after learning a trade while in prison.

"My own brother was jailed after the 1982 coup, and while in prison he mastered the skill of carpentry. Up to today he still practices carpentry and earns a living from it,” Faki told the inmates.

He urged the prisoners to maintain a positive mindset and prepare themselves to become responsible members of society once they complete their sentences.

“You need to have positive thinking. When you get out, be good ambassadors and show society that you can change and contribute positively,” he added.

The visit formed part of efforts by leaders and stakeholders to encourage rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates through skills development and mentorship programs within correctional facilities.

Residents of Mombasa have been urged to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures following heavy rains currently being experienced across the coastal region.

In a public advisory issued by the County Government of Mombasa, disaster response teams have been activated across all sub-counties and wards to monitor vulnerable areas and coordinate emergency interventions where necessary.

The teams, made up of county government officers working alongside local administration and humanitarian partners, are already on the ground assessing the situation and responding to emerging risks associated with flooding and infrastructure damage.

County Executive Committee Member for Disaster Management Daniel Manyala said the county government is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of residents.

"We have activated disaster response teams across all sub-counties and wards to monitor vulnerable areas and coordinate emergency response where necessary,” said Manyala.

He urged residents to remain alert and follow safety guidelines issued by authorities, noting that the ongoing rains could quickly escalate into dangerous flooding in some areas.

Residents have been encouraged to immediately report emergencies, flooding incidents, fallen electricity poles, exposed wires, collapsing ground, or situations requiring evacuation through the county emergency hotline 1599.

"Members of the public are encouraged to report any emergencies or dangerous situations immediately through the county emergency hotline so that response teams can act swiftly,” he said.

The county government also warned residents against attempting to cross flooded rivers or roads either on foot or by vehicle, saying floodwaters can rise rapidly and create life-threatening situations.

According to the advisory, residents living in flood-prone areas including Vikobani, Mwamlai, Runyu, Kashani, Dimbwini in Likoni, Kalahari in Changamwe and Kwa She in Jomvu have been advised to remain particularly vigilant due to the heightened risk of flooding and soil instability.

"Residents living in flood-prone areas are advised to move to safer ground if water levels begin to rise and should not wait until flooding becomes severe,” Manyala cautioned.

The county further warned that heavy rains may weaken electricity infrastructure, increasing the risk posed by unstable power poles and exposed electrical wires.

"During heavy rains, electricity poles may become unstable and exposed wires can pose serious danger. Any damaged electrical infrastructure should be reported immediately,” he added.

Residents were also advised to be cautious of open drains, uncovered manholes and weakened ground structures that may be hidden beneath floodwaters.

The county government has called on the public to cooperate with disaster response teams and strictly adhere to safety guidelines as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

“For emergencies or assistance, residents should call 1599,” the advisory stated, urging the public to remain safe and alert during the ongoing rainy period.

Residents of Mombasa gathered along Moi Avenue for the second edition of the Mombasa Street Iftar, an event organised by Swahilipot Hub Foundation together with partners to bring the community together during the holy month of Ramadan.

The unique community event, held at Mapembeni, saw people from different parts of the city and diverse backgrounds share a meal as they broke their fast together, turning the busy street into a space of unity, compassion and fellowship.

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir graced the gathering and praised the organisers for creating a platform that promotes togetherness and community spirit during the sacred month.

“This is a beautiful reminder of what makes our city special,” said Governor Nassir.

"People from every corner of Mombasa and from different walks of life sat side by side, sharing a simple meal, laughter and warm conversation as we broke our fast together. In that moment, the street became more than just a place; it became a symbol of unity, compassion and community,” he added.

The governor expressed appreciation to the team behind the initiative and the volunteers who helped make the event a success.

"My appreciation to the SwahiliPot team and all the volunteers who made this wonderful gathering possible. Mombasa is at its best when we come together,” he said.

The Mombasa Street Iftar initiative aims to bring residents together in the spirit of sharing and solidarity during Ramadan, while strengthening social bonds within the community.

Organisers from Swahilipot Hub Foundation said the event continues to grow and attract more residents each year, reflecting the strong culture of unity and generosity that defines the coastal city.