Stories from Nairobi · Kenya

Data annotators in Nairobi, Kenya, are training AI models for an American outsourcing company named SAMA. These workers help develop AI features for smart glasses, such as describing the world for people with visual impairments.

Kenyan President William Ruto announced a funding initiative to combat smuggling and improve national security and economic policies. The program aims to address the loss of millions of dollars due to illicit trade.

Around 160 Kenyan athletes are currently suspended due to doping violations. The group of suspended athletes includes women's marathon world record holder Ruth Chepangetich. The source noted that the country is suffering from the stigma of doping.

The US Embassy in Nairobi has announced it will close on Friday, May 1.

Kenyan President William Ruto gifted a vehicle valued at approximately 1.5 million dollars. The gift was presented to Sebastian Sawi. The event occurred on Thursday.

The Kenya National Treasury admitted to a clerical error in the Kenya Gazette regarding the March 2026 budget outturn. The error was described by officials as a simple clerical mistake. The admission follows previous discussions regarding budget management and fiscal oversight.

Kenya will suspend fuel quality standards to maintain supply during potential shortages, according to a report from RFI Monde. The move aims to ensure continued availability of fuel even during periods of scarcity. No specific timeline for the suspension was provided. Kenya's Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry approved a request from the Ministry of Energy and suppliers to temporarily deviate from sulfur content limits. The move follows impacts on the country due to its heavy dependence on fuel imports from the Gulf. The Kenyan government announced on April 30 that it will temporarily relax fuel environmental standards.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IBC) has enlisted a total of 2,612,725 new voters. This figure includes 267,249 new voters registered since September 29, 2025. The announcement was made during a broadcast regarding voter registration progress.

President William Ruto's proposed $17,000 salary for teachers is being rejected by educators. Teachers argue the amount is insufficient to meet the rising cost of living. Many educators have obtained degrees and are seeking higher compensation to reflect their qualifications.

Kenya has registered 2,342,345,476 new voters during a mass or enhanced voter registration exercise. This figure contributes to the country's ongoing voter registration efforts. Officials expressed gratitude to the Kenyan public for supporting the process. The registration drive aims to expand the national voter base. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has enlisted a total of 2,612,725 new voters. This figure includes 267,249 new voters registered since September 29, 2025. The announcement was made to the nation via Radio Citizen Kenya. The central region recorded 527,207 new registrations during the recently concluded national enhanced voter registration exercise. The Rift Valley followed with 380,492 new voters, while Nairobi ranked third with 276,886 registrations. Western Kenya registered 270,000 new voters.