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Showing posts from January, 2026

How Nutrition Plays a Crucial Role in a Cow Having Twin Calves

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  How Nutrition Plays a Crucial Role in a Cow  Twinning in cattle—when a cow gives birth to two calves—is a fascinating but relatively rare event. Naturally occurring in only 1-5% of pregnancies, depending on breed and management, twin births are more common in dairy cows (up to 5-9% in high-producing Holsteins) than in beef cattle (around 1-2%). While twins can boost calf output and potentially improve herd efficiency, they often come with challenges: higher risks of dystocia (difficult calving), retained placenta, lower calf survival rates, and increased metabolic stress on the cow. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in both increasing the likelihood of twinning and supporting a successful twin pregnancy. Optimal feeding influences ovulation rates, embryo survival, fetal development, and the cow's overall health. Factors like body condition, energy intake, protein levels, minerals, and forage quality all contribute. In this blog, we'll explore how targeted nutrition can affect...

Coach Michael Siele (Simiki): The Unsung Hero Empowering Kenya's Next Generation of Runners

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  Kenya has long been a powerhouse in global athletics, producing legendary runners like Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon, and David Rudisha. The secret behind this dominance lies not just in natural talent or high-altitude training but in the dedicated grassroots coaches who nurture young athletes from rural schools and communities. One such inspirational figure is Coach Michael Siele , affectionately known as Simiki or Simiki World , who has been transforming lives at Tiloa in Kuresoi North, Nakuru County. Operating from the heart of the Rift Valley — Kenya's renowned running cradle — Coach Siele combines his role as headmaster of Tiloa Primary School with passionate athletics coaching. His work at the Tiloa athletics training camp has put this once-quiet area on the map, producing athletes who compete at national and international levels. In a country where running offers a pathway out of poverty, coaches like Simiki are vital in empowering young runners, especially girls, with ...

Somali Danab Forces Launch Major Offensive Against Al-Shabaab Near Kismayo: Key Updates from January 2026

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In a significant escalation of counter-terrorism efforts in southern Somalia, the elite Somali Danab forces, supported by Jubaland regional Darawiish troops, initiated a major offensive against Al-Shabaab militants in the outskirts of Kismayo on January 20, 2026. This operation targets militant regrouping in the Lower Juba region, a longstanding hotspot for insurgent activity. Intelligence-driven raids, IED clearance, and targeted assaults on suspected hideouts mark the latest phase in Somalia's ongoing battle to reclaim stability from one of Africa's most resilient terrorist groups. Kismayo, the commercial hub and interim capital of Jubaland state, has long been strategically vital due to its port and proximity to key supply routes. Al-Shabaab's persistent presence in surrounding rural areas has disrupted local governance, trade, and civilian life. The recent Danab-led operations signal a renewed push to erode the group's influence, building on previous successes and ...

Court has Ordered Kimani Wamatangi's Banks to be Frozen

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  The recent court-ordered freezing of bank accounts belonging to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi , his wife, children, and several associates marks a significant escalation in Kenya's ongoing fight against corruption in high offices. On January 15, 2026 , the High Court in Nairobi , presided over by Justice Benjamin Mwikya (also referred to in some reports as Benjamin Musyoki), granted temporary preservation orders freezing at least five bank accounts linked to the governor and his family. This directive came in response to an application by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) as part of a civil recovery suit seeking to reclaim approximately Sh813 million (precisely Sh813,145,532.40) alleged to be proceeds of corruption. The core of the allegations traces back to the period between the financial years 2018/2019 and 2021/2022 , when Wamatangi served as the Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing . In this influential rol...

Uganda Internet Shutdown 2026: Government Suspends Access and Outbound Roaming Services Ahead of Election

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As Uganda approaches its highly anticipated general elections on January 15, 2026, the government has implemented drastic measures to control digital communications. On January 13, 2026, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) issued a directive ordering a temporary suspension of public internet access, new SIM card registrations, and outbound data roaming services to neighboring countries. This move, effective from 6:00 PM local time, has sparked widespread concern about freedom of expression, access to information, and the fairness of the electoral process. Uganda Election 2026: Change or continuity? Ugandans queuing to vote in previous elections – a scene set to repeat on January 15, 2026, amid digital restrictions. What Exactly Has Been Suspended? The UCC directive targets all licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Uganda. Key measures include: Complete suspension of public internet access : This covers mobile data, fiber optic co...

IShowSpeed in Kenya: How the Global Streaming Sensation Took Nairobi by Storm

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Introduction In January 2026, American live streamer and YouTube icon IShowSpeed —real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr. —made global headlines with his electrifying visit to Kenya as part of his ongoing “Speed Does Africa” tour . What began as another stop on a multi-country livestreaming journey rapidly evolved into a cultural phenomenon, marking one of the most watched and discussed digital events in Africa for 2026. This blog examines what happened during IShowSpeed’s Kenya visit, why it became a viral sensation, and what the implications are for Kenyan digital culture, tourism, and global influencer engagement. Who Is IShowSpeed? Darren Jason Watkins Jr., better known online as IShowSpeed , is an American content creator, streamer, and internet personality born on January 21, 2005. He originally built his audience through gaming livestreams and short clips featuring his high-energy reactions and spontaneous humour. Over the years, his content expanded to include in-real-life (IRL) ...

William Ruto’s Strategic Appointments in Kenya’s State Agencies: A Comprehensive Overview

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 Since assuming office in September 2022, President William Ruto has overseen an active and evolving programme of appointments and reappointments to Kenya’s state agencies, corporations, and commissions. These staffing changes represent a cornerstone of his governance strategy, aimed at realigning leadership with policy priorities, reinforcing institutional capacity, and strengthening political alliances. This blog post provides a structured, detailed analysis of these appointments, their context, and what they signal for Kenya’s governance landscape. Why State Agency Appointments Matter State agencies, parastatals, and semi-autonomous government bodies play a critical role in implementing public policy. They oversee essential functions ranging from export promotion, infrastructure development, law enforcement oversight, public revenue administration, licensing, and regulatory compliance. The leadership of these bodies directly affects service delivery, regulatory certainty, inv...

UDA Grassroots Elections: A Defining Moment for Party Democracy and Kenya’s Political Future

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 The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots elections represent one of the most consequential internal political exercises in Kenya’s recent history. As the ruling party, UDA’s ability to organise credible, inclusive, and transparent grassroots polls is not only a test of internal democracy but also a signal of how the party intends to govern and engage citizens ahead of the 2027 General Election. These elections, conducted at village, ward, constituency, and county levels, form the foundation upon which UDA’s political strength is built. The leaders elected at the grassroots are the face of the party in local communities and play a decisive role in mobilisation, messaging, and conflict management. Understanding UDA Grassroots Elections UDA grassroots elections are internal party processes designed to elect officials who manage party affairs at the lowest administrative levels. These officials include village chairpersons, ward coordinators, constituency leaders, and repres...