Laatste nieuws in services
Kenyan Boys' Schools Dominate STEM Resources While Girls Face Educational Disadvantage
Nairobi, 13 May 2026
A striking educational divide emerges in Kenya’s secondary schools, with boys’ institutions commanding significantly superior resources and opportunities. The 2026 Gender Report reveals that whilst 62.1% of boys’ schools offer 12 or more subjects, only 58.5% of girls’ schools provide similar breadth. Most alarming is the STEM gap: boys’ schools are 18.3% more likely to have physics laboratories, with merely 21.8% of girls’ schools possessing chemistry labs. Computer access tells an equally concerning story—57.5% of boys’ schools offer computing lessons compared to just 24.9% of girls’ schools. This resource disparity, published on 11 May 2026, fundamentally shapes career trajectories and perpetuates gender inequality in Kenya’s crucial STEM sectors.
Kenya Revenue Authority Introduces Alternative Tax Filing for Workers Missing Employer Documentation
Nairobi, 13 May 2026
The Kenya Revenue Authority has launched a groundbreaking digital system enabling workers to file their annual tax returns without traditional P9 forms from employers. This innovation particularly benefits informal sector employees and refugees with work permits who previously struggled with tax compliance due to lacking standard employment documentation. The new iTax platform alternative comes as KRA imposes £1,600 penalties for each year of non-filing, making this simplified process crucial for thousands of workers across different employment categories seeking to avoid costly violations.
Kakuma Refugee Camp Faces Severe Water Crisis as Prices Triple
Kakuma, 13 May 2026
A three-month water shortage has forced Kakuma refugees to purchase water from vendors at KSh 50 per 20-litre container, triple the previous price of KSh 20. With temperatures exceeding 35°C and dry water nozzles throughout the camp, community leaders warn that daily violence at water points could escalate into broader communal conflict if immediate intervention doesn’t occur.
Refugee Students Can Secure Full Scholarships for Master's Degrees in Italy Through UNHCR Programme
Nairobi, 13 May 2026
The UNICORE scholarship programme offers comprehensive financial support including full tuition waivers and living expenses for refugee students to pursue Master’s degrees at Italian universities. Applications open 2 March 2026 with a 17 April deadline for qualified refugees.
Kenyan Shilling Hits KSh 129 Per Dollar as Refugee Families Face Reduced Purchasing Power
Nairobi, 12 May 2026
The Kenyan shilling’s depreciation to approximately KSh 129 against the US dollar creates a hidden crisis for refugee communities relying on international remittances. Despite receiving the same dollar amounts from diaspora families, refugees now have significantly fewer Kenyan shillings to purchase essential goods like food, healthcare, and education in local markets. This currency weakness effectively reduces the real value of life-sustaining financial support that vulnerable families depend upon for survival.
Kenya Expands Healthcare Coverage with Free Maternity Services and Higher Cancer Benefits
Nairobi, 12 May 2026
Kenya’s Social Health Authority has dramatically increased healthcare benefits, offering free maternity services at public facilities and boosting cancer coverage from KES 550,000 to KES 800,000 annually. The reforms, announced yesterday by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, eliminate out-of-pocket costs for both normal deliveries and caesarean sections at Level 2 and 3 facilities through a KES 2 billion government allocation.
American University Degrees Now Available to Kenyan Refugees Through New Online Scholarship Programme
Nairobi, 11 May 2026
A groundbreaking partnership between UNHCR, Southern New Hampshire University, and Jesuit Refugee Service Kenya offers refugees the chance to earn accredited US bachelor’s degrees without leaving Kenya. The comprehensive programme provides not just education but laptops, internet access, physical learning centres, and career development support. With applications closing on 31st March 2026, this initiative particularly encourages young women to apply, recognising that Africa’s demographic dividend depends on investing in skills development now.
Kenyan Student Born Without Use of Hands Completes Secondary School Using Feet to Write
Nairobi, 9 May 2026
Hamisi Nguku has achieved remarkable academic success despite being born with paralysed hands, using his feet to write throughout his secondary education at Kilosa Secondary School. Raised by his grandmother after his parents’ absence, Nguku nearly dropped out due to financial constraints until his inspiring story went viral, attracting support from well-wishers across Kenya. His teacher praised his discipline and active participation in sports and entertainment activities alongside fellow students, demonstrating that physical disabilities need not limit academic achievement or social integration.
Canada Opens University Scholarships for Refugee Students in Kenya
Kakuma, 9 May 2026
The World University Service of Canada has launched its 2027-2028 scholarship programme, offering fully-funded university education to refugee students currently residing in Kenya. Applications opened on 13th February 2026 for English-language programmes and 20th February for French-language options, with deadlines in March. The comprehensive support package covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living allowances for selected candidates. Eligibility requires applicants to be aged 18-25, hold valid UNHCR registration, have completed secondary education, and demonstrate language proficiency. Significantly, candidates must be single with no children and have lived continuously in Kenya for at least three years. This initiative represents a crucial pathway for educational advancement and potential Canadian resettlement for qualified refugee students facing barriers to higher education access.