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By Hadrine Joyce | Saturday, 24 October 2026

Rescue teams continued searching the rubble of a multi-storey building that collapsed in Eastleigh on Friday, as seven people remained reported missing in the latest official update.

The building, which was under construction along 9th Street, collapsed at about 1 p.m. on Friday, prompting a multi-agency emergency response involving the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Nairobi City County, the National Youth Service and the Kenya Red Cross.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said 67 construction workers had been at the site when the building collapsed. Of these, 66 escaped without injuries, while one worker was injured and taken to hospital in stable condition.

The ground floor and basement were also occupied by businesses at the time of the collapse, raising concerns about the number of people who may have been inside.

Rescuers were using heavy machinery to clear debris and reach people believed to be trapped. Authorities urged members of the public to keep away from the scene to allow emergency teams to work safely.

The cause of the collapse had not been established. Officials said investigations would be conducted and those found responsible would face action.

Families searching for missing relatives were advised to contact the Kenya Red Cross through its toll-free emergency line, 1199.

Photo caption: Emergency responders search the rubble of a multi-storey building that collapsed along 9th Street in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Friday, 23 October 2026.

Sources: The Star Seven missing after Eastleigh building collapse | Citizen Digital Rescue operations continue

By Hadrine Joyce | Friday, 23 October 2026

Kenya has reported no new Ebola cases in the 24 hours to Thursday, 22 October, as the first group of people under quarantine prepares to complete its monitoring period and return to their families.

The Ministry of Health said all 14 samples collected from suspected cases and alerts during the period tested negative for Bundibugyo virus disease, the strain responsible for the current outbreak.

The number of confirmed cases remains nine, including the first patient, who died on 5 October. The ministry said all the cases belong to a single cluster, with no evidence of community transmission.

Eight patients were receiving treatment at designated isolation facilities. The group includes four family members and four health workers who had cared for the first patient. Health officials said the patients were stable and responding to treatment.

The ministry also confirmed that all 135 contacts linked to the first case had been traced in Kenya and internationally.

The first contacts who complete the required 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms are expected to be released from quarantine from Sunday, 25 October.

Health officials urged communities and employers to welcome those released without stigma, explaining that people who complete the monitoring period without becoming ill are not considered infectious.

Enhanced surveillance continues in health facilities and communities, while the ministry has urged anyone experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola to seek medical attention promptly.

Photo caption: Health Director-General Dr Patrick Amoth has provided updates on Kenya’s Ebola response as authorities prepare to release the first contacts from quarantine.

Source: The Star, 23 October 2026 — Ebola response: All 135 contacts traced as Kenya reports no new cases

Climate Outlook Worsens as Global Emissions Remain a Major Concern

A new United Nations climate report has raised concerns about the world’s progress in tackling global warming, warning that existing national commitments may not be sufficient to prevent increasingly severe climate impacts.

According to the Associated Press, the report projects that the world could experience approximately 2.2°F (1.2°C) of additional warming relative to current levels, even if countries meet their existing emissions-reduction promises.

The report also points to a worsening long-term outlook. Without much deeper emissions cuts, global temperatures could rise by approximately 2.6°C to 2.8°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100.

Photo: Courtesy

Such warming would significantly exceed the goals of the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit the increase in global temperatures to well below 2°C while pursuing efforts to keep it to 1.5°C.

The report identifies rising emissions and changes in US climate policy as significant factors affecting global progress. According to the Associated Press, the United States accounted for much of the increase in global emissions reported for 2025.

Scientists warn that continued warming could intensify extreme weather events, increase pressure on agricultural production and water resources, and expose vulnerable communities to greater health and economic risks.

For African countries, climate change is particularly important because many communities depend on rain-fed agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods. Changing rainfall patterns, droughts, floods and extreme temperatures can threaten food security and place additional pressure on public services.

Kenya and other countries in the region face the challenge of strengthening climate resilience while continuing to pursue economic development.

The report reinforces calls for governments to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase investment in adaptation measures.

The United States has ordered certain government employees and their families to leave Saudi Arabia following a series of deadly attacks attributed to Yemen’s Houthi movement, raising fears of further escalation in the Middle East.

According to the Associated Press, the US State Department ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members from American diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia after attacks targeted civilian infrastructure.

Photo: Courtesy

The decision reflects growing concern over the security situation in the region, where missile and drone attacks have threatened airports, energy facilities and other critical infrastructure.

On October 22, Reuters reported that attacks in Saudi Arabia had killed two people and injured eight at a civilian airport in Dammam. A separate drone strike on an oil field killed two additional people, according to the report.

Saudi Arabia has responded with strikes against missile-launch sites and has said it is taking measures to protect its territory.

The violence has also affected regional financial markets. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index fell by approximately 1.2% on Thursday, while other Gulf markets also recorded declines amid concerns about security and economic stability.

The US decision to reduce its diplomatic presence highlights the risks facing foreign personnel and civilians as hostilities intensify.

The situation could have wider implications for regional trade, aviation, energy supplies and international diplomacy. Saudi Arabia is a major oil producer, while the wider Gulf region plays a significant role in global energy markets.

Further escalation could increase pressure on the United States and other international actors to provide security assistance or pursue diplomatic measures to prevent the conflict from spreading.

Global financial markets came under pressure on Thursday as rising oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions heightened investor concerns about inflation, energy supplies and the outlook for economic growth.

According to the Associated Press, international benchmark Brent crude rose by approximately 3.2% to $112.27 per barrel on October 22, while US benchmark crude increased by around 2.8% to $99.80 per barrel.

Photo: Courtesy

The increases followed reports from Iranian state television that seven oil tankers had caught fire and sustained damage in the Strait of Hormuz. The claims had not been independently confirmed in the report, but the possibility of further disruption to shipping raised concerns about global energy supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime route for international oil shipments. Any sustained disruption could affect the availability and cost of energy worldwide.

Stock markets across Europe and Asia declined as investors reacted to the developments. Germany’s DAX fell by approximately 1.1%, France’s CAC 40 dropped by 1.3%, and Britain’s FTSE 100 declined by around 0.7% in early European trading.

Asian markets also recorded significant losses, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 falling approximately 2.7% and South Korea’s Kospi declining by 3.5%.

Higher oil prices could have consequences beyond financial markets. Rising energy costs may increase transportation and manufacturing expenses, put additional pressure on household budgets and complicate efforts by central banks to control inflation.

For countries that depend heavily on imported fuel, including Kenya, sustained increases in international oil prices could contribute to higher domestic transport and production costs.

However, the ultimate economic impact will depend on how long energy prices remain elevated and whether geopolitical tensions lead to further supply disruptions.

Civilian Death Toll Rises Following Drone Strike in Disputed Region

A deadly drone attack in the disputed Abyei region has intensified concerns about civilian safety as Sudan’s prolonged conflict continues to cause widespread destruction and humanitarian suffering.

According to reporting published by Nation Africa on October 21, more than 150 people were killed in a drone attack in the region, marking one of the deadliest incidents reported during the week.

Photo: Courtesy

Abyei is a contested territory between Sudan and South Sudan. Its disputed political status and strategic importance have contributed to persistent insecurity, leaving communities vulnerable to violence.

The latest attack highlights the growing use of drones in the wider conflict involving Sudan’s armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The fighting has devastated communities, disrupted essential services and forced millions of people from their homes.

Civilian populations face serious challenges, including shortages of food, medical supplies and safe shelter. Continued violence also makes it more difficult for humanitarian organisations to reach affected communities and provide emergency assistance.

The attack adds to growing international concern over the humanitarian consequences of Sudan’s conflict and the need for measures to protect civilians.

Independent verification of the circumstances surrounding the attack and the final death toll remains important as further information emerges.

Ebola Cases Raise Alarm as Nigeria Reports New Infection

Health authorities across Africa are intensifying efforts to contain an expanding Ebola outbreak after Nigeria confirmed a case of the disease, raising fresh concerns about the spread of infection across international borders.

According to a report published by Reuters on October 22, Nigeria’s first Ebola patient in more than a decade was not tested for the virus until 13 days after falling ill. The delay has raised concerns about the effectiveness of early diagnosis and the challenges facing public health officials attempting to contain the outbreak.

Photo: Courtesy

The patient, a Ugandan-born woman married to a Swiss diplomat, arrived in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, on October 3 after travelling to Uganda. She reportedly became ill several days later and initially sought treatment for what was suspected to be malaria before being tested for Ebola on October 19.

Nigerian authorities have identified 44 contacts associated with the patient, although officials expect this number to increase as investigations continue.

The outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May 2026, has spread to neighbouring countries, including Uganda and Kenya. Reuters reported that the outbreak had caused more than 9,500 infections and over 4,600 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo alone.

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Health experts are therefore emphasising early detection, isolation of suspected cases, contact tracing and international cooperation.

The developments underscore the importance of strengthening disease surveillance and emergency response systems across Africa, particularly at international airports and other major transport hubs.

By.philes isaboke

Sakaja Fires “Mr Fix-It” Mosiria Days After He Declared Bid for Nairobi Governor
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has fired his outspoken Chief Officer for Public Participation, Geoffrey Mosiria, in a major county reshuffle announced on Tuesday, October 21, 2026.

In a letter signed by County Secretary Dr. Machel Waikenda, Zipporah Njeri Mwangi, the Chief Officer for Culture, Arts and Tourism, has been named as Mosiria’s replacement in an acting capacity. Samuel Njogu was appointed as acting Chief Officer for Mobility.

The firing comes barely 10 days after Mosiria declared his interest in challenging his boss for the Nairobi governorship in the 2027 General Election.

On October 11, at Bishop Margaret Wanjiru’s church, Mosiria said, “If you want change in Nairobi, Mosiria is the change. Sasa nataka nikuwe gavana, mama akiwa deputy wangu!”

Speaking to NTV shortly after receiving his letter, Mosiria said he anticipated the move, accusing people around the governor of influencing Sakaja because his performance was outshining the governor.

“I was delivering on his agenda and there is nothing to apologize for,” Mosiria said. He alleged his troubles started in December 2023 when his powers were stripped after he refused to approve irregular procurement.