Olimo Oscar, a student from S.C.L.P Samaj School in Nairobi, praised the introduction of robotics programs in schools through the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA). He noted that the initiative is timely and aligns perfectly with Kenya’s aspirations to expand its manufacturing and industrial sectors. Oscar stressed the importance of proper infrastructure and investment to ensure students receive quality training in robotics.

Students at the event expressed excitement and optimism about the incorporation of robotics in the curriculum. They described it as an eye-opener and a clear pathway to the country’s future growth, particularly in science and technology. Many called on education stakeholders to expand access so that more learners can benefit from these cutting-edge opportunities.

CEMASTEA, a key player in promoting STEM education in Kenya, has been instrumental in this push. The institution has rolled out various programs targeting learners from primary to secondary level, with a focus on STEM outreach, innovation camps, and digital literacy. These programs are designed to improve teaching methods and nurture creativity among learners.

The organization has conducted several STEM boot camps that offer hands-on experience in fields like creative coding, mobile app development, 3D design, and robotics. These camps have become a launchpad for young innovators, enabling them to experiment and bring their ideas to life through technology.

In partnership with groups such as UCMAS Kenya and STEM Impact Centre Kenya, CEMASTEA is building a strong community of young problem-solvers and critical thinkers. These collaborations have helped broaden the reach of robotics education, especially in underserved areas, providing equal opportunities for all learners.

CEMASTEA’s teaching approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning and encourages students to explore and question. By promoting a fearless attitude towards experimentation and failure, the institution cultivates innovation and resilience, two critical qualities for future engineers and tech leaders.

As Kenya continues to invest in a digitally driven economy,  supporting robotics education through institutions like CEMASTEA is not just an investment in students. It is a strategic move towards building a self-reliant, tech-savvy generation that can lead Kenya’s industrial transformation.

Speaking during the Palm Sunday celebrations at All Saints ACK Church in Kiritiri, Mbeere South, the leaders emphasized that finger-pointing and public confrontations are counterproductive and only serve to derail progress.

Leading the call was Embu Senator Alexander Munyi Mundigi, who urged residents to give leaders and the government sufficient time to implement development projects. He cautioned against premature opposition to government plans, warning that such resistance could demoralize efforts and stall critical initiatives.

“Development takes time. Let’s not kill progress by opposing every step taken. Our leaders need our support, not constant criticism,” Senator Mundigi said.

His sentiments were strongly supported by Mbeere ACK Bishop Dr. Moses Masamba, who warned against the rising culture of leaders flexing political muscle and citizens shouting down those in office.

“We must drop the chest-thumping and heckling. It won’t take us forward,” Bishop Masamba said. “The future of this country lies in dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding. Both leaders and citizens must learn to embrace each other.”

The leaders called on residents to nurture a culture of forgiveness where faults in leadership occur, noting that unity and collaboration remain the bedrock of meaningful change.

As the faithful waved palm branches and marked the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the message of humility, forgiveness, and peace was echoed not only in sermons but also in the resounding call for political tolerance and national cohesion.

The government intends to control lumpy skin disease (LSD), rabbies (Kisala), foot and mouth (FMD), CCPP (Mavui) and PPR (Kwitua) "to curb the spread and prevent frequent outbreaks".

While stating that all dogs must be vaccinated, Dr Kemboi Evans listed the cost of vaccination as thus: cattle -70/-, goats/sheep-30/-  dogs and cats-100, donkeys -100/-. This is according to a letter to stakeholders dated April 12

On April 3, Kitui County CECM for Agriculture Dr Stephen Mbaya Kimwele announced that the county had launched mass vaccination to boost livestock health. During the exercise held at Kaumba village in Mulango ward in Kitui Central sub county, 52 cattle were vaccinated against LSD, 150 goats against CCPP among other  livestock which received various immunizations to enhance their overall health and productivity.

The county government of Kitui officials emphasized the importance of regular vaccinations and deworming in curbing disease outbreaks and promoting sustainable livestock farming.

Speaking during the launch, the Chairman and Managing Director of Madison Group, Samuel G. Ngaruiya, said the new branch will provide employment opportunities for locals and contribute to the county’s economic growth. “This is not just a business move; it's a way to give back to the community and create meaningful jobs,” he said.

Joseph Gathogo, the Head of Ordinary Life Business at Madison Group, described the Embu branch as a big step forward for the company. “This is a major milestone for us. It brings our services closer to the people and shows our commitment to serve Kenyans wherever they are,” he said.

Madison Group has been operating in Kenya since 1988, when it was formed following a merger between Crusader Plc and Kenya Commercial Insurance Corporation. Since then, it has grown to become one of the country’s leading insurance providers, offering a range of life, health, and general insurance products.

In 2018, the group restructured its operations, forming two separate companies—Madison Life Assurance Kenya Limited and Madison General Insurance Kenya Limited. This allowed each division to focus more effectively on its core business and better serve its customers.

The company has also been recognized for its outstanding performance in the industry. In 2024, 65 Madison Group agents were honored at the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) awards, showing the strength of its sales team and the trust clients place in the brand.

With the new Embu branch, Madison Group hopes to expand its client base in the region, particularly among small businesses, farmers, and professionals who are looking for reliable and affordable insurance solutions.

The branch will offer a full range of services, including life insurance, medical cover, general insurance, and investment products. Customers can expect personalized service and professional advice from well-trained staff.

By setting up in Embu, Madison Group is tapping into a vibrant and fast-growing market. The region has become a hub for business and agriculture, making it an ideal location for financial services expansion.

As Madison Group continues to open new branches across the country, its leadership says the focus remains on improving access to insurance, growing the local economy, and building long-term relationships with clients. The Embu branch is just one more step in that journey.

According to the East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA), the ban has already disrupted logistics, with more than 2,000 containers of tea worth about KSh 1.3 billion now stranded at the Port of Mombasa. Some consignments already on transit are stuck mid-route, causing panic among exporters and producers who depend on the Sudanese market.

The ban was announced by Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Supply on March 11, 2025, citing national security concerns. It followed Kenya’s decision to host a political meeting involving Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), an action that Khartoum deemed provocative and hostile. Sudan's government responded by halting all imports from Kenya indefinitely.

The economic consequences are already being felt. In 2024, Sudan was the 12th largest importer of Kenyan tea, purchasing 10.7 million kilograms valued at KSh 2.3 billion. That figure had already been on the decline due to internal conflict in Sudan, but the latest ban threatens to slash it to zero, putting Kenya’s tea industry in jeopardy.

In Embu County, where tea farming supports thousands of households, local leaders have spoken out. Mwenje Njeru, Chairperson of Mungania Tea Factory, warned that the ban could devastate farmers who rely almost entirely on the BP1 variety. He urged the Ministries of Agriculture and Foreign Affairs to intervene swiftly.

Moses Kamau, Chairperson of Kathangarire Tea Factory, expressed fears that this year’s tea bonuses could be cut by more than half. Last year, farmers earned KSh 50 per kilogram, but with the primary market frozen, the price could nosedive. He warned that if the crisis continues, many farmers may quit tea farming altogether.

Runyenjes Member of Parliament, Muchangi Karemba, said the government must act fast to resolve the diplomatic dispute before foreign politics wreck the livelihoods of Kenyans. He said tea farming is a cornerstone of Embu's economy, and any threat to the sector threatens the stability of the region.

Former Embu Senator Lenny Kivuti added his voice to the debate, questioning Kenya’s continued reliance on exporting raw tea. He called for urgent investment in value addition  including products like tea-based cosmetics, wellness drinks, and herbal medicine  to cushion the industry from global market shocks.

The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), which oversees small-scale tea production, is now scrambling to find alternative buyers. However, redirecting large quantities of BP1 tea to new markets is proving difficult, especially since Sudan had become a specialized consumer of that specific grade.

As the crisis unfolds, tea stakeholders are appealing to the Kenyan government for immediate diplomatic talks with Sudan. They also want a grace period to clear the already-exported tea before the losses become irrecoverable.