Makwins Blogs Kenya .

  In the heart of East Africa, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) stands as Kenya’s primary gateway to the world. As passenger numbers surge beyond its original design capacity, the ambitious modernization and expansion project aims to transform JKIA into a world-class aviation hub. At the forefront of this transformative initiative is Teresia Mbaika , Principal Secretary for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development in Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport. Mbaika’s leadership has been instrumental in driving the project forward, particularly following the shift to an open international tender process. Her role combines strategic oversight, stakeholder coordination, and a strong emphasis on local content and economic impact, positioning her as a key architect of Kenya’s aviation ambitions. LEADING THE TENDER AND PROJECT MOMENTUM. One of Mbaika’s most visible contributions has been her direct involvement in the procurement process. In April 2026, she off...

  In the landscape of Kenya's contemporary political discourse, a new generation of voices is emerging articulate, passionate, and determined to reshape the nation's future. Among these influential figures stands Roseline Alionya, an educator, policy researcher, and youth leader currently serving as the Chairperson of the Young Captains within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Her trajectory from classroom educator to prominent youth political figure represents a compelling narrative of ambition, education, and civic engagement that resonates with Kenya's Gen Z generation. Educational Foundation and Early Career. Roseline Alionya's journey began with a strong commitment to education and academic excellence. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Business Studies and Geography from Machakos University, graduating with First Class Honors. This academic foundation would serve as the stepping stone for her multifaceted career spanning education, community developmen...

Philip Nahashon Aroko was born in 1987 in the rural Kasipul Constituency of Homa Bay County in western Kenya, a region known for its beautiful landscapes and tight-knit communities.  Unlike many who would go on to achieve prominence in Kenya's political and business spheres, Aroko's earliest memories were shaped not by privilege, but by the genuine challenges of rural life a background that would ultimately define his character and fuel his determination to lift others out of poverty. He grew up in a modest family that valued honesty, hard work, and faith. His parents were ordinary Kenyans who did their best to provide for their children despite limited means. His upbringing in rural Homa Bay exposed him to both the beauty and the struggles of village life long walks to school, subsistence farming, community gatherings, and the sense of responsibility that comes from belonging to a tight-knit society. What set Aroko apart during his childhood was not the absence of ...

Dr. Raymond Vicky Ojwang’ Omollo, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration in Kenya’s Ministry of Interior, has brought a data-driven, technocratic approach to one of the government’s most critical dockets.   Appointed by President William Ruto in 2022, the PhD holder in Applied Statistics from the University of Nairobi has overseen sweeping reforms, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and delivered measurable improvements in security and public administration. With a background spanning research, academia, corporate governance (including board roles at institutions like Consolidated Bank), and development leadership as Managing Director of the Lake Basin Development Authority, Omollo’s leadership emphasizes evidence-based decision-making, collaboration, and grassroots impact. POLICE AND SECURITY SECTOR REFORMS. One of Omollo’s flagship contributions is advancing comprehensive reforms across the National Police Ser...

Championing JKIA Modernization to Elevate Kenya’s Aviation Sector.   Teresia Mbaika, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has emerged as a key driver in Kenya’s efforts to transform the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) into a world-class aviation hub. Through strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and a clear vision for infrastructure upgrades, Mbaika is steering one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects aimed at unlocking the full potential of Kenya’s aviation industry.  Leading the Charge for Modernization In recent months, Mbaika has been at the forefront of advancing the JKIA modernization program. She has chaired high-level sessions with key stakeholders, including the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the National Treasury, and the Economic Council, to review progress on the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) tender. As of early May 2026, the tender process was in it...

Africa’s richest man, Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, has announced a major shift in plans for a landmark oil refinery project, signaling a strong preference for Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa over Tanzania’s Tanga. In an interview with the Financial Times published today, Dangote revealed he is leaning toward building a massive 650,000-barrels-per-day (bpd) facility in Mombasa, mirroring his record-breaking refinery in Nigeria . The project, estimated to cost between $15 billion and $17 billion (approximately KSh 1.9–2.2 trillion), represents one of the largest potential single investments in Kenya’s history and could transform the East African energy landscape. From Regional Vision to Kenya Focus. Just weeks ago, in April 2026 at the “Africa We Build” Summit in Nairobi, East African leaders including Kenyan President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni discussed a joint refinery project primarily based in Tanga, Tanzania. Dangote committed to leading ...