CITIZEN NEWS

  CHARLESTON, S.C.  — A long-running international investigation has revealed how  Eric Ndungu Mwangi , a 40-year-old Kenyan national, allegedly stole HIV test kits funded by the United States and intended to help patients in Kenya. According to a federal indictment unsealed in the District of South Carolina, Mwangi and his company,  Linear Diagnostics (LD) , systematically diverted HIV test kits and other medical commodities from the  Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA),  a state corporation responsible for distributing essential health supplies. The stolen goods were part of the  $650 million USAID-funded KEMSA Medical Commodities Program (MCP) , which was meant to support Kenya’s fight against HIV/AIDS and strengthen the nation’s medical supply chain. Investigators say Mwangi began stealing the American-funded test kits in  2014 , later finding an overseas buyer in  Davendra Rampersaud , a 42-year-old businessman from Guyana. Rampersa...

  Photo Credit: Coach Mary on Youtube Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the world, and behind every smart AI system are thousands of people helping to train it. From image recognition to chatbot conversations, humans play a key role in teaching machines how to think. The exciting part is that this work now pays well, and Kenyans are among those benefiting. With the rise of remote jobs, anyone with an internet connection can start earning by training AI models for global companies. Here are the best and most rewarding platforms where you can start today. 1. TrainAI by RWS TrainAI is one of the leading companies in the data annotation field. It connects people from across the world to projects that involve training artificial intelligence systems. Tasks may include labeling pictures, checking AI responses, or classifying text and audio. The company values accuracy, so if you pay attention to detail and follow instructions carefully, you can grow fast and earn more. The platform...

Photo Courtesy of Crag Campbell Fiverr is one of the easiest places for Kenyans to earn money online. It allows you to offer your skills and get paid by clients from all over the world. You simply create “gigs,” which are small services you can complete for a set price. Here are five ways to make money on Fiverr. 1. Graphic Design and Logo Creation Many businesses need logos, posters, flyers, and social media graphics. If you can design using tools like Canva or Photoshop, you can make good money. Clear samples and professional designs attract more clients. 2. Writing and Editing You can offer article writing, blog writing, or proofreading services. Clients pay for well-written and error-free content. If you write clearly and meet deadlines, you will quickly build a strong reputation. 3. Video and Voice Services If you have a good voice or can edit videos, Fiverr has plenty of jobs for you. You can do voice-overs, edit YouTube videos, or create short promotional clips for client...

Upwork is one of the best online platforms for Kenyans who want to work and earn from home. It connects freelancers with clients from around the world who are willing to pay for skills and services. Here are five effective ways to make money on Upwork. 1. Freelancing in Your Area of Skill You can offer services such as writing, graphic design, web development, data entry, or marketing. Create a strong profile that shows your experience and upload samples of your work. Apply for jobs that match your skills and deliver quality results to build a good reputation. 2. Virtual Assistance Many companies and individuals look for virtual assistants to handle emails, schedule meetings, or manage social media pages. If you are organized and can communicate well, this is an easy way to start earning consistently. 3. Academic and Research Writing If you have good grammar and research skills, you can write essays, reports, or research summaries for students and professionals. It pays well, es...

Instagram has become one of the most popular platforms in Kenya, not only for sharing photos but also for building real income. With creativity and consistency, you can turn your account into a business. Here are five ways to make money on Instagram. 1. Influencer Marketing If you have many followers who engage with your posts, brands will pay you to promote their products or services. Post genuine content that matches your personality and audience. Honesty and consistency help you build trust and attract more deals. 2. Selling Products or Services Instagram is a great place to showcase what you sell. You can post pictures or short videos of clothes, beauty products, art, or even food. Use clear images, good captions, and hashtags to reach more buyers. 3. Affiliate Marketing You can promote other companies’ products using special links. When someone buys through your link, you earn a commission. This works well if you share product reviews or lifestyle tips. 4. Creating and Sell...

Photo courtesy of WADesk WhatsApp is one of the most used apps in Kenya, and it is not just for chatting. With the right approach, you can use it to grow a small business or create new income streams. Here are five simple ways to make money on WhatsApp. 1. Selling Products and Services You can sell clothes, shoes, cosmetics, food, or even your own services directly through WhatsApp. Create clear product photos, write short descriptions, and share them in your status or groups. Use WhatsApp Business to make your shop look more professional. 2. WhatsApp TV Channels Many Kenyans have created entertainment or news channels where they share trending videos, gossip, or motivational content. Once you build a large audience, you can earn through paid promotions, adverts, and sponsored posts. 3. Affiliate Marketing You can promote products from online shops such as Jumia, Kilimall, or Amazon using your WhatsApp groups or status. When people buy through your shared link, you earn a commiss...