Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.

Reactions to AUC leadership transition

More reactions are expected to pour in following the election of Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the new African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.

In a statement shared on his X account on February 16, 2025, outgoing AUC Chair Moussa Faki congratulated Youssouf and the newly elected Deputy Chairperson, Selma Malika Haddadi from Algeria, expressing his commitment to facilitating a smooth transition.

“My warmest congratulations to my Brother Mahmoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti and my Sister Selma Malika Haddadi from #Algeria for their brilliant election as incoming Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission respectively. I look forward to working with your Teams to ensure a smooth transition period,” Moussa Faki wrote.

French President Emmanuel Macron also congratulated Mahmoud Ali Youssouf following his election as AUC Chairperson.

In a heartfelt message on February 16, Macron emphasized the vital role Africa plays on the global stage, noting that Africa’s voice is more important than ever.

“I congratulate Mahmoud Ali on his election as President of the African Union Commission. The voice of Africa is more awaited than ever today and France will be at its side, “ Macron stated.

Kenya delegation returns

The delegation that accompanied President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is expected to return to Kenya following the conclusion of the AU summit on February 16, 2025.

Tributes for the late KEPSHA Chairman

Tributes are expected to pour in following the tragic death of Kenya Primary Schools Heads Association (KEPSHA) Chairman Johnson Nzioka.

According to Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Henry Oyuu, Nzioka lost his life in a road accident along Mombasa Road on the evening of February 16, 2025.

In a tribute on the same day, Oyuu praised Nzioka’s leadership, describing him as an exceptional leader who played a significant role in transforming KEPSHA into a world-class teachers’ association.

“Brother Nzioka was an exemplary outstanding leader with very distinct diplomatic leadership skills that helped redefine the KEPSHA leadership to a world-class teachers association at a time when Education management in the country was undergoing strategic reforms,” Oyuu stated.

Updates on fire outbreak in Kiambu

On the night of February 16, 2025, a fire broke out near Pettans Technical College in Kiambu County.

According to the Kenya Red Cross, emergency response teams, including the Kenya Red Cross Action Team, Kenya Police, and County Fire Brigade, are collaborating to manage the situation.

“Emergency response teams are battling a fire that broke out near Pettans Technical College in Kiambu. The Kenya Red Cross Action Team, Kenya Police and the County Fire Brigade are on the ground, working to contain it,” Kenya Red Cross stated in a statement posted on their X account on February 16, 2025.

Further details regarding the cause and extent of the damage are expected to be released to the public.