Kenya is among nine COMESA member states affected by a major vehicle safety recall issued by BMW Group South Africa due to faulty starter motors and Takata airbags.

• The recall affects 12,491 BMW series vehicles across the region.
• The COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) issued a warning notice and is coordinating with national consumer protection agencies.
• Defective starter motors can lead to corrosion, engine failure, short circuits, overheating, and potentially vehicle fires, while faulty airbags can rupture and cause serious injury or death.

The Maa Cultural and Tourism Festival, now in its third edition, is being powered by the governors of Kajiado, Narok, and Samburu counties. The week-long event, running from November 4 to 9 at Amboseli National Park, celebrates Maasai heritage, unity, and culture while boosting tourism.

• The festival marks the return of Amboseli National Park to the Kajiado County Government, with President William Ruto scheduled to officially hand over the park.
• Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu highlighted that the transfer means Kajiado County will now receive approximately Ksh 1.5 billion annually from park revenues.
• Samburu Governor Jonathan Lati Lelelit advocated for a Maasai Cultural Fund to ensure the long-term preservation of Maasai traditions and recognize their significant contribution to Kenya's tourism industry.

A petition has been tabled in Kenya's Parliament to degazette sections of Mt Elgon, Kakamega, and Nandi forests. The alteration would regularize existing human settlements and facilitate affordable housing projects.

• The petition, from Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Deborah Barasa, seeks to vary forest boundaries under Section 34 of the Forest Conservation and Management Act (Cap 385).
• Affected areas include 4,647 hectares in Mt Elgon Forest, 989 hectares in South Nandi Forest, 1,241 hectares in Turbo Forest, 94.99 hectares in Kakamega Forest (Shiru area), and 36 hectares in Kakamega Forest (Shaviringa area).
• The Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula has directed the Departmental Committee on Environment, Climate Change and Forestry and the Public Petitions Committee to review the proposal and report back to the House.