Kenyan police have exhumed 47 bodies near the coastal town of Malindi, as they investigate a preacher said to have told followers to starve to death. The bodies of children were among the dead. Police said exhumations are ongoing. The shallow graves are in Shakahola forest, where 15 members of the Good News International Church were rescued last week. Church leader, Paul Makenzie Nthenge is in custody, pending a court appearance. State broadcaster KBC described him as a "cult leader", and reported that 58 graves have so far been identified. One of the graves is believed to contain the bodies of five members of the same family - three children and their parents. Mr Nthenge has denied wrongdoing, but has been refused bail. He insists that he shut down his church in 2019. He allegedly told followers to starve themselves in order to "meet Jesus". Kenyan daily, The Standard, said pathologists will take DNA samples and conduct tests to determine whether the victims died of starvation. Police arrested Mr Nthenge on 15 April after discovering the bodies of four people suspected of having starved themselves to death. Victor Kaudo of the Malindi Social Justice Centre told Citizen TV "when we are in this forest and come to an area where we see a big and tall cross, we know that means more than five people are buried there". Kenyan interior minister, Kithure Kindiki, said all 800 acres of the forest had been sealed off and declared a crime scene. Mr Nthenge allegedly named three villages Nazareth, Bethlehem and Judea and baptised followers in ponds before telling them to fast, The Standard reports. Kenya is a religious country and there have been previous cases of people being lured into dangerous, unregulated churches or cults.Source: BBC

The Cattle Industry in Papua New Guinea will soon experience significant growth after the Managing Director for Livestock Development Corporation (LDC), Mr. Terry Koim, met with the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru – a move which resulted in an agreement.According to Minister Maru, his ministry and department will work in close partnership with LDC to develop their land. “We will work very closely with LDC to develop their land at Urimo in East Sepik, Baiyer in Western Highlands, and Launa Kalana in the Central Province into large-scale economic zones to raise cattle.” “This will be part of our Government’s drive to grow enough cattle to replace all imported beef. “Top priority will be given to the redevelopment of Urimo Cattle Station in East Sepik where LDC has 20,000 hectares of land.” “Additionally, LDC has 68 hectares of land located in Wariman, Wewak, where the abattoir will be.” “There is huge potential to produce cattle in the country to replace all beef imports.” “We are seeing 100 percent increase in the price of ox and palm due to importation of Australian beef because we don’t produce enough.” “We are ready to support LDC in a very big way in a scheme of arrangement that is acceptable to LDC and its Board.”

The Department of Education has informed students and parents that the certificates for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students, grade 12 and grade 10, have been received by the Department. The Secretary of Education Dr Uke Kombra stated that the STEM certificates have already been sent to the respective National Schools of Excellence to be given to the students. The certificates for grades 12 and 10 are being sorted out for distribution to the provinces this week. Meanwhile, the certificates for grade 8 students are being processed before being sent out to the provinces and distributed to the students. Provinces have been advised to use the attainment certificates and the selection list for confirmation and enrolment in grade 9 while waiting to receive their certificates. Furthermore, the Department of Education remains committed to the integrity of the national examination system and thanks the public for their patience as the department finalizes the distribution of these important certificates for all the students.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has received the highest commendation from two of the worlds renowned financial institutions for its fiscal discipline and economic management, a credit to the Marape- Rosso Government’s economic policies and measures.Prime Minister James Marape was honored to receive such feedback from the International Monitory Fund (IMF) and the World Bank during the high- level meetings with global financial institutions at the recent 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where PNG’s progress in reducing its Budget Deficit was praised. “When I told them, we are down to around a 1.1 percent deficit, they were pleasantly surprised,” Prime Minister Marape said in a press conference after returning to Port Moresby city. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering a balanced Budget and ending new borrowing. “Next year, there will be no more borrowing. We will move into a balanced Budget and focus on debt repayment,” he said. Prime Minister Marape said PNG’s Medium-Term goal is to reduce Debt-to-GDP levels below 20 percent over the coming years. “In a world where many countries are operating with deficits above five percent and debt above 80 percent of GDP, PNG is taking a disciplined path,” he said. He said the IMF and World Bank acknowledged PNG’s post-COVID recovery strategy and fiscal consolidation efforts. “They encouraged us to keep producing, exporting, and growing our economy,” he said. The Prime Minister added that this international confidence strengthens PNG’s credibility with investors and development partners.

The PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC) is holding a week-long strategic planning workshop in preparation for the upcoming National General Elections (NGE) in 2027. This began on Monday with training and induction for new Temporary Election Workers (TEWs) from head office who had recently signed new contracts. Acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi when addressing the new TEWs said that apart from educational qualifications and experience, character and personality are vital in effectively carrying out your duties and making a positive impact in meeting the Commission’s goals. “The PNGEC is a tough organization to work with in delivering successful elections but working as a team we have and can overcome the challenges,” she said. The induction saw an introduction to the Public Service General Orders and internal PNGEC and Electoral Laws and applicable by-laws. Meanwhile, Deputy Electoral Commissioner Kila Vaname, congratulated and encouraged staff to take time to read and understand the electoral rules and regulations that guide the work of the commission. The induction was facilitated by the Human Resource Branch headed by Director Oscar Pomaleu. On Tuesday, the Senior Management Team (SMT), middle management and senior officers, started the Strategic Planning workshop which will conclude this Friday. This began with a review of the Annual Management Report and Annual Branch Activity Plans for 2026 and into 2027. The Commissions major activity task for 2026 is the Electoral Roll update, Procurement of big-ticket items, Awareness and Training prior to the 2027 NGE. The Acting Electoral Commissioner has aired concerns on funding that is required during the first and second quarter of this fiscal year to allow her and the Electoral Commission to prepare well for 2027 National Elections. The procurement process takes two to four months depending on availability of required materials in country. She said it is important that consideration be given on funding soon. Following this workshop will be an Electoral Manager’s workshop in February 2026 to confirm strategies and implementation plan for 2026 and 2027.

Travelers and airline operators are being advised that ongoing upgrade works at Kieta (Aropa) Airport in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville will lead to temporary operational restrictions, as the National Airports Corporation (NAC) prepares to commence Stage 4 of its Method of Works Plan (MOWP) late next week. The airport upgrade, which began in October 2025, has so far progressed through Stages 1 to 3, achieving approximately 38% completion of both airside and landside works. During these stages, ATR 72 and Dash 8 or similar aircraft have continued operations without interruption. With the start of Stage 4 on 31 January 2026, the runway will be temporarily shortened from its existing 1,525 meters to 810 meters, allowing essential construction to continue. NAC has warned that during this period, regular public transport (RPT) flights may be temporarily suspended, depending on airline operator decisions. The full runway upgrade is expected to be completed by April 2027, covering all 10 stages, ensuring the long-term safety and continued operation of Kieta Airport. NAC confirmed that all work schedules remain subject to weather conditions, and stakeholders will receive ongoing updates. The Corporation appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation during the temporary restrictions. “We are working closely with our contractor to complete the works on time while minimizing disruption to airport operations.”

Port Moresby Nature Park will host its first-ever Reverse the Red Day on Friday, 6 February, joining a global effort to halt and reverse species extinction.This international initiative highlights successful conservation actions and raises awareness on protecting Papua New Guinea’s threatened wildlife and will showcase the Park’s ongoing biodiversity work and acknowledge the support of partners, sponsors and the local community. PNG, as a member of the United Nations, actively participates in international agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). These conventions underscore the global urgency to address human impacts on climate and biodiversity. In line with these commitments, PNG is currently reviewing its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to guide future conservation efforts. As one of the implementing partners, Port Moresby Nature Park contributes through species recovery programs, habitat restoration across its 30-acre grounds, and public education initiatives that reach more than 35,000 students each year. The Reverse the Red campaign aims to move species away from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List’s threatened categories towards recovery, reinforcing the message that coordinated action can secure a sustainable future for Papua New Guinea’s unique flora and fauna.

The President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), Ishmael Toroama, has confirmed that the ABG has rejected the proposed partnership between Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) and CMOC Group Limited in relation to the Panguna project. This decision follows careful consideration and reflects the ABG’s position as the majority shareholder with a combined 72.9 per cent ownership in BCL. The President has affirmed that the ABG does not authorize any proposal involving equity participation or dilution of its shareholding in BCL arising from the Expression of Interest partnering process undertaken by BCL. BCL has been directed to discontinue further progression of the CMOC proposal and the related partnering process and to instead pursue engagement with Lloyds Metals & Energy Limited as the ABG’s preferred partner under a contract mining or services partnership model, which should not affect BCL’s EL01 license standing or ABG’s shareholding in BCL. This direction reflects ABG’s policy position that Bougainville is to retain ownership and control while engaging experienced operators through clearly defined contractual arrangements. The ABG remains committed to progressing the Panguna project in a lawful, transparent, and orderly manner that serves the long-term interests of the people of Bougainville.

Agricultural research must play a central role in transforming Papua New Guinea’s farming sector from subsistence-based production to a commercially competitive industry according to National Agricultural Research Institute Director General Dr Nelson Simbiken. Dr Simbiken said research is not an academic exercise but a practical necessity that directly addresses the challenges farmers face from production to market access. He said strong research systems are critical for improving crop productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, increasing value addition and ensuring agricultural products meet quality standards required for domestic and export markets. Established in 1996, NARI’s mandate is to enhance productivity, efficiency, stability and sustainability within the smallholder agriculture sector, which supports the majority of Papua New Guinea’s rural population. Dr Simbiken said over the past three decades, NARI has built a strong technical foundation, releasing more than 27 improved crop varieties including taro, rice and banana varieties that are now being adopted by farmers and commercialized. He said these innovations have contributed to improved food security and better livelihoods for rural communities across the country. However, Dr Simbiken acknowledged that having technology at the farm gate is only the first step, and that significant gaps remain in post-harvest processing, value addition and market access. “The challenge now is to transform these innovations into high-value products that reach the kitchen table and the global market,” he said. To address this gap, Dr Simbiken stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, saying the private sector has a key role to play in processing, logistics and market development. He also highlighted the need for stronger government support, describing agricultural research as a public good that requires state intervention to de-risk innovation and encourage private sector investment. Dr Simbiken said NARI is advocating for the establishment of a national agricultural innovation grant scheme, which would provide targeted funding to support research, development and commercialization. He said strengthening research investment is essential if Papua New Guinea is to achieve long-term goals under the National Agriculture Sector Plan, including food security, job creation and the transformation of subsistence farmers into tax-paying commercial producers. Dr Simbiken said Reset 50 represents a long-term commitment to turning research into tangible economic outcomes and building a resilient and prosperous future for rural communities.

Communities in Kulungere of Evon Gore area in Sinivit Local Level Government (LLG), Pomio District, of East New Britain province, now have improved road access to essential public services and market access. Thank you to the National Government, supported by the World Bank through the PNG Agriculture Commercialization and Diversification (PACD) Cocoa Project. The 4km road was officially opened on Monday 26th of January 2026 by the East New Britain Governor Michael Marum, Cocoa Board of PNG Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jesse Tukup Anjen, and World Bank Division Director of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu Han Fraeters. Road contract was awarded to Kokopo Plant Hire Ltd in February 2025 and was completed last December for a contract value of K5.7 million. Kulungere feeder road serves more than 2,000 people of the Upper Evon and Kulungere Communities. Of these, almost 250 households benefited from the PPAP Project under the Growers Partnership under Call 1. Senior Engineer Raymond Paulias highlighted key components of the rehabilitation works. He said the scope of works involved rehabilitation the existing dilapidated road to all weather condition to ease market access constraints for the Cocoa growing community. The community had struggled for many decades without this road access and is extremely pleased with the road and World Bank for providing loan finance to the National Government for it to be rehabilitated. The works included the installation of the following: ·     2 Concrete Causeway Crossings over 2 existing rivers. ·     3Km of Longitudinal roadside Lined Drains. ·     18 No. Cross Drainage Culverts. ·     800m of 150mm depth x 3m wide concrete pavement on critical steep sections; and ·     200mm depth of road base pavement layer. “The rehabilitated road now enables vehicle access to the community not only for cocoa market access but also for improved access to education and medical facilities- particularly for medical emergencies,” noted Mr. Paulias. “It opens more economic opportunities, as evident with locals erecting new trade stores and kiosks along the road since works commenced.” Meanwhile, CEO Jesse Tukup Anjen, encouraged communities to protect the new road and continue expanding cocoa production. He urged the communities to embrace this road, look after it and do maintenance so that the road will last long. He thanked the World Bank and the National government for believing in these partnerships and the continuous working collaborations and now they are here to see the money being materialized and our people get the direct benefit. Furthermore, Governor Marum echoed similar sentiments, thanking the World Bank and National Government for their partnership in ensuring local farmers can bring produce to market more efficiently. The Kulungere Road is one of three Agriculture Roads rehabilitated under the Component 2 - Agriculture Roads of the PACD Cocoa Project.

Local Level Government (LLG) and Ward leaders in Rabaul District in East New Britain province, have successfully completed their respective Commitment and Performance Agreements signing last week after a week-long LLG leaders Induction Program conducted at Malaguna Secondary School Hall. These Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) signing aims to assist the leaders in better understanding their roles and aligning their work starting from the LLG presidents down to the ward members, ward recorders and their respective Ward Development Committees. The KPI agreement outlines tasks and activities for the year including the key indicators, progressive or completion status from the 1st to 4th quarter as well as remarks. Witnessing the LLG and Ward leaders KPI signing today was Deputy Provincial Administrator for District, LLG and Ward Affairs- Danley Puapena, who emphasised on the importance of having KPI’s as it is a guide for leaders in implementing their programs. “This is the first time we are doing KPI signing for our LLG and ward leaders.” “We normally do for our public servants at the beginning of the year and with the inclusion of our LLG political leaders, we can work together in serving our people.” He further said that it is required by law to sign a contract to serve our people. Mr. Puapena added saying that apart from their Declaration of Oaths for Office and Loyalty, they are also required to sign their work Commitment Agreements which will monitor their KPI’s. Meanwhile, Acting Human Resource Advisor Rose August, also went through with the participants the checklist for initial tasks for LLG leaders to kick off their duties for the year. She went on outlining the LLG president and mayor’s initial tasks checklist which includes: 1.    Establishing administrative buildings in a more central location, which for Rabaul District, LLG Administrative Offices is in place. 2.    Endorse/Approve Respective LLG Standing Orders 3.    Develop respective LLGs & Wards 5 Year Development Plans 4.    Establishing Ward Community Halls 5.    Developing and passing of LLG and Ward Laws and. 6.    Identify Internal Revenue Sources and encourage imposing of Head and Back Taxes in the respective Wards The Advisor said that ward members have some similar roles, however more focused at the ward level. She also said that they must understand their roles and responsibilities, review existing records, meet other ward officials and community leaders to be familiarized with the community and their people. The Rabaul District LLG Leaders one-week Induction program ended with the KPI’s signing and presentations from Finance and Parliamentary Services.

The Madang Provincial Government has officially passed its 2026 provincial budget totaling K474,474,322 during an assembly held today at the Madang Provincial Government House.The budget was presented by Madang Governor and Provincial Member Ramsey Pariwa before Local Level Government (LLG) Presidents, provincial department representatives, and members of the public who attended the meeting.While delivering the budget, Governor Pariwa described it as a practical and focused financial plan aimed at addressing the province’s most pressing needs.“I must say, this budget is realistic and fairly represents the priority areas in Madang Province,” Pariwa said.The Governor welcomed the presence of fellow leaders, MP for Usino-Bundi Gama district, Vincent Kumura and MP for Middle Ramu Kansol Harwaii Kamdaru, acknowledging their attendance and support.“This is your house, and I am happy to see you here,” he told the members.Governor Pariwa stressed that accountability and proper planning will be key in the implementation of the 2026 budget. He urged LLG Presidents and departmental heads to develop clear activity plans before seeking funding support.“The Madang Provincial Government will not fund any project that does not have an activity plan,” he stated.He further highlighted that the 2026 budget is focused on improving economic development, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting education across the province.Pariwa also issued a strong warning on the misuse of public funds, calling for discipline and good governance at all levels of administration.“There should be no misappropriation and misuse, as the law will deal with you,” he saidThe K474 million budget is expected to guide development priorities and service delivery throughout Madang Province in 2026.