MBALE, Vihiga County, Kenya

Our Story, Your Voice

Born from a simple belief: that the stories of Vihiga deserve to be told with dignity, depth, and unwavering truth. We're not just reporting news—we're documenting the heartbeat of our community.

0 Founded
0 Weekly Readers
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Our Journey

From a WhatsApp group to the county's most trusted news source

2025

The Beginning

Started as a WhatsApp group sharing verified local updates among friends in Mbale. Realized the need for accurate, local journalism.

March

First Publication

Published our first investigative piece on local market infrastructure, gaining 3,000 readers in the first week.

February

Site Expansion

Brought on our first full-time reporters and launched the Crime & Safety beat to keep the community informed and safe.

2026 march

Going Digital

Launched our progressive web app, allowing offline reading and instant breaking news notifications.

The Values That Drive Us

Every story we tell is guided by these principles

Radical Accuracy

In an age of misinformation, we are obsessively careful. Every name double-checked, every statistic verified, every source vetted. Your trust is our only currency.

Community Over Clicks

We don't chase sensationalism. If a story doesn't serve the dignity or understanding of our community, we don't publish it. Period.

Accessible Truth

Complex issues explained clearly. Breaking news delivered swiftly. Every article written for the market vendor and the university professor alike.

Youth Amplification

Half of Vihiga is under 30. We dedicate significant coverage to the next generation's challenges, innovations, and victories.

Meet The Founders

The passionate individuals behind Vihiga Times

James Travis

Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Storyteller by purpose, web developer by skill, Vihigan by identity. I build and run Vihiga Times to share real stories from the ground—focused on local news, community voices, and everyday issues that matter to the people of Vihiga.

Lewis Odali'

Co-Founder & Strategy Director

As chief journalist and assistant co-founder of Vihiga Times, he is responsible for gathering stories directly from the community—ensuring every voice is heard and every story is real.

Community Voices

What our readers say about us

"Finally, news that understands the difference between Luanda and Mbale. Vihiga Times reports with the nuance our community deserves."

Reader
John M.
Mbale Town

"Their crime alerts have helped our neighborhood watch stay informed. It's not just news—it's a public service."

Reader
Sarah N.
Chavakali

"As a small business owner, the Hustle & Business section has connected me with opportunities I never knew existed."

Reader
Michael O.
Hamisi
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