The Online Kenyan

A strike by JKIA workers has significantly impacted travelers, businesses, and tourism in Kenya, causing widespread disruption at the country's main international airport. The industrial action has halted normal operations at Kenya's primary gateway. Separately, Kenya Airways is experiencing leadership changes with George Kamal resigning after nine months as Acting CEO, and Habil Waswani subsequently appointed as acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Meanwhile, the Kenya National Union of Nurses has stated there is no agreement with the Council of Governors regarding the 2017 CBA, and the nurses' strike will continue as planned.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) ended its two-day strike after reaching a return-to-work agreement with the government, allowing normal operations to resume at affected airports. The strike had paralyzed operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports across Kenya, leaving numerous passengers stranded since August 31, 2026. The Kenyan government issued an apology for disruptions at JKIA following the aviation workers' strike that entered its second day. Kenya Airways waived rebooking fees for passengers affected by the strike. Kenya Railways introduced special train services between Nairobi and Mombasa to accommodate travellers affected by aviation sector disruptions.

The Kenyan government unveiled a National Contingency Plan with seven measures to mitigate the impact of expected above-normal rainfall from the upcoming El Niño season, beginning in October. The Kenya Red Cross issued a warning that 46 out of 47 counties are at high risk of experiencing above-average rainfall, with inadequate drainage systems and blocked flood paths potentially transforming anticipated rains into a significant disaster. Antony Muchiri confirmed that 46 counties face above-average rainfall. The government is implementing measures to protect schools, learners, and national examinations from anticipated disruptions. Residents of Githunguri proactively cleaned their drainage systems to mitigate heavy rains and potential floods.

President William Ruto announced a landmark deal with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer that will drastically reduce the cost of cancer drugs in Kenya, cutting prices by more than sevenfold. Kenya secured the deal under Pfizer's Accord for a Healthier World programme, expected to cut treatment expenses by over seven times for several types of cancer. Separately, Kenya is intensifying efforts to implement universal infant screening for sickle cell disease, aiming to improve early diagnosis and treatment for the estimated 250,000 people living with the condition. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention was appointed to represent regional health organizations globally on the Joint Task Force on Global Health Architecture Reform.

Nurses in Kenya are continuing their nationwide strike, vowing to persist until the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is fully implemented by the government. The Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) stated no agreement has been reached with the Council of Governors (CoG) on the CBA. Council of Governors Chair Ahmed Abdullahi urged striking nurses to return to work while negotiations continue. Kericho County recruited 150 nurses on an emergency basis to mitigate the impact of the ongoing nationwide nurses' strike and resume essential healthcare services.

President William Ruto appointed Duncan Ojwang as the new Chairperson of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for a six-year term. This was part of broader appointments to key public institutions, including the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) where former KNUT Secretary General Wilson Sossion was appointed. The President gazetted new appointments to IPOA, TSC and PSC. Separately, a General Service Unit (GSU) officer allegedly attached to a Rift Valley governor was arrested in Eldoret following the murder of a 45-year-old nurse, and a suspect connected to the murder of Dr Victoria Mutiso was also implicated in a scam involving fake TSC job placements.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku appeared before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for questioning over alleged hate speech. The investigation centers on remarks that reportedly threaten national unity ahead of the 2027 general election. Earlier, CS Ruku sparked controversy by advocating for a political split within the Mt Kenya region, arguing that East and West should take different political stances to ensure development ahead of the 2027 General Election. In contrast, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba has strongly cautioned against the divisive practice of political mobilisation along ethnic lines, advocating for unity ahead of the 2027 general election.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro is embarking on a nationwide tour to mobilize Kenyans against President William Ruto's re-election bid in 2027, establishing grassroots structures for his newly formed People's Party of Kenya (PPK). Political analyst Barrack Muluka has separately urged President Ruto to reconsider his 2027 bid, citing concerns over alleged human rights violations and political violence. Meanwhile, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed announced his intention to run for president in 2027, signaling a potential new contest within the opposition. These developments coincide with Kenya's United Alternative Government holding a second closed-door meeting in eight days to advance coalition building efforts among eight principals.