The Online Kenyan

Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has proposed new legislation to ban petrol-powered motorcycles in cities and eventually nationwide, advocating for a transition to electric alternatives. The Kiambu County Government is defending its piglet distribution program against accusations that it contributed to an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak that has killed 1,470 pigs on over 20 farms since mid-May.

Kenyan diplomat Martin Kimani has been appointed UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, a significant international role for Kenya. The appointment was announced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday, September 14. This marks a significant role in fostering peace across the continent.

President William Ruto has defended the Housing Levy, asserting that the policy was included in the manifestos of both Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza coalitions during the election period. Separately, President Ruto announced that the Kenyan Government is actively collaborating with the family of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to organize the anniversary of his passing.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has expressed displeasure over a recent surge in political thuggery ahead of the 2027 election cycle. The commission has begun preparations for peace initiatives leading up to the 2027 general election, meeting with political parties and police in Nairobi to discuss strategies for ensuring a peaceful electoral process. Kenyan police are investigating violent incidents that occurred during a political rally led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Embu on Saturday.

A rift has emerged between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and the family of its founder Raila Odinga over the 80th birthday celebration of the veteran politician. National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has stated there will be no alliance with those who previously opposed Raila Odinga, citing their lack of a clear agenda or candidate for the 2027 elections. The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has heard a case concerning control of the political identity "Linda" ahead of the 2027 General Election, with two groups vying for registration.

Concerns are mounting over the integrity of Kenya's electoral process for the 2027 General Election following controversial statements from politicians aligned with President William Ruto's administration. With the election just 11 months away, allegations have emerged including harvesting fingerprints of the dead and potential ballot stuffing. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has officially set Kenya on the path to the August 10, 2027 General Election by gazetting the election notice. This action triggers constitutional and statutory deadlines that will now dictate the electoral timeline.

President Ruto is facing political challenges in the Nyanza region, with local leaders demanding tangible development projects as a condition for support in the 2027 general election. His recent tour of Nyanza was marred by incidents of hired hecklers, exposing underlying tensions between the ODM and UDA parties. Leaders in Nyanza affiliated with ODM are facing growing pressure from voters to declare their stance on President Ruto's re-election bid. Several politicians including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi are strategically aligning themselves with Ruto's administration for their political survival.

Bidco Africa Chairperson Vimal Shah testified in court about losing approximately Sh102.4 million in an unfulfilled foreign exchange deal during a dollar shortage in Kenya in 2023. This occurred as Kenya's foreign exchange reserves rebounded to $15.25 billion as of September 10, reversing a three-week decline. Meanwhile, emerging economies under the BRICS+ bloc are developing a new digital currency and payment system called the UNIT, potentially challenging the dominance of the US dollar in global trade. Additionally, the World Trade Organization warned that a failure to modernize global trade rules could lead to a significant decrease in global GDP of up to 10 percent.

The High Court has declared the sale of 15 percent of Safaricom shares to Vodacom for Sh204.3 billion as illegal and ordered the shares to be restored. In a separate corporate matter, Parkview Shopping Arcade Limited has placed a prime 1.695-acre property in Nairobi's Westlands area on the market with a reserve price of Sh600 million. The Senate Committee on County Public Investments and Special Funds has also mandated Nairobi and Mombasa counties to present plans for settling their substantial pension debts.