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Protests rocked Lamu over the Dangote refinery, as CS Wandayi confirmed the groundbreaking will proceed despite local opposition and a court order. President Ruto continued his Coast tour, issuing 27,000 title deeds in Kilifi after 94,000 in Kwale. In Kitale, 61 suspected gang members were arrested following violent clashes, while separate defilement charges saw police officers arrested in Lumakanda and Kakamega. The TSC plans AI integration and online appraisals for teachers, and has advertised for a new CEO. Meanwhile, Kenya is in talks for a Ksh129 billion debt swap. In court, three witnesses testified in the Tob Cohen murder trial, and a banker was convicted of attempted murder in Mombasa. Samburu Governor Lelelit is seeking compensation for livestock deaths. KTN News stands by its voter smuggling investigation despite IEBC and DCI denials.

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President Ruto Issues 27,000 Title Deeds in Kilifi

President William Ruto continues his Coast tour with a focus on development projects and land ownership, distributing 27,000 title deeds to Kilifi residents. This follows his earlier issuance of over 94,000 title deeds in Kwale County on Monday to address long-standing land and squatter issues. The Kilifi County Government, through its Department of Land, is simultaneously implementing strategies to address land disputes in collaboration with the national government and other land sector stakeholders. Meanwhile, the Environment and Land Court has ordered the recovery of a valuable road reserve in Mombasa, valued at approximately Ksh25 million, which was illegally allocated for private use in 1994. The Kenya National Highways Authority has also issued a 30-day ultimatum for the removal of illegal structures along four major roads in several counties.

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Protests Erupt in Lamu Over Dangote Oil Refinery

Protests erupted in Lamu on Tuesday, September 29, as residents voiced opposition to the planned Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery ahead of its groundbreaking on Wednesday, September 30. Despite the protests, Kenya's Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced the groundbreaking ceremony would proceed as scheduled. The High Court had declined to halt the ceremony, with billionaire Aliko Dangote dismissing court orders affecting his proposed Ksh2 trillion refinery, calling such legal challenges normal for Africa. Kenya has 50 oil exploration blocks across four sedimentary basins according to EPRA, as the nation gears up for commercial crude production from South Lokichar fields. President William Ruto issued a stern warning to brokers against obstructing the Sh2.9 trillion project.

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TSC Reveals Plan to Bring AI, Online Appraisal to Schools

The Teachers Service Commission is set to enhance technology integration in education by training teachers on artificial intelligence tools and upgrading its online appraisal system, with the commission seeking service providers for these initiatives. The TSC has also officially advertised the vacant position of Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, with the former CEO's term having concluded last year, offering a monthly salary of Ksh698,600. Meanwhile, Kenya's teacher unions KUPPET and KNUT remain divided on the proposed autonomous management of Junior Schools within primary school compounds. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology debunked a fabricated memo circulating online which falsely announced suspension of academic activities due to an impending lecturers' strike.

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U.S. Banking Giant Plans Ksh129 Billion Debt Swap for Kenya

Kenya is reportedly in talks with a U.S. banking giant to arrange a Ksh129.7 billion debt swap, aiming to reduce its reliance on domestic borrowing. Kenya's Supreme Court has ruled that public-entity-sponsored pension funds are no longer subject to the country's public procurement framework, necessitating new procurement guidelines for these funds. The High Court in Nairobi has dismissed a petition seeking liquidation of the Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operatives Limited, ruling it was filed under the wrong legal framework. Separately, Machakos County is facing scrutiny over Ksh96 million held by a bank since 2019 as security for an employee loan scheme.

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Tob Cohen Murder Trial: Three Witnesses Testify as ODPP Presents Evidence

Three witnesses have testified in the ongoing murder trial of Sarah Wairimu Kamotho, accused of killing her husband, Dutch businessman Tob Cohen. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions presented its eighth, ninth, and tenth witnesses in court. In a separate case, the High Court convicted four men in connection with the February 7, 2015 murder of former Kabete MP George Muchai and three members of his security team, marking a significant development in a case ongoing for over a decade. Meanwhile, lawyers representing three key suspects in the murder of Dr. Victoria Mutiso have withdrawn from the case due to strategic disagreements with their clients regarding a bail application.

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Opposition Leaders to Unify Voice by December for 2027 Election

The United Opposition in Kenya has announced plans to speak with a unified voice by December, aiming to overcome internal differences and present a common front ahead of the 2027 General Election. This unified approach comes as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna faces internal challenges with his United Democratic Party, as senior party officials filed formal complaints against leadership and rebranding plans that had been intended to position UDP as his presidential vehicle. Simultaneously, Oburu Odinga has returned to a demanding political landscape within ODM, confronting the anniversary of his late father's legacy while navigating evolving political alliances with President William Ruto and managing ongoing divisions within his own party. These developments highlight the complex choreography of opposition politics as various factions position themselves for the 2027 electoral contest.

Politics & Governance

Counties, Public Universities Lead in Sh3.92bn Unremitted Sacco Deductions

Employers in Kenya failed to remit Sh3.92 billion in SACCO deductions in 2025, impacting over 104,000 members according to the SACCO Societies Regulatory Authority. Women continued to dominate employment in Kenya's regulated SACCO sector, with their numbers growing faster than men's in 2025. Former Central Bank of Kenya Governor Patrick Njoroge proposed that mobile money firms share income generated from customer funds held in trust with users. These developments highlight ongoing challenges and evolving dynamics within Kenya's savings and credit cooperative sector.

Business & Economy

LPG Consumption in Kenya Up 14.7pc to 475,943 Tonnes on Zero-Rating

Kenyan consumption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas reached 475,943 metric tonnes in 2025, marking a 14.72 percent increase attributed to zero-rating the product for tax purposes. Domestic petroleum consumption also surged by 8.41 percent in the year ending June 2026, driven by increased activity in key economic sectors. Rwanda's first bulk fuel cargo under a government-to-government arrangement with the Sultanate of Oman is set to arrive at the Mombasa port, signaling Kenya's ambition to re-establish Mombasa as a regional petroleum hub. These developments collectively reflect Kenya's growing role in the East African energy sector.

Business & Economy

Emerging Stars Rout Tanzania 4-1 in U23 AFCON Qualifier

Kenya's Emerging Stars secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Tanzania in the first leg of their U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Meanwhile in Kenyan basketball, the Nairobi City Thunder men's basketball team took a 2-0 lead in the Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League finals against former champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). Turning to rugby, Brian Wahinya's story tells how a young Kenyan once doubted for his physique rose to become a successful rugby player. In athletics news, Kenyan marathoner Philemon Kiplimo Kimaiyo received a two-year ban from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). The ban came after Kimaiyo admitted to an anti-doping violation involving a prohibited substance found in his wife's medication.

Sports

Honor Launches Three Magic 9 Phones With 11,000mAh Battery

Honor has launched three new smartphones in Beijing: the Magic 9, Magic 9 Pro Max, and Magic 9 Super Edition. The Magic 9 Super Edition features an 11,000mAh battery and a cooling fan, representing a significant advancement in smartphone battery technology. Separately, Honor introduced its new clip-on telephoto lenses for the Magic 9 series, with the G500 offering 500mm focal length and the G200 providing 200mm focal length. These lenses are now available in China, expanding the photography capabilities of Honor's latest smartphones.

Technology

Nvidia Launches Tools to Prevent AI Agents Exceeding Operational Limits

Nvidia has launched the Open Agent Safety Platform, a new set of tools designed to prevent AI agents from exceeding their designated operational boundaries. The platform includes OpenShell and Sentry, which aim to ensure AI systems act within their defined parameters. Meanwhile, TikTok has agreed to pay Alabama at least USD 100 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the app of building an addictive platform and misleading users about teen safety. These developments highlight growing industry focus on technology safety and accountability.

Technology