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President Ruto and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote are set to break ground on a Sh2.2 trillion oil refinery in Lamu, amid land disputes and enhanced security. In related Lamu news, MUHURI members were briefly detained by KDF officers. Meanwhile, a Tanzanian couple was arrested in Mombasa for drugging bus passengers, with warnings issued to truck drivers. Kakamega Governor Barasa is suing Cleophas Malala over a viral video. The DCI has simplified the Good Conduct Certificate application for Kenyans abroad. The Health CS has ordered all facilities to switch to the SHA digital system, while a Vihiga hospital warns of strained services due to funding delays. The government is shifting fertilizer use due to soil acidity, and livestock farmers face potential shortages from rising feed costs. Nairobi County is clearing drainage channels for anticipated El Niño rains. The CBK has licensed 29 more digital lenders, while education stakeholders oppose student loan interest rates. The SRC has suspended salary reviews for county officials. Deputy President Kindiki is leading a crackdown on illicit alcohol manufacturers and attended the refinery groundbreaking, where landowners are suing over compensation. Kenyan manufacturers blame high taxes for the rising cost of sanitary towels. President Ruto also inspected the Vindo Stadium construction in Taita Taveta and discussed expansions to the Inua Jamii program.

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Ruto, Dangote Break Ground on Sh2.2tn Lamu Oil Refinery

President William Ruto and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote launched the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Sh2.2 trillion ($16 billion) East Africa Oil Refinery in Lamu on Wednesday. President Ruto defended the project against opposition, dismissing critics as "extortionists" and "brokers," while challenging Dangote to meet the announced 40-month deadline. The government announced it will invest assets and an infrastructure fund for the refinery project. Meanwhile, landowners in Lamu County have initiated legal action against the National Land Commission and EPRA over alleged inadequate compensation for land earmarked for the refinery. Additionally, six members of Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) were detained for two hours by unidentified KDF officers along the Malindi-Lamu highway. The state is also developing a new master plan for Lamu Port to expand its capacity as a regional logistics hub, while Rwanda has begun utilizing the Port of Mombasa for petroleum imports through a new government-to-government deal, with the first shipment of 40,000 tonnes arriving on September 29.

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City Hall Deploys Heavy Machinery to Clear Northern Bypass Drainage Channels

Nairobi County is proactively clearing drainage channels along the Northern Bypass using heavy machinery in preparation for the anticipated El Niño rains. Governor Johnson Sakaja has overseen intensified flood control efforts, including the demolition of structures impeding waterways. The county is also strengthening sustainable water and sanitation systems to address potential floods and waterborne diseases. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and the Kenya Alliance of Residents Associations (KARA) are strengthening community involvement in preparing for the anticipated El Niño rains and mitigating potential flooding in the city.

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Tribunal Orders Reservation of Linda Mwananchi Name for Sifuna

The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal has ruled in favour of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, ordering the reservation of the name "Linda Mwananchi" for his movement. The tribunal found that the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) unlawfully rejected the reservation of the name and ordered the ORPP to reconsider its decision within seven days. In a separate political development, the High Court has ordered an open court hearing for a petition challenging the appointment of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The High Court has also placed restrictions on the use of public funds under a cooperation agreement between the National Government led by President William Ruto and the Nairobi County administration under Governor Johnson Sakaja.

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CBK Licenses 29 Additional Digital Credit Providers

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has licensed an additional 29 digital credit providers (DCPs), bringing the total number of regulated lenders to 281. This move aims to ensure compliance and protect consumers in the digital lending sector. Separately, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has suspended new salary and benefit reviews for several categories of county government officials, citing concerns over unsustainable wage bills, sparking outcry from civil servants. Additionally, education stakeholders in Western Kenya have opposed the proposed 4 percent annual interest on student loans under the Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026, arguing this will increase the financial burden on graduates from low-income households.

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Tanzanian Couple Arrested After Passenger Drugged in Mombasa-Bound Bus

A Tanzanian couple was arrested in Mombasa for allegedly drugging bus passengers and stealing their belongings. Detectives recovered stolen valuables from their home, linking them to a recent incident on a Dreamline bus. Meanwhile, truck drivers operating on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway are being urged to avoid picking up strangers to prevent falling victim to robberies, following a series of attacks on drivers during nighttime and early morning hours. In another incident, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has initiated legal action against Democracy for the Citizens Party Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala over a viral video allegedly depicting the governor in a ritualistic setting.

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EPRA Appoints Edward Mwirigi Kinyua as New Director General

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has appointed insider Edward Mwirigi Kinyua as its new Director General, succeeding Daniel Kiptoo. This appointment is part of broader energy sector leadership changes, with Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announcing new leadership for two key energy parastatals, including Stephen Busieney as MD of GDC and Tom Imbo taking helm at Ketraco. Geothermal energy has solidified its position as Kenya's primary power source, accounting for nearly half of the nation's electricity generation in the year ended June 2026. At the same time, Nairobi region consumed nearly half of Kenya's electricity in the year ended June 2026, with demand increasing across all regions.

Business & Economy

President Ruto, DP Kindiki Tour Dangote Refinery Site in Lamu

President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki toured the site for the Dangote East Africa Refinery in Lamu County ahead of its groundbreaking ceremony. Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote revealed he was unaware of Lamu until May this year when his group considered it for a major oil refinery project, marking one of the group's fastest major developments. Additionally, Dangote announced plans to establish an engineering training school in Lamu County to equip 1,000 Kenyans with skills for the upcoming refinery. Meanwhile, security has been significantly enhanced in Lamu ahead of the official opening of the crude oil processing plant at Lamu Port. Separately, Kenya is advancing plans for the proposed Dangote East African Refinery in Lamu, aiming to significantly boost regional oil processing and trade as East Africa witnesses a rivalry between Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for dominance in petroleum refining.

Business & Economy

Duale orders health facilities to switch to SHA digital system by September 30

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has directed all health facilities working with the Social Health Authority to transition to the new Health Management Information System by September 30, with facilities failing to comply at risk of being excluded from the scheme. Duale declared that Kenya's entire healthcare system is now digitized and paperless, positioning Kenya among the world's leading countries in health digitization. However, the Chief Executive Officer of Vihiga Referral Hospital has issued a stark warning regarding strained medical services due to significant funding delays, threatening service delivery at the facility.

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Kindiki directs fresh nationwide inspection of alcohol manufacturers

Kenya's government, under the direction of Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki, is intensifying its crackdown on illicit alcohol by initiating a comprehensive nationwide inspection of all alcohol manufacturers. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has directed all alcohol manufacturing and distribution companies to ensure their licenses comply with the new regulations, aiming to curb the proliferation of illegal alcoholic drinks. Senator Methu has strongly advocated for the complete eradication of illicit alcohol across Kenya, citing its devastating impact on communities and families. Separately, Kenyan manufacturers are pointing to high taxes as the primary driver behind the escalating cost of sanitary towels, making essential period products increasingly unaffordable for many.

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Premier League Finds Manchester City Guilty of Financial Breaches

The Premier League has found Manchester City guilty of serious breaches of its financial rules over a nine-season period from 2009 to 2018. An independent commission delivered the verdict on the long-running case involving the club. Following the guilty verdict, questions have emerged about what sanctions Manchester City could face. The outcome of this legal battle could significantly impact English and European football, with the club's future now uncertain. Further reports indicate the club was found guilty of 115 charges of financial misconduct. Manchester City faces an uncertain future after being found guilty of over 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

Sports

Motorola's Wide Foldable May Launch This December; Here Is What We Know

Motorola has teased a new wide foldable phone, with a leak suggesting a mid-December launch and key specifications. This joins a wave of new smartphone releases planned for late 2026. Honor launched three new smartphones in the Magic 9 series on September 28, 2026: the Magic 9, Magic 9 Pro Max, and Magic 9 Super Edition, each offering distinct features targeting different user priorities. Google is preparing for a significant shift with the launch of its new Googlebook OS, a blend of ChromeOS and Android, set for an October 4, 2026 consumer release, though upgrade paths for existing Chromebooks remain uncertain.

Technology