Your Thursday News Digest
Starting January 2026, KEBS will ban imports of used cars older than 2019, significantly impacting the second-hand market. This comes as the Mining CS confirmed a 680 billion Kenyan Shillings gold deposit in Kakamega. Meanwhile, Nairobi has been rest...Starting January 2026, KEBS will ban imports of used cars older than 2019, significantly impacting the second-hand market. This comes as the Mining CS confirmed a 680 billion Kenyan Shillings gold deposit in Kakamega. Meanwhile, Nairobi has been restructured into three sub-regions for improved service delivery. President Ruto launched affordable housing in Makueni, while the IG advocates for unfreezing police recruitment due to officer shortages and 2027 election security concerns. Bankers have called for a reconsideration of the PAYE overhaul to maintain economic stability. Catholic Bishops are demanding amendments to new cybercrime laws, and the IEBC has appealed for voter registration due to low turnout. The Foreign Affairs Ministry revealed 200 Kenyans are fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war, and TSC is requiring all teachers to enroll in professional development courses.••• Listen for full story (6 min)(more in audio brief)
KEBS Issues New Guidelines On Importation of Used Cars
Effective January 1, 2026, Kenya will prohibit the importation of used motor vehicles registered before 2019, impacting the nation's multi-billion-shilling second-hand car market. This new directive, announced by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), states that only right-hand drive vehicles first registered in 2019 or later will be allowed into the country.
Murkomen Restructures Nairobi Region, Makes Fresh Appointments
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has restructured Nairobi, creating three new sub-regions to enhance service delivery amid a rapidly growing population estimated at over five million. This move includes new appointments and promotions within the National Government Administration.
Why TSC wants all teachers to enrol in professional development courses
CBE requires teachers who are not only skilled but also ethical, innovative, and adaptable to change, official says.
Nairobi County Bans Probox Vehicles, Issues Directives to Traders
Nairobi County has banned Probox vehicles from transporting meat to city markets, effective Thursday, as part of efforts to improve hygiene and prevent disease outbreaks like anthrax ahead of the festive season.
Bankers Push Govt to Reconsider PAYE Overhaul
The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has urged the government to reconsider its planned overhaul of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax bands, warning that declining real wages could negatively impact economic stability, business confidence, and public trust ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Govt Explains Distribution of Profits From Ksh680 Billion Gold in Kakamega
Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho has confirmed the discovery of Ksh680 billion worth of gold in Kakamega's Lirhanda Corridor, assuring that both Kenya and the local community will benefit. A British company will undertake the mining, with its operations making it Kenya's first large-scale underground gold operation.
President Ruto Commissions Affordable Housing Projects in Wote, Makueni County
President William Ruto has launched significant affordable housing initiatives in Wote, Makueni County, demonstrating his administration's commitment to the Affordable Housing Programme. These projects, part of the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aim to uplift living standards and create jobs across Kenya.
Govt Addresses Claims Kenyan Mothers Stranded in Saudi Over DNA Processing
Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Roseline Njogu has denied claims that Kenyan mothers and their children are stranded in Saudi Arabia due to unprocessed DNA results. This comes after Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa alleged that the government had failed to return DNA results taken three years ago, preventing mothers from leaving.
ODM Makes Leadership Changes, Including Party Leader
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially appointed Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as its party leader, elevating him from an interim capacity following the demise of his brother, Raila Odinga, on October 15.
Govt Official Charged After Receiving Ksh500,000 Bribe
A compliance officer from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has been charged with accepting a Ksh500,000 bribe to manipulate tax documents. The official was apprehended in Kisumu while receiving an additional Ksh250,000 from a woman who had already paid a down payment.
Cabinet Approves Dualling of 23.5km Muthaiga-Kiambu-Ndumberi Road
Cabinet Approves Wildlife Corridor Project and Waives Sh12.3 Billion Land Loan Interest
Government Warns of Scams as Police Arrest Impersonator in Migori
Threats and Disruptions Surround Rigathi Gachagua's Political Rallies
Junior Secondary School Teachers in Kericho and Migori Demand Permanent Employment
Kenyan Activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo Recount 38-Day Abduction in Uganda
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