The government is proposing a new 0.2 percent tax on goods and services even as a report reveals eCitizen illegally collected over 2.1 billion Kenyan Shillings in fees with unclear ownership. This comes as business activity drops sharply due to inflation and political unrest, while unga prices continue to rise. In health, biometric registration is now mandatory for SHA services, and Level 4 hospitals are warned against charging for UHC. Education CS has directed all schools to re-register to combat "ghost schools" as 1 billion Kenyan Shillings is allocated for teacher promotions. Meanwhile, Raila Odinga's lawyer is challenging a constitutional amendment seeking to entrench NG-CDF.
New reports from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) highlight significant trends in bribery across Kenya. Makueni County showed the lowest likelihood of bribe demands at 0.61 times, contrasting sharply with Kwale and Kilifi. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) emerged as the institution demanding the highest average bribes, reaching Sh200,000, despite a national average bribe drop from Sh11,625 in 2023 to Sh4,878 in 2024. The EACC's National Ethics and Corruption Survey 2024 further identified police officers, National Registration Bureau officers, and medical officers as professions most prone to receiving bribes.
The Kenyan government has announced a nationwide promotion exercise for thousands of teachers, allocating Ksh1 billion for the initiative to address educators remaining in the same job groups for years, with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) prioritizing those most affected. Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba has also directed all schools to re-register through the new Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) to combat “ghost schools” and prevent fraudulent fund allocation, specifically after concerns about Ksh1.3 billion in infrastructure funds being diverted. Additionally, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has offered an 80 percent waiver on accrued penalties for student loan defaulters who pay their arrears in full, aiming to encourage repayment and sustain future funding.
The US is considering a 12-month pilot program that could demand a $15,000 deposit from foreign nationals for tourist or business visas, specifically to curb overstays. Simultaneously, Brazil plans to challenge the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO) due to a 50 percent tariff imposed on several Brazilian exports, including coffee and beef, affecting approximately 35 percent of Brazil's exports to the US. In another development, US President Donald Trump publicly criticized Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) following its announcement of a new chief executive and amid a controversial rebranding effort. These actions highlight growing tensions in international trade and diplomatic relations.
The death of Julia Wangui, a 30-year-old woman who died in police custody at Nanyuki GK prison 26 days ago, has sparked widespread calls for justice and accountability. Her family is disputing post-mortem results citing natural causes, alleging a cover-up. Residents of Laikipia demanded justice during her burial, terming it a 'SabaSaba misfortune.' Concurrently, villagers are demanding justice after two women were fatally shot by police officers in a suspected love triangle incident in Kanyonyoo, Kitui County, leading to a manhunt for police constable Benard Siambe.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has released reports detailing pervasive corruption across Kenyan government institutions. The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has been consistently identified as the most corrupt government ministry in Kenya. Additionally, Uasin Gishu County has been singled out as the county with the highest number of corruption cases nationally. These findings, based on the 2024 EACC report, reveal a widespread culture of bribery deeply embedded in daily life, with 43% of Kenyans reportedly paying bribes for public services last year, and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and National Social Security Fund (NSSF) leading the list of most corrupt institutions.
Kenya's Harambee Stars began their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, sparking fan jubilation. President William Ruto fulfilled his promise, disbursing a total of KSh42 million to the team following their win. This financial incentive is part of a broader trend in the 2024 CHAN, where East African presidents, including those from Uganda and Tanzania, are offering significant bonuses to their national teams for tournament success, making it a high-stakes financial pursuit alongside football glory. Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy lauded his players' performance after this victory and expressed confidence ahead of their second CHAN 2024 fixture against Angola at Kasarani Stadium.
Kenya's e-citizen government payment platform is facing renewed allegations of widespread misuse and embezzlement of public funds, with an audit report revealing its alleged involvement in fraudulent activities where funds were diverted to private companies. The Auditor General's report indicated a potential loss of KSh 11 billion through the system, leading Members of Parliament to demand its immediate shutdown due to widespread irregularities and unauthorized payments. The National Assembly’s public accounts committee described the platform as a 'crime scene,' highlighting significant financial impropriety amounting to KSh 127 million.
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 saw significant public interest, with the Kenya vs. DR Congo match at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, quickly selling out. This marked the first time in a long period that Nairobi experienced the excitement of a major international football tournament. However, Nicholas Musonye, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), addressed claims of ticket hoarding that led to fans being denied entry to the match, attributing the issue to last-minute purchases and clarifying that CAF managed online sales. Meanwhile, Congo and Sudan are set to clash in their historic opening Group D match of the tournament, with both teams aiming to start the 2024 competition on a winning note.
Hundreds of Isiolo residents have taken to the streets to protest the alleged illegal approval of the county's KSh 7 to KSh 7.8 billion budget. Protesters claim the budget was passed without proper public participation, attributing the oversight to ongoing leadership wrangles within the county assembly. Residents argue that the county government disregarded their input during the budget approval process, raising significant concerns about transparency and accountability in local governance. This series of protests highlights growing public dissatisfaction with the management of county funds.
Media personality Joyce Gituro issued an apology after receiving backlash for her comments regarding the dismissal of a Senior Pastor from Nairobi Baptist Church due to misconduct allegations; her initial, deleted comment questioned the church's public disclosure and was seen as minimizing the situation. Kenyan actor Daddie Marto (Martin Githinji) broke his silence on his separation from Koku Lwanga, confirming they parted ways in December 2024 with a final agreement by March 2025, while refuting allegations of abandoning his family. Simon Kabu also responded to his ex-wife's claim that she purchased her own Range Rover, indicating ongoing public discussion of personal matters among public figures.
A new report indicates the Hustler Fund is a loss-making scheme with a high default rate, raising concerns about its economic impact. Meanwhile, new packaging taxes are impacting the competitiveness of Kenyan exports. In Lamu, a 103.3 billion Kenyan Shillings desalination plant will be built to address water shortages.
The Harambee Stars were awarded 42 million Kenyan shillings after their historic CHAN victory over DR Congo. In other news, media personality Joyce Gituro apologized after public backlash over comments regarding a dismissed Nairobi Baptist pastor, while the contentious divorce between Bonfire Adventures founders Simon Kabu and Sarah Mtalii continues. Actor Daddie Marto also confirmed his separation from Koku Lwanga, and DJ Mo surprised Size 8 with a billboard birthday tribute in Nairobi.
President Ruto claims he is Kenya's best leader, asserting his sole responsibility for national transformation. Meanwhile, former CS Fred Matiang'i eyes the presidency, prioritising national healing. To reclaim his Mt Kenya base, Ruto is reportedly leveraging Kiunjuri's influence to support Professor Kindiki.
President William Ruto has disbursed 42 million Kenyan Shillings to Harambee Stars following their CHAN 2024 victory over DR Congo, fulfilling his promise to the team as they prepare to face Angola. The initial match, which sold out, saw fans laud the team's performance despite ticket hoarding claims addressed by LOC Chairman Nicholas Musonye. The ongoing CHAN tournament has impacted local training facilities, prompting Kenyan athletes like Faith Kipyegon to prepare for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships at high-altitude venues like Kipchoge Keino Stadium. Meanwhile, other East African nations are also seeing presidents offer large financial bonuses for CHAN success.
The government proposes a new 0.2 percent tax on goods and services while a report reveals eCitizen illegally collected over 2.1 billion Kenyan Shillings in fees and its ownership remains unclear. Meanwhile, business activity has sharply dropped due to inflation and political unrest. Unga prices continue rising despite government assurances. In health, the government mandates biometric registration for SHA services and warns Level 4 hospitals against charging for UHC services. Education CS issues a directive for all schools to re-register to combat "ghost schools" as 1 billion Kenyan Shillings is allocated for teacher promotions. Separately, Raila Odinga's lawyer challenges a constitutional amendment seeking to entrench NG-CDF.
