Detectives discovered more graves near Shakahola, delaying the main trial as fresh evidence emerges. Separately, the EACC plans to arrest several governors facing corruption allegations. On road safety, 2,933 lives have been lost since January, with a Kericho matatu crash linked to police misconduct, prompting government intervention. The government also pledged aid to 200 Nairobi families displaced by fires. Meanwhile, Moi University lecturers issued a strike notice over unpaid salaries, as police custody deaths and exhumation orders dominate headlines in Kakamega and Migori.
The Ethics and Anti-graft Commission (EACC) raided the home and offices of Laikipia County Assembly Speaker Lantano Nabaala in connection with allegations of academic forgery. The EACC also announced plans to arrest several governors, with Chairperson David Oginde revealing that nine county governors are under scrutiny for widespread corruption. In a separate matter involving law enforcement, a matatu on the Litein-Kericho route crashed after a traffic officer allegedly jumped into the moving vehicle and strangled the driver. The incident, which resulted in multiple casualties, highlights persistent issues of police bribery.
Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence (AI) sector grew by 61 percent between June 2023 and June 2024, with the emirate now hosting 673 AI companies. In India, companies are leveraging AI to make digital services accessible across the country's 22 official languages and hundreds of dialects. This initiative is helping workers and extending to public services. In contrast, staff at the UK’s Alan Turing Institute, its national AI institute, fear its collapse after Technology Secretary Peter Kyle threatened to withdraw funding. The threat follows a whistleblowing complaint alleging misuse of public funds.
The Kenyan government is seeking about $2 billion from various development banks to fund the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Separately, government estimates value the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) at Sh120 billion as the state plans to divest a 65 percent stake. This divestiture aims to raise approximately Sh100 billion through an IPO on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE). According to CS Mbadi, the government is set to retain 35 percent of the shares in KPC following the planned sale.
Itana, Africa’s first Digital Special Economic Zone, has launched its Digital Residency Launchpad, a program connecting founders and business owners to opportunities across the continent. Applications are now open for Africa-based entrepreneurs and diaspora professionals. In other news, two students from Nova Pioneer Boys High School Eldoret, Kon Lual Ajok and Ian Mwadiloh, won the 8th Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) National Science and Technology Exhibition. Their winning innovation is a blockchain anti-corruption project called Afronomy Chain that tracks public funds. Additionally, the M-PESA app has undergone a font change rolled out by Safaricom over the past week, sparking debate among its users.
Government targets 100 billion Kenyan Shillings from KPC privatization, retaining 35%. Equity Group sees 17% profit growth. JKIA seeks $2 billion from development banks for expansion. DP Kindiki met Tatu City leaders to boost investments and coffee sector reforms.
MP Salasya pledged three months' rent for a Harambee Stars goalkeeper amidst claims a man is his biological father. Flaqo clarified his forex skit backlash was pure comedy, and explained reclaiming the car he gave his ex. Partelo's wife, Diana, addressed her age online.
DAP-K faces leadership crisis as Natembeya and Wamalwa allies clash, prompting crisis talks. Meanwhile, DP Gachagua critiques Raila's leadership, dismissing the "cousin" narrative and accusing him of seeking power without responsibility.
Kenya faces losing CHAN and AFCON hosting rights due to fan misconduct, as Harambee Stars thrill crowds with crucial wins under Coach McCarthy, nearing a quarter-final spot. Separately, the U-20 Lacrosse team seeks government funding for a global championship, while athletes begin preparations for major cross-country and marathon events.
Detectives have found more graves near Shakahola Forest, with fresh evidence also delaying the main murder trial. Separately, the EACC plans to arrest several governors over corruption. Road accidents have claimed 2,933 lives since January, prompting government action, while a matatu crash in Kericho was linked to alleged police misconduct. The government will aid 200 families displaced by fires in Nairobi. Moi University lecturers have issued a strike notice over unpaid salaries and unfulfilled CBA terms. Lastly, one man died in police custody in Kakamega, and a court ordered a GSU officer's exhumation in Migori for further investigation.
The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has announced an increase in tariffs for services at the Port of Mombasa, set to take effect from September 15, 2025. Separately, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced significant tax exemptions on gratuity payments for certain employees, effective July 1, 2025, as introduced through the Finance Act, 2025. Additionally, Kenya plans to fund the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) expansion by issuing a Ksh175.75 billion ($1.36 billion) securitised bond next month. This funding strategy leverages the airport's revenues to attract investment rather than relying on traditional sovereign debt.
Homicide detectives have discovered new shallow graves containing human remains in Kwa Binzaro village, near Shakahola Forest, where over 400 individuals died in a doomsday cult tragedy. The discovery was made on August 11 following a public tip-off. In a related development, the DCI in Kilifi uncovered seven shallow graves containing human bones and skulls in the same village. Meanwhile, the High Court in Mombasa has adjourned the murder trial of preacher Paul Nthenge McKenzie and 28 co-accused. The prosecution announced the discovery of fresh evidence which could introduce more suspects and witnesses to the case.
President William Ruto announced several initiatives aimed at youth employment during International Youth Day celebrations in Kakamega. He announced the establishment of a new Youth Enterprise Investment Bank to provide financing, credit guarantees, and capacity building for youth-led businesses. The government also plans to train 90,000 young people and certify 20,000 others under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project to combat unemployment. Additionally, President Ruto issued a Sh163 million cheque to support 816 young Kenyans traveling abroad for work under the Kazi Majuu programme, with the funds set to cover airfares, visas, and settlement costs.
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced over 15,000 vacancies for teachers and school administrators, with applications closing on August 25. This recruitment aligns with new promotion guidelines valid until June 30, 2026. As this occurs, lecturers at Moi University have issued a seven-day strike notice to begin on August 20, 2025, citing failure to pay June and July salaries and non-implementation of the 2021–2025 CBA. Separately, the government plans to alter payslips for teachers to address double deductions for medical insurance, according to Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary in the State Department of Basic Education.
Several companies are undertaking new initiatives in Kenya. Low-cost retailer Jaza is embarking on a significant expansion and is actively seeking new store locations across the country. In the financial services sector, Old Mutual has launched Lady Anchor, a proposition designed to address the gender gap by bundling insurance solutions with financial education for Kenyan women. Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki met with Tatu City leadership, including Rendeavour CEO Stephen Jennings, to discuss boosting Kenya’s investment climate via Special Economic Zones and reforming the coffee sector.
Under head coach Benni McCarthy, Kenya's Harambee Stars secured a 1-0 victory over Morocco in the CHAN tournament, despite playing with 10 men. This win followed a 1-1 draw with Angola where the team also had a numerical disadvantage, and it puts them on the verge of a historic quarter-final place. Footballer Boniface Muchiri was overwhelmed by the historic turnout of 48,000 fans, which he said played a crucial role in the victory. However, Kenya is at risk of losing its hosting rights for the quarterfinals due to fan misconduct, with CAF warning of severe penalties. Consequently, the Kenya Fans Association is demanding ticketing transparency from CAF and FKF for the upcoming match against Zambia, citing past security breaches.
Police in Kilifi County are investigating new deaths at Kwa Binzaro, near the Shakahola Forest, potentially linked to a cult. The investigation follows the discovery of human bones and skulls in Kwa Binzaro. In the Kwa Binzaro area of Chakama Ranch, three shallow graves containing fresh human bones and skulls were found. This discovery has intensified concerns and led police to re-examine deaths associated with the Shakahola cult.
A coalition of Civil Society Organizations, child rights advocates, and health experts have expressed support for Kenya's proposed new national policy on alcohol and drug control. Community organizations have also voiced strong support for the proposed National Alcohol and Drug Control Policy 2025, signifying a united front in addressing substance abuse. Civil groups are backing the 2025 policy, urging a united approach and emphasizing responsible action to address alcohol and drug abuse.
The Harambee Stars are determined to decisively defeat Zambia in their upcoming match on Sunday at Kasarani. The team has a strong performance record with three unbeaten games and a quarterfinals ticket already secured. Following a crucial victory, Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya publicly pledged to cover three months' rent for the team's goalkeeper in recognition of his exceptional performance. As Kenya prepares to host CHAN 2025, the nation is being urged to become "World Class Fans" to ensure the tournament's success. This support is also aimed at safeguarding Kenya's reputation for future events like AFCON 2027.
