Nairobi County has issued flood warnings, urging residents in low-lying areas to relocate ahead of anticipated heavy rains. President Ruto and Raila Odinga have condemned parliamentary corruption, with Ruto threatening arrests. The Ministry of Health has paused overseas payments under the Social Health Authority (SHA) for 30 days and announced plans to partner with private insurers. Additionally, the government has begun consultations to dual the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway. Suba South MP Caroli Omondi raised concerns that increased government borrowing could limit loan availability for Kenyans, while Chief Justice Koome warned that cyberbullying of judges is eroding public trust in the judiciary.
The Kenyan government has initiated stakeholder consultations for the expansion of the 175-kilometre Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced the public engagement on August 18 for the project, which aims to dual the critical stretch. On the same day, a Guardian Angel bus erupted in flames on the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway at Soysambu, causing significant traffic disruption. In a separate incident in Nairobi, a passenger bus from the Kanash fleet plunged into a ditch on Magadi Road near the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, reportedly after veering off the road while overlapping, leading to major traffic congestion.
Former Siaya County Assembly Clerk, Felix Isaac Olwero, was shot dead by police in a suspected case of mistaken identity on Monday morning at his Whitehouse Resort in Seme, Kisumu County. Olwero was reportedly responding to a break-in at his bar when officers mistook him for a suspect and opened fire. In a separate case, the murder trial against former Pangani officer Ahmed Rashid has resumed at Kibera Law Courts. The hearing, scheduled from August 18 to 22, involves the alleged murder of two teenagers in March 2017. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution has lined up over 15 witnesses to testify in the trial.
President William Ruto has issued strong warnings about rising extortion and corruption within Parliament, stating he will arrest and prosecute any leaders, particularly Members of Parliament and Senators, involved in soliciting bribes. Alongside ODM leader Raila Odinga, he warned that parliamentary committees turning into "extortion rackets" is scaring away investors. In separate announcements, President Ruto also committed to personally funding the upgrade of the Baba Dogo Grounds in Nairobi, a crucial soccer pitch for youth development. This follows an empowerment forum at State House, where the Boda Boda Association refuted claims that youths did not receive motorcycles, asserting that pre-agreed beneficiaries were given them.
At a joint parliamentary meeting with ODM and UDA in Karen, Nairobi, President William Ruto acknowledged his administration's unpopularity, attributing it to reforms like the Social Health Authority (SHA). He stated these reforms are crucial for Kenya's future development. At a joint parliamentary group meeting in Karen, ODM leader Raila Odinga criticized the Kenyan Senate, asserting that Members of County Assemblies are solely responsible for overseeing governors. Separately, during the funeral of pioneer politician Phoebe Asiyo, Odinga hinted strongly at supporting President Ruto's re-election in 2027. He dismissed calls for Ruto to be a one-term leader. Odinga also suggested their political collaboration would extend beyond the next election, expressing confidence in their political longevity.
I&M Group PLC reported a significant financial uplift in the first half of 2025, with profit after tax rising by 36% propelled by an increase in net interest income. The group's profit before tax also rose by 34% to Sh11.7 billion, a growth fueled by strong performance from its regional subsidiaries in Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Mauritius. In other financial news, Absa Bank Kenya disbursed KSh 47 billion in sustainable finance during 2024 as part of its push for green finance initiatives. Meanwhile, Kenyans are increasingly investing in Collective Investment Schemes (CIS), with total Assets Under Management surging by 20.2% to KSh 596.3 billion in Q2 2025. This growth reflects increased investor confidence in the nation's financial landscape.
Kenya's Harambee Stars defeated Zambia 1-0 in a tense Group A match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on August 17, 2025. The victory, secured by a late goal from Ryan Ogam, ensured the team finished their group stage unbeaten and clinched the top spot. As a result of their performance and win against Zambia, Harambee Stars players will each receive Sh3 million from pledges by President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga. President Ruto also commended the Harambee Stars for their breakthrough performance in reaching the quarter-finals. Security was significantly heightened for the match against Zambia's Chipolopolo to prevent crowd trouble. By topping their group, Kenya successfully avoided a quarter-final match against Tanzania in the African Nations tournament.
President William Ruto has vowed to prosecute Members of Parliament involved in corruption. During a joint meeting with ODM and Kenya Kwanza legislators, he publicly accused Parliament of corruption, stating that those involved will be arrested. President Ruto revealed that senators demand up to KSh 150 million from governors appearing before them for questioning. He also alleged that certain MPs accepted bribes totaling Sh10 million to either sink or pass the anti-money laundering legislation. ODM Leader Raila Odinga also issued stern warnings against corrupt legislators.
KNBS reveals rural women twice as likely to own homes. Kenyans flock to MMFs as Absa boosts green finance by 47 billion Kenyan Shillings. I&M Group profit rose 36%. Henbon launches 6th Nairobi project amid housing demand. Poultry sector seeks board for oversight and support. Courts will uphold prenups.
Gospel singer Guardian Angel addresses critics over his marriage to Esther Musila, stating his financial independence earns family respect. Elsewhere, musician Brown Mauzo publicly calls out his baby mama over alleged late-night drunk calls.
President Ruto admits unpopularity, linking it to vital reforms, while Jimi Wanjigi criticizes unbudgeted state payouts. Raila Odinga faults the Senate for over-supervising governors. Meanwhile, Malava faces a political storm after a UDA aspirant died ahead of a by-election.
Harambee Stars topped their CHAN group unbeaten with a 1-0 win over Zambia, securing a home quarter-final. Players will each get 3 million shillings, a motivation acknowledged by FKF and Ruto. Security was heightened at Kasarani. In golf, Ashley Awuor won the Kenya Ladies Open Amateur. Laiser Hill beat Lukenya in FEASSSA basketball.
The government is on high alert for heavy rains, with Nairobi County warning residents in flood-prone areas to relocate due to anticipated deluges. Meanwhile, President Ruto and Raila Odinga have condemned parliamentary corruption, with Ruto threatening to arrest MPs involved in extortion. The Ministry of Health paused SHA overseas treatment payments for 30 days to implement new policies and announced a partnership with private insurers to enhance SHA services. Separately, the government kicked off consultations to dual the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway. Suba South MP Caroli Omondi warned that increased government borrowing could reduce loan availability for Kenyans. Chief Justice Koome also cautioned that rising cyberbullying of judges is eroding public confidence in the courts.
