The High Court has temporarily halted President Ruto's new anti-graft team following a legal challenge, even as Senators demand Ruto appears before Parliament over alleged 150 million Kenyan Shillings bribery claims. In other Senate news, Gloria Orwoba’s expulsion was reversed by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, despite her replacement being sworn in. Moi University lecturers are on strike, jeopardising first-year admissions, over a stalled 8.6 billion Kenyan Shillings pay agreement. Tragically, a fatal head-on collision was reported on a major highway.
A petition was filed by Dr. Magare Gikenyi and three other petitioners challenging the legality of the Presidential Multi-Agency Team on the War Against Corruption (MAT-WAC), arguing that President William Ruto had overstepped his constitutional mandate. Hours after the team's announcement, the High Court in Kenya suspended the president's executive order establishing the taskforce. On Wednesday, August 20, Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued conservatory orders halting the implementation of the Presidential Proclamation. This decision temporarily blocks the initiative to form the multi-agency team, pending determination of the petition challenging its legality.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has launched a KSh 50 billion tap sale of two infrastructure bonds. This action follows the August 2025 infrastructure bond auction, which saw a significant oversubscription where the CBK rejected KSh 228 billion in bids. The CBK's decision to accept only a fraction of the bids was a strategic move to maintain a low-interest rate environment while financing projects. A new CBK survey provides context, revealing an uneven economic recovery in Kenya. The survey found that while sectors like agriculture, finance, and ICT are expanding, the manufacturing and health sectors are struggling with severe liquidity issues and high operational costs.
Several companies have announced new technology-focused initiatives and events. Vertiv is hosting its AI Solutions Innovation Roadshow in Cairo, Egypt, on August 20, 2025, to address the growing AI economy. In Kenya, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ has been launched, designed to support professionals and students with hybrid work. Additionally, Anza Grow Academy has opened applications for its 12-week Cohort 7 program to equip creative and impact-driven founders. Safaricom has also partnered with the Kenya Judiciary to integrate technology and make justice more accessible, a key theme at the 2025 Judges Colloquium in Mombasa.
President Ruto woos Japanese investors for Kenya's economic growth. Old Mutual partners to launch a super cover for boda boda riders. Absa Bank introduces a Shariah-compliant account for women entrepreneurs. Kakuzi reports a significant half-year profit of 295.5 million shillings, driven by macadamia and blueberries despite an avocado slump.
Kenya Power announced nationwide outages. Baba Dogo Grounds, a key Nairobi football pitch, was secured for public use on President Ruto's directive. Pritty Vishy resumed Ozempic despite Ministry of Health warnings. Jackie Matubia embraced her "intimidating" personality citing it as part of her brand.
MPs demand Ruto be summoned over bribery claims, while former CS Kuria criticizes a new anti-graft team under the presidency. Separately, the Senate will decide Kericho Governor Mutai's impeachment fate. Nurses' strike affects 15 counties, and a new senator was sworn in.
Harambee Stars advance unbeaten to CHAN 2024 quarter-finals, fueled by President Ruto's pledges. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda make historic "Pamoja" progression in the tournament. St Joseph's eye hockey gong retention as St Peter's Mumias win rugby sevens title.
Zipline urges Kenya to adopt a national medical supply chain for equitable healthcare. Meanwhile, Liberty Kenya's H1 net earnings dropped 59% due to higher claims and its Tanzania exit. A new report shows Africa leads global stablecoin adoption, and TECNO is giving away phones and power banks this August.
The High Court has temporarily blocked President Ruto's new multi-agency anti-graft team following a petition challenging its legality. Separately, Senators are demanding Ruto be summoned to Parliament to substantiate claims of up to 150 million Kenyan Shillings in bribes. In Senate news, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal reversed Gloria Orwoba's expulsion despite a replacement being sworn in. Meanwhile, Moi University lecturers are on strike, threatening first-year admissions over a stalled 8.6 billion Kenyan Shillings agreement. Elsewhere, a fatal head-on collision occurred on a major highway.
The Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, along with Haitian officers, conducted a joint anti-gang operation on Tuesday, August 19, in the Dofunor area, forcing local gangs to flee. The operation restored security and allowed rice farmers to access their stores. President William Ruto held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, where discussions primarily focused on supporting the Haiti peacekeeping mission. During the call, President Ruto urged the creation of a United Nations support office to strengthen the MSS mission. Both leaders emphasized the need for a UN Security Council resolution to formally establish such an office.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is offering free motor vehicle inspection services for school transport vehicles as part of its "Watoto Wafike Salama" safety campaign ahead of school reopening. The NTSA also issued a critical advisory to Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators to adhere to safety standards, after random checks revealed issues like faulty speed limiters. Concurrently, the Kenyan government, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched an initiative to curb road accidents by developing a national database. This project will employ big data and digital intelligence to modernize accident recording and investigation.
A rift has emerged between President William Ruto and Parliament after he accused the institution of abetting graft, alleging it has become a "marketplace for extortion." The President specifically claimed the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) accepted bribes to block an anti-money laundering bill. In response, MPs have strongly denied the allegations and demanded that President Ruto provide evidence, with some calling for him to be formally summoned to testify before parliament. Following the president's claims, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) initiated investigations into Members of Parliament and Senators facing allegations of bribery. Separately, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi defended senators against allegations made by the President that some demand bribes of up to Ksh 150 million.
In a historic first for CAF Competitions, co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have all advanced to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. Kenya's Harambee Stars reached the quarter-finals unbeaten, with midfielder Boniface Muchiri's participation helping propel the team. Sudan also advanced to the quarter-finals after a goalless draw with Senegal, topping Group D on goal difference. This set up a potential all-East African final. Conversely, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were eliminated from the tournament despite a 2–0 victory over Congo in their final match, as they finished third in Group D.
Deputy President Gachagua is expected to arrive in the country tomorrow, a move some are calling a new political awakening. The Interior Cabinet Secretary has stated that Gachagua's planned rally at Kamukunji grounds requires prior police clearance and notification for security reasons. Meanwhile, supporters of the DCP are planning a welcome celebration. Members in Nakuru have declared they will not be intimidated from holding the event. In Embu, supporters warned the government they will stage protests if Gachagua is arrested upon his return.
President William Ruto announced the formation of a multi-agency team to spearhead the anti-corruption fight in Kenya. The eleven-member squad was established to coordinate the war on corruption as a whole-of-government approach. However, shortly after its formation, the High Court temporarily halted the special committee. Justice Bahati Mwamiye issued an order preventing the panel from commencing its work. The injunction will remain in effect until a case challenging the committee's legality is heard and determined by the court in September.
The Ministry of Education announced the disbursement of KSh 9.46 billion to support over 300,000 university students. Despite the announcement, some students reported that they had yet to receive the funds less than 24 hours later. The Ministry has also emphasized that all students should pay tuition fees according to the specific rates set by the colleges they join. This directive is aimed at streamlining fee payments. In a separate education-related matter, a discussion has arisen questioning if the 24,000 internship slots proposed for teachers constitute cheap labor.
Content creator Pritty Vishy has revealed she is back on the weight-loss drug Ozempic, despite a warning from the Ministry of Health, after gaining 8kgs post-cosmetic surgery. In another personal disclosure, Shakib Lutaaya revealed his wife, Zari Hassan, suffered a miscarriage in May, which he described as a deeply painful experience. He also addressed why the couple does not follow each other on Instagram, attributing it to Zari's initial unfollow. Additionally, gospel singer Triza Njeri ignited wedding speculation by sharing a viral video of herself in a bridal gown. This follows her public split from husband Karangu Muraya and hints at a potential new relationship while drama continues with Muraya and his alleged second wife, Carol Kim.
