The NTSA has launched a crackdown on reckless drivers, particularly those ferrying students, with law enforcement directed to make arrests. President Ruto affirmed that primary healthcare services will be free under UHC. Meanwhile, concerns grow over US reciprocal tariffs impacting Kenyan textile exports, alongside a 3 million US dollar deal to lobby US officials. The CBK introduced a new risk-based loan pricing model and SASRA outlined 10 requirements for SACCO license renewals. Over 770 health facilities were closed for non-compliance. CS Duale faces resignation calls over alleged SHA fraud, while Tharaka Nithi Governor Njuki faces impeachment threats from healthcare workers. The EACC arrested fake anti-corruption officers in South Nyanza.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched a nationwide crackdown on reckless driving, specifically ordering police to arrest drivers and passengers of vehicles transporting students in violation of traffic laws. This is part of the ‘Watoto Wafike Salama’ campaign. The Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) also launched a nationwide crackdown on Wednesday, August 27, targeting both small-scale shops and large supermarkets for the illegal sale and supply of sugar. In the capital, the Nairobi County Government is intensifying its crackdown on illegal waste dumping, threatening to revoke licenses and prosecute Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and Private Service Providers (PSPs) who violate regulations.
Kembi Gitura, former Murang’a Senator, has resigned as Board Chairman of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) after just eight months, citing personal and political conflicts. His resignation, effective Tuesday, is also attributed to his long-standing opposition to President William Ruto’s administration and its policies. In a separate event, a group of legislators operating under the ‘Kenya Moja’ political group gave Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale a 48-hour ultimatum to resign. Led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the group cited alleged fraud amounting to billions of shillings at the Social Health Authority (SHA) as the reason for their demand.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested fourteen teenagers, aged 12 to 19, in connection with a gang-related murder and identified seven Nairobi estates as hotspots for teen radicalisation. In South Nyanza, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) dismantled a syndicate of fake anti-corruption officers, arresting seven individuals in an extortion scheme. Detectives also arrested three suspects from a gang responsible for violent robberies in Nyamira and Kisii Counties, including an attack on a 96-year-old grandmother. Additionally, the EACC arrested a senior accountant of the Siaya County Government for allegedly embezzling close to Ksh100 million through fraudulent allowances.
The Senate has commenced impeachment hearings against Kericho Governor Eric Mutai, who was impeached by the Kericho County Assembly on August 15. Governor Mutai has pleaded not guilty to three charges: gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and gross misconduct. He has assembled a legal team led by prominent lawyer Katwa Kigen to defend him against the allegations. During a plenary hearing on the impeachment, former Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba was blocked from entering the Senate chambers, despite presenting a court order that reinstated her position.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of introducing a "high level of corruption" into the National Assembly, claiming the president lacks the moral authority to address the issue. Gachagua alleged Ruto is "leading from the front" in corrupt practices. While defending his recent US tour, Gachagua also revealed details of a pre-2022 election pact with President Ruto concerning government positions. Separately, lawmakers from Kenya Moja, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, are demanding the immediate resignation of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. The legislators also called for Social Health Authority (SHA) board chair Mohamed Abdi to step down over alleged multibillion-shilling fraud at the SHA. The group has demanded a Commission of Inquiry into the agency within 48 hours.
As Kenya celebrated its inaugural Constitution Day, President William Ruto emphasized the critical need to eradicate corruption to achieve constitutional goals and urged county governors to devise new strategies for increasing revenue. However, a new report indicates that 15 years after its implementation, the constitution's execution has been marked as "bittersweet," with several crucial articles not fully observed. Civil society organizations expressed grave concerns about what they deem significant shortcomings in its implementation, claiming key constitutional provisions are being undermined. These organizations also allege that the government's constitutional celebrations are a tactic by the President to distance himself from accusations of human rights violations.
President William Ruto has vowed that the government will apprehend and prosecute individuals or hospitals involved in corruption within the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scheme. The President warned that the government will not remain silent while billions of shillings are lost due to fraudulent activities. Following these accusations, demands have been made for Health Minister Aden Duale and leaders of SHA to resign. The Kenya Moja union has also raised concerns about alleged corruption within the SHA health insurance system. This comes amid growing accusations of mismanagement and fraudulent activities in the healthcare sector.
In Kwa Binzaro village, Kilifi County, a total of 19 bodies have been exhumed. Six more bodies were exhumed in the second week of the operation, bringing the total number recovered to 19. The headline "Miili 19 yafukuliwa kwenye kichaka cha Kwa Binzaro" also confirms 19 bodies have been unearthed in the thicket. Kilifi is grappling with these discoveries, which are linked to religious extremism. The ongoing exhumation exercise continues to uncover more remains.
Kenya Airways reports a 12.15 billion Kenyan Shillings half-year loss due to grounded aircraft and supply chain issues. Meanwhile, UBA Kenya seeks a capital injection from its parent company to meet the Central Bank of Kenya's 3 billion shillings minimum capital requirement.
Akothee and Mungai Eve have suspended projects citing burnout and depression, as Noti Flow's relationship faces challenges. Meanwhile, Boniface Mwangi eyes the 2027 presidency.
Kenya Moja leaders want Duale, SHA bosses to quit over fraud claims. Gachagua accuses Ruto of entrenching corruption in Parliament. Kericho Governor Mutai pleads not guilty as his impeachment trial begins. Parliament summons PS Korir over Ol Kiombo land saga as Senators oppose Treasury's centralised county revenue system.
Harambee Stars preps for World Cup qualifiers, with McCarthy naming the squad. Kenya Police Bullets face Kampala Queens in CAF Champions League qualifiers. Kenyan athletes are set for the Tokyo World Athletics Championships. The CHAN 2024 trophy toured Standard Group HQ. Ruiru and Nyali golf clubs hosted successful tournaments.
Kenya benefits from a new broadband mapping project to close the digital divide, as Finnfund invests $4 Million in Poa Internet for network expansion. TikTok has launched Artist tools in Kenya, while M-TIBA received ethical business certification. Mastercard now supports USDC/EURC stablecoin settlements in EEMEA.
The NTSA has launched a crackdown on reckless drivers, especially those transporting students, with law enforcement ordered to make arrests. President Ruto directed Kenyans not to pay for primary healthcare services, emphasizing UHC. Meanwhile, concerns rise over US reciprocal tariffs affecting Kenyan textile exports and a USD 3 million deal to lobby US officials. The CBK introduced a new risk-based loan pricing model and SASRA detailed 10 requirements for SACCO license renewals. Over 770 health facilities have been closed for non-compliance. CS Duale faces calls to resign over alleged SHA fraud, while Tharaka Nithi Governor Njuki faces impeachment threats from healthcare workers. EACC arrested fake anti-corruption officers in South Nyanza.
