President Ruto has affirmed that e-procurement will proceed nationwide despite court orders, citing anti-corruption efforts, even as courts are urged to halt police recruitment over a payroll dispute. Doctors are demanding a national salary increase and 2024-2025 arrears. Meanwhile, the government is cracking down on rogue boda boda operators, and the World Anti-Doping Agency has given Kenya a 21-day ultimatum on compliance. KeNHA is demolishing structures along the Kisumu-Busia highway for expansion, affecting traders. In relief for farmers, 2.65 billion Kenyan Shillings recovered from collapsed banks will be returned to tea farmers. The Teachers Service Commission has issued new exam supervision guidelines for upcoming national exams.
A series of fires has affected several high schools in Kenya. In Kericho County, a dormitory at Cheptenye Boys High School was destroyed by a fire on Thursday afternoon, leaving over 100 students stranded. Similarly, fires have ravaged dormitories in two high schools in Machakos and Makueni counties within a single day. No student injuries were reported in any of the incidents, though property damage was extensive. Authorities have launched investigations into the causes of the fires. A new report by the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) highlights that the majority of Kenyan schools are exposed to significant risks from such disasters due to a severe lack of non-motor insurance coverage.
Lawyers across Kenya held a ‘Purple Ribbon March’ on Friday, September 12, to protest the assassination of their colleague, lawyer Kyalo Mbobu, who was killed on Wednesday evening. The lawyers marched to demand a speedy investigation into his murder. Following this, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has given detectives a seven-day ultimatum to conclude their probe into the lawyer's killing. CCTV footage has reportedly been recovered that reveals the final moments of Lawyer Mbobu before he was killed.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a nationwide crackdown on rogue boda boda riders, directing police to arrest criminals operating within the sector. Concurrently, the police service faces a legal challenge as a public interest group has moved to court to halt the recruitment of 10,000 police officers. The challenge is due to an ongoing dispute over who controls the National Police Service (NPS) payroll. In a separate issue, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has vehemently denied recent allegations of spying on citizens' phones, labeling claims in a Daily Nation article as "false and sensational."
Kenya's political landscape is seeing shifts ahead of future elections. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced its party primaries for upcoming by-elections will take place between September 24 and September 27, 2025. The party aims to select candidates for by-elections scheduled for November 27. More broadly, the country's opposition is navigating internal challenges as it prepares for the 2027 general election. A recent Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) survey also sheds light on the political climate, revealing that nearly one in five Kenyans blame President William Ruto for recent human rights abuses.
A recent TIFA survey reveals widespread economic hardship in Kenya, with most families experiencing falling incomes and surviving on KSh 20,000 or less. The construction sector has seen a sharp slowdown, with the value of building approvals in Nairobi plummeting by over 50% in June 2025 compared to a year earlier due to elevated material costs. In corporate results, Rubis Kenya's first-half sales for 2025 dropped by 7% to KSh 69.1 billion, though the company freed up liquidity by redeeming KSh 5.3 billion in fuel subsidy papers. In contrast, there was strong investor demand for government securities, as the 364-day Treasury Bill was heavily oversubscribed for a second consecutive week.
Treasury officials face summons over the controversial e-Procurement System rollout. Meanwhile, President Ruto has released 2.65 billion Kenyan Shillings to tea farmers affected by bank collapses and KEBS has now approved a second cooking gas cargo for Lake Gas.
Millicent Omanga bought her son a Mercedes for his 20th birthday, while Stevo Simple Boy acquired a Nissan March. Caroline Mutoko shared about her adopted daughter, and Maureen Waititu mourned Charlie Kirk. Patelo denied collabo rumors with Diana B.
Uhuru's Jubilee delegates conference may rekindle rivalry with Gachagua, while ODM postpones its meeting. Separately, governors seek senators' help on a legal stalemate as Ruto launches projects in Siaya gaining praise from Orengo.
Cricket Kenya terminated its contract with Arena of Sports, halting a planned competition. Meanwhile, WBF Africa middleweight champion Rayton Okwiri will fight Uganda's Kenneth Lukyamuzi in Nairobi on October 10. In rugby, South Coast Pirates unveiled ex-KCB star Tony Khadambi as their new head coach.
Verto enhances African cross-border payments, while KQ introduces KQSafari Data roaming. Mdundo paid artists $1 million in royalties. LG and Safaricom partnered for a gaming conference. Samsung launched new Galaxy A-series phones and the Galaxy Watch8 in Kenya, focusing on AI and health.
President Ruto insists e-procurement will proceed nationwide despite court orders, aiming to curb corruption. This comes as courts are asked to halt police recruitment over a payroll dispute. Doctors demand a national salary increase and 2024-2025 arrears after receiving prior payments. The government also targets rogue boda boda operators in a nationwide crackdown. Globally, WADA has issued Kenya a 21-day ultimatum over anti-doping compliance. Meanwhile, KeNHA demolishes structures along the Kisumu-Busia highway for expansion, impacting traders. In positive news for farmers, 2.65 billion Kenyan Shillings recovered from collapsed banks will be returned to tea farmers. TSC has issued new guidelines for national exam supervision ahead of KCSE and KPSEA, with the government confirming no disruption to the 2025 KCSE.
The World Athletics Championships are set to kick off in Tokyo, Japan, marking another major athletics event in the city. At the championships, Kenyan athlete Faith Kipyegon is aiming for her fourth world title in the women's 1,500m, and Emmanuel Wanyonyi will compete in the men's 800m. In Kenya, Kisumu is set to host the Dala Sevens rugby tournament this weekend, which marks the season finale of the National Sevens Circuit. On the golf course, over 130 golfers are set to compete in the Commander Kenya Navy Tournament at the Sea-Link Mombasa Golf Club on Saturday, while Nyeri will host a KCB East Africa Golf Tour leg. Additionally, Kenyan boxer Rayton Okwiri is scheduled to face Uganda's Kenneth Lukwamizi in Nairobi on October 10 for the WBC East and Central Africa super middleweight title.
Three years after its inception, President Ruto's pledge to enhance security is being tested by rising gang and border threats. Experts are issuing warnings about the escalating threat posed by youth gangs to security across Kenya. Critic Brian Otieno has also stated the government has slacked in terms of security. Concurrently, victims of last year's Finance Bill protests and Sabasaba demonstrations are still enduring physical and emotional suffering. Many are still grappling with injuries and scars, with some continuing to require medical and psychological support.
Police operations have resulted in significant seizures of illicit substances across Kenya. In a major drug bust led by Nacada in Homa Bay, bhang valued at Ksh 5 million was uncovered hidden in student hostels. Police in Homa Bay also confiscated bhang worth KSh 5 million from university dormitories. In Eldoret, police intercepted bhang worth an estimated Ksh 30 million while searching for illegal alcohol. The deadly impact of illicit substances was highlighted in Kinoo, where seven youths tragically died after consuming illicit liquor, sparking furious protests among residents.
Samsung has released several new devices into the Kenyan market. The budget-friendly Galaxy A07 4G smartphone was released, offering significant upgrades and long-term software support for an entry-level device. Concurrently, the Samsung Galaxy A17 5G has quietly launched, with listings appearing at various retailers. In another update, the affordable Samsung Galaxy A26 5G, retailing for approximately Ksh 26,000, now supports Galaxy AI features previously exclusive to flagship models. Completing the product rollout, Samsung also launched its new Galaxy Watch8 series in Kenya, which shifts its focus to comprehensive health monitoring and proactive self-care.
The President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Faith Odhiambo, led protests to condemn the murder of advocate Kyalo Mbobu. Lawyers in Kilifi also staged protests following the recent killing of the advocate in Nairobi. These demonstrations, which included politicians who are also lawyers, were a reaction to Kyalo Mbobu being shot eight times earlier this week. The incident and subsequent protests have highlighted concerns for the safety of legal practitioners in the country. The outrage has been strongly felt within the legal community.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced its candidates for the by-elections scheduled for November 27, promising an extensive campaign. This announcement comes as the party is reportedly embroiled in internal turmoil marked by accusations and political maneuverings across the nation. In a related development, the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) in Kilifi is urging youth to register in large numbers. The NCCK wants them to actively participate in the upcoming by-election.
