The Education Ministry is investigating school heads over 50,000 "ghost students," a scandal costing billions in capitation, as Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo appeals for help to curb school fires. Transport CS Murkomen has warned politicians, including MPs and governors, against using "goons" in campaigns, threatening arrests. Separately, Kenya plans a 367 billion Kenyan Shillings nuclear project by 2034 and aims to plant 4 million trees in Mau Forest. The Social Health Authority will introduce an AI tool to prevent harmful prescriptions, while President Ruto launched a new Mombasa commuter rail. The High Court ordered the government to pay 1.5 million Kenyan Shillings for unlawful entry denial.
In Nyeri County, seven suspects have been arraigned in a Karatina court in connection with the murder of 75-year-old Joe Rukwarwo in Mathira; they were not required to take a plea as investigations are ongoing. In a separate case, the High Court has ordered the Ministry of Interior to pay a Democratic Republic of Congo national over Ksh1.5 million in compensation for unlawfully denying her entry into Kenya, despite her holding valid travel documents under a new visa waiver agreement. Meanwhile, in New York, a judge has dismissed two terrorism charges against Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The judge ruled that there was insufficient evidence to justify the terrorism-related murder claims.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has threatened a crackdown on politicians hiring "goons" to disrupt by-elections, stating that both the hired individuals and their political sponsors would be apprehended. In a separate matter, Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo appealed for national government intervention regarding escalating school fires, urging security agencies to develop strategies to end the arsons. The governor warned these incidents threaten student safety and could compromise national exams. Additionally, the Ministry of Education has uncovered a massive scandal involving over 50,000 ghost students in secondary schools, which has led to the loss of billions of shillings in government funds. This discovery was made during an ongoing data verification process for education capitation disbursements.
Kenya has launched the National Agroforestry Strategy (2025–2035) and the Kenya Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring Framework (FLRMF) to accelerate ecosystem restoration and promote agroforestry. These strategies aim to bolster climate resilience and sustainable land management. As part of these efforts, Kenya is also launching a 10-year plan to restore the Mau Forest Complex, its largest water tower, beginning with the planting of 4 million tree seedlings in the first phase. In a related development, the annual Africa Regional Centres of Excellence (ArcX) Forum in Nairobi, an EU–Africa partnership initiative, stressed the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in accelerating Africa's green transition and sustainable development.
Nairobi County has launched a renewed crackdown on illegal billboards and visual clutter, targeting major roads including Mombasa Road, Ngong Road, and Waiyaki Way. Advertising firms have been urged to voluntarily remove non-compliant structures or face forced removal and penalties. Separately, Governor Johnson Sakaja explained that the ban on business tents in the Central Business District is a direct response to rising chaos and aims to improve the area's aesthetic. The move is intended to prevent the capital from resembling an open-air market. These administrative actions occur as a recent poll on the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race shows Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as the frontrunner, indicating he is currently more popular than the incumbent Governor Sakaja, particularly among the youth.
President William Ruto's decision to orchestrate the impeachment of his Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, in October of last year has sparked debate. The firing has raised questions about the President's judgment and timing, with some questioning if the ouster was a political miscalculation. Following the impeachment, Gachagua has become a significant critic of the current administration. In a recent event, Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome publicly rebuked the former Deputy President for what she called "baseless and demeaning statements." This came after Gachagua reportedly referred to her as a "flower girl" in the Lands Ministry, claiming she was kept in government merely for a salary.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has cautioned that weak public financial management systems are threatening the continent's development goals, emphasizing a need for stronger budgeting and reporting. In a specific trade issue, Kenya is facing intense pressure to secure the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) before its September 30, 2025 expiration to avoid significant economic repercussions. At the same time, the global competition for critical minerals and rare earth elements is intensifying, with Africa becoming a key focal point in this geopolitical scramble. Amid these challenges, a new report by Velex Advisory has identified the top five African countries that offer the highest Return on Investment for tech startups, highlighting their unique strengths and growth opportunities.
Lecturers from various universities, including Pwani University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), and Kirinyaga University, have initiated a strike threatening to cripple universities across the country. The Unions of Academic Staff (UASU) and University Students (KUSU) are demanding a Sh10.5 billion payout, payment of outstanding debts, and new collective bargaining agreements. Specifically, lecturers at Kirinyaga University demand the release of Sh2.7 billion for the second phase of their 2021/2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Lecturers at Pwani University initiated their strike citing frustration with the government's "empty promises". Dr. Maloba Wekesa, secretary of the UASU-UoN Chapter, stated that lecturers will only resume classes when the money reflects in their accounts.
A Kenyan court has issued an arrest warrant for a British soldier in connection with the murder of Agnes Wanjiru. The killing occurred in Nanyuki, Kenya, over 10 years ago, in 2012. The order was given by Judge Alexander Muteti as Wanjiru's family continues to seek justice. The development, cautiously welcomed by her family, marks a significant breakthrough in the long-running pursuit of justice. The British national now faces an arrest warrant for the alleged murder.
Kenya is drafting new rules to penalize power firms for blackouts. Pressure mounts for AGOA renewal as its September 2025 expiry nears. AfDB warns weak financial systems hinder Africa's development. Government eyes SEZs for growth & jobs. Millers urge consumer awareness on fortified foods. A former Safaricom manager lost a 200 million Kenyan Shillings claim. CMA barred from using media reports for governance assessments.
Celebrities like Khalif Kairo face fraud claims, while musicians Brown Mauzo eyes an MCA seat. Pritty Vishy and other public figures discuss cosmetic surgery and weight loss methods.
DP Gachagua's potential 2027 bid to unseat Ruto is stirring political intrigue, with CS Alice Wahome firing back at his "flower girl" remarks. Meanwhile, parties are facing internal fights as by-election campaigns begin, notably in Malava.
Kenyan football champions will now bag 15 million shillings as the SportPesa League boosts prize money to 20 million shillings. FIFA's Club Benefits Programme offers clubs 45 billion shillings for player releases for the 2026 World Cup. Faith Kipyegon won her fourth 1500m world title, while the Cheruiyots chase gold. Kenya Police Bullets finished third in CECAFA qualifiers.
School heads are under scrutiny as the Education Ministry uncovers 50,000 ghost students, costing billions in capitation. Separately, CS Murkomen warns politicians, including MPs and governors, against hiring "goons" for campaigns, threatening arrests within a month. Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo appeals for help to curb school fires, fearing national exam disruptions. In other news, Kenya plans a 367 billion Kenyan Shillings nuclear project by 2034 to lower electricity costs. The Social Health Authority will introduce an AI tool by 2026 to prevent harmful prescriptions. President Ruto has launched a new commuter rail service in Mombasa to ease urban transport. The High Court has ordered the government to pay 1.5 million Kenyan Shillings to a Congolese national for unlawful entry denial. Finally, Kenya plans to plant 4 million trees in Mau Forest as part of a 10-year restoration plan, alongside new agroforestry and ecosystem restoration strategies.
