President Ruto launched a free medical services program for 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans, as a Kenyan police officer was killed in Haiti, prompting a UK travel advisory for some counties. The Controller of Budget reported 220 billion Kenyan Shillings in irregular county salary payments. KNEC directed Grade 9 talent-based placements, and CS Murkomen assured fair police recruitment.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting transparent by-elections for 24 seats nationwide on November 27, 2025. IEBC Chairperson Edung Ethekon met with Returning Officers to review operational and logistical readiness for the polls. Concurrently, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has mandated seven requirements for political parties to follow to ensure orderly electoral processes. In a related development, the United Opposition Alliance is facing challenges in the Malava parliamentary by-election, scheduled for the same date, due to internal divisions over their candidate.
President Ruto orders counties to make UHC staff permanent. Meanwhile, Homa Bay, Kitui, and Nakuru counties hold the most bank accounts, raising fiscal control concerns. Treasury insists on e-procurement, and the NSE increases derivative margins for risk management.
Maraga rules out working with Ruto, open to Gachagua alliance. Rev Natasha shares emotional prayer amid separation rumours. Presenter Ali addresses alleged breakup with wife Medina.
DP Gachagua's potential 2027 bid to challenge President Ruto is stirring Mt Kenya politics, even as CS Wahome hits back at Gachagua's "flower girl" remarks. Meanwhile, political parties face internal wrangles as the countdown to by-elections begins, with UDA yet to name its Malava candidate.
Samsung launched the budget Galaxy A17 with a Gemini AI button and new Buds Core in Kenya, while its One UI 8 update timeline hints at future availability. Xbox Game Camp Africa returns, boosting game development for African studios. Africa's streaming market sees growth but foreign content dominates.
President Ruto launched the Social Health Authority (SHA) Sponsorship Programme, offering free medical services for 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans, with DP Kindiki affirming government commitment. Meanwhile, a Kenyan police officer was killed in Haiti, with another missing, while the UK issued a travel advisory for some Kenyan counties due to security risks. The Controller of Budget flagged 220 billion Kenyan Shillings in irregular salary payments by 39 counties exceeding the 35% wage bill limit. KNEC has directed placement of Grade 9 learners with talents into senior schools, and CS Murkomen assured fair police recruitment.
President William Ruto has launched the Social Health Authority (SHA) Sponsorship Programme, which will provide free medical services to over 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans. This new SHA cover is for Kenyans who cannot afford premiums and it replaces the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The initiative, announced on Friday, September 19, at State House, Nairobi, is part of the country's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki affirmed the government's commitment to expanding health coverage under SHA to the vulnerable. The government will pay the monthly contributions for those enrolled in the sponsorship program.
A dispute continues between members of parliament and the government regarding the new Electronic Government Procurement System. Despite a court decision suspending its implementation, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has publicly defended the system. Mbadi insists the plan will proceed as the dispute with MPs intensifies. The Kenyan government has also declared it will not revoke the eGPS system despite court orders and parliamentary directives to halt its implementation. This firm stance was highlighted amidst ongoing national discussions.
Simon Kabu, co-founder of Bonfire Adventures, celebrated his 51st birthday with lavish gifts from his daughter, Maurine Kabu. In a touching display, Maurine gifted her father a remarkable Ksh1 million bouquet. She also gifted him KSh1 million in cash and a fully paid trip to Thailand. In other entertainment news, Tanzanian music star Zuchu has publicly accused the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of withholding her payment for performing at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 final in Nairobi. Separately, Kenyan singer Willy Paul has vehemently denied viral allegations that he sold his entire music catalog for KSh 15 million to fund the purchase of a luxurious Range Rover.
The KUDHEIHA strike has been called off following the payment of Sh2.73 billion. In contrast, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has insisted on proceeding with their strike despite the same Sh2.73 billion payment. The nationwide industrial action by university lecturers has left thousands of students in a state of anxiety. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has criticized the government for its failure to resolve the lecturers' strike. Nyoro attributes the prolonged strike to the government's inability to implement a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the university lecturers.
The inaugural Ask Foundation Basketball Tournament concluded in Nairobi Nyayo Stadium, with the South Sudanese Longhorns and the Starlets crowned as men’s and women’s champions. In darts, M Oriental Bank fought back to defeat National Bank of Kenya 2-1, clinching the 2024 Kenya Interbanks Games title. This victory marks M Oriental Bank’s first championship. George K'Ouma, vice captain of Thika Sports Club, won the Old Mutual Clubnite golf tournament, triumphing over 237 golfers with a score of 69 nett. In the third leg of the National Boxing League in Nakuru, Kenya Defence Forces bantamweight boxer Dennis Muthama defeated reigning national champion Shaffi Bakari of Kenya Police.
Jimi Wanjigi has taken over the leadership of the Safina Party, receiving the instruments of leadership from veteran lawyer Paul Muite in a move signaling his return ahead of the 2027 elections. In preparation for a by-election, the Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) awarded a direct ticket to Seth Ambosini Sindani Panyako to contest the Malava parliamentary seat. Panyako was selected after a scientific poll identified him as the strongest candidate. Meanwhile, questions have emerged over the eligibility of Newton Kariuki, the opposition's choice for the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election. Kariuki's candidacy is in doubt as he reportedly has not resigned from the Devolution Empowerment Party, which sponsored him in 2022.
Kenya has been re-elected for a four-year term to the Postal Operations Council (POC) of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). The re-election occurred at the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Separately, Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has proposed Daniel Katz as the new first deputy managing director, pending approval from the IMF’s Executive Board. In another diplomatic development, a Ugandan official confirmed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is implementing new visa restrictions for Ugandan nationals starting in January 2026. The UAE's move addresses concerns about immigration abuse and criminal activities.
A report indicates that wealthy Kenyans are increasingly investing in passion-driven assets like art and classic cars, signalling a shift from traditional real estate. In the formal market, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has increased initial margin requirements for several single stock and index futures to enhance risk management, effective September 19, 2025. On the public finance side, it was revealed that Kenyan county governments operated 5,476 commercial bank accounts as of June 30. This is despite regulations requiring most funds to be held at the Central Bank. The practice raises concerns about fiscal control and complicates oversight, with Homa Bay, Kitui, and Nakuru counties owning the highest number of accounts.
A joint initiative by UN Women, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the African Union Commission (AUC) is empowering young Kenyan women through the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI). This program focuses on coding and digital entrepreneurship to create a pipeline of female tech talent. Separately, Google is offering free one-year subscriptions to its Gemini Advanced AI for university students in eight African countries, aiming to integrate AI tools into the continent's tech ecosystem. Furthermore, Xbox Game Camp Africa is returning for its third edition in 2025. This 12-week studio program is designed to support pre-selected professional studios across Africa by helping them develop game prototypes with mentorship from Team Xbox.
