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5 storiesCBK proposes a 1 billion shillings minimum core capital for guarantors. Meanwhile, a committee will review former KCC workers' 204.4 million shillings dues. The UK government considers aid for JLR suppliers after a cyber-attack.
Two people died and 200 families were displaced by a fire in Mukuru kwa Reuben, Nairobi. President Ruto's Affordable Housing Project faces scrutiny over alleged favoritism towards police and teachers, even as Ghana considers adopting its financing model. Archbishop Ole Sapit criticized the administration for corruption and unemployment, calling for resignations. Senators are pushing for CBK and the Auditor General to access county bank accounts. EPRA plans a fuel tariff review, potentially impacting consumer prices. Internationally, Kenya is close to signing a five-year duty-free trade deal with the US, and President Ruto championed UN reform at the UNGA while receiving an award for housing efforts.
Kenya and Ethiopia have signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement to enhance collaboration in addressing regional security challenges and facilitate rapid intelligence sharing. In a separate development, Kenya is on track to sign a new bilateral trade agreement with the United States by December to provide a safety net for its textile and apparel sectors. In another partnership, Kenya and California agreed to establish Africa's first Centre of Excellence on Clean Transport Systems in Nairobi, a deal made during the UN General Assembly. Additionally, Kenya and France announced they will co-host the “Africa Forward: Africa–France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth” Summit in Nairobi on May 11–12, 2026. This summit aims to foster innovation and mutual cooperation.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua cut short a trip to the United States last month to prepare for upcoming by-elections in Kenya. This decision highlights his focus on consolidating his political party, DCP, ahead of the 2027 general elections. Separately, the Wiper Patriotic Front, led by former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, announced it will contest 10 elective positions in the upcoming November by-elections. Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku intensified campaigns in Mbeere North, Embu County. They urged residents to support the Kenya Kwanza government and reject the opposition ahead of the parliamentary by-election in the area.
Bolt has officially launched Bolt Send, its parcel delivery service, in Kenya, offering a faster, more affordable, and fully trackable solution for sending goods. This new service allows users to request deliveries through the existing Bolt app, with parcels handled by vetted driver-partners. The company is now expanding the Bolt Send service to Mombasa and Kakamega, leveraging its existing ride-hailing infrastructure to capitalize on Kenya's e-commerce market. In a separate business expansion, Sinotruk Kenya Limited has partnered with local assembler Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers (KVM). This partnership will begin the local assembly of Sinotruk's commercial vehicles to meet surging demand in the Kenyan market and reduce delivery times.
Google is integrating its Gemini AI into smart televisions, transforming TVs into interactive assistants that can understand conversational language for content recommendations and daily tasks. Similarly, Samsung has launched the Galaxy S25 FE in Kenya, a device that provides premium AI tools and features at a competitive price point of Ksh 99,999. To support such technology, Samsung Research has unveiled TRUEBench (Trustworthy Real-world Usage Evaluation Benchmark). TRUEBench is a new proprietary testing suite designed to assess how AI models perform in practical business scenarios. The benchmark aims to evaluate AI performance beyond traditional academic measures.
CBK proposes a 1 billion shillings minimum core capital for guarantors. Meanwhile, a committee will review former KCC workers' 204.4 million shillings dues. The UK government considers aid for JLR suppliers after a cyber-attack.
Senator Karen Nyamu's outfit sparked decorum debate in Senate. Rammzy won joint custody of his sons. Magix Enga posted a cryptic suicide message, while Pastor Kanyari recalled abandonment after the "Mbegu ya 310" scandal. Azziad's post hinted at Kilimani house auction, and Marya reflected on illness and friendship.
Nominees for state jobs have been exploiting a loophole by declaring net worth without verification. Meanwhile, Raila Odinga's shifting political stance has the Ruto camp concerned about succession politics. Separately, Deputy President Gachagua has set strict conditions for coalition partners seeking Mt Kenya support in future elections.
Kenya placed second at the World Athletics Championships with 11 medals. In local sports, Kenya Defence Forces won the third leg of the league championships in Nakuru, but Kenya Police still lead the overall standings.
OnePlus phones are vulnerable to an SMS bug. Sinotruk and KVM partnered for local truck assembly to meet demand, while Bolt expanded its parcel delivery to Mombasa and Kakamega. YouTube will reinstate channels, and PayPal is investing 100 million US dollars in MEA. Google integrated Gemini AI into smart TVs.
A Nairobi fire in Mukuru kwa Reuben killed two and displaced 200 families. Meanwhile, President Ruto's Affordable Housing Project faces a petition for allegedly favoring police and teachers, even as Ghana considers replicating its financing model. Archbishop Ole Sapit criticized Ruto's administration over corruption and unemployment, demanding resignations. Senators want CBK and Auditor General to access county bank accounts. EPRA plans to review fuel tariffs, which could affect consumer prices. Internationally, Kenya is nearing a five-year trade deal with the US, providing duty-free access for Kenyan goods, while President Ruto used the UN General Assembly to advocate for UN reform, African representation, and was honored for housing efforts.
At the 80th United Nations General Assembly, President William Ruto warned that the UN must adapt or risk irrelevance, calling for a modernized Security Council. Leading a push by African nations, Ruto intensified calls for permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He strongly advocated for Africa's representation, demanding two permanent seats with full veto rights. The President highlighted that African issues dominate the UNSC's agenda despite the continent lacking a permanent seat. During the assembly in New York, Ruto was also honored as the Global Champion of Adequate Housing for All. Following his address, he met with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss security, including the situation in Haiti.
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested for desecrating the Kenyan flag during a CAF Champions League match between Mogadishu City Club and Kenya Police FC. The incident occurred on September 20 at Nyayo Stadium and was captured on video, which subsequently went viral and sparked widespread outrage. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed they arrested the suspect linked to the act. Following the event, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen threatened to deport foreigners who disrespect the national flag. The calls for action arose after the video circulated widely online.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has proposed new regulations that will require credit guarantee companies to maintain a minimum core capital of Sh1 billion, a move aimed at strengthening oversight. Separately, the Kenyan government has implemented a new structured evaluation framework to vet all foreign airline market access requests, moving away from ad hoc approvals to safeguard national interests. To diversify exports, Kenya also launched its inaugural specialty orthodox tea auction in Mombasa, which aims to boost the country's orthodox tea production and international trade. Additionally, an inter-ministerial committee has been established to resolve the outstanding terminal benefits and MAZIWA Sacco dues totaling Sh204.4 million owed to former Kenya Co-operative Creameries (KCC) workers from a dispute that began in 1999.
The Nyanza Region BingwaFest extravaganza is set to begin today at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya, where over 500 athletes will compete for a prize pool exceeding Sh6 million. In golf, the inaugural Nanyuki Open is scheduled to start tomorrow at Nanyuki Sports Club as a new addition to the NCBA Kenya Amateur Golf Championship circuit. In boxing, Praxides Anyango is set to defend her Pugilist Syndicate of Tanzania (PST) title against Flora Machela on October 10 in Nairobi. On the football front, the Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) is targeting promotion to the SportPesa Premier League in the next National Super League season. Meanwhile, Ulinzi Stars have moved to the top of the SportPesa League table with four points after a 0-0 draw against Kariobangi Sharks.
The new Social Health Authority (SHA) is facing multiple challenges. Expectant mothers are stranded as hospitals under the RUPHA program are reportedly refusing services to SHA beneficiaries. A citizens' forum, Bunge la Mwananchi, has also raised concerns that patients covered under SHA are being denied essential medical services. Concurrently, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) has rejected a government directive requiring teachers to fund their medical expenses through the SHA scheme. Furthermore, former employees of the disbanded National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) are in limbo after failing to secure re-employment with the new authority.
The government is facing scrutiny over its handling of several recent incidents. Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen defended President William Ruto's announcement of a Kenyan policeman's death in Haiti before the family was informed, drawing criticism over communication protocol. Separately, the government is under scrutiny regarding the whereabouts of an individual named Kabiru. In another case, the family of Simon Warui is demanding justice following his mysterious death while in police custody.
Lecturers and university staff in Kenya are on a nationwide strike, which has entered its ninth consecutive day and disrupted learning across the country. The striking staff have vowed not to return to work until their demands for a Ksh 7.9 billion payment are met and have reportedly stormed the Treasury as the strike entered its second week. Separately, lecturers from Dedan Kimathi University are urging the government to honor the 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). They are awaiting the implementation of this long-standing agreement.
