Tragic road accidents in Gilgil claimed 14 family members, with more injured on the Thika-Garissa Highway, prompting calls to revoke NTSA licenses issued over the last six years. Separately, police shot dead two people in a Nandi land dispute, while the High Court cleared mass police recruitment. KAA assured normal operations despite a strike notice, and two former NCPB officials face charges in a 209 million Kenyan Shillings fraud case. The UN Security Council is set to vote on expanding Kenya's mission in Haiti.
Kenyan Governors have initiated a new confrontation with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, demanding immediate reforms in the health sector due to delays from the Social Health Authority (SHA) in disbursing funds to counties. Separately, President William Ruto defended the Linda Mama program from his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta's tenure, stating his administration learned from it to develop the improved Linda Jamii and Universal Health Coverage programs. Amidst these discussions, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has ignited controversy by proposing a two-child per family policy, during conversations comparing the new Linda Taifa/Linda Jamii initiative with the previous administration's Linda Mama policy.
The Mt Kenya region is experiencing a significant political realignment ahead of the next General Election as questions emerge over who is the region's 'kingpin'. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's potential comeback is challenging Rigathi Gachagua's political influence. Separately, Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje has publicly criticized Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, accusing him of causing disunity among opposition parties. These political shifts are occurring amid concerns over low voter registration turnout for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) aims to register six million new voters, primarily Gen Z, to reach a target of 28 million eligible voters for Kenya's 2027 elections.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), a crucial US-Africa trade deal providing duty-free access, is set to expire this Tuesday, putting thousands of Kenyan garment workers' jobs at risk. Factories such as Shona EPZ, which employs 700 people, are already seeing reduced output and fear potential closures if an extension is not granted. The expiry of the deal would cause Kenya-US trade tariffs to triple, hitting jobs and investors. Amid these concerns, the Trump administration has stated that it supports a one-year renewal of the Agoa deal. Thousands of workers remain in limbo as the deadline approaches.
Thousands of garment workers face job insecurity as the Agoa trade deal with the US, providing duty-free access, expires. Meanwhile, 35 SACCOs risk sanctions over anti-money laundering compliance, and KRA seeks to tax foreign tech firms. KTDA attributes low tea bonuses to a weaker shilling and low demand.
Kenya aims to be Africa's economic anchor by hosting the COMESA Summit in 2025. In entertainment news, forex trader "Kenyan Prince" and designer Bolo Bespoke had a viral clash, while Esther Musila shared heartfelt admiration for her husband, gospel artist Guardian Angel.
Low voter registration, especially among Gen Z, raises concerns for the 2027 elections. Meanwhile, Raila Odinga revamps ODM to protect his strongholds, while Uhuru Kenyatta's potential return challenges Deputy President Gachagua's influence in Mt Kenya. Kiambu DCP aspirants endorse Gachagua for president.
Kenya Police face Sudan's Al-Hilal in CAF Champions League after narrowly advancing. Shabana and Posta Rangers lead the SportPesa league, eyeing the 15 million shillings top prize. Nzoia Sugar and MOFA secured wins in the NSL opener. Nairobi United's Omalla eyes CAF Confederation Cup group stage. Golfer Michael Karanga seeks a third Goty title.
Kenya launches its first plug-in hybrid pickup, the BYD Shark 6, with NCBA financing available. Samsung brings its AI-powered Galaxy S25 FE smartphone to Kenya and rolls out the One UI 8 update for the Galaxy A56 and A36 models. DTB opens a new Kilimani branch. Huawei unveils a new AI-powered logistics platform.
Tragic road accidents claimed 14 family members in Gilgil and injured several on the Thika-Garissa Highway, prompting the Road Safety Association of Kenya to call for revoking all NTSA-issued licenses from the last six years. Separately, two individuals were shot dead by police during a land dispute in Nandi, putting Inspector General Kanja under scrutiny. Meanwhile, the High Court cleared mass police recruitment, and Kenya Airports Authority assured normal operations despite a workers' strike notice. The UN Security Council is set to vote on expanding Kenya's mission in Haiti, and two former NCPB officials face charges in a 209 million Kenyan Shillings fraud case.
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) is cleared to proceed with the recruitment of 10,000 police officers after a petition challenging the process was withdrawn. The recruitment is scheduled to begin on Friday, October 3, and run until Thursday, October 9, across various gazetted centres nationwide. The NPSC has also issued a supplementary document announcing updated and new recruitment centers for the ongoing police constable recruitment. In a separate drive, the Ministry of Public Service has announced a mass recruitment for drivers on permanent and pensionable terms, offering a basic salary of up to Ksh24,000 plus allowances. Eligible Kenyans can apply through the Ministry's portal before October 22, 2025.
A bus crash on the Thika-Garissa highway near Mwingi town on Monday evening, September 29, 2025, injured several passengers after the vehicle lost control and overturned. This incident follows another fatal accident near Kikopey, Gilgil, on Sunday, September 28, where 16 people died. In that crash, 14 members of the same extended family were killed when their 14-seater matatu collided head-on with a truck on the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway. In response to a weekend of fatal crashes that left at least 20 people dead, the Road Safety Association of Kenya (RSAK) has called for the revocation of all driving licenses issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in the past six years.
The U.S. Department of State's 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report has placed Kenya on its Tier 2 list. This ranking indicates that while the government does not fully meet the minimum anti-trafficking standards, it is making significant efforts toward compliance. A recent US report indicates that Kenya remains a significant hub for human trafficking, despite making "significant efforts" to combat the crime. The report highlights persistent gaps, including limited victim protection services and a failure to act against complicit officials. Kenya's placement on the Tier 2 list has been repeated.
Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has secured its largest-ever debt facility, a US$1.5 billion syndicated loan for general corporate purposes. This three-year facility attracted strong demand and achieved more favorable pricing than last year's loan. In another strategic move, the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC) has become a full member of the World Alliance of International Financial Centres (WAIFC), strengthening Nairobi's position as a global financial hub. Separately, strategy firm Eastrise Group has launched its Eastrise Advisory Board to strengthen business ties between Africa and Europe. The board's initiative aims to connect capital and businesses across the two continents.
Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is introducing iris recognition technology for the first time in its voter registration process ahead of the 2027 General Elections. In infrastructure, the country plans to invest Ksh 6.12 billion ($47.26 million) to deploy 10,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to address the current shortage. On the commercial front, TECNO has launched its official online store, ke-store.tecno.com, in Kenya, offering a direct platform for purchasing devices on a click-and-collect basis for now. Meanwhile, Safaricom confirmed its Fuliza service is experiencing a technical issue preventing users from repaying loans and has stated that a fix is underway.
President William Ruto has affirmed that the new Social Health Authority (SHA) health insurance scheme is a superior replacement for the previous Linda Mama program. He stated that the new initiative, also called Linda Jamii, was designed from lessons learned from Linda Mama and is "obviously better". The President's comments were a response to his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta. In a related statement, it was claimed that the Uhuru administration left behind a fictitious Ksh.5.6 billion debt related to the Linda Mama program. President Ruto has emphasized the benefits of Linda Jamii, framing it as a significant improvement in national healthcare.
A viral video shows a heated exchange between forex trader Raymond Omosa, also known as Kenyan Prince, and designer Bolo Bespoke, sparking a debate over wealth and status in Kenya. In a separate event, radio host Alex Mwakideu confronted city pastor Robert Burale about his divorce from Mwakideu's sister, Rozina. The confrontation took place during an interview on the Alex Mwakideu TV podcast. Meanwhile, Esther Musila publicly expressed deep admiration and love for her husband, gospel artist Guardian Angel. Her affirmations celebrated their relationship despite public scrutiny over their age difference.
Industrial action by healthcare workers is impacting multiple counties in Kenya. In Siaya, a peaceful protest by nurses outside the governor's office turned violent when armed thugs attacked them as police reportedly watched on. Separately, healthcare workers in Kiambu County are threatening to go on strike due to delayed salaries. The ongoing doctors' strike has already had a devastating impact in Kiambu, where 100 infants have tragically died. This loss highlights the severe consequences of the industrial action on vulnerable populations.
Shabana and Posta Rangers are the early frontrunners in the 2025-2026 SportPesa League, with each team securing six points from their opening matches. The season offers a substantial Sh20 million in prize money, with the champion set to receive Sh15 million. In other league action, KCB Bank Football Club defeated Kariobangi Sharks 1-0, with Richard Omondi scoring the only goal to propel KCB to joint top of the standings. Concurrently, John Baraza has been appointed interim head coach of Bandari FC. This followed the sacking of Ken Odhiambo after Bandari’s 1-0 loss to Shabana FC left them winless after two matches.
