President Ruto has urged MPs to fast-track an Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund to alleviate debt, also announcing free national ID card replacements to boost voter registration. This push comes amidst a slow start to continuous voter registration, previously highlighted by former CS Matiang'i. In other news, four people have died from cholera in Narok, while a grenade attack in Mandera injured two teachers and another individual. The KDF has completed an assessment of its AU troops in Somalia. Separately, President Ruto plans to inaugurate a new State Lodge in Meru by December 2025.
The Wiper Party has refuted claims by ODM that Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua were spreading misinformation about Raila Odinga's health for political gain. This comes as Nyali MP Mohammed Ali indicated a potential shift from President William Ruto's UDA party to a possible alliance with Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua, who are forming an opposition front for the 2027 General Election. Following this, Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi criticized Nyali MP Mohamed Ali for associating with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, warning it could end his political career. Sudi labeled Ali an opportunist and questioned Gachagua's ability to mentor due to his perceived incompetence. These developments are occurring amidst speculation surrounding Raila Odinga's recent travel and the postponement of the ODM's 20th anniversary celebrations.
President William Ruto has directed Members of Parliament to urgently legislate an Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund to support Kenya's development without relying heavily on debt. The President also announced plans to construct a new State Lodge in Meru Town by December 2025, part of a broader effort to upgrade the region and establish Meru as Kenya's sixth city. Separately, at the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church’s centenary celebrations in Vihiga County, President Ruto demanded recognition for a Sh10 million donation he had made. He also pledged an additional Sh50 million for a new PAG headquarters while suggesting that the lack of acknowledgment could affect future funding.
Kenya's Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive has experienced a slow start, registering only 7,048 new voters in its first week since its launch by the IEBC on September 29. This is significantly below the target of 6.3 million new voters for the 2027 General Election. In light of the low numbers, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i has called upon Kenyan youth to register in large numbers, emphasizing the potential for active citizenship to influence the nation's direction. Concurrently, President Ruto announced a review of the ID replacement fee, an action aimed at ensuring voter registration access.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's secretariat strongly refuted claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding Mr. Odinga's health, labeling them as "false, malicious, and politically motivated." The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) made similar denials, asserting that Odinga is in good health. It was confirmed that Odinga is in the United Kingdom actively performing his duties. Separately, the Wiper Democratic Movement strongly refuted claims by the ODM that its leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, was responsible for spreading misinformation about Odinga's health. Wiper accused ODM of engaging in "political theatre" and attempting to divert attention from internal issues.
President William Ruto announced plans to establish an Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund to secure Kenya's long-term economic stability and promote prudent investment of public resources. In a separate initiative, the government's Affordable Housing Programme will provide 580 new housing units to Gichugu Technical and Vocational College (TVC) in Kirinyaga County, addressing student accommodation challenges. Additionally, a new digitized recruitment system implemented under President Ruto's administration has enabled a qualified teacher, Steven Nzomo, to secure a job with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) after a nine-year wait. Nzomo had been qualified since 2013 and benefited from the new system.
Several technology companies have recently unveiled new initiatives and products in Kenya. The TechTrends AI Breakfast Forum in Nairobi brought together leaders to discuss AI's applications and challenges in Africa. In a separate move, TikTok partnered with the Kenyan government to expand its #LevelUpAfrica program, aiming to upskill 3,000 creators. Furthermore, itel launched its SUPER 26 Ultra smartphone in Machakos, a device priced under $175 with features like a curved display and a 6000mAh battery. Safaricom Business also convened over 50 senior IT and security executives in Nairobi to present its Managed Security Operations Centre (MSOC) as a solution for enterprise cybersecurity.
President William Ruto has urged Kenyan youth to register as voters in the ongoing nationwide exercise, emphasizing their crucial role while speaking in Meru County. Similarly, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiangi expressed concern over the low voter registration turnout, urging young people to participate. Former Chief Justice David Maraga also called upon Christians to actively participate in elections, calling it a spiritual and civic responsibility. These calls come as efforts to encourage Kenyans to register are intensifying at the grassroots level due to low turnout and minimal participation in the exercise so far.
The 4th edition of The Senate Mashinani session has commenced in Busia County to evaluate the progress of county development and focus on devolution in Kenya. The event is featured live on KTN News Kenya. Coinciding with the session, the Treasury is set to launch a capacity-building program in Busia. This initiative is aimed at enhancing county development plans (CIDPs). The program also seeks to improve monitoring and evaluation capabilities at the county level.
Teachers across Kenya are demanding private health insurance and rejecting the current Social Health Authority (SHA) health cover. Despite this, President William Ruto has defended the effectiveness of the SHA scheme, stating more Kenyans are benefiting from specialized medical treatment compared to the previous NHIF system. Meanwhile, five individuals have been arrested in connection with a fraudulent SHA payment scheme. A Vihiga health center was implicated in claiming Ksh 4.9 million instead of a legitimate Ksh 18,000.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has threatened to mobilize doctors for a nationwide strike starting this coming Monday. The threat comes as the ongoing doctors' strike in Kiambu County has entered its fifth month, with KMPDU alleging that over 670 fatalities have occurred. In response, KMPDU is calling for the dissolution of the county government. Separately, the National Pharmaceutical Distributors Association has issued a warning about a significant shortage of essential medicines, attributing the scarcity to procurement disruptions that could affect over 21,000 types of drugs.
Kenya has narrowly avoided immediate sanctions from the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), receiving a four-month grace period to fully comply with clean sport regulations. The decision came after intense diplomatic efforts to save the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) from suspension. Amidst these ongoing allegations and despite the reprieve, track and road star Edward Zakayo has announced he is quitting athletics. His departure is noted as casting a shadow over the country's fight against doping. In a related context, there is a call for Kenyan male runners to significantly increase their effort and determination to secure gold medals at global athletics competitions.
CDF faces a 2.2 billion Kenyan Shillings tax arrears demand from KRA. Separately, Gichugu TVC in Kirinyaga will get 580 affordable housing units. Meanwhile, Victoria Cruises Line is accused of defrauding customers globally by failing to deliver promised cruises.
President Ruto urges youth to register as voters for 2027 polls, emphasizing performance-based leadership. Meanwhile, Raila Odinga's health is a key political debate, with his secretariat and Wiper dismissing claims by Rigathi Gachagua and ODM. Gachagua is also backing a candidate in the Magarini by-election, challenging ODM and UDA.
NTT DATA acquired EXAH to boost Salesforce and AI services across MEA. Meanwhile, the itel S26 Ultra was recognized as a top affordable curved-display phone at the Nairobi TechTrends AI Forum, highlighting demand for budget-friendly premium designs.
President Ruto urged MPs to fast-track an Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund to reduce debt, also announcing free national ID card replacements to boost voter registration. This comes as continuous voter registration sees a slow start, with former CS Matiang'i also urging youth to register. Meanwhile, four people have died from cholera in Narok, while a grenade attack in Mandera injured two teachers and another person. KDF has assessed its AU troops in Somalia, and Ruto plans a new State Lodge in Meru by December 2025.
