The government's Social Health Authority has now included mental health services under its insurance benefits, while Kenya also highlighted the global threat of synthetic drugs. Meanwhile, 2.4 billion shillings has been released for the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme, benefiting 1.2 million Kenyans, as KRA announced a record 85.146 billion Kenyan Shillings in customs tax collection last month. Separately, Kenyatta National Hospital is facing strain due to ongoing doctor strikes in neighbouring counties, causing a patient surge. University students may remain home until next year after salary talks collapsed. In economic news, Kenya converted a 452 billion Kenyan Shillings loan from China to yuan, saving 28 billion Kenyan Shillings annually. The government plans to launch an online platform to sell farmers' produce, starting with coffee, to ensure fair prices. MPs are also pushing to increase cancer coverage from 400,000 to 1 million shillings.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has begun clearing candidates for by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025, across 24 electoral areas. Among those cleared are Boyd Were (ODM) for the Kasipul MP seat and Seth Panyako (DAP-K) for the Malava MP seat. Mr. Panyako was cleared to contest despite a legal challenge. As these preparations unfold, the Elections Observation Group (ELOG) has raised data privacy concerns over the IEBC’s introduction of iris scans in voter registration. ELOG emphasized that a lack of transparent communication on data handling could undermine public confidence.
Fresh talks between the government and university staff unions to resolve an ongoing strike have collapsed, with universities considering extending the current semester. The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) accused the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) of derailing negotiations, leading to concerns that students might remain home until next year. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba addressed the National Assembly regarding the strike and the delayed Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). The strike continues to bite across public universities.
Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia has publicly accused President William Ruto’s administration of deceiving Kenyans and betraying its pre-election promises, stating on Spice FM that he has lost faith in the government's integrity. In a separate criticism, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi faulted county governors for neglecting to implement Senate resolutions intended to curb mismanagement and embezzlement of funds. Kingi emphasized the Senate's role is to ensure accountability, not to create conflict. Meanwhile, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his remarks concerning Raila Odinga. Gachagua also made headlines by dismissing concerns about his political standing, asserting himself as Kenya's present and future political force in contrast to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Safaricom has launched VybCall, Kenya's first Video Ring Back Tone (VRBT) service, in partnership with Huawei. This new service, which is now live, allows users to replace audio ringtones with video clips and operates on Safaricom's VoLTE network. In a separate announcement from its Sustainable Business Report 2025, Safaricom stated its "True Value," which encompasses its economic, social, and environmental impact, has reached KSh 1.1 trillion. This figure is noted as being 16 times greater than the company's financial profit. Meanwhile, Sanlam Kenya has also launched a new tech-driven service called Sanlam Akiba Plus. This mobile-first pension platform is designed to simplify and democratize retirement savings for individuals and businesses in Kenya.
CBK will discuss new funding with IMF after cutting the base lending rate to 9.25% to boost private sector lending. KRA collected a record 85.2 billion shillings in customs taxes. Safaricom invested 153 billion shillings in local suppliers. High Grand Falls Dam will cost up to 348 million shillings; Kussco plans to auction 1.7 billion shillings in properties.
Abel Mutua was robbed in Kahawa West. Ida Odinga addressed Raila's health rumors, stating he is well. Comedian Ofweneke condemned "clout chasing" after artiste Shalkido's death. Esther Musila defended her marriage and Dem Wa Facebook discussed her split with Oga Obinna.
Public opinion backs the Senate's bid to expand its oversight role, including vetting state officers and approving the national budget. Meanwhile, questions arise over the integrity of some nominees for State awards. Separately, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna's camp is angered by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over project tags, while Ida Odinga insists Raila is healthy.
ADAK denies mishandling Edward Zakayo's doping case. Shabana and Posta Rangers lead the SportPesa Premier League as Tusker struggles. Shujaa names its squad for Safari Sevens, and Maurine Chebor headlines the Kericho Cross Country. Brenda Bwire aims for gold at the Tokyo Deaflympics.
Safaricom's "True Value" is 1.1 trillion Kenyan Shillings, 16 times its profit. Sanlam Kenya launched a mobile pension platform, Akiba Plus. iStreet Kenya offers a 3,000 Kenyan Shillings iPhone discount for new Gen Z voters. Google gives free AI Pro access to university students in six African countries, and Spotify launched a global Afrobeats playlist.
Mental health services are now included in government insurance benefits under the Social Health Authority. This comes as Kenya highlights the "havoc" caused by synthetic drugs globally. The government has released 2.4 billion shillings for the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme, benefiting over 1.2 million vulnerable Kenyans. Separately, KRA collected a record 85.146 billion Kenyan Shillings in customs taxes last month. Kenyatta National Hospital is strained due to doctor strikes in Kiambu and Nairobi, causing patient surges. University students may remain home until next year after salary negotiations collapsed. In economic news, Kenya converted a 452 billion Kenyan Shillings loan from China to yuan, saving 28 billion Kenyan Shillings annually. The government will also launch an online platform to sell farmers' produce, starting with coffee, to ensure fair prices. MPs are also pushing to increase cancer coverage from 400,000 to 1 million shillings.
An ongoing lecturers' strike in Kenya is sparking anger among students. In response, students at Pwani University in Kilifi have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the national government, threatening to hold demonstrations if university lecturers across the country are not paid. Kenya's Education Minister, Julius Ogamba, has denied claims that the government owes the striking lecturers Sh7.9 billion.
The Kenya Publishers Association warns of impending textbook delays for senior secondary schools, attributing the issue to a substantial debt of KSh 11.4 billion owed by the government. The publishers' union has warned that the publication and distribution of Grade 10 textbooks for the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBE) could be delayed. This concern has led to warnings that public schools might begin the academic year 2026 without textbooks.
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) has refuted allegations of mishandling the disciplinary case of former world Under-20 5000m champion Edward Zakayo. Zakayo is currently serving a two-year ban for whereabouts violations and claimed he was not given a fair hearing. He also announced his retirement from athletics due to frustration. Meanwhile, long-distance runner Maurine Chebor is set to headline the Betika Cross Country 2025 in Kericho on Saturday. In other news, Kenyan deaf cyclist Brenda Bwire is aiming for a gold medal at the upcoming Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics. Bwire, who previously won gold at a 2021 Turkey triathlon championship, will represent Kenya in cycling.
Healthcare workers in Siaya county have vowed to continue their strike until their demands are met. The striking nurses are demanding overdue salary deductions and justice for colleagues reportedly injured during protests, highlighting significant grievances. In a separate event, the Kiambu County government has denied claims that mothers and newborns are dying due to the ongoing doctors' strike in that county.
Kenya's public debt has soared to KSh 11.81 trillion, sparking urgent calls for fiscal reforms from experts. A report from the Okoa Uchumi Initiative reveals that 70% of the Kenyan government's revenue is allocated to public debt repayment. This comes as National Treasury data reveals the state borrowed an average of Ksh 6 billion per week over a period of four months.
A tragic incident at Emmanuel New Life Learning Centre in Kayole, Nairobi, led to the deaths of two pupils. The children were crushed by debris after concrete blocks from an adjacent construction site collapsed onto the school. Families are now seeking justice from the government. Detectives from the DCI have initiated an investigation at the school following the incident.
