Kiambu doctors have ended their 151-day strike after reaching a deal with the Council of Governors, which includes immediate payment of salaries and arrears. President Ruto defended the revised Cybercrime Act, citing its role in combating cyberbullying and terrorism, as KRA tightens tax compliance with new eTIMS linking requirements for Tax Compliance Certificates. Meanwhile, the CBK faces pushback on its plan to store Kenya's gold in England. IPOA is investigating an alleged police assault on a 17-year-old in Narok, while motorists face an 8 Kenyan Shillings per kilometre toll on the Rironi-Mau Summit Expressway. Mfangano Island residents are also petitioning for a government ferry.
The death of ODM leader Raila Odinga has forced President William Ruto to rethink his political strategy for the 2027 General Election, complicating his plans for a potential coalition with ODM. Concurrently, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga sparked widespread concern following inflammatory remarks he made regarding the death of the former Prime Minister, leading to calls for his impeachment. Although Governor Kahiga has since apologized, the incident has reignited worries about political incitement. Following this, former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has accused leaders of politicizing Governor Kahiga's remarks. Orwoba claimed they are "spreading hate" and exploiting the comments for political gain.
Kenyan banks remitted 194.8 billion shillings in taxes. Infrastructure updates include an 8 shillings/km toll for the Rironi-Mau Summit Expressway and the Nairobi-Nakuru highway dualing projected at 90 billion shillings. Treasury plans a 30 billion shillings bond buyback and seeks 40 billion shillings for the FY2025/26 budget.
Raila Junior is now Odinga family head after a Luo ceremony. Human Rights Commission threatens action against those mocking his appearance. Rozina Mwakideu faces a 20 million Kenyan Shillings defamation suit from ex-husband Pastor Burale. Eric Omondi visited Mama Ida Odinga and Raila's grave.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga's remarks about Raila Odinga's passing drew criticism, with Ex-Senator Orwoba accusing leaders of politicizing the issue as President Ruto reviews his 2027 strategy. Meanwhile, Gideon Moi is tipped for a Cabinet slot, potentially bringing KANU back to power.
Athlete Ruth Chepngetich faces a three-year ban for doping. Kenyan athletes are ready for World Cross Country trials in Eldoret. Harambee Starlets battle Gambia for WAFCON qualification. Kenya leads in Africa Zone Three Boxing Championships finals and won the East Africa Catchball Cup. The Standard County Golf Classic took place, promoting environmental sustainability. Lionel Messi extended his contract with Inter Miami.
Microsoft warns AI fuels cyber threats in Africa. Meanwhile, Kenya's Elly Savatia won an innovation prize for his AI sign language app, Terp 360. In Rwanda, Airtel and the UN are bridging the digital divide with free internet and training. OPPO has new phones starting at 35,999 Kenyan shillings.
Kiambu doctors have called off their 151-day strike after a deal with the Council of Governors, ensuring immediate payment of October salaries and one month's arrears. President Ruto defended the revised Cybercrime Act, saying it targets cyberbullying and terrorism, as KRA announced stricter requirements for tax compliance, linking TCCs to eTIMS. The CBK faces opposition over plans to store Kenya's gold in England. IPOA is investigating the alleged assault of a 17-year-old by police in Narok. Motorists will pay 8 Kenyan Shillings per kilometre on the Rironi-Mau Summit Expressway, and Mfangano Island residents are petitioning for a government ferry service.
Several significant business deals have been announced across Africa. In Uganda, Absa Bank Uganda has signed an agreement to acquire the Wealth and Retail Banking business from Standard Chartered Bank Uganda, a move that will expand Absa's presence. In Kenya, PZ Cussons East Africa announced a significant investment of Sh150 million over the next year to enhance its local operations, including production and innovation to engage younger consumers. On the trade front, China has become the fourth-largest importer of Ethiopian coffee. This represents a significant jump from its seventh-place ranking two years prior, driven by a substantial increase in exports during the first quarter of Ethiopia's current fiscal year.
The Kenyan government has advanced several major development projects. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced that the dualing of the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway is projected to cost approximately Sh90 billion and is slated for completion by June 2027. This cost is significantly lower than a previous Sh190 billion proposal. For the Rironi–Mau Summit Expressway, KeNHA also announced motorists will pay Sh8 per kilometer upon its completion. Separately, the Two Rivers International Finance and Innovation Centre (TRIFIC) has been designated a Project of Strategic National Importance. This designation by the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning will streamline government approvals for its projects.
Nvidia Corporation has expanded its presence in Africa's digital infrastructure market with an investment in Cassava Technologies, deepening a partnership focused on rolling out AI-ready data centers across the continent. This development occurs as Microsoft's 2025 Digital Defense Report reveals a significant surge in AI-powered cyberattacks across Africa, with the continent becoming a "proving ground" for advanced threats including deepfakes. To support digital growth, Eastern Africa is planning a unified spectrum strategy to boost broadband access. The EAC and IGAD Secretariats are developing a joint regional roadmap for this purpose. This initiative followed a workshop in Kigali, Rwanda, where nine Eastern African countries agreed to fast-track regional spectrum harmonisation.
Microsoft's 2025 Digital Defense Report reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly escalating cybercrime in Africa, making it a proving ground for new attack methods. Attackers are using AI to craft sophisticated phishing messages and deploy autonomous malware, which has led to a significant surge in cyber incidents. To address related challenges, Visa and Cloudflare have partnered to launch the Trusted Agent Protocol, an initiative to create a secure framework for AI agents to interact with merchant sites. This protocol aims to help distinguish legitimate AI shopping agents from malicious bots. In consumer applications, Google Photos is reportedly developing a new AI feature named “Me Meme”. This feature, discovered in version 7.51.0 of the app, will allow users to create personalized memes by integrating their faces into popular meme templates.
Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo are set for a two-horse race for the Africa Zone Three Boxing Championships title, with the finals held at Kasarani Gymnasium, Nairobi. The host nation, Kenya, has 15 boxers in the finals, while defending champions DRC boast 17. In football, the Harambee Starlets are set to face the Gambia Queen Scorpions in a 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifier match on Friday at Nyayo Stadium. Meanwhile, athletes are gearing up for the 2026 World Cross Country Championships trials in Eldoret this Saturday to secure spots on the national team. In golf, Kenya is maintaining its lead in the East and Central All-Africa Championship Trophy (ECAACT). Additionally, Team Kenya, which is preparing for the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics, underwent a four-day anti-doping training workshop at Kasarani Stadium.
President William Ruto defended a controversial social media regulation law he signed on October 15, stating it is designed to protect Kenyans online. The government refuted claims that proposed amendments to the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act are intended to suppress freedom of expression. However, the legislation has faced opposition, with youth in Kisumu protesting against the proposed Social Media Freedom Bill due to concerns about restrictions on online liberties. President Ruto is countering what he describes as misinformation regarding the law's purpose, which aims to govern online activity in Kenya.
Following the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, his son Raila Junior was formally installed as the new head of the Odinga family in a traditional Luo ceremony. This ritual signifies a generational transition within the political dynasty. Separately, comedian Eric Omondi paid an emotional visit to the widow, Mama Ida Odinga, at her residence on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Omondi then traveled to Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo, Siaya County, to pay a silent tribute at Raila’s grave. In another development, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR) warned of legal action against individuals who mocked Raila Odinga Jr.'s appearance on social media. The commission specifically cited trolling on TikTok that targeted his facial paralysis.
