Two tragic road accidents in Kiambu and on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway have claimed multiple lives. Meanwhile, over 2,800 consumers are suing Procter & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark over alleged toxic product materials. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has called on the government to release 7.9 billion Kenyan Shillings owed to striking lecturers. In other news, the Catholic Church has endorsed the new Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2024, as the government announced leadership changes in several state corporations, including revoking General Julius Karangi’s appointment. Amboseli National Park management shifts to Kajiado County, and Nairobi County secured 2.1 billion Kenyan Shillings for road projects, with KDF set to construct Nyamira University.
China’s top legislative body has designated October 25 as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration, a day honoring the island's return to China in 1945. In other state news, Chinese President Xi Jinping will undertake a state visit to South Korea beginning this Thursday, coinciding with his attendance at the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju. Additionally, Xi Jinping, in his role as general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasized the key tasks required to achieve socialist modernization while planning for the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).
The United Nations in Kenya celebrated the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), reaffirming its dedication to peace, human rights, and sustainable development. During these UN Day festivities, Professor Michael Ndurumo was named the 2025 United Nations in Kenya Person of the Year. Professor Ndurumo, who is East Africa's first deaf professor and the founder of the Africa Institute of Deaf Studies and Research, was recognized for his exceptional contributions to disability rights and inclusive education. The celebration commemorated the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter.
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.
Several new reports have provided insights into trends in Kenya and across Africa. The PwC Africa Entertainment and Media Outlook 2025–2029 shows Kenya's live music industry revenues are projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 2.1% annually through 2029, with ticket sales already surpassing pre-COVID levels. In public health, a new global report reveals that approximately 86,000 school-aged children in Kenya struggle with uncorrected vision problems, causing them to lose nearly 25,000 years of schooling annually. On a broader scale, a new McKinsey report reveals that African women lead globally in STEM graduates, making up 47% of the total. However, the same report notes they face significant barriers in career advancement and access to funding within the tech sector.
Kenyan lenders paid 38.5% of their profits in taxes this year, contributing significantly to revenue. CBK revoked PayU Kenya's license after its voluntary exit. Meanwhile, a controversial advert using a Ronald Reagan speech on tariffs has sparked a trade dispute between the US and Canada.
ODM Nyanza officials endorse Oburu Oginga as interim party leader following the passing of Raila Odinga, whose final moments in Kochi, India, went viral. KANU unveils Peter Kariuki Ng'ang'a for the Kariobangi North MCA seat. Former Wajir East MP Rashid Amin defects to UDA, bolstering Ruto's support.
Sun King opens its first African solar factory in Tatu City, Kiambu, shifting from imports to local production. OpenAI introduces a cheaper ChatGPT Plus plan in Kenya for $5/month. OPPO and Infinix launch local promotions for new phones and prizes. Google Photos is developing an AI feature to turn selfies into memes.
Two separate road accidents in Kiambu and on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway have led to multiple fatalities. Separately, over 2,800 consumers are suing Procter & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark over alleged "toxic materials" in their products. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has demanded the government release 7.9 billion Kenyan Shillings owed to striking lecturers. The Catholic Church has backed the new Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2024. The government made leadership changes in several state corporations, including revoking General Julius Karangi’s appointment. Amboseli National Park management shifts to Kajiado County after 52 years. Nairobi County secured 2.1 billion Kenyan Shillings for road projects, and KDF will construct Nyamira University.
A tragic head-on collision on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway near Gilgil early Saturday morning resulted in multiple fatalities, with all occupants of a private car confirmed dead at the scene after colliding with a truck. In a separate incident on Saturday afternoon, a lorry crashed into a hardware shop in Kiambu County, leaving several people feared dead and injured. These incidents occurred as the National Police Service (NPS) announced temporary road closures and traffic diversions in Nairobi. The closures will be in effect from midnight on Saturday, October 25, until 2 pm on Sunday, October 26, to facilitate the Standard Chartered Marathon.
President William Ruto revoked the appointment of former Chief of Defence Forces, General Julius Karangi, from the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) board. This was part of broader leadership changes announced by the Kenyan government across several state corporations, with various Cabinet Secretaries making new appointments and revocations. In another significant administrative shift, the management of Amboseli National Park has been officially transferred to the Kajiado County Government after 52 years under national control. The Deed of Transfer gives Kajiado County oversight of daily operations, conservation, and tourism, while the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) retains national government ownership and oversight.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will oversee the construction of Nyamira University, with completion expected within 10 months and an opening date set for September 2026 as a constituent college of Kisii University. In a separate effort to expand higher education, West Pokot County Governor Simon Kachapin has formed a task force to establish the county's first constituent university, which is expected to open next year. These developments come as the ongoing lecturers' strike in Kenya enters its 37th day. The government is facing demands to release Ksh7.9 billion owed to lecturers under their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
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.
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.
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.
Kenyan banks contributed Sh195 billion in taxes to the national treasury last year. In a related move, the Kenyan banking sector is looking to align its operations with international tax standards to ensure compliance and promote transparency. Meanwhile, the Saccos Societies Regulatory Authority (Sasra) is taking a firm stance against auditors who fail to submit mandatory financial reports for SACCOs. Sasra is threatening disciplinary action against these auditors.
Dr. Joyce Kithure, the spouse of the Deputy President, has issued a warning regarding increasing lead exposure levels in Kenya, emphasizing the severe health risks this poses to citizens. She is advocating for more robust measures to combat the elevated levels of lead present in various forms across the country. Kithure also stated the Kenyan government's dedication to establishing a lead-free nation. This initiative underscores the administration's focus on public health and environmental protection through sustainable, green strategies.
