business
3 storiesKenyan lenders paid out 38.5% of their profits in taxes. The CBK has revoked PayU Kenya's operating license after the firm voluntarily exited the Kenyan market.
Interior CS Murkomen acknowledged security issues during Raila's funeral, where a stolen police firearm was recovered and four arrested. Separately, a family is feared dead after their minivan plunged into River Kiama, Murang'a. In Mombasa, security agencies seized a boat carrying drugs worth over 8 billion Kenyan Shillings and arrested six Iranian nationals. Speaker Wetang’ula defended the Cybercrimes Act, calling it a moral safeguard. A law firm is contesting CBK's plan to store gold in the UK. The NLC will acquire 960 hectares in Garissa for LAPSSET, and the government affirmed full ownership of the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway, with toll exemptions for some vehicles.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledged that security agencies were unprepared for challenges during the funeral proceedings for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died on October 15, 2025. Police have since recovered a firearm that was stolen from an officer at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) gate during the burial. Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of the weapon. Following his passing, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, highlighting Odinga's deep connection with India and his advocacy for stronger Indo-Kenya ties.
The send-off service for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga saw both his supporters and adversaries gather to mourn him in Bondo. This observation was noted by National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed. Attendees paid tribute under the scorching sun, remembering Odinga's significant impact on their lives. The funeral service also exposed immediate divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. ODM politicians debated his alleged last wishes concerning support for President William Ruto's re-election. The event highlighted the significant void left by Odinga's death in both ODM and Kenyan politics.
Kenyan lenders paid out 38.5% of their profits in taxes. The CBK has revoked PayU Kenya's operating license after the firm voluntarily exited the Kenyan market.
ODM faces succession battles following Raila Odinga's death, with party chiefs meeting Monday to strategize. His funeral exposed divisions within ODM and gathered both supporters and adversaries, highlighting his significant impact on Kenyan politics.
Nairobi United aims for CAF Confederation Cup group stage. Ebenyo, Chebet lead Kenyan team to World Cross Country in Florida. Harambee Starlets’ celebration is on hold. Hit Squad came second to DRC in boxing. Chepkwony, Chepkorir won Nairobi Marathon while Shell Autocross revived Kenyan motorsport.
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, while Google Photos develops an AI meme feature.
Interior CS Murkomen admitted security challenges during Raila's funeral proceedings, where a police firearm was also stolen and later recovered, leading to four arrests. Separately, a family is feared dead after their minivan plunged into River Kiama, Murang'a. In Mombasa, security agencies intercepted a boat carrying drugs worth over 8 billion Kenyan Shillings, arresting six Iranian nationals. Speaker Wetang’ula defended the Cybercrimes Act, stating it's a moral safeguard. Meanwhile, a law firm is contesting CBK's plan to store gold reserves in the UK. The NLC will acquire 960 hectares in Garissa for the LAPSSET project, and the government affirmed full ownership of the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway under its PPP model, announcing toll exemptions for some vehicles.
The Kenyan government assured the public that the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway will remain under full state ownership despite being developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The Directorate of Public Private Partnerships clarified this model is a financing mechanism to address fiscal constraints. Following public concern over a proposed Ksh8 per kilometer toll, the government revealed that four vehicle categories will be exempted from paying tolls on the highway. Separately, the National Land Commission (NLC) is set to acquire over 960 hectares of community land in Garissa County for the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia-Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project. These projects, along with the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), are presented as vital national developments under Kenya's Vision 2030.
Security agencies in Mombasa intercepted a boat ferrying drugs worth over Ksh8 billion on Saturday, October 26, leading to the arrest of six Iranian nationals. The joint operation involved the DCI, Kenya Navy, and Kenya Coast Guard. In a separate incident in Murang'a County, a family is feared dead after their minivan plunged into River Kiama at Wacengu Bridge on Sunday, October 26. Meanwhile, the family of Caroline Mokeira, a missing senior accountant at KMTC Kapenguria Campus, is appealing to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to expedite her case, expressing frustration at the slow pace of the investigation.
International and domestic air travelers in Kenya will face increased air passenger service charges following the enactment of the Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Act, 2025, which was signed into law by President William Ruto on October 15, 2025. In a separate directive, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has ordered the Tea Board of Kenya to conduct a comprehensive audit of loans taken by factories managed by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA). Additionally, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is intensifying its crackdown on businesses making unverified input VAT claims. The KRA is warning of stricter audits as part of a wider tax compliance drive. This move aims to curb the exploitation of systemic loopholes that allow companies to lower their tax obligations.
A multi-agency team of Kenyan security officials, including the KDF, Kenyan Navy, and DCI, has intercepted a significant drug trafficking operation in the Indian Ocean, seizing narcotics valued at billions of shillings. The haul included over 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value exceeding 8.2 billion shillings. As a result of the operation in Mombasa, six Iranian nationals were arrested. The Kenyan government is now set to destroy the large shipment as part of its ongoing commitment to combat drug trafficking. Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni has also affirmed the government's dedication to combating the smuggling of contraband goods, particularly drugs.
Approximately 2.4 million Kenyan students have officially begun their national KCSE examinations, while millions of grade 6 and grade 9 students are set to start their Competency-Based Examinations (CBE) tomorrow. The government, through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of National Security, has assured students and teachers that all preparations are complete. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has confirmed that all arrangements for the upcoming national examinations are finalized. Minister Ogamba also issued a stern warning to schools and candidates regarding potential exam malpractice during the KCSE examinations.
Leaders from the Kenya Kwanza political alliance are defending the recently approved social media control law, also known as the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act. They argue the law aims to maintain discipline online and that opponents are misguiding Kenyans. While Kenya Kwanza leaders continue their defense of the controversial legislation, opposition parties are calling the new cybercrime law a tool for censorship. The debate is ongoing, with leaders from the ruling coalition publicly supporting the act.
A tragic accident in Gatanga, Murang’a County, has claimed the lives of six family members. The incident occurred overnight after the vehicle they were traveling in plunged into the Kiama River. At least six people have been confirmed to have tragically died in the incident. The family was reportedly returning home from a dowry payment ceremony in Kiambu when the fatal accident occurred.
Benard Chepkwony and Hellen Chepkorir emerged as the champions of the 22nd Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, held on October 26, 2025, at Uhuru Gardens. In a separate event, Daniel Ebenyo and Maurine Chebor secured victories at the National Cross Country Championships in Eldoret. They will lead Kenya's team to the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, on January 10, 2026. Double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet also secured a spot on the team via a wild card. Meanwhile, Kenya's 'Hit Squad' boxing team finished as runners-up to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the second consecutive time at the Africa Zone Three Boxing Championships in Nairobi. The DRC dominated the boxing competition, securing more than double Kenya's number of gold medals.