Breaking news: An aircraft carrying 12 people crashed near Kwale this morning, with details still emerging. In security matters, President Ruto reported over 600 illegal firearms recovered in Kerio Valley, as CS Murkomen affirmed the ongoing crackdown. Meanwhile, a land dispute on the Kajiado–Taita Taveta border has caused deaths and displacement. Education CS assured examinations will proceed despite heavy rains. Globally, Tanzania faced an internet outage and election protests, Israel resumed Gaza strikes, and Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica.
President William Ruto announced that over 600 illegal firearms have been recovered in Kenya's Kerio Valley as part of a government effort to curb insecurity. The President urged those still possessing illicit weapons to surrender them voluntarily. This security operation occurs as clashes along the Kajiado–Taita Taveta border have resulted in several deaths and widespread destruction over a long-standing land dispute and grazing rights. In a separate incident highlighting regional tensions, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has demanded that the Kenyan government compensate Uganda for the deaths of five individuals, including three geologists and two soldiers, allegedly killed by Turkana warriors in March 2022.
Several Social Health Authority (SHA) executives, including former acting CEO Robert Ingasira, were arrested in connection with fraud cases cleared by the ODPP. The suspects face charges including conspiracy to defraud and misuse of funds. This comes as Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed that the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) left behind a staggering Sh10 billion debt, crippling health facilities, particularly faith-based, private, and county hospitals. Amid these challenges, CS Duale has urged Parliament to increase funding for the Primary Healthcare Fund (PHCF) and the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund (ECCIF), stating the SHA is suffering from inadequate resources.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan ordered a nationwide night curfew and blocked internet services on Tuesday, October 29, following unrest during the general election. A nationwide internet outage was confirmed by the global internet observatory Netblocks, coinciding with the election marred by protests. Police in Dar es Salaam fired tear gas to disperse opposition supporters protesting the ongoing election, which was boycotted by the main opposition party amidst accusations of government repression. Following the escalating protests, the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania issued a safety advisory to American citizens, advising them to shelter in place and avoid large gatherings.
Following the death of Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga as its new party leader. The party reaffirmed its commitment to the existing broad-based government arrangement with President William Ruto until 2027 and plans to hold memorial services for Raila in November. According to National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, discussions between President Ruto and the late Raila Odinga about working together began approximately two years ago. This succession and commitment follow a period of uncertainty for many ODM leaders in the Nyanza and Western regions, who had secured their positions through Odinga's endorsement.
OpenAI has officially transitioned into a for-profit entity, a move that could pave the way for a stock market listing and includes revised partnership terms with Microsoft, which now holds a 27% stake. This comes amid debates over AI's role in recent job cuts at major companies like Amazon. Meanwhile, to boost digital connectivity in East Africa, Meta has partnered with Safaricom to deploy a high-capacity submarine cable linking Oman and Kenya. In a related trend, Kenya's Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising industry is embracing technology and data-driven strategies for future growth. The industry aims to move from intuitive decision-making to intelligence-backed planning to enhance campaign measurement, as discussed at a conference in Nairobi.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) is reportedly facing a financial shortage, raising concerns about the administration of upcoming examinations. KNEC also reported that Telegram and WhatsApp channels are being used to leak exam papers. Meanwhile, Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba was questioned by a parliamentary committee regarding the state of examinations. The National Assembly Committee on Education has instructed the Ministry of Education to produce a report on school capitation funds. Additionally, the Ministry has suspended fee disbursements to 29 schools pending investigations into their eligibility.
A plane crash in the Tsimba area of Kwale, Kenya resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals. The crash, which involved a Mombasa Air plane, occurred in Tsimba Golini, Kwale County. The search and recovery operation for the eleven victims entered its second day, with more human remains found at the site. Initial rescue efforts to recover the bodies were delayed due to heavy rainfall in the area. Following the crash, the government has requested international assistance for the recovery operation.
Nairobi building approvals dropped by 34.2 billion shillings due to high interest rates, though property prices rose by 1.1% despite a 1.6% dip in rentals. A new medical cover is available for Kenyans in the diaspora. Kenya's Out-of-Home advertising is embracing tech for growth.
A UoN student was found dead in Kiambu, with her boyfriend arrested. Meanwhile, Laura Mbatha and Gloria Ntazola sparked debate over Nairobi apartment quality and "ghettoization" of upscale estates. Dr. Ofweneke stirred discussion on stepparent love, and Robert Burale's defamation suit against his ex-wife failed.
ODM leaders relying on Raila Odinga's endorsement face uncertainty post-death. Interim ODM leader Oburu Odinga is meeting delegations. Meanwhile, Energy CS Wandayi warns senators against passing a bill he claims would hike power charges, impacting Kenyans.
Athletics Kenya faces calls for a transparent constitution, while senators question the Ministry's 2025 Deaflympics preparedness amid funding concerns. Harambee Starlets qualify for WAFCON. Kenya Police FC coach exits after Champions League.
The ODPC is investigating an alleged M-Tiba data breach affecting 4.8 million Kenyans. Meanwhile, Meta partnered with Safaricom for a new submarine cable connecting Kenya and Oman, bolstering Kenya's digital infrastructure. Globally, smartphone prices are set to rise due to higher DRAM costs, and AI's environmental impact is a growing concern.
An aircraft carrying 12 people crashed near Kwale this morning; details are still emerging. On the security front, President Ruto announced over 600 illegal guns were recovered in Kerio Valley, with CS Murkomen vowing to continue the crackdown. Clashes along the Kajiado–Taita Taveta border have also led to deaths and displacement over a land dispute. The Education CS assured that national examinations will not be affected by heavy rains. Regionally, Tanzania experienced a nationwide internet outage and protests on election day, drawing a warning from the US. Globally, Israel has resumed strikes on Gaza, and Hurricane Melissa caused widespread devastation in Jamaica.
