Kenya boosts border security after two citizens were shot during election protests in Tanzania. Locally, ID replacement fees are waived for six months. HELB seeks powers to freeze defaulters' accounts, while the government plans to digitize tax collection. University lecturers rejected a 7.9 billion Kenyan Shillings arrears offer, continuing their strike. The National Police Service will recruit 10,000 officers on November 17, as the IFRC appeals for aid for 2.1 million Kenyans facing floods and drought.
The Kenyan government has announced a six-month waiver on fees for replacing national identity cards and changing personal details. The directive, issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen via a special gazette notice, takes effect immediately. This measure aims to improve citizen access to the crucial identification document. The waiver covers both the replacement of lost or damaged cards and the process of updating personal particulars on the ID.
Four police officers from Mai Mahiu Police Station were arrested after fatally shooting their colleague, Constable Hassan Lolkidid, in a case of mistaken identity. The incident occurred during an early morning response to a suspected criminal report. In a separate event in Thika, Kiambu County, police arrested at least 72 suspects following the disappearance of two rifles and over 170 rounds of ammunition from the Maguguni Patrol Base. Meanwhile, a 21-year-old man arrested in Kisumu County for firing at police during a botched robbery reportedly died by suicide while in custody at Kisumu Central Police Station.
Following Tanzania's October 29 general elections, protests have entered their third day, resulting in at least 10 deaths amid extended curfews and an internet shutdown. Kenyan and international human rights organizations have condemned escalating repression under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's government. Demonstrators have defied the army chief's orders, and the UN has urged security forces to avoid excessive force. At the Namanga border post, two Kenyans were critically injured and two Tanzanians were killed after being shot by suspected police during demonstrations. The Kenyans were reportedly attempting to cross the border to join the protests.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale informed the Senate that the Social Health Authority (SHA) system's digital audit led to the rejection of Sh10.6 billion in fraudulent or non-compliant claims, proving the effectiveness of the new digital architecture. In a separate address to the Senate, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua affirmed that the ongoing restructuring of state-owned enterprises is part of a comprehensive reform program. He emphasized that worker discharges are guided by lawful redundancy procedures. Meanwhile, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya was grilled by Senators over inadequate funding for Deaf Sports from the 2022/2023 financial year. Mvurya attributed some challenges to disputed elections within the Kenya Sports Federation of the Deaf (KSFD) and stated the ministry had addressed outstanding debts.
The Kenyan government plans to expand Malindi International Airport (MIA) to boost tourism and improve air connectivity in the coast region, an announcement made by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano. Separately, the government issued a stern warning against politicians and contractors interfering with public projects, threatening blacklisting and prosecution for irregularities like improper procurement. On the economic front, Kenya's inflation rate remained stable at 4.6 percent in October, driven by declining prices of essential household goods like maize flour, sugar, and cooking gas. In corporate financial news, KenGen reported its net profit jumped 54 percent to Sh10.5 billion due to lower costs.
The security situation in Tanzania is reportedly deteriorating following the recent general elections, with violence erupting after the election commission began to announce results. According to reports, over 30 people have been killed in the election-related violence. The unrest and protests have led authorities to halt the vote-counting process. Protesters have continued to clash with police for a third day, with violent unrest reported in Dar es Salaam. Human rights organizations are criticizing President Samia Suluhu for allegedly using security forces to suppress protesters. Violent protests also erupted at the Namanga border, the crossing point with Kenya, prompting Kenya to appeal for calm.
Police have launched an investigation into the disappearance of Kapenguria Nursing College accountant, Caroline Mokera, who went missing in Kitale two weeks ago. Her family in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, reports she left home with her husband, who returned alone and has not provided information on her whereabouts. Authorities are examining the primary suspect's communication records to solve the case. In a separate incident, a family in Nairobi's Pipeline area is searching for their six-year-old son, Prince Nelson Mandela. The boy went missing on September 28th.
Tanzania election chaos caused internet outages affecting customs and traffic at border posts. Meanwhile, KRA reported a 256.7% rise in tax collection at Kisumu Port to 107 million shillings. Equity Group's net profit also rose 32% to 54.1 billion shillings.
Kenyan youth join Tanzania election protests at Namanga border as Diamond Platnumz deletes pro-Samia posts. Singer Marya battles depression and financial struggles post-stroke, while Ohangla star Prince Indah amuses fans by admitting he doesn't know his M-Pesa balance.
Jubilee Party names Matiang'i as deputy leader, endorsing his 2027 presidential bid, while President Ruto vows to defeat opponents in 2027. ODM backs Aladwa for Nairobi governor, challenging Sakaja's chances. In Malava, a DCP candidate pulls out, supporting DAP-K's Panyako. Our neighbours in Tanzania face election violence and communication blackouts.
Gor Mahia faces a 300,000 Kenyan Shillings fine for crowd trouble. A Kenyan squad attempts a marathon relay record in Paris, while teen golfer Jacinta Njeri goes to Deaflympics. The Savannah Greens Challenge golf tournament brings together 150 players from Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui.
Safaricom is investing 30 billion Kenyan Shillings to digitally transform 600 schools and upgraded its 5G Home plan. Vivo launched the Y21d phone, while Xiaomi began early Black Friday sales on Jumia with discounts on various devices.
Kenyans are grappling with regional unrest as two citizens were shot during Tanzania election protests at the Namanga border, prompting Kenya to heighten border security. Internally, the government waived ID replacement fees for six months. The Higher Education Loans Board seeks powers to freeze bank accounts of defaulters, led by lawyers and accountants, while the government plans a digital overhaul of tax collection. University lecturers rejected a 7.9 billion Kenyan Shillings arrears offer, continuing their strike. The National Police Service will recruit 10,000 officers on November 17, as the IFRC issues an appeal for 2.1 million Kenyans at risk from floods and drought.
