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3 storiesBritam launches Kenya's first pilot insurance cover. Meanwhile, Murang’a County's Smart City plan for market upgrades earns praise. Internationally, Shein faces accusations in France over alleged sales of childlike sex dolls.
Education CS says KCSE exams will continue in Marakwet East, with officials airlifting candidates affected by landslides. Meanwhile, MPs are questioning a request for 4.2 billion Kenyan Shillings to produce 6 million ID cards. KRA has warned the public about a fake tax collector social media account. KWS launched KWSPay on eCitizen for park services, while Martha Karua called for Kenya’s first female president. President Ruto donated 50 million Kenyan Shillings to a church project in Vihiga. Neighbouring Tanzania is facing food and fuel shortages after recent election protests.
The death toll from a devastating landslide in Marakwet East, Kenya, has risen to 22, with 29 people still unaccounted for. The disaster, triggered by heavy rains, occurred on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in the Chesongoch area. In response, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has closed the Kapyego-Chesoi-Kilangata Road in Elgeyo Marakwet County due to the torrential rains and mudslides. Kenya is intensifying rescue operations in the region as heavy rainfall continues. Despite the disaster, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba confirmed that KCSE examinations in Marakwet East will proceed as scheduled, with contingency plans in place.
The unexpected death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has created a significant political void in Kenya, leading to intense competition for his traditional support bases ahead of the 2027 General Election. Following Odinga's death, President William Ruto is intensifying his political efforts and focusing on Western Kenya, a region historically considered a stronghold for Odinga. Concurrently, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has addressed its own leadership transition. Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga revealed he was unaware of his appointment as the acting party leader of the ODM following his brother's passing. Dr. Oburu was considered a natural choice for the role, having long been associated with leadership positions within the party and family.
Britam launches Kenya's first pilot insurance cover. Meanwhile, Murang’a County's Smart City plan for market upgrades earns praise. Internationally, Shein faces accusations in France over alleged sales of childlike sex dolls.
Kenyan youth joined protests at the Namanga border over Tanzania's disputed elections, a move mirrored by Diamond Platnumz deleting pro-Samia posts. Meanwhile, Kenyan singer Marya revealed her struggles with depression and finances after a stroke, while Ohangla star Prince Indah amused fans by admitting he doesn't know his M-Pesa balance.
Kalonzo and Gachagua eye 2027 by uniting Mt Kenya and Ukambani. Meanwhile, Gachagua is pleading with Mt Kenya to endorse him as kingpin, even as Ruto's allies work to weaken his influence in the region.
Gor Mahia was fined 300,000 Kenyan Shillings for crowd trouble. A Kenyan squad hopes to break a 20-year-old marathon relay record in Paris, while teen golfer Jacinta Njeri qualified for the Deaflympics. The Savannah Greens Challenge Golf tournament in Machakos aims to foster regional unity.
Safaricom rehires Steve Chege as Group Chief External Affairs officer. Meanwhile, Jumia Kenya has launched its Black Friday 2025 sale, promising up to 70% off on products for customers.
Education CS confirms KCSE exams will proceed in Marakwet East as officials airlift candidates affected by landslides. Separately, MPs questioned the 4.2 billion Kenyan Shillings requested for 6 million ID cards. KRA warned Kenyans about a fake tax collector social media account. KWS launched KWSPay on eCitizen for park services. Martha Karua called for Kenya's first female president. President Ruto donated 50 million Kenyan Shillings to a church project in Vihiga. Meanwhile, Tanzania faces food and fuel shortages following protests over elections.
Following the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025, prominent leaders have made visits to his home in Bondo, Siaya County. On November 1, 2025, Chief Justice Martha Koome led a Judiciary delegation, including Supreme Court judges, to condole with Odinga's family at his grave. Opposition leaders, led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, are also planning a visit next Thursday to mourn and pay tribute to his legacy. In a related event, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua declared his intention to follow in the political footsteps of the late Raila Odinga.
After her victory in the 2025 General Election, Tanzania’s President-elect Samia Suluhu Hassan called for national unity. However, Chadema, Tanzania's main opposition party, rejected her 98% win as "illegitimate," citing a deadly crackdown on protests, mass arrests, and widespread intimidation. The party is demanding a fresh election overseen by an independent body. The African Union (AU) Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, faced widespread criticism for congratulating Suluhu while simultaneously regretting lives lost in post-election violence. Leaders from the African Union Commission (AUC) and East African Community (EAC), as well as from Burundi and Somalia, also congratulated Suluhu on her re-election, with the AUC urging respect for human rights.
President William Ruto concluded his tour of Western Kenya, promising development projects worth Ksh 21 billion. During an inspection of the Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, President Ruto announced the facility will officially open in November. He mandated the employment of 1,000 young people in the construction of the Kakamega Level Six Hospital, highlighting his administration's healthcare reform efforts. President Ruto also defended his government housing project, stating it will help reduce land disputes and contribute to food security in the region.
The death toll from landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet has risen to 26, with reports that many more people are still missing. Survivors in the area have recounted their harrowing experiences following the recent mudslides. The Kenyan government is actively involved in the situation. CS Geoffrey Ruku announced that the government has mobilized resources to assist victims of the mudslide. This initiative aims to provide necessary support to those affected by the disaster.
Kenya dominated the New York Marathon on Sunday, November 2, 2025, with wins in both the men's and women's races. Benson Kipruto won the men's race in the closest finish in the event's history. In the women's event, Kenya's Hellen Obiri secured victory by setting a new course record. Obiri's performance included a decisive late kick. She finished ahead of fellow Kenyan competitors to seal the victory.
Amidst an ongoing nationwide lecturers’ strike, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has urged striking university lecturers and staff to return to work. The minister proposed paying their dues in two installments and asked them to accept a phased payment plan for the 2017-2021 collective bargaining agreement arrears. The strike at public universities has led the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), via its Coast Chapter, to demand CS Ogamba's resignation. The Cabinet Secretary has dismissed this call.
Tanzania's main opposition party, CHADEMA, has rejected the election victory of President Samia Suluhu, citing irregularities and calling for international intervention. Following the general election, there are reports of alleged police brutality stifling democracy during demonstrations in the country. Concurrently, tension has risen at the Isebania border, where Kenyan residents accuse Tanzanian police of harassment and property destruction. Those affected are appealing to the Kenyan government for intervention.