The Treasury plans a 15% corporate tax on multinationals to curb profit shifting, while manufacturers face a new 0.2% KEBS standards levy. A proposed law allowing counties to tax power lines sparks fears of higher internet costs. Health initiatives include over 10,000 oxygen units for newborns. Police dispersed protestors in Tinderet over a missing MP aspirant, and 20 children were rescued from a Mombasa cult. KCSE cheating allegations led to a principal's suspension and a top school's probe. Manufacturers warn Tanzanian instability could cause job losses. CS Kagwe ordered closure of non-compliant sugar weighbridges and set a November 17 deadline for repackagers' registration.
The High Court dismissed a petition challenging the removal of former Attorney General Justin Muturi, ruling that he voluntarily resigned and President William Ruto lawfully appointed his successor. In a separate case, the Environment and Land Court temporarily halted construction of the road linking the Nakuru–Nairobi highway and the Western Bypass in Gitaru, following complaints from property owners about safety and accessibility. The Environment & Land Court has also certified a petition by Senator Okiya Omtatah against the Southlands Affordable Housing Project, directing Chief Justice Martha Koome to empanel a three-judge bench to hear the case. Additionally, a Nairobi court will hear a challenge from County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria over his contempt of court sentencing, setting the next hearing for February 2, 2026, after he failed to appear in court citing illness.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has ordered the immediate closure of sugarcane weighbridges operating outside their designated zones to restore order in the sector. In another directive for the sugar industry, the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) has mandated the registration of all sugar repackagers, giving them an online registration deadline of November 17, 2025, to enhance traceability and quality monitoring. In the tea sector, Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) directors are actively reassuring farmers in the West of Rift region. This action comes after there was disappointment over reduced bonus payments for the 2024–2025 financial year.
The Ministry of Health, under Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, launched over 10,000 oxygen equipment units on Tuesday, October 4. This initiative, part of the Global Fund C19RM oxygen infrastructure project, aims to enhance oxygen access across Kenya, which is crucial for newborns and those with respiratory illnesses. This move is intended to strengthen Kenya's oxygen access. In a related development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidelines to help nations like Kenya cope with sudden health funding shocks. The guidelines, titled "Responding to the Health Financing Emergency," were released following cuts in health aid by the administration of United States President Donald Trump.
Kenya's Treasury has unveiled draft regulations proposing a 15 per cent minimum corporate tax for multinational companies to prevent profit shifting and align with the OECD's global minimum tax framework. Separately, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has mandated all manufacturers to remit a new standards levy, warning of severe penalties for non-compliance. Following regulations gazetted in August, a 0.2% levy on the customs value of goods or services is now required. Meanwhile, the Ministry of ICT has voiced opposition to a proposed amendment to the Energy Act that would permit county governments to levy charges on public power lines, expressing concerns that it could significantly increase broadband internet costs.
Devastating landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet County have resulted in a significant loss of life. The death toll rose to 32 after the discovery of four additional bodies, and later climbed to 34 as two more bodies were recovered, with more people feared buried. Among the victims were 15 children who reportedly died in the disaster. One woman tragically lost five family members in the Chesongoch landslides. As residents mourn their loved ones, reports have questioned whether the government failed to prevent the tragedy. This comes as Kenyans are being warned about potential landslides due to anticipated heavy rainfall in November.
As approximately 900,000 candidates began their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, the period has been marked by security incidents and alleged malpractice. A police officer was shot and killed in Turkana while guarding examination papers, and his family is now seeking justice. Concurrently, 36 individuals were arrested across various parts of Kenya, including Nairobi and Kericho, in connection with alleged examination irregularities. A teacher in Narok County has been suspended pending an investigation, while a school in Kajiado is under scrutiny for alleged exam theft. In response, Waziri Ogamba issued a strong warning against cheating, and police were warned against taking photos with candidates for TikTok.
A Kenyan teacher, John Okoth Ogutu from Siaya, was shot and killed in Tanzania during election-related violence after having worked in Dar es Salaam for 10 years. The recent elections have sparked a heated debate about the country's history of electoral violence. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu has blamed the unrest on foreign nationals and is facing criticism for her handling of the mounting deaths and arrests. In response to the disturbances, Tanzanian police have launched a nationwide crackdown. Concurrently, there are accusations that security officials in Tanzania have been targeting foreign nationals.
Ahead of upcoming Champions League matches, personnel from several top European clubs have commented on the fixtures. Bayern Munich's goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, stated the team knows how to "hurt" Paris Saint-Germain, noting Bayern is on a record-breaking streak, having won all 15 matches this season. Conversely, PSG midfielder Vitinha believes the clash against Bayern will determine "the two best teams in Europe." Liverpool boss Arne Slot said he will give Trent Alexander-Arnold a warm reception when Real Madrid plays at Anfield, after the defender left Liverpool for the Spanish club. Separately, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso credited Florian Wirtz for helping him secure his job and expressed confidence in Wirtz's ability to adapt at Liverpool ahead of their match.
Kenya plans a 175 billion shillings roads bond this month, secured by a fuel levy, while a new National Infrastructure Fund seeks private capital. KTDA has frozen inter-factory loans amid an audit of 71 factories. KenGen eyes 1.8 billion shillings profit from a new green fertilizer plant in Olkaria, aiming to stabilize local fertilizer prices.
Tanzanian President Suluhu warns foreigners against meddling in their politics. Locally, rapper Stevo Simple Boy and wife Brenda welcomed a son, Dragon Junior, vowing to keep him off social media.
MPs and Senators agreed on an additional 70.6 billion shillings for counties. The opposition plans a single 2027 presidential candidate against Ruto, while ODM affirms its distinct identity in by-elections. Tanzania's President Samia Hassan's second inauguration lacked public fanfare amidst regional absences.
Greensteds and Taitan Club excelled at the Nakuru County Aquatic Championships. Internationally, Ben Yedder faces rape charges, Alonso credits Wirtz for his Real Madrid job, and European giants Bayern and PSG prepare for their Champions League showdown.
Steve Chege is back at Safaricom as Group Chief External Affairs Officer for Kenya and Ethiopia. Meanwhile, Jumia Kenya's Black Friday 2025 has begun, offering up to 70% off on various products until November 30.
Treasury proposes a 15% corporate tax on multinationals to prevent profit shifting, while KEBS mandates a new 0.2% standards levy for manufacturers. A new law allowing counties to tax power lines faces opposition due to fears of increased internet costs. Over 10,000 oxygen units have been launched for newborn care. Police dispersed protestors over a missing MP aspirant in Tinderet; in Mombasa, 20 children were rescued from a suspected cult. A principal was suspended over KCSE cheating claims, and a top school is under probe. Manufacturers warn Tanzanian instability could cause job losses in Kenya. CS Kagwe ordered the closure of non-compliant sugar weighbridges, and all sugar repackagers must register by November 17, 2025.
