The Kerugoya High Court has suspended the government's Direct Settlement System for coffee farmer payments until May 2026, citing a lack of public participation. Meanwhile, the IEBC warns that budget cuts could compromise the 2027 General Elections. The Public Service Commission has cancelled 86 previously advertised job positions without explanation, and the Central Bank of Kenya notes crypto firm licensing is on hold pending new regulations. North Eastern MPs are pushing for the reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border. In other news, the Communications Authority denies biometric data collection claims during SIM registration, and the Teachers Service Commission has flagged a fake teacher recruitment advert. A city lawyer suspected of terror links awaits a court ruling, while the government received a 778 million Kenyan Shillings World Bank grant for transport infrastructure.
The Kerugoya High Court has suspended the government's Direct Settlement System (DSS) for coffee farmer payments until May 20, 2026, following a successful argument by farmers that the system was implemented without public participation. In another legal matter, Principal Magistrate Rose Ndombi ruled that former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu can secure his freedom by depositing a Ksh53 million bank guarantee. The Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kisumu affirmed in a landmark ruling that employees can sue their bosses for underpayment, establishing that paying below the statutory minimum wage is unlawful. Additionally, a city lawyer arrested in a nationwide counter-terrorism operation awaits a court ruling on November 19, 2025, regarding a DCI request for extended detention for further investigation into terror financing suspicions.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has refuted allegations that it authorized telecommunication providers to collect biometric data during SIM card registration, labeling the claims as unfounded. The government also stated that it will not require DNA for SIM card registration. In a separate regulatory update, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) announced that the licensing of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) is on hold. The hold will remain until the National Treasury issues new regulations for the Virtual Assets Service Providers Act, 2025. The CBK clarified that despite the Act being in effect since November 4, no firm is currently authorized to operate as a licensed VASP.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) announced on Tuesday, November 18, the cancellation of 86 previously advertised job positions, including senior roles in the Foreign Affairs department. In a separate action, the Senate Standing Committee on National Cohesion ordered the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to terminate the contracts of 22 newly hired staff due to irregularities in their recruitment. Meanwhile, the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has announced 99 job vacancies, with 97 being permanent and pensionable. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) also issued an alert about a fake recruitment advertisement for 20,000 teachers, clarifying that official vacancies are only announced via its official website.
Campaigns for Kenya's November 27 by-elections have entered the homestretch, with both the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance and the united opposition bracing for a fierce contest. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka campaigned in Magarini Constituency for DCP candidate Stanley Karisa Kenga, stating an opposition win would strengthen their readiness for 2027. Musyoka criticized the UDA regime for failing to lower the cost of living and increasing taxation. The by-elections in Mbeere North and Malava are considered particularly high-stakes. These mini-polls are serving as a litmus test for shifting political allegiances between the two major political factions.
The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has approved the acquisition of Mace Consult Holdings Limited by Consult Bidco Limited. The authority stated the deal complies with merger regulations and will not negatively impact competition. In the financial sector, Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) has successfully arranged and closed a $400 million syndicated facility for Sea World Energy Holdings Limited, consolidating Karpowership Group's operations across Africa. Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) announced that the licensing of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) will begin only after new regulations under the Virtual Assets Service Providers Act, 2025 are issued. This follows the act's gazetting on October 21, which brings Kenya's digital asset market under statutory regulation.
Google and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat have launched a program to train 7,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa in AI and digital trade skills. This initiative, powered by the Google Hustle Academy, aims to bridge the digital skills gap. Complementing this effort, Google's CEO Sundar Pichai advises users not to "blindly trust" AI tools, acknowledging their susceptibility to errors. In a related warning, Frank Blackmore, lead economist at KPMG, stated that a significant skills gap and limited historical data could impede Africa’s ability to fully leverage Artificial Intelligence for economic growth in 2026. Blackmore urges urgent collaboration between the public and private sectors to address these challenges.
The Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has injected Sh500 million into Githunguri Dairy Cooperative Society (GDC) to boost financing for MSMEs. This funding is part of the World Bank-backed SAFER Programme and aims to expand access to affordable credit. In another boost to the agricultural sector, Corteva Agriscience Kenya has launched Verpixo® 100 SC, a new fungicide to support Kenya's floriculture sector. This product helps rose growers combat powdery mildew and botrytis, diseases that threaten exports. These developments come as Kenya's agricultural sector is advocating for a 10-year stable tax framework to enhance competitiveness and encourage long-term investment, citing inconsistent fiscal policies as a hindrance to growth.
Microsoft has launched "Project Gecko," a new artificial intelligence initiative starting in Kenya that aims to address equity gaps by developing cost-effective systems incorporating local languages and culturally relevant knowledge. In a separate initiative, Google and the AfCFTA Secretariat have launched the ‘AfCFTA Digital Inclusion & Entrepreneurship Programme’ to provide African SMEs with AI and digital trade skills. These developments coincide with a report that rural Kenya now accounts for 60 percent of all orders placed on Jumia's e-commerce platform. This significant shift in online shopping, which has surpassed major cities, is attributed to improved connectivity, affordable smartphones, and expanded delivery networks.
A con artist impersonating a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer has caused a stir in Nairobi. A man was arrested in Kilimani and faces charges for allegedly impersonating a Kenya Air Force officer, an incident covered by NTV Kenya. In a specific case, a Kenyan man named Joshua Mutui Muimi appeared in court facing charges of impersonating a KDF officer. Muimi was arrested for allegedly posing as a KDF officer and conducting a military recruitment exercise.
The Harambee Stars faced African giants Senegal in an international friendly match in Antalya, Turkey, as part of their rebuilding efforts for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. This high-profile game provided a crucial test for the Kenyan team. In basketball, Nairobi City Thunder tips off its 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16 East Division qualifiers campaign against Uganda’s Namuwongo Blazers at the Kasarani Indoor Arena. The team aims to qualify for the tournament for a second consecutive year. Concurrently, athletics legends Daniel Komen and Douglas Wakiihuri have urged Kenyan county governments to invest in sports facilities. The legends lamented the current lack of suitable training grounds to nurture athletic talent.
An ongoing political rivalry between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his successor, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, is becoming increasingly evident. The power struggle has been highlighted during campaigns for the Mbeere North Constituency by-election. NTV Kenya reported on this power struggle taking place in Mbeere Kaskazini. As part of the public dispute, Secretary Kindiki issued a warning to Deputy President Gachagua, stating that abuse of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders will not be tolerated.
Google and AfCFTA will train 7,500 African SMEs in AI and digital trade. Avenews, KMC, and KLMC are launching a 2.5 billion Kenyan Shillings trade financing plan for Kenya's livestock market. KPMG warns that Africa's AI growth could be slowed by skills gaps. MojaEV is introducing electric buses for Kenya's matatu sector. Rural Kenya accounts for 60% of Jumia's online purchases. Woodford Reserve whiskey has debuted in Kenya.
No entertainment news: major cyberattack hit government websites, COTU wants a Chinese national deported after assaulting a Kenyan, and Suluhu faces nepotism claims in Tanzania.
NCIC is probing Gachagua, four Governors, and ten MPs for hate speech, amid claims of improper staff hiring. Meanwhile, by-elections in Malava and Mbeere North test political allegiances. President Ruto attended ODM's 20th anniversary, praising its strength, as debates persist within ODM about street protests.
Kenya's Harambee Stars played African giants Senegal in a friendly, boosting their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations preparations. Meanwhile, Nairobi City Thunder began their 2026 Basketball Africa League qualifiers against Uganda's Namuwongo Blazers at Kasarani.
Jumia sees rural Kenya drive 60% of its orders, thanks to better connectivity. Meanwhile, Google and AfCFTA are equipping African SMEs with AI and digital trade skills. Globally, Vertiv plans to acquire PurgeRite for 1 billion US dollars to bolster data center services.
Kerugoya High Court has suspended the government’s Direct Settlement System for coffee farmer payments until May 2026, citing lack of public participation. The IEBC warns that budget cuts could compromise the 2027 General Elections. The PSC has cancelled 86 previously advertised job positions without specific reasons. The CBK notes crypto firm licensing is on hold pending new regulations from the National Treasury. North Eastern MPs demand the reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border due to economic impact. The Senate has ordered NCIC to fire 22 staff over recruitment irregularities. The Communications Authority denies claims of biometric data collection during SIM card registration. The TSC has flagged a fake recruitment advert for 20,000 teachers. A city lawyer suspected of terror links awaits a court ruling on extended detention. Lastly, the government received a 778 million Kenyan Shillings grant from the World Bank for transport infrastructure projects.
