President Ruto announced an expanded cancer package under SHA to 800,000 shillings from December 1st, alongside a 5 trillion Kenyan Shillings plan aimed at elevating Kenya. His administration plans to create 6 million jobs by 2030, with Ruto asserting Kenya's economic recovery. Meanwhile, the Treasury plans to borrow an additional 1.02 trillion Kenyan Shillings before the 2027 elections. Security agencies have foiled 40 terror attacks in three years, while Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi denied New York Times allegations regarding a "slave trade" and addressed Kenya-Uganda ties. Former Chief Justice Maraga criticised the government’s labour export program to Qatar.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has received the first consignment of ballot papers and statutory forms for the upcoming November 27, 2025 by-elections. This delivery is part of the preparations for polls in 24 electoral areas across Kenya. In Mbeere North, one of the areas with a by-election, campaigns have intensified. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged residents to elect United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Leonard Wamuthende Leo to accelerate government projects. However, chaos erupted at Kanyuambora shopping centre in Mbeere North on Thursday morning, where a group of residents, some in campaign reflectors, reportedly looted a shop.
Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi vehemently denied allegations by the New York Times that implicated the Kenya Kwanza administration and President William Ruto's family in a 'slave trade' involving Kenyans sent to Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Mudavadi refuted claims that Kenya is a human trafficking hub, following a controversy involving 153 Palestinians who traveled from Gaza to South Africa via Nairobi. In a separate development, former Chief Justice David Maraga criticized the government's labor export program, particularly concerning jobs in Qatar reportedly paying up to Ksh200,000 per month. Maraga vowed to end the program if elected, calling it "modern-day slavery" and arguing that the government should focus on creating opportunities at home.
During his State of the Nation address on Thursday, November 20, President William Ruto unveiled an ambitious Ksh 5 trillion plan aimed at transforming Kenya into a "First World" nation. The blueprint focuses on investments in human capital, agriculture, energy, and transport infrastructure. In his address to Parliament, President Ruto declared that Kenya is poised to become a leading world economy, drawing parallels to the rise of the Asian Tigers. He asserted that the country is experiencing an economic recovery, presenting what he called "clear, verifiable, and indisputable" evidence of progress while dismissing critics as "high priests of eternal pessimism." As part of the address, Ruto also announced an expanded cancer treatment package under the Social Health Authority (SHA), increasing coverage from Sh550,000 to Sh800,000, effective December 1.
Global business leaders have submitted 30 policy recommendations to the G20 ahead of its annual summit on November 22–23, focusing on critical areas such as Africa’s development and digital connectivity. At the B20 Summit in Johannesburg, Jacquiline Mugo, CEO of the Federation of Kenyan Employers (FKE), highlighted the urgent need for African enterprises to reskill their workforces to remain competitive globally. Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is advocating for deeper regional economic integration to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region. The DRC made this call during a High-Level Segment in Kinshasa, held alongside the 9th Summit of the ICGLR.
OPPO launched its new flagship smartphone, the Find X9, in Kenya for KES 139,999, which features a large silicon-carbon battery and deep AI capabilities. Also in Kenya, Canon hosted its inaugural Creator Lens event in Nairobi, signifying the company's strategic shift to reinforce its presence in the video content creation market. Citi has rolled out new artificial intelligence tools in its Sub-Saharan African operations, giving over 200 Kenyan employees access to generative AI systems to automate processes and improve productivity. In Tanzania, Wingu Africa has launched its Cloud Exchange Platform (WCX) to expand its locally hosted cloud services across East Africa and provide businesses a reliable alternative to offshore services.
President William Ruto was scheduled to address the nation in a special joint parliamentary session regarding the state of the nation, covering his government's achievements and challenges. Public anticipation grew ahead of the highly awaited national address. President Ruto arrived at Parliament for the #StateOfTheNation2025 address. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was also reported to be present at Parliament Buildings for the event. The address is highlighted as a focus of news coverage evaluating President Ruto's performance.
President William Ruto stated that his government has strengthened the nation's economy and is on the right path, dismissing critics as "irresponsible." However, this view is contrasted by a Mombasa resident who stated that the economy has been stagnant since President Ruto came to power. Concurrently, Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro raised an alarm that the nation's public debt has jumped to KSh 12.5 trillion. These discussions are part of a wider assessment by Kenyans on the impact of the president's bottom-up economic model on ordinary citizens.
President Ruto launched an Infrastructure Fund to reduce borrowing as KRA missed revenue by 90 billion shillings, straining the budget. Meanwhile, MPs push for a Telkom special audit, and CMA sanctioned ex-Chase Bank execs. KCB, I&M, and NCBA groups reported strong Q3 profits.
Nairobi Governor Sakaja reshuffles his Cabinet, affecting ten CCOs including Geoffrey Mosiria. Meanwhile, influencer Diana Marua celebrates her daughter Malaika's birthday with a photoshoot.
President Ruto's democracy pledge faces scrutiny. His Cabinet appointments, made by selecting already elected MPs, cost taxpayers 550 million shillings in mini-polls. Meanwhile, 25-year-old Dr. Amos Katana campaigns on foot in Magarini's by-election, highlighting issues like healthcare and unemployment.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro claims the Talanta Stadium project could cost 145 billion shillings. Kisumu and Migori counties launched initiatives to combat GBV in sports. Kenyan athlete James Musembi won Deaflympics gold. Kenya Police are poised to win the National Boxing League. Fatuma Zarika and Rayton Okwiri will headline "Nairobi Fight Night." Nairobi City Thunder face Johannesburg Giants in BAL qualifiers, and the Kenya Cup returns this weekend.
OPPO Find X9, a new flagship phone with Dimensity 9500 and a 7,025mAh battery, is now available in Kenya for 139,999 Kenyan Shillings. Meanwhile, Datacentrix was named Hitachi Vantara's 'New Partner of the Year' for Africa. The Internet Archive's Wayback Machine is temporarily offline.
President Ruto announced an expanded cancer package under SHA to 800,000 shillings from December 1 and a 5 trillion shilling plan to elevate Kenya. His administration aims to create 6 million jobs by 2030, with Ruto asserting Kenya's economic recovery and potential to match Asian Tigers. The Treasury plans to borrow an additional 1.02 trillion Kenyan Shillings before the 2027 elections. Security agencies have foiled 40 terror attacks in three years. Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi denied New York Times allegations implicating the administration in a "slave trade" and addressed Kenya-Uganda ties after Museveni's comments. Former Chief Justice Maraga criticized the government's labour export program to Qatar.
