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5 storiesGovernment tightens insurance regulation as Sanlam Kenya rebrands. NSE and Somalia Bourse sign an MoU for cross-border markets. Centum's half-year profit rose 6.1% to 472 million shillings due to reduced debt costs.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) declared the IEBC unfit for the 2027 polls following chaotic by-elections, a view echoed by Rigathi Gachagua who alleges government interference. President Ruto launched the 170 billion Kenyan Shillings Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway and Nairobi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha projects, expected to create 15,000 jobs. Health CS Duale is advancing the TaifaCare financing model, while Governor Sakaja seeks 60 billion Kenyan Shillings in unpaid rates from 200,000 landowners. EACC traced 22.9 billion shillings in illegal assets and recovered 3.4 billion shillings. The High Court ruled Parliament cannot set timelines for NLC on historical land injustices, and a petitioner sued CS Murkomen and IG Kanja over withdrawn security details.
Following by-elections on November 27, 2025, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) received varied assessments. The Election Observers Group (ELOG) commended the IEBC for conducting free and fair elections despite some reported challenges. Conversely, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) declared the IEBC unfit to conduct the 2027 General Election, citing the chaotic by-elections and warning of political chaos. In Malava, after the IEBC declared David Ndakwa of the UDA party as the winner, DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako rejected the results, alleging widespread manipulation.
Kenya is holding a record 24 by-elections across the country, an event viewed as a crucial test for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and a prelude to the 2027 General Elections. These polls are taking place amidst claims of bribery and bias. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that comprehensive security measures are in place for the Thursday by-elections, vowing to deal with any attempts to disrupt the process. In Kasipul Constituency, authorities are implementing tight security following concerns about potential violence. In a separate race, over 55,000 voters in Mbeere North Constituency are set to elect their Member of Parliament following intense campaigns.
Several initiatives are expanding services across Africa through partnerships and funding. Vodacom Tanzania has launched M-Pesa Global Payment in partnership with Visa, Alipay, MTN Uganda, and Thunes to boost digital financial inclusion and cross-border trade. Separately, the United States Department of State has announced a $150 million "pay-for-performance" financing vehicle for Zipline. This funding is intended to expand Zipline's drone delivery infrastructure across Africa and is contingent on partner African governments signing expansion contracts. In a broader regional move, Westcon Comstor has partnered with Fortanix to provide advanced data security services across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), aiming to strengthen secure AI environments.
Government tightens insurance regulation as Sanlam Kenya rebrands. NSE and Somalia Bourse sign an MoU for cross-border markets. Centum's half-year profit rose 6.1% to 472 million shillings due to reduced debt costs.
Only 2 women are among 181 contenders in ongoing by-elections, prompting calls for urgent electoral reforms to ensure fair participation. Meanwhile, incidents of voter bribery and chaos have been reported in Mbeere North.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro claims the Talanta Stadium could cost taxpayers 145 billion shillings. Kisumu and Migori counties launched initiatives against GBV in sports. Kenyan James Musembi won Deaflympics gold. Police eye National Boxing League title in Kisumu, while Nairobi City Thunder face Johannesburg Giants in BAL qualifiers. The Kenya Cup returns this weekend, and Nairobi Fight Night will feature Fatuma Zarika and Rayton Okwiri.
The LSK has declared IEBC unfit for the 2027 polls after chaotic by-elections, a sentiment echoed by Rigathi Gachagua who alleges government interference. President Ruto launched the 170 billion Kenyan Shillings Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway and Nairobi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha projects, expected to create 15,000 jobs through a debt-free Public-Private Partnership model. Meanwhile, Health CS Duale is advancing the TaifaCare financing model, while Nairobi Governor Sakaja revealed 200,000 landowners owe the county 60 billion Kenyan Shillings in unpaid rates. In legal news, EACC traced 22.9 billion shillings in illegal assets and recovered 3.4 billion shillings. The High Court ruled Parliament cannot set timelines for NLC on historical land injustices. Lastly, a petitioner sued CS Murkomen and IG Kanja over the withdrawn security detail of Governor Natembeya and Senator Khalwale.
The results of the recent by-elections triggered strong and varied reactions from Kenya's political leadership. President William Ruto stated the heavy losses suffered by the opposition were a clear warning signal from voters. Nandi Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei asserted that the results guarantee President Ruto's victory in the 2027 General Elections. In contrast, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused the Ruto administration of using "goons and heavily armed police" to manipulate results in Malava and Mbeere North. Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki congratulated the winners and called for national unity.
President William Ruto officially launched the dualling of the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Road, a critical 170-kilometre corridor. The Sh170 billion initiative also includes the Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha highways project. Hailed as a "dawn of a new era" for its debt-free financing, the project is structured as a Public–Private Partnership (PPP). The launch took place in Kiambu County on November 28, 2025. It is expected that the development will create 15,000 jobs for young Kenyans and transform the congested corridor linking Nairobi to the Rift Valley and western Kenya.
The November 27 by-elections resulted in wins for several political parties across the country. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate, Leonard Wa Muthende, won the Mbeere-North Constituency seat with 15,802 votes. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) retained the Ugunja seat with Moses Omondi declared MP-elect, and also won the Magarini parliamentary by-election where Harrison Kombe secured 17,909 votes. Additionally, Rigathi Gachagua's new Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) secured three county assembly seats in the Kariobangi North, Narok Town, and Kisa East Wards.
Kenya Airways (KQ) has issued a profit warning for the year ending December 31, 2025, anticipating a profit drop of at least 25 percent. The airline attributed this expected decline to grounded planes and a severe shortage of engine parts. In contrast, Centum Investment Company reported a 6.1 percent increase in after-tax profit to Sh472 million for the half-year ended September 30, 2025. This growth was primarily due to a 66 percent reduction in finance costs from debt repayments. In other corporate news, Sanlam Kenya has officially rebranded to Sanlam Allianz Holdings Kenya. This change follows a joint venture and comes as the Kenyan government is strengthening its insurance regulatory framework to rebuild trust in the sector.
Recent by-elections in Kenya were marred by widespread violence, thuggery, and security breaches. In Malava Constituency, clashes erupted between supporters of the DAP-K and UDA parties, and vehicles belonging to political leaders including Eugene Wamalwa were torched. Incidents in Kasipul, Homa Bay County resulted in chaos where MP Peter Kaluma was attacked, injured, and his pistol was stolen. Police arrested 22 suspects in Kasipul in connection with the electoral violence, while another 23 individuals were arrested after being found with machetes. In Chwele-Kabuchai, one person sustained severe injuries after an attack, and it was reported that voters were injured during the by-elections.
President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party celebrated victories in recent by-elections, with UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar stating the results demonstrate public confidence in the administration. The party secured a significant win in the Malava Constituency against the Tawe movement and also won the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election, a win seen as a boost to Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. The Mbeere North by-election was described as a critical contest for political influence in the Mount Kenya region between President Ruto and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. President Ruto congratulated the UDA winners and also commended victories by opposition ODM candidates, stating the wins signify Kenyans' trust in his agenda.
The Elections Observation Group (ELOG) commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for its management of recent by-elections. ELOG stated that the IEBC conducted transparent polls, despite isolated incidents of violence, chaos, and electronic system challenges. However, the observer group also identified significant systemic gaps in the by-elections and urged for their rectification before the 2027 General Elections. The IEBC is also reportedly addressing challenges in an upcoming by-election.
A Nairobi-based DJ is organizing a roadshow to Bondo, Siaya County, on December 27 to honor the late Raila Odinga at his gravesite, inviting Kenyans to join. Meanwhile, media personality Willis Raburu has openly discussed the severe cyberbullying he endured following the tragic death of his daughter. Raburu detailed how online cruelty intensified his grief during his "lowest point" in an interview on Sauti Sessions Dialogue with Ciru Muriuki. In another story of loss, the children of the late gospel singer Betty Bayo, Sky Victor and Dany Victor, are on a healing vacation in Naivasha. This getaway comes just six days after their mother's burial and is described as a much-needed break from a month of grief.
President William Ruto issued a stern warning to the opposition, cautioning them against engaging in politics without a clear agenda and threatening to defeat them in the 2027 General Election. The President called on the opposition to present its plans for the nation, emphasizing his desire for a united Kenya. President Ruto also issued a warning to his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, urging him to focus on policy development rather than constant politicking ahead of the 2027 elections.
