The government has reshuffled senior police leadership and plans comprehensive reforms. North Eastern MPs are pressing for drought to be declared a national disaster as the Met Department forecasts hotter, drier conditions. In Washington, President Ruto secured a 162 billion shillings debt-for-food security swap deal with the US and is addressing DRC-Rwanda peace. Meanwhile, the High Court has challenged a presidential proclamation on a Compensation Taskforce, and a Mombasa court halted a 17 billion Kenyan Shillings waste deal. KMTC students will now receive HELB support, and new 30-year sugar mill lease terms have been unveiled.
The National Assembly's Public Investment Committee has uncovered Ksh1 billion in unsupported expenditure at the New Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (NKPCU), a government company. The committee noted significant financial and administrative irregularities. Separately, DCI detectives arrested Maroa Sammy Maroa, a civil servant and economist with the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, for alleged forgery schemes. Maroa is accused of forging a letter to influence the police recruitment process. He was also previously accused of forging a letter to promote himself to director.
Kenyan politician Shadrack Maritim, who disappeared in October, has been found alive in Mbale, Uganda. His family had previously alleged threats from a senior officer at the National Police Service Commission (NPSC). Another report identified the man as a missing Nandi politician found alive in Uganda. In a separate incident, the United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk issued a warning to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The warning regarded the arbitrary arrest and detention of activists and opposition politicians, specifically highlighting the enforced disappearance of two Kenyan activists.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) will hold grassroots elections in 20 counties on Saturday, January 10, 2026, to strengthen its local structures ahead of the 2027 General Election. This action follows previous elections the party held in 22 counties in April 2025. In parallel, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), led by Rigathi Gachagua, is asserting its rise as a national force after securing three out of five MCA seats in recent by-elections. Gachagua highlighted these victories as evidence of increasing national popularity with an eye on the 2027 polls. As parties position themselves, the political battle for offices in Nairobi is intensifying with 20 months remaining, with the gubernatorial race attracting significant attention.
Family Bank has successfully completed its private placement of ordinary shares, raising KES 8.004 billion in an oversubscribed round that exceeded its KES 6.090 billion target by 131%. In a separate deal, the Government of Kenya plans to sell a 15% stake in Safaricom PLC to Vodafone Kenya, which could generate between KES 240.5 billion and KES 244.5 billion. This divestment is aimed at funding the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund and the Sovereign Wealth Fund. Additionally, global insurtech firm Bolttech has acquired mTek, a Nairobi-based digital insurance platform. The acquisition will expand Bolttech's presence in East Africa and strengthen its embedded insurance capabilities.
The government sold a 15% Safaricom stake for 244.5 billion shillings for infrastructure, increasing Vodacom's control. A new court battle challenges Ruto's plan to sell 65 State firms, citing lack of MP oversight. Terumo BCT opened its Africa HQ in Nairobi. Directline Assurance was fined 85 million Kenyan Shillings for abusing buyer power, while lenders Platinum Credit and DTB were fined for data privacy breaches.
Media Council condemns Gachagua's attack on reporter Stephen Letoo. Raila Odinga was Kenya's top searched public figure on Google in 2025. The Kenyan film industry mourns actor Bilal Wanjau who passed away from diabetes.
Only two women are among 181 contenders in ongoing by-elections, prompting calls for urgent reforms to ensure fair participation. Meanwhile, chaos marked some by-election areas like Mbeere North, with allegations of voter bribery and physical confrontations.
Nairobi City Thunder is professionalizing Kenyan basketball, qualifying for the BAL. Kenya's boxing team is in Dubai for the World Championships, while Nakuru swimmers eye glory at the Mombasa gala for national team selection.
The government plans to sell a 15% Safaricom stake for up to 244.5 billion Kenyan Shillings to fund national infrastructure. Family Bank raised 8 billion Kenyan Shillings in an oversubscribed placement. Airtel Money now allows direct payments to DTB Till Moja merchants. Zoho expands its Young Creators Program in East Africa, and Spotify Wrapped 2025 shows Kenyan artists like Njerae topping charts. BAKE Awards voting was extended to December 11.
The Government has made changes to senior police leadership and plans comprehensive reforms. North Eastern MPs are urging the declaration of drought as a national disaster, as the Kenya Met Department forecasts hotter and drier conditions for the next three months. President Ruto secured a 162 billion shillings debt-for-food security swap deal with the US and is addressing DRC-Rwanda peace while in Washington. The High Court challenged Ruto's presidential proclamation on a Compensation Taskforce, and a Mombasa court halted a 17 billion Kenyan Shillings waste deal. KMTC students will receive HELB support, and new 30-year sugar mill lease terms have been unveiled.
President William Ruto arrived in Washington, D.C., to witness a peace agreement signing between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. During the visit, Kenya secured a Health Cooperation Framework Agreement with the U.S., which provides $1.6 billion (Ksh207 billion) over five years for the healthcare system. In addition, an agreement was reached for a debt-for-food swap to boost food security. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) approved a Sh162 billion (approximately $1 billion) debt-for-food-security swap to replace expensive loans. Another account of the deal reported it as USD 1 billion (Ksh129 billion) after a meeting between President Ruto and DFC CEO Ben Black.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party announced it will hold grassroots elections in 20 counties on Saturday, January 10, 2026. This decision was made after a joint meeting of the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Election Board (NEB). Concurrently, President William Ruto's UDA party is facing a legal challenge to a recent by-election victory. Two voters have petitioned against the win of Leo Wa Muthende in Mbeere North, alleging irregularities and claiming he was not a registered voter. In a related development, rights organizations led by Vocal Africa gave the IEBC and EACC a 14-day ultimatum to act on alleged widespread electoral offences during recent by-elections, threatening legal action.
More than 300 nurses in Kajiado County have reportedly not been paid for over six months, and their efforts to meet with Governor Joseph Ole Lenku have been unsuccessful. In Embu County, a workers' strike over unpaid salaries and promotions has entered its fourth day, paralyzing services across the county. Similarly, health services have been halted in the Bondo sub-county after health workers went on strike to protest the harassment of their colleagues. The strike in Bondo has affected access to essential medical services for citizens.
Recent by-elections in Kenya were marred by widespread irregularities, according to reports from observer groups including ELOG, Elap, and Vocal Afrika. The findings highlight significant issues including violence, voter intimidation, bribery, and breaches within polling stations. An ELOG report exposed widespread violations that contributed to chaos during the polls. Additionally, news reports indicate that elected officials and law enforcement have been implicated in the election irregularities, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Kenya has secured a new concessional loan of 129 billion Kenyan Shillings from the United States in an agreement signed by President William Ruto. This comes as the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) reports that the nation is heavily impacted by its public debt and wage bill. According to these reports, most of the nation's revenue is being allocated to debt repayment and salaries rather than essential services. Two reports from the KHRC also indicate that Kenyans are facing severe economic hardship and increased poverty due to government policies and a burgeoning debt burden.
A lack of rainfall is causing distress among farmers in Kenya, raising fears of an impending hunger crisis. Members of Parliament from Kenya's North-Eastern region have issued a stark warning about an imminent drought and are urging the government to declare it a national disaster to facilitate assistance. In a move to enhance food security, Kenya has launched four new climate-smart rice varieties. This initiative aims to significantly reduce reliance on rice imports and bolster domestic production to support local farmers.
The delayed 98th edition of the Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards is scheduled for this Sunday at Nyayo Stadium. Gor Mahia, who are the hosts, enter the match leading the league by five points. The club has announced stringent regulations, including a Sh500 fee for vendors to access the gates and a parking fee set at Sh100. These measures are intended to control crowd flow, enhance safety, and manage revenue for the match. Separately, the draw for the expanded 2026 World Cup is set to take place on Friday. This tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time, with the finals scheduled from June 11 to July 19 next year across North America.
Three people have been killed in Ikolomani, Kakamega County, during clashes related to anti-gold mining protests. The individuals were reportedly shot dead by police. The unrest erupted after angry residents disrupted gold mining operations, leading to violent clashes between residents and police. The violence, which also resulted in injuries among security officers and journalists, underscores escalating tensions surrounding resource extraction in the region.
