business
2 storiesSupreme Court overturns a 2020 ruling, exempting bank card transaction fees from taxation. Meanwhile, DCI is targeting crypto fraud after Kenyans lost over 5.6 billion shillings this year.
Homa Bay teachers protest TSC's new SHIF medical cover due to limited service access. In Kitale, a DCI officer was fatally stabbed arresting a murder suspect, with another youth also dying. Kenya and the US signed a 320 billion Kenyan Shillings health deal in Washington. The DCI arrested three suspects over alleged fraudulent transfer of 350 million Kenyan Shillings NSSF land in Athi River, as President Ruto revoked Basil Criticos's appointment as KenTrade Chairperson. Two MCAs are among 63 arrested for Kakamega chaos that left four dead. The High Court nullified government directives on state corporations' and public universities' staff recruitment. The US, Ghana, and Israel issued travel advisories for Tanzania amid protest reports.
The US and Israeli governments have issued travel advisories for Tanzania due to planned anti-government protests, with a significant event expected on December 9, 2025. The warnings follow post-election unrest after the October 29, 2025 general elections. Ghana has also raised concerns over the escalating violence, though Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has blamed foreign interference for the situation. In a related development, Sweden announced plans to gradually discontinue development aid to Tanzania, redirecting funds to other priorities. A US-based Tanzanian activist, Mange Kimambi, also alleged that the Tanzanian government influenced the deactivation of her social media accounts to silence reporting on alleged human rights abuses ahead of the protests.
Kenyan law enforcement agencies conducted several major operations. The DCI arrested three suspects in connection with the fraudulent transfer of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) land valued at approximately KES 350 million. In Kakamega, sixty-three individuals, including two MCAs, were arrested in connection with violent protests in Ikolomani Sub-County that led to four deaths. Police in Nairobi also busted a fake vehicle number plate syndicate in Kariobangi South, seizing over 100 illegal items. During a separate incident in Kitale, a DCI officer was fatally stabbed while attempting to arrest a murder suspect.
President William Ruto has revoked the appointment of Basil Criticos as the Chairperson of the Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade), a decision made effective December 5, 2025. In other political developments, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed the government blocked his flight to a ceremony in Kakamega, forcing him to deliver his speech via phone. Meanwhile, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru publicly denied claims that she was joining Mr. Gachagua's political faction. Waiguru asserted her political independence as the 2027 elections approach and warned supporters against premature alignments.
A court in Ndhiwa has sentenced two men to 10 years in jail or a Sh5 million fine each for vandalizing electricity equipment, part of intensified efforts to curb attacks on power infrastructure. In a separate action against fraud, Taiwan announced a one-year ban on the Chinese social media app RedNote after over 1,700 scam cases were detected, resulting in losses exceeding NT$247 million. Additionally, a High Court decision in Kenya bolstered the fight against tax evasion by upholding a significant portion of a Sh773 million tax assessment against a construction company. The company was found to be involved in a "missing trader" scheme.
Google's 2025 Search Year in Review revealed what captured Kenyans' attention, with searches spanning the passing of Raila Odinga, the CHAN tournament, and athletic achievements. As the year-end holiday season approaches, NETSCOUT highlighted the efforts of IT network experts who work to keep digital systems secure and functional. These experts face challenges from surging cloud workloads, increased API calls, and data management from generative AI. Looking forward, Genetec, a global leader in enterprise physical security software, released its top predictions for the physical security industry in 2026. Genetec's trends highlight evolving cloud adoption, advanced AI applications, and modernized access control.
Supreme Court overturns a 2020 ruling, exempting bank card transaction fees from taxation. Meanwhile, DCI is targeting crypto fraud after Kenyans lost over 5.6 billion shillings this year.
MCK condemns DP Gachagua's attack on journalist Stephen Letoo. The Kenyan entertainment industry mourns actor Bilal Wanjau's passing. Raila Odinga was Kenya's top searched public figure in 2025.
A State House meeting for newly elected MPs was boycotted by senior ODM officials, revealing party rifts. Ruto's UDA party is set for elections in Gachagua’s backyard following a by-election win. Meanwhile, schemes to save Nyamira Governor Nyaribo from a third impeachment failed in the Senate.
Kabras Sugar seeks to extend their Kenya Cup perfect start against Impala. Meanwhile, Gideon Moi led Play With Fitness to a 4-1 polo victory at Manyatta Polo Club, scoring two goals.
Access Bank Kenya and NBK launched the 'W Initiative' to expand financing for women entrepreneurs. Loop and bolttech partnered for device financing. Binance introduced 'Binance Junior' for kids' crypto savings under parental control. Google's 2025 search review showed Kenyans focused on politics, sports, and culture.
Homa Bay teachers protest TSC's new SHIF medical cover, citing limited access to services. In Kitale, a DCI officer was fatally stabbed arresting a murder suspect, with another youth also dying. In Washington, Kenya and the US signed a 320 billion Kenyan Shillings health deal. The DCI arrested three suspects over alleged fraudulent transfer of 350 million Kenyan Shillings NSSF land in Athi River. President Ruto revoked Basil Criticos's appointment as KenTrade Chairperson. Two MCAs are among 63 arrested over chaos in Kakamega that left four dead. The High Court nullified government directives seeking control over state corporations' and public universities' staff recruitment. The US, Ghana, and Israel issued travel advisories for Tanzania amid protest reports and post-election unrest concerns.
Villagers in West Pokot are living in fear due to persistent bandit attacks. Reports indicate that a new wave of banditry has emerged along the West Pokot border. These incidents of banditry are disturbing the peace in the Pokot region. KTN News Kenya highlights the ongoing insecurity, with both KTN and NTV Kenya providing live news updates on the situation.
The late Beryl Odinga, sister to Raila Odinga, was scheduled to be laid to rest at Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Bondo. KTN News Kenya broadcast the funeral ceremony live from Siaya. This interment is a significant family matter for the prominent Odinga family in Kenya. During the funeral for Beryl Odinga, differences within the ODM party leadership were reportedly evident. The burial took place at a location known for its historical ties.
Musician Kevin Bahati is facing family drama after an elderly man publicly claimed to be his biological father and asked for forgiveness for taking him to a children’s home. This comes shortly after a woman also claimed to be his mother, adding to the artiste's distress about his parentage. Separately, a social media post by Betty Bayo's close friend, Shiro Stuart, sparked a debate about toxic marriages, leading to speculation about Betty's relationship with her widower, Hiram "Tash" Gitau. This speculation arises as Betty's family raised concerns about her final moments. Alongside these events, content creator Chebet Ronoh revealed she survived a "spiritual, emotional, and social assassination attempt" and has been sober for over five months.
A gold project in Ikolomani, Kakamega County, has caused controversy and resulted in violence. The death toll from Thursday’s violence has risen to four after an individual succumbed to injuries, with three more residents hospitalized. The incident occurred during a protest by gold miners in Isulu on Thursday. In response, leaders of the DCP have strongly condemned the government, accusing the police of employing excessive force. The unfolding situation and controversy are being reported on by KTN News Kenya.
