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HomeDaily NewsFriday, December 12, 2025
Kenya News - Friday, December 12, 2025
Daily Summary

Kenya News - Friday, December 12, 2025

President Ruto unveiled a National Infrastructure Fund to end high debt and finance development. He promised the JKIA-Westlands highway completion by January and new expressways from Nairobi to Thika and Thika to Museum Hill. Separately, the government vowed to defend the 200 billion Kenyan Shillings Kenya-US health deal in court, challenging a ruling that halted its data-sharing, despite Senator Omtatah's data protection concerns. Prime CS Mudavadi criticized opponents. Additionally, the government will reclaim land along the Nairobi Rivers Corridor, targeting riparian reserves and wetlands from December 22.

24 stories across 14 topics
Updated 6:19 PM

Top Stories Today

DR. HESBON HANSEN: Why Kenya Must Approach the Kenya–US Health Data Framework With Both Confidence and Caution
MoH vows full disclosure in court to defend suspended health data deal
Govt Reveals Next Move After Court Halts Controversial Ksh 200B Kenya-US Health Deal
Omtatah Breaks Silence After Court Upheld His Petition to Stop Ruto-Trump's Health Deal
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High Court Halts Data-Sharing Component of Ksh 200B Kenya-US Health Deal - December 2025

The High Court issued conservatory orders on December 10, halting the implementation of the data-sharing component of the Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework. The Ministry of Health has vowed to defend the $1.6 billion (Sh208 billion) partnership in court, stating it will provide full documentation and respects Kenya's data protection laws. Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, who filed the petition, raised concerns about data sovereignty, the constitutionality of the agreement, and potential human experimentation. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale emphasized that the court's order only affected data sharing aspects, not the entire agreement. In response, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya criticized the petitioners, accusing them of sabotaging vital government health programs.

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Mau Summit & Nairobi-Thika Expressways: List of Ruto's Multibillion-Shilling Major Road Projects
Ruto promises transformed JKIA-Westlands highway by January
Ruto promises Thika–Museum Hill Expressway in ambitious infrastructure plan
Govt to Construct New Nairobi-Thika Expressway, Ruto Reveals
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President Ruto Announces New Nairobi-Thika and Thika-Museum Hill Expressways - December 2025

During the 62nd Jamhuri Day Celebrations, President William Ruto announced several major infrastructure projects. He revealed plans to construct a new 60-kilometre expressway connecting Nairobi City to Thika town in Kiambu County, with construction set to begin in 2026. This project is intended to complement the existing Thika road and alleviate severe traffic congestion. The President also announced plans for another new expressway to connect Thika to Museum Hill in Nairobi. In addition, Ruto announced a major rehabilitation and beautification project for the Mombasa Road–Uhuru Highway corridor, stretching from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to ABC Place in Westlands, with work scheduled to start in December and be completed by January.

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Ruto to rename soon-to-be-completed Talanta Stadium after Raila Odinga
Talanta to be Renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium - Ruto Reveals
Crowd Erupts as Sakaja Asks Ruto to Rename New Stadium After Raila
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President Ruto Approves Renaming Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium - December 2025

During the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja made a public request to President William Ruto to rename the under-construction Talanta Stadium. The governor proposed naming the 60,000-seat stadium after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, a suggestion that received strong support from the crowd. President Ruto approved the request and announced the decision to honor the late former Prime Minister, who passed away on October 15. The soon-to-be-completed venue will be officially named the Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium.

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Meet KDF’s elite parachute battalion behind Jamhuri Day parade
Mahama graces Jamhuru Day celebration as Chief Guest
LIVE: President Ruto leads tourism-themed Jamhuri Day at Nyayo
Why Kenya Is Celebrating Tourism on Jamhuri Day
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President Ruto Leads Tourism-Themed 62nd Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Nyayo Stadium - December 2025

President William Ruto led Kenya's 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium, attended by thousands. This year's event introduced a new model of themed national holidays, with a focus on Tourism, Wildlife, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) to highlight the sector's economic potential. The celebrations marked 62 years since Kenya attained republic status and featured Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama Adama as the Chief Guest. The event included a Trooping of the Colours led by the elite 20th Parachute Battalion of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

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More News Topics

From Law to Lives Saved: How the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Bill Can Deliver Universal Health Coverage
MTRH seeks private investor to build new medical training complex
High Court Suspends $1.6bn Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework Over Data Privacy Concerns
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Health Sector Sees Legislative Push, New Project, and Suspension of $1.6bn US Deal - December 2025

Kenya is pushing for the passage of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Bill, 2023, to guarantee essential health services and accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This legislation is aimed at addressing persistently high maternal and child mortality rates. In a separate development, the High Court of Kenya has temporarily suspended the implementation of a $1.6bn Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework, citing data privacy concerns. Concurrently, the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) is seeking a private investor to develop an ultra-modern medical training complex for its College of Health Sciences. This project is planned to be executed through a Design-Build-Finance-Maintain-Transfer (DBFMT) public-private partnership.

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Kenya’s VASP Act Fuels Crypto Activity but Experts Caution on Volatility
KRA, private sector in push to ease tax bottlenecks
AfDB, KCB in $150m Deal to Scale Up Green Lending, Boost Trade Finance
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Kenya Enacts VASP Act for Crypto, Eases Tax Bottlenecks, and Secures $150m Green Lending Deal - December 2025

Kenya's new Virtual Assets Service Providers (VASP) Act, 2025, is boosting crypto interest, with the law aiming to regulate activities under the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). In another regulatory move, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is enhancing collaboration with the private sector to streamline tax processes and create a predictable business environment. On the financing front, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has finalized a $150 million (Sh19.3 billion) financing agreement with KCB Bank Kenya. This package is designed to significantly boost KCB's green lending initiatives and reinforce its trade finance operations, addressing capital demands in climate-aligned sectors.

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Report: Safaricom’s grip on mobile money tightens as Kenya hits 149% SIM penetration
The average Kenyan 5G user consumes 40GB of data a month, as per CA report
Voice traffic in Kenya is actually growing, and Airtel users are the most talkative
Safaricom leads fixed Internet market as fibre and wireless subscriptions hit 2.29M
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CA Report for Q1 FY 2025/26 Details Growth in Voice, Data and Broadcasting Subscriptions - December 2025

A recent report from the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) for Q1 FY 2025/26 highlighted significant trends across the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. The report found that Kenya's SIM penetration reached 149.4%, with Safaricom's M-PESA service commanding almost 90% of the mobile money market. In data, the average Kenyan 5G user now consumes 40GB per month. Domestic mobile voice traffic grew to 29.93 billion minutes, with Airtel users becoming increasingly talkative, while SMS traffic declined to 14.66 billion messages. Fixed broadband subscriptions also expanded, reaching 2.29 million, a 6.9% quarterly increase, with Safaricom leading the fixed internet market. Additionally, the broadcasting sector rebounded, as GOtv and DStv recorded significant subscription increases.

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KJSEA yawaacha wengi njia panda; wizara yatoa ufafanuzi wa alama nane za juu
Wanafunzi wa KJSEA kupewa shule kufikia Desemba 20
Kati ya wanafunzi 1,130,587 waliofanya KJSEA, 77% waliafikia kiwango kwa kupata pointi nne
Matokeo ya kwanza ya KJSEA yafungua sura mpya ya tathmini ya Kitaifa
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First Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) Results Released for 1,130,587 Students - December 2025

The first results of the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) have been released, marking a new chapter in national educational evaluation. A total of 1,130,587 candidates participated in the examination, with approximately 77% achieving the expected pass mark of four points. The results initially left many confused about their interpretation, prompting Education Minister Migos Ogamba to provide clarification on the grading system. It was also announced that students who took the KJSEA are expected to be provided with a school by December 20.

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Mombasa Road set for rapid makeover as President Ruto unveils reconstruction plan
Serikali kujenga upya barabara ya JKIA–ABC katika mpango wa kurembesha jiji
Kenya to begin SGR expansion from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malava in February 2026
Plans to upgrade JKIA and other airports underway, President Ruto says
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Government Announces SGR Expansion, Airport Upgrades, and Major Road Reconstruction - December 2025

President William Ruto announced plans for the significant upgrading of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports across Kenya. The government is also set to reconstruct the JKIA–ABC road and Mombasa Road as part of broader initiatives. Additionally, Kenya is slated to commence an expansion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba in February 2026. These initiatives signal significant infrastructure developments for the nation aimed at improving transportation hubs.

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From Wedding Plans To Cremation-Ciru Muriuki Details Profound Grief After Charles Ouda’s Death
Vivianne Speaks For The First Time After Ex-Partner Sam West Announced Wedding
Andrew Kibe Dismisses Marriage Rumours: “It Will Never Happen”
Thee Pluto Warns Young Men About the “3 Ls” That Can Ruin Their Lives
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Media Personalities Discuss Grief, Marriage, and Relationships - December 2025

Media personality Ciru Muriuki openly discussed her profound grief following the death of her fiancé, actor Charles Ouda, detailing how the loss shattered their future plans. Vivianne Kenya spoke publicly for the first time since her ex-partner, Sam West, announced his upcoming wedding, expressing no bitterness and wishing him well. Popular content creator Andrew Kibe has definitively dismissed rumors of remarriage, stating in an interview that it "will never happen". Additionally, Kenyan content creator and businessman Thee Pluto issued a stern warning to young men about three pitfalls he calls the "3 Ls" that can ruin their lives: Liquor, Ladies, and Leverage.

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Ruto pauses his speech for a one minute silence in honour of late Raila Odinga
Cheers as Sakaja proposes renaming Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium
President Ruto promises to rename Talanta Stadium in honour of the late PM Raila Odinga
President Ruto cuts short his speech to observe a one-minute silence to honour the late Raila Odinga
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Tributes Paid to the Late Raila Odinga and Talanta Stadium Proposed to be Renamed in His Honour - December 2025

During the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium, President William Ruto led the nation in observing a minute of silence to honor the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga. In a separate announcement during his Jamhuri Day speech, President Ruto promised to rename the Talanta Stadium in recognition of Odinga's contributions. The proposal to rename the completed Talanta Stadium on Ngong Road to Raila Odinga International Stadium was also made by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The governor's suggestion was reportedly met with cheers from the crowd at the stadium.

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Bandari FC sack head coach Mohamed Borji
Harambee Starlets up seven spots to 133 in latest FIFA rankings
Teams eye glory as Abbas Khalif Cup enters decisive stage
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Bandari FC Sacks Coach as Harambee Starlets Climb Rankings and Local Cup Advances - December 2025

Bandari Football Club has sacked head coach Mohamed Borji and his assistant Tarik Bendamou, citing a review of the team’s technical direction. This decision follows the recent dissolution of the club's 18-member Board of Trustees as part of a broader restructuring. In other Kenyan football news, the Harambee Starlets have climbed seven spots to 133rd in the latest FIFA rankings. This rise for Kenya's women's national football team comes after their successful qualification for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). At the grassroots level, the Abbas Khalif Super Cup has now reached its decisive quarter-final stage. The football tournament features 40 teams from Lang’ata Constituency’s five wards and will hold its grand final on December 20.

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News by Category

business

3 stories

KRA appoints two new commissioners to drive strategy and tax research initiatives. Meanwhile, the court upheld Lipton Teas’ dismissal of a manager for sexual harassment. Elsewhere, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro claims the US is targeting the nation's oil reserves.

Based on 3 stories from today's coverage

entertainment

4 stories

Larry Madowo denies claims of being paid to tarnish the Tanzanian government. Corazon Kwamboka reveals early menopause due to endometriosis treatment. Maverick Aoko announces pregnancy, while Julie Gichuru shares a family moment with her tall son.

Based on 4 stories from today's coverage

politics

3 stories

Luhya elders are strategizing for 2027 polls post-Raila Odinga. Deputy President Gachagua stated he won't "shut up" on "spilling secrets," while Oketch Salah's new access to global leaders raises questions.

Based on 3 stories from today's coverage

sports

2 stories

KPA women's basketball faces Rwandan rivals APR in Africa quarters. Meanwhile, Gideon and Kimoi Moi lead their teams at Manyatta Polo Club in Gilgil this weekend for the Christmas Ndume Cup.

Based on 2 stories from today's coverage

tech

2 stories

Airtel Money partners with I&M Bank to expand digital payments for Kenyan customers. Meanwhile, Fincra will be the headline supporter for Africa Tech Summit Nairobi 2026.

Based on 2 stories from today's coverage

top

10 stories

President Ruto announced a new National Infrastructure Fund framework to end Kenya’s debt cycle and fund development. He also promised completing the JKIA-Westlands highway by January and building new expressways from Nairobi to Thika and Thika to Museum Hill. Separately, the government vows to defend the 200 billion Kenyan Shillings Kenya-US health deal in court, challenging a ruling that halted its data-sharing component. Critics like Senator Omtatah raised concerns about data protection and potential human experimentation. Prime CS Mudavadi criticized those opposing the deal. Meanwhile, the government will reclaim land along the Nairobi Rivers Corridor, targeting riparian reserves and wetlands starting December 22.

Based on 10 stories from today's coverage
No earlier news
Friday, December 12, 2025
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Government aims for 5 million tourists and KSh 1 trillion revenue by 2028
President Ruto hails Kenya’s tourism boom as visitor numbers double
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Kenya Aims for 5 Million Tourists and KSh 1 Trillion Revenue by 2028 Amid Tourism Boom - December 2025

President Ruto has announced a significant increase in Kenya's tourism sector, hailing a boom as visitor numbers have reportedly doubled. In line with this growth, the Kenyan government is boosting its tourism targets. It aims to attract 5 million tourists and generate over KSh 1 trillion in annual revenue by the year 2028. The focus on tourism was further highlighted as this year's Jamhuri Day celebrations centered around the themes of Tourism, Wildlife, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).

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Why you should be aware of Ruto's 'false promises' this Jamhuri Day
Beware of Ruto's 'false promises' this Jamhuri Day, opposition says
Gachagua: Tribalism is a false narrative to distract Kenyans
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Opposition and Former DP Gachagua Challenge President Ruto's Narrative Ahead of Jamhuri Day - December 2025

On December 11, 2025, united opposition leaders in Nairobi cautioned citizens against believing President William Ruto's anticipated claims about his administration's performance during the upcoming 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations, warning of 'false promises'. In a separate challenge to President Ruto's administration, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua asserted that the country's challenges stem from the sale of public assets, human rights violations, and a war on corruption. Gachagua claims that President Ruto is creating a false narrative around tribalism to divert attention from these issues.

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