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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
