Eighteen Kenyans recruited into the Russia-Ukraine war have been rescued and repatriated, with the government advising against illegal foreign employment. Health CS Duale ordered a probe into Sisto Mazzoldi Hospital over alleged fraudulent insurance claims, even as KMPDU rejected government proposals on time-based insurance claim pre-authorization. The US clarified only epidemiological data will be shared under the Health Deal. The Agriculture Ministry will reconfigure two World Bank projects to prioritize drought response in ASALs, as Kenya seeks global climate loss and damage funds amid severe floods. Finally, a multi-agency command centre has been activated to tighten festive season security, with intensified road safety patrols as a 13-storey building in Nairobi risks collapsing.
An autopsy has confirmed that former Cabinet Minister Cyrus Jirongo died from severe crush injuries to the chest, including a perforated heart, sustained in a road crash on December 13 in Naivasha. Findings from a pathologist representing his family also concluded that the former legislator died from severe blunt force trauma from a high-impact road crash. The post-mortem examination revealed extensive injuries consistent with a violent collision. In response, Democracy for the Citizens party leader Rigathi Gachagua has demanded that National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula recount his last moments with Jirongo. Opposition leaders are also calling for a quick investigation into his death.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered new investigations into Sisto Mazzoldi Hospital following an NTV exposé alleging fraudulent insurance claims. Duale directed the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) to immediately investigate, with strong disciplinary action promised if malpractice is confirmed. The CS also exposed a concerning rise in unnecessary Caesarean section deliveries, which he stated are driven by financial incentives from the Social Health Authority (SHA). In a related development, doctors represented by KMPDU have rejected a new government proposal that would introduce time-based pre-authorization restrictions on insurance claims. The proposal suggested that the Social Health Authority might reject claims pre-authorized outside the official working hours of 8 AM to 5 PM.
The Kenyan government has activated the National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC) to enhance security nationwide during the festive season and safeguard lives and property. This initiative places enforcement agencies under a single command to improve surveillance, intelligence sharing, and rapid response. To manage holiday traffic, the Ministry of Interior has announced alternative routes for motorists traveling to Nyanza, Western, and Central Kenya to reduce congestion. Inspector General Douglas Kanja has also issued a stern warning concerning road safety as police intensify patrols across Kenyan roads. Motorists also face hefty fines for minor infractions under the Traffic (Minor Offenses) Rules, 2016, ranging from Ksh 500 for not wearing a seatbelt to Ksh 10,000 for missing an inspection certificate.
Airtel Africa has partnered with SpaceX's Starlink to bring Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity to its customers across 14 African countries, including Kenya, with a service rollout expected to begin in 2026. This collaboration is designed to bridge coverage gaps where traditional terrestrial infrastructure is lacking. In a separate partnership, Showmax has integrated Airtel Money into its payment system. This allows Kenyan subscribers to pay for their memberships directly from their mobile wallets. In the electric mobility sector, BasiGo has launched a new electric vehicle charging hub at the Shell Athi River service station. This opening marks its third such collaboration with Shell in Kenya and aims to support electric buses operating along the Kitengela and greater Athi River corridor.
George Kamal is named acting KQ Group MD and CEO. Safaricom's green bond is oversubscribed by 175%, mostly by individual investors. Kenyan counties' bank loans surged to 3.2 billion shillings in Q1. Treadway secures $500 million from Chinese investors for African projects. EABL will continue producing Guinness despite Diageo’s exit.
Courts continue to invalidate key government directives. Meanwhile, President Ruto is targeting Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka ahead of 2027 polls. Separately, most county impeachment motions fail in the Senate, highlighting supremacy battles between governors and MCAs.
Ugandan teams join Kenya's Enterprise Cup rugby. Police lead the Premier League after rivals draw. Kenyan boxers excelled at World Championships; Pipeline and Postbank won in new KVF season. Lionesses named a squad for SVNS 2, and young swimmers head to African Youth Games.
Kenya awarded Pesa Print a 45 billion Kenyan Shillings deal for Smart Driving Licenses over 21 years. Safaricom listed Kenya’s largest Green Bond, with retail investors making 96% of applications. Showmax integrated Airtel Money for direct payments, while Instagram plans a TV app for Reels.
Eighteen Kenyans recruited into the Russia-Ukraine war have been rescued and repatriated, with the government advising against illegal foreign employment. Health CS Duale ordered a probe into Sisto Mazzoldi Hospital over alleged fraudulent insurance claims, even as KMPDU rejected government proposals on time-based insurance claim pre-authorization. The US clarified only epidemiological data will be shared under the Health Deal, amid privacy concerns. Agriculture Ministry will reconfigure two World Bank projects to prioritize drought response in ASALs. Kenya is seeking global climate loss and damage funds amid severe floods. The government has activated a multi-agency command centre to tighten festive season security, with intensified road safety patrols as a 13-storey building in Nairobi risks collapsing.
Parents and teachers in Busia have commended the grading system implemented by the Ministry of Education for the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA) results. However, the assessment's outcomes have also prompted concerns regarding missed opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields within senior schools. In light of the results, there have been calls for the government to include practical assessments in the KJSEA. This comes as the first cohort of Grade 10 learners in Kenya prepares for a landmark transition to senior secondary school under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBE) for the first time.
The new e-procurement system has severely hindered development spending in Kenyan counties, with many reporting zero expenditure according to a Controller of Budget report. In Kilifi, Governor Gideon Mung’aro has announced that the county will cancel all pending projects for which contractors failed to seek extensions, emphasizing accountability for stalled works. In contrast, Isiolo County is set to receive a Sh44.8 million boost under the Kuza Jamii project, aimed at bolstering livelihoods for 1,500 vulnerable households.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has initiated an investigation into the fatal road accident on the Nairobi–Nakuru highway that led to the death of former Lugari Member of Parliament, Cyrus Jirongo. Following the incident, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua demanded a swift and thorough investigation, urging agencies to uncover the facts surrounding Jirongo's demise. An autopsy has since revealed that Cyrus Jirongo died from blunt force trauma, which caused severe injuries to his chest.
