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5 storiesTreasury seeks public input on 2026/27 tax proposals. School internet costs have dropped significantly after procurement reforms. Airtel Africa and SpaceX partner to bring Starlink mobile connectivity to 14 African markets.
A court has halted government evictions along rivers as authorities investigate multiple suicides in four counties. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will now trace offshore accounts to combat tax evasion. The Education Cabinet Secretary has warned universities about joblessness as Grade 10 placement results were released. President Ruto handed over 4,500 affordable homes in Mukuru. Meanwhile, a Thika mattress factory fire claimed more lives, and a tree crash killed three in Kisumu. The Met Department forecasts continued rains and strong winds, while Kenya targets the UAE's 130 billion Kenyan Shillings AI initiative.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) revenue is projected to reach Sh11 billion this year, a significant increase from Sh4 billion in 2022. He attributed this growth to modern, technology-driven conservation efforts. Speaking at the passing-out parade of 147 KWS cadet officers in Manyani, Kindiki lauded the use of AI, drones, and satellite systems in wildlife protection. He also issued a stern warning against the harassment of KWS officers, vowing the government will protect rangers from attacks. The Deputy President stated that those who threaten or attack KWS officers will face the full force of justice, while also urging rangers to uphold human rights.
The Ministry of Education has released Grade 10 placements for candidates who sat the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), marking a key step for the first CBC cohort's transition to senior secondary school. In a separate development, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) dispatched the 2024 KCPE and KCSE examination certificates to all schools nationwide. Candidates have been advised to collect their certificates from their respective examination centers. Meanwhile, the government has urged universities to revamp their courses to align with labor market demands. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba warned against producing more jobless graduates, cautioning that current university programs are not meeting industry needs.
The Kenyan government has successfully repatriated 18 of its citizens from Russia who were allegedly recruited to fight against Ukraine. These returnees are set to receive psycho-social support as part of a reintegration program. In a separate international incident, South Africa accused the United States of using Kenyan nationals without work permits at a facility processing refugee applications. Following this, South African authorities arrested seven Kenyan nationals who were accused of working illegally on tourist visas. The United States condemned South Africa for detaining U.S. officials involved in the matter and for publicly releasing their personal information, leading to increased tensions.
President William Ruto handed over keys to over 4,500 beneficiaries of the Affordable Housing Programme at New Mukuru in Nairobi. This move is part of his vision to transform Kenya into a "Singapore-status" nation by replacing informal settlements with dignified housing. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki defended this "Singapore dream" development vision against criticism, insisting that the transformation is achievable. However, the administration faced criticism from the Wiper Patriotic Front, which accused President Ruto of stealing credit for projects initiated by its leader, Kalonzo Musyoka. The party specifically cited the Kibwezi-Mutumo-Kitui-Bondoni road project as an example.
President William Ruto is urging Members of Parliament to pass the National Infrastructure Fund Bill, which he says will unlock Sh5 trillion for national development. In a separate move, the National Treasury of Kenya has invited public participation for tax policy proposals for the 2026/27 financial year budget. Additionally, the National Construction Authority (NCA) has halted construction at a residential development on Peponi Road in Westlands, Nairobi, following a structural failure on Monday, December 15. On the topic of procurement, a UNICEF-Giga report noted that Kenya's decision to open up the process for school internet connectivity has drastically reduced broadband costs.
Several technology and startup development initiatives are taking place across Africa. In Kenya, two hundred and fifty young people in Dagoretti North graduated from Huawei’s DigiTruck Digital Skills Programme, an initiative aimed at boosting youth employability and innovation. Qualcomm also successfully concluded its third annual Make in Africa (QMIA) Startup Mentorship Program with a virtual finale, reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation on the continent. In Rwanda, fintech startup Kayko has successfully raised $1.2 million in a seed funding round. This capital will help Kayko enhance access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, the United Arab Emirates' recently announced US$1 billion AI for Development initiative could significantly aid Kenya's National AI Strategy by providing crucial funding and expertise.
Treasury seeks public input on 2026/27 tax proposals. School internet costs have dropped significantly after procurement reforms. Airtel Africa and SpaceX partner to bring Starlink mobile connectivity to 14 African markets.
TIFA survey shows only 17% of Kenyans believe the country is headed right under Ruto. A Radio 47 presenter sparked debate claiming December workers are low-income. Mulamwah wants reconciliation with Ruth K after reuniting with Carol Sonnie. Gody Tennor denies Australia theft claims, citing a "misunderstanding."
Counties splashed 1.5 billion shillings on travel in three months. Meanwhile, President Ruto continues his efforts to gain influence in Nyanza, engaging with local leaders despite calls for development-focused talks.
Ugandan teams join Kenya's Enterprise Cup rugby as Kabras eyes another title. Police lead in Football Premier League. Kenyan boxers perform "above average" at Worlds. Pipeline and Postbank win KVF openers. Lionesses name squad, youth swimmers head to Angola. Kuwinda 1 reaches Khalif Cup semis; NCBA wins Polo opener.
The UAE's 1 billion US dollar AI fund could boost Kenya's AI strategy. Qualcomm concluded its Make in Africa startup mentorship program. Vivo launched its X300 Pro for 169,999 Kenyan Shillings, offering 7 years of security updates, matching Google and Samsung.
A court has blocked government evictions along rivers, while authorities investigate multiple suicides across four counties. KRA will now trace offshore accounts to combat tax evasion. Education CS warns universities on joblessness, as KJSEA Grade 10 placements are released. President Ruto handed over 4,500 affordable homes in Mukuru. Meanwhile, a Thika mattress factory fire claimed more lives, and a tree crash killed three in Kisumu. The Met Department forecasts continued rains and strong winds, as Kenya targets UAE's Ksh 130 billion AI initiative.
Kabarak University held its 21st Graduation Ceremony, with coverage provided by NTV Kenya and KTN News Kenya. During the event, former President Uhuru Kenyatta delivered a speech. Gideon Moi also delivered a speech at the graduation ceremony. News outlets featured live broadcasts and the full speeches from બોથ political figures. KTN News presented its coverage as part of its 24/7 news channel offerings for Kenya. NTV Kenya encouraged viewers to subscribe for daily updates on Kenyan news and discussions.
President Ruto officially launched 4,500 affordable housing units in Mukuru as part of the government's housing project. This event is also referred to as the Mukuru housing handover and the Mukuru Boma yangu estate handover. The launch marks a significant step in the government's Makazi Nafuu project for residents of the Mukuru area. President Ruto delivered a speech during the launch of the affordable housing project. News outlets provided coverage of the event and the president's speech.
