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3 storiesKenya's construction sector faces cost pressures and skills gaps. Meanwhile, the Kenyan government is reviewing "misplaced" donor projects, and CIC Insurance Group has reassigned its Internal Audit Director.
Clinical officers have started a nationwide strike. The Health Ministry is cracking down on "blue pill" misuse with new sales regulations following an exposé. Chaos erupted in Nakuru where boda boda riders torched a bus after a fatal accident, while police arrested two activists at a State House protest in Nairobi. President Ruto has ordered disarmament in Narok due to escalating clashes. Meanwhile, KPA introduced new cargo handling fees, and concerns grow over the KJSEA assessment under CBC.
The Kenyan government has granted 2025 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) candidates a new opportunity to revise their senior school choices following dissatisfaction with initial placements. This decision comes amidst concerns from parents and educators that the KJSEA, introduced with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), may perpetuate educational inequalities. Separately, Starehe Boys’ and Starehe Girls’ Centres have clarified their admission process for the 2026 Grade 10 class. They emphasized that selections are still ongoing and that financial need, assessed through specific forms, is the primary consideration for admission.
A week-long public feud between President William Ruto and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is intensifying, with both leaders exchanging strong criticisms and trading barbs regarding control of the Ukambani vote. Analysts suggest Kalonzo is a significant threat to Ruto's re-election bid. Concurrently, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing a potential internal crisis stemming from leadership disagreements and emerging factions, including within Raila Odinga's family. These internal ODM tensions are highlighted by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi challenging party leaders who oppose President Ruto's re-election to join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's DCP party. This dare follows uncertainty within the ODM leadership regarding its support for Ruto's 2027 re-election bid, which threatens to polarize the party.
Kenya's construction sector faces cost pressures and skills gaps. Meanwhile, the Kenyan government is reviewing "misplaced" donor projects, and CIC Insurance Group has reassigned its Internal Audit Director.
Kalonzo Musyoka claims a role in Kibaki's legacy. Mike Sonko helped Oga Obinna avoid legal trouble. Chiki Kuruka defends childless women as pressure mounts on Bien to have children, while Betty Kyallo and Charlie Lemmy announce pregnancy.
Enterprise Cup returns with Ugandan teams, while Kenya Police lead the Premier League after rivals' draws. Kenyan boxers impressed at Elite World Championships. Pipeline and Postbank won in KVF, and the Lionesses named an SVNS 2 squad. Young swimmers head to Angola for African Youth Games.
Vivo launched the X300 Pro with a 40,000 Kenyan Shillings ZEISS telephoto extender and imaging grip in Kenya. Infinix unveiled the XPAD Edge tablet, featuring a 13.2-inch screen and 8000mAh battery, with some performance trade-offs.
Clinical officers begin a nationwide strike. The Health Ministry warns against "blue pill" misuse after a exposé, implementing strict sale regulations. Chaos erupted in Nakuru as boda boda riders torched a bus after a fatal accident, while police used teargas on protesters marching to State House in Nairobi, arresting two activists. President Ruto ordered disarmament in Narok due to escalating clashes. KPA implemented new cargo handling fees, and concerns rise over the KJSEA assessment under CBC.
President William Ruto issued a stern directive for residents of Angata Barikoi, Trans Mara, to surrender their firearms following deadly clashes in the border region of Narok County. The government has vowed to restore peace in the area. In Nairobi's Central Business District, anti-riot police used tear gas to disperse protesters attempting to march to State House. The demonstration consisted of parents and relatives of victims from the 2024 and 2025 anti-government protests who were seeking an audience with the President over delayed compensation. Ahead of the march, two activists, Julius Kamau and Collins Otieno, were arrested by police at Jeevanjee Gardens.
President William Ruto attended the annual Baringo Cultural Festival and Kimalel Goat Auction, an event that blends cultural celebration with trade for pastoral communities. During the festival, the President affirmed that Kenya's transformation is "unstoppable" and reiterated his commitment to a bottom-up economic approach. This year marked the historic digitalization of the auction, allowing remote participation for the first time. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was absent from the event on Monday, December 22, due to illness and was represented by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku.
Detectives are continuing their investigation into the death of former minister and Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo. New CCTV footage has reportedly cast doubt on the circumstances surrounding his death, directly contradicting the claims made by the bus driver involved in the incident. Leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are demanding a rapid and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his passing. In contrast, residents of Lugari are appealing to local leaders to refrain from politicizing the death. They are urging for respect and unity during this somber period.
President William Ruto has drawn criticism from his political opponents regarding Kenya's elevated status and his 'Singapore agenda'. The United Opposition has labeled the agenda a "big lie," criticizing the President for his inability to fulfill the Bottom Up Agenda promised during his campaign. The opposition, including Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka, is criticizing President Ruto for introducing new promises while failing to fulfill prior commitments. Safina party leader Jimi Wanjigi also called the "Singapore agenda" a misleading development narrative. The opposition coalition has broadly criticized the president's comparison of Kenya to Singapore.
The Kenyan government has declared Trans Mara West and Trans Mara South as high-security risk areas. This decision follows a resurgence of inter-communal clashes, prompting enhanced security measures in the region. A severe humanitarian crisis is worsening in Ang’ata Barrikoi, Trans Mara, where ongoing clashes have led to mass displacement. Seven deaths have been reported amidst the ongoing conflict. Hundreds of people have fled their homes, leading to deserted villages and a critical shortage of basic necessities.
Violence erupted at Dandora Stadium following Nairobi United's equalizer against Gor Mahia, leading to fan clashes, vandalism, and an abandoned match. Despite the disruption, Gor Mahia moved to joint top of the SportPesa Premier League standings alongside Tusker. In other football news, hosts Morocco defeated Comoros 2-0 in the AFCON 2025 opening game. Meanwhile, in Canada, AFC Leopards Toronto FC secured a silver medal at their debut Pamoja Soccer Tournament after losing to Zanzibar Heroes in the final.
The Ministry of Education has announced a seven-day window for the review of senior secondary school placements in Kenya. This allows students to appeal their Grade 10 placements following what was described as widespread confusion and anger over the initial allocations. The move also comes as parents are urging for a reconsideration of the Grade 10 reporting date. The window for appeals and review is open for a period of seven days.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is proposing a pre-election pact with the Kenya Kwanza coalition in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. Leadership within the ODM party is renewing calls for fresh discussions regarding its alliance with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Some ODM leaders have stated their belief that their current share in the government is insufficient. In contrast to these calls for new talks, Gladys Wanga has affirmed that the ODM party will remain aligned with President William Ruto's government.