The government is targeting import cost reduction through customs clearance reforms, with Prime CS Mudavadi blaming historical cartels at Mombasa Port for deterring past investors. The JSC has appealed a ruling that suspended judicial petitions, citing a lack of gazetted guidelines. Interior CS Murkomen ordered vetting of county rangers due to firearm misuse concerns and launched a crackdown on illegal weapons in Narok after clashes. Over 100,000 Grade 10 learners sought senior school placement reviews, highlighting CBC transition issues. Meanwhile, Mariguini slum residents in Nairobi protest inadequate compensation for an affordable housing project. In Busia, a Christmas event at Governor Otuoma's home turned tragic with two stampede deaths. KWS killed two rogue elephants in Kajiado West, and the High Court ordered EACC to release NYS vouchers to the Pending Bills Committee.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has appealed a High Court ruling that suspended all petitions against judges due to the absence of officially gazetted guidelines for handling such complaints. In a separate legal matter, the High Court has ordered the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to release all National Youth Service (NYS) vouchers to the Pending Bills Committee after the DPP declined to prosecute. Additionally, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered a nationwide vetting of county rangers following reports of firearm misuse. The order follows renewed ethnic clashes in Narok County that have displaced over 1,800 people.
Several teams started their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaigns with victories. Algeria, led by captain Riyad Mahrez, secured a 3-0 win against 10-man Sudan in their Group E opener, with Mahrez scoring twice. Mahrez is optimistic his team can overcome past disappointments in the tournament. Tunisia also defeated Uganda 3-1 in their opening Group C match, as Elias Achouri scored a brace. In Rabat, the Democratic Republic of Congo began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Benin, thanks to a goal from Theo Bongonda. Continental powerhouses Senegal and Nigeria also kicked off their campaigns in Morocco with wins.
Counties will receive 4.45 billion shillings by June 2026 for industrial park projects. Meanwhile, maternity care in Kenya is expanding to include mental health support for mothers, while local innovator Shaba Studio focuses on efficient production.
Mike Sonko intervened to save Oga Obinna from legal action by lawyers. Meanwhile, Chiki Kuruka defended childless women amid pressure on Bien to have kids. Betty Kyallo and Charlie Lemmy announced pregnancy.
Ugandan clubs join Kenya's Enterprise Cup rugby as Kabras eyes another title. Police gain league advantage after rivals drew. Kenyan boxers impressed at World Championships following Ndondi Mashinani initiative. KVF season started with Pipeline and Postbank wins. Kenya Lionesses named their SVNS 2 squad, and youth swimmers are in Angola for African Youth Games.
Vivo launched the X300 Pro in Kenya with a 40,000 Kenyan Shillings ZEISS telephoto extender and imaging grip kit. Infinix unveiled the XPAD Edge tablet in Malaysia, featuring a 13.2-inch screen and an 8000mAh battery.
The government plans customs clearance reforms to lower import costs and improve trade efficiency. Meanwhile, Prime CS Mudavadi claims cartels at Mombasa Port drove away Singaporean investors in the 90s. The JSC has appealed a ruling that suspended petitions against judges due to a lack of gazetted guidelines. Interior CS Murkomen ordered vetting of county rangers over firearm misuse concerns and a crackdown on illegal weapons in Narok after ethnic clashes. Over 100,000 Grade 10 learners sought senior school placement reviews, highlighting CBC transition issues. In Nairobi, Mariguini slum residents protest inadequate compensation ahead of an affordable housing project. In Busia, two people died in a stampede at Governor Otuoma's home during a Christmas event. KWS killed two elephants in Kajiado West after they caused multiple fatalities, and the High Court ordered EACC to release NYS vouchers to the Pending Bills Committee.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a traffic advisory for motorists traveling along the Rironi-Mau Summit highway, anticipating heavy congestion during the holiday season. To alleviate severe traffic on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway and Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha road, KeNHA has listed seven alternative routes. Drivers are urged to use these routes, exercise caution, and maintain lane discipline to ensure safer travel and avoid significant delays. These advisories come as Kenyans make their annual mass exodus from cities to rural villages for Christmas, seeking to reconnect with family despite economic challenges.
Nairobi police are investigating the suspected suicide of Evans Githua, the CEO of IT firm Com Twenty One, whose body was found on Tuesday after a fall from a 14th-floor apartment in Kilimani. Preliminary findings for the 51-year-old man's death suggest self-harm and significant blood loss inside the room. In a separate incident in Meru, the discovery of Silvester Peter Mwenda's body at Nyambene Level 4 Hospital has led to conflicting reports. His family alleges he was abducted and beaten by men posing as DCI detectives, while police claim he died from injuries sustained during a mob justice incident.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has announced its next party nominations will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, to fill vacant seats in the National and County Assemblies. Meanwhile, fresh tensions have erupted within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where youth wing leader Kasmuel McOure publicly threatened to remove Secretary General Edwin Sifuna from office, accusing him of insubordination. A new TIFA National Survey indicates a threefold surge in popularity for the Jubilee Party, attributed to an alliance between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former CS Fred Matiangi. Amid these shifts, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the Luhya community to unite behind President William Ruto’s second-term bid.
PS Fikirini Jacobs launched the annual Mijikenda Cultural Gala, an event aimed at celebrating coastal unity and heritage. In Samburu North, the third phase of the "Tobong Nawi" festival brought together rival pastoralist communities from Baragoi, who participated by performing songs and showcasing their cultures. Similarly, the Abasuba community on Rusinga Island held its 14th annual cultural festival to showcase their culture. The community used the event to appeal to the government for assistance in preserving the traditions of minority groups in Kenya. These events celebrated and highlighted local heritage.
The family of former Lugari Member of Parliament Enock Kibunguchy is demanding an investigation into his sudden death. Separately, the family of a Kenyan medic held captive by Al Shabaab is urging the Kenyan government to secure his release, appealing for intervention to bring their loved one home. In another case, a family in Isiolo is appealing for help following the abduction of their loved one on a Friday. That family is seeking assistance as they grapple with the disappearance of their kin.
Kenyan university lecturers are set to receive the first installment of Ksh 7.9 billion owed to them by the government this month. This development follows weeks of industrial action that had disrupted learning in public universities. In the secondary education sector, CS Ogamba announced the opening of a seven-day review window for senior school placements. This initiative aims to provide an opportunity for students and guardians to address concerns with the placement process. Alongside these events, teachers across Kenya are being urged to unite to strengthen their efforts in advocating for their interests.
The county government of Kiambu distributed agricultural equipment to farmers to help them prepare for the upcoming planting season. This government initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity in the region. Beneficiaries expressed happiness with the support provided. Separately, farmers in Voi are requesting more flexible credit terms to help them improve their agricultural productivity. The appeal from Voi farmers comes amidst calls to enhance support for the agricultural sector in the region.
