The Ministry of Education has declined 66,000 Grade 10 placement appeals due to school capacity issues. Nairobi County is extending its public garbage bin rollout to residential estates to combat littering, even as an Infotrak poll names Fred Matiang'i as President Ruto's closest 2027 challenger. In other news, the family of an Isiolo police reservist alleges government involvement in his abduction. Internationally, IGAD reaffirmed Somalia's sovereignty amid Somaliland recognition claims. On the crime front, three traffic police officers were arrested for bribery on the Kisumu–Kisii Highway. Lastly, the Raila Odinga Stadium is on track to host AFCON 2027 matches, while Samburu’s Porro Ward MCA Patrick Lerte has passed away.
Israel has formally recognized Somaliland as a sovereign, independent nation, acknowledging its 30 years of self-governance and democratic elections. In response to this development, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Secretariat reaffirmed its recognition of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. IGAD's statement emphasized that unilateral actions can undermine regional peace and stability. Following the recognition and resulting tensions, Kenyan President William Ruto, alongside other regional leaders, held talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The Kenyan government's proposal to sell a 15 percent stake in Safaricom to Vodacom, a South African telecommunications company, has sparked significant controversy. A storm has erupted over this controversial plan as President Ruto pushes ahead with the sale. Critics argue this move could severely compromise Kenya's national sovereignty over critical digital infrastructure. Concerns are also being raised about data protection. This move has sparked significant division among the public.
Counties will receive 4.45 billion shillings by June 2026 for industrial park projects. Meanwhile, Kenya is integrating mental health support into maternal care. Shaba Studio Ltd launched a new distribution platform, and Predictiv AI listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange.
Mike Sonko saved Oga Obinna from legal trouble with lawyers Danstan Omari and Cliff Ombeta. Chiki Kuruka defended childless women amid pressure on Bien. Betty Kyallo and Charlie Lemmy announced pregnancy.
Vivo launched the X300 Pro with a 40,000 Kenyan Shillings ZEISS telephoto extender and imaging grip in Kenya. Meanwhile, Infinix unveiled the XPAD Edge tablet with a large 13.2-inch screen and 8000mAh battery.
The Ministry of Education has declined 66,000 Grade 10 placement appeals due to school capacity constraints. Nairobi County extends public garbage bin rollout to residential estates to combat littering. Meanwhile, the family of a senior police reservist in Isiolo alleges government involvement in his abduction. An Infotrak poll places Fred Matiang'i as President Ruto's closest challenger in 2027. IGAD reaffirmed Somalia's sovereignty amid Somaliland recognition claims, while an article praises Israel's recognition of Somaliland. Three traffic police officers were arrested for bribery on the Kisumu–Kisii Highway. The Raila Odinga Stadium is on track to host AFCON 2027 matches, and Samburu’s Porro Ward MCA Patrick Lerte has passed away.
A recent Infotrak poll conducted between December 19 and December 20 indicates Fred Matiang'i is President Ruto's closest challenger for the 2027 presidential race, although 31 per cent of Kenyans remain undecided. On party politics, Suna East MP Junet Mohamed declared that only ODM party leader Oburu Odinga is constitutionally allowed to declare a presidential candidacy for the party. Mohamed also alleged former President Uhuru Kenyatta is funding dissent within ODM. Separately, Health CS Duale countered claims by Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi that the 2027 general elections could be nullified, clarifying that a September 2025 Supreme Court advisory did not fully address the boundary review issue due to the IEBC lacking a proper constitution.
A call for a referendum by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has ignited a debate and drawn immediate opposition from political figures. Pushback is emerging against the proposal for a constitutional amendment ahead of the 2027 elections. MP Caroli Omondi has publicly rejected Mudavadi's proposal. The chair of the CIOC has also raised concerns regarding the ongoing referendum discussions. Amending Kenya's Constitution via a referendum is noted as a protracted and expensive legislative endeavor that typically takes over one year to complete.
Concerns are growing regarding the circumstances surrounding the fatal road accident involving former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo. Friends of Cyrus Jirongo are pressuring the government to conduct a thorough investigation into his death. The incident has prompted calls for a deeper investigation into the events that led to the tragedy. Additionally, Eugene Wamalwa and MP Caleb Amisi have criticized the government's silence regarding the death, highlighting a lack of official communication surrounding the incident. Tributes were paid to Jirongo at a memorial service attended by family, friends, and political leaders.
A recent Infotrak poll indicates President William Ruto currently leads in the preliminary 2027 Kenyan presidential race. The poll also shows that a significant portion of the electorate remains undecided, suggesting a volatile political landscape. In other political developments, Mwala Member of Parliament Vincent Musyoka has called upon Kamba leaders to collaborate with the Kenya Kwanza government. Meanwhile, controversial politician Moses Kuria has suggested that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki could be removed from his position in 2027.
Nigeria secured their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage after a 3-2 victory over Tunisia, led by forward Victor Osimhen. In a separate match, Sadio Mane scored a crucial equalizer for Senegal against the Democratic Republic of Congo, securing a 1-1 draw in their AFCON Group D match, keeping Senegal at the top of their group. A late penalty miss by midfielder Allan Okello cost Uganda a victory against Tanzania, resulting in a 1-1 draw in their Group C clash. The missed penalty leaves both Uganda and Tanzania with one point from two matches.
