President Ruto has declared 2026 a "watershed year" for Kenya, highlighting agricultural and economic progress as the government prepares to deploy a 700-member DCI Anti-Narcotics Unit. Meanwhile, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board has cautioned Kenyans against fake breast cancer medications. Schools nationwide are set to reopen on January 5. In politics, Oburu Oginga has hinted at a 2027 presidential bid, while Maina Njenga and Augustus Muli discuss Mt. Kenya unity and potential alliances.
President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia exchanged New Year greetings, highlighting their nations' comprehensive strategic partnership. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined China's diplomatic priorities for the upcoming year, which include hosting major domestic events and developing a new model of engagement with the United States. Concurrently, the United States' increased arms sales to Taiwan have been described as a dangerous breach of commitments that threatens China-US relations. In a separate diplomatic move, Türkiye's President Tayyip Erdogan signed a decision granting visa-free travel to Chinese citizens to boost trade and tourism. In his 2026 New Year message, President Xi also emphasized the need for solid work to promote high-quality development.
President William Ruto has declared substance abuse a national development and security emergency. A new 700-member Anti-Narcotics Unit within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is set to be deployed in 2026 to combat drug trafficking and illicit alcohol. President Ruto announced that the unit will have enhanced capabilities comparable to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit. The president has signaled a broader crackdown on illicit liquor and drugs in 2026. This comes as Nacada has revealed the tricks being used by drug lords.
Ahead of the 2027 General Election, a growing rift between Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and her deputy, Oyugi Magwanga, is set to reshape the county's political landscape. At the national party level, Oburu Oginga, Acting Party Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has declared he will be the party's presidential candidate in 2027 if the party chooses to contest independently. This announcement comes amidst internal divisions within ODM. In tandem with these political moves, the newly constituted Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) faces a defining year. The commission is under immense pressure as it prepares Kenya for the 2027 general elections. This critical period for the IEBC follows its navigation of highly contested by-elections as it now works to meet strict constitutional deadlines.
Samsung is preparing to release its One UI 8.5 update, which is built on Android 16 and is anticipated to debut with the Galaxy S26 lineup. In Kenya, the launch prices of the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air have significantly decreased just three months after their release in September 2025. Some models have seen price drops of up to KES 90,000. Meanwhile, Sun King has launched a Pay-As-You-Go (PayGo) smartphone service across Nigeria as of December 23, 2025. This initiative aims to make smartphones accessible by offering a "buy now, pay later" model, similar to its solar kit financing.
President Ruto launched a National Infrastructure Fund for development. CBK licensed 42 more digital lenders, bringing the total to 195. Kenya plans Safaricom privatization in 2025. Trade CS Kinyanjui defends higher taxes on imports, while petroleum dealers protest new eTIMS rules.
Kalonzo Musyoka claims a role in Kibaki's legacy. Mike Sonko helped Oga Obinna avoid legal action. Chiki Kuruka defends childless women amidst pressure on Bien, while Betty Kyallo and Charlie Lemmy announce pregnancy.
Jimi Wanjigi advocates for opposition ideas beyond "Ruto must go," proposing free schooling and a sales tax to replace VAT. Oburu Odinga eyes ODM's 2027 presidential ticket if the party runs independently. Meanwhile, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah urges former President Uhuru Kenyatta to embrace statesmanship.
President Ruto has declared 2026 a "watershed year" for Kenya, citing agricultural and economic gains as his government prepares to deploy a 700-member DCI Anti-Narcotics Unit to combat drugs and illicit alcohol. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has warned Kenyans about fake breast cancer medications, urging vigilance. Schools are reopening for the 2026 academic year on January 5. Politically, Oburu Oginga hints at a 2027 presidential bid, while Maina Njenga and Augustus Muli discuss Mt. Kenya unity and potential alliances.
Political discussions are intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections. Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has threatened to exit the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) by March 9, 2026, if it maintains its relationship with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Conversely, ODM leader Oburu Oginga has indicated his potential presidential candidacy in 2027, with a final party decision on alliances expected before the end of 2026. In the Mt. Kenya region, National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Augustus Muli signaled a potential coalition with former Mungiki leader Maina Njenga to promote unity. Additionally, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang'i urged the IEBC to prioritize a nationwide mass voter registration exercise in 2026.
In 2025, Kenya initiated a major economic policy shift through privatization, primarily by selling a significant stake in Safaricom PLC to raise capital for infrastructure and reduce debt. Alongside this, President William Ruto announced the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund as a cornerstone of Kenya's economic development. This fund aims to accelerate the country's transformation towards a first-world economy by 2026. Separately, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has licensed an additional 42 Digital Credit Providers (DCPs). This action brings the total number of regulated digital lenders in the country to 195 as of January 1, 2024. The ongoing regulation aims to curb predatory practices and protect consumers in the digital lending sector.
Oburu Oginga has declared his intention to be the ODM presidential candidate in 2027, stating in his New Year message that he is the prime candidate if the party participates. Dr. Oburu Oginga also clarified that the ODM party is not part of the government but is instead engaged in a broad-based arrangement, which is distinct from a formal coalition. Amidst these developments and internal wrangles within ODM, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has voiced his support for coalition talks.
The back-to-school period in Kenya is marked by an intensified rush as families grapple with significant changes related to Grade 10. Parents and students are also expressing frustration over the recent Form One selection process, which has left thousands of students in an uncertain position. This is happening as many highly sought-after national schools face oversubscription. Additionally, a dispute has erupted over rumors of a secondary school fee increase, with MP Ndindi Nyoro claiming the government illegally plans to raise fees despite official denials.
The Gabonese government has suspended its entire national football team, the Gabon Panthers, following their winless exit from the Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Thierry Mouyouma was dismissed, and key players including captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were excluded from the team. In other AFCON news, defending champions Ivory Coast overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat Gabon 3-2 in Marrakesh, securing the top spot in Group F. Meanwhile, Sudan lost 2-0 to Burkina Faso but still advanced to the Last 16 as one of the best third-placed sides. Sudan is set to face Senegal next, while Algeria maintained a perfect record by beating Equatorial Guinea 3-1.
Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has credited President Ruto’s efforts with healing Kenya's political divisions and strengthening national unity. In contrast, Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro, a prominent figure from the ruling political sphere, publicly criticized President Ruto, urging him to cease engaging in 'dirty politics'. Separately, the Machakos Deputy Governor urged President William Ruto to prioritize delivering on promises, specifically free and quality education, and to reduce political rhetoric heading into 2026.
President William Ruto has declared alcohol and drug abuse a national security emergency, citing its devastating impact on over 3.2 million Kenyans. The declaration was made as part of his New Year 2026 speech, launching a comprehensive war on the issue. This initiative aims to tackle the societal challenges posed by addiction across the nation. In response to the announcement, Kenyan clergy have come out in support of President Ruto's renewed campaign against drug and substance abuse.
