Following a 16-story building collapse in Nairobi's South C, MPs are calling for a city-wide suspension of construction. The government has released 44.2 billion Kenyan Shillings for school capitation ahead of reopenings. Elsewhere, KAA highlights a new Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) facility to ease congestion, as a survey warns of job displacement risks for Kenyans in 2026 due to AI. KWS will compensate a Siaya man who killed a python, and Nacada exposed drug peddlers' tactics in Langas.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing an imminent split and escalating infighting, reportedly fueled by the memorial service for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Amid these tensions, party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga has dismissed claims that the party is being "auctioned" to President William Ruto. He affirmed that the ODM constitution designates the party leader as the automatic presidential candidate and declared his intention to run in 2027. Concurrently, the party's internal challenges are visible at the county level, where Siaya Governor James Orengo is facing a growing political rebellion. Elected leaders in his county, who previously supported him, now accuse him of poor service delivery, dwindling popularity, and threaten his 2027 re-election bid.
President Ruto announced a National Infrastructure Fund for economic growth. CBK licensed 42 more digital lenders, bringing the total to 195. Kenya plans privatization, including a Safaricom stake sale. CS Kinyanjui defends higher taxes on imports, while petroleum dealers oppose new eTIMS rules.
Oburu Oginga eyes ODM's 2027 presidential ticket if the party goes it alone. Meanwhile, Jimi Wanjigi urges the opposition to focus on policy ideas like free schooling and sales tax over VAT. Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah advises Uhuru Kenyatta to embrace statesmanship.
A 16-story building collapsed in Nairobi's South C, prompting MPs to demand a city-wide suspension of construction activities. Meanwhile, the government released 44.2 billion Kenyan Shillings in capitation ahead of school reopenings. Separately, KAA highlights a new airport at JKIA as crucial for easing congestion, amidst concerns that many Kenyans delay seeking medical treatment due to high costs. A survey also indicates job displacement risks for Kenyans in 2026 due to AI and economic pressures. KWS will compensate a Siaya man who killed a python, while Nacada exposed drug lords' tricks in Langas.
President William Ruto is facing political challenges, with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro publicly criticizing him for allegedly using political allies to attack former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Nyoro claims this strategy is a distraction from pressing governance issues affecting Kenyans. In a separate development posing a challenge to President Ruto's influence, his key allies are facing a perceived "rejection" in the Western region. The struggles of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula indicate a challenge in maintaining the government's popularity among the Luhya nation. Meanwhile, President Ruto has escalated his own criticism of the opposition, targeting Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka for an alleged lack of a development track record over 40 years.
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.
A 16-storey building under construction in Nairobi's South C area collapsed early in the morning. Two individuals are feared dead following the collapse, with emergency teams responding to the scene. A search and rescue operation is currently underway to locate the two missing persons. Tractors are on site clearing the rubble from the collapsed building. Casualties from the incident have not yet been confirmed.
A significant rift has emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party concerning its new leadership. The newly-installed Organizing Secretary, Hon. Oburu Oginga, was involved in a sharp clash with Edwin Sifuna. Oburu Oginga, the new party leader, is also reported to be in strong disagreement with Godfrey Osotsi. The party is facing new internal friction as Oburu Oginga has hinted at a presidential bid in 2027, signaling potential challenges for the party's future direction.
The 2026 sporting year in Kenya is kicking off with the King of the Course golf tournament at the par-72 Machakos Golf Club, with around 160 players expected to participate. The year is anticipated to be a landmark one for local sports events in the country. At the same time, sports and music events are increasingly being used as significant political platforms ahead of the 2027 elections. Leaders are utilizing these tournaments to engage with youth and consolidate support. These events are highlighted as tools for both youth empowerment and political mobilization.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar criticized Ndindi Nyoro and the opposition for their negative views on President Ruto's government, urging them to present viable solutions. President William Ruto also criticized his opponents, labeling them as lacking any agenda to transform Kenya. Speaking in Kakamega, Ruto specifically targeted Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. The President alleged that opposition leaders lack the policies or development records to challenge him in the 2027 general election.
