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6 storiesKenyan firms hired more in December due to improved business activity, though farmers increasingly seek loans from friends and relatives as bank uptake drops. Abyan Consulting affirms its collapsed South C project had approvals.
The government launched the second phase of the NYOTA Project, disbursing 22,000 Kenyan Shillings each to 50,000 youth in 27 counties from January 8-16, with an additional 3,000 Kenyan Shillings for NSSF. Following multiple fatal road accidents, including one in Kericho claiming six lives, a road safety campaign was initiated as motorists blamed authorities. Schools reopened amidst rising costs and security concerns, with former KNUT Chairman Wilson Sossion warning of an education crisis from CBE rollout confusion. The TSC banned three teachers, cautioning unregistered educators face imprisonment or fines.
Teachers in Embu and Kilifi Counties are accusing the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) of mismanaging funds and obstructing fair elections. In Embu, officials allege leadership failure and misuse of Branch Benevolent Funds (BBF). Concurrently, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has deregistered three teachers and issued a stern warning that unregistered individuals face imprisonment or fines. Former KNUT Chairman Wilson Sossion has warned of a potential education crisis, blaming inadequate teacher preparedness and confusion over the Competence-Based Education (CBE) system's rollout. Sossion also called for a continuous review of Kenya's CBE pathways to ensure their relevance to learners and the country's socio-economic needs.
A group of ODM Members of Parliament urged party leader Oburu Odinga to convene a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to address internal disputes and "self-cannibalisation" within the party. Separately, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has withdrawn a motion seeking to expel ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, a decision that followed consultations with Oburu Oginga who invoked the party constitution to resolve disputes amicably. Meanwhile, National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed is embroiled in controversy regarding the handling of ODM party agents during the 2022 General Election, with his attempts to clarify the situation reigniting past grievances. He is also facing scrutiny from his constituents who claim he is largely absent from his constituency and focuses more on national political affairs.
Kenyan firms hired more in December due to improved business activity, though farmers increasingly seek loans from friends and relatives as bank uptake drops. Abyan Consulting affirms its collapsed South C project had approvals.
Ruto eyes reintroducing the death penalty for drug dealers and illicit brewers. Meanwhile, CCTV footage emerges of Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino's hotel confrontation, with Alai denying gun allegations amid ongoing police investigations.
MPs are appealing to have the CDF reinstated. Meanwhile, some MPs are urging Oburu Odinga to convene a meeting to resolve ODM infighting, especially after public clashes between Junet Mohamed and Edwin Sifuna.
The government announced the second phase of the NYOTA Project, disbursing 22,000 Kenyan Shillings each to 50,000 youth in 27 counties from January 8-16, 2026, with an additional 3,000 Kenyan Shillings for NSSF. Meanwhile, multiple fatal road accidents across the country, including one in Kericho claiming six lives, have prompted a road safety campaign. Motorists blame authorities for neglected concerns. Schools reopened amidst rising costs, low enrolment, and security fears. Former KNUT Chairman Wilson Sossion warned of an education crisis from Competency-Based Education (CBE) rollout confusion and called for continuous review of its pathways. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) banned three teachers, warning unregistered teachers face imprisonment or fines.
A fatal road accident in Kericho County on January 6 claimed six lives and injured 46 others when a Uwezo Sacco bus collided with a trailer. This incident occurred amid a nationwide surge in road accident fatalities, prompting a new road safety campaign by authorities. Separately, at least four passengers are feared dead after another Uwezo bus collided with a lorry on the Londiani–Muhoroni road in Kericho County. A bus carrying students was also involved in a road crash in Kimende as they returned to school. In response to the incidents, the Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) has accused KeNHA and the police of contributing to fatal accidents by neglecting drivers' concerns.
Kenyan firms significantly increased hiring in December due to improved business activity and stronger customer demand, according to the Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report. In the agricultural sector, Uasin Gishu County saw a dramatic 875 percent increase in the value of maize production, reaching Sh85.8 billion last year from Sh8.8 billion in 2020. This surge was primarily driven by a substantial rise in maize output. Alongside these developments, President William Ruto announced that Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) shares are set to begin trading at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in January. This planned listing signals progress in the government's privatization agenda.
A residential building collapsed in South C, Nairobi. According to Kenya's Lands Cabinet Secretary, Alice Wahome, the collapse was likely caused by the owner illegally adding four extra floors beyond the approved plans. She confirmed the relevant departments permitted the initial construction. CS Geoffrey Ruku monitored the rescue and recovery efforts at the site, where a multi-agency team is working to clear debris. An operation to rescue a victim was reported to be underway, with rescue efforts continuing for a second day after the incident.
Nigeria has cruised into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after a dominant 4-0 victory over Mozambique in their last-16 tie on Monday. Egypt also secured its place with a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over Benin in the round of 16. Egypt's Captain Mohamed Salah scored a crucial goal in the 124th minute to seal the win. In another match, Morocco advanced to the quarter-finals after a 1-0 victory over Tanzania, with Brahim Diaz scoring the decisive goal. Morocco will now face Cameroon, who defeated South Africa 2-1. In the final Round of 16 fixture, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso are set to clash at the Grand Stade Marrakech.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino alleged that Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai physically assaulted him in a life-threatening incident at a Kilimani restaurant on Saturday, January 3, 2026. Owino claimed the event was part of a broader intimidation campaign. In response, Robert Alai offered his version of the confrontation, which occurred at Cedar Restaurant in Kilimani, and denied allegations that he drew a firearm. The incident is currently under police investigation. Following the differing accounts, NTV released CCTV footage showing the confrontation at the Nairobi hotel, which has sparked public debate.
KTDA chairman Chege Kirundi has issued a stern warning to politicians, urging them to cease politicising the ongoing reforms within Kenya's tea sector. He emphasized the importance of allowing the reforms to proceed without interference for the benefit of farmers. Similarly, the KTDA management committee has urged tea farmers to avoid political interference and instead follow expert advice. The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) also announced that fertilizer will be distributed to farmers during June and July to enhance tea yields.
Ruben Amorim has been sacked as manager of Manchester United after a 14-month reign, the club announced on Monday. The decision was made to give the team the "best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish." Amorim's tenure ended after a disappointing run of results, and he is the seventh permanent boss since Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. In other coaching news, Chelsea Football Club has appointed Liam Rosenior, 41, as their new head coach. Rosenior, previously managing Strasbourg, succeeds Enzo Maresca. He joins the club on a six-and-a-half-year deal.
President Ruto has been commended by human rights organizations and religious leaders in the North Rift region for his firm stance against the increasing use of drugs and illicit alcohol. Echoing this sentiment, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, has urged youth to shun social vices and focus on their talents. Meanwhile, a group of youth who have abandoned drug addiction in Mlima Elgon constituency, Bungoma County, are appealing to the government for support. They are seeking assistance to become self-reliant after changing their ways.
