The Online Kenyan Logo

The Online Kenyan

HomeTop StoriesLive TVVideosPoliticsBusinessSportsTechEntertainment
HomeTop StoriesLive TVVideos
PoliticsBusinessSportsTechEntertainment

Footer

The Online Kenyan Logo

The Online Kenyan

News & Breaking Headlines

news@theonlinekenyan.com
+254 758 277 017

Follow Us

Explore

DailiesWeekliesTopicsVideosHow to file 2024 KRA Returns

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AI Content Policy

© 2026 The OK Company. All rights reserved.

Made within Kenya
HomeDaily NewsThursday, January 8, 2026
Kenya News - Thursday, January 8, 2026
Daily Summary

Kenya News - Thursday, January 8, 2026

The 2025 KCSE results will be released tomorrow in Eldoret, with President Ruto cautioning against tribal politics in school placements following former DP Gachagua's remarks. In health news, the Ministry will prioritize Kenyan-trained professionals for licensing and employment. Health CS Duale demands a fully inclusive CBA before signing the clinicians' agreement, while KMPDU plans to crack down on hospitals underpaying doctors and improperly employing foreign doctors. President Ruto has called for full transparency for the NYOTA Fund. Separately, Nairobi County launched a 170 million Kenyan Shillings scholarship program for 4,000 secondary students. The government raised over 60 billion Kenyan Shillings from local investors through Treasury bonds. In security matters, eight KDF soldiers and two civilians are linked to a 330 million Kenyan Shillings meth theft from KDF barracks, and an exposé revealed a Teachers Service Commission recruitment cartel.

28 stories across 11 topics
Updated 6:11 PM

Top Stories Today

Green Party urges govt action to save Kenya’s tea sector, reopen Iran market
Ministry of Agriculture Introduces New Crop Variety
Farmers Seek Urgent Meeting With Ruto Over CS Kagwe Row
top3

Farmers Demand Action in Tea and Macadamia Sectors; New Cashew Variety Launched - January 2026

The Green Thinking Action Party (GTAP) has urged the National Government to swiftly intervene to rescue Kenya’s tea sector, which has been impacted by market failures and a 2023 ban on Kenyan tea by Iran. Separately, Kenyan macadamia farmers are demanding an urgent meeting with President William Ruto, bypassing Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, whom they accuse of failing to engage stakeholders. In a positive development for the agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched a new disease-tolerant cashew nut variety developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) to revitalize the industry.

C
K
Read Stories
KMPDU Announces Crackdown of Underpaying Hospitals Over Foreign Doctors
Duale Gives New Orders to Striking Clinicians
Govt Issues New Orders on a Section of Civil Servants Hiring
top3

Government and KMPDU Announce Measures on Health Worker Employment and Strikes - January 2026

Eddy Oketch Makes Fresh Demand to ODM Amid Sifuna-Junet Fallout
ODM Raises Alarm Over Hostile Takeover by UDA
‘Sit Down and Talk’; Ida Pleads with Feuding ODM Leaders
top3

ODM Party Faces Internal Feuds and Accusations of UDA Takeover - January 2026

NTSA Orders Mandatory Retest for Drivers in Latest Crackdown
Police target deadly road blackspots as schools reopen
IG Kanja Orders Nationwide Crackdown Targeting All Drivers
top3

Police and NTSA Launch Nationwide Crackdowns on Traffic Violations - January 2026

President Ruto Slams Gachagua over School Placement Remarks, Warns Against Tribal Politics in Education
MP Kuria Slams Gachagua Over Tribal Remarks on Grade 10 School Placements
Molo Teachers, MP Raise Alarm Over Rising Parental Negligence in Subcounty Schools
top3

President Ruto and MP Condemn Gachagua's Remarks on School Placements - January 2026

More News Topics

Ruto is desperate for a united ODM, says Kanchory
Why Raila's shoes seem too big for Oburu Oginga
Betrayed in death: Inside ODM's rivalry, greed killing Raila Odinga's legacy
How Sifuna ouster drive has lost steam
+2
politics7

ODM Faces Internal Strife, Leadership Concerns, and a Faltering Ouster Attempt - January 2026

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is reportedly experiencing significant internal strife, infighting, and disunity among its senior leadership. Public displays of unity, such as the celebration for leader Raila Odinga’s 81st birthday in Kilifi on January 7, 2026, are said to have masked deep turmoil that has the party on the verge of self-destruction. Concerns have been raised about the leadership capabilities of current party leader Oburu Oginga. In a separate development, an attempt to oust Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has reportedly lost momentum amid intensifying calls for dialogue. Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo has advocated for dialogue to resolve the internal disputes, which he warned could harm the party ahead of the 2027 elections. Meanwhile, lifelong ODM member Saitabao Ole Kanchory claims President William Ruto is actively working to unify the party for his own political consolidation.

S
Read Stories
Airtel ranked ahead of Safaricom on affordability
Mobile phones dominate e-commerce access as computer use lags
Treasury to automate debt management system to boost transparency
business3

Kenya's Treasury to Automate Debt System Amid Mobile Tech and E-Commerce Trends - January 2026

Dell admits it was wrong, resurrects the XPS line with stunning new 14 and 16-inch models
Infinix Unveils Satellite Calling, HydroFlow Cooling, AI Glasses and Modular AI Accessories at CES 2026
Infinix NOTE 60 Series officially teased with satellite calling & messaging, and next-gen cooling at CES 2026
tech4
Ruto unveils on-the-job training programme for 90,000 youths
Sh5bn to reach 100,000 entrepreneurs under Nyota programme — Ruto
From KICC to Bomas — Kenya’s biggest conference centre in the making
Ruto Orders Rehab Centres in All 47 Counties to Combat Drug Abuse
+2
video
Mgomo wa maafisa tabibu  Kwale
Clinical officers clash with CS Duale over CBA, accuse Health Ministry of stalling talks
Vuta nikuvute kati ya Wizara ya Afya na matabibu nchini yaendelea siku ya 15 ya mgomo
video5+5 videos
Thee Pluto Explains Qualities That Attracted Him To Current Partner Wanjiku
Baba Talisha’s New Girlfriend Reveals Her Contribution In ‘Healing’ His Heartbreak
Felicity Shiru reacts to news of Thee Pluto’s “Ruracio”
entertainment3

Thee Pluto Holds Ruracio Ceremony; Baba Talisha's Partner Clarifies Relationship - January 2026

News by Category

business

9 stories

Kenya's Q3 import bill hit 725 billion shillings due to higher industrial machinery and steel imports. MoH will prioritize local health workers. Airtel is ranked more affordable than Safaricom. Meanwhile, a petition seeks to nullify 97 Senior Counsel titles conferred since 2013.

Based on 9 stories from today's coverage

entertainment

4 stories

Thee Pluto held a rũracio, sparking online debate and Felicity Shiru's reaction. Also, Baba Talisha's new girlfriend addressed healing his heartbreak. Separately, Guardian Angel and Esther Musila's 2022 wedding vows omitting "for richer, for poorer" are trending again.

Based on 4 stories from today's coverage

politics

2 stories

Matiang'i defended Uhuru against claims of Jubilee splitting ODM amidst rising political party commodification.

Based on 2 stories from today's coverage

tech

2 stories

KNEC has activated its KCSE portal ahead of 2025 results. Google Messages is testing a new background blur feature, currently rolling out to some Android users, especially on Samsung devices.

Based on 2 stories from today's coverage

top

10 stories

The 2025 KCSE results will be released tomorrow, January 9, in Eldoret. President Ruto criticized former DP Gachagua's school placement remarks, warning against tribal politics in education. The Ministry of Health will prioritize Kenyan-trained health professionals for licensing and employment. Health CS Duale demands a fully inclusive CBA before signing the striking clinicians' agreement. KMPDU plans a crackdown on hospitals underpaying doctors and improperly employing foreign doctors. President Ruto has ordered full transparency for the NYOTA Fund. Nairobi County launched a 170 million Kenyan Shillings scholarship program for 4,000 secondary students. The government raised over 60 billion Kenyan Shillings from local investors through Treasury bonds. Separately, 8 KDF soldiers and two civilians are linked to a 330 million Kenyan Shillings meth theft from KDF barracks, while an exposé reveals a Teachers Service Commission recruitment cartel.

Based on 10 stories from today's coverage
No earlier news
Thursday, January 8, 2026
No newer news

The Ministry of Health in Kenya has announced new directives, effective January 7, prioritizing Kenyan-trained health professionals for licensing and employment over foreign doctors. This policy aims to ensure that Kenyans educated with public funds serve their country first. Separately, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced a nationwide crackdown on private hospitals underpaying doctors, a practice it described as "modern-day slavery." Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued new directives to striking clinical officers, demanding a fully inclusive Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) before he signs it to end their 16-day strike.

K
Read Stories

Ida Odinga, widow of ODM founder Raila Odinga, has urged feuding ODM factions to engage in dialogue to prevent a party split amidst internal disagreements. This follows renewed calls from Migori Senator Eddy Oketch for ODM leader Oburu Odinga to intervene in the escalating feud between Senator Edwin Sifuna and MP Junet Mohamed, setting a seven-day deadline for resolution. Concurrently, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has accused the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of orchestrating a “hostile takeover” of its grassroots structures in Western Kenya, specifically in Vihiga and Kakamega counties.

K
C
Read Stories

Inspector General of the National Police Service Douglas Kanja has ordered a nationwide crackdown on traffic violations following an alarming spike in road accidents since the start of the new year. The National Police Service (NPS) has also announced intensified road safety operations targeting accident blackspots nationwide as schools and colleges reopen. In a related action, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has mandated retests for drivers violating traffic rules. This directive followed a viral video of a Tahmeed bus dangerously overtaking on the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, with the driver being traced and ordered to undergo a retest.

K
C
Read Stories

President William Ruto has strongly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his remarks concerning secondary school placements, asserting that children should not be used for political or ethnic mobilization. Molo MP Kuria Kimani echoed this sentiment, slamming Gachagua for what he termed "retrogressive and primitive" tribal remarks regarding Grade 10 school placements. In Molo Subcounty, MP Kuria Kimani and local teachers have also raised strong concerns over a separate issue of increasing parental negligence, fearing negative impacts on children's development and morals.

C
Read Stories

The National Treasury in Kenya is set to automate its debt management and resource mobilization systems to enhance fiscal transparency and accountability. This initiative aims to streamline operations and strengthen oversight in public financial management. This move comes as mobile phones are identified as the primary method Kenyans use to access e-commerce platforms, far outstripping desktop computer usage and reflecting a strong mobile-first digital economy. In the mobile sector, a new survey by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) reveals that Airtel is the top choice for affordability among users. This finding on affordability surpasses rivals including Safaricom and comes amid concerns about high mobile data costs in the country.

C
Read Stories

Companies Announce New Laptops, Mobile Tech, and Smart Home Plans at CES 2026 - January 2026

At CES 2026, Dell reintroduced its XPS line as its flagship premium brand, unveiling completely redesigned XPS 14 and XPS 16 models with a focus on performance and repairability. In Las Vegas, Infinix teased its upcoming NOTE 60 Series, showcasing features like satellite calling and messaging. The company also unveiled a broader range of technologies at the event, including a global satellite communication solution, advanced cooling systems, and AI-powered wearables. Meanwhile, Samsung Electronics initiated its CES 2026 Tech Forums with a panel discussion that emphasized smart home interoperability and seamless device integration across different manufacturers.

T
Read Stories
6+6 videos

President Ruto Orders County Rehab Centers and Launches Youth Training and Business Funding Programs - January 2026

President William Ruto has issued a directive for the establishment of rehabilitation centers in all 47 counties across Kenya as part of a crackdown on drug and alcohol abuse. The President also launched an on-the-job training initiative for 90,000 Form Four leavers who did not advance to higher education. In addition, Ruto launched the second phase of the Nyota Business Support Programme, announcing that Sh5 billion will be released within a month. This program aims to benefit 100,000 eligible entrepreneurs in six North Rift counties. President Ruto also announced plans to construct a 10,000-seater modern conference facility at Bomas of Kenya.

T
K
C
Read Stories

Clinical Officers' Strike Enters 16th Day Over Delayed Collective Bargaining Agreement - January 2026

The nationwide strike by clinical officers in Kenya has entered its 16th day, continuing a protracted standoff with the Ministry of Health. Healthcare services in counties such as Kwale continue to be severely impacted by the ongoing labor dispute. The Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) has clashed with Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, whom they accuse of deliberately delaying the signing of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Medical officers state that the Health Ministry is stalling talks and intentionally delaying the resolution of the strike. The strike had previously been reported as entering its 15th day.

C
N
K
Read Stories

Popular Kenyan YouTuber Thee Pluto, whose government name is Robert Ndegwa, officially paid dowry after holding a secret traditional wedding ceremony, known as a rũracio. Following the private ceremony, the digital mogul announced he is returning to academics, a decision inspired by his new partner, Wanjiku. The news prompted a response from his ex-partner, Felicity Shiru. In a separate event involving another content creator, Miss Wanjey, the alleged new girlfriend of Baba Talisha, used a TikTok livestream to clarify their relationship. Her clarification addressed Baba Talisha's recent claims of a New Year’s heartbreak.

G
Read Stories