Kenya News - January 12, 2026 | Daily Summary - The Online Kenyan
Daily Summary
Kenya News - January 12, 2026
Nine people died in a tragic road accident on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, following the Karen building collapse that killed two, which the NCA attributed to formwork failure. In Nyeri, President Ruto launched the NYOTA Project, disbursing 173.2 million shillings to youth, and announced 44 billion shillings released for junior to senior school transitions. He also praised peace efforts in Kerio Valley and highlighted a key Kenya-US health partnership. Meanwhile, the DCI arrested three suspects linked to robberies and murder in Uasin Gishu, as Kenya plans its first locally manufactured vaccine by 2027.
The Auditor-General questions six Woman Representatives over an 18.9 million Kenyan Shillings jikos deal. Meanwhile, the High Court allows regulatory processes for the Diageo–Asahi transaction, and luxury carmakers are venturing into real estate, building branded skyscrapers.
entertainment
5 stories
US YouTuber IShowSpeed's Kenyan tour saw record livestream views. Comedian 2Mbili publicly apologized to partner Jackie Ogaga amid breakup rumors. Pastor Kanyari's children returned from the UK, signifying a custody truce. President Ruto's son, George, penned a tribute to sister Charlene for her 33rd birthday. Betty Kyallo's boyfriend criticized Kenyan men for their attention-seeking behavior during IShowSpeed's visit.
politics
2 stories
Ruto reassures Mt Kenya amid perceived internal rifts. Meanwhile, Eliud Owalo plans a new political party, sparking speculation about 2027 alliances and potential shifts within the current political landscape.
tech
5 stories
Terra Industries raised $11.75 million for African autonomous defense tech. M-Pesa collaborates with ADI Foundation on blockchain infrastructure across 8 African markets. A Vertiv report details AI's impact on data centers, while Samsung showcases AI living at CES 2026.
top
10 stories
A tragic road accident on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway claimed nine lives. This follows a Karen building collapse that killed two, with the NCA blaming formwork failure and engineering students citing column instability.
President Ruto launched the NYOTA Project in Nyeri, disbursing 173.2 million shillings to youth, and affirmed 44 billion shillings have been released for junior to senior school transitions, ensuring no child is left behind. He also hailed peace restoration in Kerio Valley and highlighted a crucial Kenya-US health deal for millions. The DCI meanwhile arrested three suspects linked to armed robberies and murder in Uasin Gishu. Kenya is also set to roll out its first locally manufactured vaccine by 2027.
January 12, 2026
Kenyan Teams & Athletes Secure Victories in Golf, Polo, Athletics, and Football - January 2026
Kenyan teams and athletes achieved significant wins across several sports. In golf, Duncan Kivuitu successfully defended his title at the Minet golf tournament held at the Karen Country Club. In polo, the Mgamery team, led by Amani Nzomo, secured a dominant 8-1 victory over NPC in the Davis Cup final at Nairobi Polo Club. On the international stage, Kenya defended its overall title at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, topping the medal table with nine medals. In local football, AFC Leopards seized the top spot in the SportPesa Premier League after defeating Tusker 4-0 at Nyayo Stadium. This win, fueled by Samuel Ssenyonjo’s hat-trick, moved them three points clear after rivals Gor Mahia drew 0-0.
S
Read Stories
Aldai School Faces Disruption Over Conversion to University Campus - January 2026
There is concern and disruption at Aldai Primary School and Aldai Boys School regarding its conversion into a university campus. Grade 10 students and their parents at Aldai Primary School discovered the school has been converted, creating a precarious situation for learners. Similarly, students and teachers at Aldai Boys School are facing disruption due to the dispute over the proposed conversion. Some schools are also threatening to prevent thousands of students from joining Grade 10 due to alleged corruption concerns.
N
Read Stories
Several public figures marked birthdays with significant personal events. George Ruto, son of President William Ruto, sent a heartfelt birthday tribute to his sister Charlene Ruto on her 33rd birthday. Meanwhile, comedian and content creator 2Mbili also marked his 33rd birthday by issuing a public apology to his long-term partner, Jackie Ogaga, amidst breakup rumors. In another celebration, Austin Mtalii, son of Bonfire Adventures Managing Director Sarah Mtalii, received a majestic black horse for his 13th birthday. George Ruto's tribute included a throwback photo shared on Instagram. 2Mbili's apology sought reconciliation after what he termed a "turbulent end to 2025." The horse given to Austin Mtalii was intended to encourage an active lifestyle and reduce screen time.
A fire in the Millennium area of Diani, Kwale County, resulted in the death of one woman and the destruction of several homes. The incident occurred on Monday morning, with one report stating the blaze started in the victim's house around 3 am. Another report indicates the 40-year-old woman raised an alarm around 9 AM after her house caught fire. A total of six houses were destroyed in the fire. The tragic event has been reported as a fire incident in the Millennium area of Diani where one person died.
C
Read Stories
Ali Abdullahi Surraw has been sworn in as the new Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) in Nairobi on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024. The ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome. Separately, the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has announced a vacancy for a new Director General to take over from the interim head, Jackson K. Magondu. Meanwhile, the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) has publicly warned against engaging with Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, stating he is no longer their Chief Executive Officer. The MCSK noted his dismissal on April 3, 2025, was upheld by two High Court rulings in May 2025.