The government has allocated 6 billion shillings for drought response, assuring citizens of mitigation measures. Concerns mount as Kenya Railways warns of further demolitions in Nairobi for AFCON 2027 infrastructure, while NSSF plans to use funds for road projects, prompting their AGM. The JSC is recruiting a new Supreme Court judge to replace the late Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, ensuring a full bench for the 2027 election. In the Shakahola trial, an accused turned state witness. Senator Okiya Omtatah demands KCSE result regrading over Kenya Sign Language concerns. ODM seeks a pre-election coalition with UDA for 2027, as Kenya launches a 24-hour hotline for citizens in Saudi Arabia.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has issued an urgent alert warning the public about a fraudulent recruitment scheme for ranger positions that is circulating online. In a separate security notice, the U.S. Embassy in Kenya warned its citizens about a planned demonstration in Nairobi on Wednesday, January 14. The protest was expected to take place near the embassy's premises in the Gigiri neighbourhood. Meanwhile, to enhance the protection of its citizens abroad, the Kenyan government has launched a 24-hour toll-free emergency hotline for Kenyans in Saudi Arabia. This initiative by the Kenya Consulate in Jeddah aims to provide immediate consular support for those in distress.
The UK government has launched unprecedented regulatory action against Elon Musk’s X platform, with Ofcom beginning a formal investigation into the AI chatbot Grok for generating illegal sexualized deepfakes. Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned X could lose its “right to self-regulate” under the Online Safety Act. Despite these concerns, the Pentagon is moving forward with integrating Grok AI into its network this month. Separately, Apple is partnering with Google to integrate Gemini AI into its next-generation Siri assistant, a collaboration confirmed on January 12, 2026, to enhance Siri's capabilities. In other AI developments, Instagram is reportedly developing new features, including AI-powered transitions for Stories and AI voice filters for direct messages.
In 2025, Apple surpassed Samsung to become the global leader in smartphone shipments, capturing a 20% market share as the overall market grew 2% year-over-year. This shift highlights a market "premiumization" trend. Amid intense market pressures and declining sales for OPPO, Realme has officially returned to OPPO as a sub-brand after seven years of independence, effective January 2026. This consolidation occurred within BBK Electronics. Meanwhile, OPPO Kenya is scheduled to launch its new Reno15 Series smartphones on January 23, 2026, which will feature three models: the Reno15 Pro, Reno15, and Reno15F.
Treasury begins budget talks in Migori as Gen Z protests' impact lingers. Okiya Omtatah challenges KPC privatization. An expert seeks to delink eTIMS from expense deductibility. JKIA upgrade plans are back on track, while Kiharu secondary school fees drop to 500 shillings. Businesses face losses from Nairobi demolitions.
MP Peter Salasya announced plans to marry three wives and house them in one vertical home due to building costs. Meanwhile, media personality Kamene Goro and DJ Bonez celebrated their sixth anniversary, reflecting on their journey since their 2020 wedding.
President Ruto plans new campaign teams to counter regional kingpins, as his Mt Kenya support reportedly wavers, forcing allies to mobilize crowds. Meanwhile, the government pledges full implementation of NADCO proposals. Nelson Havi eyes the Westlands MP seat in 2027, focusing on judicial oversight.
Man Utd names Carrick interim manager. Real Madrid coach Arbeloa eyes own style. Nigeria's Super Eagles, led by Iwobi, advance to AFCON semi-finals. Akoth and Obonyo win Nyali golf tournament in Mombasa County.
Uganda ordered a nationwide internet shutdown ahead of its presidential election. Meanwhile, Kenyans can now check KPSEA results online via the KNEC portal, with KILEA results available at schools. The Pentagon is deploying Elon Musk's Grok AI despite deepfake concerns.
The government has allocated 6 billion shillings for drought response, assuring citizens of mitigation measures. Kenya Railways warns of further demolitions in Nairobi for AFCON 2027 infrastructure, following property destruction, while NSSF calls for AGM amidst plans to use funds for road projects. The Judicial Service Commission is recruiting a new Supreme Court judge to replace the late Justice Mohammed Ibrahim, ensuring a full bench for the 2027 election. In the Shakahola trial, an accused has turned state witness, boosting the DPP's case against pastor Mackenzie. Senator Okiya Omtatah is demanding the recall and regrading of KCSE results, citing discriminatory treatment of Kenya Sign Language. Meanwhile, the ODM party seeks a pre-election coalition with UDA for the 2027 General Election. The government has also launched a 24-hour hotline to protect Kenyans in Saudi Arabia.
Kenya Railways has announced it will conduct further demolitions in Nairobi as it repossesses land for new railway infrastructure vital for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This follows a dawn demolition operation that flattened multiple structures and vehicles on Douglas Wakiiuri Road, opposite Rubis Nyayo Stadium. The demolished properties included a carwash and other businesses belonging to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who later inspected the site. In a separate development concerning business premises in the city, Irungu Nyakera, an ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has alleged a plot by Nairobi County to repossess market stalls after a recent data collection exercise.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is holding its first major public rally in Kibera since the death of its founder, Raila Odinga, to discuss the party's future and potential coalition talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA). This move is part of a proactive strategy to seek a pre-election coalition with President William Ruto's UDA for the 2027 General Election. While these strategic talks are underway, ODM Deputy Party leader Otiende Amollo has refuted claims that the Luo community will support Wiper's Kalonzo Musyoka in 2027. Internally, the coalition is experiencing tension as seven Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya affiliate parties are demanding the immediate removal of National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed from all leadership positions. The parties cite what they term "reckless and defamatory utterances" as the reason for their demand.
Property belonging to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, reportedly worth millions of shillings, was demolished near Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The demolition of several business premises occurred along Douglas Wakiihuri Road in a midnight operation involving excavators under heavy police supervision. Governor Wamatangi claimed the demolition was a politically motivated attack, causing significant financial losses. Following the destruction of the properties he claims he spent 40 years building, the Kiambu Governor vowed to undertake a 40-day fast at the site.
Manchester United has appointed Michael Carrick as interim manager until the end of the season, tasking him with securing a return to the Champions League. Carrick, who takes over after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, previously had an unbeaten three-game stint as caretaker boss in 2021. In other football news, AFC Leopards coach Fred Ambani has been named SJAK/Betika Coach of the Month for December. His leadership was instrumental in guiding AFC Leopards to the top of the FKF-Premier League and securing an upset victory against Gor Mahia. Meanwhile, Igor Thiago has become a record-breaking striker for Brentford in the English Premier League. The former bricklayer exceeded previous goal tallies for a Brazilian in a single season and now targets a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad.
The US government has approved Nvidia’s sale of its H200 advanced AI processors to China, despite prior restrictions. This approval comes with conditions, including a 25% fee on sales to approved Chinese customers and ensuring sufficient supply within the US. In another major tech collaboration, Apple is partnering with Google to integrate Google's Gemini AI models into its services, including an upgrade for a more personalized Siri. This multi-year collaboration aims to deliver innovative new experiences for Apple users. These moves come as experts predict a strategic shift away from massive data centers towards smaller, localized or distributed micro-data centers for operating powerful AI, aiming to enhance efficiency and security.
Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, has welcomed the U.S. House of Representatives' decision to pass a bill extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by three years. This extension is expected to provide significant relief to Kenya's textile and apparel sector. In a separate corporate decision, Uber has ceased accepting Visa card payments on its Kenyan platform as of January 14, citing rising global payment processing costs following a routine review. Concurrently, the Kenyan government has reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), signaling that long-delayed expansion plans are back on track. This renewed focus on JKIA aims to maintain Kenya's position as a leading aviation and diplomatic hub.
President William Ruto's support in the Mt Kenya region is reportedly waning, with reports indicating his allies now need to mobilize and ferry supporters to his events to create the perception of continued popularity. This marks a significant shift from his strong standing in the region just four years ago when he garnered crowds effortlessly. In response, President Ruto is reportedly initiating a new strategy to dismantle traditional regional political kingpins and dominant parties in Kenya. This move is aimed at establishing a new campaign structure. The goal is to fundamentally alter the country's political landscape in preparation for his 2027 re-election bid.
