NACADA has closed 15 rehabilitation centres due to various violations, impacting crucial addiction treatment services. Meanwhile, the High Court has frozen bank accounts belonging to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and 12 others over an alleged 813 million Kenyan Shillings graft scandal. In politics, UDA plans to formalize a coalition with ODM ahead of the 2027 elections and will hold repeat grassroots polls within 30 days. Regionally, Uganda's presidential election was delayed due to biometric machine failures, prompting an investigation from President Museveni. The US has suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Uganda.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has secured court orders to freeze bank accounts linked to Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi. The High Court action freezes five bank accounts belonging to six companies and also affects 12 others, including the governor's family, as part of a Ksh813 million civil recovery case over alleged graft. The accounts are set to remain frozen until February 4, 2026. In a separate legal matter, the trial for the Sh1.1 billion Finland Education Scholarship program has resumed in Nakuru. Senator Jackson Mandago and his co-accused, Joshua Lelei and Meshack Rono, face charges related to the alleged unlawful diversion of public resources from the Uasin Gishu County Overseas Education Trust Fund.
Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi has announced his departure from the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), stating he plans to join President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Koimburi cited corruption, intimidation, and the sidelining of long-serving members as reasons for leaving DCP. In response, the DCP has vehemently denied Koimburi’s claims, with Secretary-General Hezron Obaga asserting that the MP was never a member of the party. In a separate development, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has publicly criticized the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), citing a split due to the party's perceived abandonment of key economic and education promises made during the 2022 campaign.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is moving to formalise a coalition with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Following a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at State House, Nairobi, UDA has authorized President William Ruto to initiate negotiations with ODM to strengthen political cooperation. The NEC, chaired by President Ruto, also decided that the party will conduct repeat grassroots elections within 30 days. These repeat polls are scheduled for polling centers where voting was inadequate or did not take place during the initial exercise.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA)'s National Executive Committee has mandated President William Ruto to initiate discussions with the ODM party for a coalition agreement ahead of the 2027 general elections. This directive followed a joint win in November 27, 2025 by-elections and consensus on national politics. A pre-election pact between UDA and ODM is reportedly nearing completion, sparking concerns about tensions and internal disruptions within both parties. Amidst these developments, ODM leader Oburu Oginga has stated that the party has no intention of expelling any members, emphasizing a focus on strengthening internal unity. The talks come as Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro criticized UDA for straying from its 2022 campaign promises, while Embakasi East MP Babu Owino accused ODM of abandoning the values of its late leader, Raila Odinga.
Global fintech trading platform Capital.com has been granted a regulatory license by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Kenya, allowing it to operate as a licensed Dealing Online Foreign Exchange Broker in the country. In another significant shift in the Kenyan market, Uber has stopped accepting Visa card payments due to rising global payment processing costs. This change took effect in December 2025 and became more widespread in January 2026. These developments occurred in a market where Kenyans borrowed Ksh. 109.8 billion through licensed digital lenders in the first 11 months of 2025. This amount was distributed across more than 6.6 million loans. The borrowing data highlights a growing reliance on mobile-first financing solutions for quick liquidity.
Fuel prices have dropped across Kenya, easing consumer burden. KEPSA welcomes the proposed AGOA extension, protecting 65,000 jobs. Kenya Airways will retrieve a Boeing 777 to boost its network, while BMW recalls vehicles over airbag defects.
MP Peter Salasya plans to marry three wives under one roof to save on housing costs. Separately, media personality Kamene Goro and DJ Bonez celebrated their sixth anniversary, reflecting on their journey since their 2020 wedding.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga states no expulsions as UDA-ODM pact looms, sparking realignment fears. MPs Nyoro and Owino criticize their parties ahead of 2027 elections. MP Koimburi ditches Gachagua over alleged betrayal.
Gor Mahia moved top of the SportPesa Premier League after a dramatic comeback win, while defending champions Police dropped points again. AFC Leopards' coach Fred Ambani won the December SJAK Coach of the Month award. Senegal and Morocco will contest the AFCON final. The Kenya Cup volleyball tournament serves off today.
A global crackdown has targeted over 150 piracy websites, while Wikipedia celebrates 25 years as a key internet resource. Netflix has partnered with CAF to stream exclusive daily highlights for the AFCON 2025 across Sub-Saharan Africa.
In national news, NACADA has closed 15 rehabilitation centers due to violations like expired medicines, impacting addiction treatment services. Separately, the High Court has frozen bank accounts belonging to Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and 12 others over alleged graft involving 813 million shillings. Politically, UDA plans to formalize a coalition with ODM ahead of the 2027 elections and will hold repeat grassroots polls within 30 days. Regionally, Uganda's presidential election faced delays due to biometric machine failures, prompting President Museveni to order an investigation. Lastly, the US suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Uganda.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended a matatu tout after a video circulated online showing him shoving a woman into a drainage ditch. The incident also led to the suspension of the driver's license. In a separate safety measure, BMW Group South Africa Limited has issued a regional safety recall for select vehicle models due to defective airbags. The company urged vehicle owners in Kenya and eight other COMESA member states to check their cars. In a move providing financial relief, Kenya's Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a reduction in fuel prices. The price drops for Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene will be in effect across the country for the next 30 days.
The Kenyan government has pledged to disburse capitation to schools promptly under a new student-centered funding model to prevent learning disruptions. Despite this, school principals are warning about potential overcrowding as the country prepares for the Grade 10 transition. Mbunge Stephen Mule has urged the government to address confusion surrounding Grade 10. Simultaneously, parents are being asked to embrace their children's subject choices under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBE). However, students are facing financial challenges, with three students in Bungoma forced to repeat Grade 9 after being unable to pay fees for Grade 10. In a similar case in Nandi, a student arrived at school with nothing due to a lack of fees.
