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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Kenya has secured a preliminary trade deal with China, granting near-zero tariff access for 98.2 percent of Kenyan exports to the Chinese market. This "early harvest" agreement aims to boost agricultural exports and address Kenya's trade deficit. In another partnership, Kenya is working with a leading Chinese university to train aviation professionals, aiming to become a regional hub for advanced aviation skills. This initiative addresses Africa's growing shortage of aviation professionals. Domestically, Kenya has completed national performance trials for genetically modified (GM) cassava, moving closer to commercial release. These disease-resistant varieties aim to bolster food security by combating Cassava Brown Streak Disease and improving drought tolerance.
The Trump administration has announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, effective January 21, to combat perceived "abuse" of the welfare system. However, Kenya has been exempted from this new U.S. immigrant visa processing freeze that affects several other East African nations, including Somalia, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. This allows Kenyans to continue applying for U.S. immigrant visas. In a separate development, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has welcomed the passage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Extension Act by the U.S. Congress. This bill proposes to extend the trade program for another three years, providing market certainty for Kenyan exporters and safeguarding 65,000 jobs.
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.
Gor Mahia propelled themselves to the top of the SportPesa Premier League standings after coming from two goals down to defeat Murang’a Seal 3-2. The win saw them leapfrog AFC Leopards to the summit on goal difference. In related news, AFC Leopards coach Boniface Ambani was named the Betika/SJAK Coach of the Month for December 2025. Ambani was recognized for guiding his team to the top of the league, which included a win in the Mashemeji Derby. Meanwhile, defending champions Kenya Police extended their winless streak to five matches after a 1-1 draw with Mara Sugar.
Kenya is currently facing a severe drought that requires urgent intervention. In response, the national government has announced a significant monthly allocation of funds to combat the severe drought affecting several parts of the country. The situation is posing a major threat to livestock, as experts are warning about a severe shortage of forage seeds. This scarcity could lead to widespread issues for pastoral communities and the country's agricultural sector. The government's intervention aims to address this crisis.
Morocco and Senegal are set to face each other in the Africa Cup of Nations final. Morocco advanced by defeating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after the match ended in a 0-0 draw, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou making two saves in the shoot-out. Senegal secured their spot with a 1-0 victory over Egypt, thanks to a 78th-minute winner from Sadio Mane in Tangiers. Separately, Kenya's women's team, the Harambee Starlets, have been drawn in a group with both Morocco and Senegal for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The group also includes Algeria, with the tournament scheduled from March 17 to April 3.
