Nairobi County has ordered striking doctors to return to work, citing progress in salary talks, while the Treasury reviews funding and devolution proposals from the Ten-Point Agenda and NADCO report. The EACC arrested four former Homa Bay county officials over a 348 million Kenyan Shillings graft case. Senator Omtatah is challenging the Lang'ata housing project, claiming it's on public land, and NACADA has closed 15 rehab centres due to violations. IPOA is investigating police brutality in Nandi Hills following viral CCTV footage, and the TRA has prohibited open-sided land cruisers on public highways, restricting them to game parks. In northern Kenya, two people died and others were injured after gunmen ambushed a lorry between Samburu and Isiolo.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) intercepted a shipment of illegal goods, specifically contraband cigarettes valued at Ksh280 million, at the Port of Mombasa. In a separate operation, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested four former Homa Bay County officials on January 16 over alleged procurement irregularities totaling Ksh 348 million. Additionally, the National Police Service (NPS) announced that nine illegal firearms were surrendered in Tana River County as part of a voluntary disarmament exercise. This initiative is under the government’s ongoing amnesty programme aimed at restoring peace in insecure areas.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced significant traffic disruptions for a major road expansion project along the 27-kilometre stretch from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to James Gichuru. The works, which commenced on Thursday, January 15, aim to enhance safety and reduce congestion. KeNHA also announced the temporary closure of parts of Uhuru Highway and the Haile Selassie Roundabout in Nairobi City for road maintenance. This closure is scheduled from Friday, January 16, to Sunday, January 18, 2026, occurring in intervals between 10 pm and 5 am.
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.
Equity Bank has introduced a new Prepaid Card for students, aiming to offer a safer and more convenient way to manage children's pocket money and expenses. Separately, Starlink introduced monthly installment payments for its internet hardware in Kenya starting January 2026, a strategic move to boost market penetration. Meanwhile, NTT DATA has been recognized as a Top Employer in Kenya for 2026 by the Top Employers Institute, affirming its strong people practices. This local certification contributes to NTT DATA’s third consecutive Global Top Employer status. This places it among only 17 organizations worldwide to achieve this highest level of certification.
A court has frozen a new factory levy, while the LSK opposes the proposed Safaricom stake sale, with the Auditor-General warning on potential losses. The SGR extension prioritizes the Kisumu-Malaba route. Visa is working to restore card payments for Uber users. Separately, Microsoft partnered with a Kenyan startup for pharmacy AI.
Ruto's allies are concerned as a potential UDA-ODM deal could reshape 2027 election plans. Meanwhile, ODM grassroots leaders are pushing for an immediate National Delegates Conference to regularize party leadership.
Kenya Police FC sacks coach Stojanovic, appoints Nicholas Muyoti. Harambee Starlets face tough WAFCON draw against Morocco, Algeria, Senegal. Kabras Sugar and KCB prepare for Kenya Cup rugby matches. Mathare United eye redemption in league. KCB Bank dominates in women's volleyball, while NCBA Golf Series tees off regionally.
Starlink offers hardware installments from 2026 to boost internet access. Equity Bank launches a prepaid card for students' pocket money. NTT DATA is named a top employer in Kenya. Binance Research reports crypto's market cap hit over $4 trillion.
Nairobi County has ordered striking doctors back to work, citing progress in talks. Meanwhile, the Treasury will review funding and devolution proposals from the Ten-Point Agenda and NADCO report. EACC arrested four former Homa Bay county officials over a 348 million Kenyan Shillings graft case. Senator Omtatah is challenging the Lang'ata housing project, claiming it's on public land, and NACADA has closed 15 rehab centres due to violations. Following viral CCTV footage of police brutality in Nandi Hills, IPOA has launched investigations. TRA has prohibited open-sided land cruisers on public highways, restricting them to game parks. Lastly, two people died and others were injured after gunmen ambushed a lorry between Samburu and Isiolo.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into a viral CCTV video from Nandi Hills showing police officers assaulting young men. The incident, which occurred at a pool hall on January 10, 2026, sparked widespread online condemnation. The footage depicts at least eight officers forcing the youths to lie down and then demanding their national identity cards. The young men were instructed to hold the IDs in their mouths while being caned. In response to the public outrage, IPOA dispatched a Rapid Investigations Team.
The National Treasury is defending its plan to sell a 15 percent stake in Safaricom Plc to Vodafone Kenya through a single-bidder, direct sale process, a move questioned by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). ICPAK is scrutinizing whether this approach ensures optimal value for taxpayers. The government's plan is to sell 6 billion shares at Sh34 per share, raising approximately Sh204.3 billion. The Safaricom Dealer Association has cautioned the government against the sale to Vodacom Group, fearing it could undermine the company's dealer-based distribution model. Concurrently, Airtel Kenya is advocating for regulatory reforms, arguing that changes in Safaricom's ownership alone will not foster adequate competition.
Several nations are making strategic policy changes regarding trade and critical industries. China and Canada have announced significant tariffs relief following a meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. In a separate policy move, the US has agreed to reduce tariffs on goods from Taiwan to 15% in exchange for a significant investment pledge aimed at boosting domestic semiconductor production. Meanwhile, India has approved a 73-billion-rupee ($800m) plan to produce rare earth magnets. This initiative aims to reduce India's dependence on China, which currently controls over 90% of global rare earth processing, and achieve self-reliance in a component crucial for electric vehicles and smartphones.
Ugandans are casting their ballots in a presidential election where long-serving leader Yoweri Museveni faces a significant challenge from pop star-turned-opposition figure Bobi Wine. President Museveni is seeking a 7th term in office and is looking to extend his nearly 40-year hold on power. Opposition candidate Bobi Wine arrived at a polling station in Kampala amidst a heavy security presence. He has urged his supporters to film any misconduct they observe as the voting proceeds.
The Kenya Cup tournament featured matches across both rugby and volleyball. In rugby, Kabras Sugar is set to face Strathmore Leos in a rescheduled fixture at the ASK Kakamega Showground after the match was moved to allow Strathmore players to attend a former player's burial. In another pivotal Kenya Cup rugby match, KCB Rugby Club is preparing to host Kenya Harlequin at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka. KCB remains optimistic about maintaining their perfect start to the season. The Kenya Cup women’s volleyball tournament also kicked off, with reigning champions KCB Bank securing a victory against newcomers A-Plus Volleyball Club. In the men's volleyball competition, The Beast Volleyball Club defeated Prisons Nairobi.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) county branch chairpersons have rejected potential coalition talks with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The chairs have insisted that there will be no negotiations before the party's National Delegates Convention (NDC) convenes. The county chairs reiterated that there will be no negotiations before the party's general delegates meeting. This comes as The Star reports on an impending political agreement where President Ruto and Oburu are reportedly cornering and isolating Sifuna's ODM rebel faction.
Award-winning Kenyan actress Jackie Matubia discussed her painful public breakup and struggles with co-parenting in an emotional interview on Lessons at 30 with Dr. Ofweneke, which went viral. In a separate incident, the wife of Diamond Platnumz’s former manager, Said Mkubwa Fella, alleged that the music star has abandoned her severely ill husband. She claims to be solely responsible for his medical care despite a previous financial contribution from Diamond Platnumz. Additionally, Kenyan Pastor Robert Lumbasi publicly claimed to be married to celebrated Tanzanian gospel singer Rose Muhando. This revelation contradicts Muhando's previous statements about being single and has created a sensation in regional gospel circles.
