President Ruto has announced plans for a new international airport by May 2026, though State House and the Deputy President's office face scrutiny for overspending by over 7 billion Kenyan Shillings. In Uganda, Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh term amidst opposition claims of fraud from Bobi Wine, whose family was reportedly under house arrest. A Kenyan lobby group condemned the Ugandan election violence that left 12 dead. Locally, a pupil in Nakuru tragically died and several were injured after a classroom roof collapsed.
The National Land Commission has officially reserved over 10,000 acres of land in Garissa and Tana River counties for military use, as gazetted on January 16, 2026. In a separate development, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) leaders are emphasizing the critical role of cultural intelligence as a "force multiplier" in modern conflict resolution. This strategic focus aligns with evolving global security dynamics. Furthermore, the KDF and National Police Service continue to justify strict physical recruitment requirements, such as those for height and dental health, for reasons of operational readiness and equipment handling.
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 froze a new factory levy, a blow to the State, which also faces scrutiny over a potential 40.2 billion shillings Safaricom sale and an SGR extension bypassing Nakuru/Eldoret. Visa works to restore Uber payments, while Microsoft partners to boost Kenyan pharmacies. Kenya also partnered with China for aviation training.
AFC Leopards eye top spot in the SportPesa Premier League this weekend. Njoroge Kibugu leads the Sunshine Development Tour ahead of the Grand Finale, while polo players compete for honours at the Maria Bencivenga Memorial Cup.
Starlink now offers hardware in monthly installments from January 2026. Equity Bank launched a prepaid card for students to ease back-to-school expenses. NTT Data was named a Top Employer in Kenya for 2026. Binance Research reports crypto market growth, driven by regulation and stablecoins.
In Uganda, Yoweri Museveni has been declared president for a seventh term amidst widespread opposition allegations of election fraud and violence. Bobi Wine rejected the results and reported his family under house arrest. A Kenyan lobby group condemned the violence, where 12 people died. Back home, President Ruto plans a new international airport by May 2026 and has reshuffled government positions, with State House and the Deputy President's office overspending by over 7 billion Kenyan Shillings. In Nakuru, a pupil died and several were injured when a classroom roof collapsed.
President William Ruto has initiated a wave of reappointments to critical government positions across Kenyan state corporations and public institutions. As part of these changes, the President appointed former Mining Chief Administrative Secretary John Kipngetich Mosonik as the new Chancellor of Rongo University for a five-year term. Several cabinet secretaries also made significant appointments within their ministries. President Ruto also announced that construction of a new world-class airport will commence in April or early May 2026. This project aims to boost the country's national infrastructure and alleviate congestion at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner of Uganda's presidential election, securing his seventh term with 71.65 percent of the vote. Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, rejected the provisional results, calling them "fabricated" and "fake." Bobi Wine reported that security forces raided his home and he escaped, but his wife and family remain under house arrest. Following the elections, violent clashes between security forces and opposition supporters resulted in at least 12 confirmed deaths in central Uganda and the capital, Kampala. The Pan-African Solidarity Group, a coalition of civil society organizations, condemned the violence, reporting over 13 people were killed and accusing the Ugandan government of state-sponsored manipulation.
Parents in Bungoma County are threatening to close Keburwet Primary School in Sirisia due to dilapidated infrastructure they claim is negatively impacting student performance. This comes as thousands of Grade 10 students across Kenya are reportedly unable to report to school due to a lack of school fees. As a result, several schools in various sub-counties are reporting remarkably low admission numbers, with some failing to register even half the expected student intake. Highlighting broader issues, Kathiani MP Robert Mbui has criticized the government for failing to address teacher shortages and educational inequality. MP Mbui stated these unaddressed issues have a significant impact on the nation's educational system.
President William Ruto hosted United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots leaders from Nyeri County at the Sagana State Lodge. In his address to the Nyeri leaders, the President asserted that any attempts to divide them would be futile. He also stated that the formation of the broad-based government provided an opportunity to advance Kenya. In separate political activities, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka was expected to rally support for a pro-President William Ruto Western alliance. Additionally, politicians aligned with the Kenya Kwanza coalition are actively trying to persuade Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to join their ranks.
The Harambee Starlets have been drawn in Group A for the upcoming 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), facing powerhouses Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria. Coach Beldine Odemba is preparing the team for their second Wafcon appearance, with calls for government and federation support for adequate preparation. In domestic football, the 2025-2026 SportPesa Premier League continues with Round 17. Mathare United secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars, moving them to 11th place and further from the relegation zone. Meanwhile, AFC Leopards aim to pressure league leaders Gor Mahia, with a potential win moving them provisionally to the top of the table.
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.
