President Ruto is in Nyeri strategizing for the 2027 polls, emphasizing UDA unity and national cohesion. This comes as ODM’s Oburu Odinga insists on firm negotiations for a fair deal with UDA. Separately, Francis Atwoli has been re-elected KPAWU General Secretary, paving the way for his sixth COTU term. In Kirinyaga, a new 15 million shillings skills program will benefit over 2,000 youths. Tragically, a Mombasa traffic officer died on duty shortly after appointment. In Kiserian, three individuals are trapped following an Isuzu truck accident. Meanwhile, five months on, no arrests have been made in the Maai Mahiu child sex trade case that was recently exposed.
The ODM party, led by Oburu Oginga, is reportedly facing a critical decline as he pursues a political deal with President William Ruto, leading to fears the party is weakening. Critics suggest ODM is suffering from indecisiveness under Oginga's leadership. Concurrently, President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party is struggling to conduct credible grassroots elections, prompting the President to order a repeat of polls in areas with low turnout or failures. In another development, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) is experiencing an exodus of members. These defections are attributed to cash, bullying, and betrayal, contradicting claims of the party's strength in the Mt Kenya region.
An ODM meeting in Kakamega has reportedly deepened internal divisions within the party, which comes amidst discussions for potential coalition talks with UDA. Following this, ODM leaders are being urged to support the newly endorsed alliance with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with Member of Parliament Antony Oluoch also advocating for President Ruto to expedite development projects. In response to the ongoing party wrangles, the Luo community in Mombasa has called upon ODM leaders to embrace unity.
The High Court froze a new factory levy impacting manufacturers. Meanwhile, the LSK wants Parliament to reject the 15% Safaricom stake sale due to valuation concerns, as the Auditor-General warns against the 40.2 billion shillings upfront payment. The SGR extension prioritizes Nairobi-Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba. Visa is restoring card payments for Uber users.
UDA struggles with grassroots polls, compounded by low turnout and failures. Gachagua's camp faces defections amid claims of internal issues. ODM battles internal rifts as Oburu Oginga faces criticism over engaging President Ruto. Justin Muturi questions Ruto's development priorities; Western Kenya emerges as a key region for 2027 polls.
AFC Leopards lead the SportPesa Premier League after a dramatic comeback win. Menengai Oilers dominated Nakuru RFC in the Kenya Cup. KPA and Eldowas secured wins in the KVF Kenya Cup, while Gem Forest started well at the Maria Bencivenga Memorial Cup.
Starlink offers hardware installments from 2026 to boost internet access. Equity Bank launches a prepaid card for students' pocket money. NTT DATA is certified a top employer in Kenya. Binance Research reports crypto's growing regulation and market cap.
President Ruto is strategizing for the 2027 polls in Nyeri, focusing on UDA collaboration and national unity. Meanwhile, ODM leader Oburu Odinga insists on tough negotiations with UDA for a fair deal. In other news, Francis Atwoli has been re-elected KPAWU General Secretary, setting him up for a sixth COTU term. In Kirinyaga, over 2,000 youths will benefit from a new 15 million shillings skills program. A Mombasa County traffic officer died on duty days after appointment. In Kiserian, three people are trapped after an accident involving an Isuzu truck. Five months on, no arrests have been made in the Maai Mahiu child sex trade case from a recent exposé.
Several education and labor unions in Kenya have held elections. The Kenya Union of Special Needs Educators (KUSNET) held elections in Narok, resulting in the re-election of James Torome as secretary general. During the KUSNET elections, thirteen national leaders were re-elected unopposed, showing a strong vote of confidence in the incumbent leadership. Separately, the KNUT Nairobi branch has elected new leadership, ushering in a fresh team to guide the organization. The Railway Workers Union of Kenya has also concluded its national polls, resulting in the election of its new leadership.
AFC Leopards returned to the SportPesa Premier League summit after defeating APS Bomet 2-1 with two stoppage-time goals at Nyayo Stadium, propelling them three points clear. In the Kenya Cup rugby derby, the Menengai Oilers triumphed over Nakuru RFC with a 43-7 victory at the ASK Nakuru Showground, marking their fourth consecutive win against their rivals. In the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Kenya Cup, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) defeated Administration Police of Kenya (AP-Kenya) 3-0 at Nyayo Gymnasium. In another volleyball match, Eldoret Water and Sewerage Company (Eldowas) secured a win against Trailblazers Volleyball Club.
The Kenyan government has extended the deadline for Grade 10 transitions amidst calls for a 100% school transition rate. Similarly, the Ministry of Education has extended the deadline for students to report to Form One until January 21st. Despite these extensions, many secondary schools are experiencing low student enrollment. Parents are complaining about high school fees and indicate that the primary challenge to enrolling their children is financial, not insufficient time.
