The government plans its largest e-IPO, targeting 106 billion Kenyan Shillings from the Kenya Pipeline Company. Meanwhile, a door-to-door campaign promotes 100% Junior Secondary transition. A new directive now protects small-scale farmers by banning the use of their funds as loan collateral. President Ruto disbursed over 708 million shillings to youth in Nairobi, Kajiado, and Kiambu under the NYOTA programme, as Governor Sakaja waived business permit fees for youth start-ups in Nairobi. In transport, NTSA suspended four matatu SACCOs following fatal December accidents. A tragic accident occurred at Kikopey on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, claiming several lives. Separately, the EACC noted non-compliance among State Officers failing to declare foreign bank accounts.
The Kenyan government has announced several major national initiatives. It launched the Kenya Pipeline Company Limited (KPC) Initial Public Offering (IPO), aiming to raise Ksh106 billion by offering 65 per cent of KPC’s shares at Ksh 9 per share. To protect small-scale farmers from financial exploitation, the government has banned the use of farmers' funds as collateral for bank loans, a move addressing concerns raised by tea farmers regarding the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA). In the education sector, a nationwide door-to-door campaign was launched to ensure all eligible learners transition to Junior Secondary School (JSS). This JSS initiative involves officials and administrators identifying absent learners and connecting families with support to overcome barriers.
EALA MP Winnie Odinga held a significant rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Kibra on January 18, 2026, where she cautioned ODM leaders against making unilateral decisions for the party. She urged them not to act ahead of the 2027 General Election without consulting members through a National Delegates Conference (NDC). Concurrently, the Orange Democratic Movement is facing internal strife in Kakamega County. A recent ODM meeting there, the first since Raila Odinga's absence, highlighted deep divisions, forcing Oburu Oginga to attend two separate gatherings. During this event, some members urged Co-operatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya to cease factionalism amidst impending talks with the UDA party.
The government has released 870 million Kenyan Shillings for drought relief cash transfers to 132,780 households in 8 arid counties, as CS Mbadi defends Safaricom stake sale. Meanwhile, over 300,000 Ford vehicles are recalled in Canada due to fire risk.
The government has made arrests over a viral video of a vulnerable woman in a Nairobi entertainment venue. Kartelo exits the 'Zabe' comedy show. Stevo Simple Boy and Pritty Vishy clash over fame, with Vishy denying BBL claims, while Stevo shares a humorous birthday wishlist. Kelvin Kinuthia's 10-year challenge wows fans. Rose Muhando debunks secret marriage rumours.
President Ruto faces criticism over delayed NADCO report implementation as ODM sees internal rifts with Winnie Odinga's strong stance. Gachagua plans Mt Kenya 2027 strategy, while parties prepare for upcoming elections.
Senegal won the AFCON 2025 title 1-0 against hosts Morocco, a match FIFA President Infantino condemned for "unacceptable scenes." Locally, NYS and KDF secured wins in the Kenya Cup volleyball first leg, while Nanu Hassanali won the Nakuru Captain's 2025 Prize.
The government plans to raise 106 billion Kenyan Shillings through Kenya Pipeline Company's IPO, its largest electronic public offer. On social initiatives, a door-to-door campaign aims for 100% Junior Secondary School transition, and a new directive protects small-scale farmers by banning the use of their funds as loan collateral. President Ruto disbursed over 708 million shillings to youth in Nairobi, Kajiado, and Kiambu under the NYOTA programme, with Nairobi Governor Sakaja waiving business permit fees for new youth startups. In transport, NTSA suspended four matatu SACCOs after fatal December accidents. A tragic accident involving a matatu and trailer on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway at Kikopey left several dead. Separately, the EACC highlighted non-compliance among State Officers failing to declare foreign bank accounts.
Police and detectives have made several arrests in separate operations targeting various criminal activities. In Endebess Sub-County, Trans-Nzoia County, a joint security operation resulted in the apprehension of six suspected members of the “Kapenguria Six” gang. This gang is linked to an array of criminal activities in Kaisheber, Nabeki, and Cherubai villages. In Nakuru and Keiyo South, detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit seized bhang worth approximately Sh11.6 million and arrested two suspects. Separately, two individuals, Albert Kerry Nyadianga and David Opiyo, were arrested in connection with a scam involving the production of fake Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) 2025 result slips.
President William Ruto oversaw the disbursement of funds under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme. At an event at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Sh708.8 million was disbursed to 14,176 youth from Nairobi, Kajiado, and Kiambu counties. A separate disbursement of KSh 258.4 million was also launched for young entrepreneurs in the same counties. President Ruto assured beneficiaries of continuous mentorship and training. To support this, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced a two-year waiver on business permits and licenses for young entrepreneurs benefiting from the NYOTA Fund. This initiative for new startups aims to boost youth entrepreneurship and complements the national government and World Bank-supported programme.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that trade tensions pose significant risks to global economic growth. In a related development, gold and silver prices have reached unprecedented highs after US President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on eight European countries due to a dispute over Greenland. Despite these pressures, China reported that its economy grew by 5% in 2025, meeting its growth target. This was largely due to record exports which defied US tariffs. However, some analysts doubt the accuracy of China's official figures.
President William Ruto launched the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme at Kasarani, disbursing Sh708.8 million to 14,176 youth from Nairobi, Kajiado, and Kiambu counties. In a separate action, the Kenyan government released Sh870.38 million in cash transfers to support 132,780 vulnerable households affected by drought across eight arid counties. The funding aims to boost purchasing power and stabilize food consumption. Meanwhile, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) achieved a record-breaking tax collection of Sh251.52 billion in December 2025. This marks its highest monthly revenue haul ever, representing a 15.88 percent year-on-year growth and surpassing the previous peak from June 2025.
The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Initial Public Offering (IPO) has officially launched at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), a move aimed at increasing public ownership of strategic national assets. This initiative is part of government efforts to deepen capital markets. In corporate leadership, the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Holdings Ltd has appointed Eng. Francis Miano as its Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, effective January 16, 2026, following the departure of Wilson Muthaura. Additionally, Safaricom has assured Kenyans that its ownership and operations will remain unchanged despite a proposed share sale. The company clarified that changes in shareholding will not affect its governance or regulatory oversight.
Senegal clinched their second Africa Cup of Nations title, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time in a final held in Rabat. The winning goal was scored by Pape Gueye. The match was fraught with controversy, crowd disturbances, and what Senegal's team felt was a sense of "injustice" after a controversial penalty decision and a disallowed goal. The final was marred by an angry reaction from Senegal players, some of whom walked off the pitch to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco. Following the match, FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the "unacceptable scenes" that took place.
A viral video showing a man exposing a woman named Marion's nudity in a club has ignited a nationwide debate in Kenya. The Kenyan Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children Services condemned the video, which showed a vulnerable woman at a Nairobi entertainment venue. This condemnation led to government intervention and arrests in the case. The incident also sparked a "Justice for Marian" movement, with many condemning the man's actions and subsequent online shaming. In response to the video, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya publicly expressed interest in Marion Naipei, the 22-year-old woman from the clip, asking for her phone number.
The Kenyan government ordered a nationwide student audit to investigate why thousands of Grade 10 students have not reported to school. According to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, only 60% of the expected students have enrolled so far. The government's ongoing mop-up of learners for high school admissions has left more students stranded as they await placement. In a related local action, Chief Lempara announced an investigation targeting parents who fail to send their children to school to ensure they receive an education.
President William Ruto officially launched the NYOTA Start-Up Capital disbursement program at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi. This marked a significant step in the government's efforts to support new businesses. The President presided over the disbursement of the NYOTA funds to beneficiaries located in Kiambu, Nairobi, and Kajiado counties. During the launch, President Ruto emphasized that the NYOTA programme must be transparent, accountable, and free from brokers. He also warned against shortcuts and corruption within the initiative.
