The government plans to raise 106 billion Kenyan Shillings through a fully electronic IPO by selling 65% of Kenya Pipeline Company shares. This move, however, faces opposition, with COFEK and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro warning against a 15% Safaricom stake sale due to potential foreign control and a 150 billion shillings loss. In other news, the High Court halted the 11 billion Kenyan Shillings Riruta-Lenana-Ngong railway project following a petition by Senator Okiya Omtatah. The Education Ministry plans to close schools with low Grade 10 enrollment and devolve high-performing national schools to counties. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna criticized the Ruto administration for defying court orders. The Social Health Authority clarified its cancer care approval process amidst favoritism claims and warned against illegal hospital charges. Lastly, NCIC launched new guidelines to monitor social media for hate speech ahead of the 2027 elections.
President William Ruto has intervened to halt forced evictions in the Mukuru Kwa Njenga informal settlement, ordering that due process and consultations be followed. This decision came after residents protested demolitions linked to the planned construction of the Catherine Ndereba Road. In a separate incident in Mukuru Kwa Reuben slums, a devastating fire claimed the life of a 45-year-old man. The blaze also destroyed at least ten structures and left nearly 100 people homeless. Following the fire, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku visited the victims and pledged government support and reassurance to the affected families.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that the transition rate from Grade 9 to Grade 10 currently stands at 75 percent, with mop-up efforts underway to achieve 100 percent. The government has threatened to close schools that fail to admit students into Grade 10 due to low enrolment complaints. This initiative was announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba. CS Julius Ogamba also announced the government will equip and devolve high-performing schools to counties. This aims to address nationwide placement shortages, reduce congestion in national schools, and improve access to quality education closer to communities.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale convened a meeting with the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, and the Social Health Authority (SHA) to expedite the transfer of their personnel to the state-run Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). This follows a directive from President William Ruto to move them from private medical insurers. Amid the rollout, Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni issued a stern warning against illegal hospital charges for services covered by the SHA. In a separate matter, the SHA responded to a Daily Nation report alleging favoritism in cancer care, insisting its oncology approval process is fully automated and denying claims of unequal treatment.
The High Court has temporarily suspended the construction of the Ksh11 billion Riruta-Lenana-Ngong gauge railway commuter line following a petition by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah. The court also halted disbursements from the Railway Development Levy Fund for the project. Separately, Senator Omtatah defended his High Court petition against the Kenya–United States Bilateral Cooperation Framework, clarifying that his legal action does not threaten access to HIV treatment but aims to align agreements with the Constitution. In a related context, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna criticized President William Ruto's administration for allegedly disregarding court orders, emphasizing that respect for the rule of law is crucial for democratic governance.
Konza Technopolis partnered with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to host the Magical Kenya Trail Series 2026 Youth Hackathon in Nandi County. This 24-hour innovation sprint was focused on leveraging technology to enhance Kenya's tourism economy, culture, and local growth. In other digital service news, Safaricom has quietly removed the “Make Ur Bundle” feature from its latest MySafaricom app (v1.27.1.10). The company now forces users to access custom bundle creation via the *544# USSD code. Additionally, Netflix Kenya has announced a packed roster for January 2026. The new content includes a wide array of new films, series, documentaries, and stand-up comedy specials for its subscribers.
KPC diversifies into LPG and fibre optics to reduce oil reliance, while PIDG invests 1.95 billion shillings in Kenya's industrial properties. Safaricom assures Kenyans its operations remain unchanged despite share sales. KTDA appoints an acting CEO, and tea auction prices surge. Bomas project creates jobs, aiming for a global convention hub.
Government steps in after a viral video of a vulnerable woman in a Nairobi entertainment venue, making arrests. Kartelo exits the 'Zabe' comedy show. Stevo Simple Boy and Pritty Vishy reignite their feud over fame, with Vishy denying BBL claims. Rose Muhando dismisses secret marriage rumors.
Ruto defends youth empowerment programs, urging opponents to focus on service. ODM MPs want Raila Odinga to seek deputy presidency. Concerns raised over ODM's direction and Mount Kenya's voter bloc dynamics ahead of 2027 elections.
Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club turned pro, becoming Kenya's second female professional golfer, aiming to inspire young players. Simultaneously, junior golfers showcased talent at Nyali and Windsor clubs, signaling a strong future for Kenyan golf.
Kenya has assembled 5 million smartphones retailing for 6,000 to 8,000 Kenyan Shillings. Netflix Kenya announced its January 2026 content slate.
The government plans to raise 106 billion Kenyan Shillings by selling 65% of Kenya Pipeline Company shares in the country's first fully electronic IPO. This move faces opposition, however, as COFEK and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro warn against the sale of a 15% Safaricom stake, citing potential foreign control and a 150 billion shillings loss to taxpayers. In other news, the High Court has halted the 11 billion Kenyan Shillings Riruta-Lenana-Ngong railway project after a petition by Senator Okiya Omtatah. The Education Ministry plans to close schools with low Grade 10 enrollment and devolve high-performing national schools to counties to ease placement issues. Meanwhile, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna criticized the Ruto administration for defying court orders. The Social Health Authority (SHA) clarified its automated cancer care approval process amidst favoritism claims and warned against illegal hospital charges. Lastly, NCIC launched new guidelines to monitor social media for hate speech ahead of the 2027 elections.
Media personality Betty Kyallo was overjoyed after her partner, Charlie Jones, romantically proposed to her as his Valentine with a pink-themed surprise. In contrast, Sarah Mtalii, formerly Sarah Kabu, revealed that her high-profile marriage to Simon Kabu was a facade for years before their recent separation. She disclosed that despite public appearances of a "couple goals" relationship, the emotional disconnect began much earlier. Meanwhile, Pritty Vishy took to Instagram Stories to deliver a "clap back" widely interpreted as a response to a claim by Stevo Simple Boy. In another personal reflection, gospel minister Ruth Matete shared a deeply moving tribute to her late husband, Beloved John Olakami Apewajoye, six years after his tragic death.
The Kenyan government is investigating 390 organizations involved in human resource recruitment, with investigations into 15 others already complete and files forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions. This action follows a 2024 task force report on complaints about their operations. In a separate action, the government is reportedly taking strong measures against cartels operating within the tea sector. Additionally, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has introduced new social media monitoring guidelines to combat hate speech and radical ideologies online, establishing clear procedures for monitoring digital platforms.
Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club has officially joined the professional golf ranks in Kenya. The 37-year-old mother of two is now one of only two female pros in the country, alongside Naom Wafula. Wanjiru's decision was partly inspired by Wafula, and she aims to set an example for aspiring players. In separate events, junior golfers showcased exceptional talent in tournaments held on Sunday. The competitions took place at the Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa County and the Windsor Country Club in Nairobi, highlighting a strong pipeline of young athletes.
