The government has launched free primary healthcare under the Social Health Authority, starting in Bomet, aiming to ease hospital bills for registered Kenyans. This comes amidst a looming nationwide strike by aviation workers over unpaid dues. Separately, six former Homa Bay officials and others face charges in a 348.9 million Kenyan Shillings tender fraud case. President Ruto has nominated Francis Meja to chair the Public Service Commission, while Germany's Foreign Minister is on a two-day visit. In disturbing news, CCTV footage of police shooting a Karatina businessman has triggered protests and an IPOA investigation. Meanwhile, KUCCPS will now include Kenya Utalii College in its placements, and the President has pledged to double the budget for the President’s Award-Kenya.
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has issued a seven-day strike notice, threatening a nationwide shutdown of aviation operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports. The industrial action follows the collapse of court-ordered mediation talks with the government and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). The union cites long-standing grievances, including an 11-year overdue pay rise and demands for salary increments. In a separate case, the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kisumu dismissed a claim by 29 Bird Scouts employed by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) who were seeking over Ksh66 million in backdated salaries and allowances.
President William Ruto has ordered a significant increase in the budget for the President's Award-Kenya scheme, aiming to expand youth outreach and mentorship programs. The government is set to double the budget for the program. The funding is expected to double by the 2026/27 budget, and the directives also include establishing new offices and expanding staff for the scheme. In addition, President Ruto has urged newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to champion Kenya's development goals overseas, aiming to transform the nation into a first-world economy.
Political party dynamics are in focus with several key developments. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is escalating internal Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) wrangles by threatening to convene a parallel National Delegates Conference (NDC). This threat comes as calls for an NDC from various party leaders intensify. In a separate development involving ODM and the ruling party, a five-member committee co-chaired by Agnes Zani (UDA) and Gabriel Oguda (ODM) is scheduled to meet President William Ruto. The committee will update the president on their 10-point agenda and the National Dialogue Committee (Nadco) report. Meanwhile, Cleophas Malala, Deputy Party Leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has stated he will not rejoin the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Malala's condition for return is that the Ruto administration "resurrects" young protesters killed during the 2024 anti-government demonstrations.
The Kenya Railways Corporation (KR) issued a seven-day eviction notice for properties along Haile Selassie Avenue and Uhuru Highway. This is for the Sh28 billion Nairobi Railway City project. The notice directly affects churches led by Pastor James Ng’ang’a and Bishop Margaret Wanjiru. Separately, the High Court has temporarily halted the construction of the proposed Riruta–Ngong Commuter Metre Gauge Railway Project. Justice Bahati Mwamuye issued interim conservatory orders against Kenya Railways Corporation for non-compliance with court directives regarding the project's funding and legality. In another action concerning Nairobi land, President Ruto directed that the Gikomba Market title deed is to be processed within 90 days.
President William Ruto has nominated Francis Meja as the next Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC). Meja is the former Director-General of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). His nomination has been sent to the National Assembly for vetting. In the tourism sector, Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has urged County Governments to enhance tourism promotion to achieve targets of 5.5 million international visitors and Sh1.1 trillion in revenue by 2028. Additionally, the Global Conservation Tech and Drone Forum (GCTDF 2026) will host the inaugural Women in Conservation Forum (WiCF) in Nairobi. The forum is scheduled for March 2, 2026 and will highlight the role of women in conservation across Kenya and Africa.
Schools across Kenya are reporting multiple challenges affecting learning. A low student turnout has raised concerns in day schools in Limuru, and Kithiriti School reported an alarmingly low enrollment of only two new students. In Meru, a severe drought is forcing students out of school because of widespread food scarcity. Additionally, the implementation of the new Grade 10 education system is being challenged by a significant shortage of textbooks. A recent study has also shed light on the causes of poor academic performance in schools in Western Kenya.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has endorsed the government's proposal to sell shares in Safaricom, asserting that the transaction will not compromise Kenya's financial stability. The CBK anticipates that a partial sale of Safaricom will boost the economy and increase Kenya's foreign exchange reserves. During the discussions, the CBK also reassured the public that M-Pesa operations continue to be under strict regulatory oversight. In contrast, Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro warned that Kenya stands to lose over 150 billion shillings from the sale of the government-owned shares.
The Kenyan government has initiated relief efforts in response to severe drought conditions affecting multiple counties. Officials from the Special Programmes Department visited Tana River County to assess the drought situation. An assessment tour was also undertaken in Wajir County, where the National Government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods. In Garissa and Wajir counties, the government has begun the distribution of relief food to alleviate the hunger crisis impacting residents. The efforts aim to address the severe effects of the drought in these regions.
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.
Marion Naipei, a 23-year-old mother of one, has broken her silence about a viral video that caused a stir online. She detailed a Tinder date with James Opande that turned into a nightmare, leading to the video. Naipei spoke out about the severe trauma and family fallout she experienced after a friend alerted her that she was "trending on Telegram." The viral video case has also drawn public commentary, with content creator Andrew Kibe criticizing Geoffrey Mosiria's handling of the situation. Kibe called for Mosiria's removal from office. Mosiria defended his actions, stating his involvement was for public scrutiny and to bring legal attention to the matter.
President Ruto promises Gikomba Market title deeds within 90 days. Tourism CS Miano urges counties to boost tourism for 1.1 trillion shillings revenue by 2028. Ndindi Nyoro claims Safaricom shares are undervalued by 150 billion shillings, while Global Supermart opens a new store in Athi River.
Pritty Vishy warned ex Stevo Simple Boy amid their online spat. Locally, Abel Mutua and Judy Nyawira shared insight into their 17-year marriage, emphasizing mutual support.
Senior Counsel Kanjama warns judicial integrity is eroding public confidence. Malala links rejoining UDA to justice for slain protesters. A UDA-ODM committee will meet President Ruto on the Nadco report while Babu Owino threatens a parallel ODM NDC. Aspirants are lining up to challenge Taita Taveta Governor Mwadime in 2027.
Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club has joined the professional golf ranks, becoming only the second Kenyan woman to do so, aiming to inspire others. Meanwhile, junior golfers impressed at tournaments in Nyali and Windsor clubs, indicating a strong future for Kenyan golf.
The government has launched free primary healthcare under the Social Health Authority to ease hospital bills for registered Kenyans, starting with Bomet. Meanwhile, a crisis looms as aviation workers threaten a nationwide strike over unpaid dues and stalled talks. Six former Homa Bay officials and others face charges over a 348.9 million Kenyan Shillings tender fraud. In other news, President Ruto nominated Francis Meja to chair the Public Service Commission, while Germany's Foreign Minister is on a two-day visit. CCTV footage showing police shooting a Karatina businessman has sparked protests and an IPOA investigation. KUCCPS will now include Kenya Utalii College in its placements, and the President has pledged to double the budget for the President’s Award-Kenya.
