Education CS Ogamba has ordered immediate Grade 10 admissions, with President Ruto directing chiefs to ensure all Junior Secondary School learners report despite fees. This follows KUCCPS releasing a list of HELB-eligible institutions, though CUE warned against 16 unaccredited ones, as NGEC highlighted barriers keeping thousands of girls out of school. Separately, Universal Health Coverage workers threaten a strike over permanent employment, while WHO warns of cholera and typhoid risks in nine drought-hit counties. Economically, the government will refund billions in VAT to agricultural exporters via the Finance Bill 2026. President Ruto also announced a 3 billion Kenyan Shillings Meru bypass and 7 billion Kenyan Shillings Nithi Bridge reconstruction. Meanwhile, the High Court nullified ANC's merger with UDA, ruling it unconstitutional.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen announced plans to deploy additional officers to combat drug trafficking on Kenya’s lakes, noting that the Kenya Coast Guard Service faces challenges with increased smuggling via Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana. In a separate action, DCI detectives arrested a couple on January 21 in connection with a KSh 20 million job recruitment scam targeting Kenyans. This comes as reports indicate tens of Kenyan nationals are in hiding in Cambodia after escaping forced labor camps where they were lured by fraudulent job schemes. Additionally, on January 21 in West Pokot County, three police officers were injured when a man attacked them with a knife while resisting arrest.
The High Court has nullified the merger of Musalia Mudavadi's Amani National Congress (ANC) with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA), declaring the process unconstitutional. Justice Bahati Mwamuye's ruling means ANC remains a duly registered political party. In other political party news, former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party announced leadership changes on January 22, naming Richard Ole Kenta as the new Secretary General, with Jeremiah Kioni becoming Deputy Party Leader. Separately, President Ruto announced plans for a joint Parliamentary Group meeting between UDA and ODM factions to review coalition promises, a meeting to be scheduled with Senator Oburu Oginga following a NADCO report presentation.
President William Ruto has directed all chiefs and local administrators to ensure every child transitioning to Junior Secondary School reports to school immediately. Following this, Kenya's Ministry of Education, led by CS Julius Ogamba, issued directives for the immediate and unconditional admission of all Grade 10 learners. In higher education, the Commission for University Education (CUE) published an updated list of 16 institutions unauthorized to operate as universities in Kenya. The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) released lists of institutions eligible for government scholarships and HELB funding under the new student-centred funding model. KUCCPS also announced it will hold the 1st National Career Conference and Exhibition 2026 to guide students.
During a tour in Meru, President William Ruto announced the construction of a Ksh3 billion bypass highway in Meru town and the reconstruction of the Nithi Bridge at a cost of Ksh7 billion, set to begin in February 2026. On Thursday morning, Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri was involved in a road accident on the Nanyuki–Meru highway while on his way to a presidential event in Meru County; he was reported to be in stable condition. In a related legal development, the High Court of Kenya delivered a ruling on January 22 clarifying that personal injury claims from road traffic accidents are excluded from the jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court. This decision stems from challenges to the Small Claims Court Act, 2019.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about potential outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoeal diseases in Kenya due to the ongoing severe drought. The WHO identified nine counties as particularly at risk because water scarcity is forcing residents to use unsafe sources. Amidst these health concerns, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers are threatening a new strike and have announced planned demonstrations in Nairobi for Tuesday, January 27. The workers are demanding permanent employment and the payment of gratuities from the Ministry of Health. Meanwhile, Public Health PS Mary Muthoni stated the government is utilizing digital systems for real-time monitoring of healthcare delivery, enabled by the Digital Health Act of 2023.
Following a National Executive Committee meeting chaired by former president Uhuru Kenyatta, the Jubilee Party has announced significant leadership changes. Effective January 22, 2026, Jeremiah Kioni has been transitioned from his role as Secretary General to one of the party's Deputy Party Leaders. This change is part of broader structural adjustments within the party. These changes aim to revitalize the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a separate development, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party is also strategizing for the 2027 General Elections and plans to formalize coalition talks with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The Kenyan government's Finance Bill 2026 proposes an 8 percent reduction in input VAT for agricultural exporters, cutting the rate from the current 16 percent to alleviate costs. Separately, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) projects a significant increase in the country's foreign exchange reserves to KSh 1.84 trillion. This boost is driven by the proposed partial sale of the government's stake in Safaricom PLC to Vodacom, which aims to increase import cover to 6.2 months. In a regulatory action, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) confirmed the complete deletion of all biometric data collected from Kenyan citizens by Worldcoin's parent company, Tools for Humanity.
Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, announced its plan to launch over 5,400 satellites to create TeraWave, a new global communications network to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink. In another technological advancement, Metropolitan Hospital in Nairobi performed the first robotic-assisted knee replacement surgeries in East and Central Africa, in collaboration with India’s Marengo Asia Hospital. Additionally, Motivair by Schneider Electric has launched a new 2.5MW high-capacity coolant distribution unit (CDU). This unit is designed to meet the escalating cooling demands of next-generation AI data centres which generate significantly more heat.
Kenyan schools are experiencing low enrollment, with some grade 10 students reporting they have not returned to school due to an inability to pay school fees. This contradicts claims from the Ministry of Education that enrollment has reached 85%. In response, President William Ruto directed that all grade 10 students report to school, emphasizing the government's allocation of funds for free education. The government is also using chiefs and their deputies to visit villages and urge families to send their children to join Grade 10. Meanwhile, parents are appealing to schools not to send students home over unpaid fees as they await the disbursement of funds from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
The Kenyan government is being pressured to improve the working conditions for public healthcare workers, with environmental health experts demanding that the government compensate these professionals. Concurrently, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Health, Adan Duale, has issued a stern warning to hospitals engaging in fraudulent practices and exploiting patients through exaggerated charges under the Social Health Authority (SHA) scheme. The healthcare sector also faces severe shortages, forcing cancer and kidney patients to purchase their own essential medications and treatment supplies.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) surpassed its revenue targets for December, marking the highest-ever monthly collection from customs and a strong start to the second half of the 2025/26 financial year. In corporate news, the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) announced it will reinvest half of its annual profits as part of a significant expansion and diversification strategy. KPC will also afford its employees the opportunity to acquire a stake in the company after its upcoming initial public offering. In the banking sector, NCBA has received a strategic investment proposal from Nedbank, which is seeking to acquire a significant stake in the Kenyan bank.
Defending champion John Korir is set to face world champion Alphonce Simbu at the Boston Marathon on April 20, with eight of the top 10 finishers from last year returning to compete. In another event, World Cross Country Championships bronze medallist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo will headline the Western Region leg of the Betika BingwaFest in Mumias this weekend. Ebenyo is among over 500 athletes competing in the event. In the context of these competitions, Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge has called on corporate entities like Absa Bank to maintain their support for sports events in Kenya. Absa Bank is a key sponsor for two major international athletic shows Kenya will host in 2026. Kipchoge emphasized the role of corporate support in nurturing young athletic talent.
Kenyan entrepreneur Akothee defended EALA MP Winnie Odinga against social media attacks concerning her marital status, asserting that marriage should not be a prerequisite for holding political office. In an interview, Nigerian music star Tiwa Savage, 45, opened up about her romantic history, revealing that most past relationships left her disillusioned with a negative perception of love. Meanwhile, Kenyan digital creator Lydia Wanjiru publicly announced her decision to live a child-free and marriage-free life. Wanjiru stated her choice stems from a desire to prioritize personal freedom and mental well-being over conforming to societal expectations.
Forex reserves are projected to hit 1.84 trillion Kenyan Shillings by 2026 after Safaricom sale. The Finance Bill 2026 proposes an 8% cut on input VAT for agricultural exporters. Nedbank seeks a 66% stake in NCBA Group. Kenya Railways issued eviction notices for the Nairobi Railway City project. Tumalock.com launched to secure e-commerce transactions.
DJ Brownskin was acquitted of his wife’s death due to insufficient evidence. Akothee defended EALA MP Winnie Odinga from attacks over her marital status, stating marriage isn't a political prerequisite. Andrew Kibe criticized Geoffrey Mosiria over a viral video case, while Marion Naipei detailed her nightmare Tinder date.
UDA plans 2027 strategy, eyes formal coalition talks with ODM. Senators interrogate eight governors over alleged water and hospital mismanagement. Junet Mohamed claims entrenched interests blocked Raila's presidency.
Eliud Kipchoge urges corporates to boost sports ahead of 2026 international events. Kenyan athletes, including John Korir and Daniel Simiu Ebenyo, prepare for major marathons and local competitions with significant prizes. County boxing championships will qualify boxers for nationals, while USIU-A Mashujaa plays in the continental hockey championships. Njoroge Kibugu won the Sunshine Development Tour, heading to South Africa.
Education CS Ogamba has ordered immediate Grade 10 admissions, while President Ruto directed chiefs to ensure all JSS learners report despite fees. This comes as KUCCPS released a list of universities and colleges eligible for HELB funding under the new model, but CUE warned against 16 unaccredited institutions. The NGEC also highlighted barriers still keeping thousands of girls out of school. In health, UHC workers threaten a strike over permanent employment and gratuities, while WHO warns of potential cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoeal outbreaks in nine drought-stricken counties. Economically, the government will refund billions in VAT to agricultural exporters via the Finance Bill 2026. President Ruto also announced a 3 billion Kenyan Shillings bypass in Meru and the 7 billion Kenyan Shillings reconstruction of Nithi Bridge. Meanwhile, the High Court nullified ANC's merger with UDA, ruling it unconstitutional.
