The High Court has ordered the release of duty-free rice imports to bolster food security, as KRA temporarily suspends nil tax filings to boost revenue. President Ruto appointed Ida Odinga as Kenya's Ambassador to UNEP, a decision followed by an Odinga family meeting. DP Kindiki is pushing for accountability in the construction sector after recent building collapses. In other news, families of fallen police officers were reportedly scammed out of 220 million Kenyan Shillings in insurance. The Central Region is tightening efforts for 100% school transition. Kenya secured a 2.1 billion Kenyan Shillings AfDB loan for geothermal expansion. President Ruto urged Kenyans to invest in KPC and Safaricom IPOs, while the Katiba Institute is suing the Executive and Parliament over tribunal appointments.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has implemented several new measures concerning tax filings. The authority has temporarily suspended the filing of nil tax returns until March 30, with the stated aim of converting nil filers and non-filers into active taxpayers to optimize revenue collection. In a separate initiative to modernize tax management, the KRA has announced a new digital service that allows Kenyans to file taxes and access various services via a WhatsApp chatbot. This move is intended to improve efficiency for taxpayers. Additionally, the KRA has retained the existing 8 per cent tax rate on staff welfare benefits.
President William Ruto made a significant governmental appointment by nominating Ida Betty Odinga, wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This appointment was made in acknowledgment of her service to women’s education and empowerment. Following this announcement, the Odinga family called for an emergency family meeting. In a separate development, President Ruto encouraged Kenyans to invest in the Initial Public Offers (IPOs) for the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and Safaricom. He dismissed critics of the process and emphasized that it was being handled with transparency and under the oversight of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).
Significant actions have been taken within Kenya's judiciary and legal framework. The Supreme Court of Kenya lifted its lifetime ban on Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi on Friday, January 23, allowing him and his law firm to practice before the court again after the lawyer gave assurances of reformed conduct. In a separate action, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated 15 individuals for the position of Judge of the Court of Appeal to boost the court's capacity. Among the prominent nominees is Joseph Katwa Kigen, a senior counsel who has represented President William Ruto. Additionally, the Katiba Institute has filed a lawsuit against the Executive and Legislature, alleging violations of the Constitution in the appointment of members to statutory tribunals.
The High Court has revived the Amani National Congress (ANC) party, ruling that its previous dissolution was unconstitutional. The decision provides a reprieve for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and thwarts a planned merger between ANC and UDA. According to the court, the dissolution violated laws and its ruling voids President William Ruto's earlier takeover attempt of the party. Following the ruling, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) rejected claims of a merger with the ANC. UDA stated that ANC's dissolution was voluntary and legally binding, a position now contradicted by the High Court's declaration.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has initiated a significant shake-up within the Jubilee Party leadership. As part of this move, Kenyatta removed Kioni as the party's Secretary General. This leadership change precedes crucial opposition alliance discussions. The party is preparing for these discussions, which are aimed at selecting a formidable candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the upcoming elections.
The Kenyan government has confirmed that all outstanding payments to Mwea rice farmers have been fully settled, aligning with an agreement between farmers and the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC). This was announced by Mwea Rice Growers Multipurpose Co-operative Society Managing Director Anthony Waweru. At the same time, a delegation of Chinese investors is visiting Kenya to explore investment opportunities in the country’s agricultural sector, emphasizing boosting food security. However, the Institute of Public Finance (IPF), a Kenyan think tank, has issued a warning that reduced funding for the agricultural sector could impede its growth. Separately, regulators have assured that Kenya's sugar supply is secure despite a challenging production period beginning in 2025.
President William Ruto continues to defend the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) fund, stating it addresses educational disparities and offers business grants to empower youth. The program has reportedly benefited youth in Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu counties. However, former Chief Justice David Maraga has criticized the government’s implementation of the program and questioned its long-term viability and sustainability. Maraga, also a presidential aspirant, further claimed that the source of the project's funding is unknown and that its financial transparency is questionable. Ruto has asserted the program's goal is to empower young people and address unemployment.
The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has approved the acquisition of Paramount Bank Limited by Nigeria’s Zenith Bank Plc. This marks a significant development for the Nigerian financial institution's expansion in the Kenyan banking sector. The approval was granted with specific conditions aimed at safeguarding employment. In a separate deal, the prominent Kenyatta, Nyachae, and Ndegwa families are set to see their shareholding in NCBA Group diluted. This is due to a proposed deal involving South Africa’s Nedbank Group.
The Kenya Police Service is under scrutiny for allegations of corruption in its construction projects and for a potential insurance scam. Members of Parliament have raised concerns over delayed remittance of funds to insurance companies, which are designated for group life cover and work injury benefits for police officers. Concerns have also been raised about potential misuse of funds and transparency in police infrastructure initiatives. In a separate matter, the government has initiated the recovery of funds embezzled in the Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operative (Kuscco) scandal. This was announced by the Commissioner of Cooperatives, David Obonyo, in Mombasa.
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.
Popular Kenyan content creator Thee Pluto, who identifies as Muslim, is facing scrutiny after a viral video showed him attending a Baptist church service. In a separate matter, Sky Victor, daughter of Betty Bayo and Kanyari, has confirmed she is currently single. She stated she is prioritizing her career in content creation over dating. Additionally, Geoffrey Mosiria has issued a detailed press statement addressing online speculation regarding his involvement in a case. The case concerns a woman who sought assistance from his office, and Mosiria has stated he is stepping aside from the matter to maintain public trust.
The Mombasa port crisis and empty container ban are causing gridlock. Think tank IPF warns against agricultural funding cuts, which could worsen food insecurity, while the government has cleared arrears for Mwea rice farmers. KenGen assures stable power despite low dam levels. Kenyan insurers plan major AI investments for faster returns.
Mosiria has withdrawn from a public assistance case clarifying his involvement to maintain trust. Meanwhile, Sky Victor, daughter of Betty Bayo and Kanyari, shared dating advice, confirming she's single and focused on her content creation career.
The High Court revived ANC, ruling its dissolution unconstitutional, a blow to UDA's expansion plans. Meanwhile, Uhuru Kenyatta restructured Jubilee leadership ahead of opposition alliance talks. NADCO defended its progress after meeting President Ruto. A Nakuru youth group petitioned NCIC over MP Arama's alleged divisive remarks.
Kenya bids to host the 2029 or 2031 World Athletics Championships, with results expected in September. Meanwhile, John Korir will race against world champion Alphonce Simbu at the Boston Marathon on April 20th.
Zenith Bank gets regulatory nod to acquire Paramount Bank, entering the Kenyan market. Meanwhile, Flutterwave introduces stablecoin balances (USDC, USDT) for African merchants, allowing them to transact directly within their accounts.
The High Court has ordered the immediate release of duty-free rice imports to ensure food security. Meanwhile, KRA has temporarily suspended nil tax filings to boost revenue. President Ruto appointed Ida Odinga as Kenya's Ambassador to UNEP, a move followed by an Odinga family meeting. DP Kindiki is pushing for accountability in the construction sector after recent collapses. Families of fallen police officers are reportedly scammed out of 220 million Kenyan Shillings in insurance. In the Central Region, authorities are tightening efforts for 100% school transition. Kenya secured a 2.1 billion Kenyan Shillings AfDB loan for geothermal expansion. President Ruto urged Kenyans to invest in KPC and Safaricom IPOs, while Katiba Institute is suing the Executive and Parliament over tribunal appointments.
