Disciplined forces will transition to the Social Health Authority scheme in April, as the Supreme Court greenlights a case challenging the appointment of 51 Principal Secretaries. The National Treasury has disbursed 11.2 billion Kenyan Shillings to 46 counties for climate resilience initiatives. A fuel tanker explosion on the Southern Bypass disrupted traffic, while the NTSA issued new directives for over 260 matatus. Public outrage grew following a new CCTV video allegedly showing police brutality in Kikuyu. Furthermore, over two million Kenyans face health and nutrition crises due to ongoing drought.
On Saturday, January 24, a fuel tanker overturned and exploded into flames on the Southern Bypass near Carnivore in Nairobi following a collision with a lorry. The incident prompted emergency operations and forced the temporary closure of the bypass, causing significant traffic disruption. The explosion produced thick black smoke affecting traffic near Wilson Airport. In a separate incident on Friday night, a massive fire erupted at the Makongeni market in Thika, Kiambu County. This blaze destroyed numerous businesses and property of unknown value. The market fire followed another significant fire on Thursday, January 22, along Jogoo Road near Nairobi's CBD.
The Kenyan government is encouraging recent Form Four leavers to enroll in short, hands-on courses at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions before their university placements in September. Separately, the National Treasury has announced the allocation of Ksh11.2 billion in climate resilience funding to 46 Kenyan counties. This allocation is for the 2025/2026 financial year, as detailed in the Kenya Gazette on January 23. In another education-related announcement, PS Bitok clarified that the order allowing students to report for Grade 10 without fees is not an exemption from paying them later.
A High Court ruling has nullified the merger between the Amani National Congress (ANC) Party and President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Following the ruling, Stephen Mutoro, the interim ANC party leader, declared the merger legally void. Mutoro announced plans to reassess the party's relationship with UDA. This decision has created a potential legal challenge for the Kenya Kwanza coalition. The ruling sparked varied reactions in Western Kenya, though former ANC officials argue its impact is largely superseded by current political developments.
A ban on direct container loading is causing congestion at Mombasa Port. Meanwhile, a think tank warns against agricultural funding cuts which may worsen food insecurity, even as the government clears arrears for Mwea rice farmers. KenGen assures stable power supply despite low dam levels, while insurers plan increased AI adoption for faster returns.
Geoffrey Mosiria clarified his involvement in a past case and is stepping aside to maintain public trust. Meanwhile, Sky Victor, daughter to Betty Bayo and Kanyari, shared she's single and prioritizing her content creation career over dating.
Kenya bids to host the World Athletics Championships in 2029 or 2031, with results expected in September. Meanwhile, defending champion John Korir will compete against world champion Alphonce Simbu at the Boston Marathon.
Nigeria's Zenith Bank has secured approval to acquire Paramount Bank, entering the Kenyan market. Meanwhile, Flutterwave launched stablecoin balances for African merchants, allowing USDC and USDT transactions within their accounts.
The government announced that disciplined officers will switch to the Social Health Authority scheme from April. This comes as the Supreme Court allowed a case challenging the appointment of 51 Principal Secretaries to proceed. Meanwhile, the National Treasury allocated 11.2 billion Kenyan Shillings to 46 counties for climate resilience funding. In other news, a fuel tanker explosion on the Southern Bypass closed the road, causing major traffic disruptions. The NTSA also issued new directives for over 260 matatus. Additionally, a new CCTV video emerged showing alleged police brutality in Kikuyu, sparking public outrage. Over two million Kenyans face health and nutrition crises due to drought.
Starting April 2024, all disciplined officers from the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Prisons Service will be mandatorily enrolled in the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scheme under a directive from President William Ruto. To enhance security, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja gazetted a new police station and five additional police posts across Kenya. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) dismantled a cross-border mobile phone theft network in Nairobi, arresting seven suspects and recovering stolen devices. The DCI is also investigating the death of lawyer Chris Mwendwa following a botched medical procedure where an overdose is suspected. Public outrage was also incited by a CCTV video from January 23 showing police officers allegedly assaulting young men at a pool hall in Kikuyu.
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.
TikTok has finalized a deal to separate its US operations from its global business, which concludes a multi-year dispute between Washington and Beijing over national security concerns. This deal allows the popular app to continue operating in the United States, securing its future for its 200 million American users as a new entity takes over operations. In separate regulatory action, social media companies are complying with Australia's landmark ban preventing users under 16 from having accounts. According to Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, the policy was implemented in December. The move has already resulted in the shutdown of 4.7 million child accounts.
A funeral service was held in the Soysambu, Gilgil area of Nakuru County for three children from the same family who tragically died in a road accident on January 4th. Another report confirmed the funeral service was for three siblings who died in the Gilgil road accident. This event highlights the broader issue of road safety in the country, as MP George Kariuki is advocating for enhanced traffic enforcement in response to an annual road fatality rate that has reached 5,000 deaths.
The second leg of the 2025–2026 SportPesa Premier League season starts this weekend with round 18 matches, focusing on the battle to avoid relegation. In the Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League, the Kenya Police Bullets will play against Zetech University Sparks today, with the Bullets aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, in the 2025–2026 Kenya Cup, the race for playoff spots and individual honors is intensifying as the regular season progresses. After five rounds of matches in the Kenya Cup, teams are solidifying their positions while players compete for top awards in try-scoring and kicking.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has suspended nil-filing for tax returns, a move intended to convert non-filers and nil-filers into active taxpayers and broaden the tax base. In other economic news, President William Ruto has responded to criticisms over the planned partial sale of the government's shares in Safaricom and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC). Meanwhile, Kenyan businesses are facing a crisis as delayed VAT refunds, amounting to billions of shillings, are jeopardizing industrial growth.
United Opposition leaders, under the leadership of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have publicly accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of failures within the education sector and intimidation tactics. At the same time, Opiyo Wandayi has suggested that Kalonzo Musyoka might align with the Kenya Kwanza political alliance before the 2027 general elections. Separately, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has warned leaders of the Mt Kenya region against political realignments and advised against being forced out of government.
President William Ruto has appointed Ida Odinga, wife of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, as Kenya's Ambassador to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The President praised her for her patriotism and hard work. This appointment was reported in multiple stories. Concurrently, the Kenyan government announced its plan to appeal a court decision regarding the separate appointment of 21 advisors to President William Ruto.
