President Ruto announced that county assemblies will gain full budgetary autonomy from July 1st, separating their budgets from county executives. In Garissa, a chief and teacher were killed in a suspected Al-Shabaab attack, prompting IG Kanja to deploy a multi-agency security team. Education CS Ogamba warned principals of job losses for failing to ensure full Grade 10 transition by Friday, addressing transfer of students and textbook distribution delays. A GBV team recommended mandatory CCTV in Airbnbs to curb femicide, while Treasury considers lowering the Inua Jamii qualifying age to 60. Additionally, Agriculture CS Kagwe issued a 30-day ultimatum to maize hoarders to release stock for Strategic Reserves.
A Location Chief and a primary school teacher were killed in a suspected Al-Shabaab attack in Hulugho town, Garissa County, on Monday morning. The militants also attacked the local police station but reportedly caused no injuries there. Following the deadly attack, Inspector General Douglas Kanja ordered the deployment of a multi-agency security team to the area. The National Police Service (NPS) has since launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. Security operations are now underway to apprehend those responsible, and patrols have been intensified in the region.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba warned school principals they risk losing their jobs if they do not ensure full Grade 10 transition by Friday, January 30. The government is intensifying efforts to enroll the remaining 8 per cent of learners who have not yet reported to their schools. As part of these efforts, CS Ogamba announced that some Grade 10 students will be transferred from schools with low enrollment to institutions with sufficient capacity. The ministry is currently collecting data to identify the affected schools. The transfers are scheduled to begin next week.
With the next General Election 20 months away, former Deputy President Gachagua is allegedly attempting to prevent President William Ruto from gaining influence in the Mt Kenya region. As political parties work to strengthen their grassroots support, efforts are particularly intensifying in Mt Kenya. These political tensions have manifested elsewhere, as supporters of President William Ruto and opposition leaders clashed in Taita Taveta. The clash occurred over the ‘one-term’ slogan. The confrontation took place during the launch of the Sh280 million Voi Modern Market construction.
The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has officially approved KCB Group PLC's acquisition of Riverbank Solutions Limited, a fintech firm. This transaction was first announced in March 2025. In a separate deal, KCB Group also received approval to acquire the Mwendwa firm. These corporate acquisitions are taking place as Kenya's economy is projected to demonstrate resilience and growth into 2026, according to a report from Mastercard. The report states that this growth will be primarily fueled by strong domestic demand. The economic outlook is also supported by increasing digital inclusion and diversified trade relationships.
Police and Prisons will join the Social Health Authority from April 1 as 92.5 billion shillings are disbursed to health facilities. KCB Group’s acquisition of Riverbank Solutions is approved, while Mombasa Port is ready for Turkana oil exports. Kitui-Wote power line goes live. Underfunding threatens the Labour Board.
Pastor Kanyari claims charity work is to return '310 saga' money. Entrepreneur Morara Kebaso held a prayer session with staff. Comedian Onjiri shared his 20-year struggle with alcoholism. Murugi Munyi endorses Eric Omondi for leadership. Harmonize and Kajala have rekindled their relationship.
Former CS Matiang’i alleges the Murkomen office break-in was an inside job. Meanwhile, Ida Odinga defends her acceptance of President Ruto's nomination, addressing critics.
Kenya hopes to host the 2029 or 2031 World Athletics Championships, awaiting the decision in September. Meanwhile, defending champion John Korir will compete against world champion Alphonce Simbu at the Boston Marathon on April 20.
Nigeria's Zenith Bank has acquired Paramount Bank, entering the Kenyan market. Meanwhile, Flutterwave launched stablecoin balances for African merchants, allowing them to transact in USDC and USDT directly within their accounts.
President Ruto announced county assemblies will gain full budgetary autonomy from July 1, separating their budgets from county executives. In security news, a chief and teacher were killed in Garissa's Hulugho in a suspected Al-Shabaab attack. IG Kanja deployed a multi-agency security team, intensifying patrols and launching a manhunt. Education CS Ogamba warned principals of job losses if they fail to ensure full Grade 10 transition by Friday. Some Grade 10 students will be transferred due to low enrollment, and textbook distribution is delayed. Meanwhile, a GBV team recommended mandatory CCTV in Airbnbs to curb femicide. Treasury is considering lowering the Inua Jamii qualifying age from 70 to 60. Agriculture CS Kagwe gave maize hoarders a 30-day ultimatum to release stock, aiming for 4 million bags for Strategic Reserves.
The National Police Service (NPS) has launched an urgent investigation after a teargas canister was thrown into St. Peter's African Church of Kenya (ACK) in Witima, Othaya, on January 25. The incident disrupted a church service attended by leader Rigathi Gachagua. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) condemned the police for the attack, calling it unconstitutional. Following the chaos, allies of Gachagua are demanding drastic changes to the police service, including its devolution to counties. Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki hinted the violence might have been orchestrated for political sympathy, while Gachagua claimed there was an assassination attempt by a state-sponsored killer squad.
President William Ruto is pursuing a broader political coalition with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to secure a commanding victory in the 2027 polls. The move, announced at a UDA National Governing Council meeting, aims for a victory margin of "two million plus votes." In a related move to build alliances, President Ruto nominated Mama Ida Odinga as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This nomination is intended to bolster Kenya’s environmental diplomacy. Ida Odinga has accepted the UNEP envoy role, calling it a great honour following the death of her husband, Raila Odinga.
Following a contested election where President Yoweri Museveni secured a seventh term with 71.65 percent of the vote, Uganda has lifted its ban on social media platforms. The ban was imposed after the January general elections and its removal was announced by Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. In the post-election period, exiled former Supreme Court Justice Esther Kisaakye has condemned a violent crackdown on the opposition. President Museveni has since outlined a five-year agenda which includes safeguarding peace and eradicating poverty. Amidst these tensions, military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba also denied claims that soldiers had assaulted Barbara Kyagulanyi, wife of opposition leader Bobi Wine.
A significant rift has emerged within Kenya's ODM Party regarding the 2027 presidential election. A faction led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has declared its intention to field a presidential candidate. This stance directly contradicts the camp associated with Oburu Oginga, which has pledged support for President William Ruto. Oburu Oginga led a delegation to Kisii County to consolidate support and address internal dissent within the party. During this visit, he reaffirmed the party's commitment to remaining part of a broad-based government alongside the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Chaos erupted at Witima Anglican Church of Kenya in Othaya, Nyeri County, on January 25, 2026, when suspected plain-clothes police officers lobbed teargas into a congregation. The attack caused hundreds of worshippers, including children, to choke and created panic. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claims the incident was an assassination attempt meant to eliminate him. Following the teargas attack, a vehicle was torched and others were vandalised. In response, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku accused Gachagua of allegedly orchestrating the chaos himself for political gain, with the aim of discrediting President William Ruto.
A disturbance disrupted church services at ACK Witima in Othaya, Nyeri County, where Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was worshiping. Masked individuals armed with guns fired shots and tear gas into the church, while a separate report noted armed police officers also deployed tear gas inside the sanctuary on Sunday. Following the event, politician Peter Mbae alleged it was an assassination attempt. The Kenyan government has initiated an investigation into the disturbance, and police conduct has been questioned. Human rights organizations, religious leaders, and leaders from Kajiado have condemned the attacks.
As Grade 10 classes officially begin, several schools are reportedly yet to receive textbooks for students. Kenyan schools are facing challenges during the transition, with some rejecting students despite a presidential directive. In response, Education CS Ogamba issued a warning to school principals against denying admission to Grade 10 learners. The government has also issued a stern warning threatening dismissal for principals who fail to register students. This order to comply with President William Ruto's directive was echoed by Education Minister Migos Ogamba and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Deputy President Kindiki has strongly refuted claims made by Rigathi Gachagua that the Social Health Authority (SHA) health insurance is non-functional. Kindiki also challenged the opposition regarding the new Health Insurance Scheme in Kenya. These specific comments come as Kenya Kwanza leaders, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, have strongly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his broader statements opposing government projects.
YouTuber Oga Obinna faced public criticism after losing a massive Ksh 1 million bet on Arsenal's football match against Manchester United on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Following Manchester United's 3-2 victory, the loss led to a viral taunt from influencer Remcy Don via Facebook. On the same day, Esther Musila, wife of gospel star Guardian Angel, condemned cyberbullying regarding her age and marriage in a video shared on social media. Musila asserted her right to online privacy and respect, stating she is protecting her space, not defending her marriage. In a separate event, Comedian Onjiri revealed his 20-year battle with alcoholism, sharing a candid account of his struggle and eventual sobriety on social media. He emphasized that recovery is a mental process and not an overnight cure.
