A presidential taskforce has called for a standalone femicide law and a 50 billion Kenyan Shillings Treasury allocation, revealing 1,639 women killed since 2022. President Ruto pledged a national response to gender-based violence. Elsewhere, the sugar industry is in crisis over 10.8 billion Kenyan Shillings in unpaid worker wages, while the KUCCPS CEO flagged the Grade C+ university cut-off as unsustainable. Kenya also faces a World Bank suit from a Swiss firm over border control technology, as the Social Health Authority plans to block drug claims from hospitals failing to dispense medicine.
President William Ruto received a report on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide from a taskforce led by former Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Nancy Baraza, pledging a coordinated national response to what is described as a national crisis. The report revealed that Kenya lacks a standalone femicide law despite a 10 percent rise in reported killings between 2022 and 2024. The Technical Working Group on GBV has proposed several reforms, including mandatory chemical castration for child sex offenders and criminalizing out-of-court settlements in abuse cases. Furthermore, the taskforce urged the National Treasury to allocate a ring-fenced Sh50 billion in the 2026/2027 financial year to establish a dedicated response fund. President Ruto also called on all Kenyans to take collective responsibility in ending gender-based violence.
The implementation of Grade 10 is facing several challenges related to resources and funding. A report highlights a significant financial shortfall for Grade 10 students, which could impact their educational trajectory. Teachers of Grade 10 are also expressing concerns over the delayed distribution of crucial textbooks and teaching materials. To address funding issues, President William Ruto announced an agreement between the national and county governments to jointly finance Grade 10 education through bursaries for students from needy families. In the Coast region, education officials are conducting a "mop-up" exercise to ensure 100% enrollment of students into Grade 10.
Nairobi's wellness entrepreneurs are thriving. Ofelos Limited offers sugar-free foods for health-conscious consumers, while Viv's In-Houz Spa in Kitisuru, initially a mobile massage service, now provides specialized treatments for clients with health challenges.
Jaymo Ule Msee has quit politics, abandoning his Nairobi Senatorial bid. Meanwhile, producer Magix Enga seeks collaborations for a comeback, while digital creator Lydia Wanjiru received 1 million Kenyan shillings from an ex to reconcile. In other news, Madocho has sparked online beef with Patelo, and alcohol is now classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.
IEBC won't review boundaries before 2027 polls. UDA proposes pension for governors, MCAs. Churches are increasingly caught in political crossfire, while Nakuru becomes a battleground in the Gachagua-UDA tussle. Wajir governor defends 700 million shillings pending bills payments.
A presidential taskforce report reveals Kenya lacks a standalone femicide law despite a 10% rise in killings, with 1,639 women killed since 2022. President Ruto pledged a national response and urged collective action against GBV, as the taskforce proposes criminalizing out-of-court settlements and chemical castration for child sex offenders. They also recommend the Treasury allocate 50 billion shillings for femicide response. Separately, the sugar industry faces a shutdown as workers demand 10.8 billion shillings in unpaid wages. The KUCCPS CEO stated the Grade C+ university cut-off is unsustainable under CBC, signaling potential changes. A Swiss firm is suing Kenya at the World Bank for allegedly expropriating its border control technology. Also, the Social Health Authority plans to block drug claims from hospitals failing to dispense medicine.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has postponed the review and delimitation of electoral boundaries until after the 2027 General Election, citing tight constitutional timelines and logistical preparations. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon warned that these delays could significantly impede the 2027 general elections. In a separate challenge to the upcoming polls, the registration of 32 new political parties has stalled due to a funding crisis within the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP). Amid these developments, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula warned that over half of current Members of Parliament might lose their seats in the 2027 elections, based on a 56 percent attrition rate. He urged MPs to contribute to a savings scheme, reigniting discussions on pension and medical insurance reforms.
A political storm has followed an attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, on Sunday. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) condemned the teargassing of worshipers at the church on January 26, 2026, describing the police action as brutal and a flagrant violation of human rights. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki vehemently denied claims made by Rigathi Gachagua that one of his bodyguards was involved in the violence. Kindiki stated the individual in a circulated image is unknown to him and not part of his staff, accusing Gachagua of political targeting. He refuted any links to the chaos at the church service, which has sparked widespread condemnation from clergy and political leaders.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, content creator Jaymo Ule Msee (Wilson Muirani Gathoni) officially announced his withdrawal from active politics, stating he will not run for the Nairobi Senatorial seat in the 2027 General Election. In late January 2026, music producer Magix Enga made a public appeal on social media, seeking work and collaborations to revitalize his career after struggles with substance abuse. Meanwhile, digital content creator Lydia Wanjiru revealed she was offered Ksh 1 million by her ex-boyfriend, Frank Doso, to rekindle their relationship; she accepted the money for her business but rejected the reunion. Additionally, content creator Madocho sparked a social media debate with a post interpreted as a jab at fellow entertainer VJ Patelo, igniting an online frenzy.
Students in several Kenyan counties are facing severe educational challenges due to inadequate resources and poverty. In Laikipia North, children at Namunyak Nursery School are forced to study outdoors under trees, which serve as classrooms, and learning materials are scarce. A report on West Pokot shows that extreme poverty and a lack of essential resources continue to significantly hinder educational progress for students. At Bahati ADC Primary School in Vihiga, learning activities are set to be disrupted after a classroom block showed signs of a potential collapse. The plight of individual students is also highlighted, with Mercy Mwende and Alice Auma struggling to secure high school admission due to a lack of school fees.
Kenyans facing distress abroad are the subject of appeals and protests. Families of Kenyans stranded in the Russia-Ukraine war are appealing to the government for assistance to bring their loved ones back home. There is also pressure on President Ruto to address the plight of Kenyans affected by the issues in Russia. Separately, a group of Kenyans who previously worked as domestic helpers in Saudi Arabia staged a demonstration in Mombasa. They alleged mistreatment by their employers, recounting experiences of abuse, harsh working conditions, and withheld wages that prompted their return home.
Churches in Kenya are increasingly becoming sites of political conflict, highlighted by a recent incident at Witima Anglican Church of Kenya in Othaya, Nyeri County. On January 25, 2026, suspected plain-clothes police officers deployed teargas into the church, causing attendees to flee. The chaos occurred during a service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Following the event, Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi spoke on Tuesday, January 27, to deny any involvement in the attack. The incident has led to a re-evaluation of the role of the pulpit in politics, particularly noting its influence on President William Ruto's rise to power.
Political challenges are mounting for former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is holding high-level meetings to counter his growing influence, with Nakuru County emerging as a new political battleground ahead of a planned tour by Gachagua. Concurrently, scrutiny has fallen on a political "power couple," identified as Murang'a Woman Representative Betty Maina and Mathira MP Erick Wamumbi. They are being examined for alleged involvement in disruptive incidents at events attended by Gachagua. Reports suggest a possible connection between the couple and the political difficulties the former Deputy President is facing.
