Kenyan clinical officers have called off their 36-day strike after signing a Return-to-Work Formula with the Council of Governors (CoG). Normal operations in public hospitals are expected to resume immediately following this agreement. Meanwhile, matatu operators have announced a nationwide strike starting Monday, February 2. They are threatening the strike due to alleged vehicle torching and "lawlessness" by boda boda operators. The matatu owners claim the government has failed to protect their private property and plan to block major roads until their concerns are addressed.

Education CS Julius Ogamba assured Parliament that Laromoru Primary School in Baringo South will continue operating despite a partial demolition by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). He confirmed an agreement to halt further demolitions and pledged government support for pupils who were forced to learn under trees. The CS also pledged to take action against school principals and education inspectors colluding on unlawful school fees.Separately, an investigation by Athletics Kenya (AK) found at least 20 international athletes guilty of age cheating. The probe implicated 10 schools in age manipulation, prompting AK to seek discussions with the Ministry of Education.

On Wednesday, January 28, President William Ruto presided over the swearing-in of fifteen new appellate judges at State House, Nairobi, to address a severe shortage in the Court of Appeal. During the ceremony, President Ruto affirmed his administration's commitment to upholding the rule of law and vowed never to defy court orders. However, he also publicly criticized the Kenyan Judiciary in front of Chief Justice Martha Koome, accusing judges of blocking key government projects and impeding his administration’s mandate. President Ruto also announced his intention to seek a court interpretation on the legal standing of political party manifestos in government policy implementation. This move aims to clarify how an electoral manifesto can guide policy when facing legal challenges.

An audit by Kenya's Ministry of Health has revealed that the Social Health Authority (SHA) lost Sh11 billion due to fraudulent claims from private hospitals. Separately, Tower Sacco revealed a loss of Sh149.5 million in cash deposits held at the embattled Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO) amid a mismanagement scandal. In other financial news, Moody’s Ratings has upgraded Kenya’s sovereign credit rating from B3 to Caa1, reflecting a decline in the country’s near-term default risk. Additionally, Kenya is funding the rehabilitation of the Mombasa Road with Sh4.5 billion from securitised Roads Maintenance Levy (RML) funds, part of a larger Sh21 billion allocation.

Pornhub will restrict access for UK users starting next week, citing the country's tougher age verification requirements under the Online Safety Act (OSA). In the United States, TikTok US has pushed back against claims of censoring content, attributing issues to technical glitches. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced an investigation into allegations of the platform suppressing content critical of the Trump administration. Highlighting increasing digital vulnerabilities, a PwC survey for 2025 found that cybersecurity has emerged as the most significant risk for banks in East Africa as digital banking accelerates.

Digital content creator Useful Idioty was involved in an altercation with Vicer Munez, a member of Oga Obinna’s security team, with a video of the incident going viral on Instagram. In a separate social media event, content creator Maureen Ngigi definitively shut down speculation about reconciling with her ex-boyfriend, Commentator 254, during a Q&A session. Award-winning gospel artist Guardian Angel also used a digital platform, posting an Instagram video on January 27, 2026, to clarify that he has no plans to become a pastor despite building a church. Additionally, Raymond Omosa, known as Kenyan Prince, discussed his rags-to-riches journey on the Iko Nini podcast, addressing his wealth as a reflection of his past struggles.

Families Urge Government to Repatriate Relatives from Russia-Ukraine War - January 2026

Kenyan families are demanding government intervention to repatriate relatives from the Russia-Ukraine war frontline. They are appealing to the government for assistance to bring their loved ones back home. The pleas come as their relatives are reportedly stranded or perishing in the ongoing conflict. Some of the relatives have either died or are still alive after being recruited into the Russian army. The families are seeking assistance to bring their kin home from the war.

Leaders Condemn Violence in Churches; Gachagua Vows to Unmask Perpetrators - January 2026

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced his intention to reveal those responsible for the violence witnessed at the ACK Witima Church. This follows an uproar after a recent teargassing incident at a church service in Nyeri attended by Gachagua, which was strongly condemned by Bishops from the United Clergy Alliance. The bishops emphasized the sacred nature of an altar. Following recent incidents of unrest, Transport CS Murkomen has vowed to ensure that violence will not be witnessed again in places of worship.