Kenya and the United States have launched a Ksh9.1 billion runway expansion project at Kenya Navy Base Manda Bay in Lamu, aiming to enhance regional security operations. Concurrently, the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) has energized the new Sondu-Ndhiwa-Homa Bay-Awendo 132kV transmission line to reduce power outages in Nyanza and parts of Western Kenya. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is also upgrading its cargo monitoring system, the Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), to incorporate user-owned electronic seals to improve cross-border trade efficiency. In the transport sector, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the National Police Service (NPS) are piloting a digital ID system for boda boda riders in Nairobi. This initiative aims to regulate the motorcycle transport sector and address concerns about traffic violations.

Political tensions in the Mt Kenya region are escalating, marked by claims of police misuse and politically motivated transfers linked to the 2027 general election. An incident at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, involved the deployment of teargas during a service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Following this, the United Opposition has requested a meeting on January 30 with Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja. The opposition group is seeking to address what they claim are 24 attacks targeting their leaders and supporters since November 2024. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is cited as the primary victim of these persistent attacks.

Following the death of Raila Odinga, a significant power struggle has emerged, marked by the bold political emergence of his daughter, Winnie Odinga. His widow, Idah Odinga, revealed the family was surprised by his request to be buried within 72 hours and thanked President William Ruto for his assistance in honoring this wish. In a separate development, UDA allies are growing concerned about their political future due to talks between President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga. These talks hint at a potential pre-election power-sharing agreement, which many in UDA fear could sideline them within the ruling coalition.

NTT DATA and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have signed a multi-year Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) to help enterprises scale responsible agentic AI. The partnership focuses on cloud transformation and AI integration to deliver tailored enterprise solutions. Separately, Vertiv has launched Vertiv Next Predict, an AI-powered managed service designed for data center maintenance. This platform provides predictive intelligence by analyzing asset behavior to mitigate risks before they materialize. In the social media space, Instagram is reportedly testing a direct shortcut to “Manus AI” integration. This is one of three significant upcoming changes being developed for the platform.

Opposition leaders, led by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, marched to the offices of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja in Nairobi. They were protesting over escalating security concerns and submitting complaints regarding alleged hired goons disrupting their rallies. In a separate demonstration, residents of Lusegiti protested an increase in accidents, highlighting growing concerns over road safety. Additionally, residents of Bori in Moyale Sub-County protested against alleged marginalization by both the national and county governments. They cited ongoing neglect of their basic rights and a lack of development in their area.

The Social Health Authority (SHA) has been launched in Kenya with the goal of reducing the number of patients unable to access treatment at hospitals like Mama Lucy Hospital. In a related development, residents of Nairobi are set to gain easier access to healthcare services through an initiative aimed at reducing instances of patients being denied treatment. This is being highlighted as a significant step for public health in the capital. Meanwhile, Kerugoya Hospital in Kirinyaga County has installed a modern oxygen generation plant. This new facility ensures the availability of medical oxygen within the county and has significantly reduced the hospital's expenditure on purchasing it externally.

Bahati, born Kevin Kioko, has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to his wife, Diana Marua, amidst speculation following her clearing her Instagram and the couple unfollowing each other. The incident, which began on January 22, 2026, has led to public debate over whether it is a genuine marital crisis or a marketing stunt. In a separate statement on Thursday, January 29, 2026, media personality Maureen Waititu urged both women and men in Kenya to overcome setbacks such as "deadbeat fathers" and reclaim their personal power. Meanwhile, Reverend Lucy Natasha recently revealed the "dowry deadlock" she encountered when marrying her Indian-descent husband. This highlighted a significant cultural reversal of expectations that required extensive negotiation.

A news report has detailed a significant scandal involving the disbursement of education funds in Kenya between 2018 and 2025. In a separate challenge for the sector, several schools in Laikipia North have been shut down due to escalating insecurity, leaving hundreds of students without an education. The insecurity has forced families to seek refuge in schools that have been converted into temporary shelters. In response to different educational needs, Cabinet Secretary for Gender Hanna Cheptumo and Principal Secretary Carren Ageng'o launched an Emergency Education Support and Mentorship Programme. This initiative, implemented by the Child Welfare Society of Kenya, aims to provide crucial support to students in the Nyando Sub-County.

Gaming firm SportPesa has injected Ksh 120 million into Kenyan sports, with Ksh 40 million each allocated to boxing, rugby, and rally racing. This investment has enabled former WBC women's Super bantamweight champion Fatuma Zarika to resume her boxing career. In a separate development, the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) is partnering with Kenyatta University to establish a high-performance training centre for Kenyan athletes. This initiative aims to improve athlete performance using advanced training methods and technology. Additionally, Mwamba Rugby Football Club is in talks with LaSante Paramedics for an enhanced sponsorship package following a meeting between club officials and the medical services provider.