Kenyans now face higher passport costs following the removal of the 50-page option. Governors are under Senate scrutiny over county spending, with Tharaka Nithi's Governor Njuki reportedly evading an audit. President Ruto cut PAYE for earners up to 50,000 shillings, as KRA targets 500,000 non-filers. The Ministry of Interior is tackling school unrest in 15 counties. Kenya will export duty-free goods like avocados to China under a new trade deal. EACC recovered 50 million Kenyan Shillings worth of public land in Machakos. IEBC plans a digital platform to attract five million new voters, while the opposition signals a court challenge against former IEBC CEO Marjan.
Kalonzo Musyoka has been appointed the new leader of the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition as part of a leadership overhaul ratified on February 2, 2026. The Wiper Party leader accepted the appointment, promising a principled leadership focused on national renewal. In other political developments, former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi has officially joined Rigathi Gachagua's Democratic Change Party (DCP) to contest the Westlands parliamentary seat in 2027. The DCP's Deputy Leader, Cleophas Malala, also claimed that a collaboration between Rigathi Gachagua and former President Uhuru Kenyatta is underway. Meanwhile, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the ODM Secretary General, has denied claims that he plans to leave the Orange Democratic Movement for Gachagua's party.
Marjan Hussein Marjan has resigned as the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following consultations within the commission. In response to his departure, the United Opposition announced plans for legal action against the former CEO, citing decisions made before the commission was fully reconstituted, including the extension of Smartmatic International’s contract. Amid these leadership changes, the IEBC is set to launch a nationwide voter registration drive in March 2026, aiming to register five million new voters. To boost participation, especially among young, tech-savvy Kenyans, the commission will introduce a new digital pre-registration platform. However, the IEBC clarified that physical attendance for fingerprint capture will remain mandatory for full registration.
US President Donald Trump has signed a one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), restoring duty-free access for eligible Sub-Saharan African countries until December 31, 2026. This extension, backdated from September 30, 2025, prevents potential tariffs of up to 42 percent on Kenyan goods. Following this development, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) is urging Kenya and the U.S. to fast-track a long-term bilateral trade agreement to ensure predictability for exporters. Concurrently, Kenya is set to sign a duty-free, quota-free trade agreement with China within the next 30 days. This deal will allow Kenyan farmers to export products such as avocados and pork with zero tariffs, aiming to boost the country's agricultural export sector.
Marjan Hussein Marjan has resigned as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The departure followed a crisis meeting held on Tuesday, January 3, where commissioners questioned his procurement decisions and governance. The IEBC terminated his contract with 399 days remaining, and the exit was described as being by "mutual consent". His departure comes less than two years before the 2027 elections amidst heightened political pressure and calls for his removal by the opposition. He is the third CEO to leave the organization amidst controversy.
President William Ruto has promised United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirants free, fair, and credible nominations for the 2027 General Election. The party has seen over 12,000 politicians apply for its ticket, generating Kshs 31.82 million in registration fees. Despite high interest, the UDA is experiencing dwindling interest from political bigwigs in Mt Kenya, raising concerns for President Ruto's re-election strategy. In a related political shift, EALA MP Kanini Kega has joined Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), a move announced by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has initiated a revival of the Azimio la Umoja coalition by chairing a council meeting and announcing significant leadership changes. The shake-up includes the appointment of Kalonzo Musyoka as the new Party Leader of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, succeeding Raila Odinga who passed away in October last year. This restructuring was announced after a joint session of the Azimio Council and National Executive Committee on February 2. As part of the changes reshaping the coalition's internal structure, Junet Mohammed was pushed out.
Kenyan business lobby groups, including KAM and KEPSA, have welcomed the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to December 31, 2026, which is expected to protect jobs and enhance U.S. market access. Despite this, Kenyan private sector companies scaled back new hiring in January, attributing the slowdown to rising staff expenses and subdued demand. In a sign of new investment, Yusen Logistics and Africa Global Logistics (AGL) launched a new joint venture, Yusen Africa (East Africa) Limited, headquartered in Nairobi. Additionally, Kenya is expanding its livestock and livestock product markets through the De-risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement (DRIVE) Project to boost jobs and exports.
LG Electronics showcased its "Affectionate Intelligence" concept at CES 2026, demonstrating how AI can integrate into daily life across homes and entertainment. In a related development focused on practical application, AI Kenya held its 3rd Industry Breakfast in Nairobi on January 29th. The event brought together over 120 professionals to discuss "AI Powered Operational Efficiency for Teams and Systems," focusing on actionable AI integration in operations. Separately in Kenya, Infinix launched the Note Edge smartphone. This new device is the world's first with MediaTek's Dimensity 7100 5G chipset and Android 16. The phone targets the midrange market with a focus on battery endurance and sustained everyday performance.
Mikel Arteta stated that Arsenal's qualification for the EFL Cup final will serve as motivation for their Premier League title aspirations after defeating Chelsea 1-0. Separately, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola publicly expressed that he is "hurt" by the suffering caused in global conflicts and vowed to continue speaking out on humanitarian issues. In Germany, national coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed support for goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, who suffered an injury setback that jeopardizes his World Cup 2026 aspirations.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a comprehensive multi-agency security operation in Isiolo, Samburu, and Meru counties. The immediate crackdown aims to combat persistent cattle rustling, banditry, and insecurity in these regions. The new security operation will be a joint effort involving the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). According to the announcement, the operation will target not only bandits but also their financiers. The stated goal of the government's action is to restore peace in the affected areas.
Nairobi United has officially announced the signing of Kevin Wang’aya, a former Kenya National U-20 international, to bolster their midfield for the season. In basketball, the reigning national champions Nairobi City Thunder are intensifying their preparations for their second appearance at the Basketball Africa League (BAL), with the aim of securing a play-off spot in the 2026 season. Simultaneously, counties across Kenya are preparing for the National Novices Boxing Championships. This event will determine qualifiers for the National Intermediate Boxing Championships, with finalists from ten participating counties set to advance.
Treasury CS defends a 1 trillion shillings domestic borrowing plan, assuring the private sector. Meanwhile, a new freight forwarding company, Yusen Africa, launches in Nairobi to serve East Africa. Kisumu and Siaya counties lead in Kenyan newspaper readership in a new CA report.
CBK warns against money bouquets, deeming it currency misuse. Pastor Kanyari faces backlash after suggestive church dance. Gospel singer Justina Syokau reignites co-parenting dispute, alleging her child's father is Kalonzo Musyoka's brother. Rev. Lucy Natasha shares her miraculous childhood healing from a stammer.
IEBC CEO Hussein Marjan exits, 3rd CEO to leave amid political pressure and 2027 election preparation. Busia Governor Otuoma faces EACC probe over alleged Sh1.4 billion irregular payments. MPs consider a new campaign funding bill. Meanwhile, UDA sees high competition for candidacies but declining interest from Mt Kenya bigwigs for 2027.
Kabras Sugar maintained their Kenya Cup unbeaten run with a 48-13 win over Kenya Harlequin. Gor Mahia extended their lead in the SportPesa Premier League, beating Sofapaka 3-0.
Infinix launched the Note Edge in Kenya for 32,999 Kenyan shillings, featuring a 6,150mAh "self-healing" battery and the new Dimensity 7100 chip with Android 16. Separately, AI Kenya's Industry Breakfast focused on integrating AI into operations, while LG showcased its "Affectionate Intelligence" concept at CES 2026.
Kenyans seeking passports now face higher costs as the government removed the 50-page option, leaving only the pricier 66-page version. Governors are under Senate scrutiny over billions in county spending, with Tharaka Nithi's Governor Njuki reportedly evading an audit grilling. President Ruto has cut PAYE for Kenyans earning up to 50,000 shillings, while KRA uses a new system to flag nearly 500,000 non-filers. The Ministry of Interior is cracking down on school unrest in 15 counties. Kenya will export duty-free goods like avocados to China under a new trade deal. EACC recovered 50 million Kenyan Shillings worth of public land in Machakos. The IEBC plans a digital platform to attract five million new voters by March 2026, while the opposition signals a court challenge against former IEBC CEO Marjan.
