A gas cylinder explosion in Donholm led Governor Sakaja's cabinet to approve a 24/7 disaster response bill and Emergency Operations Centre. Meanwhile, SUPKEM urged the government to declare the severe drought in 23 counties a national emergency. President Ruto criticized opposition calls for nationwide protests. The Court of Appeal upheld the constitutionality of the NG-CDF, reversing a High Court decision. In Nyandarua, pending bills hit 5.1 billion Kenyan Shillings, while the High Court cleared the arrest of a senior NGAAF official over graft.
The Court of Appeal has reversed a High Court decision, declaring the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) to be constitutional. The court ruled that the fund does not violate devolution principles and that Senate input was not required for amendments to the NG-CDF Act. In a separate case, the High Court paved the way for the EACC to arrest and prosecute National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) Chief Executive Officer Roy Sasaka Telewa after dismissing his petition challenging corruption investigations. Meanwhile, former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko defended himself in his resumed graft trial before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, testifying regarding allegations of conflict of interest and procurement irregularities.
Following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is engulfed in a leadership crisis with two factions emerging. A public leadership dispute has erupted between Party Leader Oburu Oginga and Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna. Simultaneously, a potential pre-election alliance with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is faltering, with claims that a 10-point Memorandum of Understanding has not been honored. This has caused panic within ODM as an anticipated zoning agreement with President William Ruto's UDA party for the 2027 General Election falls apart. Additionally, the ODM has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of making irregular changes to the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition leadership without holding a properly constituted council meeting.
Kenya is advancing plans for two new expressways to link with Uganda, which include expanding the Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba highway and building a new Kisian-Busia expressway to improve regional trade. After a 15-year closure, the country has also reopened its border with Somalia to resume road exports of miraa (khat), a decision approved by the National Security Council to boost trade. In another regional trade development, Rwanda has outpaced Uganda as Kenya's top coffee supplier. Data from the Agriculture and Food Authority for the quarter ending September 2025 shows Rwanda accounted for 43 percent of coffee imports, signaling a shift in consumer preference.
Kenya plans two expressways to Uganda to boost trade. NSSF faces scrutiny over idle properties affecting pension returns. Online learning uptake remains low despite awareness. Miraa road exports to Somalia resume after 15 years, raising security concerns. Hotpoint opens its 13th store in Diani, expanding its coastal presence.
Murugi Munyi faces backlash over poverty remarks comparing Nairobi life and mindset. Meanwhile, Samidoh's cryptic post rekindles speculation about his relationship with Karen Nyamu. Content creator Ruth K celebrates her son Calvin's second birthday with a heartfelt tribute.
Opposition questions IEBC contract extension ahead of CEO Marjan's exit. Coast leaders demand project completion and 2032 presidential backing from Ruto for 2027 support. ODM accuses Uhuru of irregular Azimio leadership changes.
Kabras Sugar maintained their Kenya Cup unbeaten run, while MMUST improved survival chances. Gor Mahia extended their lead in the SportPesa Premier League after beating Sofapaka. Globally, Manchester United secured a late win against Fulham.
Old Mutual partners with Paystack to boost digital payments for insurance and investment across East Africa. Meanwhile, LG Electronics unveils a new strategy to drive growth, innovation, and profitability.
A gas cylinder explosion in Donholm, Nairobi, caused panic and property damage, prompting Governor Sakaja's cabinet to approve a new 24/7 disaster response bill and Emergency Operations Centre for proactive management. Separately, SUPKEM urged the government to declare the severe drought affecting 23 counties a national emergency. In other news, President Ruto criticized opposition calls for nationwide protests. The Court of Appeal upheld the constitutionality of the NG-CDF, reversing a High Court decision. Nyandarua County faces significant financial strain with 5.1 billion shillings in pending bills, while the High Court cleared the way for the arrest of a senior NGAAF official over graft allegations.
The Ministry of Interior has announced the reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border specifically for the export of miraa, following a request from the Nyambene Miraa Trade Association. Separately, the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has extended the deadline for 2026 tourism licence renewals and directed tourism transport operators to apply for vehicle stickers, citing delays in activating the renewal period. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) also announced a planned 36-hour scheduled maintenance of its Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), which will result in a temporary disruption of services.
President William Ruto has expanded Kenya's diplomatic presence by nominating Kosiom Frank Ole Kibelekenya as Ambassador to Copenhagen, Denmark, and appointing three new Deputy Ambassadors to Somalia, Russia, and Tanzania. In military cooperation, Kenya’s Naval Forces are participating in Exercise Cutlass Express 2026, a U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)-sponsored multinational maritime security drill, alongside the U.S., UK, and 17 other nations to enhance security. On the education front, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi announced the opening of applications for the fully funded 2027-2028 Fulbright Foreign Student Programme and the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Programme, inviting Kenyans to pursue educational opportunities in the United States.
The Nairobi County Government, led by Governor Johnson Sakaja, has approved several new initiatives. The Sakaja-led Cabinet approved a new Disaster Management Policy and Emergency Response Bill to make the city's approach to emergencies proactive, addressing recurring issues like urban fires and floods. As part of this, Nairobi is set to launch a new 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre to improve disaster preparedness and coordination. This reform follows recent incidents including major fires and gas explosions. The Cabinet also reaffirmed its support for the Sh50-billion Nairobi River Regeneration Programme. This project aims to transform the city's polluted waterways into community assets and is scheduled for completion in January 2027.
Amazon shares fell by more than 11% in after-hours trading after it announced a significant increase in annual spending to $200 billion for this year, primarily towards artificial intelligence. This follows a trend in cryptocurrency, where Bitcoin's value has plummeted to its lowest level in 15 months, now at $66,000, despite support from US President Donald Trump. In contrast, the Mansa-X Special Funds, managed by Standard Investment Bank, have surpassed the $1 billion (Sh129 billion) mark in assets under management. This growth was driven by strong investment performance in 2025, making them Kenya’s largest special Collective Investment Scheme.
Kenya's education sector is grappling with a significant school capitation crisis and chaos surrounding the transition of students to Grade 10. Concerns are escalating over a significant school capitation crisis, with fears that government funding remains inadequate despite repeated assurances. This situation is raising questions about the financial viability of educational institutions across the country. School heads and teachers are now questioning whether the recently released school capitation adequately covers Grade 10 learners. This overall situation is impacting the smooth operation of academic institutions across the nation.
Kenya is experiencing a significant infrastructure revival, with over 580 previously stalled road projects now back on track after widespread halts last year due to unpaid contractor bills. This is linked to the securitisation of the road maintenance levy. Separately, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, has launched a new e-procurement system for government goods. The nation is also making strides to bolster its digital payment systems within the financial sector, a move expected to enhance efficiency and accessibility. These initiatives underscore the nation's commitment to modernizing its economic infrastructure.
The January 2026 transfer window saw a significant increase in overseas moves for Kenyan footballers, mirroring a global trend. Noteworthy transfers included several young Kenyan talents securing deals with European clubs. Specifically, the signing of Kenyan international defender Collins Sichenje by English club Charlton Athletic generated a significant reaction from Kenyan fans on social media. In other news for Kenyan athletes abroad, Kenya's representation at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games was reduced to one. Skier Sabrina Simader unexpectedly withdrew from the event. Simader cited a "roller coaster" of events and issues with her National Olympic Committee (NOC) for her pullout.
In the Kenyan music scene, Miss P has officially confirmed a fallout with her former partner and mentor, Willy Paul, which signals the end of their high-profile musical collaboration. Separately, artist Peter Miracle Baby is reportedly focusing on his music career following a speculated breakup with fellow musician Carol Katrue. This move comes after social media posts from both individuals hinted at the end of their long-term relationship. Additionally, the relationship between superstar Samidoh and Senator Karen Nyamu has resurfaced. The renewed attention followed a cryptic social media post by Samidoh, which was interpreted as a jab at Nyamu.
President William Ruto visited Mombasa to oversee the NYOTA Capital Disbursement programme, an initiative designed to bolster youth entrepreneurship in Kenya. He also issued a stern warning to those planning anti-government demonstrations, stating that he is aware of their agenda which he claims is to remove him from power. Separately, President Ruto announced that he reached a political agreement with ODM leader Raila Odinga to forsake divisive politics. Their understanding aims to prioritize national unity and accelerate development within Kenya.
