Mass layoffs are expected as the government plans to close nearly 300 companies. This comes as 23 counties face severe drought, increasing calls for urgent intervention. An audit has uncovered 87,000 'ghost learners' siphoning 1.1 billion Kenyan Shillings annually, leading to reforms in the Ministry of Education, including standardized senior school fees from 2026. Separately, the Inua Jamii program has disbursed 2.54 billion Kenyan Shillings to over 1.2 million vulnerable households. The government also designated 13 individuals for terrorism financing, ordering an asset freeze, while the High Court urged an AI policy framework. Cancer patients are grappling with critical drug shortages in public hospitals. Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya criticised President Ruto's PAYE tax exemption proposal as a 'political gimmick'. President Ruto also announced new government appointments across various state institutions.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed the government has repatriated nearly 20 Kenyans lured into the Russia-Ukraine war through fake job scams, following the recovery of three Kenyan bodies from eastern Ukraine. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also issued a warning to the public about fraudulent job advertisements circulating online that lure job seekers through deceptive portals. In a related action, security officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) arrested four individuals in two separate incidents involving alleged immigration fraud and suspected human trafficking.
The Ministry of Education has gazetted a new senior school fees structure, effective January 5, 2026, which aims to standardize charges in all public senior schools. This policy change comes as an audit in Kenya exposed 87,000 "ghost learners" in government systems, along with 26 non-operational schools. This discrepancy has led to an estimated loss of Ksh 1.1 billion annually through siphoned capitation funds. Separately, Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama has alleged that Teachers Service Commission (TSC) employment letters are being distributed as political rewards from State House to politically aligned MPs.
Internal tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have escalated, with Deputy Party Leader Geoffrey Osotsi openly challenging party leader Oburu Odinga's stance on fielding candidates for the 2027 elections. In another political development, Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya criticized President William Ruto's proposal to exempt Kenyans earning below Ksh30,000 from PAYE tax, calling it a "vote-buying scheme" for the 2027 elections. Amid these tensions, the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) condemned a recent attack on opposition leaders at ACK Witima Church and called for restraint from mass protests.
The Coast Regional Police Commander, Ali Nuno, has authorized officers to use firearms against armed criminal suspects in Mombasa due to a surge in violent gang activity targeting groups like 'panga boys'. In Kwale County, four suspected members of the “Panga Boys” gang were arrested following a violent robbery. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) dismantled an extortion ring in Mtito Andei, leading to the arrest of a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer and a police officer. On a national level, the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC) has designated 13 individuals under targeted financial sanctions for terrorism financing. This action mandates an immediate freeze on their assets by all financial institutions.
The Ministry of Education in Kenya has gazetted new school fees caps for public senior schools, effective January 5, 2026, to protect households from high education costs. The new ceilings are formalized for day, boarding, and special needs schools under both the CBE and 8-4-4 systems. In another development, the Commission on Administrative Justice announced the resignation of its Commission Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Wambua. Additionally, a new research report launched by PAWA254 in Nairobi highlights the increasing influence of artivism in shaping Kenya's socio-economic and political development, demonstrating how creative expression drives civic engagement.
NSSF achieved 17% returns on members' savings, but an audit revealed idle properties hurt investment. Kenya is developing two expressways to Uganda to boost trade, while miraa road exports to Somalia resume despite insecurity concerns. Hotpoint opens its 13th store in Diani.
Murugi Munyi’s comments on poverty ignite debate. Samidoh's cryptic post sparks speculation about his relationship with Karen Nyamu. Content creator Ruth K celebrates her son Calvin's second birthday with an emotional tribute.
ODM faces a leadership crisis, with Oburu Oginga clashing with Edwin Sifuna over the party's direction and a potential 2027 deal with President Ruto. Meanwhile, Oketch Salah is being disowned by ODM for his questionable activities. President Ruto criticized the opposition's agenda. Gachagua vowed to release church attack video evidence.
FKF appoints Dennis Gicheru interim CEO as Harold Ndege challenges his ouster. The FKF Cup and Enterprise Cup begin, while Kenya's U20 women's team faces Tanzania in a World Cup qualifier. Eliud Kipchoge to be an Olympic flag bearer.
Mass layoffs loom as the government plans to shut down nearly 300 companies, impacting thousands of jobs. Meanwhile, 23 counties grapple with severe drought, displacing families, leading to calls for urgent intervention. An audit uncovered 87,000 'ghost learners' siphoning 1.1 billion Kenyan Shillings annually, prompting a cleanup in the Ministry of Education. New senior school fee structures will standardize charges from 2026. Separately, 2.54 billion Kenyan Shillings has been disbursed to over 1.2 million vulnerable households under the Inua Jamii program. The government designated 13 individuals for terrorism financing, ordering an immediate asset freeze. The High Court also urged the government to establish an AI policy framework. Cancer patients face critical drug shortages in public hospitals. Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya criticized President Ruto's PAYE tax exemption proposal, calling it a "political gimmick." Finally, President Ruto made new government appointments across various state institutions.
The 2026 FKF Cup, Kenya's oldest domestic knockout competition, has commenced with 32 matches in the Round of 64 across the country. Teams are vying for increased prize money and a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup. In international qualifiers, the Kenya Rising Starlets U20 team faced Tanzania's Tanzanite Queens at Ulinzi Sports Complex in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier. Coach Jackline Juma had expressed confidence in her team's ability to secure a home victory. The Rising Starlets did secure a vital 1-0 victory, keeping their World Cup aspirations alive. Concurrently, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) appointed Dennis Gicheru as its Acting General Secretary/CEO, replacing the embattled Harold Ndege, who has vowed to challenge his ouster in court.
The Kenyan government has announced several security-related actions and commitments. Kenya has officially designated thirteen individuals as being involved in terrorism and terrorism financing, subjecting them to immediate targeted financial sanctions. This action prohibits financial institutions from processing transactions linked to them. Separately, Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has reaffirmed the government's commitment to fully implementing its ten-point agenda. The PS also assured victims of past protests that they will receive compensation once the NADCO committee's report is finalized.
Residents across several counties are experiencing a surge in insecurity. In Mombasa, Kilifi, Siaya, and Baringo counties, criminal gangs have been conducting attacks that resulted in at least one fatality and left numerous people with serious injuries. In Muguga, Kiambu, angry residents reportedly lynched suspected thieves and burned them to death. Following recent CCTV footage showing armed youth gangs robbing people, Coast Region Police Commander Ali Nuno has reassured residents and promised action against the culprits.
A severe drought has intensified in Marsabit County, leaving residents in a state of despair. In Turkana County, women and children are enduring severe water shortages, forcing them into desperate searches for the resource in the Kerio area. The Kenya Red Cross has issued an urgent warning regarding the drought in Turkana, stating that it is affecting 75% of the region's population. These events highlight the escalating humanitarian crisis and needs in both counties.
