The government is scaling up its drought response, allocating 4 billion shillings monthly to support 3.3 million Kenyans in 23 counties. President Ruto also announced plans to modernize 70 TVET colleges with Italian support, aiming for industrial transformation. Civil servants nearing retirement are urged to register for pensions as the eCitizen platform now collects up to 1 billion Kenyan Shillings daily. The Kenya Bankers Association wants the CBK to maintain current interest rates. A new specialized police unit, NGAPU, has been gazetted to support chiefs. Governors plan to boycott Senate summons, citing intimidation, while a petition challenges the use of State House for party politics. Kenya is also championing AU Commission budget oversight reforms.
The Kenyan government has finalized the payment of verified road construction pending bills up to December 2025, utilizing the securitization of the Road Maintenance Levy. This action fulfills a pledge by President William Ruto to address long-standing arrears. In infrastructure developments, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) plans to invest Ksh 30 billion into the Rironi–Mau Summit toll road project, aiming for an annual return of 17% for members' savings. Additionally, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued a seven-day eviction notice to traders along the Thika Superhighway for the construction of new bus bays at Roysambu and Githurai.
The High Court upheld the Sh7 fuel levy hike, dismissing a petition that sought a refund for motorists for the increased road maintenance charge implemented in July 2024. The court ruled the government met constitutional standards for public participation. Separately, the Kenyan government denied Koko Networks approval to sell carbon credits internationally due to concerns over potential monopolization of the market. This decision hindered Koko's ability to subsidize its bioethanol cooking fuel, leading to its exit. In the financial sector, the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has urged the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to maintain the benchmark lending rate at 9 percent ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. The KBA believes holding the rate will allow for the full transmission of previous cuts.
Motorists face higher fuel costs as the court upholds a 7 shilling fuel levy. DTB projects Kenya's economy to grow 5.3% by 2026. Bankers urge CBK to hold rates at 9% to aid lending. Government blocked Koko Networks' carbon credit sales over monopoly fears. Bolt facilitates 20% of Kenya's EV use.
Prophet Owuor faces scrutiny over alleged media bribery to stop an exposé. Pastor Ezekiel claims divine prophecy foretells his death in February 2026. President Ruto offers 1 million shillings to comedy duo Mbavu Destroyer and Majembe. Nairobi official Geoffrey Mosiria warns men about gym instructors.
Opposition blames Ruto for teachers' healthcare woes. Parliament resumes with a packed agenda, while the Nadco committee assures delivery of UDA-ODM reforms. ODM faces internal wrangles over alleged UDA ties.
The Magical Kenya Open is set to boost the economy by over 643 million shillings, nurturing young golf talent. The Rising Starlets edged Tanzania 1-0 in their World Cup qualifier, while the Baseball Federation trains teachers to popularize Baseball5 ahead of the Dakar Youth Olympics. KCB RFC cruised into the Enterprise Cup semi-finals after crushing Blak Blad 62-7.
Watu praises Kenya's E-Mobility Policy 2026, seeing it as a boost for electric vehicle financing. Locally, Showmax's future is uncertain, while Telegram has made its Stories feature free for all users.
The government is escalating its drought response, allocating 4 billion shillings monthly to assist 3.3 million Kenyans facing hunger in 23 counties. President Ruto also announced plans to modernize up to 70 TVET colleges through a deal with Italy, aiming to leverage TVETs for industrial transformation. Civil servants nearing retirement are advised to register for timely pension benefits as the government plans to delete data of former staff from its payroll. The eCitizen platform is now collecting up to 1 billion Kenyan Shillings daily thanks to the digitization of over 23,000 services. The Kenya Bankers Association has urged the CBK to maintain current interest rates to mitigate inflation risks. Meanwhile, a new specialized police unit, NGAPU, has been gazetted to support chiefs and assistant chiefs. Governors plan to boycott Senate summons, citing intimidation, while a petition challenges the use of State House for party politics. Kenya is also championing AU Commission budget oversight reforms.
The Kenyan government has officially established the National Government Administration Police Unit (NGAPU), a new specialized unit within the National Police Service. Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja gazetted the unit to support chiefs and assistant chiefs in their duties and enforce government policies. This development comes as National and Internal Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen applauded the success of ongoing security operations in parts of Turkana, Laikipia, and the wider Kerio Valley, stating they are yielding positive results. However, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has condemned the alleged shooting of livestock and use of extra-judicial measures by multi-agency security officers during a disarmament operation in Baringo County.
The Kenyan government is intensifying its drought response by allocating Sh4 billion monthly to address severe food insecurity affecting 3.3 million people. On the revenue side, the eCitizen digital platform is now collecting up to Ksh1 billion daily following the digitization of over 23,000 government services. Regarding public service benefits, the government has issued a notice urging civil servants nearing retirement to register for timely pension benefits through a new digital module. Meanwhile, former Kenyan councillors who served between 1963 and 2013 are appealing to President William Ruto for intervention regarding their unpaid pensions, with many living in extreme poverty.
Kenyan Governors have resolved to boycott summons from the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), citing intimidation and humiliation during oversight sessions. In response, Senate Public Accounts Committee Chairperson Moses Kajwang condemned the boycott as an attempt by governors to evade scrutiny over alleged mismanagement of public funds. Separately, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja of political interference. Gachagua claims police in Nakuru County blocked his entourage on Sunday, February 8, 2026, and also publicly accused Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika’s husband of misusing police to block his political meetings.
President William Ruto launched Kenya’s 2026 Diplomatic Brief during his annual address to heads of diplomatic missions at State House, Nairobi. In the brief, he reiterated Kenya's unwavering commitment to a rules-based global order and multilateralism. The diplomatic objectives emphasize regional integration, economic diplomacy, and global partnerships. As part of these efforts, Kenya and Italy signed a cooperation deal to upgrade up to 70 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions with state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally, President Ruto is championing reforms within the African Union Commission to enhance budget accountability and oversight.
A student from Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) was fatally shot during a police operation in Kiamaiko, an incident that has left the community in mourning. Following the death of student Sherly Adhiambo, residents of Kiamaiko in Nairobi held protests. Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of Sheryl Achieng in the Huruma neighborhood. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched an investigation into her death, which is attributed to police action. After the recent unrest sparked by the student's killing, tension has reportedly eased in the Kiamako area.
Stakeholders are calling on the Kenyan government to increase the construction of day secondary schools. This initiative aims to ensure a 100 percent transition rate for students moving from primary to secondary education. A separate call has been issued to strengthen day schools to further facilitate this student transition. In contrast to these efforts, a recent education inspection revealed that illegal school fees are still being charged in various institutions. These illegal levies continue to be imposed on parents despite directives from the Ministry of Education to cease such practices.
President William Ruto offered a Ksh 1 million financial boost to popular Kenyan comedy duo Mbavu Destroyer and Majembe, recognizing their viral digital content. Separately, Kenyan musician Iyanii was publicly criticized by human rights activist Jackson Kuria Kihara, known as @cop_shakur, for performing at President William Ruto’s 2025 Jamhuri Day celebrations. Kihara argued that Iyanii's performance "sanitised a brutal regime" amid recent violence against protestors. In another development, musician Nyota Ndogo, celebrating 25 years in the music industry, has revealed her extensive business empire. She disclosed that her businesses were built through disciplined investment of her music earnings, advising artists that tangible assets like land endure when fame fades.
Millicent Omanga, a prominent figure in President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) campaign, has reportedly distanced herself from the party and the government. Known for her vibrant presence during UDA campaigns, she now appears to be shifting her political allegiance. Reports indicate that Omanga, once referred to as UDA's "dancer-in-chief," has ditched the "yellow wave" and is aligning with the opposition.
Opposition leaders, including former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, have expressed skepticism about President William Ruto’s ability to fulfill his 2022 campaign promises. They are urging Kenyans to reject his re-election bid in 2027. The opposition claims his administration has failed to deliver on promises and that a second term would exacerbate existing problems in crucial sectors like health and education. The leaders have promised a return to Uhuru Kenyatta-era policies if the opposition wins power.
Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has declared his readiness to contest the presidency in the 2027 General Election, stating he had shelved his ambitions for 15 years. Speaking in Washington DC, Musyoka said Kenyans expect him to challenge President William Ruto. This declaration comes as the Azimio Coalition announced leadership changes, with Kalonzo Musyoka taking over as party leader from Raila Odinga. The change sparked a dispute over the gazettement of the new officials. In response, President William Ruto has dismissed efforts to revive the Azimio Coalition, expressing confidence that he will defeat them in the 2027 General Election.
Several articles question whether President William Ruto's empowerment initiatives are genuine efforts to improve livelihoods or simply campaign tactics for the 2027 presidential election. The initiatives under scrutiny include the Nyota Yangu forums and the Hustler Fund. These empowerment forums are being viewed as potential political ploys rather than genuine upliftment programs for Kenyans. The analysis specifically notes that the president's tokenism targets payslip holders in what is described as a populist ploy.
