KNEC has released new dates for 2026 national examinations (KCSE, KJSEA, KPSEA). The government plans to recruit 50,000 police officers and teachers by 2029 and will reopen the Kenya-Somalia border by April 2026 to boost trade. The High Court has ordered MCSK to cease royalty collections, while a planned strike at JKIA and other airports was suspended until February 26. ICT CS Kabogo announced digital hubs for every ward across the country. Separately, NTSA retests are seeing high failure rates among drivers. Turkana County is projected to earn 135 billion Kenyan Shillings from crude oil sales. Concerns over data protection were raised by Kiambu residents regarding Safaricom share divestiture, as the State outlined plans to end child institutionalization by 2032.
The High Court has ordered the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) to cease collecting royalties after the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) declined to renew its license for the 2025/2026 period. In a separate case, the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) issued interim orders suspending a planned strike by Kenyan aviation workers until February 26. This order prevents disruption at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports. Additionally, the High Court has maintained a freeze on a Ksh 200 billion Kenya-US health cooperation agreement. The freeze was upheld following an appeal by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah that challenged the deal's constitutional validity.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is facing a severe internal power struggle following the ouster of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna by the National Executive Council (NEC). Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga defended the removal, asserting that due procedure was followed. However, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) temporarily overturned the dismissal. The decision has caused chaos and finger-pointing within the party, with protests erupting in Mombasa and the potential for a mass exodus of members. ODM leaders held a press conference in Nairobi accusing President William Ruto of attempting to destabilize the party and orchestrate Sifuna's ouster. Amid the turmoil, party leader Oburu Oginga was notably absent from crucial rallies in Lamu and Tana River. Other ODM leaders, including Junet Mohamed and Abdulswamad Nassir, have criticized external interference.
Kenya's food import bill increased by Sh4.8 billion to reach Sh288.1 billion last year, reversing a previous decline due to renewed drought pressures. In its fiscal policy, the National Treasury of Kenya plans to significantly increase domestic borrowing, targeting 82 percent of its gross borrowing from the local market under its 2026–2029 strategy. On the investment front, Kenya's Gulf Energy E&P BV has affirmed its commitment to invest US$6 billion in the Turkana oil production project. The company aims to achieve crude oil production by December 1, 2026.
Treasury targets 82% domestic borrowing. Kenya secured 50 startup funding deals in 2023, leading Africa. Business between Kenya & Somalia grows following EAC entry. CFAO Kenya opened a new farm machinery showroom in Mombasa. I&M Bank plans 9 new branches for expansion. A JKUAT lecturer received 508,914 shillings after an 8-year pay delay.
Bahati is set to meet a woman claiming to be his biological mother. Meanwhile, Dr. Ofweneke cites academic success as a factor in marital breakdowns, sparking debate. Rapper Toxic Lyricali has also defended his relevance against "washed" claims.
ODM faces internal turmoil as Secretary-General Sifuna's ouster sparks protests and leadership disputes, with some party leaders alleging President Ruto's involvement. Meanwhile, Kenya Kwanza's internal power-sharing deal is revealed in a court filing.
Kenyan athletes and international stars converge for the Sirikwa Classic in Eldoret. Golfer Mohit Mediratta joins 10 other Kenyans in the Magical Kenya Open. Meanwhile, former Arsenal player Thomas Partey faces additional rape charges.
Former M-PESA Africa MD Sitoyo Lopokoiyit will lead Absa's Personal and Private Banking from 2026, boosting its digital strategy. Meanwhile, Co-op Bank has partnered with World Vision Kenya to launch a new, secure e-commerce donation platform.
KNEC has issued new dates for 2026 KCSE, KJSEA, and KPSEA exams. The government also plans to recruit 50,000 police officers and teachers by 2029 and reopen the Kenya-Somalia border by April 2026 to boost trade. In other news, the High Court ordered MCSK to stop royalty collections, while a planned strike at JKIA and other airports was suspended until February 26. ICT CS Kabogo announced digital hubs for every ward. Drivers are failing NTSA retests significantly. Turkana is projected to earn 135 billion Kenyan Shillings from crude oil sales. Kiambu residents raised data protection concerns regarding Safaricom share divestiture, and the State plans to end child institutionalization by 2032.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched the eTIMS Fuel Station System, which requires all petrol stations to issue electronic tax invoices for every transaction to enhance tax compliance. In a separate initiative, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has activated a 12-month pilot program for Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) services in Nairobi, marking Kenya's first live trial of digital radio. To further enhance digital inclusion, ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo announced the government's plan to establish digital hubs in every ward across Kenya. The goal of the digital hubs is to create opportunities, especially for young people.
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) will introduce electronic certificates (e-certificates) and an online verification service for national examinations, backdated to 2023. This move aims to modernize examination administration. Additionally, the Ministry of Education has announced the official registration dates and guidelines for the 2026 KPSEA, KJSEA, and KCSE national examinations. In an administrative action, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba directed the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to take action against 24 teachers and education officials. The directive follows the discovery of irregularities during a nationwide school data verification exercise.
The Kenyan government plans to recruit nearly 50,000 police officers by 2029, as outlined in the 2026/27 Budget Policy Statement, to bolster national security. In current affairs, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has assured the Senate’s County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) of full police support in enforcing summonses to investigate misappropriated public resources. The IG has also ordered a three-day inquiry into a security breach during President William Ruto's visit to Wajir County on February 12. The inquiry was launched after a man breached the security cordon during the event.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has launched Kenya's first Digital Sound Broadcasting (DSB) trial for radio services in Nairobi, marking a shift toward digital transmission. In the mobility sector, Skoot Technology introduced electric three-wheelers, the Skoot e3W, in Nairobi, which utilize a battery-swapping system to help operators reduce fuel costs. This wave of innovation is happening as a report reveals Kenya led Africa in startup funding in 2023, securing 50 deals. Additionally, CFAO Kenya has opened a new Case IH agricultural machinery showroom in Mombasa, aiming to support agricultural transformation with new technology.
California and three other U.S. states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging its plan to cut over $600 million in public health grants. The states allege the cuts are politically motivated and violate federal law. A separate new study reveals that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in 2025 primarily burdened U.S. importers and consumers, rather than foreign exporters. Meanwhile, despite robust economic growth in the US, job seekers report facing unprecedented difficulties finding employment. This situation has led to concerns about a potential "jobless growth" era, possibly influenced by new technologies and economic shifts.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. In other sports news, Sigona Golf Club's Mohit Mediratta is the latest Kenyan golfer confirmed for the upcoming Magical Kenya Open (MKO). His addition brings the total number of Kenyan professionals to 11 for the tournament, which is scheduled for February 19-22 at Karen Golf and Country Club in Nairobi. Additionally, the fifth edition of the Sirikwa Classic World Cross-Country Tour is set for a showdown in Eldoret, Kenya. Elite athletes from nations including Uganda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Germany will compete against Kenyan stars at Lobo Village.
Leaders from the Mount Kenya region have rejected the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party's claim for the Deputy President position. They issued a warning to the ODM party specifically regarding the position of Deputy President Kindiki. The warning came after remarks by Dr. Oburu Oginga, an ODM party leader, who suggested a presidential running mate from the Mount Kenya region in the next general election. These remarks drew sharp criticism from UDA leaders in the region. The rejection of ODM's claim was announced during a live broadcast on KTN News Kenya.
President William Ruto announced that the border between Kenya and Somalia is set to reopen after being closed for 15 years. The reopening is scheduled for April 2026. According to President Ruto, this decision follows significant improvements in security in the northeastern region. The move aims to normalize relations between the two East African nations. The announcement was made during the President's visit to North Eastern Kenya.
US-based entrepreneur Bernice Saroni used Facebook to share her difficult decision to leave a polygamous marriage, stating she did it to prioritize her peace of mind. In a separate event, Tyler Mbaya and content creator Georgina Njenga fueled reunion rumors by sharing a romantic-looking video on Instagram. The former couple, who had split in 2023, appeared affectionate in the video, leading to fan speculation. Meanwhile, rapper Toxic Lyrikali went viral after engaging in heated exchanges with fans on Instagram. He confidently defended his relevance in the music industry against claims that he would "fall off."
