Kenya Airways is grappling with flight disruptions at JKIA due to an aviation workers' strike, though contingency plans are in motion. Meanwhile, Kitengela is reeling from two deaths and 50 injuries, allegedly caused by police brutality during a political gathering. KEMSA suffered a significant blow, losing 1 billion Kenyan Shillings in an HIV drug contract dispute, as ordered by a court. The government is also investigating a Russian national for illegally filming Kenyan women, condemning it as gender-based violence. On the development front, Kenya plans a 5 trillion Kenyan Shillings National Infrastructure Fund, a move welcomed by education stakeholders who laud proposed reforms. Amidst this, the IEBC has refuted claims of voter register manipulation ahead of the 2027 polls. Nairobi Governor Sakaja has voiced opposition to proposals for a CEO to manage Nairobi County, citing concerns over past debt issues.
The Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has issued a warning to citizens against using informal and unverified recruitment channels for job opportunities in Russia. This advisory follows an increase in reports of deceptive job offers from unverified agents and online recruiters. Similarly, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has issued an urgent warning to the public regarding fake employment offer letters circulating on social media. These fraudulent schemes demand payments from Kenyans for positions like Administrative Assistant. In a separate case involving identity fraud, a Nairobi family faces a two-month delay in burying their relative, Antony, after he fraudulently used his brother's identity to access medical care at Mbagathi Hospital under the Social Health Authority (SHA), prompting a fraud investigation.
The Council of Governors (CoG) has initiated a boycott of Senate oversight committees, leading to a suspension of appearances before the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC). The CoG cited claims of extortion and harassment by some senators as the reason for the boycott, which human rights groups warned undermines accountability. In a separate matter concerning governance, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja expressed strong opposition to proposals to place Nairobi County under a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He warned this move would lead to financial crises, referencing the period under the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS). Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula defended the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), stating that it complements rather than duplicates the work of county governments.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is experiencing internal divisions, with two factions holding separate rallies on Sunday. The factions are reportedly led by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna and Oburu Oginga, with both camps advocating for a party "rebirth" ahead of the next General Election. Amidst these divisions, police are facing condemnation after deploying teargas during a peaceful Linda Mwananchi rally in Kitengela Town, Kajiado County, on Sunday. The teargassed rally was led by Edwin Sifuna. An attempt to remove Sifuna from his secretary-general position has also reignited discussions about disunity within the party.
The Treasury has flagged 83.24 billion Kenyan Shillings in guaranteed state-firm debt. Meanwhile, EPRA is tightening oversight on the Turkana oil plan for better profits. Amidst drought concerns, experts offer advice on irrigation systems to boost food security.
Police teargassed an ODM rally in Kitengela led by Edwin Sifuna, highlighting internal party rifts as Sifuna and Oburu Oginga factions clash. Hassan Joho will lead ODM talks with Ruto's UDA, while DP Kindiki asserts he will retain his post through 2027.
Shujaa finished third at the Nairobi Sevens after losing to the USA. The Kenya Lionesses concluded their campaign with a 14-5 loss to Spain, placing them in a tough spot for World SVNS Championship qualification.
Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, ex-M-PESA Africa, joins Absa as Personal & Private Banking CEO. Co-op Bank partners with World Vision for secure online donations. Westcon-Comstor brings Meter's NaaS to EMEA, offering bundled networking solutions.
Kenya Airways faces flight disruptions at JKIA due to an aviation workers' strike, although the KCAA has contingency measures in place. Kitengela saw two deaths and 50 injuries from alleged police brutality during a political event. Kemsa lost 1 billion Kenyan Shillings in an HIV drug contract dispute, ordered by a court. The government is investigating a Russian national for illegally filming Kenyan women, deemed gender-based violence. Kenya plans a 5 trillion Kenyan Shillings National Infrastructure Fund. Education stakeholders welcome proposed reforms. IEBC refutes claims of voter register manipulation ahead of 2027 polls. Governor Sakaja opposes proposals for a CEO to manage Nairobi County, citing past debt issues.
Hassan Joho, an ODM leader, will head a team of experts from the Orange Democratic Movement to engage in power-sharing negotiations with President William Ruto. This development comes as Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi calls for unity and discipline within the ODM party. Wandayi has issued a warning to dissenters amidst growing internal disagreements regarding the party's direction. These disagreements are related to the evolving talks with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Police intervened in multiple opposition gatherings, using tear gas to disperse crowds. In Kitengela, a political meeting led by the Edwin Sifuna faction descended into chaos, resulting in the death of one person, Vincent Oyaro, who was reportedly shot dead by police. An ODM rally in the same area, organized by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, was also met with tear gas. In Nairobi's city center, police dispersed a political rally attended by opposition leaders like DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka using tear gas. Following a separate incident at an ACK Witima Church, Gachagua demanded accountability. Former Chief Justice David Maraga also criticized the Kenyan police for their excessive use of force against United Opposition leaders.
Severe drought and failed rains are causing widespread hardship in Kenya. In Wajir, over 274,500 people in pastoralist communities are in distress due to failed short rains. The resulting hunger has severely disrupted learning in Northern Kenya, Isiolo, and Marsabit counties, where students are abandoning classes. This is reportedly due to the collapse of the government's school feeding program. In response to the crisis, agricultural stakeholders in Kilifi County are advising farmers to plant fast-maturing crops that require less water. Farmers in Kilifi are also adopting drought-resistant crops to cope with the challenges of climate change.
A Kenyan woman featured in viral Russian mall security videos has publicly spoken out to ask for forgiveness from her friends and family. Following the videos, which show a Russian man luring Kenyan women, Esther Musila weighed in on the controversy, sparking discussions about modern dating choices. Germany-based Kenyan TikToker Nyako also defended the women involved with the Russian man, who is accused of secretly filming intimate encounters. In a video posted on Sunday, February 15, Nyako urged the public to consider economic realities and bodily autonomy before condemning the women.
