Security agencies thwarted an Al-Shabaab attack in Nairobi, recovering weapons. Kenya has become the first East African nation to receive 21,000 doses of Lenacapavir, a new injectable HIV prevention drug. In economic news, the government is launching a tender offer for Eurobonds to ease debt payments. Migori Governor Gladys Wanga is pushing for immediate compensation for past demonstration victims under the Ruto-Raila agenda. The High Court has declared a petition challenging the Nairobi County-national government cooperation urgent, with President Ruto clarifying it's a collaboration. Lastly, activist Boniface Mwangi fears for his life due to alleged police spyware on his phone.
President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja signed a Ksh80 billion cooperation pact to support development projects in the city. President Ruto assured residents that the agreement is not a takeover of county functions and that Nairobi remains under Governor Sakaja's leadership. However, a petition was filed challenging the constitutionality of the cooperation deal. The High Court has declared this petition urgent, setting a hearing for March 16. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has also opposed the deal, labeling it an unlawful power grab and suggesting that conditional grants would be a more appropriate way for the national government to provide support.
The Party of National Unity (PNU) has announced a political pact with the Jubilee Party, endorsing Dr. Fred Matiang’i as their presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election. This endorsement comes as a heated political rivalry emerges between former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki regarding the Ruaraka land saga, escalating ahead of the 2027 presidential race. In a separate development involving Kenya's top leadership, a closed-door meeting between President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta in Addis Ababa reportedly devolved into a clash. The meeting, hosted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, was intended to reconcile the two leaders. It was also aimed at reviving stalled DRC peace negotiations, which have been hampered by their animosity.
The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has urged the government to implement a 5% reduction in Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes across all income brackets. This move is projected to save salaried Kenyans approximately Sh28 billion, boosting disposable incomes. In a separate initiative, Kenya is launching a National Carbon Registry to bolster its climate finance infrastructure. The new system aims to provide a transparent and verifiable platform for tracking carbon credits and enhancing participation in global carbon markets. Furthermore, The National Treasury projects Kenya could earn between Sh136 billion and Sh371 billion from proposed oil development in Blocks T6 and T7. Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, John Mbadi, assured lawmakers the development would not create public debt for the government.
Sage officially launched Sage Intacct in Kenya, an AI-powered, cloud-native financial management platform for mid-market organizations. Concurrently, Google has launched Android 17 Beta 1, described as its biggest push for large-screen optimization and cross-device functionality. This Android update introduces a Handoff feature for seamless activity transfer between devices. In another update, Microsoft Edge on Android is set to receive new AI-powered "Writing Assistance" features like Summarize and Rewrite. These tools will leverage Google's Gemini Nano on-device AI model through a cross-company collaboration.
KBA urges a 5% PAYE cut, potentially saving Kenyans 28 billion shillings. Kenya launches a National Carbon Registry to boost its entry into global carbon markets. Nairobi to host Propak East Africa, showcasing new packaging technologies, and the East Africa Somali Awards.
Kenya launches Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable for HIV prevention. Pritty Vishy was hospitalized after a motorbike accident on Thika Superhighway. Musician Bahati awaits DNA results after a woman claimed to be his biological mother, stirring public debate. Diana Marua also returned to social media after separation rumors with Bahati, hinting at a new chapter.
Ruto and Uhuru clashed in Addis Ababa peace talks. ODM faces internal divisions weakening its negotiating position with UDA. Kitutu Chache South MP Kibagendi was expelled from Parliament over derogatory remarks.
CA plans a new ID-to-SIM checker to centralize registration. Safaricom confirms M-PESA reversals work despite Fuliza. Sage launched an AI financial platform in Kenya. Skoot introduced electric tuk-tuks. TikTok removed 580,000 Kenyan videos for violations. Bolt data showed Nyayo Stadium was a top Valentine's destination.
Security agencies thwarted an Al-Shabaab attack in Nairobi, recovering weapons. Kenya has received 21,000 doses of a new injectable HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir, the first East African nation to do so. The government is launching a tender offer for Eurobonds to ease debt payments. Migori Governor Gladys Wanga is pushing for immediate compensation for victims of past demonstrations as part of the Ruto-Raila agenda. Meanwhile, the High Court has declared a petition challenging the Nairobi County-national government cooperation deal urgent, though President Ruto clarified it's a collaboration, not a takeover. Lastly, activist Boniface Mwangi fears for his life after alleged police spyware installation on his phone.
Several key transport agencies have new leadership following a series of appointments. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) board appointed Engineer Luka Kimeli as its new Director General, effective February 17. Jackson Magondu has been officially appointed as the Director General of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), also effective February 17 and for a three-year term. The Kenya Roads Board (KRB) appointed Judith Otsyula as its new Director General, making her the first woman to hold the position. Additionally, Nashon Kondiwa has been appointed as the new Director General of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for a three-year term, taking over from George Njao.
Several public figures have raised alarms over alleged police misconduct. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei is demanding investigations into the alleged use of police officers to recover debts, specifically citing incidents where dairy cows were confiscated in Mosoriot Village. In Mwala, MP Vincent Musyoka Kawaya has publicly demanded action against the Mbiuni OCS, Francis Mutua, accusing the officer of leading a criminal gang. In a separate incident, the family of Vincent Ayomo, who was allegedly shot dead by police during a rally in Kitengela, is experiencing delays with his post-mortem. Activist Boniface Mwangi also expressed fear for his life after a report revealed authorities installed spyware on his phone during a July 2025 arrest. These events have led Embakasi East MP Babu Owino to support calls for the resignation of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja.
President William Ruto and Governor Johnson Sakaja signed a new cooperation agreement to improve livability and security in Nairobi City County. This deal aims to unlock billions and will see the national government inject an additional 80 billion shillings into the county. The agreement, which involves a KSh 80bn fund to address challenges facing the city, aims to improve service delivery for residents. Under the agreement, the national government will take over some of the county's responsibilities. This marks the second time Nairobi has required national government assistance since devolution began.
Two Nairobi residents have filed a lawsuit seeking to nullify the cooperation agreement signed between the Nairobi County Government and the National Government. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have also voiced strong opposition to the deal. Sifuna stated that he was not involved in the agreement and that the Senate was not consulted. He argued that the arrangement undermines the autonomy of county governments. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also criticized the agreement and faulted Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for what he claimed was failed service delivery.
Kenyan athletes are pursuing success in various disciplines. Olympic champion and world 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi remains confident for the track season despite a fourth-place finish at the Sirikwa World Cross Country Tour in Eldoret. In golf, a group of five Kenyan golfers including amateurs Michael Karanga and John Lejirma, received a Sh 3.2 million sponsorship from Betika for the upcoming 57th Magical Kenya Open. History was made by 18-year-old skier Issa Gachiringi Laborde Fit Pere at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, where he became the youngest Kenyan to qualify for the second round of an event. In domestic football, AFC Leopards SC captain Victor Omune is leading the team's effort to win the Kenyan Premier League for the first time since 1998.
Kenyan musician Kevin Bahati, known for his "orphan to superstar" narrative, has undergone a DNA test. The test is to confirm if Judith Makokha is his biological mother following her viral claim of abandoning him years ago due to financial hardship. This challenge to his identity has sparked significant public and online debate. Concurrently, Diana Marua made a social media comeback on Tuesday, February 18, 2026, after weeks of a complete social media blackout and rumors of separation from Bahati. She cleared her entire Instagram history and shared a vulnerable message about self-preservation and starting over, signaling a new chapter.
New interim manager Igor Tudor has taken over at Tottenham, which sits in 16th place in the Premier League, and vowed to confront the relegation battle with "no time for excuses" despite an injury crisis. In another change, Vitor Pereira was appointed as Nottingham Forest's fourth manager this season, expressing his trust in owner Evangelos Marinakis, whom he previously worked for at Olympiacos. Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated that the friendly rivalry between forwards Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke is beneficial for the club and for England. The competition has emerged as Madueke has impressed during Saka's injury absences this season.
