Kenya has secured a 290 billion Kenyan Shillings Eurobond to refinance debt and address the budget deficit. This comes as the government approved 177 billion Kenyan Shillings to clear pending bills, paving the way for stalled road projects to resume. In legislative news, President Ruto assented to three bills at State House. Meanwhile, KeNHA announced further demolitions along Thika Road, extending beyond Githurai to clear road reserve encroachments. Security forces seized explosives near the Isebania border following a terror alert. Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has ordered an investigation into a teacher's killing by bandits in Isiolo. Separately, youth in Kitengela are protesting a fatal police shooting, leading to clashes. Court news saw 22 judges awarded 55 million shillings for delayed appointments. Former Governor Okoth Obado sought acquittal in the Sharon Otieno murder case, and a fire destroyed property at Gikomba Market.
Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama has been elected the 52nd President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) in the election held on February 19. He secured 3,728 votes to defeat rivals Peter Wanyama and outgoing Vice President Mwaura Kabata. Kanjama will succeed Faith Odhiambo and lead the organization of over 20,000 practising advocates for a two-year term. During the election, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula was barred from voting. His name was found to be missing from the voter register due to the absence of a valid practicing certificate, which is a legal requirement to vote in the LSK elections.
A statement by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked a debate on the underdevelopment of Kenya's North Eastern region, leading to a division among the political class. The discussion has drawn in residents, professionals, and intellectuals from the area who are actively contributing. In a related issue, residents in Turkana and Nandi counties are experiencing severe service delivery problems due to the frequent absenteeism of their governors and other senior county officials. This situation has caused projects to stall, such as the Sh150 million Nandi county government offices in Kapsabet. That project has remained incomplete for over seven years.
Gulf Energy E&P BV has acquired an onshore oil drilling rig valued at over Sh2 billion ($15 million) for the Lokichar oil project. The company aims for first oil production by the end of this year, with the rig expected in Kenya by next month. In other energy sector news, the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) initial public offering (IPO) has been extended by three days to February 24, 2026. The extension was prompted by the state-owned firm's struggle to reach its Sh106.3 billion sales target due to low uptake. Separately, PwC is overseeing the sale of clean-energy firm KOKO Networks Limited's assets as part of a rescue plan. KOKO Networks entered administration after it failed to secure regulatory authorization for its carbon credit export business.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) is requesting an additional Sh30 billion for the 2026/27 financial year to support crucial reforms and increasing operational costs. Similarly, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is requesting an additional Sh36 billion for its 2026/27 budget. This funding is needed to facilitate expedited teacher recruitment and fulfill salary commitments stipulated in the current collective bargaining agreement. In a separate effort to raise funds, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is venturing into the carbon credits market. KWS aims to secure this new revenue stream to diversify its funding. This move is intended to reduce its reliance on traditional tourism.
The High Court upheld the Privatization Act, 2025, while the KWS eyes carbon credit billions. Gulf Energy acquired a 2 billion shillings oil rig for Lokichar. Education and TSC seek additional 30 and 36 billion shillings respectively, but the Environment Ministry faces a 3.4 billion shillings deficit. KPC extended its IPO as it struggles to meet targets.
Size 8 and DJ Mo celebrate 13 years of marriage, including a reconciliation after a past separation. Dancer Moya David attributes weight gain to lifestyle changes and recovery from an accident. KRG The Don and Kendi are in a social media spat over KRG's recent Dancehall Artist of the Year award.
I&M Bank partners with Visa to boost digital payments and cross-border transactions in Kenya. Separately, Vertiv has launched its new MergePoint Unity 2 KVM platform to simplify and secure IT management for Kenyan businesses.
Kenya has secured a 290 billion Kenyan Shillings Eurobond to refinance debt and bridge the budget deficit. The government also cleared 177 billion Kenyan Shillings in pending bills for contractors, allowing stalled road projects nationwide to resume. President Ruto assented to three bills at State House, while KeNHA announced further demolitions along Thika Road after Githurai, targeting road reserve encroachments. Police seized a vehicle with explosives near the Isebania border, hours after a terror alert. Interior CS Murkomen ordered an investigation into a teacher's killing by bandits in Isiolo. Youth in Kitengela are protesting a fatal police shooting, leading to clashes. Meanwhile, 22 judges were awarded 55 million shillings for delayed appointments by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Former Governor Okoth Obado urged the court to acquit him in the Sharon Otieno murder case. Separately, a fire destroyed property at Gikomba Market.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that the government has cleared Ksh 177 billion in pending bills owed to contractors. This move allows for the resumption of 6,000 kilometers of road projects that had stalled since 2020. In a related development, President William Ruto announced that the dualling of the Makutano-Embu-Meru-Maua highway will commence by the end of this year or early next year. This highway project is part of a wider government plan to expand the country's road network by 2,500 kilometres over the next decade. Additionally, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is planning more demolitions along Thika Road to clear structures from road reserves and create space for modern bus parks.
The United Opposition alliance, led by Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua, announced it will hold multiple rallies in Nairobi and other counties starting Sunday, warning Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja against interference. The alliance has cancelled a planned march to the police headquarters and instead vowed to pursue private prosecutions against twelve police officers. This relates to the investigation of the January 25 Witima ACK Church attack. In response to protests, IG Kanja warned that financial strain within the National Police Service could force officers to use live ammunition. Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that teargas used at opposition rallies may not be from police, prompting an investigation into how civilians came to possess teargas canisters.
Ida Odinga arrived at Parliament to be vetted for the position of Kenya's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). She was vetted by a parliamentary committee regarding foreign affairs matters. As the UNEP envoy nominee, Ida Odinga shared details of her upbringing, academic journey, and her strong commitment to environmental issues in a recent interview. Politician Millie Odhiambo publicly endorsed the appointment, stating that Mama Ida Odinga deserves the position due to her high level of expertise.
Bonfire Adventures CEO Simon Kabu announced on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, that he is “officially and legally single” following the finalization of his divorce from Sarah Mtalii. Following this, the entrepreneur garnered online praise for publicly defending his former wife. In separate public discussions on relationships, media personality Betty Kyallo advised women not to ignore direct messages (DMs), revealing her own relationship with partner Charlie Jones began with a casual message. Additionally, digital creator Miss Choice (Choice Gatwiri) defended her rapid romance with a mzungu man, which she stated began as a chance encounter at an airport.
Senior lawyer Charles Kanjama was elected as the new president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) an evening before February 20, 2026. Reports indicate he achieved a significant victory in a three-candidate race, becoming the 52nd president of the LSK. Following his win, the new LSK President outlined his significant plans for March 2026. This announcement of his plans was made during a live broadcast on KTN News Kenya.
The ownership and leadership of Directline Assurance Company were the subject of a high court hearing. During court proceedings on Thursday, Justice Francis Gikonyo stressed the urgency of a swift resolution to the shareholding and directorship dispute at the motor vehicle insurer. The case involves Royal Credit Company, whose chairman, S.K. Macharia, expressed his distress over the situation. Justice Gikonyo emphasized the need for a quick resolution of the matter.
The 2026 Magical Kenya Open (MKO) is in progress, with Niklas Lemke of Sweden and Casey Jarvis of South Africa leading after Day 1 at the Karen Country Club, both scoring eight under par 62. Njoroge Kibugu is the best-placed local Kenyan player. Concurrently, the Nairobi Region Term One school games are underway, with teams competing for spots in the national championships. Former regional girls’ basketball champions Parklands Arya are participating in the Westlands Sub-County contest. In a separate event, the second leg of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Men’s National League kicked off at Kasarani Indoor Arena. In these matches, Kenya Army, Equity Bank, and KPA secured wins. Kenya Army defeated National Youth Service (NYS) 3-1.
