The long rains have officially begun, with heavy downpours crippling infrastructure, including the indefinite closure of the Migori Footbridge. The Meteorology Department warns of more widespread rainfall and thunderstorms. Motorists may face higher fuel prices as global crude costs rise. Kenya is pursuing a new IMF loan amid privatization and a planned 32.95 billion Kenyan Shillings Ugandan investment in the Kenya Pipeline Company. The government is also reviving stalled road works, with KeNHA set to upgrade 815 kilometers in Nyanza and Western Kenya. In healthcare, KNH celebrated a medical first with a newborn's successful balloon pulmonary valve surgery, while KRA has issued a guide for eTIMS invoice generation via eCitizen.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has launched the design phase for an ambitious program to upgrade over 815 kilometres of roads around the Lake Victoria basin, funded by the World Bank. This infrastructure development in Nyanza and Western Kenya follows the revival of stalled road projects announced by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, which signals a positive economic turnaround and government commitment to infrastructure development. Separately, KeNHA has indefinitely closed the Migori Footbridge along the Isebania-Sare (A1) Road due to rising water levels in the River Migori caused by heavy rains. Construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Phases 2B and 2C, extending from Naivasha via Kisumu to Malaba covering six counties, is slated to commence in March 2026.
Kenya is pursuing a new financing program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address its budget deficit, following the termination of previous agreements. President William Ruto met with EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger to discuss deepening trade relations and maximizing benefits from the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement. Uganda is set to invest Ksh32.95 billion in Kenya Pipeline Company for the Uganda National Oil Company to acquire stakes in regional fuel transport infrastructure. The Kenyan government has launched a recruitment drive, announcing over 300 job vacancies across various ministries, state corporations, and public universities. Huduma Kenya has issued a warning regarding fake recruitment efforts and fraudulent appointment letters circulating online.
Amnesty International Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) are demanding a comprehensive investigation into an attempted abduction of Tanzanian human rights defender Mshabaha Mshabaha Hamza on Sunday, February 22. Three men, including a Tanzanian national, will remain in custody for 10 days following the alleged abduction. A court has granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations 10 days to complete their probe into an Imam accused of sexually abusing 12 minors during madrassa classes in Othaya. The DPP has also launched a new Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Financing of Terrorism Prosecution curriculum to equip prosecutors with advanced skills.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, has explained that delays in prosecuting police misconduct cases stem from insufficient evidence provided by investigative agencies. A Mombasa-based NGO, the Centre for Litigation and Trust, is seeking an investigation into a senior police officer over allegations of ordering a custom-made police uniform, a violation of service regulations. A Mandera police officer, Abdihakim Abdi Saman, has been convicted of grievous harm and assault for attacking two complainants during a land dispute on May 11, 2024. Five suspects are set to be charged with murder and attempted murder following a deadly shooting incident at a Kitengela nightclub.
The Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (Sasra) is seeking a new CEO following recent Sacco collapses that caused significant financial losses for savers. SanlamAllianz Kenya has introduced a new income drawdown fund allowing retirees with substantial savings to access regular income while their remaining funds continue to grow. CIC Insurance Group has issued a profit warning projecting a 25% drop in net profit to Sh2.14bn for the year ending December 31, 2025. Kenyan farmers are increasingly turning to family and friends for loans, surpassing traditional financial institutions in providing credit, highlighting a growing reliance on informal lending networks.
Counties' e-government plans face budget and cyber threats. GT Bank appeals a Sh33.18 million CAK fine. SanlamAllianz now lets retirees with Sh4 million withdraw funds. Farmers increasingly seek loans from family/friends over banks. Eastlands gets a Sh400 million retail mall, Manyanja Mall.
Ruto urges leaders to resolve Githurai issues. Over 200,000 youth earn online as the gig economy grows. Boina campaigns for tipping washroom staff. Size 8 explains her music start, while Willy Paul considers returning to gospel. Sammyboy auctions an autographed jersey.
United Opposition rallies in Gusii turned chaotic, with clashes reported. CSs face scrutiny for allegedly violating electoral laws by campaigning for Ruto's re-election. Gachagua and Kalonzo urged Kenyans to ditch Ruto, while Sifuna hinted at a presidential run. Matiang'i declared Gusii kingpin. Gachagua faces political challenges.
Harambee Stars gear up for FIFA Series in Kigali. KPA leads the men's volleyball league, while Equity Hawks start their basketball season strong. Golfers prep for Magical Kenya Open, and Eldoret City Marathon launches. Daystar University hosts a charity run.
Mogo Kenya secures 2.3 billion shillings in local funding for boda boda and SME asset financing. Meanwhile, a Sh500 paywall by QISJ raises concerns about used car mileage scams. Canva Pro now offers daily/weekly plans from Sh130, while the Kenya Airports Authority develops its own ride-hailing app for JKIA.
Heavy rains continue to affect critical infrastructure, with KeNHA indefinitely closing the Migori Footbridge and the Met Department predicting widespread rainfall and thunderstorms in several counties. The long rains season has officially begun. Motorists could face fuel price hikes as global crude prices surge. Kenya is seeking a new IMF loan amidst privatization plans and Uganda's planned Ksh32.95 billion investment in the Kenya Pipeline Company. The government is reviving stalled road projects, with KeNHA set to upgrade 815 kilometers of roads in Nyanza and Western Kenya. Meanwhile, KNH achieved a medical milestone with its first successful balloon pulmonary valve surgery on a newborn, and KRA has released a guide for eTIMS invoice generation on eCitizen.
Several student deaths have occurred across Kenya, sparking protests and investigations. In Nakuru, residents of Ngata protested after the death of a student, carrying the body of the deceased to the school. Autopsies have been conducted on multiple students including Moses Onyonyi, a Grade 8 student in Nakuru, and Consolata Nduku, who died from acute pneumonia. A Grade 10 student died at Ngelani Boys' High School in Machakos County following an alleged incident involving a water lorry. Another post-mortem examination in Machakos revealed high fever as the cause of death for a student. Chaos also erupted at Moi Comprehensive School following the death of a Grade 8 student.
An investigation has been launched following claims that a body has gone missing from Embu Level 5 Hospital. Residents of Kigumo village in Embu are facing distress as they have been unable to retrieve the body of their loved one from the hospital. In Molo, residents of Chandira Turi have expressed happiness following the opening of a new police station and the appointment of an Officer Commanding Station. Police in the Coast Region have arrested 17 suspects following coordinated security operations aimed at curbing rising crime rates. Reports continue to emerge concerning a disturbing increase in daylight robberies and violence against citizens in Nairobi.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has announced a seven-day strike starting today in protest of the suspension of its secretary general. The union is also threatening to go on strike following the suspension of Dr. Iqbal Khandwalla from his position at Coast General Hospital. Separately, the Teachers Service Commission (TPC) is facing a Sh10 billion deficit that could potentially jeopardize the medical insurance cover for teachers across Kenya. The Kenyan government has also announced that access to new HIV prevention medication will not be universal.
Multiple political rallies in Kenya have been disrupted by violence and hooligan attacks. Residents of Kaiti in Makueni County have strongly condemned attacks targeting opposition rallies. Fourteen individuals have been arrested in connection with disturbances that occurred during a recent political rally. The chairperson of KEWOSA, Veronica Maina, has called for nationwide action to curb rising political violence and safeguard women and children, expressing grave concern over violence observed at recent political rallies. Questions are arising about who is behind the deployment of hooligans to disrupt political rallies, raising concerns about the sanctity of public political discourse.
