BAT Kenya declares Sh70 dividend as profit rises 18pc: BAT Kenya has declared a total dividend of Sh70 per share, following an 18 percent rise in gross profit for the year ending December 31, 2025. Despite this positive financial performance, the company experienced a decline in net revenue. Separately, Walmart has agreed to pay $100 million to settle claims that it misled gig workers using its Spark Driver app about their pay and tips. Meanwhile, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's company Block is implementing significant layoffs, cutting its workforce by nearly half, from 10,000 to less than 6,000 employees as it embraces AI.

Investigation Reveals Bribery in Kenyan Youth Recruitment for Russian War: An investigation by Citizen TV uncovered a large-scale recruitment ring that allegedly bribed Kenyan government officials to facilitate the departure of hundreds of youths to join the Russian military in the war against Ukraine. This comes as Nairobi County's Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement Geoffrey Mosiria warned parents to restrict children under 17 from using Facebook during the school mid-term break due to inappropriate content and advertising. The two stories highlight concerns over youth welfare and protection from exploitation. Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced 12,520 temporary positions for a voter registration exercise, a separate election-related hiring initiative.

Opposition Leaders Storm Nakuru, Pledge Unity to Oust Ruto: Opposition leaders convened in Nakuru County, a traditionally key region for President William Ruto, declaring their united front as an "alternative government" aimed at unseating him in the 2027 general election. The gathering represented a significant show of political strength in Ruto's backyard. In a related development, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has emerged as a rising political figure as the 2027 election approaches, with analysts noting a surge in Luhya political influence. Meanwhile, a group of Mt Kenya UDA MPs declared their support for Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the running mate for President Ruto in the upcoming elections, urging the ODM party to abandon its claim for the running mate position.

Sacking Amorim could cost Manchester United Sh2.8 billion: Manchester United is facing a significant financial fallout from the dismissal of former head coach Ruben Amorim, with the move potentially costing the club nearly £16 million (approximately Sh2.8 billion). At the same time, English Premier League leaders Arsenal face a crucial title test against London rivals Chelsea this weekend, while Manchester City continue their pursuit of the title and Tottenham are under pressure to avoid another defeat. The UEFA Champions League last 16 draw has also set up a thrilling rematch between perennial rivals Real Madrid and Manchester City, with reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain facing Chelsea in another highly anticipated clash. Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes star player Mohamed Salah is a victim of his own exceptional standards amid a rare goal drought, as the 33-year-old has gone nine Premier League games without scoring.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Brings Exclusive Google AI Features to Non-Pixel Phones: The new Samsung Galaxy S26 series is introducing groundbreaking AI capabilities, becoming the first non-Pixel phones to receive exclusive Google AI features. This marks a significant expansion of Google's AI ecosystem beyond its own Pixel devices. Meanwhile, TECNO is pushing the boundaries of smartphone innovation with its ambitious Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology, showcased at MWC 2026, representing a modular smartphone concept aimed at the African market. However, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra's new Privacy Display feature, designed to prevent shoulder surfing, unfortunately turns dark mode blacks into a washed-out gray. Vertiv Unveils Digital Twin Platform to Speed AI Data Centre Deployment: Vertiv has introduced a new Digital Twin platform designed to significantly speed up the deployment of AI data centres, moving beyond traditional methods to enable faster and more precise scaling of AI infrastructure. The platform represents an advancement in how organizations can manage and deploy AI infrastructure across hybrid cloud environments. Nairobi has been recognized as a leading Artificial Intelligence hub in Africa, securing the 4th position in the Counterpoint Research 2026 Africa AI Cities Index, highlighting the city's progress in AI adoption and development. Red Hat has simultaneously launched its new integrated AI platform, Red Hat AI Enterprise, aimed at helping organizations effectively deploy and manage AI models and applications across hybrid cloud environments.

Senate Speaker Calls for Legislative Efficiency, Stronger Oversight in 5th Session: Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has called for a focus on legislative efficiency and stronger oversight as the Senate begins its 5th Session. The remarks were made during the official opening of the annual planning retreat for Senators in Naivasha, themed "Advancing the Senate's Agenda: Review Strategy and Sustainable Progress." In a separate development, the Council of Governors (COG) has refused to appear before the County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC), citing allegations of extortion and intimidation by certain committee members. Meanwhile, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang has described the resignation of Homa Bay Deputy Governor Joseph Oyugi Magwanga as a "disappointing divorce," expressing regret over the split in the county leadership and urging reflection in Homa Bay leadership. 70,000 Busia Farmers Receive Certified Maize Seeds: Approximately 70,000 farmers in Busia, Kenya, have received certified maize seeds to boost agricultural productivity and food security in the region. In a separate agricultural initiative, a new program is set to introduce solar-powered irrigation systems to farms in Ahero, Kenya, promising to improve agricultural sustainability. Meanwhile, pastoralists in Kenya are receiving training in new climate-resilient techniques to adapt to changing weather patterns. UDA Sweeps All Four Seats in By-Election Triumph: The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secured a dominant victory in recent by-elections, clinching all four available seats across different constituencies. President William Ruto declared that these wins signal a clear path to his second term in office, dismissing opposition challenges. Following the victories, President Ruto taunted the Kenyan opposition, celebrating the ruling party's electoral success. UDA officials interpreted the results as a strong sign of the party's grassroots support and a boost for President William Ruto's re-election prospects. Starlets Eye Historic WAFCON Breakthrough: Kenya's women's national football team, the Starlets, are aiming for a significant achievement in the WAFCON tournament while undergoing intensive preparation for upcoming crucial matches against Algeria and Morocco. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Machakos branch has launched the Captain Irene Ndanu Soccer Summit, an event aimed at fostering football development in the region. Additionally, TECNO has successfully renovated and handed over three community football pitches located in Nairobi to support grassroots football growth. Chelsea Posts £355 Million Loss for 2024-25 Season: English Premier League club Chelsea has announced a significant financial setback, reporting a staggering loss of £355 million for the 2024-25 season. In football developments, Arsenal faced a significant setback in their pursuit of the Premier League title following a crucial London Derby defeat to rivals Chelsea on Sunday. Manchester City and Real Madrid are set to face each other once again in the Champions League knockout stage, marking their sixth encounter in this phase since the 2019-20 season.