Jitters in tourism sector over new visitors' insurance requirement: Kenya's tourism sector is experiencing unease following the government's introduction of a mandatory health insurance requirement for all foreign visitors, a move now facing a legal challenge. Separately, Kenyan insurtech firms have successfully raised a significant Sh8.5 billion over the past five years, highlighting a burgeoning investor appetite for insurance technology in the region. Meanwhile, unremitted pension deductions in Kenya have surged to Sh85.2 billion by the end of December 2025, a significant increase that jeopardizes the retirement savings of workers.

Gatundu South MP Condemns Selective Arrests of Political Opponents: Gatunundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe has condemned what he calls selective arrests of political opponents by the government, warning of potential political fallout. At the same time, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has urged opposition leaders to prioritize economic change over legacy leaders in their strategy to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. In related political developments, former Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau has announced he will not contest the Murang'a governorship in the 2027 General Election, for the second time this year. High Court Orders Release of MP John Kaguchia on Sh100,000 Cash Bail: The High Court ordered the release of Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia on a Sh100,000 cash bail, resolving a tense situation at Kamukunji Police Station where opposition leaders and lawyers had been demanding his release. Kaguchia had been arrested for alleged inciting remarks made during a political rally in Kieni, Nyeri County, and remained in custody despite the court order. Leaders of the Democracy for the Citizen Party (DCP) in Nyeri County warned the state against intimidation and called for his immediate release. The MP was subsequently taken from Kamukunji Police Station to Milimani Law Courts for arraignment. Mt Kenya Leaders Reject Gachagua's Bid to Dominate Regional Politics: Leaders in the Mt Kenya region have rejected Rigathi Gachagua's apparent bid to dominate the region's politics through his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). Meanwhile, former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition has initiated a significant restructuring and is reaching out to potential new members, including those associated with Gachagua and Edwin Sifuna, with the aim of uniting opposition parties for the August 10, 2027 election. Separately, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has strongly criticized Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka's presidential aspirations, challenging his 40-year public service record and accusing the opposition of ethnic mobilization.

Takaba Boys Score Seven Goals in First-Ever National Games Victory: Takaba Boys Senior School achieved their first-ever win at the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Term Two games, dominating St Philip Baricho with a resounding 7-1 victory to keep their semi-finals dream alive. The games are underway at Mpesa Foundation Academy in Thika. Elsewhere, Chesamisi Boys Senior School and Matiliku Boys have stormed into the semi-finals, marking a significant achievement after securing their second victories as novices at the national games. Rugby 7s heavyweights have also demonstrated their dominance, securing quarter-final spots. Chelsea Sign England Midfielder Jordan Henderson From Brentford: Chelsea have announced the signing of veteran England midfielder Jordan Henderson from Premier League rivals Brentford. The 36-year-old has signed a two-year deal at Stamford Bridge. This follows other Premier League transfer activity, with Newcastle United signing Czech goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek from Portuguese club Braga - their fifth signing of the summer after the departure of former manager Eddie Howe. Meanwhile, Fulham has secured Spanish striker Gonzalo Garcia, 22, from Real Madrid, a move that reunites the player with former coach Alvaro Arbeloa.

Muturi, Munya, Kivuti Reject Gachagua's Call to Join DCP: Democratic Party of Kenya leader Justin Muturi has challenged Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to have UDA MPs allied to him resign and seek fresh mandates if he truly believes in political realignment. Leaders of the Democratic Party, PNU, and DEP have rejected a call by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to dissolve their parties and join the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). The Party of National Unity (PNU), Democratic Party (DP), and Democratic Empowerment Party (DEP) have rejected a merger proposal from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, signaling potential divisions in efforts to unite the Mt Kenya region politically. A segment of residents in Nandi County has voiced strong disapproval of recent statements made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, deeming his remarks as disrespectful towards President William Ruto. Households Receive Sh6,000 Under Orphans Cash Transfer Programme: Households participating in Kenya's Cash Transfer for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) programme have begun receiving payments covering April, May, and June 2026. The Kenyan government has commenced the disbursement of Ksh6,000 to beneficiaries of the orphans and vulnerable children cash transfer programme, covering the April, May and June 2026 payment cycles. The Kenyan government has partnered with the Beginnings Fund to significantly enhance maternal and newborn healthcare across 21 counties through a Sh10.4bn deal. Embu county government rolls out projects to end water shortages in Runyenjes: The Embu county government, in collaboration with the national government, has launched significant water projects in Runyenjes constituency. The initiative aims to comprehensively address and eradicate water shortages in the region. Separately, Kenya moves to revive the cashew sector through value addition, indicating broader agricultural development efforts. Additionally, Nyoro reflects on Vision 2030, saying Kenya must build on its unfinished legacy. Kapsabet Referral Hospital deserted as nurses, clinical officers' strike bites: Kapsabet Referral Hospital has been left deserted as nurses and clinical officers continue their strike, severely impacting healthcare services. In a related development, nurses at Kenyatta National Hospital, the country's premier referral facility, rejoined the industrial action in its second week, further deepening the ongoing health crisis. Separately, nurses in Murang'a have rejected calls to resume work and are urging the county government to implement the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). These coordinated strike actions across multiple counties highlight the growing health sector crisis affecting healthcare delivery nationwide. Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia leaves Kamukunji Police Station for Milimani Law Courts: Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia left Kamukunji Police Station for Milimani Law Courts to face charges. Kimani Ichung'wa condemned Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia over inciteful remarks. The High Court later ordered the release of MP John Kaguchia on a Sh100,000 cash bail. These developments follow earlier political tensions involving the MP. Azimio coalition gives Kalonzo the go-ahead to pursue Rigathi Gachagua and Edwin Sifuna: The Azimio coalition has given Kalonzo the go-ahead to pursue Rigathi Gachagua and Edwin Sifuna in legal matters. Meanwhile, the DCI has dismissed claims by Rigathi Gachagua that he receives intelligence from security officers. In a separate development, a segment of residents in Nandi County has voiced strong disapproval of recent statements made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, deeming his remarks as disrespectful towards President William Ruto and damaging to the office of the presidency. Murkomen Deploys 200 Anti-Narcotics Officers Nationwide: Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced the nationwide deployment of 200 newly trained DCI anti-narcotics officers to bolster the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has initiated a specialized VIP Security Course for Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers to enhance their protection skills. DCI has also busted a sophisticated car break-in syndicate operating in Nairobi County, following the arrest of a suspect linked to a series of vehicle break-ins. A 35-year-old suspect linked to a series of car break-ins in Nairobi was apprehended after a failed escape attempt at Sameer Business Park. Ksh.3K stipend, SHA family cover, smartphone for village elders announced at State House: President William Ruto hosted village elders at State House where he announced a package of Ksh.3,000 monthly stipend, SHA family cover, and smartphones for village elders. The President defended his decision to host village elders at State House, asserting that welcoming ordinary Kenyans does not diminish the prestige of the presidential residence. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo commended President Ruto for introducing the stipend, noting that village elders have been key pillars of community development. At the same event, PS Omollo told President Ruto that he had fulfilled his pledge to village elders. Ruto Directs Mandatory Allowances, Medical Insurers & Smartphones for Elders: President William Ruto has announced significant reforms for Kenya's village elders, including monthly allowances, health cover, and smartphones, marking the first time these grassroots administrators have received formal national recognition. The government has officially rolled out a Sh3,000 monthly stipend for village elders across the nation, a significant move to formalize their roles in local governance. Village elders are set to receive a monthly stipend of Ksh 3,000, a move announced by President William Ruto aimed at boosting grassroots governance. The President also hosted over 5,000 members of the Friends Church (Quakers) at State House, Nairobi, as focus shifts to 2027 politics. KeNHA Approves Ksh7.5 Billion Nithi Bridge Reconstruction: The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has approved the final design for the reconstruction of the Nithi Bridge, a Ksh7.5 billion project aimed at enhancing safety. KeNHA has announced a partial closure of Mombasa Road (A8) near Bellevue to facilitate the construction of a box culvert, taking place between August 10 and September 14. A multi-vehicle collision involving two trucks and a private car on Tuesday, August 4, completely blocked the busy Mai Mahiu Escarpment Road, causing a significant traffic snarl-up.