Absa Hikes Dividend 150pc to Sh0.5 Per Share Despite 10pc Profit Drop: Absa Bank Kenya has announced a significant increase in its interim dividend payout by 150 percent to Sh0.5 per share, despite reporting a 10 percent decline in net profit for the first half of the year. Meanwhile, Family Bank has reported a significant 62 percent increase in its half-year profit after tax, reaching Sh3.7 billion for the period ending June 30, 2026. However, Directline Assurance Company Limited is facing a liquidation petition at the High Court in Garissa, filed by three creditors, with the matter scheduled for a hearing on October 1, 2026.

Goons Paid Sh4,000 Each to Disrupt Homa Bay Rally: Violence marred the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on Sunday, with hired goons paid up to Sh4,000 each to disrupt the event and attack participants. The chaos resulted in at least two deaths and 54 injuries, with property worth millions of shillings destroyed including vehicles, a church, and a hotel. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma following inflammatory remarks allegedly made on August 15 that incited the violence. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has accused Deputy President William Ruto of orchestrating the political violence. Meanwhile, residents and youth are demanding the resignation of Governor Gladys Wanga, with questions raised about why alleged financiers of the goons appear to be evading justice while youths are apprehended. Two journalists also narrowly escaped attack when their vehicle was ambushed and robbed. Ndindi Nyoro Joins Opposition After UDA Exit: Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has officially joined the United Opposition, weeks after departing from President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA). He has unveiled the People's Party of Kenya as his new political vehicle. Nyoro has unveiled a series of proposals aimed at transforming Kenya's economy and improving the lives of its citizens. Opposition leaders have celebrated his bold political shift as a significant development ahead of the 2027 general election.

37 Suspects Arrested Over Homa Bay Linda Mwananchi Rally Violence: Police have arrested 37 suspects in connection with violent incidents during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay on August 16, which resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to several others. The RMS journalist from Royal Media Services recounted a near-death encounter with a mob while covering the rally, narrowly escaping a life-threatening attack. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma over alleged hate speech remarks, requiring him to appear on August 19. Linda Mwananchi has called for the arrest of Governor Gladys Wanga and MP Kaluma over alleged state-sanctioned violence. Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has criticized Deputy President Ruto, accusing him of orchestrating the political violence. EACC Arrests Nine Treasury Officials in Ksh 1.57 Billion PROFIT Programme Fraud: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested nine individuals, including senior National Treasury officials and business owners, over an alleged fraud scheme involving Ksh1.57 billion from the PROFIT Programme. Separately, the Kenyan government is launching a value-for-money assessment of the Ksh21 billion World Bank-backed Second Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP2) to ensure it benefited intended communities. Additionally, the Registrar of Companies has initiated the dissolution of over 750 companies in Kenya, with 200 already formally struck off the register as of August 14, and 550 more facing potential closure, putting thousands of jobs at risk. Two Killed, 54 Injured in Homa Bay Linda Mwananchi Violence: Tragic violence erupted in Homa Bay County during a Linda Mwananchi meeting, resulting in at least two deaths and 54 injuries according to official reports, with alternative counts varying between 46 and 53 injured. Youth in the region who survived the violence are demanding the immediate resignation of Governor Gladys Wanga and other implicated officials. Journalists narrowly escaped a dangerous encounter with thugs who ambushed their vehicle and robbed them of belongings, highlighting growing security concerns. Meanwhile, Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i strongly criticized Deputy President William Ruto, accusing him of orchestrating political violence that disrupted events in Homa Bay. Police have apprehended numerous youths involved in disturbances, but questions are being raised as alleged financiers appear to be evading justice. Health Experts From Africa and Asia Meet in Nairobi to Discuss Heart Diseases: Health experts from Africa and Asia have convened in Nairobi to discuss strategies for controlling heart diseases, representing a significant gathering of medical professionals from multiple continents. President William Ruto attended the Kenya Health Summit 2026 held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, underscoring the government's commitment to health sector improvements. A major health conference is simultaneously underway at the KICC auditorium, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss health-related matters. These parallel health events highlight Kenya's growing role as a regional hub for health policy discussions and cardiovascular disease management strategies. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro Quits Ruto's UDA, Announces New Political Direction: Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has officially quit President Ruto's UDA party, announcing a new political direction in a move that marks a significant shift in Kenya's political landscape. Opposition leaders are celebrating Nyoro's bold political shift as a significant development ahead of the 2027 general election. Kenya Kwanza leaders have responded by defending President William Ruto against perceived disrespect from opposition figures, stating that any challenges should be reserved for the ballot. This political defection represents one of several high-profile moves as politicians position themselves for the upcoming electoral cycle. Smart Traffic System Planned for Nairobi-Nakuru Expressway: The Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway is set to feature a smart traffic management system as part of its extensive upgrade, estimated to cost Ksh184 billion. Separately, construction of the 237-kilometre Mau Summit-Eldoret-Malaba Expressway is slated to begin by June 2027, according to confirmation from the Treasury. The Kenya Roads Board has initiated a new registration process for companies seeking government contracts for goods, works, and services, covering the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 financial years. Ndindi Nyoro Leaves UDA, Launches People's Party of Kenya: Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has officially left the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and launched the People's Party of Kenya, signaling a significant shift from his previous alignment with President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration. This move follows nearly a year of consultations with prominent opposition figures including Gachagua, Kalonzo and Karua, with plans for a tour of the Rift Valley to explain his political realignment. Kenya Kwanza leaders have defended President Ruto against perceived disrespect from opposition figures, stating any challenges should be reserved for the ballot. Ruto Orders Integration of 107,000 Community Health Providers Into SHA Plan: President William Ruto has ordered that over 107,000 Community Health Providers (CHPs) be integrated into the Social Health Authority (SHA) plan, with their stipends to be reviewed in December. The Ministry of Health has announced new rules mandating that all imported medicines carry a unique global identifier starting January 1, 2027, to enhance tracking and verification of medical products and stop fake medicines from entering Kenya. Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has formed five multi-agency teams to prepare the city for anticipated El Niño rains, following the identification of 227 flood hotspots across the county. EACC Detains Nine Suspects in Sh1.57 Billion Fraud Probe: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has detained nine suspects in connection with a Sh1.57 billion fraud probe, representing a significant enforcement action against alleged corruption. The High Court has ordered the Inspector General of Police and the Director of Criminal Investigations to present themselves in court as part of ongoing proceedings related to the investigation. Separately, Nairobi has identified 227 areas at risk of flooding following El Nino weather patterns, requiring coordinated emergency response preparations. These developments span anti-corruption efforts and disaster preparedness, highlighting different dimensions of government accountability.