Toyota dealer recalls vehicles in Kenya over defective airbags: CFAO Mobility Kenya has initiated a recall for Toyota vehicles manufactured between 2001 and 2017 due to defective airbags supplied by Takata, which have been linked to injuries and fatalities worldwide. This recall impacts numerous vehicle owners in Kenya. Separately, Kenya Airways (KQ) has unveiled an ambitious turnaround plan focused on fleet expansion, increased cargo operations, and strengthening its maintenance business to overcome financial challenges. Meanwhile, Tata Chemicals Magadi has warned that approximately 500 jobs are at risk due to the ongoing suspension of its operations following regulatory non-compliance, with its mining licence suspended last month by the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs. EACC flags governance gaps in Kenya's co-operative sector, calls for stronger controls: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has identified significant governance and oversight weaknesses in Kenya's co-operative sector, warning that these gaps create opportunities for corruption and could endanger billions in sector resources. The High Court in Vihiga has separately declined to halt deductions of a 2 percent HIMS System Utilization Fee from healthcare providers' claims payable to the Social Health Authority (SHA), citing a procedural defect: the absence of a supporting affidavit in the petitioners' application. Additionally, Kenya Power has been legally prohibited from disconnecting electricity to essential county government facilities, including hospitals and fire stations, due to unpaid bills, with the High Court ruling that the state utility must follow specific procedures before resorting to power cuts for critical public services. Sidian Bank half-year net profit rises 28.9pc to Sh1.21bn: Sidian Bank announced a significant increase in its half-year net profit, driven by strong performance in its lending and investment portfolios. The bank reported net profit of Sh1.21 billion, representing a 28.9% increase. This performance is part of a broader trend in Kenya's banking sector, with Equity Group also reporting a substantial 32% rise in profit after tax to Sh45.5 billion for the first half of 2026. Simultaneously, private debt is emerging as a vital alternative financing source for Kenyan micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), offering flexible solutions amid challenges with traditional credit access.

Teddy Mwambire Leaves ODM to Lead People's Renaissance Movement: Former Kilifi County ODM chairman Teddy Mwambire has joined the People's Renaissance Movement party (PRM), where he has been appointed its national chairman and a founder member. At the same time, Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has reportedly joined the People's Party of Kenya (PPK), a move drawing parallels to former Gatanga MP Peter Kenneth's past political shifts. This follows Nyoro officially breaking ranks with President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA), unveiling his new political vehicle and declaring his intention to work with opposition leaders. Linda Mwananchi Unveils Strategy Against Political Violence in Homa Bay: Following violent disruptions in Homa Bay County that resulted in casualties and property destruction, the ODM faction Linda Mwananchi has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to combat political intolerance and violence. Khassim Abdi, known as 'Commander,' is at the centre of youth political mobilisation in Homa Bay Town. His arrest on August 4, 2026, led to significant street protests demanding his release. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to answer allegations of hate speech and ethnic incitement, with the summons also targeting Busia Governor Paul Otuoma and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma.

Champions Moi Girls and Musingu Through to Handball Semi-Finals: Kenyan handball powerhouses Moi Girls Kamasinga and Musingu Boys Senior School have advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 East Africa Games in Morogoro, Tanzania. The third leg of the National Boxing League is set to commence at Mumboa Secondary School in Luanda this week, following a period of international and invitational championships that have provided exposure for smaller teams. Separately, Standard Group PLC has officially launched its exclusive live English Premier League radio commentary on its platforms, Radio Maisha and Berur FM. Jeff Bezos Consortium Acquires 40 Per Cent of Liverpool: A consortium, reportedly including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has acquired a significant minority stake in English Premier League club Liverpool. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala has revealed he is suffering from a neurological disorder after collapsing on the field twice in three days during pre-season friendlies. In related football news, Kenya's AFCON 2027 Chairman Nicholas Musonye has urged host nations Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to prepare strong football squads and maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption for the upcoming tournament.

Government to Import 25 Million Bags of Maize Due to Massive Crop Failure: The Kenyan government will import 25 million bags of maize to address a looming food shortage caused by widespread drought and crop failure across the country, according to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe. This plan was revealed as Kenya's food shortage looms. Meanwhile, the Union of Kenya Civil Servants (UKCS) has reassured its members that efforts are ongoing to implement a new salary and allowance structure, following concerns that it was not reflected in the August 2026 government payroll. Separately, Unionisable Kakuzi Plc employees are set to receive a 15% wage increase following successful negotiations with the Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU). Government to import 25 million bags of maize due to massive crop failure - CS Kagwe: Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development has announced plans to import 25 million bags of maize to address a massive crop failure affecting the country. The import is intended to stabilize food supply and prices amid the agricultural crisis. Meanwhile, Kenya's sugar industry faces additional pressure as Sony Sugar Company approaches auction, highlighting broader challenges in the agricultural sector. In Kitale, authorities have intensified crackdowns on illegal sugar trade, seizing significant quantities of contraband sugar to address smuggling issues. These developments underscore ongoing difficulties in Kenya's agricultural value chains. Duale says Sh9.68bn medical equipment installed in 251 health facilities: Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced that Sh9.68 billion worth of medical equipment has been successfully installed across 251 health facilities in the country. President William Ruto convened the National Health Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi to address health sector challenges. In Kilifi, residents are urging the government to bring Tuberculosis testing equipment closer to their communities to reduce costly hospital journeys. These initiatives represent significant investments in Kenya's healthcare infrastructure. Seven Killed in Helicopter Crash at Mt Ololokwe in Samburu: Seven people were killed when a helicopter crashed at the foot of Mt Ololokwe in Samburu County on Wednesday morning. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) confirmed the incident, identifying the aircraft as a Eurocopter EC130 B4 with registration 5Y-GYM. A tourist helicopter carrying an estimated six or seven people crashed near Mt Ololokwe, prompting an urgent rescue operation. Several people were feared dead following the crash that also caused the aircraft to burst into flames. Nine Treasury Officials to Face Court Over Sh1.5bn Graft Probe: Nine senior officials from the National Treasury are set to be arraigned in court following an investigation into alleged embezzlement totaling Sh1.5 billion. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission had previously arrested nine Chief Accountants from the National Treasury in connection with the alleged corruption. The Director of Public Prosecutions approved charges against nine suspects over an alleged Sh1.57 billion fraud from the IFAD project. These cases demonstrate ongoing anti-corruption enforcement efforts targeting Treasury officials. NCIC summons Kaluma over remarks on 'one term' phrase: The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has summoned Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma following his declaration that the phrase 'one term' is prohibited in Homa Bay County. A suspect wanted in connection with the deadly violence at a rally in Homa Bay surrendered to police but was reportedly turned away. Governor Natembeya recounted the events of the Homa Bay attack, stating they narrowly escaped death. MP Peter Kaluma has also accused leaders of the Linda Mwananchi movement of orchestrating and financing the chaos that occurred on August 16. Treasury Officials Face Court Over Sh1.5bn and Sh1.57bn Fraud Cases: The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has approved charges against nine National Treasury officials and business people for allegedly embezzling Sh1.5 billion from a government program. Nine senior officials from the National Treasury are set to be arraigned in court following an investigation into alleged embezzlement totaling Sh1.57 billion in the PROFIT Programme fraud case. Senior officials from the National Treasury and private directors have been released on bond after facing charges related to the alleged misappropriation of Ksh 1.57 billion. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested nine Chief Accountants from the National Treasury in connection with the alleged embezzlement of Sh1.57 billion from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) project. Governor Natembeya Recounts Homa Bay Attack That Left Delegation Fleeing: Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya recounted a harrowing experience where he and his delegation narrowly escaped death during an attack in Homa Bay. The National Police Service (NPS) has ordered Kassim Abdi Sebu to surrender to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homa Bay County headquarters following alleged association with violence that occurred on Sunday. A man wanted in connection with the deadly violence at a rally in Homa Bay surrendered to police but was reportedly turned away. MP Peter Kaluma has accused leaders of the Linda Mwananchi movement of orchestrating and financing the chaos that occurred on August 16. Maraga issues 7-day ultimatum to President Ruto to release Police Reforms report: Former Chief Justice David Maraga has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President William Ruto to release the comprehensive 2023 police reforms task force report. Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has demanded decisive action from security agencies against individuals disrupting political meetings nationwide. These developments highlight ongoing calls for police reform and security sector accountability in Kenya. NCIC Summons Gachagua and Otuoma Over Alleged Hate Speech: The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has summoned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma over alleged hate speech and incitement and inflammatory public remarks. The NCIC also summoned Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma following his declaration that the phrase "one term" is prohibited in Homa Bay County. Additionally, Lawyer Harrison Kinyanjui has filed a complaint with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) seeking an investigation into a social media user over alleged defamation related to a Ksh25.4 million bribery claim involving Gachagua.