East Africa Horticulture Summit Targets Costly Trade Bottlenecks in Nairobi: East Africa's horticulture industry is convening in Nairobi to tackle costly trade bottlenecks hindering the export of fresh produce across borders. The summit brings together stakeholders to address barriers affecting the movement of agricultural goods regionally. In a related development, local sugar millers are appealing to the government to implement stricter controls on imported sugar, arguing that current import practices are negatively impacting their operations. Kenyan avocado and fresh herb exporter Karakuta Fresh Produce Ltd is also seeking growth opportunities, planning to list on the Nairobi Securities Exchange by introduction, pending approval from the NSE and Capital Markets Authority. Mbadi: PAYE Review for Low Earners Delayed to October: The review of PAYE tax bands for low-income earners in Kenya has been postponed to the first week of October, according to National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission is struggling to control Kenya's public sector wage bill due to a lack of political goodwill and disregard for its advice, with SRC noting the meddling political class is to blame for the rising wage bill. These developments come as the High Court has nullified the Kenyan Government's sale of its 15 percent stake in Safaricom to South Africa's Vodacom Group, citing significant procedural and constitutional violations around public participation and security breaches. Pack Hunters Consortium Mobilizes Private Capital for Kenya Infrastructure: The newly formed Pack Hunters Investment Consortium is exploring strategies to mobilize private capital for crucial infrastructure projects in Kenya. At the same time, Co-operative Bank of Kenya and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development have signed a Sh13 billion financing deal to boost foreign currency access for Kenyan businesses. Meanwhile, the rising university enrolment in Kenya is fueling a new investment frontier in student housing, with developers and investors shifting focus to Purpose-Built Student Accommodation.

Sifuna Blocked from JKUAT Karen Campus: Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was initially blocked from entering JKUAT's Karen campus to address a student-organized governance forum, before being granted access for a private meeting with university management. The Jubilee Party is facing a new power struggle as the succession of former President Uhuru Kenyatta intensifies, with key figures vying for control ahead of the 2027 General Election. Separately, internal disagreements within the Linda Mwananchi initiative, a movement aimed at rallying support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, are now publicly visible. Ruto Labels Uhuru Kenyatta 'Rebel Leader' Amid Court Ruling: President William Ruto has drawn widespread criticism for labeling former President Uhuru Kenyatta a "rebel leader," causing significant distress to Kenyatta. A recent High Court ruling has effectively barred Kenyatta from holding a party office, aligning with Ruto's efforts to sideline him from active politics. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has faced significant political backlash following remarks perceived as critical of Kenyatta, with allies strongly defending the former President against these statements. Cheruiyot Affirms Kindiki as Ruto's 2027 Running Mate: Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has asserted that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki will remain President William Ruto's running mate for the 2027 General Election and is poised to succeed him in 2032. Kindiki has separately pledged that Kenya will conduct a free, fair, and verifiable 2027 General Election. Meanwhile, Irungu Nyakera, Nairobi patron for the Democracy for the Citizens Party, is advocating for a parallel tallying system to safeguard against electoral interference. President Ruto has also warned the opposition against being used by political sponsors to settle scores, vowing a wider victory in 2027.

Kenya Targets 2029 to Capitalize on Athletic Dominance: Kenya's significant contribution to global athletics, particularly in long-distance running, is set to be recognized and capitalized on domestically. The article highlights that the world has benefited from Kenyan talent for years, and 2029 marks a pivotal year for Kenya to own the business it invented. Meanwhile, Kenyan 800m champion Mary Moraa is making a strong comeback to athletics after an injury-induced break, with her sights set on the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Beijing. Additionally, Kenyan rugby star Samuel Asati, a dynamic scrum-half for KCB Rugby and the Kenya Sevens, is making significant strides in his career with big dreams for the future. FKF Agrees to Kick Off 2026/27 SportPesa League: Kenyan football fans can rejoice as the Football Kenya Federation has reached an agreement with participating clubs, paving the way for the 2026/27 SportPesa League season to kick off on Saturday, September 19. Separately, Harambere Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named a 24-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, trimming down the provisional roster by dropping several overseas-based players, with Michael Olunga and Kenya Dynamo headline the final squad. Meanwhile, Kenya's national boxing team, the Hit Squad, is preparing to compete in the Elite Men World Boxing Championships in Dubai from December 3-13, aiming to improve their international standing.

Kenya to Double Electricity Imports to Meet Rising Demand: Kenya is set to significantly increase its electricity imports from Ethiopia, doubling the capacity from 200MW to up to 400MW starting in December to meet rising domestic demand. Meanwhile, Kenya has secured a multi-billion-shilling grant from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to fund preparations for the Mau Summit-Malaba Highway, a crucial section of the Northern Corridor. In Kitui, four suspects have been arrested during a joint operation by security teams and DCI officers for allegedly vandalising three electricity transformers. High Court Grants Political Parties, Observers Access to IEBC Election Records: The High Court has granted political parties and accredited election observers the right to access and examine electoral records and data held by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Separately, the High Court has declared parts of Kenya's Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Act unconstitutional, ruling that Parliament must have oversight over PPP projects that create financial obligations for the national government, while suspending the declaration for six months to allow legislative amendments. In another legal development, a Kenyan family is petitioning the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to investigate and arrest a city lawyer accused of fraudulently selling a prime property in Runda without their consent for approximately Sh70 million. Isiolo Bandit Attack Kills Five Including Two Anti-Stock Theft Officers: A tragic bandit attack in Gotu, Isiolo County, resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including two anti-stock theft officers. Meanwhile, residents of Naivasha are calling for immediate action against a stone quarrying investor accused of causing severe pollution in the area. In Makueni, KUCO led a protest demanding action against individuals accused of assaulting clinic officers, highlighting concerns over the safety and security of healthcare professionals. Kindiki Pledges Kenya Will Hold Free, Fair 2027 Election: Kenya's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has pledged that the country will conduct a free, fair, and verifiable 2027 General Election. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has stated that Kenya must adhere to its constitutional mandate of holding elections as scheduled, emphasizing that the 2027 general elections should proceed according to established electoral laws. Political parties are already strategizing and mobilizing for the upcoming 2027 general elections, indicating early preparations for the next electoral cycle. PPK leaders have urged the opposition to stop wasting time and name their presidential flagbearer for 2027. KRA Announces Penalty Waiver After iTax Disruptions: The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a waiver of penalties and interest on its iTax platform following intermittent system downtime in September 2026. Kenya's Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Peter Tum, has been absolved of a KSh1.84 million surcharge, with the State Corporations Appeal Tribunal clearing him of financial liability stemming from an irregular appointment during his time as CEO of the Kenya Medical Training College. The National Assembly has approved a Sh6.5 million deal for private audit firm M/s MGI Alekim LLP to audit the Office of the Auditor-General for three financial years. Additionally, TikTok is now requesting Kenyan content creators to submit their tax details, including personal and residency information, to comply with new tax regulations introduced by Kenya. Government Appeals High Court Decision Nullifying Safaricom 15% Stake Sale: The Kenyan Government has formally appealed a High Court decision that nullified the sale of a 15% government stake in Safaricom, finalized on June 30 this year. The opposition, led by Kalonzo Musyoka, has commended the High Court for annulling the sale and is urging the government to respect the court's ruling. This move escalates the ongoing dispute over the telecommunications giant's ownership and signals a significant legal challenge to the original ruling. Tourism CS Miano Appears Before Parliamentary Committee: Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Rebecca Miano, appeared before a parliamentary committee to answer questions regarding the current state of the country's tourism sector. Separately, Nominated Senator Miraj Abdillahi has urged parliaments globally to prioritize youth involvement in peacebuilding, crisis response, and post-conflict recovery efforts. Activists in Garissa are raising concerns about the prolonged delays in the issuance of national ID cards, even after the removal of certain registration requirements. Senior Police Officer Dies in Bandit Attack, Months After Haiti Mission: A senior Kenyan police officer, reportedly having recently served in Haiti, was among five people killed in a suspected bandit attack in Gotu, Isiolo County. The tragic incident also claimed the lives of two anti-stock theft officers. Following the attack, protests erupted in Isiolo town, leading to significant disruptions including the blockage of the Isiolo-Moyale Highway. Gideon Moi called for urgent government intervention to restore security in the region. Meanwhile, Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya strongly condemned the attack while also addressing rising political goonism and the alleged abduction of Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed that 1,189 individuals have been sentenced for offenses related to political violence and goonism since 2022, amid growing concerns ahead of the 2027 General Election. Government Calls for Stronger Protection of Kenyans Working Abroad: The Kenyan government is advocating for enhanced protections for its citizens working abroad due to prevalent issues such as fraudulent recruitment, human trafficking, and unfair labor practices. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is urging Kenyans seeking overseas employment to verify all job offers through official government channels to prevent exploitation and trafficking. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued an arrest warrant for Elizaphan Michira, who is accused of running a fake jobs scam targeting Kenyans seeking employment in Canada. Government Warns 1.5 Million People at Risk From El Niño in 46 Counties: The government has warned that up to 1.5 million people across 46 counties are at risk from El Niño rains. Omena traders in Busia County are expressing deep concern over potential financial losses anticipated from October onwards due to forecasts of floods associated with the impending El Niño phenomenon. African nations are increasingly relying on their domestic capital markets for funding development projects as foreign investment declines and debt repayment pressures mount.