IMF Chief Says World Economy Faces Multiple Risks Despite Resilience: International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated the global economy faces significant risks including stubborn inflation and rising debt servicing costs, despite proving more resilient than anticipated. The East African Community has officially resumed efforts to integrate regional capital markets, a crucial step toward establishing the East African Monetary Union. Separately, Kenya is defending its local oil marketers against accusations from Uganda that they inflated fuel costs through a Government-to-Government deal. Safaricom Extends Lead in Fixed Internet Market With Over 1mn Users: Safaricom has significantly extended its dominance in Kenya's fixed internet market, surpassing 1 million subscribers by June 30, 2026. Meanwhile, Starlink has grown its customer base to 10,191 users in Kenya, reaching 1 percent of the fixed internet market share within a year. In the same period, Kenyan Mobile Network Operators Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom collectively hired 3,672 new employees. However, despite a record 101.3 percent mobile money subscription penetration, the number of registered mobile money agents declined by 5.6 percent.

Azimio Rebrands as Ukombozi Alliance Ahead of 2027 Elections: The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has officially rebranded as the Ukombozi Alliance, signaling a strategic reorganization ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Registrar of Political Parties, Anne Nderitu, has announced plans to crack down on unregistered 'briefcase' political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has stated that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is not yet ready to run for the presidency. Ruto Warns Kenyans Not to Elect 'a Fool' as President in 2027: President William Ruto has urged Kenyans not to elect 'a fool' as president in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the critical role of leadership in national development. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is urging Kenyans to focus on President William Ruto's development record and dismiss opposition calls for a single term, highlighting the Ruto administration's achievements. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki defended the Kenya Kwanza administration's development record, highlighting infrastructure projects in Tharaka Nithi county and urging political rivals to account for their own achievements. Following an endorsement by Mt Kenya elders, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is embarking on a mission to unite the region politically and rally support for President William Ruto's re-election bid.

Nairobi City Thunder Advance to Basketball League Final After Sweeping Semi-Finals: The Kenya Basketball Federation Men's Premier League final is set between reigning champions Nairobi City Thunder and former titleholders Kenya Ports Authority (KPA). Both teams secured their spots by winning their best-of-five semi-final series with a decisive 3-0 margin. In hockey action, Kenya Police secured a vital 3-0 victory over Kisumu Youngsters, while defending champions Lakers Hockey Club edged out Kenyatta University (KU) Titans 2-1. Additionally, Ulinzi Starlets kicked off their FKF Women's Premier League campaign with a decisive two-nil victory against Gideon Starlets. Agnes Ngetich Breaks Women-Only World Half Marathon Record in Copenhagen: Kenyan athlete Agnes Ngetich shattered the women-only world half marathon record at the World Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, leading a strong medal haul for Kenya. At the Pearl of Africa Golf Series in Uganda, Kenyan golfer Greg Snow achieved a tied-seventh finish, showcasing strong performance against an international field. Meanwhile, Indian boxer Sumit Kundu overcame significant hardship and a career-threatening injury to reach the last 16 of the light middleweight category at the Asian Games in Japan, stating his motivation was for his family.

Smartphone Makers Race With Bigger Batteries This Week: The smartphone industry is witnessing an intense battle for battery supremacy as multiple manufacturers unveil new devices with significantly larger power capacities. Honor is launching the X9e Pro in Malaysia on September 24th with an 11,000mAh battery and 80W wired charging, while Xiaomi has confirmed its 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max launch for September 23rd in China featuring batteries up to 8,500mAh. In a separate development, teardown analysis reveals that Apple's eSIM-only iPhone 18 Pro models boast larger batteries at 4,288 mAh for the Pro and 5,567 mAh for the Pro Max compared to physical SIM tray variants. Meanwhile, vivo has launched its X500 series in China with leaked prices indicating a significant price increase attributed to soaring memory and storage component costs. Google's recent 'Tutunge na Gemini' workshop in Nairobi targeted Gen Z creators and students to leverage AI tools in creative workflows.

Agnes Ngetich sets women-only half marathon world record: Agnes Ng'Etich has shattered the women-only world record in the half marathon at the World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark. At the same time, Ulinzi Starlets kicked off their FKF Women's Premier League campaign with a decisive two-nil victory against Gideon Starlets. Kenyan fighters also delivered a dominant performance at the packed Cheza Cheza Anza MMA event, thrilling fans with intense fights at The Village Market. High Court Bars Parliament From Reducing Former Presidents' Retirement Benefits: The High Court has ruled that Parliament cannot reduce or withdraw the retirement benefits of a former president, declaring parts of the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act unconstitutional. This decision benefits former President Uhuru Kenyatta, as it also struck down a law restricting retired presidents from active politics. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli is now advocating for constitutional amendments to establish regulations for retired presidents concerning their political activities. The rulings mark significant developments in Kenya's constitutional framework regarding former heads of state. University Funding Row: Students Seek Clarity as September Intake Gets Underway: Students are seeking clarity on university funding as the September intake begins, amidst concerns over potential financial shortfalls. The government is under pressure to clarify its promise of fully funding students joining universities. Separately, Grade 11 textbook publishers are raising concerns about a looming crisis due to a significant government debt of Sh7 billion, which could disrupt learning for students across the country. KNCHR Warns of Rising Insecurity, Political Violence Ahead of 2027: The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has issued a stark warning about rising insecurity and political violence across Kenya, citing specific incidents and expressing grave concerns ahead of the 2027 General Election. KNCHR separately demanded investigations into alleged assaults and house torchings during a security operation in West Pokot on September 17. The commission emphasized the need for accountability and protection of civilians as the country approaches the next general election. Wetangula Urges Motorists to Exercise Caution After Maai Mahiu Crash Claims Four: National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has urged Kenyan motorists to exercise greater caution and discipline on the roads following a tragic accident in Maai Mahiu that claimed the lives of four traders from Chwele. Emergency response teams were dispatched to Maomboleo, Kisumu, where a building collapsed injuring eight people, with the Kenya Red Cross confirming the incident and assessing the situation. These incidents highlight ongoing safety concerns across Kenya's transportation infrastructure and urban construction sectors. CS Wandayi Defends G-to-G Fuel Deal Amid Kenya-Uganda Diplomatic Row: Kenya's Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary J. Opiyo Wandayi defended the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel importation program, stating it effectively eased US dollar shortages and secured fuel supply. President William Ruto also defended Kenya's G-to-G model after Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni alleged the use of Kenyan middlemen defrauding Uganda. Museveni clarified that the Kenyan media misrepresented his comments and thanked Ruto for supporting Uganda's continued access to Kenya's petroleum infrastructure. Jubilee Party Deputy Leader Fred Matiang'i demanded full disclosure of the deal's terms following Museveni's remarks. Government defends G-to-G oil import deal: The Kenyan government is defending its recent G-to-G oil importation deal, asserting it is affordable, less risky, and convenient. Opposition leaders in Kenya are questioning the legitimacy of the government-to-government oil deal, alleging it's a scheme to benefit President William Ruto and his administration. The government also cited a severe US Dollars shortage as justification for the deal. Additionally, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Lawyer Dan Amisi have accused the Kenyan government of attempting to infiltrate and divide the opposition, claiming the administration is employing tactics to sow discord within opposition ranks. Women in Tharaka Nithi urged to register for SHA healthcare: Women in Tharaka Nithi County are being urged to register for SHA (Sustainable Health for All) to gain access to essential healthcare services. Joyce Kindiki similarly advised mothers across the country to register for SHA to access health services. Meanwhile, small-scale farmers in Kenya are calling for early action from the government to mitigate the anticipated impacts of the El Niño weather phenomenon, particularly concerning potential floods, and Nairobi is intensifying its preparations for the anticipated El Niño rains expected to bring heavy downpours across the region.