Kenya News Weekly: Weekly: July 14-20, 2025
This week in Kenya, Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku urged the IEBC to prepare for by-elections while Nairobi healthcare workers protested over service declines. Petrol prices surged, impacting families. In politics, CS Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed 25 deaths from Saba Saba protests and the EACC arrested Treasury officials for bribery. President Ruto addressed youth ID access and expressed condolences for former MP Dr. Phoebe Asiyo.
Weekly Breakdown by Category
Top Stories
416 stories this weekTop Stories - Week's Highlights
Judiciary advises court users to email due to ongoing eFiling system issues. Lawyers faced delays in accessing services for several days. Ministry of Health issues immediate directives to hospitals impacting operations. Health workers pressure Governor Sakaja for resolution of their demands. Over 9000 health facilities to be impacted by SHA's payment notice. IPOA confirms investigations continue into Ojwang's death, no one has been cleared yet. NPS denies misconduct following custodial death of Nanyuki protester linked to July demonstrations. Okeng’o Nyambane receives endorsement for Nyaribari Chache MP bid in 2027 election. Couple arrested for online exploitation of their children on a dating platform. Maraga criticizes Ruto's directive on violence, highlighting risks to national stability. Gachagua mourns popular comedian KK, who passed away after a short illness. KK was known for his humorous impersonations of Gachagua. Government to ease curfews in Turkana to 10pm-4am due to improved security. This affects both Kakuma-Kalobeyei and Kainuk regions. Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara has been arrested at her home after declining to honor a summons from the DCI. Police are investigating further developments in the case. The Judicial Service Commission is advocating for support from the National Government Constituency Development Fund to address a 257,000 case backlog in the judiciary. A Kenyan marathon world record holder has been suspended for using a prohibited substance as part of doping violations. Phoebe Asiyo, a pioneering Kenyan feminist and MP known for advocating gender equality, has passed away at the age of 93. The State has provided an update on the 70-kilometer road construction project within Nairobi aimed at alleviating traffic congestion. CS Mbadi has cautioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission regarding its proposed 61 billion Kenyan Shillings budget for the upcoming 2027 General Election. Government cracks down on fake foreign job agencies conning Kenyans after numerous complaints. Residents are collecting signatures to recall an MP following the IEBC reconstitution. Kenya Met warns of rains and strong winds in Nairobi and other regions. CS Murkomen issues new policy on police use of force and firearms. Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara released on a personal bond of 50,000 shillings amid offensive conduct charges. Court rules on mandatory IMEI registration for phones, prompting privacy concerns. Education gaps identified as Grade 10 transition approaches. Boniface Mwangi has been arrested, with his wife calling for his release. Meanwhile, Kenyans are urged to be cautious in fundraising for arrested protesters still in police custody.
Videos
923 stories this weekVideos - Week's Highlights
Health officials in Nairobi plan protests on Wednesday, citing a decline in health services and blaming Governor Johnson Sakaja for inaction amid ongoing disputes. The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) faces increasing pressure for dissolution amid concerns over its effectiveness. The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) announces it lacks funds to support new students, leaving over 400,000 without financial aid this year. Residents of Marigat, Baringo South express surprise after a theft incident occurs at a local mortuary. Kenya will be among nine countries to roll out a new HIV vaccine starting January, following approval from the WHO. Gloria Orwoba is ordered by the court to pay 11.5 million Kenyan Shillings to Senate clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye. Vihiga County residents, including business owners and transport operators, protest against the recent rise in fuel prices. President William Ruto claims the nation's economy is improving due to government strategies aimed at lowering the cost of living. Residents in Mombasa report fear after four unexplained deaths are linked to an unidentified illness. Experts gather in Nairobi to discuss clean air policies for Africa, emphasizing environmental sustainability. The MPESA caravan continues for a second day in the Rift Valley, promoting digital finance in Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, and West Pokot counties. Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen emphasizes that all police officers are accountable for their actions, regardless of their uniform. Murkomen states that nearly 1,500 arrests have been made in connection with damages from the Saba Saba protests. Murkomen assures the public that any police officers accused of misuse of force will face legal action. Murkomen asserts that the reign of terror by criminal gangs must end at any cost, highlighting the need for law enforcement accountability. Dairy farms in Kenya report high productivity, with some cows producing up to 70 liters of milk daily, contributing to the country's dairy sector growth. The High Court in Bomet has directed the defense team in the case concerning the death of 3-year-old Diana Chepngeno to submit relevant documents related to the allegations against Longisa County Referral Hospital. Family of a Kenya Power guard seeks compensation before his burial. Meanwhile, Huawei trains 200 youth to enhance job opportunities. Edwin Sifuna urges youth inclusion in leadership roles across the country.
Politics
34 stories this weekPolitics - Week's Highlights
Ruto's allies strategize to strengthen their position against the opposition for the 2027 elections. Gachagua and Raila are seen as potential key influencers in the presidential race. Hiring of a new political registrar has begun as new parties increase. Former registrar Anne Nderitu is now an IEBC commissioner. Senate resists Ruto’s anti-graft provisions requiring public officers to declare gifts from relatives within 48 hours. Gachagua and Kiunjuri exchange accusations over Mt Kenya leadership. Malala claims Raila has betrayed ODM by aligning with the government. Tony Gachoka criticizes state handling of protests, pointing to police brutality. UDA resolves a legal fees dispute with ODM over 30 million shillings related to the Political Parties Fund. Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara faces charges for alleged offensive utterances in court. Wetang'ula urges legal reforms to address violent protests. Mudavadi dismisses 2027 rigging claims as cheap politics. Kindiki warns against tribalism and incitement as election tensions rise.
Business
84 stories this weekBusiness - Week's Highlights
The Court of Appeal has ruled in favor of Kevian Kenya Limited in its insolvency case against Hipora Business East Africa Limited, overturning the High Court's decision. The Kenya Revenue Authority will collect sugar levies from millers and importers, as announced recently. The National Treasury has allocated 1.5 billion shillings for the Affordable Housing Internship Programme. BURN expands its operations to Malawi to enhance access to clean cooking. Meanwhile, PREO awards €4.26 million to 22 clean tech firms in Africa for renewable energy projects. Kenya Revenue Authority collects about 3.6 billion shillings daily due to stricter border enforcement measures. Meta has apologized for a mistranslated social media post that falsely reported an Indian minister as dead. NCBA focuses on golf development aiming for the 2028 Olympics. Shalina Healthcare plans to expand in Kenya and Africa. The court has instructed billionaire Peter Munga to vacate Pioneer International School, allowing Del Monte to proceed with the eviction. Old Mutual has teamed up with the Architectural Association of Kenya to introduce customized professional indemnity insurance for architects and engineers. Donald Trump is suing Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal for 10 billion Kenyan Shillings over a controversial article related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Sports
64 stories this weekSports - Week's Highlights
Ashiundu aims to challenge Zimbabwe in vital match as the Rugby Africa Cup winner qualifies for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Simbas captain George Nyambua expresses confidence. Wanyoike wins as the 2025 Stanchart Marathon is launched, aiming for 30,000 participants from 100 nationalities and targeting to raise 175 million shillings for charity. Aldrine Kibet, ex-St Anthony’s Kitale star, is set to sign with Celta Vigo today, with his parents present for the ceremony in Spain. Kenya Simbas' World Cup bid ends after loss to Zimbabwe, prompting calls for action from KRU. Police athletes benefit as the college integrates athletics into its physical training program for recruits. Onsongo's journey from Machakos Country Club to international golf events inspires many. He is a banker and Senior Relationship Manager at KCB. Kenya is in Group A with Angola, DR Congo, and Morocco for CHAN. Omija urges players to market Kenyan football to scouts. President William Ruto assures full government support for Harambee Stars ahead of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in August. Willy Maina excelled at the caddies tournament in Nakuru, scoring 76 gross points to win the gross prize. The National Boxing League's second leg offers boxers opportunities for national selection. Double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet aims for her first World Championships gold in Tokyo, while 38-year-old Fraser-Pryce seeks to add to her medal tally. President William Ruto has pledged full government support for Harambee Stars ahead of the Africa Nations Championship in August. Rift Valley Sports Academy aims for FKF Division One promotion this Sunday against All Blacks FC. Manchester United agrees to sign winger Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford for 65 million pounds. CAF announces 70 match officials for the upcoming CHAN 2024 tournament. Athletes remain silent on doping enablers, fearing repercussions. Meanwhile, over 100 players train at a Youth Development Camp in Nairobi, and Wolverines and Wazalendo Pearls win in the KHU league. First Capital nears victory in Horseman’s Cup.
Tech
52 stories this weekTech - Week's Highlights
Consumer complaints in Kenya dropped by 28% between April and June 2025, indicating improved satisfaction among users. OPPO Reno14 Series set to launch in Kenya on July 24, featuring innovative design and triple IP protection. Safaricom wins three awards for advancing gender diversity, digital insurance, and mobile retail innovation, showcasing its role beyond just a mobile service provider. Safaricom announces the exit of Chief Enterprise Business Officer Cynthia Karuri-Kropac, with Frankline Okata stepping in as her replacement. Airtel Kenya reaches 24 million subscribers, as reported in the latest statistics from CAK, reflecting growth in the telecommunications sector. Discussions at the Virtual Asset Chamber of Commerce event highlighted how OTC crypto trading and stablecoins are aiding African businesses amidst dollar shortages. Moringa School held its annual career fair and graduation on July 11, 2025, at the Dome ASK, Jamhuri Showground, Nairobi. OPPO is set to launch the Reno14 Series in Kenya on July 24, succeeding the Reno13 series. Standard Chartered highlighted the importance of blended finance for Africa's infrastructure and climate goals at the Africa Debate in London. LG announced the global rollout of its wireless OLED evo M5 TV series, featuring its advanced True technology. HELB seeks access to KRA and NTSA data to track student loan defaulters due to a 13.7 billion Kenyan Shillings funding shortfall, which raises privacy concerns. The High Court halts Safaricom's Bonga Points expiry policy again, ensuring customer points remain valid as personal property until the appeal is resolved. Visa teams up with the Nairobi Securities Exchange to transform retail investing in Kenya, aiming to enhance investment opportunities for locals. PalmPay has been listed among the world’s top 300 fintech companies by CNBC and Statista for the second consecutive year. Vertiv will acquire Great Lakes Data Racks & Cabinets. PalmPay has been recognized by CNBC and Statista as one of the top 300 fintech companies globally for the second consecutive year. Vertiv plans to acquire Great Lakes Data Racks & Cabinets.
Entertainment
35 stories this weekEntertainment - Week's Highlights
TikToker Brian Chira's grandmother, Esther Njeri, is heartbroken after his grave was vandalized, reopening her grief. Nviiri the Storyteller supports the government's proposed ban on alcohol ads by influencers, citing personal regrets about past endorsements. Morgan Bahati expresses desire to marry a white woman for ‘cute kids’, prompting discussions online about his views on beauty and ethnicity. Tanzanian star Nandy receives new rings from husband Billnass for their third anniversary after losing her original wedding rings. Tanzanian star Nandy receives new wedding rings from husband Billnass as they celebrate their third anniversary after losing the original ones.