July 28 - August 3, 2025
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, July 28 to Sunday, August 3, 2025, organized by weekday.
Monday
July 28
Judicial Rulings and Legal Affairs in Kenya - July 2025
After a 15-year legal battle, a Nairobi man lost his bid to claim a share of his late grandfather’s property from his uncle, as the Court of Appeal upheld a High Court decision granting full ownership to his uncle. The Court of Appeal also upheld the mandatory Law Society of Kenya (LSK) membership for all advocates, dismissing an appeal challenging the Advocates Act and reaffirming the constitutional legitimacy of requiring LSK registration to practice law. The prestigious Senior Counsel designation in Kenya, equivalent to Queen's Counsel, is currently facing significant challenges due to an inactive selection committee and a controversial proposed bill, impacting the highest professional honor for advocates.
Government Directives and Presidential Engagements - July 2025
President William Ruto called on world leaders at the Second UN Food Systems Summit Stoketake in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to adopt new measures to accelerate hunger eradication and meet nutritional needs globally. President Ruto also affirmed that free primary and secondary education will remain non-negotiable in Kenya, despite ongoing budgetary strains and reduced capitation to public schools, addressing concerns from school heads. Furthermore, President William Ruto's direct intervention with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman led to the sparing and impending return home of Stephen Munyakho, a Kenyan who faced execution in Saudi Arabia.
Actions to Improve Public Health and Safety in Kenya - July 2025
Following two patient murders at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) this year, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued urgent directives to all national referral hospitals aimed at enhancing patient safety and security. The Social Health Authority (SHA) will now fully cover the cost of a vital cancer therapy for breast and gastric cancers in Kenya, a result of a new deal between the Ministry of Health and Roche Pharmaceuticals that has reduced the per-session treatment cost from Sh120,000 to Sh40,000. In a significant overnight operation, NACADA, alongside the Anti-Narcotics Unit and police, seized cannabis valued at over Sh3 million in Kitale and arrested six suspects, just before the Jukwaa la Usalama Trans Nzoia forum.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
July 29
ODM and UDA Collaboration and Internal Party Dynamics - July 2025
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) announced its intention to form a technical team to collaborate with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to implement a broad-based agreement from March 8, aiming to fast-track a shared political agenda and support engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration. This decision followed an ODM Central Committee meeting. However, this collaboration has caused internal rifts within ODM, with Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma publicly demanding the immediate resignation of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his roles as Senate Minority Leader and Secretary-General of ODM, accusing him of causing party division. Additionally, Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has threatened to abandon ODM in the 2027 General Election if the party continues cooperating with President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza administration, expressing dismay over emerging political realignments.
Internal Strife in Kenya Kwanza Coalition Ahead of Elections - July 2025
The Kenya Kwanza coalition faces significant internal tensions as unmet expectations grow among its members. President William Ruto's leadership is questioned, as highlighted by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's announcement to withhold the identity of the preferred presidential candidate until closer to the 2027 elections to avoid sabotage. Additionally, cabinet secretary Hassan Joho's campaigning at the Coast has raised debates about his impact on Ruto's re-election bid. These developments indicate a precarious situation for the coalition as it approaches the upcoming elections.
National School Games Commence in Kakamega with Integrity Calls - July 2025
The 2025 National School Games officially kicked off in Kakamega, Kenya, with the Director General for Basic Education, Dr. Elyas Abdi, emphasizing integrity and the use of digital registration via KEMIS to prevent legal disputes. This week-long event hosts over 5,300 learners and 1,000 teachers from across Kenya. Musingu High School, known as the Scorpions, secured a decisive 5-1 victory over Moi High School Mbiruri, while Agai Mixed Secondary School defeated Garissa High School 9-1. The competition is particularly significant as Kenya is hosting the regional FEASSSA games, meaning all semi-finalists will qualify for the East Africa contest.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
July 30
Cabinet Approves Sale of Kenya Pipeline Company and Other Initiatives - July 2025
The Cabinet has approved a significant step to privatize a portion of the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) by listing its shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), as part of President William Ruto's government's privatization agenda to reduce state budget allocations and enhance efficiency. This decision, however, has sparked public outrage, with the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) opposing the move due to concerns over transparency and the potential threat to a vital national asset. In a related development, the Cabinet has also cleared the rollout of the World Bank-backed National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project, a Sh30 billion initiative aimed at supporting over 820,000 young Kenyans, despite facing significant funding challenges. Additionally, the Cabinet has approved increasing payouts to road contractors from 40 percent to 80 percent of verified claims, leveraging funds from the securitization of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), a measure set to unlock stalled projects nationwide.
President William Ruto Assents to Conflict of Interest Bill and Social Protection Bill 2025 - July 2025
President William Ruto has signed the Conflict of Interest Act, 2025, into law on July 30, 2025, at State House Nairobi. This legislation, also referred to as the Conflict of Interest Bill 2023, is a crucial step against graft, aiming to close corruption loopholes and strengthen public service accountability by establishing clear rules for public officers. Additionally, President Ruto signed the Social Protection Bill 2025, which significantly expands social welfare coverage to provide monthly stipends to more vulnerable Kenyans. These legislative actions underscore the government's commitment to enhancing accountability and ethical conduct among public officers while addressing social welfare needs.
Kenya and Tanzania Diplomatic and Trade Disputes - July 2025
Kenya has formally requested Tanzania to withdraw its newly imposed excise duties, industrial development levy, and laws that restrict foreign businesses, including Kenyan-owned enterprises, labeling them as discriminatory. This follows Tanzania's ban on certain Kenyan businesses, intensifying trade tensions between the two East African nations. In response, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei urged the Kenyan government to ban Tanzanian businesses and deport street beggars from Tanzania as a retaliatory measure. Amidst these tensions, President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed eight new bilateral agreements in Nairobi, bringing their total trade and cooperation deals to 25, a move that occurred just a day after Tanzania's restrictions on Kenyan businesses, highlighting efforts to strengthen alternative regional economic ties.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
July 31
Controversy Over NACADA's Proposed Alcohol Regulations - July 2025
John Mututho has criticized NACADA's proposed alcohol rules. Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects & Creative Economy, publicly criticized new alcohol regulations proposed by NACADA, warning of significant economic repercussions, particularly for content creators, and emphasizing the need for public consultation before implementation. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen’s proposed alcohol policy, calling it a waste of time, arguing it does little to address illicit alcohol and narcotics abuse. NACADA clarified that its new alcohol policy contains recommendations, not immediate bans, on issues like alcohol advertising and online sales.
Government Announces New University Fees and HELB Disbursement - July 2025
The Kenyan government has announced that the first disbursement of HELB loans for first-year students will begin on August 15, coinciding with university openings. This follows a significant increase in the allocation for the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), aiming to address previous funding shortfalls and ensure students can access higher education. Concurrently, the government has announced a reduction in university fees for all public university academic programmes, effective September 1, 2025. This major reduction under a student-centred funding model aims to ease the financial burden on students and families, ensuring affordable and accessible quality higher education.
Government Implements Stricter Tobacco Control Measures and Bans Imports - July 2025
The Kenyan government is implementing stricter tobacco control measures, including graphic health warnings on packaging, to combat rising cancer rates and the spread of illicit products. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale highlighted the public health emergency posed by tobacco and nicotine use, linking it to powerful individuals who obstruct destruction of seized harmful substances. This move is part of the government's efforts to address widespread health issues caused by tobacco misuse. To further this objective, the Kenyan government has banned all imports of tobacco products.
More from Thursday:
Friday
August 1
Kenyan Government Announces HELB Disbursement for First-Year Students on August 15 - August 2025
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is set to disburse loans for first-year university students on August 15. The Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced this initiative, emphasizing that it aims to ensure students can settle into their academic journeys without interruption. This follows a significant increase in the allocation for HELB, intended to address previous funding shortfalls and improve access to higher education. The University of Nairobi also announced plans to lower accommodation fees for its students, providing relief after weeks of protests and a petition to the Ministry of Education.
East African Nations Co-Host African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 - August 2025
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are co-hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with the theme "PAMOJA," serving as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which they will also jointly host. The tournament, set to kick off on Saturday and run until August 30, aims to showcase East Africa's readiness for major continental football events despite initial stadium delays. Former Harambee Stars striker Dennis Oliech has been unveiled as Kenya's official Pamoja CHAN 2024 Ambassador. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed strict stadium rules for the event, while Harambee Stars captain Abud Omar expresses confidence in Kenya's preparations for their opening match against DR Congo on Sunday at the revamped Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Fans are urged to attend in large numbers.
Healthcare Workers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Neglect and Unqualified Nurses - August 2025
Nurses in Kenya, represented by the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives (KNUMM), have declared a nationwide strike beginning August 8, 2025. This action is a response to years of alleged neglect and broken promises from county governments, specifically concerning the implementation of the 2017 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Adding to the crisis, the Ministry of Health abruptly declared 306 intern nurses unqualified after they had already worked for three weeks, impacting their fate and contributing to widespread nursing concerns.
More from Friday:
Saturday
August 2
African Summits and Peace Efforts for Democratic Republic of Congo - August 2025
President William Ruto co-chaired a historic summit in Nairobi on Friday, August 1, leading to a landmark deal uniting Africa’s major power blocs to tackle the deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Following this, Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe will convene a Joint EAC-SADC Summit within seven days to formally adopt resolutions on peace in DRC. They have also proposed an African Union-led Joint Secretariat to unify all regional peace efforts, including the Nairobi and Luanda initiatives, into a single, cohesive African-led framework, strengthening the continent's approach to conflict resolution.
Cabinet Secretary Duale Threatens Action Over Alleged Organ Trafficking - August 2025
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued severe warnings to former Kesses MP and Mediheal Hospital owner Swarup Mishra, threatening prosecution, deportation, and citizenship revocation. These accusations stem from reports by German media outlets implicating Mediheal in an international organ trafficking syndicate. Duale's threats are a direct response to Mishra's alleged involvement in an international organ harvesting scheme, with the aim of revoking his citizenship and deporting him to India. This strong stance highlights the government's intent to crack down on serious criminal activities.
Government Efforts to Address Human-Wildlife Conflict in Nakuru County - August 2025
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued immediate orders to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to take urgent action regarding escalating hyena attacks in Njoro, Nakuru County. These attacks have tragically resulted in deaths, including that of a 14-year-old boy, and significant livestock losses. The directive came during a community event on Saturday, August 2, where Kindiki also promised government compensation for affected families. This underscores the government's commitment to addressing the severe human-wildlife conflict in the area.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
August 3
Harambee Stars CHAN Match Prompts Road Closures and Public Enthusiasm - August 2025
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) match between Kenya's Harambee Stars and the Democratic Republic of Congo took place at a packed Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. An early goal by the DRC Leopards was disallowed by VAR, adding to the stadium's atmosphere. Hundreds of Kenyan football fans flocked to Kasarani for the opening match, demonstrating vibrant patriotic energy despite strict attendance rules. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) issued an advisory for travelers using Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport due to road closures in Nairobi for the CHAN tournament, advising planning for potential delays and using alternative routes. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has pledged to sponsor at least 500 fans for the next three Harambee Stars matches in the African Nations Championships (CHAN) following the team's victory.
ODM Faction Threatens Walkout Over UDA Alliance - August 2025
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has declared he will resign if the party formally agrees to collaborate with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the 2027 General Election. This stance, echoed by Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, signals a growing rebellion within ODM against its warming ties with the ruling UDA. The dissenting faction, led by Amisi and Sifuna, plans a significant political declaration in Saboti, dubbed the “Lukhome Declaration”, threatening a mass walkout from the party if its leader, Raila Odinga, endorses President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Harambee Stars Victories and Debut at CHAN 2024 - August 2025
The Harambee Stars made their historic debut at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a significant 1-0 victory over DR Congo at MISC Kasarani Stadium. Austine 'Rolls Royce' Odhiambo scored the decisive goal just before halftime, securing the win for Kenya. This victory marked a momentous occasion for Kenya's football journey, with thousands of Kenyans braving cold weather to fill the stadium, showcasing national unity. The team's morale was high following a visit from President William Ruto, who pledged a significant reward if they won the championship, and they were pursuing a prize of Sh452.2 million.