August 4 - August 10, 2025
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, August 4 to Sunday, August 10, 2025, organized by weekday.
Monday
August 4
President Ruto's Government Actions and Appointments - August 2025
President William Ruto has issued a strong warning to Level 4 health facilities that continue to charge citizens for outpatient services, despite government funding for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), promising swift action against such practices. He also announced that the procurement process for the new Nithi Bridge, a notorious accident blackspot, will begin on August 5, with construction slated for completion before the 2027 general elections, featuring a straightened design for improved safety. Furthermore, President Ruto nominated Dr. Amani Yuda Komora as the new chairperson and Angeline Yiamiton Siparo as a member of the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) on August 4, following a selection process.
Government Measures Against Illegal Activities and Scams - August 2025
The Kenyan government has issued a warning to youth applying for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) program due to a rise in fake platforms and scammers, reiterating that the program is free and does not require payment. In a separate development, the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) announced that five Kenyans were convicted in a Mombasa Law Court for encroaching on a road reserve along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway, stemming from their failure to comply with multiple vacation notices issued on April 4. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence has warned Kenyans about sophisticated global scams targeting banking systems, which are being leveraged by criminal organizations to finance terrorism by exploiting vulnerabilities in international financial networks and the dark web.
Legal Actions and Charges Against Individuals - August 2025
Two Burundian nationals have been charged in a Mombasa court for the possession and attempted sale of 27 pieces of elephant tusks, estimated to be worth over Kshs12 million. They were apprehended by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) in Miritini, Mombasa County, following a sting operation. In a related case, former Baringo Central MP Sammy Mwaita has been charged with land fraud concerning a Ksh150 million scheme along Mai Mahiu Road in Nairobi West, with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) confirming the charges after his appearance at the Milimani Law Courts. This follows his arrest on Sunday, August 3, by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kilimani on suspicion of land fraud concerning two prime plots along Mai Mahiu Road in Nairobi West.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
August 5
EACC Reports Reveal Bribery Trends and Corrupt Institutions - August 2025
New reports from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) highlight significant trends in bribery across Kenya. Makueni County showed the lowest likelihood of bribe demands at 0.61 times, contrasting sharply with Kwale and Kilifi. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) emerged as the institution demanding the highest average bribes, reaching Sh200,000, despite a national average bribe drop from Sh11,625 in 2023 to Sh4,878 in 2024. The EACC's National Ethics and Corruption Survey 2024 further identified police officers, National Registration Bureau officers, and medical officers as professions most prone to receiving bribes.
Government Actions and Initiatives in Education Sector - August 2025
The Kenyan government has announced a nationwide promotion exercise for thousands of teachers, allocating Ksh1 billion for the initiative to address educators remaining in the same job groups for years, with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) prioritizing those most affected. Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba has also directed all schools to re-register through the new Kenya Education Management Information System (KEMIS) to combat “ghost schools” and prevent fraudulent fund allocation, specifically after concerns about Ksh1.3 billion in infrastructure funds being diverted. Additionally, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has offered an 80 percent waiver on accrued penalties for student loan defaulters who pay their arrears in full, aiming to encourage repayment and sustain future funding.
Kenya's Harambee Stars CHAN 2024 Campaign & Presidential Bonuses - August 2025
Kenya's Harambee Stars began their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, sparking fan jubilation. President William Ruto fulfilled his promise, disbursing a total of KSh42 million to the team following their win. This financial incentive is part of a broader trend in the 2024 CHAN, where East African presidents, including those from Uganda and Tanzania, are offering significant bonuses to their national teams for tournament success, making it a high-stakes financial pursuit alongside football glory. Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy lauded his players' performance after this victory and expressed confidence ahead of their second CHAN 2024 fixture against Angola at Kasarani Stadium.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
August 6
Government Directives and Actions on Corruption - August 2025
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to arrest all civil servants implicated in recent corruption reports, signaling a strong government stance against the looting of public resources. Speaking multiple times in Matuga Constituency, Kwale County, CS Ruku emphasized that the era of impunity is over and no corrupt official will be spared. Concurrently, an audit of Kenya's eCitizen digital payments platform has unearthed significant governance issues, unauthorized transactions, and systemic failures, potentially leading to the loss and mismanagement of over KSh10.8 billion in public revenue, raising serious concerns about the platform's transparency and integrity.
Government Policy Changes and Citizen Services - August 2025
The Kenyan government is set to strictly enforce existing regulations barring school buses from operating before 6 AM or after 6 PM, a directive aimed at enhancing student safety, with Permanent Secretary for Basic Education, Julius Bitok, warning that schools flouting these rules will face action. The Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) is also engaging with the Registrar of Persons to decentralize the collection of IDs and driving licenses, aiming to bring these documents closer to applicants at the sub-county level and address uncollected documents and delays. Additionally, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has launched the Remittances Household Survey (RHS) to collect detailed information on international remittances received by Kenyan households, with field personnel visiting homes to gather data to inform policy formulation.
Kenyan Political Developments and New Parties - August 2025
Former Mathare Member of Parliament Steven Kariuki has launched the Kenya Moja Movement Party, inviting aspirants for upcoming by-elections and the 2027 General Election. This comes as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed elections will proceed as scheduled. Simultaneously, President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have established a five-member committee to oversee the implementation of their joint 10-point agenda, agreed upon in March, highlighting ongoing political realignments. A fresh rivalry has also erupted between Kenya's Senate and National Assembly over the Equalization Fund Appropriation Bill, 2025, involving key political figures and showing inter-parliamentary tensions.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
August 7
Government Delayed Fund Disbursements Leading to Operational Issues - August 2025
The Nairobi County Government announced delays in disbursing July salaries to its staff, attributing the issue to the non-receipt of the equitable share from the National Government. This situation is part of a broader problem, as the Council of Governors (CoG) stated that Kenyan counties are facing severe financial difficulties and challenges in service delivery due to delayed disbursement of funds by the National Treasury. Concurrently, Members of Parliament criticized Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba for funding delays that forced schools to fundraise for students participating in the ongoing Kenya Music Festival, accusing the Ministry of Education of neglecting its duty and failing to provide timely facilitation funds.
Investigations and Actions Following BBC Child Exploitation Exposé - August 2025
Following a shocking BBC Africa Eye documentary titled 'Madam: Exposing Kenya's Child Sex Trade' which highlighted alleged cases of sexual trafficking and exploitation of minors in Maai Mahiu, Nakuru County, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the ring. Immediately after the exposé, Inspector General Douglas Kanja launched a full-scale investigation into the child exploitation ring. Additionally, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika responded by ordering a crackdown on implicated individuals and deploying emergency response teams to the area, which involved a ring operating in Nakuru and Narok counties, exploiting minors for commercial sex, particularly targeting truck drivers.
Boda Boda Related Directives and Incidents - August 2025
President William Ruto issued orders for the immediate release of over 9,000 impounded boda bodas that had no criminal charges, aiming to support the vital sector with the release to be completed within seven days. This directive came shortly after he rejected a proposed ban on boda bodas in major Kenyan cities, defending their economic contribution and crediting them for his 2022 election victory, directly countering Senior Advisor Makau Mutua's call for their removal due to perceived chaos. Despite these presidential actions, traffic was disrupted on Jogoo Road on Thursday, August 7, after boda boda operators set a Citi Hoppa bus ablaze in a retaliatory act, following the bus allegedly striking and fatally injuring one of their colleagues.
More from Thursday:
Friday
August 8
Investigation and Impact of Mwihoko Plane Crash on August 7 - August 2025
On Thursday, August 7, a fatal plane crash in Mwihoko, Kiambu County, near Nairobi, killed six people. The Cessna Citation air ambulance, operated by AMREF Flying Doctors, crashed shortly after taking off from Wilson Airport, en route to Hargeisa, Somalia. Aircraft accident investigators later recovered the black box from the crashed AMREF plane, a crucial device expected to provide key insights into the cause of the accident, which also killed a daughter of a single mother, Mercy Nafula, whose home was destroyed.
President Ruto Initiates Compensation for Protest Victims - August 2025
President William Ruto announced an initiative to compensate victims of protests in Kenya as part of a national healing and unity plan, aligning with the implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report. He has established a new team to coordinate compensation for victims of protests in Kenya since 2017. Furthermore, President Ruto appointed Makua Mutua, his senior advisor on Constitutional Affairs and Human Rights, to lead this coordinating framework for the compensation of victims of protests and riots, aiming to address human and economic costs while balancing constitutional freedoms with civic responsibility.
Kenya's Harambee Stars Prepare for Crucial CHAN 2024 Angola Match - August 2025
The Harambee Stars of Kenya are set to face Angola in a crucial TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Group A clash on Thursday, August 7, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, aiming for a second consecutive win after their 1-0 victory over DR Congo. Harambee Stars defender Alphonce Omija expressed strong confidence in the team's ability, stating they fear no opponent and are prepared to face tournament heavyweights like Morocco and Angola. Coach Benni McCarthy is expected to utilize young talent Manzur Suleiman Okwaro in midfield, who had a standout performance in the previous victory. The team seeks another win in the CHAN fixtures to move closer to the knockout stages.
More from Friday:
Saturday
August 9
Kisumu County Fatal Bus Crash and Aftermath - August 2025
A tragic road accident occurred on August 8, 2025, on the Kisumu-Kakamega Road near Coptic Roundabout and Mamboleo area, involving a school bus carrying mourners from the Sigoti Clan. Initial reports indicated 19 to 21 fatalities, which later rose to 25 or 26 deaths with 32 survivors, many in critical condition, receiving treatment at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH). Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o issued an urgent call to KeNHA for immediate road reconstruction and redesign, while President William Ruto directed action against those responsible for negligence and urged nationwide traffic enforcement. An urgent blood drive was launched at JOOTRH to aid the survivors.
President Ruto's Government Appointments and Re-Appointments - August 2025
President William Ruto has made several significant appointments and re-appointments to key government boards and authorities. On August 8, 2025, he reappointed Shallow Abdullahi Yahya as the non-executive Chairperson of the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) for an additional three years. Furthermore, President Ruto appointed Charles Kamau Karondo as the new non-executive Chairperson of the Communications Authority (CA) Board of Directors, a move that revokes the previous appointment of Mary Wambui Mungai. These changes, detailed in Gazette Notices, also impacted other institutions like Kenya Railways and multiple universities, signifying a reshuffling of authority within government agencies.
IEBC Sets November 27 for By-Elections - August 2025
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), led by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, has scheduled all pending by-elections across Kenya for Thursday, November 27, 2025. These elections will fill vacant Senate, National Assembly, and County Assembly seats, with the schedule gazetted by the commission. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also rallied women in Malava Constituency to elect a trustworthy leader in their specific by-election on the same November 27 date, emphasizing the importance of their role in regional development.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
August 10
Gachagua Refuses DCI Summons and Criticizes CBK Survey - August 2025
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to arrest him upon his return to Kenya due to his explosive claims in the United States linking President William Ruto to terrorism. Gachagua has defied Murkomen’s order to record a statement with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) regarding these remarks, reiterating his willingness to assist U.S. investigations and promising to publicly share his return flight details. Concurrently, while touring the United States, Gachagua urged Kenyans in the diaspora to reject the Central Bank of Kenya's (CBK) proposed household survey on remittance inflows, warning that the 'ill-intended' and 'intrusive' survey could lead to additional taxes on remittances.
Nairobi County Implements Crackdowns and Road Closures - August 2025
Nairobi Chief Officer of Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, announced a fresh crackdown on illegal dumping sites, leveraging the newly confirmed 3,500 “Green Army” environmental workers to educate residents and close unofficial dumping locations. Separately, Nairobi County launched a night crackdown on churches, clubs, and event organizers over noise pollution, following numerous complaints, particularly in areas like Pipeline Estate. Additionally, Nairobi traffic will be significantly affected by road closures and diversions ahead of the Kenya vs. Morocco African Nations Championship (CHAN) match at Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani, with motorists advised to avoid Thika Road unless attending the game.
Gachagua Accused of Al-Shabaab Allegations against Ruto, Refuses Statement - August 2025
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been strongly criticized by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Cabinet Secretary Murkomen for making allegations that President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration have ties to terrorist organizations. Kindiki labeled Gachagua's claims as "reckless," sparking sharp reactions from government-allied leaders who are demanding accountability. Gachagua has reportedly dared the Kenya Kwanza government to arrest him and has refused to record a police statement regarding his remarks, claiming harassment and threats from CS Murkomen.