August 25 - August 31, 2025
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, August 25 to Sunday, August 31, 2025, organized by weekday.
Monday
August 25
Health Ministry Rejects Sh10.6Bn in Fraudulent Claims and Hires 7,414 UHC Staff - August 2025
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale defended the Social Health Authority's (SHA) rejection of Sh10.6 billion in medical claims, citing widespread fraud. The Ministry of Health revealed a significant fraud scheme within SHA, which has led to numerous facility closures. An additional Sh3 billion in claims is under re-evaluation, and Sh2.1 billion is under surveillance as part of the government's intensified crackdown on healthcare fraud. In a separate development, the Ministry of Health announced the permanent absorption of 7,414 temporary Universal Health Coverage (UHC) staff. These employees will be transitioned to permanent and pensionable terms by September 2025 following a verification process.
Police Respond to Nairobi Business Attack, Raid Piracy Den, and Reconcile Kisumu Groups - August 2025
The National Police Service (NPS) responded to an attack on businesses along Nairobi's Kimathi Street, clarifying it was a targeted incident from a business dispute, not widespread insecurity. In a separate action in Nairobi, police raided a residential apartment and apprehended two individuals for the alleged unlawful distribution of digital copies of the Daily Nation newspaper, charging them with copyright infringement. Meanwhile, police in Kisumu restored calm following violent weekend clashes between boda boda riders and a youth group that left one person dead. A peace meeting was brokered, leading to an agreement to end hostilities.
Government Pledges Harambee Stars Investment & Sonko Petitions CAF for Match Replay After CHAN Exit - August 2025
Following a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Madagascar in the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals, Harambee Stars received praise for their performance. In response to the match outcome, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko petitioned the CAF Disciplinary Board to replay the match, alleging two Kenyan goals were wrongly disallowed. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also announced that the Kenyan government will significantly increase investment in Harambee Stars and other sports. Speaking in Wajir County, he praised the national football team's performance and pledged comprehensive support for their future endeavors. The article also highlighted four unsung heroes crucial to the team's impressive run.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
August 26
Social Health Authority (SHA) Faces Allegations of Fraud and Missing Payment Claims - August 2025
Kenya's Social Health Authority (SHA), launched in October 2024 to replace the NHIF, is embroiled in significant fraud scandals, with reports of billions of shillings being lost to cartels. The Social Health Authority has refuted claims that a list of payments to hospitals went missing and that it disabled the Kenya Master Facility Registry. This response came after payment records and the registry became inaccessible on Monday, August 25, amidst allegations of massive fraud. Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of COTU, has accused the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Digital Health Authority (DHA) of responsibility for the fraudulent claims. Atwoli asserts that the SHA lacks autonomy due to its reliance on an IT platform controlled by the MoH and DHA, which threatens to undermine universal healthcare efforts.
Sudan and Madagascar to Clash in CHAN Semifinal; Kenya Beats Zambia - August 2025
In an upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) semifinal, Sudan's Falcons of Jediane will face Madagascar's Barea at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on August 25, 2025. Both teams are considered underdogs and are vying for a place in the final. In other news, Kenya secured a win over Zambia. Meanwhile, Uganda Cranes and Vipers playmaker Allan Okello is being linked with a move to Kenyan giants AFC Leopards. The 25-year-old midfielder has remained non-committal on the reports. Okello has a contract with Vipers until June 2026 and stated he is focused on the upcoming season with his current club.
Youthful MPs Form New Political Group to be a 'Third Force' - August 2025
A new political group, led by young and youthful Members of Parliament, is emerging in Kenya to challenge the existing political establishment. This formation aims to form a third political force ahead of the 2027 elections. The lawmakers express frustration with traditional party loyalties and are advocating for a new, youth-led political agenda. They seek to offer a different approach to politics that transcends traditional party lines. The group intends to chart a fresh path for the country, independent of existing party affiliations.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
August 27
Police and EACC Announce Arrests in Multiple Criminal Cases - August 2025
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested fourteen teenagers, aged 12 to 19, in connection with a gang-related murder and identified seven Nairobi estates as hotspots for teen radicalisation. In South Nyanza, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) dismantled a syndicate of fake anti-corruption officers, arresting seven individuals in an extortion scheme. Detectives also arrested three suspects from a gang responsible for violent robberies in Nyamira and Kisii Counties, including an attack on a 96-year-old grandmother. Additionally, the EACC arrested a senior accountant of the Siaya County Government for allegedly embezzling close to Ksh100 million through fraudulent allowances.
Government Agencies Launch Crackdowns on Traffic Violations, Illegal Sugar, and Waste Dumping - August 2025
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has launched a nationwide crackdown on reckless driving, specifically ordering police to arrest drivers and passengers of vehicles transporting students in violation of traffic laws. This is part of the ‘Watoto Wafike Salama’ campaign. The Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) also launched a nationwide crackdown on Wednesday, August 27, targeting both small-scale shops and large supermarkets for the illegal sale and supply of sugar. In the capital, the Nairobi County Government is intensifying its crackdown on illegal waste dumping, threatening to revoke licenses and prosecute Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and Private Service Providers (PSPs) who violate regulations.
Senate Holds Impeachment Hearing for Kericho Governor Eric Mutai - August 2025
The Senate has commenced impeachment hearings against Kericho Governor Eric Mutai, who was impeached by the Kericho County Assembly on August 15. Governor Mutai has pleaded not guilty to three charges: gross violation of the Constitution, abuse of office, and gross misconduct. He has assembled a legal team led by prominent lawyer Katwa Kigen to defend him against the allegations. During a plenary hearing on the impeachment, former Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba was blocked from entering the Senate chambers, despite presenting a court order that reinstated her position.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
August 28
Kericho Governor's Impeachment Trial Begins as Busia County is Probed for Ksh5.2B Loss - August 2025
The impeachment trial of Kericho Governor Erick Mutai has entered its second day, featuring explosive testimonies alleging extortion, financial mismanagement, and ghost projects. The hearing, which began on August 27, has uncovered widespread accusations of corruption and abuse of power against the governor. In a separate case of county-level financial scrutiny, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has formally petitioned the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate alleged massive corruption within Busia County. Omtatah claims that a total of Ksh5.2 billion was lost through systematic looting, financial mismanagement, and other irregularities.
Crackdowns Target Illegal Sewage Disposal in Githurai, Alcohol Sales Near Schools, and Teen Gangs in Nairobi - August 2025
The Nairobi County Government has initiated a crackdown in Githurai 44, targeting landlords and traders for disposing of raw sewage, with arrests expected next week after a notice. Concurrently, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced a nationwide crackdown on businesses selling alcohol near schools, stating their licenses will be revoked following an audit. Additionally, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has identified seven Nairobi estates as hotspots for teen gangs after a gang-related killing. In connection with the murder, fourteen teenagers aged between 12 and 19 have been arrested.
President Ruto Announces Police Recruitment, Housing for Players, and University Expansion Plan - August 2025
President William Ruto announced that police recruitment will resume next month after a three-year stall, with 4,000 of the 10,000 new positions being reserved for National Youth Service (NYS) graduates. The President has also pledged that the government will cover half the cost of affordable housing units for Harambee Stars players, on the condition that the reward is strictly housing and not cash. Following a directive from President Ruto, the government plans to relocate the Homa Bay GK Prison to facilitate the expansion of Tom Mboya University. This project will transfer 113 hectares of prison land for the construction of 5,000 housing units, including hostels.
More from Thursday:
Friday
August 29
Gridlock on Nairobi-Nakuru Highway; Update Provided on Planned Expansion Project - August 2025
Hundreds of motorists were stranded for over 10 hours on the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway after a massive traffic jam began on Thursday, August 28, at 8:30 PM (21). The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) confirmed the gridlock stretched between Naivasha and Kikopey (21). KeNHA blamed the congestion on lane indiscipline and heavy traffic from the NYS pass-out parade in Gilgil, advising motorists to use alternative routes (10). In developments concerning the same corridor, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi stated he has not yet approved proposals for the planned Rironi–Mau Summit highway expansion (22). The 175-kilometre project is estimated to cost Ksh200 billion and will proceed as a Public-Private Partnership (22).
Govt Extends HELB Deadline to Sep 14 and Bans Parents from School Prayer Days - August 2025
The Kenyan government has extended the application deadline for the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the Universities Fund for first-year students to September 14 (5). Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba directed HELB to grant the two-week extension, which benefits 802,159 students following the disbursement of Ksh23.1 billion in financial support (2). In a separate directive related to education, the Ministry of Education has prohibited all extracurricular activities, including parental attendance at prayer days in schools, for the third term (27). This measure is intended to increase student focus ahead of the upcoming KCSE and KPSEA national examinations (27).
EACC Summons Governors and Arrests Officers; DPP Explains Case Withdrawals - August 2025
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has summoned Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok and former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati for questioning over corruption allegations, ordering them to appear at Integrity Centre on Monday, September 1, 2025 (8). The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has consented to their charges (8). Separately, four traffic police officers were arrested on Thursday, August 28, by the EACC in an undercover operation along the Nairobi–Nyeri–Embu Highway over bribery allegations (25). In a related context, DPP Renson Ingonga explained that the withdrawal of high-profile cases is primarily due to preventing malicious prosecutions against the government and avoiding hefty litigation costs (4).
More from Friday:
Saturday
August 30
US Implements Policy Changes Affecting Kenyan Trade and Citizens - August 2025
Kenyan businesses face a significant blow after US President Donald Trump scrapped the 'de minimis' tariff exemption for small packages valued under $800 (Ksh103,600). This decision means these packages will now be subject to tariffs and taxes, impacting small business owners who ship to the US. In a separate development, Kenya's preferential trade access via the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is set to expire on September 30, 2025, a situation that could devastate the country's apparel manufacturing sector. Furthermore, the Trump administration has announced stricter measures against foreigners, including Kenyans, traveling to the United States primarily to give birth, a move that will lead to visa denials for individuals identified with such intentions.
Government Agencies Announce New Deadlines, Timelines, and Payment Directives - August 2025
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has announced new recruitment timelines for various government positions and public universities, as outlined in its Citizen Service Charter 2025. In the education sector, Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has directed the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to extend the loan application deadline for university and TVET students to Sunday, September 14, providing an additional two weeks. Meanwhile, a directive from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) mandating all payments for entry and services at Karura Forest be made exclusively through the eCitizen platform has been met with opposition. The Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) community trust is opposing the move, citing concerns over a breach of their joint-management agreement.
Kericho Governor Erick Mutai Survives Second Impeachment Attempt in Senate - August 2025
The Senate voted to acquit Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, allowing him to survive a second impeachment attempt by the Kericho County Assembly in less than a year. Following the acquittal, Governor Mutai called for unity among Kericho leaders for the sake of development and the growth of the county. He extended an olive branch to Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) who had supported his ouster. However, the Governor also criticized the County Assembly Speaker, Patrick Mutai, and rebel MCAs for engaging in disruptive politics. This marks the second time Governor Mutai has overcome an impeachment motion initiated by the county assembly.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
August 31
President Ruto Pushes for e-Procurement System Amid Opposition from Governors and Civil Servants - August 2025
President William Ruto has affirmed there will be no reversal of Kenya's new electronic procurement system, despite facing opposition. He defended the platform as crucial for eliminating corruption in the acquisition of government goods and services. Speaking in Siaya County, President Ruto issued a strong challenge to civil servants resisting his administration's reforms, urging them to resign if they cannot align with his agenda. He specifically emphasized the government's commitment to digital systems like e-procurement as part of his anti-graft measures. The policy faces pushback, as Governors have threatened to take legal action against the Treasury over the electronic procurement system.
Morocco Wins Third CHAN Title, Defeating Madagascar 3-2 in Nairobi Final - August 2025
Morocco secured their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title by dramatically defeating Madagascar 3-2 at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday. Oussama Lamlioui scored a brace for the Atlas Lions, including a stunning winner to clinch the championship. Following the victory, President William Ruto and AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf congratulated Morocco, which made history by becoming the first team to win the CHAN title three times. The tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, was praised as the most successful in its 15-year history by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe. The final at Kasarani Stadium culminated in a vibrant closing ceremony featuring musical performances by Tanzanian songbird Zuchu and Savara.
Political Struggle for Mt. Kenya Involving Ruto, Gachagua, and Uhuru - August 2025
A political power struggle is brewing in Kiambu, Mt. Kenya, involving President William Ruto, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. These leaders are vying for political control of the significant Kiambu region, which is critical for future Mt Kenya votes. In a separate development, former Deputy President Gachagua has accused the government of silence regarding what he claims are foreign troops occupying parts of Mandera. Gachagua stated this has led to five deaths and displacement. His concerns follow similar ones raised by Governor Mohamed Khalif regarding Jubaland troops in the area.