September 8 - September 14, 2025
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, September 8 to Sunday, September 14, 2025, organized by weekday.
Monday
September 8
Second Africa Climate Summit Opens in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - September 2025
The Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) officially opened on Monday, September 8, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, gathering African leaders and global partners. At the summit, the African Union (AU) called for genuine international cooperation to finance Africa's climate adaptation efforts, emphasizing that climate justice is crucial for global action. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proposed an African Climate Innovation Compact, a continent-wide partnership to foster homegrown solutions to the climate crisis. PM Abiy also announced that Ethiopia has formally applied to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) in 2027. The three-day summit aims to help leaders strategize for a greener and more resilient continent.
Hospitals Face Closure Over Ksh76B Debt; Court Issues Orders to Mbagathi Hospital - September 2025
Over 3,000 private and faith-based hospitals are at risk of closing by December due to the government's failure to settle a Ksh76 billion debt, according to the Rural and Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA). In a separate matter, the High Court ordered Mbagathi Hospital to resume treating inmates referred by the Kenya Prisons Service (KFS), despite an ongoing dispute over Ksh12 million in unpaid medical bills. The ruling by Justice Bahati Mwamuye emphasized the constitutional right to health for all persons. Meanwhile, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has mandated that all ambulance services and emergency care providers must register with the council by September 15, 2025. This measure is intended to standardize emergency healthcare in Kenya.
UDA and ODM Parties Collaborate to Dominate November 27 By-elections - September 2025
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) parties have initiated a joint strategic effort to secure the majority of seats in upcoming by-elections. This collaboration is seen as a precursor to the 2027 general election, with the parties working towards a potential coalition government. ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga declared that the allied parties are prepared for a landslide victory in the 24 by-elections scheduled for November 27. Wanga expressed confidence that strategies such as backing single candidates in strongholds will ensure their success. This joint effort is occurring amidst increased competition from a united opposition front.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
September 9
Police Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting, Gang Attack, and Disrupt Illegal Power Connections - September 2025
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has revealed new details in the fatal shooting of Kennedy Ojuma and Stephen Mwendwa by an off-duty DCI officer in Makongeni, Thika. The incident reportedly occurred after a minor traffic accident. In a separate event in Kakamega County, police have arrested ten suspects following a violent attack on Emakale Police Post, where a gang stormed the station and raided an officer's house. Meanwhile, in Nairobi, the County Government has launched a major crackdown on illegal power connections within the CBD. An unauthorized electricity distribution hub was dismantled near the National Archives, as these setups are believed to enable criminal gangs and compromise security infrastructure.
Authorities Warn on Fake Police Recruitment Links, Unpaid Pension Levies, and Counterfeit Seeds - September 2025
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has warned the public against fake online application links related to its recruitment of 10,000 police constables. Separately, the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) issued a stern warning to retirement scheme providers, urging them to pay the retirement benefits levy by the October 31 deadline to avoid substantial fines. The RBA stated that non-compliance could lead to a five per cent monthly penalty on outstanding amounts. In the agricultural sector, authorities in Busia County have warned farmers to be vigilant after seizing 160 bags of fake bean seeds and unmarked bags of fake cotton seeds in a raid. This bust followed a tip-off regarding the distribution of counterfeit seeds in the region.
Govt Targets 30M SHA Registrations and Launches Ambulance Service Amid Fraud Concerns - September 2025
The Social Health Authority (SHA) is set to introduce free ambulance services across Kenya, with President William Ruto expected to launch the initiative by the end of September. This service aims to provide crucial emergency care access to all citizens. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced that over 26 million Kenyans have already registered for the SHA medical cover, with the government targeting 30 million enrollments by December and full coverage by 2027. Despite this progress, Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga revealed that the new authority is grappling with widespread fraud less than a year after it began processing claims. PS Oluga admitted that unscrupulous hospitals, some linked to influential figures, have received millions of shillings for questionable services, causing public outrage.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
September 10
Political Parties Withdraw from By-Elections and Petition for Funding Changes Ahead of 2027 - September 2025
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), led by Rigathi Gachagua, has withdrawn its candidates from multiple upcoming by-elections to support allied opposition parties. The party dropped out of the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election for the November 27 polls, a decision announced on September 10 as part of a move to foster opposition unity for the 2027 General Elections. In a separate but related development, a coalition of 44 small Kenyan political parties is petitioning Parliament to amend the Political Parties Act 2011. They are seeking what they claim is fair government funding. The parties argue that the current funding structure unfairly favors larger parties, crippling their operational capabilities.
Nairobi Authorities Address Expressway Safety, Plan Demolitions, and Announce Eastleigh Crackdown - September 2025
In Nairobi, MOJA Expressway Company addressed online rumors about structural cracks on the Nairobi Expressway, assuring motorists the 27-kilometer road is in perfect condition and secure. In a separate city initiative, several Nairobi estates are slated for demolition to be replaced with modern apartments as part of the Nairobi Urban Renewal Project. This program aims to accommodate the city's population, projected to reach 10 million by 2050. Additionally, Nairobi County's Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, announced a crackdown in Eastleigh targeting illegal dumping and unlawful activities by hawkers and business owners. Those found violating environmental laws face arrest and legal action.
County Officials Issue Warnings on Public Service Delivery and Public Safety - September 2025
Governor Abdulswamad Shariff of Mombasa County has issued a stern warning to blacklist contractors who fail to deliver on government projects, particularly in the water sector. In Tharaka Nithi, Governor Muthomi Njuki condemned doctors at Chuka Level 5 Hospital for allegedly neglecting duties and diverting patients to their private clinics, warning of disciplinary action. In a separate public safety issue, health officials in Embu County have raised concerns over an increased sale of uninspected donkey and dog meat. The officials warned of forthcoming crackdowns on illicit traders to curb a rise in diseases.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
September 11
Investigation into Murder of Lawyer Kyalo Mbobu on Magadi Road - September 2025
An investigation is underway into the murder of Nairobi-based lawyer Kyalo Mbobu, who was killed on Magadi Road. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that significant progress has been made in the probe. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has given detectives 7 days to conclude their investigation into the killing. A post-mortem examination, conducted by Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor, confirmed that Mbobu died from excessive bleeding and severe injuries from bullet wounds. The family of the slain lawyer has spoken out to demand justice, describing him as the pillar of their family and urging the government to conduct speedy investigations.
Doctors Demand Salary Increase and Hospitals Report SHA Portal Issues - September 2025
Following the payment of salary arrears, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) is now demanding that the administration implement a previously agreed-upon salary increase for doctors. KMPDU is also calling for the immediate disbursement of 2024–2025 salary arrears. Separately, the Rural and Urban Private Hospitals Association of Kenya (RUPHA) has raised an alarm over a 'system bug' in the Social Health Authority (SHA) portal, alleging it has reinstated hospitals previously suspended for fraud. Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confronted a contractor in Uasin Gishu County over significant delays in the construction of the Ziwa Level Five Hospital, a project that began in 2015.
Ruto's Victims Compensation Panel Suspends Operations Amid Other Executive Actions - September 2025
The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, which was established by President William Ruto, has suspended its operations. The panel confirmed it is complying with a court order that challenged its legality. In a separate development, Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo revealed that President Ruto and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei are cracking down on government officials engaged in illegal private business dealings. A new poll by TIFA Research also found that opposition to the Ruto-Raila broad-based government has increased to 64 percent, a 10 percent rise since May 2025.
More from Thursday:
Friday
September 12
Police Face Legal Challenge on Recruitment, Announce Boda Boda Crackdown, and Deny Spying - September 2025
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a nationwide crackdown on rogue boda boda riders, directing police to arrest criminals operating within the sector. Concurrently, the police service faces a legal challenge as a public interest group has moved to court to halt the recruitment of 10,000 police officers. The challenge is due to an ongoing dispute over who controls the National Police Service (NPS) payroll. In a separate issue, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has vehemently denied recent allegations of spying on citizens' phones, labeling claims in a Daily Nation article as "false and sensational."
Investigation and Protests Follow Murder of Lawyer Kyalo Mbobu - September 2025
Lawyers across Kenya held a ‘Purple Ribbon March’ on Friday, September 12, to protest the assassination of their colleague, lawyer Kyalo Mbobu, who was killed on Wednesday evening. The lawyers marched to demand a speedy investigation into his murder. Following this, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has given detectives a seven-day ultimatum to conclude their probe into the lawyer's killing. CCTV footage has reportedly been recovered that reveals the final moments of Lawyer Mbobu before he was killed.
Political Parties and Leaders Strategize for Upcoming Elections - September 2025
Kenya's political landscape is seeing shifts ahead of future elections. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced its party primaries for upcoming by-elections will take place between September 24 and September 27, 2025. The party aims to select candidates for by-elections scheduled for November 27. More broadly, the country's opposition is navigating internal challenges as it prepares for the 2027 general election. A recent Trends and Insights for Africa (TIFA) survey also sheds light on the political climate, revealing that nearly one in five Kenyans blame President William Ruto for recent human rights abuses.
More from Friday:
Saturday
September 13
Political Alliances and Confrontations Involving Gachagua, Kenyatta, and MPs - September 2025
President William Ruto dismissed accusations from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that ongoing meetings at State House are breeding grounds for corruption. Meanwhile, a new political alliance is forming as former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Jubilee Party and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's DCP will support a joint opposition candidate in the Mbeere North by-election on November 27. In a separate event, a funeral in Sensi Ward, Kisii County, was disrupted on September 12, 2025, when MPs Anthony Kibagendi and Japheth Nyakundi engaged in a physical altercation. The confrontation began after Kibagendi criticized President Ruto and expressed support for Fred Matiang’i’s presidential bid, leading to Nyakundi forcibly intercepting him.
Scrutiny on Kenya's Debt, Idle Embassy Funds, and KRA System - September 2025
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) explained that nations like Kenya will continue borrowing due to high debt burdens and a lack of cheaper financing, noting it has provided nearly $69 billion to the region since 2020. Separately, Kenyan Members of Parliament have raised concerns over Ksh1.8 billion in unutilized funds at Kenya's embassies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ethiopia. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) summoned the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary to explain these balances. In another development affecting national revenue, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced an 8-hour scheduled maintenance for its Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) for the upcoming weekend.
President Ruto Announces Housing for Teachers and Crackdown on SHA Fraud - September 2025
President William Ruto announced that Kenyan teachers will be given a 20% allocation of all Affordable Housing units currently under construction nationwide, an initiative aligned with the Kenya Kwanza Bottom-Up economic agenda. The President has also vowed a sustained crackdown on fraudsters misusing the Social Health Authority (SHA), stating that corruption will not derail Kenya's progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This commitment comes after recent revelations of widespread fraudulent billing. Additionally, during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Murang’a County, President Ruto emphasized Kenya's potential to become a developed nation within 20 years through unity and transformative government programs.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
September 14
Government Issues Directives on Party Funding, Appointments, Media Licenses, and NTSA Services - September 2025
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are set to receive over Ksh 1.2 billion combined from the Political Parties Fund for the 2025/26 Financial Year, as per a notice from Registrar Sophia Sitati. In other government business, Chief Justice Martha Koome and Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi, Aden Duale, and Lee Kinyanjui have made numerous new appointments and revocations within the judiciary and government, published in the Kenya Gazette. Additionally, the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) announced it will revoke the broadcasting licenses of 42 television stations within seven days, following a gazette notice from September 12. In a separate move, Huduma Kenya and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) have signed an agreement allowing Kenyans to register biometric data for smart driving licenses at 15 Huduma Centres.
President Ruto's Focus on State House Chapel and Remarks Lead to Gachagua Response - September 2025
President William Ruto has confirmed that plans to build a new church within the State House grounds are still active, citing that the current worship space is too small. He also made history by becoming the first Head of State to attend a church service at the existing State House Interdenominational Chapel, an iron sheet structure that has been operational for 22 years. Separately, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua criticized President Ruto for remarks made at a State House meeting with teachers. Gachagua claims Ruto mocked his academic achievements, prompting him to question the authenticity of the President's own education. President Ruto's remarks had implied that working with 'uneducated' leaders was jeopardizing his administration.
Security Forces Conduct Operations in Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Kirinyaga - September 2025
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) successfully recovered the body of a man who drowned in Chepkorio Dam, Uasin Gishu County, after a six-day operation in the approximately 80-foot-deep water. In Elgeyo Marakwet County, ongoing disarmament efforts in the Kerio Valley were boosted when two illegal AK-47 rifles were voluntarily surrendered to police in Tot. Meanwhile, police in Kirinyaga arrested seven suspected gang members in Kutus town on September 12. The suspects, believed to be involved in criminal activities in Kirinyaga East and Mwea East, were found in possession of housebreaking tools, knives, and machetes.