September 15 - September 21, 2025
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, September 15 to Sunday, September 21, 2025, organized by weekday.
Monday
September 15
Authorities Launch Initiatives on Roads, Housing, Forests, and River Management - September 2025
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) announced a crackdown on illegal signboards and installations along the Eastern Bypass Corridor, citing safety risks for motorists. In Kisumu, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) is developing a multimillion residential housing project in Milimani, comprising 162 modern housing units. To enhance security at Karura Forest, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has launched drone patrols to complement existing ground measures. In a cross-border initiative, Kenya and Tanzania are considering establishing a joint board to sustainably manage the Mara River, a proposal that emerged during the 14th Mara Day Scientific Conference in Butiama, Tanzania.
Cabinet Secretary and Governors Engage in Public Disputes and Accusations - September 2025
Land Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome announced plans to sue Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang'wa for defamation over allegations of her involvement in a land-grabbing scheme in Ruiru. Thang'wa claimed Wahome and President William Ruto were grabbing land, which the CS denied. Separately, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has urged President William Ruto to fire Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya. Barasa claims Oparanya is causing political instability in Kakamega and the ODM party through alleged interference. In another political dispute, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya refuted claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that the opposition has already selected its presidential candidate for the 2027 General Elections.
Kenyans Face Higher Power Bills, Rising Borrowing Costs, and Mass Job Losses - September 2025
Kenyans will face significantly higher electricity bills in September 2025, as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced an increase of Ksh4.42 per kWh. This adjustment is attributed to rising fuel energy costs and foreign exchange fluctuations. A new Moody's Ratings report indicates that borrowing has become more expensive for Kenyan businesses due to tough market conditions and government overborrowing from local sources. These conditions are impacting businesses' ability to secure affordable credit. In a related economic development, Kenya faces significant job losses as 140 companies are closing down. An initial 60 companies have already been dissolved, with another 80 slated for closure, impacting various sectors across the country.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
September 16
DCI Obtains Leads in Lawyer's Murder; Officer's Gun Discharges in Court - September 2025
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has announced that detectives have obtained new leads in the murder of lawyer Kyalo Mbobu, who was fatally shot on September 8 along Magadi Road. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has also revealed that it is successfully using the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number to track and recover stolen mobile phones. In a separate incident, an accidental firearm discharge at the Bungoma Law Courts injured two officers and three civilians at 10:50 AM. The incident involved a pistol belonging to a DCI officer during a court hearing.
Interior Ministry Reforms Service Delivery as MPs Question Nakuru State House Upkeep - September 2025
Under Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, the Ministry of Interior has implemented a radical overhaul to improve the delivery of government services like passport issuance and identity cards. The reforms are intended to reduce bureaucracy and broaden access for citizens. Meanwhile, a report from the Administration and Internal Security Committee of Parliament revealed that Nakuru State House is in a deplorable condition with a leaking roof. This has raised concerns about the use of Ksh240 million allocated for upgrades between 2021 and 2023. In another government action, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) proposes to raise licensing fees for postal and courier services from Ksh50,000 to Ksh1.5 million.
SHA Flags Ksh3B in Claims; KMPDC Bans Hospitals From Detaining Bodies Over Bills - September 2025
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has mandated several hospitals to provide supporting documents within 15 days for over Ksh3 billion in flagged claims to combat fraud. This action follows a heated exchange between Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Kenya Medical Association President Simon Kigondu concerning SHA's debt and fraud prevention measures. Kigondu criticized the authority's accumulated debt, while Duale defended the Practice 360 App as a tool to prevent fraud. Separately, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has declared that hospitals have no legal right to detain the bodies of deceased patients over unpaid medical bills. This ruling came after a man complained to the Office of the Ombudsman about a hospital unlawfully holding his wife's body.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
September 17
Govt Announces Crackdowns on Political Goons, School Arsons and Ghost Students - September 2025
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has threatened a crackdown on politicians hiring "goons" to disrupt by-elections, stating that both the hired individuals and their political sponsors would be apprehended. In a separate matter, Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo appealed for national government intervention regarding escalating school fires, urging security agencies to develop strategies to end the arsons. The governor warned these incidents threaten student safety and could compromise national exams. Additionally, the Ministry of Education has uncovered a massive scandal involving over 50,000 ghost students in secondary schools, which has led to the loss of billions of shillings in government funds. This discovery was made during an ongoing data verification process for education capitation disbursements.
Nairobi County Cracks Down on Illegal Billboards and Bans Business Tents in CBD - September 2025
Nairobi County has launched a renewed crackdown on illegal billboards and visual clutter, targeting major roads including Mombasa Road, Ngong Road, and Waiyaki Way. Advertising firms have been urged to voluntarily remove non-compliant structures or face forced removal and penalties. Separately, Governor Johnson Sakaja explained that the ban on business tents in the Central Business District is a direct response to rising chaos and aims to improve the area's aesthetic. The move is intended to prevent the capital from resembling an open-air market. These administrative actions occur as a recent poll on the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race shows Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as the frontrunner, indicating he is currently more popular than the incumbent Governor Sakaja, particularly among the youth.
Kenya Launches Agroforestry Strategy and Mau Forest Restoration Drive - September 2025
Kenya has launched the National Agroforestry Strategy (2025–2035) and the Kenya Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring Framework (FLRMF) to accelerate ecosystem restoration and promote agroforestry. These strategies aim to bolster climate resilience and sustainable land management. As part of these efforts, Kenya is also launching a 10-year plan to restore the Mau Forest Complex, its largest water tower, beginning with the planting of 4 million tree seedlings in the first phase. In a related development, the annual Africa Regional Centres of Excellence (ArcX) Forum in Nairobi, an EU–Africa partnership initiative, stressed the critical role of science, technology, and innovation in accelerating Africa's green transition and sustainable development.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
September 18
Controller of Budget Reports Reveal County Overspending; Nairobi Workers Go on Strike - September 2025
According to reports by the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang'o, 39 county governments, including Nairobi and Mombasa, irregularly spent over the legal 35% limit on salaries in the 2024/2025 financial year, amounting to Ksh 220B. A separate report revealed that counties like Nairobi, Kitui, and Machakos spent hundreds of millions on domestic and foreign travel at the expense of development. The Controller of Budget's report also ranked Governor Sakaja's Nairobi County last in development expenditure. As a consequence of financial issues, Nairobi County workers initiated a "go-slow" strike on Thursday, September 18, citing two months of delayed salaries and remittances.
High Court Halts NG-CDF Bill, Extends Orders on Gov. Wamatangi's Arrest as Orwoba Withdraws Petition - September 2025
The High Court has halted the progression of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aimed to enshrine the NG-CDF kitty into the Constitution, preventing it from being sent to President William Ruto for assent. Separately, the High Court extended orders preventing the EACC and DPP from arresting or prosecuting Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi over graft allegations until October 8, 2025. In another legal development, former nominated UDA Senator Gloria Orwoba withdrew her petition at the Milimani Constitutional and Human Rights Division, which challenged her removal from the Senate. Her lawyer informed Justice Chacha Mwita of the withdrawal, leading to the case's closure.
Athletes Advance to Finals and Face Setbacks at World Championships in Tokyo - September 2025
At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Kenya's Emmanuel Wanyonyi advanced to the men's 800-meter final, finishing his semifinal heat in 1:43.47. In the women's 800m, defending champion Mary Moraa and Lilian Odira qualified for the semi-finals, while teammates Sarah Moraa and Vivian Kiprotich were eliminated. American Noah Lyles also sailed into the world 200m final with a year's fastest time of 19.51 seconds. However, Kenyan javelin thrower Julius Yego's medal hopes were ended by an ankle injury in the final. Looking ahead, a highly anticipated clash is set in the 5,000m final between Kenya's Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet on Saturday.
More from Thursday:
Friday
September 19
IEBC and ORPP Announce Measures for November 27 By-Elections - September 2025
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting transparent by-elections for 24 seats nationwide on November 27, 2025. IEBC Chairperson Edung Ethekon met with Returning Officers to review operational and logistical readiness for the polls. Concurrently, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has mandated seven requirements for political parties to follow to ensure orderly electoral processes. In a related development, the United Opposition Alliance is facing challenges in the Malava parliamentary by-election, scheduled for the same date, due to internal divisions over their candidate.
President Ruto Launches Social Health Authority (SHA) Programme for 2.2 Million Kenyans - September 2025
President William Ruto has launched the Social Health Authority (SHA) Sponsorship Programme, which will provide free medical services to over 2.2 million vulnerable Kenyans. This new SHA cover is for Kenyans who cannot afford premiums and it replaces the defunct National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The initiative, announced on Friday, September 19, at State House, Nairobi, is part of the country's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki affirmed the government's commitment to expanding health coverage under SHA to the vulnerable. The government will pay the monthly contributions for those enrolled in the sponsorship program.
Winners Crowned in Kenyan Basketball, Darts, Golf, and Boxing Tournaments - September 2025
The inaugural Ask Foundation Basketball Tournament concluded in Nairobi Nyayo Stadium, with the South Sudanese Longhorns and the Starlets crowned as men’s and women’s champions. In darts, M Oriental Bank fought back to defeat National Bank of Kenya 2-1, clinching the 2024 Kenya Interbanks Games title. This victory marks M Oriental Bank’s first championship. George K'Ouma, vice captain of Thika Sports Club, won the Old Mutual Clubnite golf tournament, triumphing over 237 golfers with a score of 69 nett. In the third leg of the National Boxing League in Nakuru, Kenya Defence Forces bantamweight boxer Dennis Muthama defeated reigning national champion Shaffi Bakari of Kenya Police.
More from Friday:
Saturday
September 20
Government Bodies Issue Directives on Remittances, School Meals, and Waste Management - September 2025
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) revoked the license of a money remittance provider through a gazette notice published on September 19, banning it from the sector. This action was taken under Regulation 44 (2) of the Money Remittance Regulations, 2013. In a separate action, the Kenyan government halted food programs in 17 schools in Kilifi after a video showed pupils allegedly reciting Hindu prayers to receive meals from a donor. Kilifi County Commissioner Josphat Kibiwott ordered an immediate suspension and investigation. Additionally, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) gave a 21-day directive to all County Governments to reorganize dump sites and implement waste separation at the source, as required by the Sustainable Waste Management Act.
Responses to Allegations of Graft, Bribery, and Unlawful Detention - September 2025
Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya responded to calls for his arrest after the High Court quashed a decision to withdraw a Ksh57 million graft case against him, dismissing the allegations as a political witch hunt. Meanwhile, the Crime Journalists Association of Kenya (CJAK) is demanding the immediate release of Standard Group photojournalist Collins Kweyu, detained at Nairobi's Central Police Station on September 19. His arrest is reportedly linked to an investigation into a Migori judge who allegedly sought a Ksh10 million bribe. In another matter, Moi Teaching and Referal Hospital (MTRH) denied allegations from a viral video and a Daily Nation exposé that it was unlawfully detaining new mothers over unpaid Social Health Authority (SHA) fees. The hospital stated that discharge delays are due to SHA registration issues.
Kalonzo Musyoka Reaffirms 2027 Presidential Bid Amid Political Accusations - September 2025
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has emphatically denied rumors of his withdrawal from the 2027 Presidential race, reaffirming his commitment to be on the ballot. He accused Kenya Kwanza bloggers of spreading misinformation amid pressure for him to defect to President Ruto's camp. Musyoka also accused President William Ruto of terminating the planned Nairobi-Mombasa expressway construction to punish the Ukambani region for opposing the regime. This accusation came a month after KeNHA announced the rejection of the deal. In a related political development, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Chairperson Gladys Wanga stated that President William Ruto's re-election in 2027 is "highly likely," citing his strengthening alliance with ODM leader Raila Odinga.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
September 21
Kenya Addresses Terror Designations and Citizens Captured in Ukraine - September 2025
The Interior Cabinet Secretary, Murkomen, has officially declared Muslim Brotherhood and Hizb-ur-Tahrir as terrorist entities in Kenya under the 2025 Prevention of Terrorism Order. In a separate foreign affairs issue, the government is investigating reports of Kenyans being held as prisoners of war by Ukraine. Among them, athlete Evans Kibet, 36, claimed he was tricked into joining the Russian military before being captured. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei later revealed that at least four Kenyans are being held as prisoners of war after allegedly fighting for Russia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively pursuing the matter through its mission in Moscow.
Electricity and Aquaculture Projects Advance Amid Leadership Change at KETRACO - September 2025
Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi affirmed the government's plan for universal electricity connectivity by 2030 is on track. He launched the Wendo Electricity Project in Nakuru County, which aims to connect nearly 500 households. Concurrently, the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has abruptly cut short the tenure of its Managing Director, Dr. John Muoki Mativo, less than two years after his appointment. Eng. Kipkemoi Kibias has been named as the interim chief as the utility faces pressure to deliver power transmission projects. In a separate development effort, Kwale County is partnering with the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project to advance aquaculture to bolster food security and empower local communities.
Police Respond to Fan Clashes, a Fatal Accident, and a Burglary Ring - September 2025
Chaos erupted at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday as police clashed with Gor Mahia fans attempting to gain unauthorized entry to a match. Police deployed teargas to disperse the fans, leading to running battles. On the same day, traffic on Outering Road near Donholm was disrupted after a car rolled off an elevated section and overturned, with witnesses reporting the driver died at the scene. In a separate police action in Bungoma, seven individuals were arrested during a patrol on Saturday, September 20. The suspects were intercepted with a consignment of stolen household goods and electronics, which led officers to additional stolen items.