October 6 - October 12, 2025
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, October 6 to Sunday, October 12, 2025, organized by weekday.
Monday
October 6
Govt Announces SGR Land Acquisition, New Infrastructure Fund, and Senate Probes Busia Projects - October 2025
The National Land Commission (NLC) has announced revisions to land parcels designated for the Nairobi-Naivasha Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project. This involves acquiring 25 additional parcels of land and amending others for the Phase 2A expansion, affecting a total of 38 land portions. To support major projects, the government is establishing an Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund, an initiative announced by President William Ruto to ensure prudent investment of public resources. In a related oversight action, the Kenyan Senate, through its Senate Mashinani initiative, has extended its focus to Busia County. The Senate will scrutinize several stalled infrastructure projects and inefficient cross-border trade operations that hinder local development.
Kenyan Agencies Upgrade Police Stations, Arrest Poachers, and Launch Truck Crackdown - October 2025
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has announced the upgrading of 92 establishments, including police posts at various airports, to full police stations, a move gazetted on October 3. This action grants these units the legal capacity for criminal investigations and detentions as per the National Police Service Act. In a separate enforcement action, a joint intelligence-led operation by the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) led to the arrest of two suspects in Maralal Town. The suspects were found in possession of elephant tusks valued at approximately Sh1.1 million. Additionally, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has launched a nationwide crackdown on overloaded trucks. KeNHA initiated night surveillance along major routes after a truck with an excess overload of 2850 kg was intercepted on October 3.
Kindiki and Mudavadi Face By-Election Test for UDA in Mbeere and Malava - October 2025
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi face a critical test in the upcoming November by-elections for the Mbeere North and Malava constituencies. Their ability to secure victories for the ruling UDA party is considered a significant indicator of their political influence ahead of 2027. This task is described as a significant political litmus test for both leaders. In separate remarks, Deputy President Kindiki accused the previous administration of marginalizing Northern Kenya in development and public services, particularly regarding access to identification documents. He highlighted the current government's efforts to reverse this historical neglect through infrastructure projects and improved public services.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
October 7
CBK Cuts Lending Rates; Government Launches NYOTA Youth Grants and Job Vacancies - October 2025
The Central Bank of Kenya's Monetary Policy Committee cut the Central Bank Rate by 25 basis points, a move expected to lead to more affordable loans. President William Ruto has launched NYOTA (National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement), a program offering Sh50,000 grants and training to over 820,000 young Kenyans. Separately, the Kenyan government announced over 60 job vacancies across various agencies, including Clerk of Works positions at the National Housing Corporation with a salary of Ksh60,000 per month. At the county level, the Kisumu County Government has launched a housing renewal program to replace old homes with modern high-rise apartments.
Kenya Switches to Yuan for China Loan, Engages with COMESA, Russia, and Ukraine - October 2025
Kenya has officially switched from repaying its Ksh646.15 billion (USD5 billion) Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) loan to China in US Dollars to the Chinese Yuan, a move aimed at reducing costs. On the regional front, Kenya is hosting the 24th COMESA Summit, where President William Ruto is assuming the chairmanship to secure trade benefits. In diplomatic talks with Russia, Kenya is formalizing a migration framework to protect its nationals from irregular conscriptions into the Russian military. The government is also pleading with Ukraine for assistance in repatriating Kenyan citizens captured while fighting for Russia.
Government Debts Threaten KCSE Exams, Textbook Publishing, and Water Supply - October 2025
The Kenya Publishers Association (KPA) has warned of learning disruptions for over one million Grade 10 students due to the government's delay in releasing Ksh11.4 billion to publish textbooks. Similarly, education stakeholders are warning of potential disruptions to the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations due to delayed capitation disbursements to schools. Beyond the education sector, the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company (NCWSC) has announced a widespread water disconnection exercise set to begin on October 15. This measure will target all defaulting customers, including government institutions, in an aggressive move to recover overdue arrears.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
October 8
IEBC Clears Candidates for November 27 By-Elections Amid Scrutiny - October 2025
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has begun clearing candidates for by-elections scheduled for November 27, 2025, across 24 electoral areas. Among those cleared are Boyd Were (ODM) for the Kasipul MP seat and Seth Panyako (DAP-K) for the Malava MP seat. Mr. Panyako was cleared to contest despite a legal challenge. As these preparations unfold, the Elections Observation Group (ELOG) has raised data privacy concerns over the IEBC’s introduction of iris scans in voter registration. ELOG emphasized that a lack of transparent communication on data handling could undermine public confidence.
Talks Collapse in Ongoing University Lecturers' Strike - October 2025
Fresh talks between the government and university staff unions to resolve an ongoing strike have collapsed, with universities considering extending the current semester. The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) accused the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) of derailing negotiations, leading to concerns that students might remain home until next year. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba addressed the National Assembly regarding the strike and the delayed Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs). The strike continues to bite across public universities.
Political Leaders Voice Criticisms and Assert Political Positions - October 2025
Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia has publicly accused President William Ruto’s administration of deceiving Kenyans and betraying its pre-election promises, stating on Spice FM that he has lost faith in the government's integrity. In a separate criticism, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi faulted county governors for neglecting to implement Senate resolutions intended to curb mismanagement and embezzlement of funds. Kingi emphasized the Senate's role is to ensure accountability, not to create conflict. Meanwhile, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for his remarks concerning Raila Odinga. Gachagua also made headlines by dismissing concerns about his political standing, asserting himself as Kenya's present and future political force in contrast to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
October 9
Gideon Moi Withdraws from Baringo Senatorial By-election After Meeting President Ruto - October 2025
KANU Chairman Gideon Moi has withdrawn his candidacy from the upcoming Baringo senatorial by-election. This decision came after a private meeting with President William Ruto at State House, following which Moi failed to present his nomination papers to the Independent Boundaries and Electoral Commission (IEBC). His withdrawal from the race led to protests from his supporters. For the by-elections scheduled for November 27, the IEBC has issued fresh guidelines. These new rules limit campaign hours and set a final date for all political activities.
Social Health Authority Announces Leadership Changes and Addresses Hospital Fraud - October 2025
The Social Health Authority (SHA) announced significant senior leadership changes, appointing 16 new Deputy Directors and 9 Principal Claims Management Officers following a recruitment process that began on July 9, 2025. These appointments aim to bolster operational efficiency in delivering quality healthcare. Concurrently, the SHA has urged citizens to meticulously check hospital bills under the new healthcare scheme to combat widespread fraud, an issue under investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). In light of the transition to the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), teachers in Nyeri and Murang'a counties are demanding the reinstatement of their medical allowance, citing concerns over inadequate specialized care in public hospitals.
Kenya Advances Healthcare Infrastructure and Practitioner Licensing - October 2025
The Kenyan government is accelerating the completion of the East African Kidney Institute (EAKI) in Nairobi, a project described by Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga as transformative for specialized healthcare in the region. In a separate initiative, Nairobi County is building an additional newborn unit at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital to alleviate crowding at Pumwani Maternal Hospital and improve maternal healthcare. To ensure regulatory compliance, the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) has opened the renewal window for 2026 medical and dental licenses. Practitioners and health facilities are urged to apply by October 31, as operating without a valid license is a serious offense.
More from Thursday:
Friday
October 10
Authorities Crack Down on Illicit Brews, Counterfeit Goods, and Copyright Piracy - October 2025
Authorities have conducted a series of crackdowns targeting various illegal activities. On October 10, 2025, NACADA and the National Police Service dismantled an illicit distillery in Korogocho's Grogon B area, destroying over 1,000 litres of Changaa and Kangara. Separately, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) announced a nationwide initiative involving heightened inspections at border points to combat a rise in fake and substandard goods. In Uasin Gishu County, the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO) and law enforcement arrested a man for illegally reselling unauthorized streams of premium TV channels. Additionally, a woman was arrested on October 8 for allegedly attempting to sneak 50 rolls of bhang into the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi.
Courts Rule on Trademark Case, KDF Wrongful Dismissal, and Authorize Exhumation - October 2025
Kenyan courts have delivered several key rulings and orders. The High Court in Nairobi overturned a lower court's decision in a trademark case, leading to media personality Willis Raburu losing his Ksh6.5 million infringement suit on the grounds that the magistrate's court lacked jurisdiction. In another matter, the Court of Appeal rejected an appeal by Defence CS Soipan Tuya, upholding a Ksh1 million compensation award to a former KDF soldier for wrongful dismissal. Meanwhile, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) auctioned five properties recovered from former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, raising over KSh69.7 million on October 9. A Nakuru court also authorized the DCI to search for and exhume the remains of a missing fisherman, Brian Odhiambo, within Lake Nakuru National Park following his disappearance on January 18 while in KWS custody.
KANU Joins Government as IEBC Prepares for November By-Elections - October 2025
President William Ruto has announced that KANU will join a broad-based government, a move he stated is driven by national unity and development. This follows discussions between the President and KANU leader Gideon Moi and occurs as a united opposition attempts to challenge the current regime. Coinciding with these political realignments, Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda has urged Chairman Gideon Moi to address supporters regarding his withdrawal from the Baringo Senatorial race. The by-elections for this and other seats are scheduled for November 27, 2025, and the IEBC has now opened a 10-day disputes resolution window after concluding candidate clearance.
More from Friday:
Saturday
October 11
Drownings in Kabete, Boat Tragedy in Mombasa, and Hospital Crisis in Busia Reported - October 2025
Tragedy struck in Kabete when two pupils, a boy and a girl, drowned in an abandoned quarry following a tree-planting event. The boy drowned attempting to rescue the struggling girl who had gone swimming with him. Separately, in Mombasa, three individuals are still missing and rescue operations are continuing after a boat tragedy. The boat was carrying 22 people when it capsized on October 10, 2025, during a race in Tudor as part of the East African Ocean Festival. Meanwhile, a Senate inspection revealed the Busia County Referral Hospital is in a dire state. Critical services like dialysis, the ICU, and ambulance operations are failing, leaving residents without essential care.
Legal Rulings and Official Notices on Trademarks, Land, and Employment - October 2025
Media personality Willis Raburu lost his Ksh6.5 million trademark infringement case after the High Court in Nairobi overturned a lower court's ruling. The High Court determined the Milimani Chief Magistrate’s Court lacked jurisdiction to handle such disputes under the Trademarks Act. In another official action, the National Land Commission (NLC) announced the deletion of 18 land parcels from acquisition lists for two road projects in Nairobi. The affected projects are the Globe Roundabout Public Transport Terminal and the Embakasi Slip Road upgrade. Separately, a reminder was issued that under the Kenyan Employment Act, employees are legally entitled to be paid for any unused annual leave days whether they resign or are terminated.
Kalonzo Musyoka Endorsed for 2027 Presidency Amid Early Campaign Debates - October 2025
Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has secured his party's endorsement to run for the presidency in the 2027 General Elections. This makes him the first member of the country's United Opposition to officially receive party approval for a presidential bid. In contrast, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi stated that the ODM party will not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, a claim that reportedly conflicts with views from other ODM members. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has accused opposition politicians of launching early campaigns two years ahead of the election. Kindiki dismissed these activities as a distraction from the development agenda.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
October 12
President Ruto Forms Alliance with Gideon Moi's KANU Party, Sparking Political Reactions - October 2025
President William Ruto has enlisted key political rivals, including former Senator Gideon Moi, for a plan to transform Kenya, confirming on Friday, October 9, that KANU has agreed to join the Kenya Kwanza Alliance. In response, Oburu Odinga, brother to Raila Odinga, announced that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supports KANU's inclusion into the governing coalition. The move has drawn criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, prompting President Ruto to affirm his commitment to uniting leaders nationwide. Following this, former Senior Advisor Moses Kuria offered a conditional truce to Democracy for the Citizens' Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua to end their political rivalry. President Ruto also engaged former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta for his ambitious '2055 First World Plan'.
Winners Crowned at Kakamega, Sigona, Nyanza, and Nyali Golf Tournaments - October 2025
Multiple golf tournaments across Kenya concluded with new champions being named. Doris Mideva won the 2025 Kakamega Ladies Open with a score of 87 gross, an event that saw 64 players participate. At the Sigona Golf Club, Zipporah Gichigi won the 2025 I&N Partners’ Classic Golf Tournament with 40 points. John Lejirima was crowned the 2025 NCBA Nyanza Open Hippo Pot champion at Nyanza Golf Club, marking his third Hippo Pot win with a score of 209. At the Nyali Golf and Country Club, Lumatete Walubengo Muchai emerged as the overall champion of the 2025 Sweet Banana golf tournament, beating 167 other golfers.
Kenya Lionesses and Shujaa Win 2025 Safari Sevens Titles - October 2025
The Kenya Lionesses have been crowned champions of the 2025 Safari Sevens Tournament after a 14-10 victory over Uganda Lady Cranes at Nyayo National Stadium on October 12, 2025. On the same day, Kenya Shujaa successfully defended their Safari Sevens title at the same venue, defeating Shogun 14-7 in the finals. This marked Shujaa's fourth consecutive final appearance and third straight win against Shogun. Earlier in the tournament, defending champion Shujaa, Kenya Morans, and KCB Rugby had all secured their spots in the quarterfinals. Shujaa began their title defense with a dominant 55-0 victory over Walukuba.