November 3 - November 9, 2025
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, November 3 to Sunday, November 9, 2025, organized by weekday.
Monday
November 3
Tanzanian President Vows to Crush Protests Amid Calls for ICC Investigation - November 2025
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has vowed to crack down on post-election protests, stating her government will safeguard the nation's peace "through all means and at all cost." Her remarks came during a swearing-in ceremony in Dodoma, where she accused foreign actors of fueling unrest after the disputed October 29 general election. The International Criminal Court (ICC) faces growing pressure to investigate the deaths of hundreds of protesters, with reports indicating Kenyans are among the casualties. Tanzania's main opposition party, CHADEMA, has called for international intervention from the United Nations and the ICC. In response to the situation, Kenyan President William Ruto congratulated President Suluhu on her re-election and urged Tanzanians to uphold peace and the rule of law.
Landslides in Elgeyo Marakwet Claim 26 Lives, Including 14 Learners - November 2025
A devastating landslide in Marakwet East on Saturday, November 1, 2025, has claimed 26 lives, including 14 learners, with an additional 25 people reported missing. The tragedy was triggered by heavy rains. A new mudslide struck the Kibendo Area in Keiyo South on Sunday night amid continuous rainfall, raising fears of more fatalities. Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisely Rotich confirmed the second disaster. These events, which have caused over 20 deaths in total, have destroyed homes and disrupted national examinations. Despite the disaster, the Ministry of Education has implemented measures to ensure national exams in Marakwet East will proceed as scheduled.
Political Realignment Follows Death of Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga - November 2025
The unexpected death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has created a significant political void in Kenya, leading to intense competition for his traditional support bases ahead of the 2027 General Election. Following Odinga's death, President William Ruto is intensifying his political efforts and focusing on Western Kenya, a region historically considered a stronghold for Odinga. Concurrently, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has addressed its own leadership transition. Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga revealed he was unaware of his appointment as the acting party leader of the ODM following his brother's passing. Dr. Oburu was considered a natural choice for the role, having long been associated with leadership positions within the party and family.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
November 4
Courts Rule on Muturi's AG Exit, Halt Gitaru Road Construction, and Hear Housing Project Petition - November 2025
The High Court dismissed a petition challenging the removal of former Attorney General Justin Muturi, ruling that he voluntarily resigned and President William Ruto lawfully appointed his successor. In a separate case, the Environment and Land Court temporarily halted construction of the road linking the Nakuru–Nairobi highway and the Western Bypass in Gitaru, following complaints from property owners about safety and accessibility. The Environment & Land Court has also certified a petition by Senator Okiya Omtatah against the Southlands Affordable Housing Project, directing Chief Justice Martha Koome to empanel a three-judge bench to hear the case. Additionally, a Nairobi court will hear a challenge from County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria over his contempt of court sentencing, setting the next hearing for February 2, 2026, after he failed to appear in court citing illness.
Treasury Proposes 15% Minimum Tax as KEBS Mandates New 0.2% Levy on Goods - November 2025
Kenya's Treasury has unveiled draft regulations proposing a 15 per cent minimum corporate tax for multinational companies to prevent profit shifting and align with the OECD's global minimum tax framework. Separately, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has mandated all manufacturers to remit a new standards levy, warning of severe penalties for non-compliance. Following regulations gazetted in August, a 0.2% levy on the customs value of goods or services is now required. Meanwhile, the Ministry of ICT has voiced opposition to a proposed amendment to the Energy Act that would permit county governments to levy charges on public power lines, expressing concerns that it could significantly increase broadband internet costs.
Government Agencies Announce New Regulations for Sugar and Tea Sectors - November 2025
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has ordered the immediate closure of sugarcane weighbridges operating outside their designated zones to restore order in the sector. In another directive for the sugar industry, the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) has mandated the registration of all sugar repackagers, giving them an online registration deadline of November 17, 2025, to enhance traceability and quality monitoring. In the tea sector, Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) directors are actively reassuring farmers in the West of Rift region. This action comes after there was disappointment over reduced bonus payments for the 2024–2025 financial year.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
November 5
University Lecturers End 49-Day Strike After Reaching Agreement with Government - November 2025
The seven-week strike by Kenyan university lecturers has ended after unions reached an agreement with the government. The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Inter-Public Universities Councils’ Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) signed a Return-to-Work Formula. This agreement ensures full pay, no victimization for striking staff, and outlines new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) timelines. The government has released Sh7.8 billion to settle salary arrears and implement parts of the 2021–2025 CBA. Prior to the deal, the 49-day strike led to the closure of multiple institutions, including Egerton University and Pwani University, which followed Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in shutting down.
President Ruto Oversees Kenya-Qatar Financial Agreement and Announces New Remittance Plan - November 2025
President William Ruto oversaw the signing of a landmark financial cooperation agreement between Kenya and Qatar, aiming to bolster financial integration and attract investment. The deal was made between the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority (NIFCA) and the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC). Speaking in Qatar, President Ruto announced new government measures to significantly reduce the cost of remittances for Kenyans in the diaspora. The President directed the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) to collaborate with the International Association of Money Transfer Networks (IAMTN) to create a more affordable framework. During the visit, President Ruto also hosted an diaspora engagement with Kenyans living in Qatar.
Liverpool Defeats Real Madrid 1-0; Arsenal Beats Slavia Prague 3-0 in Champions League - November 2025
Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring the decisive goal. This marked their best performance of the season and second consecutive clean sheet, prompting captain Virgil van Dijk to urge his team to maintain defensive solidity. In another match, Arsenal defeated Slavia Prague 3-0 with two second-half goals from Mikel Merino, securing their tenth straight victory across all competitions. During the game on November 4, 2025, Arsenal's Max Dowman made history by becoming the youngest-ever Champions League player. Elsewhere, Bayern Munich defeated Paris Saint-Germain 2-1.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
November 6
Government Addresses Safety of Kenyans in Tanzania Amid U.S. Travel Advisory - November 2025
Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of Kenyans in Tanzania following recent elections. The State Department of Foreign Affairs issued directives urging Kenyans to report citizens facing safety threats abroad, specifically mentioning reports of Kenyans being monitored in Tanzania. Separately, the United States government issued a fresh travel advisory for Tanzania, warning foreigners about potential arrests and detentions due to lingering political instability. The Kenyan government addressed these concerns, stating its High Commission in Dar es Salaam has reassured citizens of their safety. The government confirmed that post-election restrictions were lifted and that no incidents targeting Kenyans have been reported.
EACC Sues to Reclaim Grabbed School Land in Ruiru and Arrests Officers for Bribery - November 2025
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has taken legal action to reclaim a nine-acre parcel of public land in Ruiru, Kiambu County. This land, originally intended for a school, was illegally converted for residential use and subdivided into 37 residential plots. The EACC filed a lawsuit in the Thika Environment and Land Court, which has since issued temporary injunctions to stop the sale or development of the property, valued at Ksh250 million in 2019. In a separate anti-corruption operation, the EACC arrested five Kenyan traffic police officers along the Busia-Kisumu Road. The arrests were for allegedly extorting bribes from motorists and followed numerous public complaints about widespread bribery.
Harambee Stars to Face Senegal in Friendly; Starlets Coach Beldine Odemba Awarded - November 2025
Kenya's Harambee Stars are set to play an international friendly against former AFCON champions Senegal in Turkey during the November FIFA window. Senegal has announced its star-studded squad to face the Harambee Stars, which includes players like Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Nicolas Jackson. On a related note for Kenyan national football, Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has been named the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) and Betika Coach of the Month for October 2025. This recognition follows her successful guidance of the women’s national team to a historic qualification for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
More from Thursday:
Friday
November 7
High Court Suspends Cybercrimes Act Sections; EACC Sues Governor Wamatangi for Sh813mn - November 2025
A Kenyan High Court has temporarily blocked the government from shutting down social media platforms by suspending Sections 6 and 27 of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024. Justice Lawrence Mugambi issued the suspension until petitions challenging the legislation are heard and determined. Separately, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is pursuing the forfeiture of over Sh813 million in assets from Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and 13 others. The suit, filed on October 31, 2025, alleges corruption in road construction contracts. In another case, the High Court ordered Muthaiga Country Club to pay lawyer Donald Kipkorir Sh1 million in damages for unlawfully denying him entry in 2024, with Justice Chacha Mwita finding the club violated his constitutional rights.
DCI Arrests 22 for KCSE Malpractice and Partners with HTI to Fight Human Trafficking - November 2025
The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has arrested 22 individuals for alleged involvement in KCSE exam malpractice across Kenya, as announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba. In a separate initiative, the DCI has partnered with the Human Trafficking Institute (HTI) to enhance Kenya's capacity to combat human trafficking. This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen prevention and investigation efforts against the transnational crime. Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja announced critical changes to the upcoming mass police recruitment previously advertised on November 4. The revised notice, issued on November 7, clarifies application eligibility and recruitment center locations.
Ruto Seeks Zelensky's Help to Free Kenyans; CSOs Issue Demands to Tanzania's President Suluhu - November 2025
President William Ruto has sought the help of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to secure the release of Kenyans reportedly captured while fighting for Russian forces in the Russia-Ukraine war. In regional affairs, a coalition of Kenyan and African civil society organizations under the Pan-African network, Jumuiya Ni Yetu, has demanded that Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan take responsibility for alleged human rights violations following the October 29 general election. They accuse her administration of killings and unlawful detentions. On the financial front, insurance brokers were urged to strengthen cybersecurity to combat money laundering, which is crucial for Kenya's removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.
More from Friday:
Saturday
November 8
New Kenyan Regulations Target Corporate Content, Tax Filings, and Cybercrime Law - November 2025
Kenya's National Assembly has passed the Local Content Bill 2025, which could see CEOs jailed and companies fined for not adhering to local content requirements for foreign companies. Concurrently, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced that from January 1, 2026, it will begin validating income and expenses declared by taxpayers on the iTax platform against its internal data, starting with 2025 returns. Meanwhile, Parliament is addressing challenges to the new Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2024. The National Assembly Clerk claimed that petitions challenging the law contain "fake inserts" with clauses never present in the original bill, which are distorting public understanding and undermining trust.
Human Rights Issues Involving Uganda and Tanzania Prompt Scrutiny - November 2025
The family of Kenyan activist Bob Njagi revealed that Ugandan authorities are demanding he and Nicholas Oyoo cease political activities against President Museveni’s government as a condition for their release after being held for over a month. In a separate issue concerning Uganda, survivors welcomed the International Criminal Court's (ICC) confirmation of 39 war crimes charges against Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) leader Joseph Kony. Meanwhile, a coalition of Kenyan and African civil society organizations demanded that Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan take responsibility for alleged human rights violations following the October 29 general election. The groups cited widespread killings and disappearances, calling for her resignation.
Kenyan Teams and Athletes Compete Across Volleyball, Football, Basketball, and Golf - November 2025
In the SportPesa Premier League, Nairobi United defeated Kariobangi Sharks 4-2, while AFC Leopards aims to top the league as defending champions Kenya Police and Gor Mahia are set to clash. In volleyball, Chema Volleyball Club defeated Administration Police of Kenya in the KVF Men’s National League. At the same time, defending champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Zetech University Sparks are competing in the 2025 Women Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone Five qualifiers. In golf, John Wangai and Naom Wafula are leading the Kenyan charge at the Sunshine Development Tour, the region's only opportunity for golfers to earn ranking points for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Separately, Deaflympics silver medallist Sharon Bitok Jeptarus is preparing for the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
November 9
Museveni Admits Abducting Two Kenyan Activists; Others Released from Tanzania - November 2025
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni admitted his government abducted two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, and held them in custody. Museveni later labeled the activists "experts in organizing riots" following their 38-day detention, claiming the arrests were based on intelligence linking them to plans for inciting violence. The family of Bob Njagi revealed that Ugandan authorities imposed stringent conditions for his and Nicholas Oyoo's release, demanding they cease political activities against Museveni’s government. In a separate incident, two other Kenyans, Frederick Lorent Obuya and John Gitahi Nderitu, were released without charges to the Kenyan High Commission in Dar es Salaam. They had been arrested on October 29 during post-election protests in Tanzania.
Teacher Unions Threaten Strikes and Demand Probe into Principal's Disappearance - November 2025
The Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) in Kakamega County has threatened to disrupt the upcoming KCSE exams following the suspected murder of a school principal. Specifically, the union is demanding an investigation into the death of the Munyuki Secondary School Principal. Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera has also urged DCI Mohammed Amin to investigate the alleged abduction of the Munyuki High School Principal, Simon Isiaho Shange, who has been missing since November 3. In a separate issue, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is threatening a nationwide strike in January. KNUT's action is in protest against a planned shift of teachers from private health insurance to the Social Health Authority (SHA), potentially paralyzing school reopenings.
Kenyan Teams and Athletes Compete Across Volleyball, Football, Basketball, and Golf - November 2025
In the SportPesa Premier League, Nairobi United defeated Kariobangi Sharks 4-2, while AFC Leopards aims to top the league as defending champions Kenya Police and Gor Mahia are set to clash. In volleyball, Chema Volleyball Club defeated Administration Police of Kenya in the KVF Men’s National League. At the same time, defending champions Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Zetech University Sparks are competing in the 2025 Women Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone Five qualifiers. In golf, John Wangai and Naom Wafula are leading the Kenyan charge at the Sunshine Development Tour, the region's only opportunity for golfers to earn ranking points for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Separately, Deaflympics silver medallist Sharon Bitok Jeptarus is preparing for the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics.