January 19 - January 25, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, January 19 to Sunday, January 25, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
January 19
President Ruto Oversees NYOTA Programme Fund Disbursement; Sakaja Waives Youth Business Permits - January 2026
President William Ruto oversaw the disbursement of funds under the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Programme. At an event at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Sh708.8 million was disbursed to 14,176 youth from Nairobi, Kajiado, and Kiambu counties. A separate disbursement of KSh 258.4 million was also launched for young entrepreneurs in the same counties. President Ruto assured beneficiaries of continuous mentorship and training. To support this, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced a two-year waiver on business permits and licenses for young entrepreneurs benefiting from the NYOTA Fund. This initiative for new startups aims to boost youth entrepreneurship and complements the national government and World Bank-supported programme.
Police Arrest Suspects in Gang Crime, Drug Trafficking, and Exam Fraud Operations - January 2026
Police and detectives have made several arrests in separate operations targeting various criminal activities. In Endebess Sub-County, Trans-Nzoia County, a joint security operation resulted in the apprehension of six suspected members of the “Kapenguria Six” gang. This gang is linked to an array of criminal activities in Kaisheber, Nabeki, and Cherubai villages. In Nakuru and Keiyo South, detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit seized bhang worth approximately Sh11.6 million and arrested two suspects. Separately, two individuals, Albert Kerry Nyadianga and David Opiyo, were arrested in connection with a scam involving the production of fake Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) 2025 result slips.
Government Launches KPC IPO, Bans Use of Farmer Funds as Collateral, and Pushes JSS Transition - January 2026
The Kenyan government has announced several major national initiatives. It launched the Kenya Pipeline Company Limited (KPC) Initial Public Offering (IPO), aiming to raise Ksh106 billion by offering 65 per cent of KPC’s shares at Ksh 9 per share. To protect small-scale farmers from financial exploitation, the government has banned the use of farmers' funds as collateral for bank loans, a move addressing concerns raised by tea farmers regarding the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA). In the education sector, a nationwide door-to-door campaign was launched to ensure all eligible learners transition to Junior Secondary School (JSS). This JSS initiative involves officials and administrators identifying absent learners and connecting families with support to overcome barriers.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
January 20
Government Responds to Fire and Halts Evictions in Mukuru Slums - January 2026
President William Ruto has intervened to halt forced evictions in the Mukuru Kwa Njenga informal settlement, ordering that due process and consultations be followed. This decision came after residents protested demolitions linked to the planned construction of the Catherine Ndereba Road. In a separate incident in Mukuru Kwa Reuben slums, a devastating fire claimed the life of a 45-year-old man. The blaze also destroyed at least ten structures and left nearly 100 people homeless. Following the fire, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku visited the victims and pledged government support and reassurance to the affected families.
Govt Announces School Devolution and Measures for Grade 10 Transition - January 2026
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that the transition rate from Grade 9 to Grade 10 currently stands at 75 percent, with mop-up efforts underway to achieve 100 percent. The government has threatened to close schools that fail to admit students into Grade 10 due to low enrolment complaints. This initiative was announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba. CS Julius Ogamba also announced the government will equip and devolve high-performing schools to counties. This aims to address nationwide placement shortages, reduce congestion in national schools, and improve access to quality education closer to communities.
Govt Implements Social Health Authority (SHA) Amid Scrutiny and Warnings - January 2026
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale convened a meeting with the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, and the Social Health Authority (SHA) to expedite the transfer of their personnel to the state-run Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). This follows a directive from President William Ruto to move them from private medical insurers. Amid the rollout, Principal Secretary for Public Health Mary Muthoni issued a stern warning against illegal hospital charges for services covered by the SHA. In a separate matter, the SHA responded to a Daily Nation report alleging favoritism in cancer care, insisting its oncology approval process is fully automated and denying claims of unequal treatment.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
January 21
Aviation Workers Announce Strike After Mediation Talks Collapse - January 2026
The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) has issued a seven-day strike notice, threatening a nationwide shutdown of aviation operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports. The industrial action follows the collapse of court-ordered mediation talks with the government and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). The union cites long-standing grievances, including an 11-year overdue pay rise and demands for salary increments. In a separate case, the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kisumu dismissed a claim by 29 Bird Scouts employed by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) who were seeking over Ksh66 million in backdated salaries and allowances.
President Ruto Orders Budget Increase for President's Award-Kenya Scheme - January 2026
President William Ruto has ordered a significant increase in the budget for the President's Award-Kenya scheme, aiming to expand youth outreach and mentorship programs. The government is set to double the budget for the program. The funding is expected to double by the 2026/27 budget, and the directives also include establishing new offices and expanding staff for the scheme. In addition, President Ruto has urged newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to champion Kenya's development goals overseas, aiming to transform the nation into a first-world economy.
Joyce Wanjiru Turns Pro in Kenyan Golf as Juniors Compete in Tournaments - January 2026
Joyce Wanjiru of Kiambu Golf Club has officially joined the professional golf ranks in Kenya. The 37-year-old mother of two is now one of only two female pros in the country, alongside Naom Wafula. Wanjiru's decision was partly inspired by Wafula, and she aims to set an example for aspiring players. In separate events, junior golfers showcased exceptional talent in tournaments held on Sunday. The competitions took place at the Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa County and the Windsor Country Club in Nairobi, highlighting a strong pipeline of young athletes.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
January 22
Government Issues Directives on School Admissions and University Accreditation - January 2026
President William Ruto has directed all chiefs and local administrators to ensure every child transitioning to Junior Secondary School reports to school immediately. Following this, Kenya's Ministry of Education, led by CS Julius Ogamba, issued directives for the immediate and unconditional admission of all Grade 10 learners. In higher education, the Commission for University Education (CUE) published an updated list of 16 institutions unauthorized to operate as universities in Kenya. The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) released lists of institutions eligible for government scholarships and HELB funding under the new student-centred funding model. KUCCPS also announced it will hold the 1st National Career Conference and Exhibition 2026 to guide students.
Govt Announces Road Projects as MP is Injured in Accident and Court Rules on Claims - January 2026
During a tour in Meru, President William Ruto announced the construction of a Ksh3 billion bypass highway in Meru town and the reconstruction of the Nithi Bridge at a cost of Ksh7 billion, set to begin in February 2026. On Thursday morning, Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri was involved in a road accident on the Nanyuki–Meru highway while on his way to a presidential event in Meru County; he was reported to be in stable condition. In a related legal development, the High Court of Kenya delivered a ruling on January 22 clarifying that personal injury claims from road traffic accidents are excluded from the jurisdiction of the Small Claims Court. This decision stems from challenges to the Small Claims Court Act, 2019.
Authorities Confront Drug Trafficking, Job Scams, and Assaults on Police - January 2026
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen announced plans to deploy additional officers to combat drug trafficking on Kenya’s lakes, noting that the Kenya Coast Guard Service faces challenges with increased smuggling via Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana. In a separate action, DCI detectives arrested a couple on January 21 in connection with a KSh 20 million job recruitment scam targeting Kenyans. This comes as reports indicate tens of Kenyan nationals are in hiding in Cambodia after escaping forced labor camps where they were lured by fraudulent job schemes. Additionally, on January 21 in West Pokot County, three police officers were injured when a man attacked them with a knife while resisting arrest.
More from Thursday:
Friday
January 23
KRA Suspends Nil Tax Filings and Launches WhatsApp Tax Service - January 2026
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has implemented several new measures concerning tax filings. The authority has temporarily suspended the filing of nil tax returns until March 30, with the stated aim of converting nil filers and non-filers into active taxpayers to optimize revenue collection. In a separate initiative to modernize tax management, the KRA has announced a new digital service that allows Kenyans to file taxes and access various services via a WhatsApp chatbot. This move is intended to improve efficiency for taxpayers. Additionally, the KRA has retained the existing 8 per cent tax rate on staff welfare benefits.
President Ruto Appoints Ida Odinga as Ambassador and Promotes KPC, Safaricom IPOs - January 2026
President William Ruto made a significant governmental appointment by nominating Ida Betty Odinga, wife of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This appointment was made in acknowledgment of her service to women’s education and empowerment. Following this announcement, the Odinga family called for an emergency family meeting. In a separate development, President Ruto encouraged Kenyans to invest in the Initial Public Offers (IPOs) for the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and Safaricom. He dismissed critics of the process and emphasized that it was being handled with transparency and under the oversight of the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).
Supreme Court Lifts Lawyer Ban; JSC Nominates 15 for Court of Appeal - January 2026
Significant actions have been taken within Kenya's judiciary and legal framework. The Supreme Court of Kenya lifted its lifetime ban on Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi on Friday, January 23, allowing him and his law firm to practice before the court again after the lawyer gave assurances of reformed conduct. In a separate action, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has nominated 15 individuals for the position of Judge of the Court of Appeal to boost the court's capacity. Among the prominent nominees is Joseph Katwa Kigen, a senior counsel who has represented President William Ruto. Additionally, the Katiba Institute has filed a lawsuit against the Executive and Legislature, alleging violations of the Constitution in the appointment of members to statutory tribunals.
More from Friday:
Saturday
January 24
Police Enrolled in SHA, DCI Investigates Crimes, and New Police Posts Gazetted - January 2026
Starting April 2024, all disciplined officers from the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Prisons Service will be mandatorily enrolled in the Social Health Authority (SHA) insurance scheme under a directive from President William Ruto. To enhance security, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja gazetted a new police station and five additional police posts across Kenya. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) dismantled a cross-border mobile phone theft network in Nairobi, arresting seven suspects and recovering stolen devices. The DCI is also investigating the death of lawyer Chris Mwendwa following a botched medical procedure where an overdose is suspected. Public outrage was also incited by a CCTV video from January 23 showing police officers allegedly assaulting young men at a pool hall in Kikuyu.
Govt Directs TVET Enrollment, Allocates Ksh 11.2B Climate Fund, and Clarifies Grade 10 Fees - January 2026
The Kenyan government is encouraging recent Form Four leavers to enroll in short, hands-on courses at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions before their university placements in September. Separately, the National Treasury has announced the allocation of Ksh11.2 billion in climate resilience funding to 46 Kenyan counties. This allocation is for the 2025/2026 financial year, as detailed in the Kenya Gazette on January 23. In another education-related announcement, PS Bitok clarified that the order allowing students to report for Grade 10 without fees is not an exemption from paying them later.
Fuel Tanker Fire Closes Southern Bypass; Separate Blaze Destroys Thika Market - January 2026
On Saturday, January 24, a fuel tanker overturned and exploded into flames on the Southern Bypass near Carnivore in Nairobi following a collision with a lorry. The incident prompted emergency operations and forced the temporary closure of the bypass, causing significant traffic disruption. The explosion produced thick black smoke affecting traffic near Wilson Airport. In a separate incident on Friday night, a massive fire erupted at the Makongeni market in Thika, Kiambu County. This blaze destroyed numerous businesses and property of unknown value. The market fire followed another significant fire on Thursday, January 22, along Jogoo Road near Nairobi's CBD.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
January 25
Chaos and Investigation Following Gachagua's Church Visit in Othaya - January 2026
A church service in Othaya, Nyeri County, attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was disrupted by teargas, which caused panic and forced congregants to flee. Following the incident, Mr. Gachagua confirmed his safety, dispelling claims of abduction that had circulated. He claimed there was an assassination plot against him, accusing the government of sponsoring militia and police. In response to the alleged attack, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered the police to conduct an investigation into the matter.
Gachagua Plans 2027 Challenge as Wamalwa and Owino Make Party Moves - January 2026
Political leaders are making strategic moves ahead of the 2027 General Election. Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), is positioning himself as a challenger to President William Ruto, with plans to tour Othaya and Kieni constituencies. In the Western Kenya Region, Democratic Action Party leader Eugene Wamalwa announced his intention to work with Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to reinforce regional unity. Within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has stated his plan to gather 1,000 delegate signatures to initiate a National Delegates Conference if one is not convened by the party leadership.
Oil Tanker Fire, Falling Billboard, and Accident Cartel Concerns Reported in Nairobi - January 2026
Several incidents have raised safety concerns on Nairobi's roads. Traffic fully resumed on the Nairobi Southern Bypass after an oil tanker accident and fire. On Ngong Road, a billboard collapsed on a taxi near Prestige Plaza around 3 am on Sunday, January 25, leaving a passenger seriously injured and disrupting traffic. Amidst these events, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement Geoffrey Mosiria has voiced alarm over a persistent pattern of night-time road accidents in the city. He suggested the potential involvement of organized cartels in these persistent accidents.