August 24 - August 30, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, August 24 to Sunday, August 30, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
August 24
EACC Arrests Court Clerk for Ksh180,000 Bribe; Court Bars Police from Governor's Arrest - August 2026
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission arrested a Busia Law Courts clerk for a Ksh180,000 bribery scheme aimed at influencing a pending criminal case. The High Court subsequently granted Nyandarua Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha anticipatory bail of Sh50,000 and barred the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and National Police Service from arresting or detaining him. Meanwhile, the Tax Appeals Tribunal ruled that the Kenya Revenue Authority must use available tax credits to offset outstanding tax debts before initiating enforcement actions, providing relief for taxpayers.
Government Transitions to Market-Based University Funding Model Starting October - August 2026
The Kenyan government is set to transition university funding from the national budget to a market-based model starting October, creating a more sustainable financing system for tertiary education. The Higher Education Loans Board launched a new education loan facility of up to Ksh500,000 specifically for civil servants seeking further education. Moi University lecturers are threatening to strike over the university's decision to declare 75 academic staff redundant. Meanwhile, protests erupted in Kapsabet Town over three weeks of unpaid wages for affordable housing project workers, who blocked a major highway causing significant traffic delays.
Political Parties Implement New Systems to Avert Nominations Fallout; ORPP Distributes Ksh1.4bn Fund - August 2026
Kenyan political parties are employing negotiated democracy and implementing new systems to prevent fallout from upcoming party nominations, particularly as the 2027 General Election approaches. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties announced distribution of the Ksh1.4 billion Political Parties Fund, sparking questions about allocation criteria. Meanwhile, Rigathi Gachagua declared his willingness to support an opposition candidate other than himself if chosen to challenge President William Ruto in 2027. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced his presidential aspirations for 2032 and clarified he is not seeking to be Ruto's running mate in 2027.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
August 25
Omollo Challenges Opposition Leaders to Explain Record Before 2027 Election - August 2026
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has challenged opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and James Orengo to account for their public service records as he rallies support for President William Ruto's 2027 re-election bid. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has strongly refuted claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that he failed to oppose alleged orders to harm young protesters during the 2024 Gen Z protests. Separately, Mama Ida Odinga has publicly endorsed her son, Raila Odinga Junior, in his bid for the Kibra parliamentary seat. Meanwhile, Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party, has declared his willingness to support an opposition candidate other than himself if chosen to challenge President William Ruto in 2027.
President Ruto Announces Improved Salaries, Healthcare for Prison Officers - August 2026
President William Ruto announced significant improvements to the welfare of prison officers, addressing decades of neglect through enhanced salaries, healthcare, and housing. The Kenyan government has pledged to enhance the welfare of correctional services officers and improve prison conditions, alongside strengthening rehabilitation programs. This implementation follows the unveiling of salary, housing, and healthcare reforms for prison officers by the President's administration, marking a significant shift in government policy toward correctional services staff.
Gachagua Rallying Mt Kenya Support Ahead of 2027 Elections - August 2026
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been actively consulting with leaders at Wamunyoro to unite the Mt Kenya region, defending his efforts to build a political base. Senate Speaker Kingi stated that leaders support Ruto not out of personal affection but because Ruto genuinely cares for them. Meanwhile, Gachagua has called for a public inquest into the 2024 Gen Z and Sabasaba protests, arguing that Kenyans want transparency on these events. He also stated that political leaders are ready to set aside personal political ambitions to remove President Ruto's government, highlighting a potential significant political shift ahead of the 2027 General Election.