September 28 - October 4, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, September 28 to Sunday, October 4, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
September 28
IEBC Refutes Claims of Illegal Foreign Voter Registration Ahead of 2027 Elections - September 2026
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has refuted claims of illegal foreign voter registration and missing biometric kits, threatening legal action against those spreading misinformation. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has also denied reports by KTN News and The Standard newspaper alleging its involvement in voter smuggling and the registration of Ugandan nationals ahead of the 2027 General Elections. Concerns have been raised regarding the integrity of the 2027 Kenyan general election, with allegations of potential vote smuggling across the Kenya-Uganda border. Separately, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka issued a stern warning to IEBC regarding the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general election, emphasizing the need for a transparent and credible electoral process.
Hospitals Risk Being Locked Out of SHA as New Rules Take Effect from October 1 - September 2026
The Social Health Authority (SHA) has issued a stern warning to hospitals as new contract rules under the HAKIKA framework take effect on October 1, 2026. Healthcare providers must renew their contracts by Wednesday, September 30, 2026, to continue offering services to beneficiaries. SHA has also updated its verification schedule for healthcare facilities with pending claims exceeding Ksh10 million from the former National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). Meanwhile, Kenya is bolstering its local pharmaceutical production and regulatory frameworks to enhance health security and reduce reliance on imports across Africa, aiming to expand access to quality health products and build more resilient health systems on the continent.
Ruto Hits Back at Uhuru, Calls His Remarks on 2022 Election Reckless - September 2026
President William Ruto has sharply criticized former President Uhuru Kenyatta, describing his recent remarks about the 2022 general election as reckless. Key Kenyan leaders, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, have strongly condemned former President Uhuru Kenyatta over his statements regarding alleged election rigging. President Ruto has dismissed claims of losing the 2022 general election, responding to remarks made by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Some Western leaders have continued their criticism of former President Uhuru Kenyatta following his statements regarding alleged election rigging.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
September 29
Protests Erupt in Lamu Over Dangote Oil Refinery - September 2026
Protests erupted in Lamu on Tuesday, September 29, as residents voiced opposition to the planned Dangote East Africa Oil Refinery ahead of its groundbreaking on Wednesday, September 30. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) revealed that Kenya has 50 oil exploration blocks across four sedimentary basins, as the nation gears up for commercial crude production from the South Lokichar fields. Billionaire Aliko Dangote has dismissed a court order affecting his proposed Ksh2 trillion refinery in Lamu, calling such legal challenges normal for us in Africa. Kenya's Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced that the groundbreaking ceremony will proceed on Wednesday, September 30, despite the court order and local protests. The High Court had declined to halt the ceremony. Additionally, the National Biosafety Authority (NBA) recently conducted outreach in Lamu and Kwale counties as part of its campaign to combat GMO misinformation.
TSC Reveals Plan to Bring AI, Online Appraisal to Schools - September 2026
The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is set to enhance technology integration in education by training teachers on artificial intelligence tools and upgrading its online appraisal system. The commission is seeking service providers for these initiatives, with application deadlines approaching. TSC has also officially advertised the vacant position of Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, replacing the former CEO whose term concluded last year, with a monthly salary of Ksh698,600. Meanwhile, Kenya's teacher unions, KUPPET and KNUT, are divided on the proposed autonomous management of Junior Schools within primary school compounds. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has debunked a fabricated memo circulating online, which falsely announced the suspension of academic activities due to an impending lecturers strike.
President Ruto Issues 27,000 Title Deeds in Kilifi - September 2026
President William Ruto is continuing his Coast tour with a focus on development projects and land ownership in Kilifi and Kwale counties. He issued over 94,000 title deeds in Kwale County on Monday to address long-standing land and squatter issues. The President is now set to issue 27,000 title deeds in Kilifi as part of this land distribution effort. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a 30-day ultimatum for the removal of illegal structures along four major roads in several coastal counties. Meanwhile, the Environment and Land Court has ordered the recovery of a valuable road reserve in Mombasa, valued at approximately Ksh25 million, which was illegally allocated for private use in 1994.