February 2 - February 8, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, February 2 to Sunday, February 8, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
February 2
Matatu Strike Paralyzes Transport in Nairobi and Major Towns - February 2026
Chaos erupted on Monday, February 2, 2026, across Nairobi and other major Kenyan towns as a significant portion of the matatu industry went on strike, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. Matatu operators have vowed to continue their strike every Monday until President William Ruto addresses their grievances regarding what they term as increasing lawlessness by boda boda operators. The operators, who were also on strike on January 28, are demanding a direct meeting with the president. In response to the protests, police in Nairobi's Central Business District removed number plates and towed matatus that were blocking streets. Officers also used tear gas to disperse protestors as they worked to restore normal traffic flow.
Lawsuits and Rulings Address Boda Boda Regulation, Data Privacy, and Inheritance - February 2026
A series of legal actions and rulings are impacting Kenyans. A Nairobi lawyer, Rogers Monda, has sued the government over its failure to regulate the boda boda business, citing rampant road carnage, mob violence, and sexual assaults across the country. Separately, a landmark data protection ruling means Kenyan parents can now sue schools for publishing their children's exam results and names without consent. This follows a decision where the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) ordered a city school to pay Ksh 637,500 for unlawfully advertising a minor's information. Concurrently, recent debates have re-examined the Law of Succession Act (Cap 160) regarding inheritance disputes, spurred by a case where a judge's will disinherited siblings.
New International Work, Scholarship, and AI Language Opportunities for Kenyans - February 2026
New opportunities have opened for Kenyans in international and digital spheres. The Australian government has opened applications for fully funded Australia Awards Scholarships for postgraduate study in 2027, targeting eligible professionals from Kenya and other African countries. Simultaneously, the Kenyan government has announced it is unlocking new opportunities for citizens to work abroad. In the technology sector, Google has expanded its WAXAL speech dataset to include Kikuyu, Dholuo, and Luganda. This initiative aims to boost artificial intelligence (AI) accessibility for millions of African language speakers. The goal is to enable the development of AI tools that can understand local languages.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
February 3
Kalonzo Musyoka Named Azimio Leader as High Court Voids 21 Presidential Advisor Roles - February 2026
Kalonzo Musyoka has been appointed the new leader of the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition following a leadership overhaul ratified on February 2, 2026, which also saw the replacement of Secretary General Junet Mohamed. In events concerning the executive, the High Court of Kenya rejected a request to halt its earlier ruling that invalidated the appointment of 21 presidential advisors, with Justice Bahati Mwamuye deeming the applications res judicata. This decision dismissed applications seeking to suspend the nullification of the appointments. Separately, Marjan Hussein Marjan has resigned as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) after serving since 2015.
Turkish Businessman Charged with Al-Shabaab Membership; Two Arrested with Ammunition in Kitui - February 2026
A Turkish businessman, Osman Erdinc Elsek, has been charged in a Mombasa court with multiple terrorism-related offenses, including alleged membership in the Al-Shabaab terrorist group and illegal possession of a firearm. His co-accused, Gokmen Sandikci, is facing charges for consorting with him and assault. In a separate security incident, two suspects were arrested in Kitui County. Police discovered 30 rounds of live ammunition in a backpack on a passenger bus traveling along the Garissa-Thika Highway. The discovery was made during a routine security operation in Kanyonyoo.
Probes Launched into Deaths in Kenyatta Market, Nairobi Street Families, and Mwenda Mbijiwe's Disappearance - February 2026
Postmortem exams revealed that Daniel Nuthu, 45, and James Nzau, 29, died from severe blunt force trauma and torture after an alleged assault at Kenyatta Market, with findings showing red pepper and maize were forced down their throats, intensifying allegations of police involvement. In a separate case, the Kenyan government has launched an investigation into the deaths of nine people believed to be part of Nairobi's street families following their mass burial on January 29, 2026. The probe aims to confirm their identities and causes of death. Additionally, the mother of missing security analyst Mwenda Mbijiwe has pressured the government to account for his disappearance from nearly five years ago. During a habeas corpus hearing, she claimed he was abducted by State agents and accused the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) of stonewalling.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
February 4
Azimio Appoints Kalonzo Musyoka as Leader Amid Political Party Realignments - February 2026
Kalonzo Musyoka has been appointed the new leader of the Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition as part of a leadership overhaul ratified on February 2, 2026. The Wiper Party leader accepted the appointment, promising a principled leadership focused on national renewal. In other political developments, former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi has officially joined Rigathi Gachagua's Democratic Change Party (DCP) to contest the Westlands parliamentary seat in 2027. The DCP's Deputy Leader, Cleophas Malala, also claimed that a collaboration between Rigathi Gachagua and former President Uhuru Kenyatta is underway. Meanwhile, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the ODM Secretary General, has denied claims that he plans to leave the Orange Democratic Movement for Gachagua's party.
IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan Resigns; Commission Plans Digital Voter Registration - February 2026
Marjan Hussein Marjan has resigned as the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following consultations within the commission. In response to his departure, the United Opposition announced plans for legal action against the former CEO, citing decisions made before the commission was fully reconstituted, including the extension of Smartmatic International’s contract. Amid these leadership changes, the IEBC is set to launch a nationwide voter registration drive in March 2026, aiming to register five million new voters. To boost participation, especially among young, tech-savvy Kenyans, the commission will introduce a new digital pre-registration platform. However, the IEBC clarified that physical attendance for fingerprint capture will remain mandatory for full registration.
US Extends AGOA as Kenya Pursues New Duty-Free Trade Deal with China - February 2026
US President Donald Trump has signed a one-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), restoring duty-free access for eligible Sub-Saharan African countries until December 31, 2026. This extension, backdated from September 30, 2025, prevents potential tariffs of up to 42 percent on Kenyan goods. Following this development, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) is urging Kenya and the U.S. to fast-track a long-term bilateral trade agreement to ensure predictability for exporters. Concurrently, Kenya is set to sign a duty-free, quota-free trade agreement with China within the next 30 days. This deal will allow Kenyan farmers to export products such as avocados and pork with zero tariffs, aiming to boost the country's agricultural export sector.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
February 5
Authorities Issue Warnings on Foreign Recruitment, IPOs, and Call Recordings - February 2026
The Sultanate of Oman has issued a strong warning to Kenyans against using unofficial channels for employment, clarifying that tourist visas cannot be used for work after numerous Kenyans were defrauded. This comes as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates over 200 Kenyans have been deceptively recruited to fight for Russia since 2022, highlighted by the death of a Kenyan soldier. In business, the Consumers Federation of Kenya (Cofek) has warned potential investors against the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Initial Public Offering due to an ongoing legal challenge scheduled for February 19. Separately, following a ruling by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC), Kenyans are being warned that recording someone's voice without their consent is a criminal offense that could lead to serious legal consequences.
Legal Developments in Dandora Pollution, Nandi Hills Assault, and Anglo Leasing Cases - February 2026
The Environment and Land Court has ordered Nairobi County Government and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to pay Ksh25.8 million to 1,032 waste pickers at the Dandora dumpsite. The court found that prolonged air pollution at the dumpsite violated the pickers’ constitutional rights. In a separate case, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has urged the Court of Appeal to reject attempts by Rashmi Chamanlal Kamani and Deepak Kumar Kamani to delay the ongoing Anglo Leasing corruption trial, emphasizing the need for justice to proceed. Additionally, Nandi Senator Kiprotich Cherargei denounced the transfer of senior police officers implicated in the Nandi Hills assault case as a "travesty of justice," calling for disciplinary action and criminal prosecution instead.
President Ruto Launches NYOTA Programme, Disbursing Sh126 Million to Youth - February 2026
President William Ruto is scheduled to launch the NYOTA project in Malindi, overseeing the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries in Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu Counties. He oversaw the disbursement of Sh126 million to 5,040 young entrepreneurs under the NYOTA Programme's Business Start-Up Capital component. This initial support provides Sh25,000 per beneficiary, with Sh22,000 designated for business and Sh3,000 for NSGF savings. Amid criticism from opposition leaders, the World Bank has publicly defended Kenya's National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme. The global lender asserts its support for the initiative as an "innovative, inclusive and transparent way to deal with unemployment among the youth" in Kenya.
More from Thursday:
Friday
February 6
Kenya Engages in International Diplomacy, Military Drills, and Educational Programs - February 2026
President William Ruto has expanded Kenya's diplomatic presence by nominating Kosiom Frank Ole Kibelekenya as Ambassador to Copenhagen, Denmark, and appointing three new Deputy Ambassadors to Somalia, Russia, and Tanzania. In military cooperation, Kenya’s Naval Forces are participating in Exercise Cutlass Express 2026, a U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)-sponsored multinational maritime security drill, alongside the U.S., UK, and 17 other nations to enhance security. On the education front, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi announced the opening of applications for the fully funded 2027-2028 Fulbright Foreign Student Programme and the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Programme, inviting Kenyans to pursue educational opportunities in the United States.
Sakaja's Cabinet Approves Emergency Response Bill and Nairobi River Programme - February 2026
The Nairobi County Government, led by Governor Johnson Sakaja, has approved several new initiatives. The Sakaja-led Cabinet approved a new Disaster Management Policy and Emergency Response Bill to make the city's approach to emergencies proactive, addressing recurring issues like urban fires and floods. As part of this, Nairobi is set to launch a new 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre to improve disaster preparedness and coordination. This reform follows recent incidents including major fires and gas explosions. The Cabinet also reaffirmed its support for the Sh50-billion Nairobi River Regeneration Programme. This project aims to transform the city's polluted waterways into community assets and is scheduled for completion in January 2027.
Court of Appeal Upholds NG-CDF; Rulings Made in Telewa and Sonko Graft Cases - February 2026
The Court of Appeal has reversed a High Court decision, declaring the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) to be constitutional. The court ruled that the fund does not violate devolution principles and that Senate input was not required for amendments to the NG-CDF Act. In a separate case, the High Court paved the way for the EACC to arrest and prosecute National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) Chief Executive Officer Roy Sasaka Telewa after dismissing his petition challenging corruption investigations. Meanwhile, former Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko defended himself in his resumed graft trial before the Milimani Anti-Corruption Court, testifying regarding allegations of conflict of interest and procurement irregularities.
More from Friday:
Saturday
February 7
Security Forces Target Gangs, Extortion Rings, and Terror Financing - February 2026
The Coast Regional Police Commander, Ali Nuno, has authorized officers to use firearms against armed criminal suspects in Mombasa due to a surge in violent gang activity targeting groups like 'panga boys'. In Kwale County, four suspected members of the “Panga Boys” gang were arrested following a violent robbery. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) dismantled an extortion ring in Mtito Andei, leading to the arrest of a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer and a police officer. On a national level, the Financial Reporting Centre (FRC) has designated 13 individuals under targeted financial sanctions for terrorism financing. This action mandates an immediate freeze on their assets by all financial institutions.
Govt Publishes New School Fees as Audit Finds Ghost Learners and MP Alleges Political Hirings - February 2026
The Ministry of Education has gazetted a new senior school fees structure, effective January 5, 2026, which aims to standardize charges in all public senior schools. This policy change comes as an audit in Kenya exposed 87,000 "ghost learners" in government systems, along with 26 non-operational schools. This discrepancy has led to an estimated loss of Ksh 1.1 billion annually through siphoned capitation funds. Separately, Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama has alleged that Teachers Service Commission (TSC) employment letters are being distributed as political rewards from State House to politically aligned MPs.
Political Tensions Rise Over Party Conflicts and 2027 Election Maneuvering - February 2026
Internal tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have escalated, with Deputy Party Leader Geoffrey Osotsi openly challenging party leader Oburu Odinga's stance on fielding candidates for the 2027 elections. In another political development, Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya criticized President William Ruto's proposal to exempt Kenyans earning below Ksh30,000 from PAYE tax, calling it a "vote-buying scheme" for the 2027 elections. Amid these tensions, the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) condemned a recent attack on opposition leaders at ACK Witima Church and called for restraint from mass protests.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
February 8
Government Responds to Kenyans Recruited for Russia-Ukraine War - February 2026
The Kenyan government has announced an expansion of diplomatic efforts to secure the release of its citizens who were irregularly recruited to serve in the Russia-Ukraine war. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed the government has repatriated nearly 20 Kenyans lured into the war through fake job scams. This follows the recovery of three Kenyan bodies from eastern Ukraine on February 6, 2026. Meanwhile, fourteen families of Kenyans who traveled to Russia for promised jobs gathered at Jevanjee Gardens in Nairobi to demand answers from the government. These families shared accounts of relatives who left Kenya between October and November of the previous year and with whom communication has since ceased.
Kalonzo Musyoka and Junet Mohamed Clash Over Gazettement of Azimio Leadership Changes - February 2026
An internal dispute has emerged within the Azimio la Umoja coalition over recent leadership changes. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused State House of blocking the gazettement of the coalition's new leadership in the Kenya Gazette. Kalonzo stated the appointments were lawfully effected and acknowledged by the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP). Suna East MP Junet Mohamed criticized Kalonzo, alleging that due process was not followed according to the coalition’s founding legal framework. This public clash between Kalonzo and the Minority Leader highlights growing divisions within the opposition party.
Police Intensify Operations Against Gangs and Banditry - February 2026
The National Police Service (NPS) is intensifying efforts against insecurity in various parts of the country. In Baringo County, the NPS recovered four illegal firearms through security operations as part of the ongoing disarmament campaign against banditry. In the Coast region, Police Commander Ali Nuno authorized the use of lethal force against the notorious "Panga Boys" gang, which is responsible for a surge of violent robberies. Commander Nuno issued a "shoot-to-kill" directive against armed criminal suspects in Mombasa County and warned criminals to abandon crime or leave the region. He emphasized that officers will use firearms when legally justified.