February 23 - March 1, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, February 23 to Sunday, March 1, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
February 23
Kenya Transportation Infrastructure Disruptions - February 2026
Kenyan motorists in Kilgoris were left stranded on Sunday, February 22, after floodwaters completely destroyed the Mogor Bridge on the Kilgoris–Logorian highway, severing a vital transport link. The incident follows another transportation development as Kenya partners with Japan to implement an advanced, digitized traffic accident reporting system inspired by Tokyo Metropolitan Police. Meanwhile, the UAE dispatched 30 tonnes of emergency food supplies to Kenya to alleviate suffering caused by prolonged drought.
Edwin Sifuna's Rising Political Influence - February 2026
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the ODM Secretary General, is building a new political movement called Linda Mwananchi ahead of the 2027 General Election. Sifuna has been holding rallies alongside Embakasi East MP Babu Owino that attract younger Kenyans and challenge the status quo. He met recently with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, sparking excitement in Western Kenya. Political commentators in the region see echoes of the historic Muliro-Kijana political partnership. Some articles reference the Moses-Joshua biblical story when discussing whether Sifuna can lead Kenyans after Raila Odinga's era.
Kenyan Golf Tournaments and Winners - February 2026
The 57th Magical Kenya Open concluded at the Karen Country Club with South African golfer Casey Jarvis winning Sh60 million after an impressive four-day performance. Junior golfers gained valuable experience competing against world-class professionals in the Absa 'Beat the Pro' Challenge, though no juniors won top prizes. Judith Attorney emerged the overall winner at the February Mug of the Month tournament held at Nyanza Golf Club on February 22, 2025, showcasing exceptional performance alongside other notable players.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
February 24
Kenya IMF Loan, Uganda Ksh32.95B Pipeline Investment, 300+ Jobs - February 2026
Kenya is pursuing a new financing program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address its budget deficit, following the termination of previous agreements. President William Ruto met with EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger to discuss deepening trade relations and maximizing benefits from the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement. Uganda is set to invest Ksh32.95 billion in Kenya Pipeline Company for the Uganda National Oil Company to acquire stakes in regional fuel transport infrastructure. The Kenyan government has launched a recruitment drive, announcing over 300 job vacancies across various ministries, state corporations, and public universities. Huduma Kenya has issued a warning regarding fake recruitment efforts and fraudulent appointment letters circulating online.
Mshabaha Hamza: 3 Abductors Held 10 Days, Probe Demanded - February 2026
Amnesty International Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) are demanding a comprehensive investigation into an attempted abduction of Tanzanian human rights defender Mshabaha Mshabaha Hamza on Sunday, February 22. Three men, including a Tanzanian national, will remain in custody for 10 days following the alleged abduction. A court has granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations 10 days to complete their probe into an Imam accused of sexually abusing 12 minors during madrassa classes in Othaya. The DPP has also launched a new Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Financing of Terrorism Prosecution curriculum to equip prosecutors with advanced skills.
Police Misconduct and Legal Proceedings - February 2026
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, has explained that delays in prosecuting police misconduct cases stem from insufficient evidence provided by investigative agencies. A Mombasa-based NGO, the Centre for Litigation and Trust, is seeking an investigation into a senior police officer over allegations of ordering a custom-made police uniform, a violation of service regulations. A Mandera police officer, Abdihakim Abdi Saman, has been convicted of grievous harm and assault for attacking two complainants during a land dispute on May 11, 2024. Five suspects are set to be charged with murder and attempted murder following a deadly shooting incident at a Kitengela nightclub.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
February 25
EACC Renews Calls for Prosecutorial Powers - February 2026
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is renewing its call for Parliament to grant it prosecutorial powers, a move aimed at expediting corruption cases. This comes as the EACC has announced the establishment of a new body dedicated to verifying academic certificates, aiming to combat the use of forged qualifications for employment. Meanwhile, six Kenyan judges are suing the government, including the Attorney General and Treasury PS, for failing to pay them a court-awarded sum of Sh124 million following a three-year delay in their appointments.
CS Ogamba Announces Plans to Lower Fees for Select Learners - February 2026
The Ministry of Education has announced plans to reduce school fees for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to increase enrollment and reduce dropouts. Members of Parliament are simultaneously pushing to amend legislation that would strip the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) of its role in admitting students to the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). Additionally, the National Assembly has overwhelmingly approved the appointment of Francis Meja as the new Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC), despite some debate regarding his eligibility.
Parliament Rejects IEBC's 2027 General Election Budget, Demands Immediate Cuts - February 2026
Kenya's Parliament has rejected major budget requests from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the 2027 General Election, demanding immediate cost-cutting measures. This comes as the IEBC assures voters of a transparent and credible by-election in Isiolo South Constituency scheduled for Thursday, with the commission urging residents to participate and implementing measures for a secure and fair electoral process. Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has issued a stern warning to leaders he accuses of inciting political tensions and violence among youth in Meru County.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
February 26
Interior Ministry Report Exposes Politicians Organizing Violence to Disrupt Rallies - February 2026
A new report from the Kenyan Ministry of Interior reveals that political violence, including disruptions to rallies and intimidation tactics, is not spontaneous but deliberately organised by political actors. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Thursday in Kieni, Nyeri County cautioned politicians against inciting youths to cause violence, asserting that politics is about ideas, not violence. In a related development, Kindiki emphasised that leadership is defined by performance, not rhetoric or violence, while commissioning an electrification project in Kieni Constituency. Turning to electoral events, by-elections held across Isiolo, Kakamega, and Embu counties on Thursday were marred by reports of violence and low voter turnout.
NTSA Under Pressure as Transporters Push for Mobile Money Payments - February 2026
The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) is urging the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to implement an immediate system for paying traffic fines via mobile money, following the NTSA's release of a list of instant fines for traffic violations. The Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) is separately urging the NTSA to implement mandatory periodic retraining and retesting for public service vehicle (PSV) drivers, as outlined in the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028. The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) is threatening to suspend or revoke the licences of tour operators and tourist service vehicle providers found engaging in unlawful off-road driving within conservation areas.
Bitok Orders Immediate Readmission Student in Hijab Dispute - February 2026
Kenya's Ministry of Basic Education has ordered the immediate readmission of a Grade 10 student expelled from Lwak Girls High School for wearing a hijab. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) separately ordered the Ministry of Education to immediately reinstate a Muslim Grade 10 student at St Mary's Lwak Girls in Siaya County who was reportedly sent home for wearing a hijab. Meanwhile, Kenya's Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) has ordered the State Department for Basic Education to eliminate or reduce the Ksh30 SMS placement fee for senior secondary school admissions.
More from Thursday:
Friday
February 27
DP Kindiki Warns Politicians Against Inciting Youths to Violence - February 2026
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki cautioned politicians in Kieni, Nyeri County against inciting youths to cause violence, asserting that politics is about ideas, not violence. This warning comes as Kenya Police Service Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat issued a strong warning against sponsors of political violence, signalling a heightened crackdown ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Meanwhile, Deputy President Kindiki expressed strong confidence that the current broad-based government will win the 2027 elections, dismissing notions of a single-term administration and attributing his belief to extensive development projects that have solidified national support.
Shakahola Massacre Trial Concludes With DPP Closing Case - February 2026
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has closed its final case in the Shakahola massacre trial after calling 95 witnesses, with Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 94 others facing charges related to the deaths of 429 people. In a separate legal development, a Bomet court sentenced Bernard Miyeiende Kerongo to 50 years in prison and fined him Sh50 million for trafficking 278 kilograms of cannabis. Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal has ruled that sending explicit messages to a colleague's WhatsApp account constitutes sexual harassment, establishing a hostile work environment under Kenyan law.
Civil Society Demands Action On Femicide and Migrant Worker Protections - February 2026
Amnesty International Kenya and other civil society groups are urging the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage to submit a critical Cabinet memorandum to address the escalating rates of femicide in Kenya. The European Union has launched a new Ksh 500 million initiative to support civil society organizations in advancing and protecting the rights of Kenyan citizens. Meanwhile, Kenya's migrant workers remain unprotected due to a decade-long legal gap, preventing the use of a mandatory Sh1.5 million security bond meant for their repatriation or the return of remains, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
More from Friday:
Saturday
February 28
MP Johana Ng’eno Among Six Killed in Nandi Helicopter Crash - February 2026
Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng'eno is among six individuals confirmed dead following a helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County, on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The aircraft crashed in Chepkieb, Nandi County, with witnesses on the ground indicating casualties at the scene. The helicopter caught fire during the crash, with early reports indicating there were five passengers on board the aircraft.
IG Kanja Says Police Closing in on Syndicate Recruiting Kenyans for Russia-Ukraine War - February 2026
Inspector General of Police Joseph Kanja announced that police are closing in on a syndicate allegedly recruiting Kenyans to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. A police officer was killed and three others injured during an attack on a rural patrol base in Kakamega late Friday, with gunmen fleeing with two stolen rifles. Separately, a video of an armed man aiming a gun at students hosting a house party in Kikuyu has sparked outrage and calls for an investigation.
Ruto Hints at UDA-ODM Friendly Fire in 2027 Elections - February 2026
President William Ruto has indicated that his UDA party and the ODM will engage in "friendly fire" during the 2027 General Election, suggesting an end to political zoning. His United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has secured victories in several recent by-elections, signaling a strong performance ahead of the 2027 general election. Meanwhile, Kenyan politics is entering a new phase as the 2027 general election approaches, with ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna seen as a rising figure and a surge in Luhya political influence. In a contrasting development, opposition leaders convened in Nakuru County, a key region for President William Ruto, declaring their united front an "alternative government" aiming to unseat him in 2027.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
March 1
MP Ngeno dies in a helicopter crash - March 2026
Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng'eno died in a helicopter crash in Chepkiep, Nandi County, along with five others. The helicopter, registration 5Y-DSB, reportedly attempted an emergency landing due to bad weather before catching fire. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has launched an investigation into the fatal crash in Mosop, Nandi County. President William Ruto expressed deep sorrow, leading the country in mourning alongside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki who paid tribute to the 'fearless and vocal' late MP. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula ordered the transfer of bodies from the crash site to Nairobi, while also forming a special team to support funeral preparations.
Iran vows to avenge Supreme Leader’s death - March 2026
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been killed following massive air strikes by the United States and Israel. The Iranian President has vowed revenge for the leader's death. Khamenei, who held power in Iran for three decades, died after large-scale US and Israeli air strikes, with death confirmed on Iranian state TV. Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi warned that the renewed conflict could lead to disruptions in global supply chains and broader security dynamics, urging restraint and dialogue to resolve the conflict and warning of global economic and security consequences.
Gachagua alleges NIS spied on talks with Ng’eno - March 2026
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua alleges National Intelligence Service (NIS) agents spied on his 2023 conversations with the late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno, and is now demanding an independent probe into Ng'eno's fatal helicopter crash. Gachagua claims the late MP was intimidated by President William Ruto to sign the impeachment motion against him. He has demanded a thorough investigation into the crash that killed the MP and five others in Mosop Constituency, Nandi County.