The FKF Premier League for the 2026/2027 season is set to commence on Monday, 31st August, following a High Court decision on Friday that cleared the way. The newly promoted team, 3K, will face Mara Sugar at Moi Stadium in Embu, with the match scheduled to start at 3 PM. At the same time, Mathare United will compete against APS Bomet at the Police Sacco Stadium. On 1st September, Tusker FC will begin their season with an away match against Ulinzi Stars at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, also starting at 3 pm. Meanwhile, the National Super League champions will host Kenya Police at the Green Stadium in Awendo. Titleholders Gor Mahia will begin their season at Nyayo Stadium, facing Murang’a Seal in Tuesday’s last match. Three more games are lined up on Wednesday as Kenya Commercial Bank will head to Police Sacco Stadium to meet Nairobi United, Shabana will take on Posta Rangers at Wang’uru Stadium, and AFC Leopards will wrap up the round one fixtures playing Bandari FC at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. In a decision that resolved weeks of uncertainty, the High Court in Murang’a has gave the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) the green light to start the 2026/27 Premier League season. Justice Dorah Chepkwony ruled that the season should begin temporarily under the 2019 FKF Rules, while the disputed 2025 regulations remain on hold as the ongoing petition questioning their validity is addressed...
Read briefing I recall a time when the face of tobacco addiction in Kenya was unmistakable. It belonged to an adult, often a man, with a cigarette dangling from weathered fingers. The harm was visible, the villain well-known. Today, the face of addiction has shifted, and it is far more difficult to recognise. It belongs to a teenager scrolling through TikTok after school, captivated by a sleek device held by their favourite influencer. We are witnessing a silent epidemic, one where novel tobacco products are driving young Kenyans into early nicotine addiction, fueled largely by the very screens we cannot seem to put down. Recent data confirms what many parents fear. While traditional smoking rates have declined to 9%, a new generation is being hooked on products that look more like USB drives than instruments of addiction. The 2024 NACADA survey on university students reveals that 12% currently use tobacco products, with 5.8% using e-cigarettes and 4.2% using nicotine pouches. Among adolescents aged 10-17, these numbers are rising, with children as young as six trying nicotine pouches and nine experimenting with e-cigarettes. The numbers alone are chilling, but the real story is how these products arrived in the hands of our children. If you want to understand why this crisis is accelerating, look no further than your phone. The tobacco industry has masterfully exploited a regulatory blind s...
Read briefing Conservationists drawn from Kenya and China are exploring new ways to deploy new technology in a bid to protect biodiversity. During the just concluded China-Africa Biodiversity Conservation Exchange and Training Course & “Eagle City” Global Exhibition, experts said real-time tracking of animals has enabled protection of animals, migratory routes and reduced human wildlife conflict. According to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) researchers, Lions in Maasai Mara are fitted with GPS collars to track their movements in real time. This enables early warnings to be delivered to local communities when lion prides approach human settlements. KWS said the measure educes livestock losses and prevents retaliatory killings of lions, achieving harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. Stephen Kenta, Rhino and Cheetah Expert of Mara National Reserve, shared technology-backed rhino conservation practices. Kenya said a smart conservation command centre has been established. Rhinos wear geo-tagged ear tags that trigger automatic system alerts when the animals approach reserve boundaries. Infrared cameras also help document more wild rhino individuals. Deputy Director-General of Chongqing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau Liu Ming presented Chongqing’s progress in urban biodiversity governance, migratory raptor conservation and public engagement. He noted that Chongqing has enforce...
Read briefing The Government will invest Ksh4 billion in a new smart city in Malaba, Busia County, President William Ruto has announced. The President explained that the smart city, which will have 2,000 affordable housing units and other amenities, will create jobs and business opportunities for the residents, and attract investors to the border town. “We will build a smart city in Malaba so that it starts looking better and stops looking like a shopping centre,” he said. Addressing a delegation of grassroots leaders from the Iteso community at the Eldoret State Lodge, Uasin Gishu County, on Saturday, President Ruto said the Government has allocated Ksh18 billion to Busia County for the construction of affordable houses, modern markets and university and college student hostels, “Nationally, the Affordable Housing Programme has so far employed 1.1 million people, including architects, quantity surveyors, mechanical engineers, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and masons, among others,” he said. On the 1.5 per cent Housing Fund paid by employees and employers to support the Affordable Housing Programme, the President said public servants have not suffered financial loss because they have benefited from a 10 per cent salary in recent years. The President commended leaders from Busia County for educating the residents on the need to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying 449,...
Read briefing The Government has unveiled a new uniform for General Duty officers of the Kenya Police Service, following consultations with police officers and members of the public in 2023 and recommendations by the Presidential Taskforce on Police Reforms. Speaking during the pass-out parade of recruits at National Police Training College, Kiganjo, Nyeri County, President William Ruto noted that the graduating officers at the police college, will be the first to wear the new uniform, which will be progressively rolled out to General Duty officers across the country from next week. “The graduating officers will be the first to wear the new uniform. It will then be progressively rolled out to General Duty officers throughout the country, effective next week,” Ruto said. The Administration Police Service and the General Service Unit will retain their current operational uniforms. The Head of State clarified that the changes respond to concerns raised by officers over the quality and sustainability of previous uniform and its impact on professional identity noting that noted that a uniform alone does not create professionalism, which is ultimately defined by character, discipline, training and conduct. “We appreciate that a uniform does not necessarily create professionalism. Character, discipline, training, and conduct do. But the Government has listened because the identity, comfort, morale,...
Read briefing President William Ruto has said that the new police uniform is a product consultation between police officers, members of the public as contained in the National Police Reform Taskforce chaired by retired Chief Justice David Maraga. Speaking at the National Police College Main Campus in Kiganjo, Nyeri County, President Ruto said police officers raised legitimate concerns over the current deep blue uniform officially introduced in 2018. He said that the officers questioned the quality, suitability and effect on professional identity necessitating the switch. “The graduating officers will be the first to wear the new uniform,” President Ruto said. It will then be progressively rolled out to general duty officers throughout the country effective next week, he said. Notably, the Maraga Report also gave special consideration to expectant police officers by introducing– for the first time–maternity uniforms. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen described the new uniform as a product of public participation, saying: “This change follows consultation with police officers and the public in 2023 as well as recommendations for the Presidential Taskforce.” “The Taskforce you established recommended that the National Police Uniform need to be changed. The uniform you launched today is a result of rigorous public participation and the police officers themselves chose their uniform,”...
Read briefing As online betting continues to grow across Africa, experts have called for the standardisation of self-exclusion systems in the gambling industry. This following presentation of a proposal to develop clear standards for self-exclusion as a key tool for protecting people from gambling-related harm was presented during the 32nd General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), held in Kenya from August 24 to 28. The event which was organised in partnership with Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), attracted experts on standardisation, delegates, industry leaders and policymakers from across the region and around the world aimed at driving continental trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for which the Kenyan government is at the forefront. The gambling industry was introduced as a new track among the regular industries that have traditionally been subjected to standardization over the years. Africa has the youngest population on the planet and online gambling is accelerating very quickly, creating space for inappropriate integration of payments, games testing, platform integrations, operators’ oversight and also player protection. Dr Margaret Carran of St George’s, University of London, and Šimon Vincze, Head of Sustainable and Safer Gambling at Casino Guru, presented proposals under the Self-Exclusion Standards Project, whic...
Read briefing National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has cautioned politicians against attacking the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) saying attempts to dictate how the electoral body procures technology and other election materials could undermine confidence in the 2027 General Election. Speaking at Marenyo Market in Butere Constituency, Kakamega County, Mr. Wetang’ula appeared to respond to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent allegations that IEBC had designed a tender to favour South Korean technology firm Miru Systems Co. Ltd and that the procurement could facilitate manipulation of the 2027 polls. Gachagua, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, has alleged that the outcome of the tender for the Integrated Elections Management System (IEMS) had been predetermined in favour of Miru Systems. He has also questioned the specifications contained in the tender, arguing that they were tailored to the company. IEBC has rejected the allegations, saying the procurement process is open and transparent and that no company has been awarded the contract. IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon said the process was still at an early stage and challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence. He urged the commission to remain firm and conduct its work independently, while asking politicians to allow it to discharge its constitutional mandate without inte...
Read briefing Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) expects to boost power supply and ensure reliability after energizing the 132kV Nanyuki-Isiolo transmission line. KETRACO Acting Managing Director Kipkemboi Kibias said the project which kicked off in 2012 will enhance power reliability and stability in Isiolo, Meru, Laikipia and the wider Upper Eastern region. “The journey of this project started in 2012, and despite the challenges, we are happy that today the people of Nanyuki, Isiolo and, by extension, the people of Nyeri, can finally see this long-awaited project come to fruition,” said Kibias. KERACO backs the line to unlock new opportunities for economic growth and investment in the region, while providing the transmission capacity needed to support rising energy demand and future development. The project comprises of 132kV 72km single-circuit transmission line from Nanyuki to Isiolo, construction of a new 132kV substation at Isiolo, and expansion works at the existing Nanyuki substation. “We are in the process of finalizing projects that had stalled while also pushing forward with new projects. For the Mount Kenya region, this is one of the most consequential transmission lines, but KETRACO is not stopping there. We want to realize the project that was initially started, connecting Loiyangalani, Marsabit and Isiolo, which will further boost voltage in the region,” he added...
Read briefing The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority is calling for maximisation of productivity during the expected heavy rainfall driven by the El Nino phenomenon during the short rains season of October, November to December. The Weatherman says the climate variabilities caused by both the El Nino phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean coupled by the evolving Indian Ocean Dipole could see the country receive heavy rainfall during the season. “The short rains season of October, November to December, is an important rainfall season in the counties of; Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Makueni, Kitui Taita Taveta, Machakos counties and parts of Kajiado and Tana River “where it contributes to over 40% of the total annual rainfall,” said Deputy Director of Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) Charles Mugah. The Weatherman in the forecast released at the 13th National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF13), indicates that the rains are set begin in the counties of Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, TransNzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West-Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori and Narok in September to January 2027. The statement read by the Deputy Director indicates that, the counties of Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi and Nairobi will begin to receive thei...
Read briefing The Alcoholic Beverages Association of Kenya (ABAK) has called for stronger enforcement measures against counterfeit alcohol amid growing consumer concerns over product authenticity and quality. ABAK Chairperson Kui Kinyanjui said counterfeit alcohol circulating in the market poses risks to consumers and undermines legitimate businesses, urging coordinated efforts to disrupt illegal trade networks. “Kenyan consumers deserve the assurance that the products they purchase are genuine, safe and sourced through legitimate channels,” Kinyanjui said. She urged the government to strengthen market surveillance, border controls and product traceability to prevent counterfeit and non-compliant alcoholic beverages from reaching consumers. “The need for more enhanced collaboration among regulators, enforcement agencies, industry stakeholders and retail trade has never been more important to strengthen market surveillance, improve traceability mechanisms, and protect consumers from illegal and non-compliant products,” Kinyanjui stated. She also also advised consumers to purchase alcohol only from authorised distributors, licensed retailers and reputable outlets. Kinyanjui called upon the government to invest in intelligence-led enforcement and stronger border controls to safeguard product integrity and consumer confidence. The association’s concerns come amid recent online discussions and co...
Read briefing The InteRussia international fellowship programme, “Professional Training for Drama and Film Actors”, has begun in Moscow. The programme involves 14 young actors from Argentina, Brazil, Germany, India, Egypt, Türkiye, South Africa, Malaysia, China, and Ethiopia. The training will run until 3 October 2026. The programme includes practical classes in acting, stage speech and movement; the study of Konstantin Stanislavsky’s system and Vsevolod Meyerhold’s biomechanics; meetings with Russian actors and cultural figures; and visits to the Moscow Art Theatre, the Bolshoi Theatre, the Stanislavsky Museum and other cultural venues. The opening ceremony for the training programme took place at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS). Marina Kiryushkina, Acting Rector of GITIS, explained that over the course of six weeks, participants would be immersed in the rich tradition of Russian theatre. “We are delighted to see interest in Russian psychological theatre growing year on year, and we are ready to share this experience with colleagues from all over the world,” she remarked. Lyana Dymova, Academic Programmes Coordinator at the Gorchakov Fund, encouraged participants to make the most of the fellowship, not to be afraid to ask questions and to try new things. “InteRussia is not just about classes. It is an opportunity to see Russian theatre from the inside, to meet colleagues from...
Read briefing As next year’s elections approach, journalists have been cautioned against falling prey to misinformation which is rampant during the era of artificial intelligence (AI). Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Chairman Maina Muiruri says the media must maintain public trust at the height of misinformation, disinformation, manipulated images and misleading narratives that often compromise the truth during electioneering. Muiruri who spoke when he officially opened a training session for digital media practitioners in Ruiru, Kiambu County, told journalists instead to use AI to identify manipulated content, analyze data and improve fact-checking. He also disclosed that a report prepared by MCK shows that 60 percent of journalists who will be covering the upcoming election will be doing it for the first time, hence the need for training and sensitization. The workshop was organized by Digital Journalists of Kenya (DJK) association under the theme; ‘Using AI to enhance content authenticity and build information credibility in a general election season.’ DJK Chairman Andy Kagwa The DJK Chairman Andy Kagwa said the media must counter against hate speech and toxic political statements even as newsrooms and organizations like MCK , Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) and Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) launch initiatives to strengthen election monitoring and misinformation tracking systems. Christine Much...
Read briefing The government has underscored its commitment to reducing plastic pollution at source and promoting sustainable waste management through stronger refill and reuse systems. Speaking during the handover policy recommendations on strengthening refill and reuse systems, Deputy Director, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Njoroge Mbitu noted that the recommendations seek to complement Kenya’s existing waste management and extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework. “The recommendations seek to complement Kenya’s existing waste management and extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework by promoting waste prevention, encouraging reusable packaging, strengthening producer responsibility and supporting the development of a circular economy,” noted Mbitu. Deputy Director, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Njoroge Mbitu Mbitu who spoke while receiving the policy recommendations on behalf of the State Department for Environment and Climate Change said Kenya has made significant progress in addressing plastic pollution, including through the 2017 ban on plastic carrier bags, the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022, and the Sustainable Waste Management (Extended Producer Responsibility) Regulations, 2024. “The Government continues to strengthen implementation of these frameworks while working with stakeholders to address emerging challenges in plastic waste managemen...
Read briefing National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has attended the General Audience at the Vatican, led by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, describing the occasion as a moment of reflection, fellowship and goodwill. Speaker Wetang’ula said the audience gathered faithful from across the world to receive the Pope’s message of peace, hope and service to humanity. “I had the honour of attending the General Audience at the Vatican, presided over by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” Wetang’ula said. He said the occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on the enduring values that unite people and nations, including peace, compassion, dignity and a shared commitment to building a better world. “This was a moment of reflection, fellowship and goodwill as we joined faithful from across the world to hear the Holy Father’s message of peace, hope and service to humanity,” he said. Wetang’ula noted that the audience also provided an opportunity to strengthen bonds of fellowship and reaffirm the importance of solidarity among people and nations. “The occasion offered an opportunity to reflect on the enduring values that unite humanity, including peace, compassion, dignity and a shared commitment to building a better world.” The Speaker reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening its engagement with the international community and to fostering partnerships grounded in mutual respect, dialogue, and shared values...
Read briefing The revival of Sony Sugar has sparked hopes for business growth in the sugar-belt towns, such as Awendo Town and surrounding areas, which are now bustling with activity. In an interview, Sony Sugar Company 2025 Limited Managing Director (MD) Jane Pamela Odhiambo attributed the region’s confidence to the reforms that President William Ruto initiated last year. Specifically, she said that the move to ensure that farmers are paid weekly for their cane has enhanced circulation of money– giving locals the buying power–and opened new opportunities for traders. According to her, approximately Sh150 million is circulating in Awendo Town and surrounding areas every month from payment of cane, adding that sugarcane growing is the mainstay for many households. “So my day-to-day work is to make sure that the plant is working, that cane is being grown, that cane is being delivered, that customers are being served, that customers are paying on time, and that suppliers are paid, just to make sure that operations run efficiently and effectively,” she said. “Now the turnover of this company, if we mill well, is somewhere in the area of Sh5 billion per year. Now if you look at that turnover, a lot of that money goes back to this economy because of the farmers, whom we pay around 120 to 150 million per month,” she stated. An aerial view of the expansive Sony Sugar nucleus in Awendo, Migori County...
Read briefing Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has dismissed accusations of unfair treatment of LPG traders across the country. While responding to the opposition on allegations that the government is confiscating LPG cylinders from traders illegally, Wandayi said only illegal refilling stations are being targeted on a bid to improve public safety. “LPG safety is paramount to the consumer and for this reason we urge politicians to refrain from attacks to public officers and law enforcement agencies legitimately performing their duties as required by Law,” said Wandayi in a statement. On Wednesday, DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua accused the government of confiscating 200,000 LPG gas cylinders from traders as government affirms it’s position on combating illegal refills and trade of cooking gas. “I wish to assure the public that Government will not succumb to pressure from politicians and cartels hellbent to benefit from LPG illicit trade. The crackdown on illegal LPG operations will be intensified until full compliance is achieved,” he added. Wandayi also dismissed accusations that the police was conducting the crackdown illegally. Wandayi says to ensure traders comply with the the Energy Act Cap. 314 and the Petroleum Act Cap 308, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) works collaboratively with the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal...
Read briefing The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has confiscated 868 assorted alcoholic beverages and arrested two suspects during a multi-agency crackdown on the illicit alcohol trade in Eastleigh, Nairobi. The operation, which took place at Section 3 on 18th Street, targeted outlets suspected of distributing illicit alcoholic products. The team included officers from NACADA, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the National Police Service. According to NACADA, items seized included alcoholic beverages bearing suspected fake KRA stamps, uncustomed beer from Defence Forces Canteen Organisation (DEFCO) stores, and expired and suspected counterfeit products. A distributor and a retailer were arrested during the operation and taken to Jogoo Road Police Station. The seized products have been sent for analysis to confirm their authenticity and compliance with regulatory requirements. The operation is part of ongoing intelligence-led enforcement activities being conducted nationwide, following growing public concern over the manufacture, distribution, and sale of counterfeit and illicit alcoholic beverages. NACADA Chief Executive Officer Dr Anthony Omerikwa said the Authority is collaborating with other government agencies to intensify enforcement against manufacturers, distributors, and outlets involved in unlawf...
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