Transport has been paralysed along Ngong Road near Talanta Stadium after angry boda boda riders blocked the highway to protest the death of their colleague.The incident occurred on Monday, October 12, after a boda boda rider was reportedly struck and killed by a lorry in an alleged hit-and-run incident.Following the death, hundreds of boda boda riders reportedly gathered at the scene, blocking motorists from accessing the affected section of Ngong Road.The situation escalated as some riders allegedly began stoning vehicles attempting to pass through the road, forcing motorists to stop or seek alternative routes, as told by some motorists at the scene.“Right now, our hands are tied. Anyone who attempts to pass risks their car being stoned and damaged,” a motorist stated.Additionally, the bodaboda riders planted stones along the road, preventing motorists from using that lane, as seen in images obtained by Kenyans.co.ke.By around 3pm, the affected section had reportedly become a no-go zone, with motorists experiencing disruptions as tensions mounted among the protesting riders.Police officers arrived at the scene and reportedly lobbed tear gas to disperse the crowd, but the road remained tense as the protest unfolded.Some motorists stated that even after more than one hour, there was no sign of traffic easing, as the boda boda riders kept putting up more and more barricades. Motorists using Ngong Road have been advised to exercise caution, anticipate significant delays, and consider alternative routes as police respond to the incident.Ngong Road has experienced a series of protests this year alone, including environmental demonstrations in October, when Greenpeace Africa and forest defenders delivered a petition bearing over 60,000 signatures over government-led projects in protected forests such as Ngong Forest.In May, boda boda operators protested high fuel prices by blocking roads, while February and July anti-government saba saba demonstrations triggered barricades, police roadblocks, and fires.
Read briefing The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) has called on public hospitals to improve how they track and order medicines to reduce stock-outs, expired supplies, and wastage of public funds.The authority wants hospitals to provide accurate data on medicine consumption, current stock levels, and expected demand to help determine the quantities of medical supplies required.KEMSA also wants hospitals to strengthen stock management and avoid ordering products in excess of their needs, which can lead to expiry and unnecessary expenditure.The proposals were discussed at a five-day conference in Naivasha running from October 11 to 15, bringing together KEMSA, Ministry of Health officials, county and national referral hospital pharmacists and other health sector stakeholders.KEMSA CEO Dr Waqo Ejersa said the supply chain should be judged by whether hospitals receive the products they need to treat patients, rather than the volume of supplies purchased.“Our performance must ultimately be reflected in the ability of health facilities to deliver services reliably and in the ability of patients to access the products they need when they need them,” Ejersa said.He said hospitals should use consumption records, stock levels and expected demand to guide orders.Additionally, he warned that poor planning can contribute to shortages, excess stock and avoidable spending.Ejersa also urged hospital managers to involve pharmacists in decisions on medical supplies, including forecasting demand, managing inventories and allocating resources.Medical Services PS Dr Ouma Oluga said procuring medicines alone does not guarantee their availability in hospitals, calling for better planning based on actual patient and facility needs.Oluga urged pharmacists to help determine which products hospitals need, the quantities required, and when they should be supplied, using consumption data to guide decisions.He also called for improved forecasting, inventory management and accountability throughout the process, from selecting and purchasing products to their distribution and use.
Read briefing Running battles erupted at Kakamega Central Police Station on Monday, October 12, after police fired tear gas and shots into the air to disperse DCP leaders and activists who had gone to present a petition against Governor Fernandes Barasa.The group, led by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Secretary General Cleophas Malala and lawyer Ken Echesa, had arrived at the station to accuse the governor of intimidating political opponents.Tensions escalated shortly after their arrival, with police lobbing tear gas canisters and firing shots into the air, triggering a scuffle at the station.Journalists covering the confrontation were also caught up in the chaos, with police reportedly confiscating some of their equipment.Their equipment was later returned after Malala intervened, as the confrontation unfolded amid growing political tensions surrounding the arrest of a Nairobi-based blogger.In his petition, Malala accused Barasa of using violence and intimidation against perceived opponents, calling on security agencies to investigate allegations of politically motivated attacks.“We have presented a public petition to the police leadership in Kakamega in what seems to be runaway political violence, goonship and intimidation of the people from compromised officers,” Malala stated.The former senator claimed that more than 300 people had been recruited and trained to attack political rivals, torch houses, and target residents. Malala, who is eyeing the Kakamega gubernatorial seat, further accused compromised police officers of enabling intimidation and claimed that the governor was using violence to deal with political opponents.He also protested the arrest of digital creators, particularly Anyama wa Anyama, arguing that authorities should not use criminal proceedings to suppress online expression.He called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to stop shielding Barasa and individuals allegedly linked to the attacks, demanding decisive action against the reported incidents.The confrontation follows a public dispute between Malala and Barasa over a controversial social media post allegedly linked to the former senator and targeting the governor.The blogger's arrest reportedly followed alleged comments linked to the post, further escalating the dispute as Malala and his allies demanded investigations into the accusations against the governor.This comes as Malala is seeking to run for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in the August 2027 general elections under DCP, seeking to replace Baraza, who will be defending his seat on ODM ticket.
Read briefing A popular TikToker has been remanded in custody after a Nairobi court cancelled his bond for failing to attend a trial scheduled for October 1 this year, in a Ksh500,000 extortion case.The content creator was arrested in Nakuru and transferred to Nairobi on Friday morning, October 9, before being presented in court on Monday, where his lawyer applied to have his bail reinstated.His lawyer told the court that the TikToker had missed the previous proceedings due to ill health and asked the magistrate to allow him to remain out of custody as the case continued.However, the court was not provided with medical documents to support the claim that he had been unwell, leading to the cancellation of his bond.The TikToker was ordered to remain in custody until October 26, when his application for bail is scheduled to be heard. The arrest warrant was initially issued on August 22 after he failed to appear in court for a hearing.According to the charge sheet, the alleged extortion was linked to a video the TikToker posted on his account claiming that Ksh1.6 billion had been stolen from a bank account.The prosecution alleges that he demanded money in exchange for taking down the video and stopping further publications concerning the bank.The case also drew attention after State Counsel Rama Mwanaidi raised concerns that the accused had discussed the proceedings on social media and asked the court to restrain him from commenting publicly on the matter.The court subsequently issued a gag order barring him from discussing or publishing information relating to the case on social media or other platforms.In a separate case, a 25-year-old man was recently arraigned before the Garissa Law Court over alleged ethnic contempt and cyber harassment following remarks shared in a viral TikTok video.The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the case followed a review of the video, which detectives alleged contained remarks warranting prosecution over incitement and online harassment.
Read briefing University students will have to wait longer before resuming classes after key talks between the government and lecturers’ unions failed to reach an agreement to end the ongoing strike.The University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) on Monday, October 12, reportedly rejected a Ksh12 billion offer from the government to return to work.The unions say they want the government to negotiate specific issues raised by lecturers rather than focus solely on the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).UASU Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga argued that the Ksh12 billion offer was insufficient, insisting that the government should fully implement the CBA."The counteroffer from the government is awfully inadequate, and we have rejected it in total," Wasonga stated.This is the second talk that has collapsed following the commencement of the nationwide strike on Friday, October 2.The lecturers are striking over the government's failure to implement the 2025-2029 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).Wasonga also argues that the university councils, the Ministry of Education and the National Treasury have also failed to honour the Return-to-Work Formula signed on November 5, 2025. At the same time, UASU accuses the government of having also failed to provide a financial counter-proposal for the 2025-2029 CBA despite negotiations having continued since last year.Meanwhile, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, on October 5, asked the lecturers to go back to work as their issues were being addressed.According to Ogamba, the Ministry of Education has cleared arrears arising from previous Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), including the 2017-2021 and 2021-2025 agreements."The government has committed to safeguarding the welfare of all our lecturers and has demonstrated this commitment through action. As we speak today, all arrears under the 2017-2021 and 2021-2025 CBAs have been cleared," Ogamba stated.
Read briefing A section of Nairobi residents have expressed anger over the felling of mature trees along State House Road, calling out authorities over concerns about urban environmental conservation.Images obtained by Kenyans.co.ke on Sunday, October 11, show a once-busy thoroughfare littered with tangled branches and debris, making the road impassable to vehicles.Reports indicate that the trees are being felled to pave the way for a possible expansion of the road into a dual carriageway, though this publication could not independently verify that. Pedestrians, including families, are seen navigating the wreckage on foot after the fallen trees and debris blocked access to vehicles.An analysis of the images shows that the trees appear to have been deliberately cut down using power saws rather than falling naturally. Some men are also seen cutting through the timber using machetes.The incident has sparked public outrage, with city advocate and Westlands MP aspirant Nelson Havi questioning the felling of mature urban trees. Havi has previously spoken out against the cutting of trees along the road.“Lower State House Road has the least traffic. What justification is there in felling 50-year-old ornamental trees to dual the road,” Havi stated.Another frustrated netizen argued that tree cutting should not be encouraged as the country faces the effects of climate change.“With looming climate change, cutting down trees should not be an agenda in our country. Cutting down trees from water towers to the CBD should be condemned,” the netizen stated.However, some netizens held a contrary view, arguing that the trees were old and could pose a danger to motorists and pedestrians if left standing, particularly during the anticipated El Niño rains.Local groups, including the Kilimani Community Foundation (KCF), have also opposed the proposed expansion of State House Road, arguing that widening it could attract more traffic rather than ease congestion. The group was among those that staged protests against the project in June.This comes months after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja warned government agencies, contractors, and private developers against illegally cutting mature trees, threatening arrests and penalties.He stated that all tree felling requires a written permit from the county Environment Director, directing offenders to plant multiple replacements, while questioning whether seedlings can compensate for decades-old trees.The warning also extended to state agencies such as KeNHA, KURA, and Kenya Power.
Read briefing Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has confirmed that all 122 contacts linked to Kenya’s first imported Ebola case have been identified and verified, as the government steps up efforts to contain the disease.In a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, Duale said 108 contacts, representing 88.5 per cent, were in quarantine and undergoing daily monitoring.“All 122 contacts of the case have been listed and verified. 108 (88.5%) are in quarantine and being monitored daily and none have developed any symptoms thus far,” Duale stated.The update follows earlier reports that 10 high-risk contacts had been quarantined, while health officials were still searching for 57 others linked to the deceased patient.The latest figures show that all 122 contacts have now been accounted for, although the Ministry did not provide an updated breakdown explaining the earlier figures.Duale stated none of the 108 people under quarantine had developed symptoms, while contact tracing continued with support from international partners to monitor potential exposure. Kenya confirmed its first imported Ebola case on October 6, involving a Kenyan who had traveled from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Uganda before dying on October 5.The patient was buried on October 6, with the process conducted in accordance with public health protocols, as authorities intensified efforts to prevent further infections.Since then, the Ministry reported that 293 samples collected from 289 alerts had been tested, with only the confirmed case returning a positive result as of October 11.Meanwhile, health officials have screened 667,675 travelers at 26 points of entry, including 2,345 people during the 24 hours preceding the latest update.Five designated laboratories, including mobile facilities at the Lwakhaha and Busia border points, are testing samples, with confirmed results available within six to 12 hours.The government has also made 241 isolation beds available across five hospitals in Nairobi, Eldoret, and Mombasa, including 50 intensive care beds at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, and an additional 4,197 healthcare workers have received training on Ebola management.This also comes at a time when Kenya has proposed establishing the Kenya Center for Disease Control and Prevention to coordinate disease prevention, monitoring, and management. At the same time, the government is currently mobilizing over Ksh70 billion in support from development partners to help with Ebola and climate change response efforts.
Read briefing Dairy farmers are calling on the government to reduce taxes on animal feed as President William Ruto plans to introduce improved buffalo and camel breeds to address Kenya’s milk shortage.The farmers, from Gatanga in Murang’a County, say the high cost of production is reducing their earnings and threatening the sustainability of dairy farming.Speaking in Murang’a during the launch of newly restored government milk coolers, the farmers also called for amendments to cooperative laws to prevent milk processors from buying directly from farmers, arguing that the practice weakens dairy cooperatives.“The challenge we have as farmers is that the cost of animal feed is very high; the business has not generated much profit,” one of the farmers stated.“We want a law that says people should buy milk in cooperatives if they are from processors, and the cooperatives should deal with the farmers,” Head of Coopertains Dairy Cooperatives, John Waweru, said. Additionally, the farmers also want changes to cooperative laws to prevent milk processing companies from purchasing milk directly from individual farmers, which weakens the dairy society.The call comes as the government explores alternative ways to increase milk production, including improved buffalo and camel breeds, as announced by President Ruto during the Agriculture and Food Security Summit at Jamuri park on Friday, October 9.In the address, Ruto directed Agriculture Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke to facilitate the importation of improved camel breeds and buffaloes as part of the efforts to boost the country’s milk supply.In his speech, he cited India as an example of a country where buffaloes are commercially milked, pointing to the animals as a potential source of milk.This has raised public scrutiny over how the government is planning to introduce water buffaloes for dairy production as well as their proposed classification as food animals.For the Gatanga farmers, this immediate concern remains, and having animal feed tax relief would ease expenses as well as improve how farmers market their milk.As the government plans to diversify milk production in the potential act of reducing milk shortage in the country, the farmers' needs remain unaddressed.
Read briefing Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has asked the Environment Ministry to declare another National Tree Planting Day after the expected El Niño rains failed to materialise.Speaking at Makutano Forest in Kipkelion East Constituency on Sunday, October 11, Chirchir said the dry spell disrupted this year’s Mazingira Day tree-planting activities, affecting efforts to meet Kericho County’s target of planting 300,000 trees.He said he would petition Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa to schedule another nationwide tree-planting exercise to help accelerate progress towards the national target of planting 15 billion trees.“I will ask my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Deborah Barasa, to give us another day nationally so that we can continue striving towards our target of planting the 15 billion trees,” Chirchir stated.Chirchir said the country needed to maintain momentum towards its environmental restoration goals despite the unfavourable weather conditions experienced during this year’s national celebrations.Kenya already observes Mazingira Day on October 10 as a gazetted public holiday dedicated to environmental conservation, including tree planting. If Barasa approves Chirchir’s request and the additional day is gazetted as a public holiday, it would give the country another day for nationwide tree-planting activities.Chirchir noted that Kericho County had planned to plant 300,000 trees within one hour, but the dry conditions disrupted the exercise, prompting the call for another planting day.The appeal comes as the government pursues a target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 to restore forests, rehabilitate degraded land and strengthen the country’s environmental resilience.During this year’s Mazingira Day celebrations, President William Ruto announced plans for an aerial seeding initiative targeting cleared and mapped forest areas, alongside measures to expand seedling production across the country.Ruto also announced that 15,000 National Youth Service (NYS) personnel would work with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to increase annual seedling production to at least two billion.The government further plans to establish 17 mega nurseries, each with the capacity to produce 25 million seedlings. A total of 5.3 million trees were planted nationwide during the celebrations.The renewed tree planting push comes amid public anger over commercial logging in Aberdare Forest, where heavy lorries have reportedly been transporting timber from Geta and Njabini Kiburu forest stations.Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha has condemned the scale of logging, warning of threats to water security, agriculture, and rural roads, while residents and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia have challenged the operations.
Read briefing A Kenyan psychologist and neurodiversity specialist has developed Qiotter, an artificial intelligence-powered app designed to help children with developmental differences access personalised support while enabling parents and caregivers to play a more active role in their development.Launched in July, the app aims to turn the time children spend on phones and tablets into structured developmental activities tailored to children with conditions such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and dyslexia.Qiotter was developed by Tabby Wangechi Ngeru, who is associated with Beyond Brain Barriers, an organisation that provides specialised educational and therapeutic support for children and young people.Ngeru said the platform seeks to bridge gaps between home, school and professional care by providing specialist-guided developmental tools that parents and caregivers can incorporate into children's daily routines."Qiotter saw a problem and came up with an idea to try and solve it. The app features an assistant called NIA, which is being trained to handle sensitive information relating to children," Ngeru stated.The launch comes amid concerns about access to neurodevelopmental services, with some families facing high costs, long waiting periods and difficulties coordinating support across schools, homes and therapy settings.Derived from the Swahili word kiota, the app provides a nest that brings together a child's developmental information, personalised activities, and caregiver support on a single digital platform.According to Ngeru, Qiotter is designed to provide personalised guidance and structured activities that support children's cognitive development, communication, emotional regulation, learning and social participation.The platform's approach recognises that children have different learning styles, strengths, and support needs, and that developmental interventions may need to be adapted to individual circumstances.Parents and caregivers are required to sign up and enter information about their child to help the platform organise relevant resources and activities.Children will also have their own profiles where they can access animated content presented in a way they can understand."Through the nest, you'll be able to get personalised information every day on what the child needs to do as a caregiver," Ngue said.The platform allows caregivers to log observations of their children's behaviour and development over time, helping them track changes that may not be easily noticeable.The app includes child-friendly resources designed to encourage learning and development through guided digital engagement.
Read briefing The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has forecast moderate to heavy rains in several parts of the country over the next five days, from Saturday, October 10, to Tuesday, October 13.According to the weatherman, rainfall is expected in several parts of Central Kenya, Western Kenya, the Rift Valley, Northern Kenya, the Coast and the Lake Victoria basin.In its weekend weather forecast, Kenya Met said Nairobi will receive light morning rains and moderate afternoon showers on Saturday, October 10, before light showers continue on Sunday and Monday.Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a and Kiambu counties are expected to receive light morning rains throughout the weekend, with afternoon and night showers in some areas.Likewise, Nyandarua County will experience light morning rains on Saturday and Sunday, with light afternoon showers on Saturday and moderate showers on Sunday.In the Eastern region, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Kitui, Machakos and Makueni counties are forecast to receive varying amounts of rain, including light morning rains and afternoon showers on Saturday and Sunday.Kenya Met has also predicted heavy rains in Western counties Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia throughout the weekend, with the rains to be accompanied by thunderstorms.In Kisumu and Siaya counties, residents should expect afternoon rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, while mornings are expected to remain sunny.Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii and Nyamira counties are also expected to receive rainfall, with moderate showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning forecast in Kisii and Nyamira on Saturday and Sunday.In the Rift Valley region, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Nandi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo, Kericho and Bomet counties are expected to experience afternoon showers, with thunderstorms and lightning forecast in several areas.The forecast also indicates that parts of the Coast region, including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu, will receive light to moderate showers over the weekend, while Tana River is expected to experience light showers during the day.Beyond the rains, Kenya Met has forecasted chilly nights in several parts of the country, with Nyandarua recording the lowest night temperatures during the forecast period.Nyandarua’s night temperatures are expected to fall to 6°C on Saturday, October 10, before dropping further to 5°C on Sunday and remaining at 5°C on Monday.In the Rift Valley, Laikipia is expected to record a night temperature of 10°C on Saturday, while Samburu will experience minimum temperatures of 11°C on Saturday and 12°C.Similarly, the counties of West Pokot, Kericho, Narok and Nandi will also experience cool nights, with minimum temperatures ranging between 10°C and 15°C over the weekend.Nairobi residents should expect minimum night temperatures of 14°C on Saturday and Sunday, while maximum daytime temperatures are forecast to reach 28°C.
Read briefing Cape Media has appointed June Akinyi Ndinya as acting Chief Executive Officer and Keneth Kadzomba Kazungu as acting Editor-in-Chief following the departure of the executives who previously held the positions. The changes were announced on Saturday, October 10, as the parent company of TV 47, Radio 47 and Cape Studios prepares to recruit permanent office holders for both roles. Ndinya, who previously served as Creative Director, is taking over the company’s overall leadership with immediate effect. She succeeds Mwenda Njoka, who had led the company since June 2024, and will oversee daily operations while working with management and staff to maintain business continuity. The board cited her leadership abilities, knowledge of the media industry, and familiarity with the company’s strategic direction in explaining the appointment. Ndinya brings more than 24 years of experience in Kenya’s media and film industry, having worked on productions including MTV Shuga Mashariki, Selina, Flash Squad, Mali and Machachari. Her portfolio also includes Prefects, which was nominated for the International Emmy Awards in 2025, alongside award-recognised and nominated productions such as NGen. In addition, Kazungu has been named acting Editor-in-Chief after the exit of Simon Macharia Gachuru. He previously served as Managing Editor and Deputy Editorial Director, with 16 years of experience spanning reporting, anchoring, editing and newsroom leadership. His responsibilities will include supervising editorial operations and ensuring the company maintains standards of accuracy, fairness, balance and accountability in its journalism. The board expressed confidence in his ability to maintain editorial stability and protect the credibility of Cape Media’s brands during the transition. In a memo signed by board representative Farida Karoney, the company thanked Njoka and Gachuru for their contributions and confirmed that recruitment for substantive replacements would proceed as the new acting executives assume their duties.
Read briefing Kenyans will pay higher electricity bills in October 2026 after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced new charges, including a fuel energy cost of Ksh3.22 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).The adjustments also include a water resource management levy of Ksh0.0134 per kWh and a foreign exchange adjustment of 87 cents per kWh, bringing the total to Ksh4.10 per unit of electricity consumed.“Pursuant to the 2023 Schedule of Tariffs, all electricity prices will attract an additional Water Resource Management Authority levy of 1.34 cents per kWh for meter readings taken in October 2026," EPRA said.In a notice dated Friday, October 9, EPRA said the foreign exchange adjustment would apply to September 2026 meter readings, while the fuel energy cost and water levy would apply to October readings.The latest additional Ksh4.10 charge will be added to electricity bills, with households and businesses paying more depending on their monthly power consumption.The fuel cost charge is based on the cost of fuel used by thermal power plants and imported electricity, with higher fuel costs at several diesel-powered stations contributing to the latest increase.The water resource management levy of 1.34 cents per kWh covers costs associated with managing water resources used in hydropower generation.Electricity purchased from hydropower plants with a capacity of at least one megawatt attracts a five-cent levy per kWh, with consumer charges calculated under the applicable tariff rules.The regulator revealed that Kenya purchased about 304.82 million kWh of electricity from several hydropower plants with capacities of at least one megawatt in September 2026.The plants included Gitaru, Kamburu, Kiambere, Kindaruma, Masinga, Tana and Turkwel, among other sources supplying electricity to the national grid.Additionally, the foreign exchange adjustment of 87 cents per kWh applies to meter readings taken in September 2026, accounting for exchange-rate-related costs associated with electricity generation and supply.It is worth noting that the forex adjustment arises because many power purchase agreements are done in foreign currencies, particularly the United States dollar.Thus, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates are passed to electricity consumers as part of the monthly electricity bill payable during power token purchases.While each adjustment may appear relatively small in isolation, together they contribute to a higher overall electricity bill for most Kenyans.
Read briefing The High Court has announced a 24-day Christmas recess that will run from December 21, 2026, to January 13, 2027, with both dates included. Principal Judge Eric Ogola made the announcement in an official gazette notice, stating that the recess will also cover the Employment and Labour and Environment and Land courts.“The Christmas Recess of the High Court and Courts of Equal Status shall commence on the 21st December, 2026, and terminate on the 13th January, 2027, both days inclusive,” the notice read. In addition, the notice outlined how judicial services will be handled during the holiday period to ensure that litigants can still access essential court services and have urgent matters addressed during the recess.“For avoidance of doubt, Recess Duty Judges shall be appointed to hear and try matters arising during Recess in accordance with the High Court (Practice and Procedure) Rules,” the notice instructed.Presiding judges at individual High Court stations and divisions have been instructed to appoint the judges assigned to handle urgent cases. The principal judges at the Employment and Environment courts will make the corresponding appointments for their jurisdictions. At stations served by a single judge, cases arising during the recess will be referred to the nearest High Court station with an assigned duty judge.The presiding judge at each affected station is expected to display information about the temporarily designated station on its notice board. Court offices and registries will continue serving members of the public throughout the recess on weekdays, except public holidays. The facilities will remain open from 8am to 5pm, allowing the public to access registry services during the scheduled break.The Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and subordinate courts are yet to announce their Christmas recess dates, although they are also expected to take a break during the season.
Read briefing President William Ruto and several Cabinet Secretaries have made several appointments to the government in a bid to streamline and enhance government operations.In a gazette notice dated Friday, October 9, Ruto reappointed Job Chirchir as the non-executive chairperson of the Water Services Regulatory Board for three years, effective October 14, 2026.In a bid to boost day-to-day operations within the Kenya Forest Service, the President also reappointed Titus Korir as the non-executive chairperson of the Service for three years.Korir was first appointed to the position on October 13, 2023, succeeding the previous chairperson for the three-year period before his latest reappointment.Ruto also renewed the appointments of Francis Moroto, Habon Farah, Joseph Boit and Rusiana Mitau to the NEPAD Kenya Governing Council for a further three-year term.In other appointments, Treasury CS John Mbadi appointed Kevin Onyango and Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Deputy Secretary Dennis Miskellah as members of the Board of Trustees of the Local Authorities Provident Fund for three years.As members of the LAPFUND Board of Trustees, Onyango and Miskellah will be expected to contribute to the oversight and management of the retirement benefits scheme.Mbadi also reappointed Olago Aluoch as non-executive chairperson of the National Government Constituencies Development Fund Board and reappointed Masitsa Shiyonga as a board member.Meanwhile, Health CS Aden Duale appointed Luka Chemwolo to the Kenya Medical Research Institute Council (KMRI) for a three-year term.Similarly, Energy and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi reappointed Jane Masai as part os the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) board of directors for three years, effective October 14, 2026.In the agriculture sector, CS Mutahi Kagwe reappointed John Karuru Mwangi to the Board of Directors of the Kenya Animal Genetics Resource Centre for three years.At the same time, ICT CS William Gitau also reappointed John Kieru Wambui as a member of the Council of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication for a three-year term.Lands CS Alice Wahome appointed Geoffrey Moses as non-executive chairperson of the Physical Planners Registration Board for three years, effective October 9, 2026.
Read briefing Being listed with a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) does not automatically mean a borrower has been blacklisted or cannot access another loan, CreditInfo CRB CEO Chris Mwangi has said.Speaking during this week’s Co-op Bank Youth Forums on understanding credit, CRBs and financial futures, Mwangi said bureaus maintain records of borrowers’ credit histories to help lenders assess their repayment patterns.“CRBs do not blacklist. All they do is maintain a record of the loan performance,” Mwangi said.The remarks come as President William Ruto continues to push to mainstream the credit score system to assess the ability of Kenyans to repay loans. The Central Bank of Kenya, in its Bank Supervision Annual Report 2025, reported that credit report requests by commercial banks and microfinance banks increased by 23 per cent to 47.3 million in 2025, up from 38.6 million in 2024.According to Mwangi, CRBs receive credit information from banks, digital lenders, SACCOs, microfinance banks and approved third-party data providers. The information includes loans taken, repayments made, outstanding balances, and defaults.“When you apply for a loan on a mobile app, you are given a loan, and that information is sent to the CRB. That is how we get the data,” he said. Third-party providers can also include businesses that supply goods on credit. While explaining, Mwangi gave the example of a hardware store supplying paint to a contractor who agrees to pay after completing a job. The business can seek approval to share relevant credit information through a CRB, subject to regulatory requirements.Mwangi said credit scores are calculated using information supplied by lenders to assess a borrower’s repayment patterns. Credit scores range between 250 and 900, with lower scores indicating higher risk and higher scores indicating lower risk, according to Mwangi. While speaking to youths, Mwangi explained that to maintain a good credit score, borrowers should take loans they can afford and make repayments on time. “For you to have a good credit score, you need to take the loan and pay the amount required when you are required to pay,” Mwangi said.According to Mwangi, borrowers who experience difficulties making repayments should contact their lenders early instead of going silent. Mwangi said a lender may agree to a revised payment date and communicate the arrangement so the borrower’s account can be updated accordingly. He also urged borrowers to check their credit reports regularly to confirm that their personal details, loan balances and repayment records are accurate. A credit report provides detailed credit information, while a credit score summarises aspects of that information numerically. Mwangi said a strong credit history may also help borrowers negotiate more favourable loan terms. However, a credit score does not guarantee loan approval or a lower interest rate, as lenders consider other factors when assessing applications.
Read briefing The Cabinet has approved a Bill proposing tougher penalties for people who obtain professional registration or licences through fraudulent means, as part of efforts to improve construction standards in Kenya.The Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Bill, 2026, proposes a fine of up to Ksh2 million or imprisonment for up to two years for the offence.The Bill also proposes mandatory annual practising licences for architects, quantity surveyors, landscape architects, interior designers and construction project managers.In a dispatch on Friday, October 9, the Cabinet said the proposed law seeks to strengthen oversight of built-environment professionals and crack down on unqualified practitioners.“To strengthen building safety, Cabinet cleared the Architectural and Quantity Surveying Practitioners Bill, 2026, proposing tougher action against unqualified practitioners and penalties of up to Ksh2 million or two years in prison for false registration or licensing,” Cabinet said.A review by Kenyans.co.ke of the Bill’s tracker found a separate proposed penalty of up to Ksh3 million for practising without a valid licence. The two penalties relate to different offences and should not be conflated.The Bill, which is still before Parliament, seeks to replace the existing law dating back to 1934. The current law prescribes a maximum fine of Ksh5,000 for specified offences, including unlawfully using the protected titles of architect or quantity surveyor.In February 2023, Parliament reported deliberations on a proposed amendment seeking to increase the penalty for people falsely presenting themselves as architects or quantity surveyors to Ksh1 million, with possible imprisonment for up to two years.The proposed changes come amid concerns over building safety in Nairobi and other parts of the country.On January 9, 2026, the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) said inspections by the National Building Inspectorate covering about 15,000 buildings in Nairobi found that only 15 per cent were safe, while roughly 8 per cent were in fair condition. The remainder were classified as unsafe, according to then-IEK president Shammah Kiteme.The warning followed the January 2 collapse of Manzil Towers in Nairobi’s South C estate, which killed two people.The National Construction Authority said the building’s approved structural design provided for 12 storeys, but it had reached 14 before collapsing.In a separate case, an investigation into the April 2025 partial collapse of an 11-storey building in Mombasa identified alleged misuse of professional credentials by licensed architects and engineers, alongside design flaws, inadequate site investigations and poor professional supervision.The findings also pointed to weaknesses in inspections and regulatory oversight, raising questions about whether tougher penalties alone will be enough to improve construction safety.
Read briefing President William Ruto has announced plans to introduce improved camel and buffalo breeds in Kenya as part of the government's strategy to address the problem of milk shortage.Speaking during the Agriculture and Food Security Summit at Jamhuri Park in Nairobi on Friday, October 9, Ruto said the government would diversify milk production by exploring alternative sources beyond usual dairy cattle.The President said he had directed Agriculture Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke to facilitate the importation of improved camel breeds and buffaloes to increase the country's milk supply.While expressing interest in introducing buffaloes for dairy production in the country, he cited India as an example of a country where the animals are milked commercially.“I had directed the Agriculture PS to help us bring in a better breed of camel and bring another buffalo breed. Buffaloes also produce a lot of milk. In India there are buffaloes,” said Ruto.“There is no problem in that. So PS Mueke, do as we had agreed. Bring in buffalo and also bring in a better breed of camel because we need to diversify our milk sources,” he added.Ruto argued that camels could offer an alternative source of milk, noting that the commodity was selling at higher prices than cow's milk in Nairobi.“Here in Nairobi, the camel's milk is about Ksh190 and is selling at almost Ksh200, beating cow's milk three times. We need to start thinking,” Ruto said.The President maintained that the proposed imports would help Kenya expand its milk production options at a time when drought conditions have affected supply.“Currently, we have a slight shortage of milk due to drought. Camels have more milk than cows. We will ensure we bring in a better breed,” Ruto stated.His remarks come amid concerns over declining milk deliveries to processors, with formal deliveries falling from 84.4 million litres in June to 81.3 million litres in July 2026, followed by further declines into August and September.The supply challenge has coincided with higher prices, with fresh milk in major urban centres, including Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, reportedly selling at between Ksh75 and Ksh80 for a 500ml packet, up from around Ksh60 to Ksh70.The shortage has also affected the supply chain, with some farmers reportedly selling raw milk directly to neighbourhood buyers and brokers rather than through formal cooperatives.
Read briefing President William Ruto’s Cabinet has approved a Ksh1.1 billion electric cooking programme targeting residents of Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos and Kajiado counties.In a Cabinet dispatch obtained by Kenyans.co.ke and dated Friday, October 9, the government announced plans to support the uptake of 100,000 electric cooking appliances under the initiative.According to the dispatch, the programme aims to promote cleaner cooking methods, reduce household exposure to harmful smoke and improve the adoption of modern energy technologies.“The Cabinet-endorsed initiative will promote cleaner cooking, reduce household exposure to harmful smoke and accelerate the transition to modern energy,” read part of the dispatch.The Cabinet noted that the initiative will cost the government about Ksh1.1 billion and will focus on increasing the uptake of electric cooking appliances in the four counties.“About Ksh1.1 billion electric cooking programme will support the uptake of 100,000 electric cooking appliances in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos and Kajiado counties,” it added.However, the government did not specify whether the appliances would be distributed free of charge, sold at subsidised prices or provided through other arrangements.Similarly, the government did not indicate when the multi-billion-shilling programme would begin or how residents in the four aforementioned counties would qualify.The latest announcement appears to be a shift from the government’s previous plans to reduce the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders for Kenyan households.In 2023, Ruto pledged to reduce the price of 6kg cylinders to between Ksh300 and Ksh500, as part of efforts to make cleaner cooking fuels more affordable.However, the promised price range was not achieved, with LPG refills continuing to cost considerably more, forcing some Kenyans to seek alternatives such as charcoal and firewood.Meanwhile, to boost electricity supply to homesteads, the Cabinet adopted the Kenya National Energy Compact, setting out a plan to mobilise Ksh2.47 trillion in investment and connect an additional 5.1 million households to electricity by 2030."The initiative will expand power access to underserved communities, support enterprise growth and create opportunities for industrial development and employment," the cabinet announced.
Read briefing The Cabinet on Friday, October 9, approved Ksh45.4 billion in new financing to support the turnaround of national carrier Kenya Airways. Kenyans.co.ke has established that the funds will cover urgent financial obligations, including aircraft maintenance and returning grounded planes to service.As of September, KQ had three aircraft undergoing major service after hitting 12 years. According to the Cabinet Dispatch, the financing will be disbursed in instalments with a repayment period of 10 years.“The government may also convert the funds into equity, subject to the necessary approvals,” the Cabinet said, in a move that could allow the national carrier to speed up its recovery strategy.Separately, the Cabinet approved a proposal to convert Ksh122 billion in government loans, plus interest, into a tradable instrument that could be converted into shares.Cabinet said the move, which was first mooted when Kenya Airways announced its 2025 financial results in March, is aimed at strengthening the airline’s balance sheet and supporting future capital raising. "The measure is intended to strengthen Kenya Airways' balance sheet and support future capital raising. Implementation remains subject to corporate, shareholder and regulatory approvals," Cabinet stated.In June, then CEO George Kamal told Kenyans.co.ke the company had received offers from investors, however, the Ksh122 billion in government loans remained a stumbling block. Kenya Airways has been in talks with the National Treasury on debt restructuring plans for the better part of the year, with President William Ruto’s administration signalling intent to strengthen the carrier. The government says the measures are part of the long-term turnaround plan to turn KQ into profits. In the year to June 30, KQ reported a 9 per cent jump in profits to Ksh81.25 billion, however, the company remains in the red due to deeper net losses largely driven by surging fuel and maintenance costs.“Implementation remains subject to the necessary corporate, shareholder and regulatory approvals,” Cabinet noted.
Read briefing The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has sued the government and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) over the increase in excise duty on imported industrial sugar under the Finance Act 2026.KAM filed a constitutional petition at the Milimani High Court challenging the increase in excise duty from Ksh7.50 to Ksh40 per kilogramme.In court documents seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the manufacturers argued that the higher duty had placed a heavy financial burden on businesses that rely on imported sugar.KAM is challenging Section 36(a)(vi) of the Finance Act 2026, which introduced the new excise duty rate.KAM wants the High Court to declare the enactment of the provision unconstitutional, arguing that it was undertaken without meaningful public participation."The Petitioner humbly prays for judgment against the Respondents for a declaration that the enactment of section 36(a)(vi) of the Finance Act, 2026 was undertaken in contravention of Articles 10(2)(a), 118(1)(b) and 201(a) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, for want of meaningful public participation, and that the said provision is accordingly null, void and of no legal effect," KAM argued.According to the manufacturers, the process contravened Articles 10(2)(a), 118(1)(b), and 201(a) of the Constitution, which provide for public participation and principles governing public finance.They want the court to declare that the new tax violates the constitutional requirement for fair sharing of the tax burden, arguing that the new excise duty could result in unnecessary duplication and cumulative over-taxation of a particular category of taxpayers.The government introduced a Ksh40 excise duty on imported sugar in the 2026 Finance Act, replacing the previous duty of Ksh7.5 per kilogram to promote local production.However, KAM argues that the duty was imposed despite the lawful use of imported sugar in the country.The manufacturers want the court to declare the provision irrational, arbitrary and disproportionate, arguing that it violates constitutional principles and the economic rights of their members and employees.Following the petition, Justice David Mburu certified the matter as urgent, directing the government, KRA and other mentioned respondents to respond to the matter within seven days, with the matter set for mention on October 15.
Read briefing The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has announced a major improvement in driving licence services, saying motorists can now have their licences processed and collected in under two minutes.In a brief statement on Thursday, October 8, the authority said the new service is part of efforts to improve service delivery and reduce the time motorists spend at its offices.However, motorists seeking to benefit from the two-minute driving licence service will have to visit their nearest NTSA office to collect their driving licences.According to NTSA, the latest move marks a shift from the previous system where Kenyans would queue for several hours at NTSA offices and wait to collect their documents.“Happy Customer Week, at NTSA we have transformed service delivery. Visit and collect your driving licence in under two minutes. No more queues at NTSA,” the authority said.The announcement comes as NTSA seeks to ease concerns over long waiting times and delays in the processing and issuance of driving licences to motorists.Nonetheless, the latest changes follow growing frustration among Kenyans over delays in the processing and issuance of smart driving licences and number plates.Some applicants have previously claimed they completed biometric registration and made payments two to three months ago but are yet to receive their driving licence cards.The delays have previously been linked to a large backlog of applications, with sources within the system estimating that hundreds of thousands of applications remain pending.The high number of applications has reportedly put pressure on the authority’s production capacity, making it difficult to process licences and number plates as quickly as they are requested.To ease the processing and issuance of the documents, the agency has been considering changes to the production of driving licences and number plates by involving private-sector investors.Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV in June this year, NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa said the move would help address persistent delays in the production and issuance of the documents.Kondiwa argued that the government should not directly handle the production and sale of driving licences and number plates, noting that several countries rely on licensed private companies to provide the services.“I do not think a government, or any government institution, should be trading in number plates, which is what has been happening in Kenya since independence,” Kondiwa said.
Read briefing The Panel of Experts on Compensation of Victims of Human Rights Violations has approved Ksh83.65 million for 259 claims under the sixth phase of its compensation programme. In an update issued on Thursday, October 8, Panel Chairperson Makau Mutua revealed that the latest phase covers both civilians and uniformed officers who suffered human rights violations, including those linked to demonstrations and protests. “The Panel has processed claims under various categories of harm in this Phase VI of the compensation programme that includes both civilian victims and uniformed officers who suffered human rights violations, including those arising from demonstrations and public protests,” the update stated.According to the panel, the verified claims were assessed according to different categories of harm, with four aggravated injury claims receiving Ksh2 million each.Two other aggravated injury claims were awarded Ksh1.5 million each, while another claimant was approved Ksh2.5 million. The panel also approved Ksh35 million for 35 people classified as having suffered severe injuries. A further 54 claims involving moderate injuries were awarded Ksh500,000 each, bringing that category’s total to Ksh27 million. The programme also approved Ksh6.65 million for 133 claims involving minor injuries, with each claimant receiving Ksh50,000. Another 30 claims linked to economic losses were awarded a combined Ksh1.5 million. Mutua said all submissions undergo verification and authentication before compensation decisions are made.The panel urged individuals who believe they qualify but have not submitted claims to come forward through its official channels. The latest figures come after President William Ruto said the government had set aside Ksh2 billion to compensate victims of protests between 2013 and 2025.During the Raila Odinga Mausoleum handover event in Bondo on Wednesday, he said the compensation would be extended to families of people whose bodies were recovered from River Yala and other victims of alleged extrajudicial disappearances.
Read briefing The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has suspended the upcoming National Youth Council (NYC) elections that were scheduled for October.In a statement on Thursday, October 8, the ministry said the suspension followed a High Court ruling staying the elections.The ministry said it would issue new dates and further directions after the court proceedings.“The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports wishes to inform the public that it has been served with a court order issued by the High Court at Kiambu, staying the implementation of Gazette Notice No. 10421, through which the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports gazetted the 2026 National Youth Council (NYC) Elections,” the ministry stated."In compliance with the court order, the elections will not proceed on the previously gazetted dates, pending further directions or determination by the Court," it added.The National Youth Elections were scheduled to take place in October, with different levels from the Ward level to the national level.According to a Gazette Notice, ward-level elections were scheduled for October 9, 2026, followed by constituency-level elections on October 16.Elected officials were then to convene for the National Youth Congress on October 30, when 580 delegates elected from constituencies across the country would converge to elect 16 national representatives. Meanwhile, the Ministry assured all voter aspirants and all stakeholders of its commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure the electoral process is conducted in accordance with the law.The ministry said the suspension would not affect the ongoing voter education and sensitisation, with the activities set to continue as planned."The Ministry assures all registered voters, aspirants, youth stakeholders, partners, and the general public of its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the electoral process is conducted in accordance with the applicable legal framework," the Ministry said.The National Youth Council is a State Corporation established under the National Youth Council Act No. 10 of 2009 to serve as the official voice of young Kenyans.Since its inception in 2009, it has not held any election of officials, with the ministry citing underfunding and a series of legal battles challenging the attempt to hold an election.The October elections were seeking to end this 14-year wait, but have since been obstructed by the court.
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