TheOnlineKenyan Daily Brief

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah reports over 1,000 Kenyans are fighting in Russia. Domestically, the government has settled 177 billion Kenyan Shillings in pending bills for road contractors, unblocking stalled projects. Kenya is also boosting healthcare infrastructure, launching a WHO-backed mRNA Technology Transfer Project for local vaccine production and expanding the NYOTA program to support 2 million youth. Meanwhile, Senator Samson Cherargei has voiced concerns about police aiding debt recovery in Nandi County. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

The aviation workers' strike at JKIA, which caused two days of flight disruptions, has been called off after aviation workers reached a deal with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. This comes after pilots raised concerns about crew fatigue. In other news, Nairobi County and the National Government have signed an 80 billion Kenyan Shillings cooperation pact to streamline urban development, with President Ruto and Governor Sakaja emphasizing collaboration over a takeover of county functions. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

Flights at JKIA face severe delays due to an aviation workers' strike over stalled agreements, while KEMSA lost 1 billion Kenyan Shillings in a legal battle over an HIV drug contract. In politics, governors face pressure to attend Senate oversight meetings, as the opposition alleges two deaths and 50 injuries from police brutality at a Kitengela rally. Meanwhile, three police officers and a civilian died in a Machakos road accident involving a police patrol car, and a multi-agency probe has begun into a Russian national accused of secretly filming Kenyan women. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

ODM faces internal turmoil 122 days after Raila Odinga's death, struggling with leadership changes and divisions. In other news, a three-year-old boy missing from Malindi was rescued at the Kenya-Tanzania border, allegedly being smuggled by a Ugandan national. Meanwhile, a Nairobi family's burial plans are delayed for two months due to identity fraud involving the Social Health Authority at Mbagathi Hospital. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

EPRA has gazetted new electricity billing changes, including fuel cost and forex adjustments, which will impact consumers. Meanwhile, President Ruto urged African banks to fund local pharmaceutical industries for health independence. A Russian national's viral TikTok videos, recording Kenyan women without consent, have sparked outrage and a debate on privacy. Elsewhere, the family of a Nairobi contractor links her death to depression from unpaid county dues. The Judiciary ordered virtual hearings for the Thika Environment and Land Court due to health risks from garbage trucks. Lastly, Valentine's Day shoppers faced frustration as rose prices surged to 2,000 shillings per bouquet due to high export demand. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

The government has collected 142 billion shillings in Social Health Authority (SHA) premiums from 29.4 million registered Kenyans. Meanwhile, Kenyans abroad remitted 53 billion shillings in January. To boost tax compliance, KRA launched the eTIMS Fuel Station System. In education, KNEC introduced electronic certificates for national exams, backdated to 2023. Health officials have identified four new drug-resistant malaria variants across eight counties. President Ruto urged African nations to lead green industrialisation, while the CA launched a digital radio trial in Nairobi. Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi initiated Phase Six of last mile electricity connectivity in Kisii. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

The High Court has declared 'creating disturbance' unconstitutional, ordering police to cease its enforcement. President Ruto announced the Kenya-Somalia border will reopen in April 2026 to boost trade and integrate North-Eastern counties. In education news, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) plans action against 24 teachers following a school audit. Locally, Nairobi Water is undertaking mass disconnections to recover unpaid bills and address illegal connections. Internationally, the US President has revoked a ruling impacting global climate change efforts. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has removed Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General, appointing Catherine Omanyo as acting SG, and is reportedly withdrawing from the Azimio coalition over alleged breaches. Sifuna, meanwhile, announced a Kitengela rally. President Ruto lauded the 100 billion Kenyan Shillings Isiolo–Wajir–Mandera Road project, now 40% complete. The National Construction Authority attributed the Kirinyaga Road building collapse to a failed retaining wall. A public spat between Aden Duale and Rigathi Gachagua over Northern Kenya development has intensified, as MPs push for a review of teachers' hardship allowances. The Council of Governors has accused four senators, including Sifuna, of harassing governors. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

The Cabinet has allocated 4.1 billion Kenyan Shillings for drought relief as 3.3 million Kenyans face starvation, alongside approving reforms to merge HELB and KUCCPS. In Nairobi, President Ruto and Governor Sakaja agreed on national government oversight of crucial services like garbage and water, raising concerns about a potential return of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS). Meanwhile, a report criticises Kenya's anti-corruption efforts as inadequate. A major US charity is set to open offices in Nairobi, affirming Kenya's regional hub status, while a human rights group highlights weak oversight by County Assemblies. In the Starlet Wahu murder trial, DNA evidence has linked the accused to a weapon. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

The government is seeking an additional 2 billion shillings for 3 million Kenyans facing starvation, adding to the monthly 4 billion shillings commitment. In infrastructure news, pending bills for road contractors have been cleared, and KeNHA issued a seven-day eviction notice for Thika Road traders to make way for new bus bays. Politically, DP Rigathi Gachagua criticized IG Kanja and Nakuru Governor Kihika's husband, Sam Mburu, for alleged political interference. Senator Kajwang, meanwhile, dismissed governors' threats to boycott parliamentary committees. Separately, aviation workers issued a seven-day strike notice over a CBA stalemate, and the High Court halted the merger of ECDE and Primary Teacher Education diploma trainings. De Heus Kenya plans a 3 billion Kenyan Shillings animal feed factory in Athi River by 2026, and concerns grow over rising Kala-azar cases in ASALs, especially among children. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

Police in Huruma are urging calm after a KMTC student's death and vehicle torching amid clashes following a suspected shooting incident during a police pursuit. Separately, the government confirmed three Kenyans died in Ukraine while repatriating 20 others lured by fake job scams, prompting expanded diplomatic efforts to free more citizens. In Mombasa, the Coast Regional Police Commander issued a "shoot-to-kill" directive against armed criminals due to rising gang violence, while matatu operators suspended their nationwide strike for two weeks pending negotiations. Teachers face healthcare access challenges under the new SHA scheme, with unions threatening a boycott. President Ruto also announced a joint plan to clear the Dandora dumpsite and revolutionize Nairobi's waste management. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that nearly 20 Kenyans lured into the Russia-Ukraine war through fake job scams have been repatriated, with three bodies recovered. Amid rising gang violence in Mombasa, Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno issued a "shoot-to-kill" directive against armed criminals. Matatu operators suspended their planned nationwide strike after government engagement on insecurity. Politically, ODM’s Geoffrey Osotsi publicly disagreed with Oburu Odinga, deepening party wrangles over 2027 election strategies. Elsewhere, a KDF officer and a police officer were arrested in Mtito Andei for an alleged extortion ring. Former Kenyatta University VC Prof. Paul Wainaina detailed his clash with ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta over university land in his autobiography. Meanwhile, a Kenyan 'chama' of 12 women is seeking investment advice for their 7 million shillings. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

Donholm residents faced panic and evacuations after a gas depot exploded, causing massive fires. In response, Governor Sakaja's cabinet approved a new Disaster Management Policy and Emergency Response Bill to establish a 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre for urban disasters. Separately, cancer patients are struggling with critical drug shortages in public hospitals. The Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims (SUPKEM) urged the government to declare the severe drought affecting 23 counties a national emergency. Nyandarua County faces an alarming 5.1 billion Kenyan Shillings in pending bills, while President Ruto criticized opposition protest calls and announced new diplomatic appointments. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

SUPKEM has urged the government to declare the severe drought affecting 23 counties a national emergency, citing a humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, President Ruto oversaw the disbursement of 126 million shillings to 5,040 youths in Malindi under the NYOTA Programme, with the World Bank defending the initiative as an innovative solution to youth unemployment. In international news, Kenya is campaigning for Prof Phoebe Okowa's full term as a judge at the International Court of Justice, while a Kenyan family buried an empty coffin for their son killed fighting in Russia, raising concerns about deceptive recruitment. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

President Ruto announced plans for tax cuts targeting low-income earners, while elevating Bomet University to Kenya's 36th public university and expediting the Mau Summit-Malaba Road upgrade project. In other news, Kenya and the UK have signed an MoU to enhance border security and tackle transnational crime. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru initiated a sanitary pads distribution drive for schoolgirls. Manufacturers are advocating for a long-term trade deal between Kenya and the US, as religious leaders unite to protect children amidst rising cancer diagnoses. Meanwhile, the DPP opposed further delays in the Anglo Leasing trial, and Senator Cherargei criticized police transfers following the Nandi Hills assault as a "travesty of justice." This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

Postmortem reports have revealed severe torture as the cause of two deaths at Kenyatta Market, leading to concerns about police involvement. Elsewhere, IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan has resigned. In politics, President Ruto will host over 12,000 UDA aspirants at State House, while Kalonzo Musyoka has accepted leadership of the Azimio Coalition. The High Court has declined to halt orders nullifying 21 presidential advisor roles. Kenya has launched Justice Phoebe Okowa’s bid for a full term at the ICJ and signed an MoU with the UK, IOM, and VALAR to boost border security. Separately, a Turkish businessman faces terrorism charges in Mombasa for alleged Al-Shabaab links. Cotu has also warned FKE against misrepresenting NSSF contributions. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

Transport in Nairobi and other towns was paralyzed by Matatu operators striking over boda boda lawlessness, vowing weekly action until President Ruto intervenes. Police responded with towing and tear gas. This follows a lawyer suing the government over unregulated boda bodas. Separately, nine street family deaths are under investigation after a mass burial. In economic news, sugar workers ended their strike after a 1 billion Kenyan Shillings pledge for dues. Treasury also plans tax relief for those earning below 30,000 shillings monthly and opportunities for Kenyans to work abroad, though an Infotrak survey shows 64% are excluded from the Nyota Fund. Lastly, residents dangerously siphoned fuel from a crashed tanker on the Eldoret–Malaba Highway. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

A tragic matatu accident on Thika Road claimed 10 teachers' lives, while residents on the Eldoret-Malaba Highway risked danger siphoning fuel from a crashed tanker. Elsewhere, the Registrar of Companies is dissolving over 100 non-compliant firms, and a tax shift will save farmers and exporters billions of shillings by addressing VAT refund delays. Government efforts also led to 25 arrests in a fake products crackdown. Politically, Musalia Mudavadi dissolved ANC, urging members to join UDA. Matatu operators suspended a planned strike for dialogue. IG Kanja announced new police stations, and President Ruto revealed plans to transform Nairobi’s waste management. Schools also face legal action for publishing pupils’ exam results without consent. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

A tragic matatu accident on Thika Road claimed 10 teachers' lives and injured 14. Kajiado County grapples with a severe water crisis stemming from its utility's 586 million Kenyan Shillings debt. The United Opposition has issued a two-week ultimatum to the IG regarding alleged rogue police and attacks. Speaking in Kisumu, President Ruto urged Kenyans to reject tribal politics and supported a potential UDA-ODM coalition ahead of 2027, as ODM faces succession challenges after Raila Odinga’s death. Separately, Kenya and the US launched a 9.1 billion Kenyan Shillings runway expansion in Lamu, while UDA plans a leadership school. Civil society groups have petitioned the PSC over ODPP staffing changes. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.

President Ruto, speaking in Kisumu, urged Kenyans to reject tribal politics and hinted at a possible UDA-ODM coalition for 2027, stressing national unity and rejecting mediocrity. Mama Ida Odinga called on Kenyans to uphold Raila's legacy. The government also launched a 9.1 billion Kenyan Shillings US-backed runway expansion at Manda Bay, Lamu, aimed at boosting regional security. In Kiambu, a new sanitation campaign, "Epuka Uchafu, Afya Nyumbani," was initiated to promote clean environments. Separately, the United Opposition issued a two-week ultimatum to the Inspector-General of Police over alleged "rogue" officers, threatening protests, while CS Murkomen affirmed the government's openness to constructive criticism. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.