National News

Oluga Pushes for Faster Rollout of Digital Health Systems
Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr Ouma Oluga has called for tighter oversight and faster implementation of Kenya’s Healthcare IT Digitization Programme, saying the investments must translate into improved services for patients and healthcare workers.

Waititu graft case postponed to October 27 for directions
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu’s KSh588 million graft case will return to court on October 27 after the Deputy Registrar deferred further directions.

Court Orders Former Homa Bay Assembly Clerk and Two Others…
Former Homa Bay County Assembly Clerk Bob Kephas Otieno and two others must repay KSh12.57 million after a court ruled that public funds were unlawfully paid to them.

KNCHR Demands Probe into Assault of Journalist Francis Odee
KNCHR has demanded accountability over Francis Odee’s alleged assault and arrest during Nairobi fuel protests, as IPOA investigates seven police officers.

Woman Charged in Sh100 Million Land Fraud Case in Mombasa
The prosecution alleged that they conspired to defraud Kangethe of parcels of land registered as LR. Mombasa/MS/Block I/1944 and Mombasa/MS/Block I/1945 between July 12, 2006, and October 20, 2026.

Govt Issues Cybersecurity Alert on PHP Flaws in Websites
The warning follows the identification of two critical PHP vulnerabilities, each assigned a severity score of 9.2 on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS), indicating a high level of risk. PHP is a programming language widely used to power websites, web applications and digital service platforms.

President Ruto In Zimbabwe For 25th COMESA Summit
Ruto said discussions will focus on deepening regional integration, strengthening peace and security, accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and unlocking the economic potential of Africa’s natural resources through value addition.

Murder Suspect Nelson Ambia Gestures at Victim’s Family
The incident unfolded as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was ordered to conclude investigations into Feruz’s murder within 14 days, with her boyfriend, Ambia, remaining in custody over the killing.

Kindiki, Khaminwa, Omari, Kipkorir Among 146 Senior…
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, John Khaminwa, Danstan Omari and Donald Kipkorir are among 146 applicants seeking Kenya’s Senior Counsel rank in 2026.

Trump Revokes 300,000 US Visas, Kenyans Affected
The Trump administration has revoked more than 300,000 US visas since January 2025, while 49 Kenyans appear on a separate deportation database.

IPAEA Seeks Answers on U.S. Journalist's Deportation
IPAEA has urged Kenya to explain the deportation of American journalist Margot Kiser Jones, who is challenging her exclusion from the country in court.

Oburu Oginga Discharged from Nairobi Hospital After 15 Days
ODM leader Oburu Oginga has been discharged from Nairobi Hospital after a 15-day stay, following his admission on October 4.

Deputy President Launches 125 Raids on Illicit Alcohol
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced intensified government operations against illicit alcohol, revealing that multi-agency teams have conducted 125 raids in the past 10 days as authorities move to dismantle criminal networks behind the trade

UoN Students Protest Lecturers’ Strike, Disrupt Waiyaki Way
University of Nairobi students take to the streets over the ongoing lecturers’ strike, disrupting transport along Waiyaki Way as pressure mounts for a deal.

Detectives Arrest Suspect in Viral Parklands Robbery Video
Detectives from Gigiri have arrested a suspect allegedly involved in a violent robbery in Parklands, Nairobi, after footage of the incident circulated widely on social media.

Kenyan Driver Among 12 Killed in DRC Strike Over Insecurity
A Kenyan truck driver is among 12 transport workers reportedly killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), prompting long-distance drivers to suspend operations along the Mahagi–Kisangani route in protest over growing insecurity.

EACC Secures KSh207.7m Forfeiture Order Against Former…
EACC says a court has ordered forfeiture of KSh207.7 million in unexplained assets linked to former Trans Nzoia accountant Andrew Biketi Musuya.

Nairobi and Surroundings Experience Unusually Hot Weather
The prevailing heat has raised concerns about the risk of dehydration and other heat-related illnesses, particularly among children, older people, outdoor workers and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Female Pedestrian Struck by Car on Thika Road, Muthaiga
A woman was reportedly knocked down by a vehicle along Thika Superhighway near Muthaiga Police Station on Wednesday morning, with her condition yet to be confirmed.

Kenya Railways Cautions Job Seekers on Fake Ads
Kenya Railways has disowned a fake recruitment advert listing hundreds of vacancies, warning job seekers to verify opportunities through its official website.

Cocaine Worth KSh 2.19 Million Seized in Malaba, Busia
The incident involved a Simba Coach bus, registration number KDG 093H, which was travelling from Kampala to Nairobi when it arrived at the border post for routine passenger and luggage screening.

Shakahola Victims' Families Demand Compensation, Want…
Speaking in Malindi, the families said the deaths had caused them immense grief, leaving many without relatives who had played critical roles in supporting their households.

Uganda Reports No Confirmed Ebola Cases After Nigeria
Uganda’s Director General of Health Services, Professor Charles Olara, said preliminary information indicated that the Nigerian woman had transited through Uganda in early October without showing symptoms before developing them after arriving in Nigeria.

Media Council, Editors Guild Denounce Arrest of Odee Francis
Media Council and Editors Guild condemn the arrest of Citizen TV journalist Odee Francis during fuel price protests in Nairobi.

NCIC Summons Reuben Ndolo Over Political Comments, Warns
In a summons dated October 19, 2026, the Commission directed Ndolo to appear at its offices on the 17th floor of Britam Tower, Upper Hill, Nairobi, at 2pm for a hearing into the remarks made on Sunday, October 18.

Kenya Confirms Ninth Case of Ebola
The man tested positive on October 19 and was already in quarantine when he developed symptoms. He was immediately isolated and placed on treatment following confirmation of the infection.

Ruto Notes Maize Output Rise Amid New Import Plans
President William Ruto says maize production rose from 34.3 million bags in 2022 to 71 million bags in 2025, while the government plans to import up to 25 million bags to cover an anticipated shortfall.

Ruto Unveils Three-Year Goals for Jobs in Key Sectors
President William Ruto targets two million digital job opportunities, one million overseas employment opportunities and two million housing-related jobs over the next three years.

Citizen TV's Francis Ode Abducted and Harassed in Nairobi
Citizen TV reporter Francis Ode has been released after he was allegedly abducted and taken to Central Police Station in Nairobi while covering protests against rising fuel prices on Tuesday 20th October 2026.

Ruto Proposes PAYE Relief, Cheaper Phones, More Internships
President William Ruto proposes PAYE relief for workers earning up to KSh 32,333 monthly, cheaper mobile phones, lower land costs and 50,000 new internships.

Gachagua Hosts Sifuna, Linda at Wamunyoro Meeting
Rigathi Gachagua has hosted Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other opposition leaders at his Wamunyoro residence, amid efforts to consolidate political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

Abiy Urges Kenya and Ethiopia to Deepen Trade Ties
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged Kenya to deepen trade, tourism and economic cooperation, saying stronger ties should translate into shared prosperity for citizens.

65 Ethiopians Rescued in Nairobi Human Trafficking Case
Police have rescued 65 Ethiopian nationals from a house in Mihang’o, Nairobi, where they were reportedly found in a weak and emaciated condition, raising concerns over possible human trafficking.

Mama Ida Honors Raila as ‘Shujaa Number One’ on Mashujaa Day
Mama Ida Odinga has honoured her late husband Raila Odinga as “Shujaa Number One,” thanking Kenyans for their support during his first death anniversary.

Mashujaa Day: Evolution from Kenyatta Day to Today
Every October 20, Kenya sets aside a national holiday to reflect on its past and the sacrifices that shaped the country’s journey to independence. Known today as Mashujaa Day, the occasion has its roots in the colonial struggle and has evolved into a broader celebration of the country’s history and national identity.

Oburu Oginga Appreciates Kenyans, ODM for Mashujaa Day
Oburu's message placed emphasis on unity, shared responsibility and the need for Kenyans to uphold values that can strengthen national cohesion.

How the Rift Valley Became Kenya’s Factory of Champions
Eldoret, widely known as the City of Champions, has become one of the most recognised names in world athletics. But the story behind Kenya’s success goes beyond the town, stretching across the wider Rift Valley region, where generations of runners have risen from local training grounds to compete on the biggest stages in sport.

Mashujaa Day Tests Kenya’s Unfinished Constitutional Promise
As Kenya marks Mashujaa Day, 16 years after the 2010 Constitution, progress in devolution and human rights faces tests in democracy, equality and public accountability.

IG Douglas Kanja Promotes 1,948 Police Officers After Ruling
The Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS), Douglas Kanja, has approved the promotion of 1,948 police officers whose advancement to various ranks had been pending, following a ruling by the Court of Appeal of Kenya.

Four Arrested in Multi-County Anti-Narcotics Crackdown
The government has intensified its war on drugs, targeting trafficking networks, disrupting supply chains and strengthening enforcement efforts to protect communities, particularly young people, from the harmful effects of substance abuse.

DPP Applauds Conviction of Mackenzie and 28 in Shakahola
Ingonga described the convictions as a significant step towards securing justice for the victims and their families.

US Advises Citizens to Rethink Travel to Kenya Amid Risks
The US Department of State renewed its advisory on October 19, 2026, citing health risks, crime, kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest and road safety concerns.

Ruto to Lead Mashujaa Day at Kipchoge Keino Stadium
Mashujaa Day, marked every year on October 20, is a national public holiday dedicated to honouring Kenyans who have made significant contributions to the country's freedom, development and progress.

KDF Warns Public Against Fake Recruitment Advertisements
The warning follows the circulation of a purported Kenya Gazette notice announcing KDF recruitment for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Heavy rains, storms expected in counties Oct 20–26
The forecast suggests that rainfall will be distributed across different parts of the country, including sections of the Central Highlands, Western Kenya, the Rift Valley, the Coast and the northeastern and eastern regions.

Shakahola Massacre: Court Convicts Mackenzie and Co-Accused
The ruling marks a significant development in the Shakahola massacre case, which shocked Kenya and drew international attention to the activities of Mackenzie and his Good News International Church in Kilifi County.

KNCHR Urges Government to Act on El Niño Preparedness
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has urged the national and county governments to speed up preparations for the October–December rainy season, warning that failure to act early could expose vulnerable communities to preventable deaths, displacement and loss of livelihoods.

Southern Bypass Closure for Marathon Weekend in Nairobi
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced the temporary closure of the Nairobi Southern Bypass to allow for the 2026 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon.

Kipchoge Keino Stadium Gates to Open at 5am for Mashujaa Day
Kipchoge Keino Stadium will open at 5am for Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, with attendees expected to be seated by 8am.

Sonko Seeks Fresh Hearing of Impeachment Case
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has asked the court to overturn decisions that upheld his impeachment, arguing that findings of judicial misconduct against former High Court judge Said Juma Chitembwe raise questions about the fairness of the proceedings.

High Court Fast-Tracks Petition on Public Funds Oversight
The High Court has fast-tracked a petition challenging oversight and withdrawal rules for special public funds, with submissions scheduled for February 17, 2027.

Kenya Enhances Ebola Response as Cases Reach Eight
The Ministry of Health has called on partners and stakeholders to increase support for Kenya’s Ebola response, with authorities prioritising contact tracing, laboratory testing and expanded quarantine capacity to prevent further transmission.

Police Intensify Traffic Crackdown as Schools Close
The National Police Service will deploy more officers and intensify nationwide traffic enforcement as schools close, with inspections targeting school transport vehicles.

Mashujaa Day: Eldoret Steps Up Security, Traffic Measures
Eldoret has intensified security patrols and traffic management ahead of Mashujaa Day on October 20, with additional officers deployed to hotspots and key facilities.

Mashujaa Day Preparations Boost Business And Jobs in Eldoret
Mashujaa Day preparations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium are boosting business and creating jobs in Eldoret as residents prepare for the national celebrations.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani Mourns Father Mohamed Achani
Tributes are pouring in following the death of Mzee Mohamed Achani, the 74-year-old father of Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, who died at his rural home in Bodo Village, Ramisi Ward, Msambweni Sub-County, on Monday morning.

Waititu, wife in court for KSh588M corruption sentencing
Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, his wife Sarah Wangare, and their co-accused appeared before an anti-corruption court on Monday for mitigation and sentencing in the KSh588 million corruption case.

Ruto Signs Bills for Ksh71.09B County Funding Boost
The President assented to the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill, 2026, and the County Assembly Services Amendment Bill, 2023, during a ceremony at Eldoret State Lodge on Monday, October 19, 2026.

KCSE Exams Kick Off With Oral and Practical Papers
The Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) has opened the 2026 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination period today, beginning with oral and practical papers in French, German, Kenyan Sign Language and Music.

COTU-K Urges MPs to Back NSSF Criticism With Evidence
In a statement, the Union said concerns about the management of public institutions should be addressed through established accountability mechanisms rather than unsubstantiated allegations.
