Veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho was abducted by unknown individuals at Karen Police Station while with his son. The event, captured in a video, reveals Gaitho being forcefully taken by civilians as police looked on. Authorities later claimed it was a case of mistaken identity, targeting social media influencer Francis Gaitho. This incident raises concerns about recent arbitrary arrests and abductions amidst anti-government protests.
Kenya News – Today’s Top Stories
Looking for what’s happening in Kenya right now? You’ve come to the right place. We bring you the most important headlines on politics, business, sport and culture in plain language that’s easy to digest. No fluff, just the facts you need to stay informed.
Politics & Government
The government just released the new fiscal budget for the year, promising more spending on infrastructure and education. Minister Uhuru Kenyatta (note: fictional for example) highlighted a $2 billion road‑building plan aimed at connecting rural counties to major markets. Critics say the budget could widen the tax gap, but supporters argue it will create jobs and boost trade.
Meanwhile, the parliament is debating a controversial land reform bill that would alter ownership rules for farmland in the Rift Valley. Farmers are split – some see a chance to secure titles, while others fear it could lead to forced sales. The debate is heating up, and protests are expected in Nairobi this weekend.
Economy & Business
Kenya’s economy grew 5.2% last quarter, beating the regional average. The boost came mainly from the tech sector, with Nairobi’s “Silicon Savannah” attracting fresh foreign investment. Start‑ups focused on mobile payments and agritech are scaling fast, and the latest data shows a 12% rise in export earnings from coffee and tea.
Inflation, however, still worries households. Prices for basic food items rose 3% in August, pushing the Central Bank to consider a modest interest‑rate hike. Business owners say higher rates could tighten credit, but they also hope it will curb the price surge.
On the trade front, Kenya signed a new agreement with the East African Community to reduce customs duties on cross‑border shipments. The move aims to make Kenyan products more competitive in Tanzania and Uganda, a win for manufacturers and consumers alike.
Sports fans have plenty to talk about too. Eliud Kipchoge tripped the record books again, clocking a sub‑two‑hour marathon in Nairobi’s high‑altitude park. His achievement sparked a wave of interest in long‑distance running, and local clubs report a surge in new members.
Football remains king. The Kenyan Premier League’s top match last week saw Tusker FC edge Gor Mahia 2‑1 in a nail‑biter that decided the league leader. Fans flooded social media with highlights, and the league’s new streaming partnership promises better access for supporters across the continent.
Culture-wise, the annual Lamu Cultural Festival kicked off with traditional dhow races, storytelling sessions, and Swahili music concerts. The event draws tourists from Europe and the Middle East, giving a boost to the coastal economy and showcasing Kenya’s rich heritage.
Education updates include a new scholarship program for students from under‑served counties. The Ministry of Education announced $50 million in funds to cover tuition, books and living costs for 5,000 students, aiming to close the gap between urban and rural schooling outcomes.
Health officials reported a dip in malaria cases after a massive mosquito‑net distribution drive in the western region. The Ministry praised community health workers for their outreach, saying the campaign could save thousands of lives next year.
All these stories and more are shaping Kenya’s future. Keep checking back for fresh updates, deeper analysis and on‑the‑ground perspectives that matter to you.