President Ruto has declared 2026 a "watershed year" for Kenya, citing gains in health and agriculture. He announced a new 700-member DCI Anti-Narcotics Unit to tackle drug and illicit alcohol abuse, terming it a national emergency. This comes as 2025...President Ruto has declared 2026 a "watershed year" for Kenya, citing gains in health and agriculture. He announced a new 700-member DCI Anti-Narcotics Unit to tackle drug and illicit alcohol abuse, terming it a national emergency. This comes as 2025 ended with significant unemployment and high food prices. In other news, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board warned of fake IBRANCE breast cancer medication in circulation. Schools reopen January 5, while Fred Matiang'i urged IEBC to prioritise voter registration for the 2027 polls.••• Listen for full story (5 min)(more in audio brief)

State to establish new DCI unit to deal with the vice.

Kenya's President William Ruto has declared 2026 a "watershed year" for the nation, citing significant progress in health, agriculture, education, and job creation during his New Year's national address. He emphasized that sectoral reforms implemented over the past year are beginning to yield positive results, positioning the country for greater economic and social returns.

As Kenya enters 2026, the nation faces critical challenges in governance, security, and the economy, following a demanding 2025 marked by civic unrest and economic pressures. The government's response to public discontent, especially from Gen Z-led protests, and accountability for incidents involving excessive force will significantly impact the road to the 2027 General Election.

Kenyan schools are set to reopen for the 2026 academic year, with the first term commencing on January 5, 2026. This marks the end of a nearly two-month holiday break for millions of learners across all education levels.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued a warning to Kenyans regarding counterfeit breast cancer medication, specifically fake versions of IBRANCE, circulating globally. These falsified drugs contain no active ingredients and pose a significant risk to patients.

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has issued an urgent public alert regarding the circulation of falsified IBRANCE® (palbociclib), a breast cancer medication, in global markets, urging Kenyans to be vigilant to prevent its entry into the country.

Nacada recently dismantled a narcotics ring targeting children and youth in Langas.

Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are particularly affected by unemployment.

Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiang'i has urged the IEBC to prioritize voter registration in 2026, emphasizing the urgency for a nationwide mass exercise ahead of the 2027 polls. He warned against another term under the current administration, citing concerns over the country's direction.

Oburu Oginga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, has indicated his potential presidential candidacy in the 2027 Kenyan elections if the party decides to run independently. A final decision on whether ODM will align with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) or field its own candidate is expected before the end of 2026.
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