Your Thursday News Digest
Kenyan MPs are accusing British soldiers of sexual abuse and environmental damage. President Ruto is in Washington for DRC-Rwanda peace talks and a Kenya-US health deal, amid claims of a separate Trump-Ruto health security pact. Health workers have i...Kenyan MPs are accusing British soldiers of sexual abuse and environmental damage. President Ruto is in Washington for DRC-Rwanda peace talks and a Kenya-US health deal, amid claims of a separate Trump-Ruto health security pact. Health workers have issued a strike notice over a CBA dispute, while Kenya seeks Australian investment in mineral mining. Six more suspects were arrested in Meru for a gang rape. The White House claims Somali fraud proceeds are invested in Kenya, as November recorded the private sector's strongest growth in five years.••• Listen for full story (5 min)(more in audio brief)
Ruto Secures Ksh129 Billion Deal in U.S.
Kenya has secured a USD 1 billion (Ksh129 billion) debt-for-food swap deal with the United States to boost food security and reduce its debt burden. This agreement was reached after President William Ruto met with CEO Ben Black of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in Washington, D.C.
North Eastern MPs Push for Drought to Be Declared National Disaster
North Eastern MPs are urging the Kenyan Government to declare the ongoing drought a national disaster, warning that over 2.1 million people in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) face severe hunger due to failed short rains worsened by La Niña and a negative Indian Ocean Dipole.
Global Child Deaths Set to Rise for the First Time in 25 Years, Gates Foundation Warns, Urging Action From Leaders
Global child deaths are projected to rise for the first time in 25 years, reversing decades of progress, according to the Gates Foundation’s 2025 Goalkeepers Report. This alarming increase is linked to a significant drop in global development assistance for health.
Kagwe Unveils 30-Year Sugar Lease Terms, Assures Full State Reversion
Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, has unveiled the terms of 30-year leases for four state-owned sugar mills, assuring Parliament that all private investments will revert to the government at the end of the concession period.
Kenyan MPs accuse British soldiers of sexual abuse and environmental destruction
Kenya's parliament has accused British soldiers of longstanding sexual abuse, human rights violations, and environmental damage during their training presence in the country. A 94-page report details harrowing testimonies and claims of evasion of accountability.
Ruto Arrives in Washington for DRC–Rwanda Peace Pact and Kenya–US Health Deal Talks
President William Ruto has arrived in Washington, D.C., for a landmark peace agreement signing between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, aimed at ending conflict in the Eastern DRC. He will also witness the signing of the Kenya–US Health Cooperation Framework during his visit.
UN Warns Museveni After Detaining 2 Kenyan Activists
The United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has issued a warning to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni regarding the arbitrary arrest and detention of activists and opposition politicians, specifically highlighting the enforced disappearance of two Kenyan activists.
Rights Groups Give IEBC, EACC 14 Days to Act on Alleged By-Election Violation
Human rights organizations, led by Vocal Africa, have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to address alleged widespread electoral offences during recent by-elections. They threaten legal action if no steps are taken to curb voter bribery, intimidation, and violence that reportedly occurred.
Ngong–Suswa Highway Finally Complete After Years of Delays
The 66-kilometre Ngong–Suswa Highway has finally been completed and opened to the public after years of delays and funding setbacks. Launched in 2018, the highway offers a crucial alternative route out of Nairobi, aiming to ease traffic on the congested Nairobi–Mai Mahiu and Narok corridors.
Kenya, Uganda reaffirm commitment to eliminate Non-Tariff Barriers, boost cross-border trade
Kenya and Uganda have reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and boosting cross-border trade, following a joint technical review of border posts. The review noted significant improvements in operations, leading to faster clearance processes.
Reports Allege Irregularities and Disappearances Following November 27 By-Elections
Senate Holds Impeachment Trial for Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo
Trump Administration Spares Kenya from Immigration Ban Amid New Deals and Allegations
Gachagua Confronts Ruto as ODM Demands Implementation of Ruto-Raila Pact
Government Sparks Debate Over New Powers for Chiefs
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