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By Hadrine Joyce | Saturday, 24 October 2026

Rescue teams continued searching the rubble of a multi-storey building that collapsed in Eastleigh on Friday, as seven people remained reported missing in the latest official update.

The building, which was under construction along 9th Street, collapsed at about 1 p.m. on Friday, prompting a multi-agency emergency response involving the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Nairobi City County, the National Youth Service and the Kenya Red Cross.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said 67 construction workers had been at the site when the building collapsed. Of these, 66 escaped without injuries, while one worker was injured and taken to hospital in stable condition.

The ground floor and basement were also occupied by businesses at the time of the collapse, raising concerns about the number of people who may have been inside.

Rescuers were using heavy machinery to clear debris and reach people believed to be trapped. Authorities urged members of the public to keep away from the scene to allow emergency teams to work safely.

The cause of the collapse had not been established. Officials said investigations would be conducted and those found responsible would face action.

Families searching for missing relatives were advised to contact the Kenya Red Cross through its toll-free emergency line, 1199.

Photo caption: Emergency responders search the rubble of a multi-storey building that collapsed along 9th Street in Eastleigh, Nairobi, on Friday, 23 October 2026.

Sources: The Star Seven missing after Eastleigh building collapse | Citizen Digital Rescue operations continue

By Hadrine Joyce | Friday, 23 October 2026

Kenya has reported no new Ebola cases in the 24 hours to Thursday, 22 October, as the first group of people under quarantine prepares to complete its monitoring period and return to their families.

The Ministry of Health said all 14 samples collected from suspected cases and alerts during the period tested negative for Bundibugyo virus disease, the strain responsible for the current outbreak.

The number of confirmed cases remains nine, including the first patient, who died on 5 October. The ministry said all the cases belong to a single cluster, with no evidence of community transmission.

Eight patients were receiving treatment at designated isolation facilities. The group includes four family members and four health workers who had cared for the first patient. Health officials said the patients were stable and responding to treatment.

The ministry also confirmed that all 135 contacts linked to the first case had been traced in Kenya and internationally.

The first contacts who complete the required 21-day monitoring period without developing symptoms are expected to be released from quarantine from Sunday, 25 October.

Health officials urged communities and employers to welcome those released without stigma, explaining that people who complete the monitoring period without becoming ill are not considered infectious.

Enhanced surveillance continues in health facilities and communities, while the ministry has urged anyone experiencing symptoms associated with Ebola to seek medical attention promptly.

Photo caption: Health Director-General Dr Patrick Amoth has provided updates on Kenya’s Ebola response as authorities prepare to release the first contacts from quarantine.

Source: The Star, 23 October 2026 — Ebola response: All 135 contacts traced as Kenya reports no new cases

By Hadrine Joyce | Wednesday, 21 October 2026

Opposition leaders Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua and Ndindi Nyoro are expected to hold a joint rally in Njoro, Nakuru County, on Wednesday as political consultations continue ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election.

The planned meet the people tour is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. in Njoro town, according to an announcement reported by People Daily on Tuesday.

The rally is expected to bring together the Jubilee Party leader, the People’s Liberation Party leader and the People’s Party of Kenya leader, in a show of cooperation among opposition figures.

The planned appearance follows recent calls by Matiang’i and Nyoro for opposition leaders to work together instead of engaging in public disagreements.

The meeting comes as political parties and leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections. However, the announcement of a joint rally does not in itself confirm any formal coalition agreement or joint presidential ticket.

Photo caption: Opposition leaders Fred Matiang’i, Martha Karua and Ndindi Nyoro are expected to attend a joint rally in Njoro, Nakuru County, on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.

By Hadrine Joyce | Saturday, 17 October 2026

The National Police Service (NPS) has launched investigations into a political incident in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, that left two police officers injured and two government vehicles damaged.

The incident occurred on Friday, October 16, amid heightened political activity in the county. The police said preliminary reports indicated that some politicians had engaged in conduct that undermined public order and allegedly contravened the Public Order Act.

In a statement issued late Friday, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the officers sustained injuries during the incident, while two government vehicles were damaged.

The police service condemned the reported violence and said investigations had begun to establish the full circumstances surrounding the confrontation.

The incident followed political engagements in Kitale involving leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement and the ruling United Democratic Alliance. Reports said tensions rose after rival political supporters gathered in the town.

The NPS did not identify the politicians it accused of violating the law or provide a detailed account of how the officers were injured.

The service said appropriate action would be taken against anyone found culpable after investigations are completed.

Police urged political leaders, their supporters and other stakeholders to exercise restraint and respect the law, warning that political gatherings should not endanger members of the public or law enforcement officers.

Photo caption: Police maintain a presence in Kitale following an incident that left two officers injured and government vehicles damaged.

Source: The Star, October 17, 2026.

By Hadrine Joyce | Saturday, 17 October 2026

Four people were injured after a building undergoing demolition collapsed along Moi Avenue in Nairobi’s Central Business District early Saturday, prompting an investigation into safety procedures at the site.

The incident occurred at about 2 a.m. near the former Club Avenida building, close to MKU Union Towers. Police and emergency responders rushed to the scene after the structure came down during demolition works.

According to reports from the scene, the injured were workers at the site. Some people were initially feared trapped beneath the debris as rescue teams searched the collapsed structure.

Nairobi County official Geoffrey Mosiria called for a thorough investigation to establish what caused the building to collapse and whether the demolition was being carried out in accordance with county regulations.

Mosiria said county engineers should establish whether qualified professionals supervised the demolition and whether the necessary approvals had been obtained.

The incident has renewed concerns about building safety in Nairobi, particularly during demolition and construction activities in busy urban areas.

Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the collapse and determine whether any safety requirements were breached.

Photo caption: Rubble at the site of the former Club Avenida building after it collapsed during demolition along Moi Avenue, Nairobi, on October 17, 2026.

Source: The Star, October 17, 2026.

By Hadrine Joyce | Wednesday, 14 October 2026

President William Ruto’s ongoing tour of the North Rift region has brought renewed attention to major development projects that remain stalled or have not progressed as expected.

In a report published on Wednesday, The Standard said the President’s 10-day tour began in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County, on Saturday and is expected to culminate in this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

The tour includes plans to launch and commission development projects across the region. The programme covers infrastructure and public-service initiatives, including roads, water projects, affordable housing, modern markets and sports facilities.

However, the report noted that some projects associated with the President’s development agenda have not featured among those being highlighted during the tour, raising questions about their progress and delivery.

The tour provides an opportunity for the government to showcase completed projects and outline its plans for the region. It also places renewed focus on whether previously announced projects are being implemented within their expected timelines.

North Rift residents are among those looking to the government for improvements in infrastructure and access to essential services. The progress of the projects will be important in assessing the impact of the administration’s development commitments.

Further details on individual projects, their implementation status and completion timelines should be confirmed through official government statements and the relevant county authorities.

Source: The Standard, published 14 October 2026.

Photo caption: President William Ruto greets residents of Tiaty, Baringo County, during his tour of the North Rift region.

By Hadrine Joyce | Wednesday, 14 October 2026

The Supreme Court is set to hear a dispute between the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the Judiciary over a taxable car allowance of up to KSh10 million for judges, in a case that could have wider implications for public-sector spending.

In a report published on Wednesday, The Star said the commission is challenging earlier court decisions that upheld the allowance after SRC moved to withdraw the benefit.

The commission argues that the allowance was introduced and increased without proper authority and that determining salaries and benefits for state officers falls within its constitutional mandate.

The dispute began after advocate Peter Mwangi Gachuiri challenged the withdrawal of the allowance. The Kenya Judges Welfare Association and the Judicial Service Commission have supported the challenge.

The High Court ruled in favour of the petitioner in May 2024. The Court of Appeal subsequently dismissed SRC’s appeal in March 2026, prompting the commission to take the matter to the Supreme Court.

The case could have implications beyond the Judiciary. According to The Star, the disputed allowance could expose public finances to a potential cost of approximately KSh45 billion if similar benefits were extended to thousands of other state officers.

SRC maintains that the additional benefit raises questions about fairness, affordability and the sustainability of the public wage bill. The Judiciary’s position is that the allowance cannot be withdrawn in a manner that violates constitutional protections relating to judges’ remuneration.

The Supreme Court proceedings will determine the next stage of the dispute. The court’s final decision will be important in clarifying the rules governing public officers’ remuneration and benefits.

Source: The Star, published 14 October 2026.

Photo caption: The Supreme Court of Kenya in Nairobi.

By Hadrine Joyce | Tuesday, 13 October 2026

A Kenya Forest Service helicopter crash-landed at Kericho Golf Club on Monday, October 12, prompting an investigation by aviation authorities.

The aircraft, registration number 5Y-FSK, was involved in the incident at approximately 12:24 p.m. while operated by the Kenya Forest Service, according to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID).

Principal Secretary for Environment and Forestry Festus Ng’eno was reported to be among those on board. Media reports said the aircraft was extensively damaged and that the pilot sustained injuries. No fatalities were reported.

The AAID said investigators had been deployed to the scene to begin collecting evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation was still ongoing in its initial update.

Reports differed on the number of people aboard: the AAID’s notice stated that four people were on board, while media reports said five people, including the principal secretary, were involved. The final number should be confirmed through an official update.

The cause of the crash-landing had not been established in the initial official notice. Investigators are expected to examine the available evidence before determining what led to the incident.

Source: Kenya’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Department and Daily Nation reporting, October 12, 2026.