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Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh will remain closed to commercial flights until at least 17 October after a series of Houthi missile and drone attacks that killed more than 20 people and injured hundreds.

The strikes, claimed by the Iran-backed group, marked the third consecutive day of assaults on the capital’s main aviation hub. Aviation authorities issued notices grounding both domestic and international operations while damage assessments continue.

Houthi officials warned the United States against joining any Saudi-led military response, threatening “swift and painful” retaliation against American interests in the region. President Donald Trump stated that Washington was weighing options after the latest attacks. Regional airlines have already cancelled dozens of flights and diverted aircraft to alternative hubs in Jeddah and Dammam.

The assaults have heightened concerns over the security of critical infrastructure in the Gulf and the wider implications for global oil shipping routes.

Saudi officials said air-defence systems intercepted the majority of incoming projectiles, yet several still caused casualties and structural damage near the airport perimeter. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the renewed fighting in Yemen appear to have stalled.

International carriers are monitoring the situation closely, with several European and Asian airlines suspending services to Riyadh until further notice. Analysts say the prolonged closure could disrupt pilgrimage traffic and commercial logistics in the coming weeks if the security environment does not improve.

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru on Tuesday formally declared her intention to run for the presidency in 2032 while signalling readiness to serve as a running mate in the 2027 general election.

Speaking in Nairobi, she said she had the resources, experience and national network required to contest the highest office. Waiguru framed her long-term ambition as part of a broader plan to strengthen women’s participation in national leadership.

The governor, who is serving her second term, said she would first focus on supporting the current administration’s development agenda before positioning herself for higher office. She dismissed suggestions that her declaration was premature, arguing that early clarity helps build organisational structures and public support. Political analysts noted that her move adds a new dimension to the already crowded field of potential 2027 contenders.

Supporters in Kirinyaga and parts of the Mount Kenya region have already begun circulating messages of endorsement. Waiguru’s statement comes amid intensifying realignments within both the ruling party and opposition ranks ahead of next year’s polls. She insisted that her primary goal remains delivering results for residents of her county while preparing for the national stage.

Opposition figures reacted cautiously, with some welcoming the entry of another strong female voice and others questioning the timing. Waiguru said she would unveil a detailed roadmap for her political future in the coming months after consulting grassroots leaders across the country.

The Court of Appeal on Tuesday lifted conservatory orders that had suspended a multi-billion-shilling health cooperation framework between Kenya and the United States. A three-judge bench ruled that continued suspension risked irreversible harm to patients who depend on programmes covered by the arrangement.

The judges noted that public interest in uninterrupted medical services outweighed the concerns raised by the petitioners at this stage.
The deal, valued at more than Sh328 billion, covers areas including HIV treatment, maternal health, disease surveillance and medical research collaboration.

Human rights groups had obtained the earlier orders after arguing that certain data-sharing clauses could compromise patient privacy. The appellate court found that adequate safeguards exist and that the lower court had not fully considered the potential impact on ongoing treatment programmes.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale welcomed the ruling and said the ministry would immediately resume implementation while addressing any remaining transparency concerns. Civil society organisations said they would study the full judgment before deciding whether to seek further review at the Supreme Court. Patient advocacy groups, however, expressed relief that critical drug supply chains would no longer face disruption.

Legal analysts observed that the decision sets an important precedent on the balance between public health urgency and constitutional litigation. The government has been directed to file regular progress reports on the implementation of privacy protections contained in the agreement.

President William Ruto on Tuesday commissioned a Sh2.512 billion last-mile electrification programme targeting more than 12,000 households in Elgeyo Marakwet and Baringo counties.

The projects form part of the government’s broader push to raise national electricity connectivity above 90 percent before the next general election. Speaking in Marakwet East, the President said reliable power would open new opportunities for small businesses, schools and health centres in the region.

The scheme will extend the national grid to remote villages that have relied on solar lanterns and diesel generators for years. Officials from the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation confirmed that construction of transformers and distribution lines has already begun in several locations.

Local leaders welcomed the investment, describing it as a long-overdue boost for economic activity in the North Rift.
Residents who spoke at the launch site said access to electricity would allow them to run irrigation pumps, refrigerate milk and keep shops open later into the evening.

Women groups in particular expressed hope that power would ease the burden of collecting firewood and improve security after dark. The President directed implementing agencies to complete the connections within the next 18 months.

Government data shows that similar last-mile projects completed in other counties have already raised average household incomes by supporting micro-enterprises. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the North Rift package is one of several planned for arid and semi-arid areas still lagging behind in connectivity.

Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company has announced a 24-hour interruption of water supply that will affect residents in more than a dozen neighbourhoods starting Tuesday evening.
The shutdown is necessary to allow urgent maintenance on a major pipeline and pumping station that serves the western and central parts of the city. Estates expected to go dry include Westlands, Kilimani, Kibera, Parklands, Lavington and parts of Dagoretti.

Company officials said the work involves replacing ageing valves and repairing a section of the transmission line that has been leaking for several weeks. They advised households and businesses to store enough water and use it sparingly until the system is fully restored. Hospitals and critical facilities have been given priority access to alternative supply tankers during the outage.

Residents in the affected areas expressed frustration, noting that similar interruptions have become more frequent in recent months. Some landlords and estate managers have already begun rationing water from boreholes and rooftop tanks to cushion tenants.

City Hall has urged calm and promised that the repairs will improve long-term reliability once completed.
Engineers are expected to work through the night and complete the job by Wednesday evening if no unforeseen complications arise.

Nairobi Water has set up a dedicated hotline for residents to report any residual supply problems after the system is switched back on.

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.

By Hadrine Joyce | Monday, 12 October 2026

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) recorded a KSh58.2 billion shortfall against its ordinary revenue target during the first quarter of the 2026/2027 financial year, according to figures reported from the National Treasury.

The authority collected KSh655.8 billion in ordinary revenue during the three months to September 2026, representing a 14.4 per cent increase from the KSh573.5 billion collected during the same period in 2025.

Despite the year-on-year growth, collections remained below the government’s target. The National Treasury reported that overall revenue collection was KSh40.4 billion below target by the end of September, partly because ministerial appropriations-in-aid exceeded their target by KSh17.8 billion.

Income tax recorded the largest shortfall among the main revenue categories, with KSh297.9 billion collected against a target of KSh323.3 billion. Excise duty also fell short of its target by KSh16.3 billion.

The revenue gap comes as the government faces pressure to finance public expenditure. The shortfall could increase the need for additional borrowing if the government cannot close the gap through stronger revenue collection or spending adjustments.

The Treasury has identified measures such as broadening the tax base, simplifying tax laws and improving the collection of non-tax revenue as part of efforts to strengthen government finances.

Source: Business Daily Africa, reporting on National Treasury figures.

Photo caption: The Kenya Revenue Authority headquarters at Times Tower in Nairobi.

Photo credit: File|Nation Media Group

 11 October 2026 Location: Kenya

Ruto Announces Earlier Completion Date for Rironi–Mau Summit Highway

President William Ruto has announced that the Rironi–Mau Summit Highway is expected to be completed by April 2027, bringing forward the previously stated June deadline by two months.

Photo: Courtesy

The highway project is intended to upgrade a major transport corridor linking the Nairobi region with areas in the Rift Valley and western Kenya.

The route is important for passenger travel, commercial transport and the movement of agricultural produce and other goods.

Improved road infrastructure could help reduce journey times, ease traffic congestion and improve road safety along the corridor.

The project is also expected to support economic activity in communities along the route by improving access to markets, businesses and essential services.

However, the benefits will depend on the quality of construction, effective traffic management and the long-term maintenance of the completed road.

As the revised completion date approaches, motorists and businesses will be watching for updates on construction progress, traffic diversions and the opening of completed sections.

An earlier completion would be welcome news for regular users of the corridor, although the announcement should be distinguished from confirmation that the highway has already been completed.

9 October 2026  Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya Approves $350 Million Financing Package for National Carrier

The Kenyan government has approved $350 million in shareholder financing for Kenya Airways, in a move aimed at helping the national carrier meet urgent financial obligations.

The approval was announced by President William Ruto’s office on 9 October.

The financing comes as the airline continues to navigate financial challenges while maintaining its role as a key transport link between Kenya, other African countries and international destinations.

Kenya Airways is an important part of the country’s aviation industry. Its operations support tourism, cargo transportation, international business and employment across several sectors.

The government’s latest financial commitment is intended to help stabilise the airline and support its continued operations.

Photo: Courtesy

However, additional financing alone does not necessarily resolve the structural challenges that airlines can face, including operating expenses, debt obligations, aircraft costs and fluctuations in passenger demand.

The effectiveness of the package will depend partly on how the funds are deployed and whether the airline can strengthen its financial position over time.

The development is likely to attract attention from taxpayers, aviation stakeholders, investors and travellers interested in the long-term future of the national carrier.

 7 October 2026  Nairobi, Kenya

Central Bank Holds Lending Rate as Kenya Monitors Inflation

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has maintained its benchmark lending rate, signalling a cautious approach to monetary policy as the country continues to monitor inflation and broader economic conditions.

In a report published by Reuters on 7 October, the central bank said it expected inflation to remain within its target range in the short term, despite an increase over the preceding three months.

Photo: Courtesy

The decision to retain the benchmark rate reflects the bank’s assessment of current economic conditions and the need to balance price stability with economic activity.

Interest-rate decisions have important implications for households, businesses and financial institutions.

For borrowers, the benchmark rate influences the wider lending environment, although the effect on individual loan rates depends on the type of loan, the lender and other market conditions.

Businesses also monitor monetary policy because borrowing costs can influence investment decisions, expansion plans and working capital.

Meanwhile, consumers remain concerned about the cost of living, including food, transport, electricity and other essential expenses.

The central bank’s decision will therefore be closely watched by businesses, investors and households seeking signs of how economic conditions may develop in the coming months.

However, maintaining the rate does not guarantee that commercial banks will immediately reduce their lending rates or that consumer prices will fall.