At the funeral of Cyrus Jirongo, something rare happened in Kenyan politics: grief did not dissolve into platitudes; instead, it hardened into truth. Leaders and citizens used the solemnity of death to confront life, power, responsibility, unity, and moral failure. Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlimited access to all premium contentUninterrupted ad-free browsing experienceMobile-optimized reading experienceWeekly NewslettersMPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted

[AFP]Sudan's Prime Minister Kamil Idris announced on Sunday the government's return to Khartoum, after nearly three years of operating from its wartime capital of Port Sudan. It has pursued a gradual return to Khartoum since the army recaptured the city last March. "Today, we return, and the Government of Hope returns to the national capital," Idris told reporters in Khartoum, promising "better services" for residents. For close to two years, the Sudanese capital -- composed of the three cities of Khartoum, Omdurman and Khartoum North (Bahri) -- was an active battlefield. South of Khartoum, the RSF has pushed through the Kordofan region, after dislodging the army from its last stronghold in Darfur last year.

A Kibera-based social media influencer has been selected among ten global winners to join YouTube star Mr Beast in a major charity mission in Ghana after taking part in the 2026 One Billion Followers Summit, which concludes Sunday, January 11, 2026, in Dubai, UAE. Participants were required to carry out an act of kindness, post it on social media, tag Mr Beast and the One Billion Followers Summit, and submit a link to their content for consideration. In a social media update on his Instagram account on January 10, 2026, ten creators were later selected and announced live during the summit, earning an opportunity to travel with Mr Beast to Ghana to help build a village. Beast, is an American content creator and philanthropist who launched the '1 Billion Acts of Kindness' campaign. His story has since inspired many online, reinforcing the campaign’s message that, 'simple acts of kindness, when shared, can create global impact.'

President William Ruto during a church service at St Paul’s Church, Kariki Chinga in Othaya, Nyeri County on January 11, 2026. The announcement comes against the backdrop of long-standing concerns over teacher shortages, especially in junior and senior secondary schools, following the rollout ofCBE. Last week, the government released Sh44 billion in capitation funds for learners in public primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools across the country. “All chiefs were tasked with ensuring that every child, including those finishing Class Eight, transitioned to secondary school,” Ruto said. President Ruto said his administration is determined to protect and advance these gains by ensuring schools have enough teachers, classrooms and financial support.

Search and rescue are going on after a building partially collapse in Karen on January 10. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]At least two people have been killed, seven others injured after a building under construction partially collapsed on Saturday evening in Karen, Nairobi. According to the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), the incident was reported shortly before 4 PM, prompting the launch of search and rescue operations. Ochieng’ noted that the duration of the operation remains uncertain and will depend on expert assessments and the machinery deployed to remove debris safely. The building had partially collapsed at the second-floor level.

Amid the escalating dangers of insurgency and militant activities on the peripheries of the nation, the importance of cornerstone figures like Ajit Doval increases profoundly. During the programme, a young attendee asked Doval about carrying a cell phone, and his response ended up shocking everyone present. Beyond this, the main servers on which phone data is stored can also be hacked. Hence, not carrying a phone and using older methods of communication can prove beneficial for someone like the NSA, Ajit Doval. Ajit Doval phone tapped in 2019In 2019, rumours circulated that Ajit Doval’s phone had been tapped.

Commission on Administrative Justice Chairperson Charles Dulo and Vice Chairperson Dorothy Jemator Kimengech, during a media briefing on February 13, 2025. [File, Standard]The Ombudsman, an independent constitutional body that investigates complaints of abuse of power and unfair treatment in the public sector, has ordered the Ministry of Education to release full capitation data for all schools across the country.

MYSTIC MEG Gemini weekly horoscope: What your star sign has in store for January 11 – 17OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes. Horoscope traits What does your star sign mean for you? Pisces – The key traits for the sign include an interest in the artsSagittarius – The traits you need to know for the fire signScorpio – What does this star sign mean for your personality? RECOMMENDED STORIESFabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions. You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

President William Ruto welcomed IshowSpeed during his Kenyan visit. Photo: William Ruto, IshowSpeed. What did William Ruto tell IShowSpeed? Following his arrival on Sunday, January 11, President William Ruto took to social media to officially welcome the young streamer to the country. Source: Getty ImagesWill Ferdinand Omanyala race IShowSpeed?

Frankline Kibet stormed to gold in a superb time of 23:18 at the World Cross Country Championships, Tallahassee 2026, in Florida, USA. [Courtesy]Kenya has once again stamped its authority on the global athletics stage after delivering a dominant performance at the World Cross Country Championships, Tallahassee 2026, in Florida, USA. Kenya topped the medal table with an impressive haul of nine medals, comprising two individual gold medals and one team gold, one individual silver, three team silver medals, and two individual bronze medals. The women’s team backed her effort with a strong collective performance to secure silver in the team standings with 39 points. The senior men’s team combined grit and consistency to finish second overall, earning silver with 34 points.

[File, Standard]If there is one cliché I am happy to use again and again, it is the simple but profound truth that water is life. Somewhere within government structures exists an institution known as the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority. If Kenya is serious about achieving food security, reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture, and protecting vulnerable populations, investing in water infrastructure must be a priority. Yet through advanced agricultural systems, efficient water use, desalination, and large-scale water management, Israel has become largely self-sufficient in food production. It was the result of intentional planning, heavy investment, and a national commitment to treating water as a strategic resource.

As we step into 2026, the debate must move beyond diagnosis to design. A Tool economy is exponential. They are jobs that raise output per worker, embed skills in value chains, and allow learning to compound over time. In 2026, Kenya needs a deliberate shift toward a productive jobs strategy. Kenya must decide whether it wants to remain a museum of culture or be a factory of progress.

US President Donald Trump has warned that he could order more airstrikes on Nigeria if Christians continue to be killed in the West African nation. Nigeria's government has rejected Trump's earlier accusations that it is failing to protect Christians from jihadist attacks, saying that "Muslims, Christians and those of no faith alike" are targeted. When questioned about this in the interview published on Thursday, Trump replied: "I think that Muslims are being killed also in Nigeria. ''Nigeria remains committed to protecting all citizens, Christians and Muslims alike, without discrimination,'' said Alkasim Abdulkadir. In the wake of the strikes, Nigeria's Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar told the BBC that it had been a "joint operation" and "nothing to do with a particular religion".

Nairobi South Business Community Association led by the Chairman Rashid Ali Omar address a media briefing on the resumption of business after the collapse of a building in South C, Nairobi, on January 11, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]Business is slowly resuming in South C, Nairobi, following the collapse of a multi-storey building that left two people dead, even as traders and property owners count losses. Among those affected is Saumir Shah, a business owner in the area, who estimates that he incurred losses of about Sh7 million. He further dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting that a large number of structures in South C may be unsafe. “We categorically dismiss misleading and alarmist claims circulating in some quarters that 80 per cent of buildings in South C are unsafe.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has sought to clarify his political position, affirming that he remains a member of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. This is despite his perceived association with rival political outfits linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking on Sunday during a church service at ACK St Paul’s Church Kariki in Othaya, Nyeri County, Kahiga told congregants that he is a fully paid-up member of UDA. The service was attended by President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, among other senior government officials. I still have a President,” Kahiga said, drawing applause from the congregation.