The High Court of Kenya has issued urgent directions in a constitutional petition challenging a new cooperation agreement between the National Government and the Nairobi City County Government. In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye certified the case—filed by petitioners Bernard Peter and Christine Gathoni—as urgent. The legal challenge names several high-profile respondents, including the Attorney General, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, the Nairobi Governor, the Nairobi City County Government, the County Assembly, and the Senate. This, they say, risks the commitment or expenditure of public funds without the approval of the Nairobi County Assembly or oversight by the Senate. They warn that continued implementation could alter the constitutional allocation of functions between the national and county governments before the court pronounces itself on the legality of the arrangement.

February 18, 2026 13:56 UTC

They also reaffirmed their commitment to work closely to further strengthen the India-Bhutan partnership anchored in trust, goodwill and mutual respect. Last November, PM Modi visited Thimphu on a two-day visit which aimed at deepening India-Bhutan partnership and reinforcing India’s commitment to its Neighbourhood First Policy. The visit also marked another major milestone in India-Bhutan energy partnership with the inauguration of the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project. Bilateral trade is conducted in Indian Rupees, which is at par with the Bhutanese Ngultrum. Since 2014, India’s trade with Bhutan has increased more than three times — from $484 million in 2014-15 to $1,777.44 million in 2024-25, accounting for over 80 per cent of Bhutan’s overall trade.

February 18, 2026 13:11 UTC

The EES Coke facility (Facility) is located on Zug Island, between River Rouge and Detroit, in an area that fails to meet federal standards for sulfur dioxide in the air. The court found that the Facility increased its sulfur dioxide pollution as a result of changes the company sought to its state air permit in 2014. For example, the Facility emitted over 3,200 tons of sulfur dioxide pollution in 2018, compared to permitted baseline sulfur dioxide levels of under 2,100 tons per year. The court found that DTE Energy Company, DTE Energy Resources LLC, and DTE Energy Services Inc. were all liable as operators of the EES Coke facility. Turning to civil penalty, the court found that a penalty of $100 million was appropriate for the primary claim.

February 18, 2026 11:28 UTC

Kid Rock films shirtless workout with RFK Jr - but viewers are completely distractedKid Rock and Robert F Kennedy Jr have been mercilessly mocked as they filmed a new workout video to promote Make America Healthy Again, with the clip being shared on XView 4 Images Kid Rock teamed up with Robert F Kennedy Jr (Image: @X)Kid Rock teamed up with Robert F Kennedy Jr to film a workout video to promote the Make America Healthy Again initiative, but viewers were left with questions. Article continues belowThe video ended with Kid Rock and RFK Jr drinking whole milk while soaking in a hot tub. View 4 Images RFK Jr even wore jeans when going for a dip (Image: @X)‌A third critic slammed. As well as lifting weights, the workout video also showed Kid Rock and RFK Jr having a cold dip and taking it in turns to do push ups in the sauna. Kid Rock has also been seen smoking cigars and he's been linked to premium brands, such as the Cohiba Robustos.

February 18, 2026 11:28 UTC

Kammu Dee and Malemon are set to bring amapiano energy to tonight’s clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium. Image: InstagramAmapiano takes centre stage tonight as Orlando Pirates host Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium. Sundowns follow in second place with 32 points, although the Brazilians have played one game less in some tracking records. Amapiano artists Kammu Dee and Malemon have been announced as part of the entertainment. Dee will headline the pre-match show, while Malemon is set to perform at halftime.

February 18, 2026 10:39 UTC





A man and a woman were rescued on Tuesday evening after their vehicle was swept away by raging flood waters in an area said to be Ruai, Nairobi, following heavy rains that pounded the city and its environs. The vehicle is seen drifting as flood waters push it downstream, with onlookers screaming in shock and urging the rescuers on. The rescuers struggle to pull the two occupants through the car window as the vehicle continues to move with the force of the water. The rescuers eventually manage to pull the man and woman out through the window and guide them to safer ground. We all know what happens to Nairobi City when it rains, and my instructions to both the Ministry of Infrastructure and Roads and Housing are that we do not want a flooded city this year,” the President said.

February 18, 2026 10:26 UTC

[File Courtesy]The government has found itself in an unenviable position as it navigates a complex diplomatic matter involving a Russian man accused of sexually exploiting several women during a visit to Kenya and sharing their secretly recorded videos. According to Russian law, the government is prohibited from handing over citizens to another state. Instead, Kenya and Ghana may consider relaying any evidence from their investigations to the Russian authorities to initiate a court process back home. The scandal comes amid concerns of increased Russian activities throughout the continent, especially the recruitment of young African men to work as mercenaries for the Russian army against neighbouring Ukraine. Additionally, Kenyans have become among the most sought-after Africans for staffing Chinese-run scam centres in Myanmar near its border with Thailand.

February 18, 2026 09:00 UTC

Another Kenyan woman who was spotted with the viral Russian man, Yaytseslav Truhov, has spoken out about her encounter with him. Kalekye, 19, who was seen in one of the clips with Yaytseslav, has now broken her silence. Source: FacebookKenyan lady addresses HIV rumoursThe 19-year-old also addressed online claims regarding the HIV status of women linked to Yaytseslav's viral videos. Watch the video below:Does Serina’s husband want a divorce over the viral video? In another story, a real estate agent named Serina, who went viral after being spotted with Yaytseslav, insisted that her appearance in the video had been misrepresented.

February 18, 2026 08:42 UTC

"We ask to end this agony so we can truly create the transition citizens are hoping for," she said, according to Reuters. "Not a transition with hidden interests, influence-peddling, secret meetings and hooded figures. We don't want that sort of transition."

February 18, 2026 08:33 UTC

Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi has indicated that he plans to challenge National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s decision to suspend him from Parliament. Speaker Wetang’ula on Tuesday, February 17, announced the indefinite suspension of the ODM legislator over remarks the Speaker described as reckless. Addressing members of the House, Speaker Wetang’ula strongly criticised the remarks. As long as I am your Speaker, I will protect your dignity and the dignity of the House,” Speaker Wetang’ula stated. The MP further argued that the decision did not follow what he considers to be the established disciplinary procedures.

February 18, 2026 08:31 UTC

Dr Amoth emphasised that the medicine is strictly for HIV-negative individuals at risk of infection. “We continue to urge all those on treatment to remain on their lifelong therapy.”Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable HIV prevention option known as pre-exposure prophylaxis. In addition, he noted, the United States government has committed to support Kenya with a further 25,000 doses, which will strengthen the national rollout and increase access for more Kenyans. The medicine had earlier been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in June 2025 and endorsed by the World Health Organisation a month later. “Lenacapavir is going to be a very instrumental piece in providing HIV prevention in the country,” he said.

February 18, 2026 07:54 UTC

Former US President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have paid glowing tribute to civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, describing him as a towering figure whose legacy reshaped American democracy. Michelle Obama, they said, first witnessed grassroots political organising at the Jackson family kitchen table during her teenage years. They extended their condolences to the Jackson family and to residents of Chicago and supporters worldwide who were touched by the civil rights leader’s life and work. US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson died at the age of 84. Jesse Jackson was a prominent civil rights campaigner who ran twice for the Democratic Party's nomination for president in 1984 and 1988.

February 18, 2026 05:28 UTC

Nairobi - The Government of Kenya today officially launched the Kenya National Carbon Registry (KNCR), marking a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s climate governance framework and readiness to participate in international carbon markets. Kenya Launches Carbon Registry to Boost Climate Governance and Commercial OpportunitiesSource: FacebookThe launch, held in Nairobi, was presided over by Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, alongside senior government officials, development partners, and representatives from Kenya’s carbon market ecosystem. Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Festus Ng’eno, highlighted that Kenya’s carbon credits are sovereign assets protected under Kenyan law and anchored in the Climate Change Act and Carbon Markets Regulations. Chief Technology Officer at Verst Carbon Ian Mutai, emphasised that the Registry represents a fundamental shift in Kenya’s carbon market infrastructure. With the launch of the National Carbon Registry, Kenya strengthens national oversight, enhances transparency, and sets a new benchmark for building carbon markets on integrity, accountability, and strong digital governance.

February 18, 2026 04:27 UTC

Speaking during the signing of the Nairobi County-National Government Cooperation Agreement on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Ruto emphasized that security is non-negotiable for a modern city like Nairobi. I therefore direct the CS for Interior to prepare and present, within 60 days, a framework for a dedicated Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit to work hand in hand with the Nairobi County security. President William Ruto, during the National Government-Nairobi County Cooperation Pact, State House, Nairobi, on February 17, 2026. The President noted that the NMPU will collaborate closely with Nairobi County security teams. Sifuna maintained that Nairobi residents and leaders must be consulted before any decision to cede county functions is made.

February 18, 2026 03:05 UTC

[File, Standard]Kenya Airways (KQ) has warned passengers of flight delays of up to four hours for departures, citing the ongoing strike by the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU). The airline said it had adjusted its flight network as the strike entered its second day. KQ has asked passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, monitor official communication channels for updates and explore rebooking options, where necessary. On Monday, the airline warned of expected air traffic control delays affecting departures and arrivals at JKIA. Another traveler, Doki Wada, said passengers had been waiting at the KQ Simba Lounge for updates.

February 18, 2026 01:23 UTC