Inside elusive Luhya unity divide ahead of 2027 poll
Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula at a past function in Kilingili last week. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]As Kenya edges closer to the 2027 General Election, Western Kenya is once again thrust into the national political spotlight. With over 2.6 million registered voters spread across Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, and Trans Nzoia counties, the region holds the potential to influence the outcome of the presidential race.
Source:Standard Digital
February 03, 2026 19:15 UTC
NTV Kenya: CBK warns against using currency notes for decorative purposes
Diam curabitur vehicula View Collection north_eastCreatives & Coins Podcast A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. View Collection north_eastDocumentaries A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula View Collection north_eastEntertainment A collection of our premium content. View Collection north_eastTech-over The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. Diam curabitur vehicula View Collection north_eastTwende Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures.
Source:Daily Nation
February 03, 2026 18:35 UTC
Why used car imports are facing curbs
Isuzu East Africa Limited MD Rita Kavashe, Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui, PS Juma Mukhwana and Japan Ambassador to Kenya Hiroshi Matsuura during the launch of the locally assembled Isuzu Mu-X Luxury SUV in Nairobi on February 2, 2026. [Kanyiri Wahito, Standard]The government is sieving through public participation feedback on the National Automotive Bill, 2025, with the document expected to come into effect by June this year. The Bill, whose purpose is to encourage purchase of locally manufactured vehicles, will in part put restrictions on importation of second-hand automobiles and provide modalities on the end of life cycle of a car.
Source:Standard Digital
February 03, 2026 17:41 UTC
Court suspends affordable housing project in Naivasha
Gichugu Affordable Housing Programme in Kianyaga market, Kirinyaga county, on January 8, 2025. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]The Environment and Lands Court in Naivasha has suspended the construction of over 1,000 housing units in Naivasha under the affordable housing project. The petition further noted that the affordable housing project constituted an illegal appropriation of public land reserved for the construction of a stadium and its use for private housing development violated zoning regulations and public trust. Speaking earlier, former Lakeview MCA Simon Wanyoike wondered what rationale was used to transfer the stadium land to affordable housing. “After winning the case against some politicians who wanted to grab part of the land, the county has set aside the same land for affordable housing, and we shall fight this too,” he said.
Source:Standard Digital
February 03, 2026 17:06 UTC
How Kenya has lost Sh6.1 trillion to tax fraud
A new report by Global Financial Integrity estimates that Kenya lost over Sh6.1 trillion between 2013 to 2022 due to "trade misinvoicing." [File, Standard]As the taxman aggressively pursues small traders and salaried employees for unpaid dues, a global financial watchdog has warned that the country is losing nearly 50 times more money through a sophisticated form of trade fraud perpetrated by large corporations. This severely undermines the government’s ability to fund development for Kenyans and escape a crushing debt crisis.
Source:Standard Digital
February 03, 2026 16:02 UTC
The Coke Is In The Mail: Warwick Man Gets 5 Years For Cocaine Mailed To House
Crime & Safety The Coke Is In The Mail: Warwick Man Gets 5 Years For Cocaine Mailed To House The Warwick man attempted to flee on his motorcycle after putting the package of cocaine in his backpack, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. WARWICK, RI — A Warwick man was sentenced to five years in federal prison for possessing cocaine mailed to his home. Manuel Jose Miranda, 37, had pleaded guilty in July to a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Postal Inspectors intercepted a package addressed to Miranda’s residence that contained two kilograms of cocaine, according to the release. The package was resealed and delivered to Manuel's residence by an undercover postal inspector and kept under surveillance, the release said.
Source:Daily Nation
February 03, 2026 15:57 UTC
I did not plan Witima church attack, says Gachagua
Democracy for Citizens Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua during an interview with KTN at his Karen Residence on October 5,2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has denied claims that he staged an attack on himself at an Anglican church in Witima, Nyeri County, two weeks ago, saying the incident was an attempted assassination. Gachagua called on the international community to intervene, accusing President William Ruto of sliding into dictatorship. Gachagua criticised Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, claiming he did not assume office through an electoral mandate. “The Constitution says a deputy president is elected,” he said.
Source:Standard Digital
February 03, 2026 15:54 UTC
Donald Trump’s Shocking Diet Revealed: US President eats these unhealthy foods daily
1 / 6While these foods suit Trumps' personal taste, health experts warn they are far from ideal for most people. 2 / 6US President Donald Trump is known for his love of fast food, processed snacks, and sugary drinks. Though calorie-free, excessive intake of diet soda can disrupt gut bacteria, trigger sugar cravings, and increase cardiovascular risks. 5 / 6Processed snacks and sweets are also part of Donald Trump’s daily diet. 6 / 6Trump’s eating habits may work for him, but for most people, they serve as a warning.
Source:News 24
February 03, 2026 15:27 UTC
Payslips shrink as new NSSF rates take effect
FKE Executive Director Jacqueline Mugo says the mandatory NSSF rate hike, while supporting long-term savings, presents a “significant issue” for disposable income. [File, Standard]Millions of Kenyan employees will see their take-home pay shrink end of February when the fourth and final phase of higher National Social Security Fund (NSSF) pension contribution takes effect, a move employers warn will squeeze workers who are already grappling with a high cost of living. The Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) said the mandatory hike, while supporting long-term savings, presents a “significant issue” for disposable income, amid concerns of a mounting burden from multiple statutory deductions.
Source:Standard Digital
February 03, 2026 15:00 UTC
Savula ditches DAP-K for UDA, pledges to deliver 2.6m Western votes
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula was recently appointed deputy coordinator of President William Ruto’s political activities in western Kenya region. [File, Standard]Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has formally defected from DAP-K to UDA, setting off major political realignment in Kakamega County and the wider western Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election. Savula, who was elected on a coalition arrangement between the DAP-K and ODM, confirmed that he has already registered as a UDA aspirant for the Kakamega governor’s seat and will face-off with Governor Fernandes Barasa (ODM) come 2027 election
Source:Standard Digital
February 03, 2026 14:44 UTC
Eliud Kipchoge to carry flag at Milano Cortina 2026 opening ceremony
Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge gestures to fans after crossing the finish line during the 2025 Sydney Marathon at the Opera House on August 31, 2025. (Photo by Saeed KHAN / AFP)Kenya’s legendary long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge will return to the Olympic stage at Milano Cortina 2026, this time as a flag bearer for the opening ceremony. The 41-year-old distance ace has been named one of eight bearers who will carry the Olympic Flag into the San Siro Olympic Stadium when the Games officially begin on February 6. Kipchoge, a five-time Olympian and two-time Olympic marathon champion (Rio 2016 and Sapporo 2021), joins a diverse group of athletes and exemplary figures selected by the International Olympic Committee and Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026. After clinching marathon glory in 2016 and 2021, he returned to Olympic competition at Paris 2024, continuing to push the boundaries of endurance.
Source:Standard Digital
February 03, 2026 13:45 UTC
Farmers turn to digital cold chains to beat post-harvest losses
The summit focused on addressing post-harvest losses, reducing emissions, and improving the economic viability of farmers. [Courtesy]Amid this challenge, a new wave of digital cold storage technology is helping farmers to reduce losses. “In 2021, BASE and Empa launched the Your Virtual Cold Chain Assistant Initiative (‘Your VCCA’), currently active in India, Nigeria, Iraq, and Guinea-Bissau. The digital cold room model has been piloted in 38 decentralised cold rooms across the four countries, supported by community engagement, feasibility assessments, capacity building, and the development of “cold room champions” for peer learning. BASE, he added, is now seeking strategic partnerships in Kenya and Uganda in a move geared towards curbing post-harvest losses and enhance economic empowerment.
Source:Standard Digital
February 03, 2026 13:41 UTC
Kilifi leaders split over dissolution of PAA party
PAA Secretary General and Ganze MP Kenneth Kazungu Tungule welcomes a new member to the party in Mtwapa, Kilifi County on February 3, 2026. [Nehemiah Okwembah, Standard]Leaders allied to the Pamoja African Alliance (PAA) party from Kilifi County have dismissed claims that the party might be dissolved ahead of the 2027 General Election. Tungule said that some leaders were working behind the scenes to have the party dissolved and are pushing President Ruto to support the move. “When Aisha Jumwa joined PAA, many leaders were not happy and she joined and made the party vibrant and that vibrancy is what people do not want. “We formed PAA to champion for the interests of the coastal people and some leaders claim that PAA is a village party yet they are behind the move to sink the party,” he said.
Source:Standard Digital
February 03, 2026 13:41 UTC
Shab-e-Barat 2026: Date, significance, history, and how it’s celebrated
Shab-e-Barat, also called Mid-Sha'ban, the Night of Records, the Night of Deliverance, or Barat Night, is an important festival in the Muslim community. 4 / 9History and Significance: Shab-e-Barat holds different historical significance for Sunni and Shia Muslims. 6 / 9Why Shab-e-Barat is Important: Shab-e-Barat is considered a night of atonement. Many Muslims believe that Allah sets the destiny of every individual for the next year, taking into account their deeds from the past year. 7 / 9How Shab-e-Barat is Celebrated: Shab-e-Barat is celebrated with devotion across South Asia—including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Azerbaijan—as well as in Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Source:News 24
February 03, 2026 13:28 UTC
Woman fatally stabbed in fight with boyfriend in Kayole, Nairobi
Crime sceneA 23-year-old woman was found dead in her bed after a domestic fight with her boyfriend in Kayole, Nairobi. The boyfriend was missing at the time of the discovery of the body, which was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy. The body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy and other procedures. The body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy. The skeleton was moved to the mortuary pending identification and other procedures.
Source:The Star
February 03, 2026 12:34 UTC