Nairobi’s county government approved a new Emergency Response Bill aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and coordination across the capital. Under Governor Johnson Sakaja, the plan establishes a 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre, borough-based rapid response teams, and the Nairobi Disaster and Emergency Management Authority. The reforms seek to address recurring fires, floods, and building collapses by shifting from reactive crisis response to proactive risk prevention, improved coordination, and faster emergency action citywide.

Kenya’s Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party announced a major leadership reorganisation to revitalise the coalition. Under the chairmanship of former president Uhuru Kenyatta, the coalition appointed Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as party leader, named Caroli Omondi secretary general, and selected Philip Kisia as executive director. The coalition said the changes will strengthen coordination, reinforce unity, and enhance political effectiveness ahead of future national engagements.

Human rights activists have petitioned the High Court in Kerugoya seeking to halt the deployment of what they describe as high-risk artificial intelligence systems in Kenya. The petition argues that unregulated AI threatens constitutional rights, including privacy, equality, and electoral integrity, ahead of the 2027 polls. While the court certified the case as urgent, it declined to issue interim orders, instead scheduling a full hearing on February 19, 2026.

Kenya and the US have launched a major expansion of the Manda Bay airfield, strengthening joint military operations and regional security cooperation. The project, supported by a $71.3 million US contract, will extend the runway to enhance heavy airlift, rapid response, and counterterrorism capabilities. Kenyan officials said the upgrade reinforces defence integration with the US and improves operations against threats such as al-Shabaab, piracy, and human trafficking across East Africa and the Horn of Africa.

ODM leader Oburu Oginga responded to comments made by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. He said the party’s constitutionally mandated organs determine official policy, not individual opinions. Oburu added that personal statements should not be interpreted as formal positions. He noted that the party continues coalition planning and other strategic processes ahead of future national political engagements. The remarks aimed to clarify decision-making within the party.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja says the KSh50 billion Nairobi River regeneration programme is on track to transform the city’s rivers into clean, productive community assets by 2027. The initiative includes major sewer upgrades, riverbank stabilization, improved drainage, and rehabilitation of the Dandora dumpsite. Beyond infrastructure, the project features green parks, markets, affordable housing, and flood controls, creating more than 40,000 jobs while boosting public health, livelihoods, and urban resilience across Nairobi.