Kenya’s opposition accused President William Ruto of using public funds to influence church leaders ahead of the 2027 elections. In Machakos, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition figures warned clergy against political involvement, alleging bishops received vehicles. They criticized Ruto for unfulfilled promises and attempts to weaken the opposition. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua condemned the alleged church funding as disrespectful to Kenyans.

Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Kenya plans to sell its entire 83.67% stake in DTB Burundi to a consortium of Burundian investors, including the existing minority shareholder. The board approved the deal on Sept 20, citing a focus on core markets in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. DTB Burundi, operating four branches and among the country’s top ten banks, reported strong profitability in 2024 despite slight declines in loans and deposits. Completion awaits regulatory approvals.

KCB Group and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) signed an $800 million financing deal to operationalize the Vipingo Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Kilifi County. Afreximbank will provide $500 million and KCB $300 million to support investors in manufacturing, agro-processing, logistics, and value-addition sectors. The framework offers project finance, trade facilities, guarantees, and advisory services. The initiative aims to attract domestic and foreign investment, strengthen export-oriented industries, and position Vipingo SEZ as a regional industrial hub.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced the Social Health Authority (SHA) would expand to cover more vulnerable Kenyans. The plan targets 30 million enrollments by Dec. 2025, 45 million by 2026, and 55 million by 2027. Speaking in Tharaka Nithi, he said 26.4 million people were already registered and credited 107,000 Community Health Promoters with delivering primary care. Kindiki outlined plans to modernize hospitals, digitize records, and extend coverage to 1.5 million vulnerable citizens.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused President William Ruto of disrespecting the Ukambani community after the dismissal of former Ketraco CEO John Mativo. Gachagua criticized Ruto’s immediate visit to Machakos following the sacking, calling it tribal bias that undermines unity. He urged the President to distribute resources fairly and deliver development to the region, and questioned Ruto’s anti-tribalism stance, citing contradictions and alleged misuse of power.

Kenya aims to finalize a trade deal with the United States by the end of 2025, Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui said. The agreement, the first between Washington and a sub-Saharan country, seeks to secure exports after the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) expires. Kenya exported $737 million in 2024, with 300,000 textile workers at risk.

The government revived the KSh 337 billion High Grand Falls Dam project along the Tana River, after its cancellation in July. Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira said a new framework will be finalized within two weeks by the Ministry of Energy, KenGen, Kenya Power, and EPRA. The multipurpose dam is expected to generate 500 megawatts initially, rising to 1,000 megawatts, and provide 5,600 million cubic meters of irrigation water, supporting food security and lowering power costs.

Experts warned Kenya could lose billions in Gulf investment unless it reforms corruption, cuts bureaucracy, and modernizes its business environment. At the Gulf-Africa Investment Summit in Nairobi, stakeholders said outdated systems and graft deterred investors despite the UAE’s $800 million Galana Kulalu irrigation project and a pending $1 billion data center. They called for reforms to build trust, improve efficiency, and unlock opportunities in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and mining.