Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua criticized President William Ruto’s administration in a New Year message to Kenyans. Gachagua cited economic hardship, punitive taxes, insecurity, and corruption, saying 2025 caused widespread pain. The Democracy for Citizens Party leader urged hope for change, accusing the government of poor fiscal policies and abuses of power while calling on citizens to remain resilient in the year ahead.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetangula warned coffee cartels in Bungoma County, accusing brokers and corrupt cooperative officials of exploiting farmers and cutting their earnings. Speaking at a family burial in Kabuchai, Wetangula said cartels had discouraged coffee farming despite the county’s strong production potential. He called for reforms to restore farmer confidence, expand coffee production, boost household incomes, and encourage youth voter registration ahead of the next election.

Oburu Oginga declared he will be the Orange Democratic Movement’s presidential candidate in the 2027 general election if the party chooses to contest independently. Addressing supporters, the ODM leader said 2026 will determine whether the party runs alone or joins a coalition. He added that the party constitution designates the leader as flagbearer and urged members to maintain unity ahead of the polls.

Edwin Sifuna joined former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua and other Democracy for the Citizens Party leaders at a funeral in Murang’a County, marking his first public appearance alongside the DCP camp. The Nairobi senator attended the burial of Embakasi North MP James Gakuya’s mother, amid speculation over opposition realignments. Sifuna has opposed any ODM partnership backing President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid.

Merck Foundation strengthened Kenya’s health and science capacity in 2025 through expanded medical training and digital-health support. Working with Rachel Ruto, the foundation reported more than 240 scholarships for Kenyan doctors in underserved specialties, alongside programs supporting digital health, media training, and STEM education. Officials said the initiatives improved specialist care, health technology adoption, and workforce capacity, reinforcing Kenya’s role in science-led healthcare development.

Scientists at the Kenya Medical Research Institute reported that low-cost housing modifications reduced indoor heat and malaria risk in rural western Kenya. A randomized pilot study in Siaya County found electricity-free changes lowered indoor temperatures by up to 3.3°C and cut malaria-carrying mosquitoes by 77%. Interventions included reflective roofs, cross-ventilation, and mat ceilings with full screening. Researchers said the approach complements bed nets and supports climate adaptation. The findings inform public health housing policy.

Kenya marked a major science and technology milestone in 2025 as new policies reshaped its digital economy. The government launched a National AI Strategy, enacted a law regulating virtual asset providers, debated satellite internet licensing, and amended cybercrime legislation. Together, the reforms aimed to strengthen digital infrastructure, improve investor confidence, expand connectivity, and address online crime, while triggering public debate over data protection, affordability, and digital rights.

Kenya’s annual inflation rate remained unchanged at 4.5% in December 2025, according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. The Consumer Price Index rose to 148.02, translating to a monthly inflation of 0.6%. Food and non-alcoholic beverages recorded the highest annual increase at 7.8%, followed by transport at 5.2%. Price stability has been supported by a steady shilling and stable interest rates, although food costs continue to pressure households.

The Central Bank of Kenya licensed 42 additional digital credit providers, raising the total number of approved lenders to 195 as Kenya tightens oversight of digital loan apps. CBK said the approvals followed rigorous reviews focused on consumer protection and governance. Governor Kamau Thugge said licensed lenders had issued 6.6 million loans worth KSh 109.8 billion by November 2025, underscoring the sector’s growing role in credit access.