American startup Spacecoin has secured regulatory approval from Kenya’s Communications Authority to deploy decentralized satellite broadband and IoT services. The move introduces competition to Starlink, which dominates Kenya’s satellite internet market. Spacecoin plans to partner with local organizations to expand affordable connectivity, targeting underserved rural areas and supporting agriculture and IoT applications.

Microsoft has partnered with the Kenyan health-tech startup Zendawa to deploy an AI-powered platform that supports independent pharmacies across Kenya. Built on Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power BI, and Azure, the solution digitizes inventory management, enables real-time insights, and improves demand forecasting. The initiative helps small pharmacies reduce medication waste, cut operational losses, and increase sales, thereby strengthening their role in Kenya’s healthcare supply chain.

Kenya is strengthening its science and technology ecosystem through Startup 360 Connect’s Angel Leads Program, which supports early-stage technology innovation. Running from February to June 2026, the initiative targets participants involved in scaling tech-enabled startups and innovation-driven enterprises. Organizers said the program will enhance the flow of expertise and capital into technology development, improve startup readiness, and position Kenya more strongly within global innovation, research, commercialization, and technology investment networks.

Members of Kenya’s Ogiek community in Nandi County have renewed calls for resettlement in their ancestral lands of Serengonik and Kosobei forests. Community leaders said prolonged displacement has weakened livelihoods, limited access to education, and eroded cultural practices tied to forest life. They urged the national government to implement court rulings recognizing Ogiek land rights, protect indigenous culture, and support community-led conservation of forest ecosystems.

Kenya’s arts and culture gained global exposure following the visit by American streamer iShowSpeed, whose livestreams highlighted youth culture, music, food, and traditional practices. His content featured everyday urban life, cultural performances, and heritage experiences in Nairobi and the Maasai Mara. Tourism officials said the visit showcased Kenya’s creative energy and cultural diversity, reinforcing its appeal to digitally engaged global audiences.

The Taptengelei Festival in Nandi County highlighted Kalenjin culture while supporting Kenya’s strategy to diversify tourism. The event combined traditional food, music, dance, and indigenous knowledge with mountain trail activities as part of the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series. Government officials said the festival promotes cultural identity, expands sports tourism, and stimulates local economies, while positioning Nandi as a destination beyond beaches and wildlife attractions.

Kenya’s satellite internet market saw a shift as Starlink introduced installment payments for hardware purchases. Under the new plan, customers pay a reduced upfront fee and spread remaining costs over six months alongside subscriptions. The move aims to improve affordability after high equipment costs slowed adoption and subscriptions dipped amid strong competition from local fiber and 5G providers offering lower-priced alternatives across urban and peri-urban markets.

Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority) lowered maximum retail prices for super petrol, diesel, and kerosene for the January–February pricing cycle. The reductions, effective nationwide, follow declines in the landed cost of imported fuel products. EPRA said the new prices incorporate applicable taxes and aim to balance consumer affordability with cost recovery for suppliers, while supporting market stability and fair competition in the energy sector.

Kenya reached a preliminary trade agreement with China, granting duty-free access for 98% of Kenyan exports to the Chinese market, officials said. The early-harvest arrangement will apply while negotiations continue toward a full bilateral trade deal. Authorities said the move aims to expand export volumes, particularly agricultural products, and help narrow Kenya’s large trade deficit with China, while supporting private sector growth and market diversification.