The Standard
00:06 (21:06 in your timezone)
THE
HEAR
This page is an archive of main headlines from Kenya for 17.02.2026.
It displays 124 headlines from many sources chronologically, as they appeared throughout the day, accompanied by AI overviews that were written in real time.
17.02.2026 ⇢ The Nairobi-National Government Sh80 Billion Pact Day
⌨Morning editorial priority was divided between the fallout from the Kitengela rally—focusing on Inspector General Kanja’s refusal to meet the opposition and IPOA’s report on police brutality—and the second day of the aviation workers' strike at JKIA. By midday, news of a deal between the Kenya Airport Workers Union and the Ministry of Transport led headlines, signaling the resumption of flights.
The afternoon was dominated by a major shift in urban governance as Governor Johnson Sakaja and President William Ruto signed an Sh80 billion cooperation agreement at State House. Editors highlighted the transfer of key county functions to the national government and the creation of a new Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit. While the presidency denied a hostile takeover of the capital, some outlets focused on the political tension with Senator Edwin Sifuna, whose status within ODM remained a subject of conflicting reports and internal party friction.
The afternoon was dominated by a major shift in urban governance as Governor Johnson Sakaja and President William Ruto signed an Sh80 billion cooperation agreement at State House. Editors highlighted the transfer of key county functions to the national government and the creation of a new Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit. While the presidency denied a hostile takeover of the capital, some outlets focused on the political tension with Senator Edwin Sifuna, whose status within ODM remained a subject of conflicting reports and internal party friction.
17.02.2026
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00:20
The Standard
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05:06
Kenya Met forecasted rainfall across five regions from February 17 to 23, while dry conditions prevail in northeastern areas. Find detailed weather insights here.
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KATIBU Mkuu wa ODM anayekabiliwa na utata Edwin Sifuna yuko njia panda kuhusu mwelekeo wa kisiasa...
5 mins ago
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A man was shot dead as chaos erupted during a rally led by Sifuna.
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06:27
WANACHAMA wa UDA wanadai kuwa mgawanyiko unaoshuhudiwa katika chama cha ODM umesababishwa na...
2 mins ago
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06:33
ODM is facing an escalating internal battle as Sarah Elderkin sharply criticises new leader Oburu Oginga, while Oburu defends disciplinary action against Edwin Sifuna, who insists his removal is illegal.
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06:59
TUME ya Huduma kwa Polisi (NPS) sasa inamtaka Kiongozi wa DCP Rigathi Gachagua aandikishe taarifa...
3 mins ago
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07:05
The quarter-final lineup for the CAF Confederation Cup has been confirmed following the conclusion of the group stage on Sunday, setting the stage for an exciting knockout phase. Egyptian giants…
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07:25
Eastleigh Voice
Mugambi said the figures reflect both the prevalence of alleged misconduct and the authority’s determination to ensure accountability.
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07:27 (04:27)⇢The Inspector General's Silent Wall
⌨Kenyan editors are focusing on the fallout from the Kitengela rally, highlighting police accountability and the Inspector General's refusal to meet opposition leaders (Daily Nation, Standard Media, Citizen). Reporting also emphasizes the Independent Policing Oversight Authority's latest figures on officer convictions and pending probes (Eastleigh Voice). Meanwhile, the meteorological department has issued warnings of heavy rainfall and high temperatures across several regions (Tuko, Nairobi Leo).
07:29
The Kenya Times
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07:37
Eastleigh Voice
Mugambi said the figures reflect both the prevalence of alleged misconduct and the authority’s determination to ensure accountability.
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07:44
As the story continues to develop, the public has been urged to stop sharing the explicit videos and instead ensure…
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07:44
The National Infrastructure Fund Bill 2026 recommends the creation of a self-sustaining and independent financial pool that will be exclusively used to fund infrastructure projects...
07:44 (04:44 in your timezone)
07:58
SHIRIKA lisilo la kiserikali limeagizwa na korti kumlipa aliyekuwa dereva wake...
3 mins ago
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08:44
The government has urged all stakeholders to comply with the new directive to avoid delays in the registration process…
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HAPO kesho Waislamu na Wakristo kote duniani wataanza msimu wa kufunga, kuwazia uhusiano wao na...
3 mins ago
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09:32
In a petition filed before the High Court, Eunice Nganga has sued Safaricom PLC, challenging what she terms as an unfair and arbitrary policy that allows the company to retain…
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09:38
World Bank says that commercial lenders are now expected to contribute Ksh46.45 billion ($360 million), down from an…
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09:59
OFISI ya Mkurugenzi wa Mashtaka ya Umma (ODPP) imepata pigo baada ya Mahakama Kuu...
4 mins ago
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09:59
The stage is set for the highly anticipated elections of the Law Society of Kenya, scheduled for February 19, 2026 as campaigns officially come to an end today February 17,…
09:59 (06:59 in your timezone)
10:12
Eastleigh Voice
The airline requested its passengers not to proceed to the airport for their scheduled flights until they receive a further update from them regarding their respective flight status.
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10:28 (07:28)⇢Grounded Wings and Legal Ballots
⌨Editors are shifting attention toward the escalating aviation workers' strike, which has now entered its second day and grounded flights (Eastleigh Voice, The Kenya Times). Concurrently, the legal community is preparing for the Law Society of Kenya elections as official campaigns conclude (TV47 Digital, Citizen). This follows reports of fiscal strain, with State House reportedly exhausting its full-year budget months before the fiscal year ends (YNews Digital).
10:40
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10:54
The suspects were arrested following a warrant issued three years ago.
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11:01
UBADHIRIFU wa Fedha unaoendelea kwenye vyuo vikuu umeanikwa ambapo vyuo 10 vilitumia Sh3 bilioni...
6 mins ago
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11:20
Interior PS Raymond Omollo has issued an update on the ongoing upgrading of the 122-kilometre Mamboleo–Miwani–Chemelil–Muhoroni–Kipsitet road....
11:20 (08:20 in your timezone)
11:20
TV47 Digital
The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has intensified its campaign to raise Kenya’s drinking age from 18 to 21, describing the move as a…
11:20 (08:20 in your timezone)
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11:27
Police officers have intensified the fight against illicit alcohol in Kisumu County, staging a dramatic raid in Nyalenda B that ended with the arrest of a woman suspected of running…
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11:37
The Kenya Times
11:37 (08:37 in your timezone)
11:41
Kenyan musician Kevin Kioko, popularly known by his stage name Bahati, finally met the woman claiming to be his biological mother over the weekend, in a visibly emotional reunion. In…
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11:59
TV47 Digital
Tusker FC have confirmed the signing of three new players — goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila, left-back Servel Akouala and striker Selasie Bless Akai — on short-term deals running until the end…
11:59 (08:59 in your timezone)
12:13
Eastleigh Voice
The airline requested its passengers not to proceed to the airport for their scheduled flights until they receive a further update from them regarding their respective flight status.
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TEHRAN, Iran
IRAN sasa inapendekeza kuwa mazungumzo kati yake na Amerika, kuhusu mpango wake wa...
3 mins ago
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12:29
On Monday, February 16 night, the Chinese community in Kenya joined their compatriots around the world in celebrating Chinese New Year, marking the start of the Year of the Fire…
12:29 (09:29 in your timezone)
12:43
The Senate County Public Investment and Special Funds Committee claims that some county health facilities have…
12:43 (09:43 in your timezone)
12:44
KATIKA taifa linalojivunia misingi ya demokrasia na utawala wa sheria kama Kenya, ni jambo la...
29 seconds ago
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12:46 (09:46)⇢Grounded Wings at JKIA
⌨The media's primary focus has shifted to the intensifying aviation strike at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, with reports detailing significant flight disruptions and urgent warnings to passengers (Standard Media, Eastleigh Voice, Citizen). Parallel to this, editorial attention is directed at executive and local governance, specifically regarding the national government's planned takeover of Nairobi County and allegations of financial mismanagement in Nyeri (The Kenya Times, Kenyans).
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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has warned Governor Johnson Sakaja against transferring any role to the national government....
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13:17
Senator Edwin Sifuna now says that he will reject any plans by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration to transfer functions to the National Government. In a statement on Tuesday, February…
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13:23
Eastleigh Voice
Somalia can now begin technical and administrative preparations for producing the passport, including aligning its immigration systems with regional standards, preparing printing processes, and coordinating with partner states on recognition procedures once issuance begins.
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Police in Isiolo County have taken possession of an AK-47 rifle and seven rounds of ammunition after a member of the public walked into a police station and voluntarily surrendered…
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Police in Isiolo County have taken possession of an AK-47 rifle and seven rounds of ammunition after a member of the public walked into a police station and voluntarily surrendered…
13:29 (10:29 in your timezone)
13:35
The Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) has weighed in on the ongoing flight disruptions at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), expressing serious concern over the industrial action by the Kenya…
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The Kenya Times
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UNAPOZURU eneo la Tala, Kaunti ya Machakos, haswa wakati huu sehemu nyingi za taifa zinashuhudia...
2 mins ago
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13:54
TV47 Digital
Claims circulating online indicate that the Russian national Vyacheslav Trahov, also known as “Yaytseslav,” allegedly used Zangbeto rituals on women in Kenya after reportedly travelling through Benin to acquire what…
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Ruto reminded the two that he had previously served in a similar capacity, and there was no way the law would allow for…
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14:19
Daily Nation
Kawu reaches deal with the Transport and Labour Ministries.
14:19 (11:19 in your timezone)
14:21 (11:21)⇢Skyward Peace at JKIA
⌨Kenyan editors report the resolution of the aviation crisis as airport workers reach a deal with the government to end their strike (Daily Nation, Standard Media). Concurrently, attention remains on Nairobi’s governance, where Senator Edwin Sifuna and Governor Johnson Sakaja clash over the controversial transfer of county functions to the national government (Nairobi Leo, YNews Digital, Kenyans).
14:26
Their grievances will now be addressed through the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.
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14:26
The Standard
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14:47
The Kenya Times
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14:56
Citizen TV
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14:56
Australia is at the forefront of a groundbreaking medical innovation, the world’s first bionic eye, designed to restore vision in blind patients. This revolutionary technology, known as the Gennaris Bionic…
14:56 (11:56 in your timezone)
15:03
SPIKA wa Bunge la Kitaifa, Bw Moses Wetang’ula amewashauri wakazi wa maeneo ya Pwani na Kenya kwa...
7 mins ago
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Kenyans.co.ke
The move is to position employees for tax compliance according to the standards of KRA, and also fix the constant…
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Rainfall has started in several parts of the country ahead of the March–May long rains season. This has offered a renewed optimism to farmers and communities recovering from recent dry…
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15:29
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) youth leader Kasmuel McOure has dismissed any possibilities of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna reclaiming his position as the party’s Secretary-General. Kasmuel said the decision to remove…
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Wetangula barred the anti-Ruto MP from accessing Parliament or his office....
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The Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson Sr., a foundational figure of the American Civil Rights Movement and a pioneer in Black electoral politics, died Tuesday, February 17, 2026. He was 84.…
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The Nairobi City County Government has signed a Cooperation Agreement with the National Government, marking a significant shift in the administration of the capital city. The signing ceremony took place…
16:25 (13:25 in your timezone)
16:26 (13:26)⇢The State House Nairobi Handshake
⌨Kenyan editors are highlighting the formalized cooperation agreement between Governor Johnson Sakaja’s Nairobi County and the national government signed at State House (Standard Media, TV47 Digital, People Daily, YNews Digital). While some outlets present it as a shift in capital administration, others adopt a more skeptical tone regarding the transfer of functions. Simultaneously, the resolution of the aviation strike is widely reported following a deal between the workers' union and the Transport Ministry (Eastleigh Voice, Citizen, Daily Nation).
16:38
ABUJA, NIGERIA
ZAIDI ya wanajeshi 100 kutoka Amerika Jumanne, Februari 17, 2026 waliwasili Nigeria...
2 mins ago
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16:41
The Kenya Times
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Y News Digital
16:45 (13:45 in your timezone)
16:50
Kenyans.co.ke
The new appointments were announced by the Head of Public Service on Tuesday while the President oversaw ceding of…
16:50 (13:50 in your timezone)
17:02
Daily Nation
Ruto’s administration is introducing a different version of Nairobi Metropolitan Services.
17:02 (14:02 in your timezone)
17:02
Section 6 allows the National and County Governments to sign cooperation agreements for managing and developing urban areas, including the capital city. It provides the legal basis for joint planning…
17:02 (14:02 in your timezone)
17:09
According to state communications, it will see the national government support Nairobi in areas such as road infrastructure, water source development and supply, sewerage expansion, solid waste management, and public lighting, sectors that require significant resources and technical capacity beyond county financing.
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The Kenya Times
17:11 (14:11 in your timezone)
17:15
Media personality Maina Kageni has ignited a heated online debate after questioning why some Kenyan women appear to prefer foreign men over their local counterparts. “Surely, Kenyan ladies, why do…
17:15 (14:15 in your timezone)
17:22
Kenyans.co.ke
The new appointments were announced by the Head of Public Service on Tuesday while the President oversaw ceding of…
17:22 (14:22 in your timezone)
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17:39
The Kenya Times
17:39 (14:39 in your timezone)
17:42
Eastleigh Voice
The President said the new unit will work closely with Nairobi County security teams to enhance safety and restore public confidence in the capital.
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17:47
According to state communications, it will see the national government support Nairobi in areas such as road infrastructure, water source development and supply, sewerage expansion, solid waste management, and public lighting, sectors that require significant resources and technical capacity beyond county financing.
17:47 (14:47 in your timezone)
17:54
TV47 Digital
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has ordered the immediate exclusion of Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi from all sittings of the National Assembly and its committees, following remarks in…
17:54 (14:54 in your timezone)
18:07
Kenyans.co.ke
The orders were made at State House, Nairobi, during the signing of a new pact between the national government and…
18:07 (15:07 in your timezone)
18:07
Africa is losing the plant diversity that underpins food security, nutrition, climate resilience and livelihoods across the continent. This is according to the Third Report on the State of the…
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Ruto clarified that the agreement does not transfer responsibilities from Nairobi City County.
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18:21 (15:21)⇢The Sh80 Billion Nairobi Handshake
⌨Editors are prioritizing the Sh80 billion cooperation pact between the national government and Nairobi County, highlighting President Ruto's creation of a new specialized police unit and his denial of intent to take over the city's leadership. While some outlets focus on the functional shifts, others emphasize the financial scale of the agreement (Standard Media, Daily Nation, Eastleigh Voice, Kenyans, YNews Digital, People Daily).
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19:56
Ruto clarified that the agreement does not transfer responsibilities from Nairobi City County.
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In recent times, there has been intense scrutiny of the social site with some Kenyans calling for its total ban while…
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Kenyan MPs have rejected a proposed TikTok ban, opting for tighter regulation, data localisation and age checks within four months, citing rights, youth safety and digital economy growth.
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Eastleigh Voice
Administered twice a year, Lenacapavir is expected to be offered at an estimated annual cost of about Sh7,800 per patient, a substantial reduction from the previous price of approximately $42,000 (Sh5.4 million).
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