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THE
HEAR
This page is an archive of main headlines from Kenya for 18.02.2026.
It displays 131 headlines from many sources chronologically, as they appeared throughout the day, accompanied by AI overviews that were written in real time.
18.02.2026 ⇢ The Day of the Sh80 Billion Nairobi Judicial Challenge
⌨Morning headlines focused on the fallout from Governor Johnson Sakaja’s decision to cede key county functions to the national government, with editorial analysis characterizing the Sh80 billion deal as a "surrender" to State House. Reports also detailed a private confrontation between President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta in Addis Ababa, alongside growing friction within ODM regarding its relationship with UDA.
By midday, the narrative shifted toward legal and political resistance. Senator Edwin Sifuna moved to block the cooperation pact, citing constitutional breaches, while the High Court certified a petition challenging the deal as urgent. Simultaneously, media reported the arrival of the first batch of the injectable HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir.
Late afternoon coverage was dominated by a National Intelligence Service (NIS) report exposing a state-linked syndicate that allegedly trafficked 1,000 Kenyans to fight for Russia in Ukraine. The day concluded with reports of structural shifts in state agencies, including new appointments at NTSA and KeNHA, and Governor Irungu Kang’ata taking medical leave following an accident.
By midday, the narrative shifted toward legal and political resistance. Senator Edwin Sifuna moved to block the cooperation pact, citing constitutional breaches, while the High Court certified a petition challenging the deal as urgent. Simultaneously, media reported the arrival of the first batch of the injectable HIV prevention drug, Lenacapavir.
Late afternoon coverage was dominated by a National Intelligence Service (NIS) report exposing a state-linked syndicate that allegedly trafficked 1,000 Kenyans to fight for Russia in Ukraine. The day concluded with reports of structural shifts in state agencies, including new appointments at NTSA and KeNHA, and Governor Irungu Kang’ata taking medical leave following an accident.
18.02.2026
00:07
04:10
KPLC has planned maintenance in parts of Nairobi, Nyeri, Machakos, Migori, Kitui, and Murang'a. Customers in the affected regions are advised to plan accordingly.
04:10 (01:10 in your timezone)
05:56
IMEBAINIKA kuwa uhasama kati ya Rais William Ruto na Rais Mstaafu Uhuru Kenyatta ulichipuka wiki...
1 min ago
05:56 (02:56 in your timezone)
06:02
The Standard
06:02 (03:02 in your timezone)
06:09
Daily Nation
President Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta reportedly clashed in a closed-door.
06:09 (03:09 in your timezone)
06:09
The Standard
06:09 (03:09 in your timezone)
06:48
Industry leaders warned that constant changes in fiscal policy are weakening investor confidence, disrupting long-term business planning and hurting export competitiveness.
06:48 (03:48 in your timezone)
07:02
UHASAMA wa ndani kwa ndani ODM unatishia kudhoofisha chama hicho kikubwa kwenye mazungumzo ambayo...
7 mins ago
07:02 (04:02 in your timezone)
07:21
Ruto's administration has indicated that the financing of the railway extension will be structured through a mix…
07:21 (04:21 in your timezone)
07:23 (04:23)⇢The Capital's Ceded Scepter
⌨The Nairobi governance transition dominates the editorial landscape as analysts contrast Governor Sakaja’s apparent ceding of authority to State House with the rollout of a Sh80 billion development plan (Standard Media, Citizen, YNews Digital). Simultaneously, internal friction within the ODM party regarding its relationship with the UDA and a reported private confrontation between President Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta in Addis Ababa highlight shifting political alliances (Taifaleo, Daily Nation).
07:41
The newly launched portal now allows citizens and organisations across the globe to directly contribute to Kenya’s wildlife protection and ecosystem restoration, marking a significant step in expanding international support for conservation.
07:41 (04:41 in your timezone)
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07:48
The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that Kenya will host the 2026 Annual Meeting of the World Farmers' Organization (WFO) from 8 to 11 June....
07:48 (04:48 in your timezone)
07:54
Citizen TV
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07:54
07:54 (04:54 in your timezone)
08:00
Citizen TV
08:00 (05:00 in your timezone)
08:01
MBUNGE wa Kitutu Chache Kusini Anthony Kibagendi amezimwa kufika katika majengo ya bunge kwa muda...
6 mins ago
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08:08
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08:17
The Kenya Times
08:17 (05:17 in your timezone)
08:41
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08:41
Under the draft Bill, Montessori-trained teachers will now be formally recognised, and secondary school teachers with single-subject specialisations will also be eligible for registration.
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08:41
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08:48
A police job card and a government-issued National Auctioneers Licensing Board card were recovered at the scene, along…
08:48 (05:48 in your timezone)
08:55
Daily Nation
President Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta reportedly clashed in a closed-door.
08:55 (05:55 in your timezone)
08:55
08:55 (05:55 in your timezone)
09:06
UFUGAJI wa ndege wa mapambo unazidi kushika kasi humu nchini kila uchao kutokana na ukosefu wa...
10 mins ago
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09:20
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09:21
President William Ruto has dismissed claims of a takeover of Nairobi County functions, clarifying that the cooperation agreement signed at State House is purely collaborative and aimed at fast-tracking service…
09:21 (06:21 in your timezone)
09:33
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09:41
Socialite, entrepreneur Corazon Kwamboka has officially announced her intention to vie for the Nairobi Women Representative seat in the 2027 general elections. Making the announcementon an interview with media personality…
09:41 (06:41 in your timezone)
09:43 (06:43)⇢The Capital's Ceded Authority
⌨The Nairobi governance transition continues to lead the editorial agenda as media outlets dissect the political and financial implications of Governor Sakaja ceding control to the national government (Standard Media, YNews Digital). Tensions within the executive branch are also highlighted following a reported confrontation between President Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta in Addis Ababa (Daily Nation).
09:55
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has called on dissenting leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party to openly explain their political positions, saying internal disagreements have existed for years…
09:55 (06:55 in your timezone)
09:55
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09:57
The Kenya Times
09:57 (06:57 in your timezone)
10:01
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10:01
KAMPALA, UGANDA
RAIS wa Uganda Yoweri Museveni amewashauri viongozi wasiwe watu wa kujilazimisha...
6 mins ago
10:01 (07:01 in your timezone)
10:14
Renowned Kenyan lawyer, influencer, and socialite Corazon Kwamboka found herself making headlines again this week during an interview with media personality Alex Mwakideu, where she shed light on her approach…
10:14 (07:14 in your timezone)
10:25
The Kenya Times
10:25 (07:25 in your timezone)
10:28
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10:34
10:34 (07:34 in your timezone)
10:49
Kenya has received 21,000 starter doses of injectable HIV prevention vaccine Lenacapavir for the initial roll-out in priority counties....
10:49 (07:49 in your timezone)
10:55
BAADHI ya viongozi wa kidini na waumini wa Kiislamu wametaka jamii zinazoishi katika maeneo...
20 seconds ago
10:55 (07:55 in your timezone)
11:02
Eastleigh Voice
The announcement was made by the Authority’s Board of Directors following consultation with the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Roads and Transport.
11:02 (08:02 in your timezone)
11:02
The officials stated that residents affected by the planned evacuations will be notified in line with existing laws and…
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11:02
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11:09
President William Ruto's daughter, Stephanie Jepchumba, donated KSh 3 million to St. Mary's Rehabilitation Centre in Machakos to facelift the facility.
11:09 (08:09 in your timezone)
11:16
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11:31
The war against contraband goods, narcotics and illicit brews in Kisumu has intensified after police officers from Kondele Police Station made a major breakthrough, seizing a large consignment of uncustomed…
11:31 (08:31 in your timezone)
11:33
The Kenya Times
11:33 (08:33 in your timezone)
11:33
Sifuna emphasized that instead of broad takeovers, the national government should consider sector-specific conditional grants, allowing the county to retain control
11:33 (08:33 in your timezone)
11:45
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11:47 (08:47)⇢The Governor's Shield of State
⌨Editors are increasingly focusing on the political repercussions of the Nairobi-National Government cooperation deal, with reports detailing claims that the pact was designed to shield Governor Sakaja from impeachment (People Daily, Standard Media). Simultaneously, the healthcare sector gains prominence as the country receives its first 21,000 doses of the injectable HIV prevention drug Lenacapavir (Nairobi Leo, YNews Digital).
11:53
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12:01
The warning comes amid public outcry over blocked walkways by traders and motorists, exposing pedestrians to safety…
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12:04
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12:05
The Nairobi senator described the agreement signed under President William Ruto’s administration as unconstitutional, procedurally flawed and an assault on devolution.
12:05 (09:05 in your timezone)
12:08
12:08 (09:08 in your timezone)
12:08
When the Basketball Experience program, an initiative by The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in collaboration with NBA Africa, launched in Kenya in July 2024, its objective was clear: to…
12:08 (09:08 in your timezone)
12:14
The governor was injured while attending an international event in Nairobi, and is currently receiving treatment.
12:14 (09:14 in your timezone)
12:22
In parts of Rajasthan and western Nepal, right in the middle of the loudest, most photographed day of a man’s life, everything suddenly slows down. The music fades. The relatives…
12:22 (09:22 in your timezone)
12:29
12:29 (09:29 in your timezone)
12:29
People Daily
12:29 (09:29 in your timezone)
12:37
A Milimani court has released activist Mwabili Mwagodi on a personal bond of Sh500,000 pending the conclusion of investigations into allegations of publishing false information online. In rejecting the prosecution’s…
12:37 (09:37 in your timezone)
12:39
12:39 (09:39 in your timezone)
12:43
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and its start is marked by the sighting of the new crescent moon shortly after sunset.
12:43 (09:43 in your timezone)
12:58
12:58 (09:58 in your timezone)
12:58
TV47 Digital
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has initiated an investigation into the non-consensual recording and dissemination of intimate videos featuring Kenyan women, allegedly involving a Russian national. The Government agency…
12:58 (09:58 in your timezone)
13:09
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13:14
The county government said the governor was attending a Nutrition International meeting in Nairobi when he tripped and injured himself.
13:14 (10:14 in your timezone)
13:19
President William Ruto on Wednesday, February 18 defended the National Government-Nairobi County cooperation framework, calling out “naysayers” and saying the time now is for work, not politics. He insisted the…
13:19 (10:19 in your timezone)
13:26
13:26 (10:26 in your timezone)
13:33
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13:33
13:33 (10:33 in your timezone)
13:34 (10:34)⇢The Capital's Contested Covenant
⌨Editors are increasingly focusing on the legal and political resistance to the Sh80 billion Nairobi-National Government cooperation pact, with Edwin Sifuna and the High Court challenging the deal's legitimacy (People Daily, Citizen, TV47 Digital, The Kenya Times). Simultaneously, the physical health of regional leadership has become a priority following Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s injury during a Nairobi meeting (Kenyans, TNX Africa, Capital FM).
13:41
LONDON, Uingereza
VINARA wa Ligi Kuu ya Uingereza (EPL), Arsenal wanapania kufungua mwanya wa...
6 mins ago
13:41 (10:41 in your timezone)
13:44
The Kenya Times
13:44 (10:44 in your timezone)
13:44
Two petitioners, Christine Gathoni and Benard Peter have moved to court questioning the legality of the cooperation agreement.
13:44 (10:44 in your timezone)
13:47
Kenyans.co.ke
Despite government commitments to reduce PAYE and other taxes such as VAT, concerns persist that these reliefs may be…
13:47 (10:47 in your timezone)
13:55
13:55 (10:55 in your timezone)
14:02
Nairobi Leo
Kang'ata has been advised to refrain from physical activities for one month....
14:02 (11:02 in your timezone)
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14:17
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14:17
SERIKALI imetoa hakikisho kwamba hakuna uhamishaji au usumbufu wa shughuli za biashara utakaotokea...
1 min ago
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14:19
14:19 (11:19 in your timezone)
14:28
Seven-time formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, has broken his silence after a pre-season meeting where stakeholders were taken over the new rule for the 2026 season where the Brit stated…
14:28 (11:28 in your timezone)
14:47
14:47 (11:47 in your timezone)
15:00
The High Court has directed the Deputy Registrar of the High Court to facilitate a psychiatric evaluation for Kennedy Kalombotole at Kenyatta National Hospital following concerns over his mental fitness…
15:00 (12:00 in your timezone)
15:12
President Ruto and Governor Sakaja on Tuesday signed a cooperation deal which saw the national and county governments…
15:12 (12:12 in your timezone)
15:12
15:12 (12:12 in your timezone)
15:12
Five suspected robbers were lynched in Kericho after a KSh 1.2 million robbery. Police linked the suspects to ongoing crimes along the Kisumu-Kericho Road.
15:12 (12:12 in your timezone)
15:12
15:12 (12:12 in your timezone)
15:28
The Kenya Times
15:28 (12:28 in your timezone)
15:32
The wall was to ward off the Al-Shabaab militants who maimed and killed Kenyans.
15:32 (12:32 in your timezone)
15:37
Nairobi Leo
Nashon Kondiwa has been appointed the new Director General of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) for a three-year term....
15:37 (12:37 in your timezone)
15:39 (12:39)⇢The Capital Pact Under Judicial Siege
⌨The editorial focus has shifted toward the legal challenges surrounding the Sh80 billion Nairobi-National Government cooperation pact, with the High Court now issuing urgent directives following petitions by activists (Kenyans, Citizen, Capital FM). Simultaneously, a wave of leadership changes in state agencies is gaining traction, marked by the appointment of new Director Generals at the NTSA and the Kenya Roads Board (The Kenya Times, Nairobi Leo, People Daily).
16:05
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16:40
Owino argued that the security situation in the country has deteriorated under Kanja’s leadership, leaving citizens vulnerable to crime and unrest.
16:40 (13:40 in your timezone)
16:40
Nairobi Leo
Maraga was forced to drive off after the youths blocked the road and began hurling stones....
16:40 (13:40 in your timezone)
16:45
NTSA appoints Nashon Kondiwa as Director General for a three-year term, succeeding George Njao, as the agency intensifies road safety and digital reforms.
16:45 (13:45 in your timezone)
16:56
16:56 (13:56 in your timezone)
16:56
DARUBINI sasa imeelekezwa kwa Gavana wa Kaunti ya Makueni, Mutula Kilonzo Junior, baada ya madiwani...
5 mins ago
16:56 (13:56 in your timezone)
16:58
The National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Dr. Augustus Muli has issued a rallying call to the Kamba community, declaring that under his leadership, the region will be delivered “safely to…
16:58 (13:58 in your timezone)
17:03
DARUBINI sasa imeelekezwa kwa Gavana wa Kaunti ya Makueni, Mutula Kilonzo Junior, baada ya madiwani...
13 mins ago
17:03 (14:03 in your timezone)
17:11
Kenyans.co.ke
The debate follows concerns raised by various stakeholders, including the Catholic bishops, who recommended measures to…
17:11 (14:11 in your timezone)
17:20
The Kenya Times
17:20 (14:20 in your timezone)
17:23
17:23 (14:23 in your timezone)
17:37
Gabon’s media regulator has announced the suspension of social media platforms “until further notice,” citing concerns over misinformation and rising social tensions. In a televised address on Tuesday evening, the…
17:37 (14:37 in your timezone)
17:39
GAVANA wa Murang’a Irungu Kang’ata ametangaza kwamba hatafaulu kuonekana hadharani kutekeleza...
1 min ago
17:39 (14:39 in your timezone)
17:46
17:46 (14:46 in your timezone)
17:46
Records in Parliament show that Dr Alawy was nominated by ex-President Kenyatta.
17:46 (14:46 in your timezone)
17:47
The Standard
17:47 (14:47 in your timezone)
17:54
17:54 (14:54 in your timezone)
18:00
18:00 (15:00 in your timezone)
18:14
18:14 (15:14 in your timezone)
18:19
“Our Ambassador in Moscow must be able to identify officers within the embassy that may have colluded with these criminals… Our Embassy must be...
18:19 (15:19 in your timezone)
18:21 (15:21)⇢The Russian War Trafficking Ring
⌨Editors are prioritizing reports on a state-linked human trafficking syndicate that allegedly sent 1,000 Kenyans to the war in Russia (Citizen, Capital FM). This coordinated coverage highlights internal investigations into embassy and immigration officials. Additionally, the healthcare sector remains a focal point as the country receives its first shipment of injectable HIV prevention medication (People Daily, YNews Digital).
18:35
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18:39
18:39 (15:39 in your timezone)
18:57
"The way NYOTA was crafted at the beginning, it would have reached 820,000 young people, but from what has gone around this table on...
18:57 (15:57 in your timezone)
18:58
The unrest saw residents throwing stones at police officers and setting tyres along the Thika Superhighway, disrupting…
18:58 (15:58 in your timezone)
18:58
18:58 (15:58 in your timezone)
19:07
Oburu said the attack on peaceful party supporters threatened the 10 Point agenda, a bipartisan initiative with President William Ruto’s government.
19:07 (16:07 in your timezone)
19:07
IRAN imeeleza wasiwasi mpya kuhusu kile inachotaja kama kusuasua kwa Kenya kuchukua hatua dhidi ya...
1 min ago
19:07 (16:07 in your timezone)
19:15
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19:15
"Sakaja should have used the opportunity yesterday to remind the President that thousands of contractors and workers are still owed money by Statehouse, and...
19:15 (16:15 in your timezone)
19:54
The ongoing conflict has triggered aggressive recruitment of foreign fighters, with Kenyan ex-police officers, ex-…
19:54 (16:54 in your timezone)
19:55
Oburu described the meeting as a step toward presenting a “unified and disciplined front” as the party prepares to re-engage supporters at the grassroots...
19:55 (16:55 in your timezone)
20:11
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20:31
Kenya Power has announced scheduled power maintenance that will affect eight counties, including Nairobi and Nyeri, on Thursday....
20:31 (17:31 in your timezone)
20:31
UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate allegations that a racist slur was directed at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during Tuesday night’s Champions League clash against…
20:31 (17:31 in your timezone)
20:36
The Kenya Times
20:36 (17:36 in your timezone)
20:40
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21:04
Newly appointed Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli has a “full in-tray” as President William Ruto’s administration has embarked on an ambitious roads modernisation program. Specifically,…
21:04 (18:04 in your timezone)
21:05 (18:05)⇢Oburu Mends a Fractured ODM
⌨Editors are focusing on the internal power dynamics within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), where Oburu Oginga is leading efforts to consolidate party discipline and grassroots support following recent violence (People Daily, Eastleigh Voice, Capital FM). Simultaneously, the human trafficking of Kenyans to the Russia-Ukraine conflict remains a high-priority investigative subject as state agencies expose the involvement of rogue syndicates (Kenyans, Citizen).
21:16
MMILIKI wa duka la kubadilisha pesa za kigeni ameshtakiwa kwa ulaghai wa USD250,500 (KSh32.3...
4 mins ago
21:16 (18:16 in your timezone)
22:34
Newly appointed Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Director General Eng. Luka Kimeli has a “full in-tray” as President William Ruto’s administration has embarked on an ambitious roads modernisation program. Specifically,…
22:34 (19:34 in your timezone)
22:49
Under the banner of Magical Kenya, the coastal city of Mombasa has once again reaffirmed its status as a premier global tourism and education destination after the MV World Odyssey…
22:49 (19:49 in your timezone)
23:05
Eastleigh Voice
The alliance carries historical and symbolic weight, as former President Uhuru Kenyatta rose to power on the Jubilee ticket, while the late Mwai Kibaki was re-elected on a PNU ticket in 2007.
23:05 (20:05 in your timezone)