Editor's Review I have never looked forward to a new year the way I look forward to 2026 - President Ruto. President William Ruto on Wednesday, December 31, delivered his New Year's address from Eldoret State Lodge in Uasin Gishu County. Today, more than 29 million Kenyans are registered under the Social Health Authority. And we helped nearly a million Kenyans access jobs through housing, labour mobility, and the digital economy, with many more opportunities coming in 2026 and beyond. Fellow citizens, this struggle is deeply personal to me, as your President, and as a parent.

Editor's Review Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, on Friday, December 31 morning, flew to Lagos, Nigeria, to attend the Future Africa Leaders Awards ceremony. Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, on Friday, December 31 morning, flew to Lagos, Nigeria, to attend the Future Africa Leaders Awards ceremony. Dr Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, EGH, SC, CS, this morning travelled to Lagos, Nigeria, to attend the Future Africa Leaders Awards ceremony. File image of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. The Future Africa Leaders Awards celebrate young Africans who have made exceptional contributions across various sectors, recognising innovation, excellence and positive transformation on the continent.

The Government of India has extended import restrictions on low-ash metallurgical coke for an additional six months, spanning from January 1 to June 30, 2026. Scope of Import RestrictionsThe restrictions specifically target metallurgical coke with particular ash content specifications. The policy creates a clear distinction between different types of metallurgical coke based on their ash content levels. Parameter Details Restricted Products Low-ash metallurgical coke (ash content below 18%) Included Variants Coke fines, coke breeze, ultra-low phosphorous metallurgical coke Restriction Period January 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026 Import Status Permitted only in accordance with regulationsExemptions from RestrictionsThe notification clarifies that certain categories of metallurgical coke remain outside the scope of these import limitations. High-ash content metallurgical coke, specifically those with ash content above 18%, continues to be freely importable without regulatory constraints.

ODM party leader Senator Oburu Oginga has called on Kenyans to embrace unity, dialogue and renewed hope as the country enters the New Year 2026, saying national progress depends on collective effort and shared purpose. Oburu said 2025 had tested the resilience of the nation but noted that Kenyans had consistently demonstrated strength through hard work and solidarity. Yet, time and again, Kenyans proved that our strength lies in our unity, our hard work, and our unbreakable hope for a better tomorrow. He expressed hope that 2026 would bring peace to households, opportunity to the youth, dignity to workers and renewed optimism across the country. Oburu wished Kenyans a happy and prosperous New Year 2026 and called for continued commitment to building a united and inclusive nation.

If we fail to act, we fail our children; if we rise to this duty, we secure not only their future, but the moral strength and destiny of our nation. And just as we demand responsibility in our homes, we must demand the same, at an even higher standard, from those entrusted with leadership in our public life.

President William Ruto has said 2026 will mark a defining turning point in Kenya’s national journey, arguing that the country has moved beyond uncertainty and is now firmly on a deliberate path toward long-term prosperity. We have set our targets, we have begun the journey, and we now have a clear road map to make 2026 a defining year in Kenya’s history,” Ruto said. Ruto said 2026 would stand out in the country’s history as a moment when Kenya decisively shifted from unrealised potential to measurable progress. “2026 will be a watershed year in the story of our republic, a turning point in our march from promise to prosperity, a year that future generations will look back on and say that is when Kenya changed course,” the President said. We confronted difficulties, carved out opportunities and laid a strong and formidable base for the future of our country,” he said.

In a statement on Wednesday, Kuria said for more than six decades, Kikuyus were conditioned to view the Luo political leadership, particularly the Odinga family, through a lens of hostility for political gain. Kuria went on to issue what he termed an “unqualified and profuse apology” to the Luo community, stating that the sustained portrayal of the community and its leaders as enemies was unjustified and damaging. He said the Kikuyu community, particularly leaders from the Mt Kenya region, had a responsibility to confront and correct the historical narratives that fueled mistrust. “On behalf of the Kikuyu community and Mt Kenya people at large, I offer my unqualified and profuse apology to the Luo Nation,” Kuria said. At the same time, the former CS cautioned against the perpetuation of counter-narratives that paint the Kikuyu community or former President Uhuru Kenyatta as adversaries of the Luo.

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Influencer Lazy Writa passed away after sharing a distressing message online. Photo: Lazy Writa. What message did Lazy Writa share before death? See the post below:What did Lazy Writa's family say about his passing? Influencer Lazy Writa shared a concerning message before he passed away.

India extends import restrictions on low-ash metallurgical coke until June 30, 2026. High-ash coke imports remain unrestricted. New Delhi, Dec 31 (PTI) The government on Wednesday said it is extending import restrictions on low-ash metallurgical coke from January 1 till June 30, 2026.However, the coke with high-ash content (above 18 per cent) is outside the scope of this restriction. "Import of low ash metallurgical coke (having ash content below 18 per cent), including coke fines/coke breeze and ultra low Phosphorous metallurgical coke...is restricted from January 1, 2026, till June 30, 2026, and shall be permitted only in accordance..., while imports of metallurgical coke with ash content above 18 per cent and other imports...shall continue to remain free," the directorate general of foreign trade said in a notification.

That golden haul was anchored by a dominant Beatrice Chebet in the senior women’s 10km, complemented by overall team triumphs in both the senior women’s and senior men’s categories. Further gold medals flowed from Samuel Kabathi in the men’s U-20 race, the men’s U-20 team title and the mixed relay team, sealing a commanding overall success. Leading the women’s senior 10km charge is world 10km record holder Agnes Ng’etich, whose speed make her a central figure in Kenya’s title defence. In the men’s senior race, 2023 World 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Ebenyo will spearhead the Kenyan onslaught. 6km Under 20 womenCynthia Chepkirui Mirriam Kibet Lonah Cherono Mercy Mageso Caren Chepng’eno Mercy Jelimo Joan Chepkirui.

Suna East Member of Parliament, Junet Mohamed and Edwin SifunaSuna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohamed has appeared to play down remarks by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna that described MPs supporting the Broad-Based Government as “washenzi”. In the same post, Junet tagged Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga. Junet was responding to comments made by Sifuna during the burial of former Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo in Lumakanda on Tuesday. At the event, Sifuna apologised to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying his name had been drawn into internal disputes. The remarks have prompted varied reactions from ODM leaders, reflecting differing views within the party on its cooperation with the government.

The defending Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions, Ivory Coast, recovered from a two-goal deficit to overcome Gabon in a five-goal thriller on Wednesday night. Gabon took the lead in the 11th minute through Guelor Kanga before Denis Bouanga made it 2-0, 10 minutes later, owing to poor defending by the Elephants. In the stroke of half-time, former Manchester United winger Wilfried Zaha teed up Jean-Philippe Krasso, who did well to make it 2-1. Christopher Operi then assisted Evann Guessand, who found the back of the net to make it 2-2, before the former, once again, assisted Bazoumana Toure in the stoppages for the winner. The result ensured Ivory Coast topped Group F and will now face Burkina Faso in the Last 16 as Gabon crashed out without having claimed a single point.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has said Kenya is steadily progressing toward becoming a First World country. Speaking during an interview with KTN, Ichung’wah noted that despite political challenges in 2025, the broad-based government has helped stabilise Parliament and advance the government’s development agenda. Ichung’wah highlighted ongoing development projects across the country as indicators of transformation, including improvements in schools, markets, trading centres, roads, and other key infrastructure. “Parliament has had its lows and its highs, and at some point even the President addressed the National Assembly on these matters,” he said. Overall, Ichung’wah described the political climate in the National Assembly in 2025 as largely favourable for national progress.

John F. Kennedy’s granddaughter Tatiana Schlossberg passed away after a battle with leukaemia. Source: Getty ImagesTatiana was the granddaughter of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. What happened to Tatiana Schlossberg? The JFK Library Foundation later confirmed the news on their social media pages, stating:"Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. In other news, Nollywood actress Allwell Ademola sadly passed away at the age of 49, with her family confirming the news through a social media post.