Frankline Kibet stormed to gold in a superb time of 23:18 at the World Cross Country Championships, Tallahassee 2026, in Florida, USA. [Courtesy]Kenya has once again stamped its authority on the global athletics stage after delivering a dominant performance at the World Cross Country Championships, Tallahassee 2026, in Florida, USA. Kenya topped the medal table with an impressive haul of nine medals, comprising two individual gold medals and one team gold, one individual silver, three team silver medals, and two individual bronze medals. The women’s team backed her effort with a strong collective performance to secure silver in the team standings with 39 points. The senior men’s team combined grit and consistency to finish second overall, earning silver with 34 points.

[File, Standard]If there is one cliché I am happy to use again and again, it is the simple but profound truth that water is life. Somewhere within government structures exists an institution known as the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority. If Kenya is serious about achieving food security, reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture, and protecting vulnerable populations, investing in water infrastructure must be a priority. Yet through advanced agricultural systems, efficient water use, desalination, and large-scale water management, Israel has become largely self-sufficient in food production. It was the result of intentional planning, heavy investment, and a national commitment to treating water as a strategic resource.

As we step into 2026, the debate must move beyond diagnosis to design. A Tool economy is exponential. They are jobs that raise output per worker, embed skills in value chains, and allow learning to compound over time. In 2026, Kenya needs a deliberate shift toward a productive jobs strategy. Kenya must decide whether it wants to remain a museum of culture or be a factory of progress.

US President Donald Trump has warned that he could order more airstrikes on Nigeria if Christians continue to be killed in the West African nation. Nigeria's government has rejected Trump's earlier accusations that it is failing to protect Christians from jihadist attacks, saying that "Muslims, Christians and those of no faith alike" are targeted. When questioned about this in the interview published on Thursday, Trump replied: "I think that Muslims are being killed also in Nigeria. ''Nigeria remains committed to protecting all citizens, Christians and Muslims alike, without discrimination,'' said Alkasim Abdulkadir. In the wake of the strikes, Nigeria's Foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar told the BBC that it had been a "joint operation" and "nothing to do with a particular religion".

Nairobi South Business Community Association led by the Chairman Rashid Ali Omar address a media briefing on the resumption of business after the collapse of a building in South C, Nairobi, on January 11, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]Business is slowly resuming in South C, Nairobi, following the collapse of a multi-storey building that left two people dead, even as traders and property owners count losses. Among those affected is Saumir Shah, a business owner in the area, who estimates that he incurred losses of about Sh7 million. He further dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting that a large number of structures in South C may be unsafe. “We categorically dismiss misleading and alarmist claims circulating in some quarters that 80 per cent of buildings in South C are unsafe.

Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga has sought to clarify his political position, affirming that he remains a member of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. This is despite his perceived association with rival political outfits linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Speaking on Sunday during a church service at ACK St Paul’s Church Kariki in Othaya, Nyeri County, Kahiga told congregants that he is a fully paid-up member of UDA. The service was attended by President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, among other senior government officials. I still have a President,” Kahiga said, drawing applause from the congregation.

Pastor Kanyari and Tash arrived at the airport to receive his kids. Photo: Prophet Kanyari, Betty Bayo. He has also urged netizens to stop attacking Tash online. Pastor Kanyari announced plans to take custody of his kids from Tash. Her remarks sparked mixed reactions online, with some netizens questioning her intentions regarding the children and Betty’s estate.

Two workers were killed when a building under construction collapsed on Saturday in Karen, Nairobi. The Nairobi City County Government claimed the collapse of a building in Karen was caused by structural failure linked to poor workmanship and inadequate formwork. Officials said the structure caved in while construction was ongoing, trapping workers beneath the debris. It comes a week after a 14-storey building collapsed and killed two guards on duty at South C in Nairobi. There have been calls for action on officials responsible for the approval of the construction of the building.

MYSTIC MEG Aries weekly horoscope: What your star sign has in store for January 11 – 17OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes. Horoscope traits What does your star sign mean for you? Pisces – The key traits for the sign include an interest in the artsSagittarius – The traits you need to know for the fire signScorpio – What does this star sign mean for your personality? RECOMMENDED STORIESFabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions. You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to hook up with for the steamiest sex to what it’s like to live your life totally by your horoscope.

The Venezuelan government has started releasing detainees considered political prisoners by human rights groups, in what officials described as a goodwill gesture. Hundreds of political prisoners are detained in Venezuelan prisons, with only a handful thought to have been released so far. Her arrest shocked human rights activists and, because her whereabouts were unknown, was labelled as potential "enforced disappearance" by the UN Human Rights Office. Venezuelan human rights organisations - some of which have members or their founders in jail - welcomed the news with caution. Attorney General Tarek Saab and others in the government repeatedly denied Venezuela held political prisoners, arguing those detained were arrested for genuine crimes.

Day after day, since late December, protests in Iran have been spreading and building momentum, fuelled by deep-seated economic and political frustration. The last major protests in Iran were sparked, in 2022, by the death in custody of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, who was accused of not wearing the compulsory hijab properly. New to these latest protests, however, is the chant: "Pahlavi will return," a reference to Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah of Iran who was overthrown in 1979. "Personally I think he's the only way out of this," 26-year old Sara from Tehran told the BBC. But to be honest my personal opinion is not important now," 27-year old Maryam from Tehran told the BBC.

Kenya emerged as the overall top-performing nation at the 2026 World Cross Country Championships held in Tallahassee, Florida, after finishing first among 15 participating countries with a dominant medal haul. The medal haul included two individual golds, one team gold, one individual silver, three team silver medals, and two individual bronze medals, making Kenya the most successful nation at the championships with 3 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals. Agnes Ngetich wins gold in the Senior Women’s 10km race at Tallahassee, FL, USA on January 10, 2026. The Under-20 category success was further boosted by the women’s team, whose strong performance helped Kenya secure team gold and silver medals, showcasing the strength of the country’s junior athletics pipeline. The senior women’s team also finished second overall in the team standings with 39 points, adding another silver medal to Kenya’s tally.

Looking to build a powerful portfolio of dividend stocks in 2026? I own these 5-star FTSE dividend stocks! The FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 indexes are jam-packed with great dividend stocks. To put that into context, the broader forward average on FTSE shares is less than half that level, at 2.9%. In other respects, I think the soft drinks giant’s one of the best dividend stocks money can buy today.

Love Island beauty says famous dad has enforced strict kissing ban on All StarsEXCLUSIVE: Love Island All Star Belle Hassan has revealed her famous dad has a strict kissing ban on the show — but he’s still her biggest supporter in the villaView 4 Images Her dad doesn't want to see her snogging on screen (Image: ITV)Love Island star Belle Hassan has opened up about her famous dad’s strict rules on kissing in the villa — and how he’s still her biggest supporter. ‌Speaking exclusively about advice from her Football Factory star father, Tamer Hassan, ahead of her second stint, ITV star Belle said: “He’s so supportive. When you go into Love Island, you kind of expect it, because people come in wanting to get to know you or your partner,” she said. View 4 Images Belle is joining All Stars (Image: Instagram)Article continues below“If I’m at the top of the triangle with two men, I’m all for it. Love Island All Stars was due to start Monday 12th January at 9pm on ITV.

From hawkers in Gikomba and Marikiti to matatu and boda boda operators, millions depend on the informal economy. Informal workers provide essential services in a city built for profit, yet they are criminalised because their presence challenges formal economic and spatial hierarchies. Authorities often justify their actions by accusing hawkers, boda boda riders, and drivers of causing chaos, disorder, and even criminal activity. Policies that punish entire SACCOs for one accident, evict slum communities, or target informal traders without alternatives are a violation of this right. Every Kenyan, whether a hawker in Gikomba, a boda boda rider on the streets, or a resident of slums, should fully enjoy their Right to the City.