Sakaja–Ruto pact: How it mirrors, differs from Uhuru–Sonko’s NMS deal
The cooperation agreement signed on Tuesday between President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has reopened debate about the governance of the capital. The deal has inevitably drawn comparisons with the 2020 Deed of Transfer that created the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) under retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Governor Mike Sonko.
Source:The Star
February 18, 2026 19:39 UTC
Google Pixel 10a Vs Pixel 9a, is a slight upgrade at Rs 70k worth It- should you go with the 9a?
2 / 7Finally, Google Pixel 10a is here, and this one is for all those looking for the Pixel 10 experience but are hesitating to spend more than Rs 70,000. And at this point in time, a comparison between its predecessor, Google Pixel 9a, is inevitable. On that note, here is a quick comparison between the two phones3 / 7Google Pixel 10a vs Pixel 9a: Price In India The Google Pixel 10a is available in the Indian market at Rs 49,999 for the 8GB RAM variant with 256GB internal storage. 6 / 7The Google Pixel 10a comes with a 6.3-inch Actua Display and 3000 nits of peak brightness. 7 / 7Google Pixel 10a brings almost a similar spec sheet as the Google Pixel 9a.
Source:News 24
February 18, 2026 19:07 UTC
Death Row inmates most bonkers final meals
From gut-busting banquets to bizarrely humble snacks, death row inmates in the US have caught the attention for their outrageous and often shocking final meal requests before meeting their fate. The Daily Star takes a look at the most bonker last meals. The killer devoured almost 30,000 calories, almost 1100% more than what the NHS recommends men consume in a day, the Daily Star previously reported. His final meal consisted of typical breakfast food: a bowl of Frosted Flakes cereal and milk. For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.
Source:The Star
February 18, 2026 17:59 UTC
Egypt Proposes Ksh 12.9B Fund to Support Kenya’s Dam Projects Under Nile Basin Framework
Egypt has reportedly proposed a Ksh12.9 billion financing mechanism to support dam construction and water projects in Kenya, signalling a potential shift in regional cooperation within the Nile Basin. According to the proposal, the funds would be directed toward initiatives within the Southern Nile Basin framework, including expanded rainwater harvesting programmes and key infrastructure projects such as the development of the Koru Dam. Kenyan and Egyptian delegations pose for a photo after conclusion of the Nile Basin Cooperation talks. In Nairobi, Egyptian officials reiterated their opposition to unilateral actions in the Nile Basin, calling instead for cooperation guided by international law and mutual respect among riparian states. The eighth session of the Egypt-Kenya Joint Commission is scheduled to be hosted in Cairo later this year, where the technical blueprints for the dam projects and industrial logistical zones will be finalized.
Source:Daily Nation
February 18, 2026 17:37 UTC
Turkey's president rejects Israel's recognition of Somaliland
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has rejected Israel's recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation. In December, Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia more than 30 years ago. Meanwhile, Abiy urged Turkey to support Ethiopia's quest for sea access, arguing that it was unjust for the country to remain landlocked. Eritrea officially seceded from Ethiopia in 1993, leaving the country without access to a 1,350km (840-mile) Red Sea coastline. This all comes against the backdrop of fears of a return to conflict in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, which borders Eritrea.
Source:The Star
February 18, 2026 17:20 UTC
Parliament Supports Proposal to Regulate TikTok: "We Must Be Careful"
Parliament supports the motion to regulate TikTok in Kenya. Feel free to search the content on topics/people you enjoy reading about in the top right corner ;)Will Kenya ban TikTok? The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner was tasked with engaging social media platforms to assess compliance with the Data Protection Act, Cap. 411A to empower the Communications Authority of Kenya to regulate social media platforms. MP Millie Odhiambo, among other MPs, has seconded the proposal to regulate TikTok in the country.
Source:Daily Nation
February 18, 2026 17:15 UTC
Elders split over endorsement of Garissa governor candidate
Audio By VocalizeSenator Abdul Haji was endorsed for the Garissa governor seat by the Samawathal Council of Elders. [File, Standard]Elders in Garissa County are split over endorsement of the governor candidate, igniting a fierce political storm. At the centre of the political divide is the endorsement of Senator Abdul Haji for the seat by the Samawathal Council of Elders. After careful deliberations we have resolved to endorse Haji for governor for Garissa for 2027 election,” he said. Former Ijara MP Ahmed Ibrahim Abass from Samawathal of the Ogaden clan has declared interest in the Garissa governor seat.
Source:Standard Digital
February 18, 2026 17:00 UTC
Severe drought leaves 700,000 at risk on Kenya's Coast
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
Source:Standard Digital
February 18, 2026 16:30 UTC
ODM wrangles to be ironed soon, MP says
Ugunja MP Moses Omondi addressing the media after presiding over a bursary issuance ceremony at Sigomere Secondary School. /KNAWrangles within ODM pitting the camps led by the party leader Oburu Odinga and embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna will soon be ironed out during a forthcoming national delegates conference, Ugunja Member of Parliament Moses Omondi has said. He was speaking at Sigomere Secondary School in Ugunja subcounty during the issuance of bursary cheques to secondary school students. He said that the meeting will bring on board all the delegates, even those with divergent opinions, who will be given the opportunity to express themselves. He said that 4,646 students applied for bursaries, but after scrutiny and assessment, 4,019 succeeded in having their education funded by the CDF.
Source:The Star
February 18, 2026 16:12 UTC
Governor Sakaja's "Let's Make Nairobi Work" pledge faces public scrutiny
Governor Sakaja's "Let's Make Nairobi Work" pledge faces public scrutiny 18th February, 2026Governor Johnson Sakaja’s bold campaign pledge to “Make Nairobi Work” is now at the heart of a heated political and social debate online. Supporters say progress is visible across the city, pointing to ongoing reforms and service delivery efforts. Critics, however, argue that Nairobi is still battling the same long-standing challenges — and in some areas, they claim, the situation has worsened. Is the city truly working, or is the promise still a work in progress?
Source:Standard Digital
February 18, 2026 15:52 UTC
Babu Owino: I'm the king of protests
Embakasi East member of parliament Babu Owino /HANDOUTEmbakasi East MP Babu Owino has declared himself the “king of protests”, claiming no protest has ever taken place in Nairobi without his involvement. This means I am always at the forefront of protests,” Babu said. “Protests drove colonisers away, multipartism was brought about through protests, and some of the ODM cabinet secretaries were put in office after we held protests,” he said. Babu Owino, who is serving his second term as MP, has been among the leaders who regularly participate in protests and mobilise supporters. His remarks come amid ongoing debate over the role and impact of protests in influencing political decisions and public policy in Kenya.
Source:The Star
February 18, 2026 15:40 UTC
Maraga: I'm ready to work with opposition leaders on anti-graft agenda
Former Chief Justice David Maraga/FILEFormer Chief Justice David Maraga has declared he is open to working with opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 General Elections. “I believe there will come a time when we will work together and I am ready to collaborate with opposition candidates who are firm in the fight against corruption,” Maraga said. He also added that he was willing to collaborate with leaders committed to upholding the law. “I am happy to work with anyone who shares that commitment to fighting corruption and upholding the rule of law,” he said. As we think about the election of our president, I want you to bear in mind the role of the Law Society in this country,” Maraga said.
Source:The Star
February 18, 2026 15:26 UTC
Why AG is seeking to lift orders blocking prosecution of sons of Karugu, lawyers over Will forgery
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
Source:Standard Digital
February 18, 2026 14:51 UTC
Kanye West India tour: Tickets go live; Date and time, venue, how to book, price and all about Ye’s upcoming shows
Kanye West, one of the most successful rappers in the world, is all set to arrive in India for an epic performance. India has become a big destination for international artists, and Kanye is the latest addition to that. 24-time Grammy winner will do a grand show in Delhi, which is part of his 'Ye Live' world tour. Kanye West India Tour tickets- How to bookThe tickets are available on District by Zomato, and it went live on February 18, 2026, at 4 PM IST. Kanye West, who goes by the stage name 'Ye', is a rapper, songwriter and record producer.
Source:News 24
February 18, 2026 14:34 UTC
Wetang'ula pushes for stronger Kenya - Egypt parliamentary diplomacy
Audio By VocalizeSpeaker Moses Wetang’ula with the Egypt's Ambassador to Kenya Hatem Yousri Hosni. [Wetangula, X]National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has emphasized the need to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy through a robust parliamentary friendship group between Kenya and Egypt, aiming to deepen bilateral ties. Wetang'ula highlighted irrigation as a key area of collaboration, pointing to Egypt’s advanced irrigation systems that support large-scale agricultural production. He said both countries could hold bilateral talks to explore the adoption of Egypt’s modern irrigation practices in Kenya. Hosni noted that Egypt has significantly increased food production over the years through modern irrigation, adding that similar approaches could be implemented in Kenya through sustained cooperation.
Source:Standard Digital
February 18, 2026 14:20 UTC