The first week of February 2026 has emerged as a defining period for Kenya, characterized by a complex tapestry of domestic unrest, shifting political alliances, and a deepening involvement in global geopolitical struggles. As the nation grapples with the rising cost of living and a government attempting to balance fiscal discipline with public service delivery, the political class remains embroiled in internal power struggles that threaten to reshape the landscape ahead of future electoral cycles. From the halls of Parliament to the battlefields of Eastern Europe, the Kenyan story this week is one of resilience, controversy, and significant transition.

The Fracturing of the Opposition: ODM and Azimio at a Crossroads

The political arena has been dominated by the widening cracks within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the broader Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition. The tension reached a boiling point following a televised interview by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, which prompted a sharp rebuke from Dr Oburu Odinga. The elder Odinga’s assertion that “no one is bigger than the party” underscores a growing generational and ideological rift within Kenya’s most established opposition outfit.

This internal friction is compounded by the recent leadership changes within the Azimio coalition, presided over by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. The appointment of Kalonzo Musyoka as the Azimio leader and Caroli Omondi as the Secretary General has not been universally welcomed. ODM’s formal rejection of these changes suggests a significant breakdown in communication between the constituent parties. As the coalition that challenged the current administration in the last election appears to disintegrate, the political vacuum left behind raises questions about the future of a unified opposition in Kenya.

Economic Strain: The Rising Cost of Education and Documentation

On the economic front, the Kenyan public is facing renewed pressure from government-mandated fee increments. The most significant outcry has come from the education sector, where tuition fees for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions have nearly doubled. Under the modular curriculum introduced in mid-2025, annual fees have surged from approximately KSh 56,000 to KSh 105,000. This move has sparked immediate backlash from students and tutors alike, culminating in night protests at institutions such as Olessos National Polytechnic, where police were forced to deploy tear gas to disperse learners.

Simultaneously, the Department of Immigration Services has come under fire for the unavailability of affordable passport options. While the government has assured the public of swift action to address the shortage, the perceived “price hike” through the unavailability of cheaper 32-page booklets has left many Kenyans feeling squeezed. These economic grievances are providing fertile ground for opposition figures to call for nationwide protests, a move that President William Ruto has warned could have an “immense negative impact” on the country’s recovering economy.

Judicial Interventions and Governance

The Kenyan judiciary continues to play its role as a critical arbiter in matters of governance and human rights. In a significant win for the legislature, the Court of Appeal recently overturned a High Court ruling that had struck down the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF). This fund, which is central to local development projects and the political survival of many Members of Parliament, has been at the heart of a long-standing legal battle between Chief Justice Martha Koome and Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

However, the courts have also been a site of accountability for state actors. The High Court recently issued a stern order to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and DCI Director Mohamed Amin to produce Ibrahim Mohamed, a trader from Busia who was allegedly abducted by state operators. This case highlights the persistent and troubling issue of enforced disappearances in Kenya, a topic that continues to draw condemnation from human rights organisations. In a separate matter, the court cleared the way for the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to arrest a senior government official over multibillion-shilling graft allegations, signaling that the fight against corruption remains a high-stakes theatre in the current administration.

Kenya’s Role in Global Security and Conflict

Perhaps the most sobering news of the week involves the discovery of the bodies of Kenyan nationals fighting in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Reports indicate that two Kenyans, who were originally lured to Qatar with the promise of lucrative jobs in Europe, ended up on the front lines fighting for Russian forces. This tragic development follows the recent burial of an empty coffin by a family in Kenya, whose kin was killed in the same war but whose remains could not be repatriated. The government is facing increasing pressure to investigate the recruitment networks that are funneling young, desperate Kenyans into foreign mercenary roles.

Closer to home, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) have remained active in regional security initiatives. Kenya has joined the United States, the United Kingdom, and 17 other nations in the “Cutlass Express 2026” maritime security exercise. This training is aimed at bolstering domain awareness in the Indian Ocean and combating the threat of insurgents. The partnership with the U.S. was further cemented by the KSh 8.9 billion runway expansion at Manda Bay, a project designed to enhance Kenya’s counter-terrorism capabilities.

In a major diplomatic shift, the Ministry of Interior announced the reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border. This move is expected to provide a significant boost to the miraa (khat) trade and strengthen diplomatic ties that have been strained for over a decade. While security concerns remain, the reopening is seen as a vital step toward regional stability and economic integration.

In the realm of technology and lifestyle, Kenyans are adapting to new digital realities and regulatory warnings. WhatsApp has rolled out significant updates, including member tags in group chats and stricter account security settings, which are expected to change how millions of Kenyans communicate daily. Meanwhile, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a 36-hour service disruption for system maintenance, part of a broader effort to improve transaction speeds and modernise tax collection.

Interestingly, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has issued a stern warning against the popular trend of “money bouquets,” where banknotes are folded and pinned into floral arrangements. The CBK noted that this practice disfigures the currency and contravenes the law. In response, creative florists have already begun inventing new ways to present monetary gifts without violating the legal requirements, showcasing the typical Kenyan spirit of innovation in the face of regulation.

Environmental Innovation and Urban Planning

As the climate changes, Kenyan architecture is also evolving. A new focus on “passive cooling” in modern buildings is gaining traction, with architects designing structures that stay cool without the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. By focusing on heat prevention through strategic orientation and materials, these buildings represent a sustainable path forward for Nairobi’s rapidly expanding skyline.

Furthermore, the Nairobi County government is set to launch a 24-hour Emergency Command Centre. This initiative, which includes a detailed disaster preparedness plan and an inventory of emergency resources like fire engines and rescue boats, is a long-overdue overhaul of the city’s response to major incidents. This was underscored by a recent gas depot explosion in the Donholm estate, which caused widespread panic and highlighted the urgent need for coordinated emergency services in densely populated residential areas.

Conclusion: A Nation in Transition

As February 2026 progresses, Kenya finds itself at a crossroads. The government’s drive for fiscal consolidation and infrastructure development is being met with significant public resistance due to the immediate cost to the taxpayer. The political landscape is shifting as old alliances fray and new leaders emerge, while the country’s international reputation is being shaped by both its military cooperation with global powers and the tragic involvement of its citizens in foreign wars.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the government can successfully navigate the calls for protests and whether the opposition can find a new sense of purpose. For the average Kenyan, the focus remains on navigating the daily challenges of a changing economy, from the price of a passport to the cost of a university education, all while keeping an eye on the evolving security situation both at home and abroad. Through it all, the nation continues to demonstrate a unique ability to adapt, innovate, and demand accountability, ensuring that the Kenyan story remains one of the most dynamic on the African continent.