5 top stories you need to know this morning | Thursday, 27 August 2026 - Livenow Breaking news, Kenyan News, World News. Videos

Here are five stories shaping the news agenda in Kenya and the region this Thursday, 27 August 2026.

1. Kenya braces for a potentially wet October-December season

Kenya is preparing for an unusually challenging short-rains season after the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority forecast above-average rainfall across much of the country.

KMSA says the October-November-December season is likely to bring prolonged wet spells and isolated storms, although rainfall distribution will vary across counties. The forecast is being closely watched because El Niño conditions are strengthening and the Indian Ocean Dipole could move into a positive phase.
The Kenya Red Cross Society is also preparing for possible flooding and other weather-related emergencies. Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idris has urged communities to act on early warnings rather than wait for disasters to unfold.

The warning comes with memories of the devastating 2023-24 floods, which affected 46 of Kenya's 47 counties.

For Kenyans, the immediate message is to follow official weather updates and prepare for localised risks, rather than assume the entire country will experience the same conditions.

2. Kenya's political temperature rises ahead of 2027

The political focus is increasingly shifting towards the 2027 General Election, with opposition parties and President William Ruto's camp stepping up their mobilisation.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said the opposition should settle on a single presidential candidate by April 2027, while also positioning himself as a potential contender.

At the same time, President Ruto has continued to project confidence in his re-election prospects, saying he trusts Kenyan voters to judge competing political programmes rather than rhetoric.

The political realignment is already affecting business confidence. A recent Central Bank of Kenya survey, reported by The Standard, found growing concern among business leaders about the impact of political uncertainty on the investment climate ahead of the election.

3. Kenya marks Katiba Day

Thursday marks Katiba Day, the annual commemoration of the promulgation of Kenya's 2010 Constitution.

President Ruto designated 27 August as Katiba Day in 2025, marking the constitutional milestone each year. The day is not, however, a public holiday.

The anniversary comes at a politically significant time, with debate over governance, devolution, electoral reforms and the country's political direction intensifying ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Constitution remains central to many of the political and legal battles currently playing out in the country — including questions around elections, public accountability and the balance of power between national and county governments.

4. Counties face a growing salaries crisis

Some county governments are struggling to meet their wage obligations, raising concerns about the delivery of essential public services.

A report by Nation highlights mounting pressure on county finances and the difficulties facing devolved governments as they try to balance salaries, development spending and other obligations.

The issue matters because counties are responsible for major frontline services, including healthcare and local infrastructure.

The financial pressure also comes as Kenya operates under a record Sh4.8 trillion national budget for the 2026/27 financial year, making questions about how public money is allocated and spent increasingly important.

5. Tanzania's vice-president resigns

In neighbouring Tanzania, Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi has resigned, creating an unexpected development in the country's political landscape.

Nchimbi formally submitted his resignation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, according to reports.

The development comes as Tanzania prepares for its own political transitions and will be closely watched across East Africa.

For Kenya, Tanzania remains an important economic and diplomatic partner, with the two countries linked through trade, transport, tourism and regional integration.

And finally...

There is another reason to look up at the sky tonight.

A deep partial lunar eclipse is due on 27-28 August, with as much as 96% of the Moon expected to pass into Earth's shadow. The event will be visible from parts of the world depending on local timing and weather conditions.

For Kenya, however, the more immediate weather story remains firmly on the ground: authorities are urging communities to prepare well before the October rains arrive.