WOZAA!

The strike is over: a KSh20 billion deal reopens public universities

UASU confirmed on October 30 that it had signed a return-to-work formula with the university councils, ending a strike that began on October 2 and lasted about a month. The government will release KSh20 billion to fund the 2025–2029 collective bargaining agreements in three instalments: KSh6.7 billion in 2026/27, KSh6.7 billion in 2027/28 and KSh6.6 billion in 2028/29. Basic salaries rise 3.5% a year for four years, backdated to July 1, 2025, on top of an automatic 5% annual increment, and arrears for July 2025 to June 2026 will be paid in three instalments. Lecturers were due back on Monday, November 2.

For students, the next question is how institutions fit a lost month into the calendar. Watch your university's official notices for revised timetables and exam dates. One caveat from earlier in the year: UASU said a previous return-to-work deal was not fully honoured, so the instalments are what to watch.

Sources: Kenyans.co.ke, University World News

Inflation hits 7.3% in October — transport is up 17.1%

KNBS figures released on October 30 put annual inflation at 7.3%, up from 6.8% in September and just 0.2 points below the Central Bank's 7.5% upper target. Transport is up 17.1% on a year ago, food and non-alcoholic drinks 10.2%, and housing, water, electricity and fuels 3.7%. Core inflation rose from 4.0% to 4.3%. The fuel pump-price rises in mid-October fed straight in: KNBS records kerosene up from KSh192.56 to KSh220.88 a litre.

Matatu fares between Westlands and Kangemi rose from KSh40 to KSh50.

That one fare is a single route, but it shows how the fuel price jump reaches daily budgets. Milk (500 ml) rose from KSh61.23 to KSh64.13, while sugar fell from KSh165.79 to KSh163.84 a kilo. Pump prices are fixed until the EPRA review on November 14, so that is the next date that could move your transport and food bills again.

Sources: Kenyans.co.ke

Ebola: five patients discharged, two still in hospital, no new infections

Kenya discharged five Ebola patients on November 3 after they tested negative and had no symptoms, and two remain hospitalised receiving supportive care. No new infections were reported. The WHO's last count, on October 26, was nine confirmed cases, all in one connected group, and two deaths, so by our arithmetic the five discharged and two hospitalised account for the seven survivors.

Earlier updates said 98 contacts were still in quarantine, and the first group had completed 21 days without symptoms. The outbreak still appears confined to known contacts, but the situation can change, so keep taking updates from the Ministry of Health rather than forwarded messages.

Sources: AP (via CTV News), WHO Africa

More than a million candidates are sitting KCSE for the first time

KCSE written papers began on November 2 and run to November 20, with 1,048,355 candidates registered, the first time the figure has passed one million. That is 5.27% up on 2025's 995,860. It is the second-last KCSE under the 8-4-4 system, and the final cohort sits it in 2027. Education CS Julius Ogamba warned that impersonation, collusion and unauthorised materials remain concerns, and that mobile phones are banned for candidates and exam personnel during sessions.

If you are a parent or candidate, the advice is simple: carry only what is allowed, and ignore anyone selling "advance" papers. The government is also preparing for possible flooding during the October–December rains.

Sources: allAfrica (Capital FM)

Sheila Chepkirui wins New York again, and Kenya takes four of the top five

Sheila Chepkirui won the women's New York City Marathon on November 1 in 2:24:36, her second New York win after 2024. American Jessica McClain was second, six seconds behind. Hellen Obiri, the defending champion, was third in 2:24:43, Edna Kiplagat fourth and Mercy Chelangat fifth, giving Kenya four of the top five places.

The same weekend, Philemon Kipchumba won the Istanbul Marathon and set a course record. Our source did not give the men's winner in New York or Kipchumba's time, so we have left those out.

Sources: Kenya Today