Trending news in this week

USAIDFreeze Impact: The suspension of USAID funding has led to significant disruptions in Kenya's healthcare system. Approximately 35,000 people have lost jobs, 72,000 patients on antiretroviral treatment (ARVs) are affected, and 15 health facilities have been closed. Civil society groups are urging the government to intervene to avert a crisis. 

  EAC-SADC Divide: There's ongoing discussion about the political dynamics within the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), particularly in relation to the candidacy of Raila Odinga for a position, with SADC advising its members to support Madagascar. The conflict in the DRC, with M23 rebels capturing key mineral-rich regions, has displaced thousands and led to food supply issues, prompting a joint EAC-SADC meeting to seek resolution.

  Kenyan Cabinet Approves Budget: The Kenyan cabinet has approved a Ksh 4.26 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2025/26, indicating significant financial planning and allocation for the upcoming year. 

  Healthcare Funding: Posts on X highlight that the Affordable Housing Board has invested Sh46 billion of housing levy collections in Treasury bills, with some discussion on how this impacts healthcare funding, especially in light of the USAID funding freeze. 

  Economic and Currency Stability: The Kenyan Shilling has been reported as stable against the US Dollar this week, with the exchange rate mentioned as Ksh 129 = 1 USD on recent posts on X.

  Political and Social Events: There have been mentions of political clashes at a burial in Kakamega, indicating ongoing political tensions that can spill into social events. Additionally, there's debate over a move to scrap extra vetting for national IDs, which has sparked political controversy. These points reflect the current discourse and events in Kenya, based on web articles and social media posts. Remember, information from social media should be treated as inconclusive until verified by more formal sources.