A recent report by the Kenya Human Rights Commission has criticized the Hustler Fund, describing it as structurally flawed, economically unsound, and politically motivated, failing to empower its intended beneficiaries. Despite this, President William Ruto has defended the fund, highlighting that it has disbursed over Ksh 72 billion to 26 million Kenyans and maintains a recovery rate of 83.3%, asserting it has promoted financial inclusion among micro and small enterprises. Concurrently, the Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu revealed irregularities in the government’s eCitizen digital payment platform, with losses estimated at over Ksh 10 billion, including Ksh 9 billion lost and Ksh 2.5 billion illegally collected. The platform has been implicated in unauthorized payments to private companies, with Ksh 127 million traced directly to individuals linked to the scheme. The National Treasury and Auditor-General’s office have clashed over these findings. Four Cabinet Secretaries face potential legal consequences over the continued collection of a Sh50 convenience fee on the eCitizen platform. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) survey identified the Ministry of Interior as the most corrupt government institution, with police officers leading among corrupt professionals at 27.6%, followed by Kenya Revenue Authority officials at 17.3% and local chiefs at 16.2%. Uasin Gishu County was ranked the most corrupt county, with bribery cases linked to job recruitment and land disputes also prevalent in Baringo and Embu counties. The EACC report also revealed that 25% of Kenyans pay bribes to access public services, with corruption ranked as the second most pressing problem after unemployment. In response to growing diplomatic tensions with the United States over Kenya’s deepening ties with China, including a U.S. congressional review of Kenya’s major non-NATO ally status, President Ruto has reiterated Kenya’s commitment to strengthening relations with China, citing trade benefits such as the removal of tariffs on tea, coffee, and avocado. Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other officials have maintained that Kenya-US relations remain intact despite the probe. On domestic political developments, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has scheduled 24 by-elections for November 27, 2025, covering six constituencies, 17 county assembly seats, and the vacant Baringo Senate seat. IEBC Chair Erastus Ethekon assured Kenyans of free and fair elections, dismissing concerns about rigging or ghost polling stations. President Ruto has also established a government framework to compensate civilians and security personnel injured or killed during protests and public demonstrations since 2017, appointing Prof. Makau Mutua as the principal coordinator. The compensation initiative has received mixed reactions, with some opposition figures expressing reservations about the process being led directly by the presidency. Additionally, political tensions have surfaced within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, with leaders criticizing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over remarks related to terrorism and alleged meetings with al-Shabaab leaders, prompting calls for him to record statements with the police. Opposition leader Raila Odinga has reaffirmed his alliance with President Ruto, dismissing speculation about their political partnership ending after 2027 and urging critics to wait for the election outcome.