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Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.

Ruto’s Western tour

President William Ruto is today expected to continue with his development tour of the Western region which has entered its third day.

The Head of State is expected to chair a Cabinet meeting in Kakamega, before embarking on launching several projects in the county.

President Ruto will be in Shinyalu, Kakamega, where he will launch the last mile electricity connection.

Ruto was on Monday, January 20, in Mumias where he announced plans to transform the country into a major sugar exporter by 2027.

He emphasised the country’s ongoing strategies implemented to revitalise the industry, which he said has long faced challenges, including production gaps.

Ruto pointed out that writing off Ksh117 billion in debts, including the payment of Ksh1.7 billion in farmers’ arrears and Ksh650 million owed to employees, was part of the efforts to revive the sector.

“With a record 832,000 metric tons of sugar produced last year, Kenya is on course to attain surplus production and commence regional exports by 2027, turning sugarcane cultivation into a viable and rewarding venture,” he said. 

The Head of State made the remarks during the launch of the issuance of Ksh150 million bonus payment for sugarcane farmers at the Mumias Sugar Company Limited.

Reactions to Trump’s inauguration

Donald Trump was on Monday, January 20, 2025, sworn in as the 47th president of the United States of America.

Trump, the first US president convicted of criminal charges, replaced Democrat Joe Biden following his victory over Kamala Harris in November’s presidential election.

“I, Donald John Trump, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God,” he says.

The 78-year-old’s return to the White House comes four years after his previous re-election attempt ended in defeat.

Several leaders leaders in the country are expected to continue reacting to Trump’s assumption of office, with a majority sending congratulatory messages.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi is one of the leaders who have since congratulated Trump.

“Congratulations, Donald John Trump, on your inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. Your return to the White House in the 60th Presidential Inauguration marks a remarkable chapter in history, reflecting the trust and confidence the American people have placed in your leadership once again.

“Wishing you wisdom, strength, and success as you lead the nation forward,” Mudavadi wrote on X on Monday, January 20.

Congratulations, Donald John Trump, on your inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.

Your return to the White House in the 60th Presidential Inauguration marks a remarkable chapter in history, reflecting the trust and confidence the American people have placed in… pic.twitter.com/1apMLFbRKy

— Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) January 20, 2025

Clinical officers’ strike

Clinical officers are expected to continue with their strike after the government’s efforts to have them call off their strike last evening seems to have bore no friends.

Reports from counties indicated that patients, including at levels 2, 3 and 4 health facilities, were left unattended as clinical officers stayed away from work on Monday, January 20, 2025.

The government announced late Monday, January 20, 2025, that it had resolved the medics’ outstanding issues, but their umbrella body, the Kenya Clinical Officers Union (KUCO) maintained they were still on strike.

Clinical officers began their strike on Sunday, January 19, 2025, to protest, among other issues, what they call discrimination and their exclusion from offering services under the Social Health Authority (SHA).