Most read stories on The Star in 2025

2025 felt like a year suspended between transformation and tension — a time when the world seemed to stand at a crossroads. Technological breakthroughs accelerated faster than societies could fully adapt, with AI, clean energy, and biotech reshaping economies and daily life. At the same time, global conflicts and political shifts reminded everyone how fragile stability can be, pushing nations to rethink alliances, security, and diplomacy.

For the team at The Star, we put our best foot forward to provide comprehensive coverage of major events and developments both in Kenya and globally. From our reporting, here are some of the best-performing stories on our website in 2025.

School calendar: 2025 Academic Term Dates

This infographic, published on January 6, followed the release of the 2025 academic calendar by the Ministry of Education.

It contained term dates, half-term schedules, and examination dates for the Kenya Primary School Education Assessment (KPSEA), Kenya Intermediate Level Education Assessment (KILEA), Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA), Kenya Prevocational Level Education Assessment (KPLEA), and the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE).

The calendar from the office of the Principal Secretary for Basic Education indicated that schools would reopen for Term 1 on January 6, 2025, and close on April 4 after 13 weeks of learning.

Viral video showing marine trainer ‘Jessica Radcliffe’ attacked by killer whale is fictional

Published in August, this became the second most-read story of the year. It debunked a fake viral video claiming that a marine trainer named Jessica Radcliffe had been attacked by an orca during a performance.

The widely shared TikTok video alleged that the “23-year-old” died 10 minutes after being rescued. Another clip falsely claimed that her menstrual blood had triggered the attack. None of the videos stated where the incident occurred, and the voices used were artificially generated.

A further check by The Star revealed that no credible news source had reported such an incident. There is no evidence — including news reports, marine park statements, obituaries, or legal records — that such a person or incident ever existed.

Kidero lands job as Ruto makes 8 new appointments

This story covered former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero’s return to government through appointments made by President William Ruto in November 2024.

In a Gazette Notice dated November 15, 2024, Kidero was named Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kenya National Trading Corporation, to serve for three years from the date of appointment.

Drama as regional commander goes undercover at Kisauni police station

Published in February, this story detailed drama at the Kisauni Police Station when the new Coast Regional Police Commander, Ali Nuno, visited while posing as a robbery-with-violence victim.

Nuno and senior officers—including the Regional DCI and Administration Police heads—had embarked on a night tour of parts of Kisauni and Nyali to inspect policing. The area had seen a rise in violent crime, and Nuno wanted to test how officers responded to incidents.

Nuno later said officers initially refused to record his report. He had disguised himself as a complainant using different credentials.

Details of mysterious object that fell from sky in Makueni

In January, the Kenya Space Agency (KSA) explained an incident involving a metallic object that fell in Mukuku Village, Nduluku Location, Makueni County, on December 30, 2024.

The object — a metallic ring measuring approximately 2.5 meters in diameter and weighing about 500 kilos — landed two kilometres from Mukuku Police Post, causing panic among residents.

KSA said it was a fragment of a space launch vehicle. “Preliminary assessments indicate that the fallen object is a separation ring from a rocket,” the agency said, noting such objects typically burn up on re-entry or fall over unoccupied areas.

KSA officials secured the area and retrieved the debris.

Eastlands’ oldest supermarket shuts after 27 years

The sixth most-read story came from the business desk. It reported the closure of Rikana Supermarket, one of Nairobi’s oldest retailers, after 27 years.

Established in 1998 with two branches, Rikana was among the first homegrown stand-alone supermarkets competing with international brands.

Its closure marked the end of an era and highlighted challenges in Kenya’s retail sector.

Quickmart apologises over incident at Buruburu branch, suspends staff

In August, Quickmart issued a public apology after a viral video showed two customers expressing dissatisfaction with how they were treated at its Buruburu branch.

The video triggered widespread online criticism.

Quickmart said it had suspended the staff involved and launched an investigation with relevant authorities, emphasising its commitment to respect and professionalism.

How to check 2024 KCSE results

Published on January 10, this story explained that, unlike previous years, candidates would not access the 2024 KCSE results via SMS. Instead, results would be available through the KNEC website. KNEC instructed candidates to enter their index number and any one of their registered names to view their results.

I can't do enough for my wife Pauline to give her comfort, Kalonzo opens up on wife’s illness

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka offered a heartfelt glimpse into his marriage and his wife Pauline’s prolonged illness during an interview with TV47.

He reflected on their journey, acknowledging the toll her illness had taken and revealing that he had contemplated stepping back from politics.

Though he did not disclose details of her condition, he expressed gratitude for the support received.

Ex-IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati critically ill

Published in February, this story highlighted the critical illness of former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati.

He had been admitted to a Nairobi hospital, where he spent nearly a week in the ICU after receiving treatment at home.

Chebukati, who served as IEBC chair for six years, retired in January 2023.