Ownership & classification
Founded: 1960
Ownership
The Daily Nation is published by the Nation Media Group (NMG), founded in 1959-1960 by the Aga Khan IV as East African Newspapers (Nation Series) Ltd; the first Daily Nation appeared on 3 October 1960. For 66 years NMG's controlling shareholder was the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED). In March 2026 AKFED agreed to sell its majority holding (about 54%, via NPRT Holdings Africa) to Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz's company Taarifa Ltd, ending the Aga Khan's ownership; NMG remains a publicly listed company on the Nairobi Securities Exchange.
Funding
The Daily Nation is funded commercially through newspaper sales, a growing digital subscription/paywall offering and advertising, as part of NMG's diversified print, broadcast and online business across East Africa. It is not state-funded.
Affiliation & stance
NMG has historically positioned itself as East Africa's largest independent media house, free of government or single-party control, which makes the Daily Nation INDEPENDENT. Its coverage is generally centrist and willing to criticise sitting governments; the 2026 shift to a politically connected regional tycoon (Rostam Aziz) is worth watching, but as of now it is best classed INDEPENDENT / CENTER, matching the site's guess.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 355
80/100
Factual
71/100
Objective
463
Articles
463
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
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Recent coverage
Fatal police shooting alone does not amount to torture, Supreme Court rules - the-star.co.ke
The Kenyan Supreme Court has ruled that a fatal police shooting by itself does not constitute torture. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions about police conduct and human rights in Kenya. The ruling suggests that additional factors beyond the act of shooting must be considered to classify an incident as torture. The court's interpretation may influence future legal proceedings involving police actions and victim rights. This case highlights the complexities surrounding the definition and application of international human rights standards within national legal frameworks.
I was set up, Bongo Flava star Matonya claims as court clears him of rape
The article reports that Bongo Flava musician Matonya has claimed he was set up in a rape case, following a court decision that cleared him of the charges. The court ruling indicates that there was insufficient evidence to support the allegations against him. Matonya's claim of being set up suggests he believes someone else orchestrated the accusations against him. The case highlights issues surrounding sexual assault allegations and the legal process in Kenya.
US couple sues over daughter’s death in South C crash
A US couple has filed a lawsuit against authorities in South C following the death of their daughter in a traffic accident. The incident occurred during a visit to the area, and the family alleges negligence or failure to provide adequate safety measures. The case highlights concerns about road safety and emergency response protocols in the region. Details surrounding the crash and legal proceedings remain under investigation.
Court orders release of woman accused of 'spying' on President Ruto
A court has ordered the release of a woman who was accused of spying on President William Ruto of Kenya. The case involves allegations that she gathered intelligence on the president, though specific details of the accusations or evidence remain unclear. The legal proceedings highlight concerns around national security and the treatment of individuals accused of espionage. The ruling underscores ongoing debates about due process and the balance between security measures and individual rights.
The sacred walk: Why Legio Maria faithful hold annual pilgrimage to Homa Bay prison
The article discusses the annual pilgrimage undertaken by followers of Legio Maria, a Christian organization based in Kenya, to Homa Bay prison. This event is described as a 'sacred walk' and is part of the group's religious practices. The pilgrimage involves members traveling to the prison, likely to pray for inmates or engage in spiritual activities. The practice reflects the group's deep faith and their connection to the local community, particularly within the prison system. The article appears to provide background on why this tradition is observed annually.
World Cup nights turn deadly as machete gangs terrorise Mlolongo
The article reports on violent incidents in Mlolongo during World Cup-related celebrations, where machete attacks have occurred. The violence appears to be linked to criminal gangs exploiting the heightened activity around the event. Local authorities have been called upon to address the security concerns, but there has been limited public information on the extent of the problem or specific measures being taken. The situation highlights broader challenges related to public safety during large-scale events.
Court nullifies 30 promotions at DPP’s office
A Kenyan court has ruled to nullify 30 promotions within the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), raising concerns about the legitimacy and transparency of appointments within the prosecutorial body. The decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the DPP's internal processes and governance structure. Legal experts suggest the ruling could lead to significant administrative changes and potentially impact the efficiency of prosecutions. The case highlights broader issues surrounding accountability and procedural fairness in public institutions.
Iran prepares to bury slain supreme leader with week of mass mourning
The article reports that Iran is preparing to hold a week of national mourning following the death of its Supreme Leader. The event includes planned ceremonies and public observances across the country. The focus is on the religious and cultural significance of the mourning period, which is expected to involve large gatherings and state-led rituals. No specific details about the cause of death or the timeline of events are provided.
Kenya grapples with rising doping cases in athletics
The article reports on the increasing number of doping cases involving Kenyan athletes, highlighting concerns within the country's athletic community. It notes that these cases are becoming more frequent and are drawing attention from sports authorities and international organizations. The piece emphasizes the impact on Kenya's reputation as a powerhouse in global athletics and the potential consequences for athletes' careers. While the article presents the issue as a growing problem, it does not provide specific data or detailed examples of individual cases.
Cruise tourism defies Middle East crisis as arrivals gather pace
The article discusses the growth of cruise tourism in the Middle East despite ongoing regional crises. It highlights increasing passenger arrivals, suggesting resilience in the sector amid geopolitical tensions. The piece likely explores factors contributing to this trend, such as improved security measures, promotional efforts by local authorities, or shifts in global travel patterns. While the region faces instability, cruise tourism appears to be thriving, indicating potential economic benefits for coastal countries.
Portugal's Martinez takes off Ronaldo when push comes to shove
The article reports on a moment during a sports event where Portugal's coach, Martinez, decided to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo due to a disagreement or conflict of some sort. The headline suggests a dramatic or emotional decision by the coach, implying tension in the situation.
Patients turned away as KNH quietly hikes charges for key procedures
The article reports that patients at Kenya's Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) are being turned away due to the hospital quietly increasing charges for essential medical procedures. The report highlights concerns over rising costs affecting access to care, but does not provide specific figures or timelines for the price increases. It notes that the changes appear to have been implemented without significant public announcement, raising questions about transparency and patient affordability. No official sources are cited in the article, making it difficult to verify the claims independently.
Eliud Kipchoge, wife plan for Brazil marathon
Eliud Kipchoge, the renowned Kenyan long-distance runner and Olympic champion, has announced plans to participate in a marathon event in Brazil. The announcement includes his wife, who is expected to accompany him to the event. This development highlights Kipchoge's continued presence in international athletics and his personal life. The specifics of the event, such as the date and location within Brazil, have not been detailed in the provided information. Kipchoge remains a prominent figure in global running, known for his record-breaking performances.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided