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Kenya tightens Ebola preparedness amid regional concerns. Elsewhere, NuPEA pivots to grassroots engagement after protests over a proposed nuclear plant in Siaya, while Busia residents voice worries over voter integrity. Matatu operators suspended their nationwide strike after President Ruto announced diesel price cuts, following protests over rising fuel costs. The President also toured the Coast, announcing scholarships and pledging to address land squatter issues. Religious leaders are called upon to foster dialogue and combat stigma. In sports, the Sports Disputes Tribunal suspended Gor Mahia vs Mara Sugar, and Kenya drew 1-1 against Uganda in a U17 Women's World Cup qualifier.

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Matatu Operators Initiate Nationwide Strike Over Fuel Costs

Matatu operators across Kenya have initiated a nationwide strike, leaving commuters to fend for themselves as transport services halt. The protest is a direct response to escalating fuel prices, significantly impacting the cost of operation. Fifty-seven protesters arrested during the matatu operators' strike in Machakos Town have been released on bail. They were arrested on Monday and Tuesday. The public transport strike has been officially suspended following discussions between President William Ruto and sector leaders, with President Ruto announcing a reduction in diesel prices.

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Kenya Heightens Ebola Preparedness Amid Regional Outbreak Concerns

Kenya is enhancing its Ebola preparedness and emergency response measures due to the recent outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain in neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kenya has intensified surveillance and preparedness measures for the Ebola virus following an outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. The Ministry of Health has put in place emergency response systems to prevent any potential spread into the country. The Congo national football team faces a mandatory 21-day isolation period in Belgium before entering the United States for the World Cup due to an ongoing Ebola outbreak in their home country.

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Law Society of Kenya Advocates for PAYE Reforms in Finance Bill

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and tax advisory firms are advocating for significant cuts to Pay As You Earn (PAYE) rates and a higher tax-free salary threshold in the Finance Bill 2026. Sharon Kisire has been appointed as the new Vice Chairperson of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), effective May 21, 2026. The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) is developing a new university admission system to align with the competency-based education (CBE) curriculum for the first cohort transitioning in 2029.

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Nuclear Agency Shifts to Grassroots Engagement After Siaya Project Opposition

Following protests against a proposed Ksh500 billion nuclear power plant in Siaya County, the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) has announced a shift to grassroots-level public engagement. Residents of Busia County are raising concerns over an alleged increase in Ugandan nationals unlawfully possessing Kenyan national identity cards, sparking fears about the integrity of the upcoming 2027 General Elections. The family of Kate Mitchell, a senior programming manager at BBC Media Action, is pleading for speedy justice five years after her death in a Nairobi hotel.

Breaking News & Top Stories

Ruto Orders Minimum Uber, Bolt Fares Amid Rising Consumer Costs

Ride-hailing users in Kenya will soon face higher fares following a directive from President William Ruto to implement minimum fare regulations for platforms like Uber and Bolt. This comes as Kenya's workers experience a significant drop in purchasing power, estimated at 12% over the last five years due to rising taxes and the high cost of living. Meanwhile, Kenya Railways Corporation is entangled in a Sh173 billion dispute with ATI Freight Kenya Limited over unpaid freight charges, demurrage fees, and the commercial use of 250 cargo containers, highlighting broader tensions in Kenya's transportation and logistics sector.

Business & Economy

Matatu Operators Initiate Nationwide Strike Over Fuel Prices

Matatu operators across Kenya have initiated a nationwide strike, leaving commuters to fend for themselves as transport services halt. The protest is a direct response to escalating fuel prices, significantly impacting the cost of operation. Fifty-seven protesters arrested during the matatu operators' strike in Machakos Town have been released on bail. Following discussions between President William Ruto and sector leaders, the public transport strike was officially suspended with Ruto announcing a reduction in diesel prices. The Kenyan government has defended its handling of the crisis following the suspension of the transport strike.

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Religious Leaders Respond to Unrest

Religious leaders and elders in Busia County are urging for calm and dialogue after a surge of violent protests in Marachi Estate resulted in the deaths of three people. President William Ruto has invited religious leaders to State House, Nairobi, in what appears to be an effort to foster dialogue and address national matters. Religious leaders in Kenya are being urged to take a leading role in combating the stigma surrounding people with disabilities.

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Ruto Conducts Developmental Tour of Coastal Region

President William Ruto has announced 250 scholarships for students at Lungalunga Technical and Vocational College, coinciding with the foundation stone laying for new hostel facilities. During a developmental tour of the coastal region, President William Ruto pledged to address the issue of land squatters in the Lunga Lunga area. President Ruto also assured residents of the coast that the Kenyan government will significantly invest in enhancing security across the entire region.

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Sports Tribunal Suspends Gor Mahia vs Mara Sugar Match

The Kenya Premier League title race faces uncertainty after the Sports Disputes Tribunal suspended a crucial match between league leaders Gor Mahia and Mara Sugar FC. Mara Sugar and Gor Mahia are facing difficulties regarding the venue for their upcoming match. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has launched its World Football Week 2026 activation in Githurai, marking a significant step in preparation for the upcoming tournament. Kenya secured a 1-1 draw against Uganda in a FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifier, thanks to a spectacular goal.

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Junior Starlets share spoils with Teen Cranes

Kenya's Junior Starlets secured a crucial 1-1 draw against Uganda's Teen Cranes in the first leg of the 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup qualifiers. Kenya also scored a wonder goal in another 1-1 draw against Uganda in the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifier. Meanwhile, young Kenyan junior athletes showcased exceptional talent and determination at the national trials for the 2026 World Under-20 Championships in Nairobi, securing their spots for the global event in Eugene, Oregon, USA.

Sports

Mitsumi Invests $2 Million in AI Cloud Platform to Power Kenya's Next Generation of Innovators

Mitsumi Distribution has launched a $2 million investment in an artificial intelligence (AI) cloud platform aimed at supporting Kenya's emerging tech talent. The platform is designed to nurture and develop innovative capabilities among Kenyan technologists. Separately, Safaricom's My OneApp has been updated to allow users to access its services using Airtel mobile data and Wi-Fi, resolving a previous restriction that mandated Safaricom data. This significant change addresses one of the most frustrating issues since the app's initial rollout. Meanwhile, Samsung has officially begun rolling out its One UI 8.5 update to various Galaxy devices, starting on May 6.

Technology