The Online Kenyan

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) has reduced fuel prices following the National Treasury's review of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel. The government has allocated Ksh6.5 billion to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a warning to Kenya and other nations regarding fiscal interventions, such as fuel subsidies and VAT cuts, to combat rising fuel prices.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has revealed losing millions of shillings due to a fraudulent land deal involving the manipulation of official land files within the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning. Koskei has ordered that civil servants found colluding with fraudsters to cause government financial losses must first repay stolen funds before being dismissed. Separately, the Kenyan government is launching a unified digital system to overhaul all land services, aiming to combat widespread corruption, delays, and manipulation affecting property rights.

The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has ordered the recall of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) in Ishiara, Embu County, following the fatal shooting of two people during protests. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has identified politicians as the primary threat to national security, alleging their involvement in mobilizing youth for violent activities and undermining stability. The Kenyan Senate has summoned Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Inspector General Douglas Kanja to address a troubling surge in politically instigated violence across the country.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has warned opposition leaders against politicizing the current rise in fuel prices, attributing the surge to global factors, specifically the conflict involving Iran. Separately, a group of Western Kenya leaders including Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula have strongly defended Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi against calls for his resignation over the fuel crisis. At the same time, Kenya's ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the opposition are locked in a blame game over the recent fuel crisis and rising pump prices, with each side trading accusations over who bears responsibility.

Electric vehicle assembler BasiGo has commenced local assembly of electric vans in Kenya, targeting the matatu sector and other transport services. The Tanzanian government has cancelled 40 mineral exploration licenses due to the holders' failure to develop the sites, a move aimed at improving resource governance and boosting the economy. Additionally, the Kenyan government is formalizing its hidden mineral economy by ratifying hundreds of artisanal mining groups, aiming to capture lost revenues and increase oversight in the sector.

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) projects inflation could peak at 6.2 percent in July 2026 due to the ongoing Iran conflict, which is driving up oil prices. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki stated that the recent increase in fuel prices is not due to government policy but is a consequence of the ongoing war in Iran. Meanwhile, China's economy has demonstrated stronger-than-expected growth of 5 percent in the first quarter, defying global economic disruptions including the conflict involving Iran.

Kenya has seen a significant reduction in fuel prices following a decision by the National Treasury to slash Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products to 8 percent. A litre of petrol now retails at Sh197.60 in Nairobi, down by Sh9.37, while diesel stands at Sh196.63, a decrease of Sh10.21. This comes after the government proposed an 8 percent fuel VAT cut for three months to alleviate consumer costs. However, Kenya is experiencing significant regional disparities in fuel prices, paying considerably more than its neighbouring countries. Kenyans are also facing a significant increase in the cost of living as businesses across various sectors have immediately hiked their own prices following the fuel price changes.

Siaya Governor James Orengo has slammed the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) over fuel price hikes, demanding full transparency in the pricing system. In response, MP Babu Owino has rallied Kenyans to get ready for mass protests against the fuel price increases. Kenyans are facing record-high fuel prices with petrol reaching a historic peak of KSh 206.97. Prices for manufactured goods in Kenya are projected to increase significantly, potentially by as much as 20 percent, impacting consumers and household budgets across the country.

Kenyan singer Justina Syokau reports a significant weight loss of 5 kilograms in just 7 days, attributing her rapid progress to a strict regimen and the use of Ozempic. In a separate celebrity development, Kenyan businesswoman Anerlisa Muigai has returned to social media after an extended break, celebrating her son's first birthday. Similarly, media personality and entrepreneur Betty Kyallo has announced the birth of her second child, a baby girl named Nova Aurora Jones, with her partner Charlie Jones. Internet personality Gloria Ntazola has expressed a desire for a more exclusive pole dancing experience in Nairobi, stating she misses visiting strip clubs. Meanwhile, Shakib Cham has opened up about the challenges he and his wife Zari Hassan have faced since their marriage on October 2023, particularly dealing with negativity from some of Zari's social circle.