The Online Kenyan

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a warning to the Kenyan government regarding the implementation of the Finance Act 2026, vowing to take legal action against any perceived administrative overreach. The government has announced significant changes to import duties on several key products, including mobile phones, rice, and baby diapers, following approvals from the East African Community. Separately, the Nairobi Securities Exchange has announced a leadership transition, with Board Chairman Kiprono Kittony retiring and businessman Tom Mulwa appointed as his successor amid government privatisation plans.

Police in Nyandarua are actively searching for a former Member of County Assembly (MCA) and another county assembly official following overnight political disturbances in Ol Kalou ahead of a July 16 by-election. Tensions flared as gunshots rang out during a DCP meeting, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen trading accusations over the reported chaos. Meanwhile, the Youth Affairs Principal Secretary's security detail is under scrutiny after a confrontation involving warning shots at a public event allegedly resulted in the fatal shooting of a young man, Cecil Otieno Ouma, on July 1.

The High Court has declared President William Ruto's Cabinet illegal, deeming its members unfit for office, creating a significant legal and political crisis for the administration. The Cabinet, chaired by Ruto, has approved billions of shillings for infrastructure and development projects, seen as a strategy to showcase achievements ahead of the August 10, 2027 elections. This ruling places Ruto in a difficult position as he weighs whether to reshuffle his cabinet or risk legal consequences, with the court explicitly finding the appointees unqualified for their positions.

The Kenyan government is set to receive over Sh200 billion from the sale of its 15 percent stake in Safaricom to South Africa's Vodacom, with funds expected in the National Infrastructure Fund on Friday. The Nairobi Securities Exchange has appointed Tom Mulwa as its new chairman, effective July 13, 2026, succeeding Kiprono Kittony. Meanwhile, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has assured Kenyans the government remains committed to reducing PAYE tax, despite implementation delays.

The Junior Starlets have arrived in South Africa to compete for a spot in the Women's Under-17 World Cup, facing Bantwana in what is described as a crucial make-or-break qualifier. Kenya's U-17 girls' football team is preparing for this significant match that could secure their place in the global tournament. At the same time, Felix Okoko is leading Kenya's medal charge in judo at the Commonwealth Games, with Kenya also preparing for the games with judoka Kiplagat Okoko aiming to secure a medal. These stories represent Kenya's active engagement in international youth sports competitions across multiple disciplines.

Construction has officially begun on the Naivasha to Malaba railway line, a project expected to significantly boost the nation's economy. Over 20 principal secretaries visited affordable housing projects in Nairobi, reiterating the government's commitment to providing quality housing for all Kenyans. Additionally, the Kenyan government plans to construct a 54-kilometre sewer line to prevent waste from entering the Nairobi River. The Principal Secretary for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, Dr. Caroline Karugu, is also intensifying efforts to ensure the completion of projects by the Coast Development Authority, while the government has ordered an accelerated implementation of development projects in the Coast region.

Kenya is aiming to revitalize its struggling pyrethrum industry with new sector reform regulations proposed for 2026, seeking to overhaul a sector that has faced significant decline in recent years. New regulations are also being implemented to revive Kenya's pigeon pea crop and boost farmers' incomes, aiming to address challenges and improve profitability of this important agricultural product. The Nairobi Securities Exchange has pledged to increase investment in Kenyan industries to stimulate growth and development within the manufacturing sector, while Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya's former Health Cabinet Secretary, has called upon Africa to unite and challenge unfair global tariffs that are stifling the continent's industrialization efforts.

Belgium staged an incredible comeback at the World Cup, scoring three goals in the final minutes of extra time to defeat Senegal 3-2 and advance to the last 16. The United States secured a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina to also progress to the last 16, despite having a player sent off during the match. Harry Kane scored twice to rescue England from a potential upset against the Democratic Republic of Congo, converting a 3-0 victory that sealed their passage to the tournament's last 16.