The Online Kenyan

President William Ruto has secured France's support for the significant rehabilitation and expansion of the Nairobi Commuter Rail system through a Ksh12.5 billion deal. This agreement is part of 11 economic growth instruments signed between Kenya and France following bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Nairobi. Kenya and France have signed 11 agreements aimed at deepening cooperation across strategic sectors. Over 100 civil society organisations from 32 countries had warned African and French leaders that health sovereignty cannot be achieved without community participation ahead of the summit.

Digital taxi drivers in Kenya are threatening a nationwide strike on Monday, May 11, due to escalating fuel prices and stagnant fares. A section of Eldoret Road in Nairobi is temporarily closed for four months to allow for the construction of a new vehicular bridge over the Nairobi River, according to the Kenya Urban Roads Authority. Additionally, tensions have emerged at borders as Kenyan drivers were reportedly arrested in Uganda.

As Kenya gears up for the 2027 General Election, President William Ruto is reportedly implementing a strategy to consolidate power by weakening the opposition, primarily targeting the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. An ODM retreat intended to strategize engagement with President Ruto's administration has reportedly devolved into internal disputes within the party. Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata is being scrutinized for his political trajectory, with critics debating whether he is a tactical politician or an opportunist given his consistent electoral success since 2002.

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote is considering shifting his proposed multi-billion dollar oil refinery project from Tanzania to Mombasa, Kenya. This development comes amid other significant international business engagements involving Kenya. Separately, Kenya and France signed 11 agreements at State House Nairobi to boost cooperation in transport, energy, and the digital economy following discussions between President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron. Meanwhile, global energy markets experienced notable movement as oil prices surged in Asian trading after President Donald Trump rejected Iran's proposal to end the ongoing war, deeming it "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE."

Safaricom's Fuliza overdraft facility saw a significant surge in usage, with disbursements climbing 49 percent to Sh1.47 trillion in the financial year ending March 2026, indicating a growing reliance on mobile credit in Kenya. This comes as a proposed 25% excise duty on mobile phones in Kenya's Finance Bill, 2026 could make smartphones unaffordable for low-income households, potentially widening the digital divide. Meanwhile, China's gold consumption increased by 4.41 percent in the first quarter of 2026, primarily fueled by a significant surge in demand for gold bars and coins.

The 2026 Iten Road Race has concluded with victories for Amos Kiprotich and Doreen Kibet in their respective categories. Jackson Kiprono emerged the overall winner at the Eldoret Golf Club leg of the 2026 NCBA Golf Series, carding an impressive 40 points. Meanwhile, Ethiopia's Tadesse Kassa and Kenya's Mercy Chebwogen emerged victorious at the 2026 Copenhagen Marathon on Sunday in Denmark, while Sabastian Sawe's recent triumph at the London Marathon was celebrated during the Ultimate Relay Challenge.

The Kenyan government is leveraging additional funds from the Fuel Levy to secure a new road loan totaling KSh120 billion, aiming to finance ongoing and future infrastructure projects across the country. This move comes as digital taxi operators threaten to disrupt transport services nationwide in protest against rising fuel prices, raising concerns about the economic burden on transport workers. A new report titled "The Fuel Levy Trap" highlights further concerns over the current fuel levy structure in Kenya, suggesting potential long-term fiscal implications of the securitisation approach.

Kenya Prisons asserted their dominance in the Kenya Volleyball League, securing a decisive 3-0 victory over Young Spykers during the fourth leg at the Kasarani Gymnasium. At the same time, Kenya has inaugurated its first-ever public high-altitude training camp in Bungoma County, aiming to support athletes and enhance sports development. The Chapa Dimba initiative has separately selected an all-star Kenyan team that will represent the country at the prestigious Gothia Cup in Sweden, while young swimmers delivered exceptional performances at the recent Nairobi County Swimming Championships, showcasing impressive talent and determination.