The Online Kenyan

The Kenyan government is set to introduce flexible payment options, branded as 'Lipa SHA Pole Pole', to boost registration for the Social Health Authority (SHA) and enhance access to universal healthcare. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale reassured that the transition of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) workers to permanent and pensionable terms under county governments is progressing as planned. The Kenya School of Government (KSG) has launched an initiative to equip public servants with Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills, coinciding with the graduation of 432 Assistant County Commissioners and the induction of new Deputy County Commissioners.

Kenya Railways Corporation has announced plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line by 15 kilometers from Syokimau Station directly into the Nairobi Central Business District. The Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has received three privately initiated proposals totaling an estimated Ksh50 billion to Ksh65 billion for the development of new power transmission lines and substations across the country. Meanwhile, motorists will soon face increased toll charges on the revamped Gilgil-Mau Summit Highway, part of the expanded Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announcing a new toll rate that is higher than previously disclosed for an adjacent section.

Several people are feared dead after a major multi-vehicle collision involving a Tahmeed bus on the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway on the night of Monday, July 7. The accident caused significant traffic disruptions as emergency teams worked to rescue victims. Motorists faced significant disruptions on major roads leading to Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday morning due to heavy police roadblocks, with the police deployment aimed to enhance security ahead of anticipated Saba Saba protests. Additionally, commuters faced significant disruption and were forced to walk long distances after matatus were blocked from entering the Nairobi CBD.

Cleophas Malala, Deputy Party Leader of the DCP, has declared his support for Edwin Sifuna to secure a top position on the united opposition ticket for the 2027 General Election. Meanwhile, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is reportedly being positioned by Luhya leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement to run for the 2027 presidency under a new political outfit. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has reintroduced regulations to cap campaign spending and donations ahead of the 2027 General Election, aiming to curb excessive spending by politicians. These stories collectively highlight the intensifying jockeying for position within opposition politics ahead of the next general election.

Violence erupted at Keumbu Centre in Kisii County on July 3, 2026, when goons disrupted a Linda Mwanchi convoy. The convoy was reportedly blocked by alleged goons, resulting in injuries. This incident occurred amid the shadow of Ruto's untouchable Kisii politicians, highlighting ongoing political tensions in the region. The Ol Kalou by-election is entering its final stretch, just 10 days away, with political camps framing it as a referendum on the Mt Kenya region's political future ahead of the 2027 General Election. These incidents reflect the volatile political atmosphere in the broader Mt Kenya region as elections approach.

Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) has opened privately funded electricity transmission projects, valued between Sh50 billion and Sh65 billion, for public review under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. Separately, Glee Hotel has been placed under administration after Equity Bank moved to recover outstanding debt, with an administrator appointed to take control of the hotel's assets and operations. Kenyan steel manufacturers are also experiencing slow growth due to high energy costs, cheap imports, and substandard products, leading to idle production capacity.

Samsung Electronics anticipates a significant surge in profits, an increase of approximately 1,800%, driven by robust global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) memory chips. Meanwhile, Microsoft announced it will eliminate approximately 4,800 jobs globally, representing about 2.1 percent of its total workforce, as part of a company-wide restructuring. Separately, shareholders of Old Mutual Holdings PLC have approved a significant balance sheet restructuring worth Sh4.67 billion, aiming to clear accumulated losses and pave the way for dividend payments to resume.

Absa Bank Kenya has pledged Sh6 million to support the upcoming 2026 Sunshine Development Tour Series. In golf news, Njoroge Kibugu claimed the fourth leg of the PGK Equator Tour season two. Additionally, Kenyan international footballer Victor Wanyama is set to launch his Victor Wanyama Academy in Nairobi this July.