The government deployed KDF to Turkana East after 40 fishermen were killed. This follows a US report citing Kenya for human rights violations. Meanwhile, the Housing Levy deductions will continue, funding diverse infrastructure. President Ruto pressed KEMSA for 100% drug order fulfillment and exposed corruption in parliamentary committees. The High Court nullified the NHIF pending bills committee over privacy. KHRC protested Del Monte's "militarized" security after two deaths, and KPC assured no mass job losses from privatization. HELB introduced a new civil servant loan, and CBK lowered lending rates, signaling cheaper loans.
The High Court in Eldoret has invalidated the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) Pending Medical Claims Verification Committee, with Justice Reuben Nyakundi declaring it "unconstitutional in its entirety" due to violations of patients' right to privacy. The Sheria Mtaani lobby group has also sued Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, over the alleged unlawful takeover of the police force's payroll management. In another case, the High Court in Kakamega has issued a conservatory order preventing the arrest and prosecution of Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala in relation to an alleged illegal helicopter landing.
Australia is investing heavily with a billion-dollar loan to mining company Iluka Resources to challenge China's dominance in the global supply chain for rare earth minerals. This move aims to create an alternative source for materials essential for electric vehicles and defense equipment. In another major trade development, the India-UK free trade agreement has opened India’s government procurement market to UK suppliers. This provides UK businesses access to 40,000 high-value tenders worth £38bn in previously protected sectors. Separately, Kenya successfully exported 54 tons of macadamia nuts to Hunan, China. This shipment is part of a government initiative to boost exports and is the first batch of an expected 2,000 tons by the end of 2025.
Technology companies are making strategic moves to expand their market share across Africa. Kenya-based fintech HoneyCoin secured $4.9 million in seed funding to expand its stablecoin-powered payment platform across the continent, with the investment round led by Flourish Ventures and including Visa. In the mobile money sector, Airtel Money Africa expanded its partnership with pawaPay to enable instant cross-border remittances for its 161 million customers in seven African markets. Concurrently, Xiaomi has appointed new country and regional managers to accelerate market share growth in Kenya, East, and West Africa. Apple is also reportedly developing a new 12.9-inch MacBook priced at $599, a move that could make its products more accessible in markets like Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
CBK has cut its base lending rate to 9.5% to boost the economy. Kenya faces tough choices as soaring debt payments strain public spending. Absa Bank Kenya's net profit rose 9% to 11.7 billion shillings. Kenya exported 54 tons of macadamia nuts to China, while local tech firm Twiva secured funding from Sony.
MC Fullstop will be laid to rest today at Lang’ata Cemetery. Meanwhile, Kenya prepares for CHAN 2025, urged to be world-class fans for future tournaments. Guardian Angel revealed over 1.5 million Kenyan Shillings in monthly bills, while Nadia Mukami & Arrow Bwoy welcomed their second son. Stevo Simple Boy and wife Brenda also plan a gender reveal.
Ruto accuses MPs/Senators of bribery, amid concerns over devolution's autonomy and counties' reliance on national funds. Gachagua's US visit fuels speculation of a 2027 opposition win.
CAF fined FKF 6.5 million shillings for security breaches at Kasarani; LOC warns fans without tickets to stay away. Government opened fan zones for the Harambee Stars vs. Zambia match, as Kenya eyes CHAN quarter-finals. Junior Malkia Strikers won African U20 volleyball. Kenyan schools are set for FEASSSA games, while track stars eye Diamond League glory.
CA reports 0.6% rural homes have fixed internet. Telecoms face cyberattacks as HoneyCoin secures $4.9M for stablecoin payments. Airtel Money partners with pawaPay for remittances. Xiaomi appoints new local bosses, while Apple's cheaper MacBook may boost African access.
The government has confirmed KDF deployment to Turkana East after 40 fishermen were killed, as the US flagged Kenya for increased human rights violations, citing unlawful killings and arbitrary arrests during protests. The Housing Levy deductions will continue, with funds potentially supporting varied infrastructure projects. President Ruto challenged KEMSA to achieve a 100% drug order fill rate to combat shortages and revealed widespread corruption within parliamentary committees, citing bribery for favorable reports. The High Court nullified the NHIF pending bills committee over privacy concerns. KHRC protested "militarized" security at Del Monte after two deaths. KPC privatization assurances of no mass job losses were given. Additionally, HELB introduced a new loan for civil servants, and CBK lowered lending rates, signaling cheaper loans for Kenyans.
President William Ruto has launched the construction of the Tom Mboya University Student’s village in Homa Bay, which is the first student accommodation project under the Affordable Housing program. The government also announced that Housing Levy deductions will continue, with plans to expand their use beyond affordable housing to include various infrastructure projects. In addition, President Ruto has challenged the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to achieve a 100 per cent order fill rate to address drug shortages in Kenya. This followed KEMSA's disclosure that its current fill rate is 57 per cent, which prompted the launch of a 100-day Rapid Results Initiative.
Following the killing of 40 fishermen in Todonyang, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya confirmed the increased deployment of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel in Turkana East. The security measure was announced during an appearance before the National Assembly Defence Committee. Separately, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) is protesting the “militarisation” of security at Del Monte pineapple plantations after two men died in separate incidents involving police and G4S guards. The KHRC alleges a pattern of violence against locals. Concurrently, the United States' 2024 Kenya Human Rights Report has highlighted a deterioration in the country's rights situation, noting numerous violations including unlawful killings and arbitrary arrests during anti-Finance Bill protests.
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced tax exemptions on gratuity payments for certain employees, effective July 1, 2025, as part of changes in the Finance Act, 2025. In a separate move, the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has lowered its lending rate, a decision expected to result in cheaper loans for Kenyans as the economy shows signs of recovery. Additionally, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has introduced a new loan facility, the Training Revolving Fund, specifically for civil servants to pursue higher education and advance their professional qualifications.
The United States has announced criminal charges and a $5 million reward for the arrest of Haitian gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, alias Barbecue, a move expected to provide relief for Kenyan Police officers in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. Separately, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued a warning to Kenyan students in the United States, advising that skipping classes, withdrawing from programs, or dropping out could lead to visa revocation and affect future eligibility. The US also sanctioned four entities involved in the illicit mineral trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These measures are intended to disrupt the financing of armed conflict and human rights abuses in eastern DRC.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Sh9 million for safety and security breaches during recent CHAN 2024 matches. A penalty of Sh6.5 million was specifically due to incidents at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, during the game against Morocco. Following this, the Local Organising Committee warned fans without tickets to stay away from Kasarani for Kenya's upcoming match against Zambia. In response to crowd pressure and the breaches, the Kenyan government has established six official fan zones in Nairobi for the match. The Harambee Stars, under Coach Benni McCarthy, need a win against Zambia to secure a spot in the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals.
President William Ruto officially opened the ninth devolution conference in Homa Bay County, a significant gathering for discussions on devolved governance. At the event, he announced that the County Assemblies Pensions Bill has been passed, which will grant contributory pensions to members of county assemblies similar to those for MPs. The President also issued a stern warning to hospitals, threatening action against those that charge poor patients for medical services. In a related move for devolution, the National Government has officially gazetted the transfer of numerous essential assets, including land and government buildings, to county governments, concluding years of negotiations.
President William Ruto has accused Members of Parliament and Senators of soliciting bribes from government officials appearing before parliamentary committees. He stated that several Cabinet secretaries and governors have been victims of this alleged extortion, undermining the fight against corruption. Concurrently, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa accused President Ruto of fueling wrangles within his party. The accusation came after Deputy Leader and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya walked out of a joint press conference, highlighting a deep rift in DAP-K. Amid these events, President Ruto surprised residents of Homa Bay by frying tilapia with women traders at Homa Bay Beach ahead of the 9th Devolution Conference, an act dubbed "fish diplomacy."
