ARM Cement to Shut Down After Unresolved Tax, Debt Liabilities: Collapsed cement manufacturer ARM Cement Limited is set to wind up its operations due to mounting debt and unresolved tax liabilities, as confirmed by its joint administrators. At the same time, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited announced the resignation of its Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, Chemutai Murgor, effective May 31, 2026, concluding a significant tenure with the bank. Additionally, the Insurance Regulatory Authority identified Directline, Trident Insurance, and AMACO as the general insurers facing the highest number of customer complaints in Kenya during the third quarter of 2025. These three stories collectively highlight financial and corporate sector challenges in Kenya, including business collapse, executive departures, and regulatory issues. Eight Health Facilities, Directors Charged Over Social Health Authority Fraud: Eight health facilities and several individuals are facing prosecution for alleged fraud targeting the Social Health Authority in Kenya, with the Director of Public Prosecutions ordering the charges after reviewing investigation files. In a separate development, the Office of the Auditor-General raised significant concerns regarding legal, governance, and constitutional gaps in the proposed National Infrastructure Fund Bill, warning it could undermine oversight of public resources. Additionally, a humanitarian initiative is using biometric technology to improve healthcare access for thousands of undocumented patients in northern Mauritania, with HumanCoop deploying facial biometric solutions from Identy.io to create unique patient records. These three stories address healthcare-related issues including fraud prosecution in Kenya, governance concerns in Kenyan public funds, and healthcare access innovation in North Africa. Jimmy Lai Wins Appeal Against 2022 Fraud Conviction: Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has won an appeal against a 2022 fraud conviction that carried a nearly 6-year jail sentence, with the Hong Kong Court of Appeal overturning the convictions of Lai and another defendant on Thursday. Separately, Bill Gates addressed his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in a staff meeting, stating he took responsibility for his actions and calling his association with Epstein a huge mistake, according to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Meanwhile, a prominent businesswoman, Vasundhara Oswal, has filed a constitutional and human rights petition in Uganda following her alleged arbitrary detention, a case raising concerns about the protection of foreign investors within the East African Community. These three stories involve prominent figures challenging legal decisions or facing accountability for their actions in different jurisdictions.

Eve Mungai insults Kenyan men, calls them “agents of poverty”: Digital creator Eve Mungai has ignited a debate online after describing Kenyan men as "agents of poverty" during a recent discussion. Kenyan businessman Jimal Rohosafi has advised women to prioritize earning their own money for financial independence, rather than relying on a male partner's wealth. Nairobi's Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement, Geoffrey Mosiria, is demanding justice for a male victim of alleged gender-based violence in Githurai, highlighting the societal silence surrounding male abuse victims. Meanwhile, Kenyan digital creator Kelvin Kinuthia is seeking to legally change his name on his national ID to a feminine one due to the daily friction caused by the mismatch between his appearance and his current identification.

ODM Faces Internal Crisis After Expelling Sifuna: Three Orange Democratic Movement members have been removed from parliamentary committees in a move sanctioned by a faction within the party, raising concerns about the party's internal dynamics. The ODM has formally explained to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal its decision to expel Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as party secretary-general, citing months of miscommunication, missed meetings, and contradictory public statements. Separately, Kenyan opposition leaders have vowed to obstruct President William Ruto's administration's plans to sell government stakes in key state entities. Ruto Allies Counter Gachagua as Political Rivalries Intensify: President Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet is taking on a more prominent role in the Western region, acting as a political strategist to bolster support for the administration. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has caused a stir among South Rift Valley leaders by declaring himself the champion of the region's interests, leading MPs from the area to mobilize their constituents against him. Meanwhile, allies of President William Ruto are increasingly implicating his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta in growing opposition to the current administration, fueling speculation of a repeat of their 2022 electoral rivalry in the upcoming 2027 elections.

Juventus Exit Champions League After 7-5 Aggregate Loss to Galatasaray: Juventus suffered a painful Champions League exit, losing 7-5 on aggregate to Galatasaray despite a valiant comeback attempt with 10 men. The Italian club licked wounds after the painful defeat in the last 16 stage. Real Madrid also featured in Champions League action, with Aurelien Tchouameni declaring their 2-1 victory over Benfica in the last 16 as a win for everyone who is against racism. Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino celebrated 10 years as FIFA President, a tenure marked by his commitment to reform and a promise to bring football back to FIFA, with Kenya featuring in FIFA's long-term plan.

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S26 Series at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco: Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy S26 series at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 in San Francisco, featuring enhanced Galaxy AI capabilities across three models: the standard Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The new series introduces groundbreaking AI capabilities, becoming the first non-Pixel phones to receive exclusive Google AI features. The Galaxy S26 Ultra also includes a new Privacy Display feature designed to prevent shoulder surfing, though it has the unintended effect of turning dark mode blacks into a washed-out gray. Samsung has also launched the Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds4 Pro earbuds, coinciding with the unveiling of the Galaxy S26 series, featuring a redesigned 'Blade' aesthetic and advanced AI integration. The new Galaxy S26 series has launched in Kenya, with pre-orders now open for all three models.

NTSA Under Pressure as Transporters Push for Mobile Money Payments: The Kenya Transporters Association (KTA) is urging the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to implement an immediate system for paying traffic fines via mobile money, following the NTSA's release of a list of instant fines for traffic violations. The Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) is separately urging the NTSA to implement mandatory periodic retraining and retesting for public service vehicle (PSV) drivers, as outlined in the National Road Safety Action Plan 2024-2028. The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) is threatening to suspend or revoke the licences of tour operators and tourist service vehicle providers found engaging in unlawful off-road driving within conservation areas. Health Workers Strike Cripples Services in Nairobi and Marsabit: Healthcare services in Nairobi and Marsabit have been significantly disrupted as strikes by healthcare workers continue, bringing essential medical care to a standstill. Meanwhile, President William Ruto has declared the full registration of inmates under the Social Health Authority (SHA) a top priority, aiming to guarantee access to healthcare for prisoners. Kenya has also begun administering the anti-HIV injection Lenacapavir, with 21,000 vials deployed in the initial phase across 15 high-risk counties. Rapid diagnostic tests and self-tests are acceptable before receiving the HIV jab. MPs Scrutinize 2025-2026 Budget Estimates Amid Salary Crisis: Members of Parliament are currently engaged in a detailed review of the national budget estimates for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, undertaking a process crucial for approving national spending. Separately, MPs are intervening to address the salary payment crisis affecting civil servants who have reportedly gone unpaid for months. In related developments, President Ruto announced a salary increment for prison officers beginning July 1, 2026. Ruto Directs Salary Increase for Kenya Prisons Officers: President William Ruto has announced a salary increase for officers of the Kenya Prisons Service, with the third phase set to take effect from July 1, 2026. Ruto is also set to officially open the Roysambu Military Housing Project in Nairobi County, an initiative aiming to address a significant accommodation deficit within the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). Kenyan doctors are set to receive delayed salary increments and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) arrears following a Ksh2 billion budget allocation, implementing pending 3rd and 4th Remuneration Review Cycles and CBA adjustments impacting county and national government doctors. DP Kindiki Warns Politicians Against Inciting Youths to Violence: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Thursday in Kieni, Nyeri County, cautioned politicians against inciting youths to cause violence, asserting that politics is about ideas, not violence. Kindiki emphasized that leadership is defined by performance, not rhetoric or violence, while commissioning an electrification project in Kieni Constituency. A new report from the Kenyan Ministry of Interior reveals that political violence, including disruptions to rallies and intimidation tactics, is not spontaneous but deliberately organised by political actors. By-elections held across Isiolo, Kakamega, and Embu counties on Thursday were marred by reports of violence and low voter turnout. Isiolo South By-election Faces Low Voter Turnout: The Isiolo South Parliamentary by-election, contested between Mohamed Tubi of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Bina Tubi representing the Jubilee Party, was marred by a low voter turnout, indicating a lack of public engagement in the electoral process. During the Evurore Ward by-election, disruptive youth prevented voters from reaching polling stations using vehicles, significantly hampering election day operations. Meanwhile, elders in West Kabras Ward within Malava Constituency faced significant challenges while casting their votes during a recent by-election. Kagwe Vows to Protect Smallholder Farmers From Predatory Investors: Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has pledged to safeguard smallholder farmers against predatory investors, stating the government will not stand by while these farmers are exploited. The Kenyan government has simultaneously urged investors in the agricultural sector to support smallholder farmers, noting that many are left without markets for their produce after being promised buyers. These initiatives come as Kenya launches a digital warehouse receipt system aimed at revolutionizing how farmers manage and trade their produce. The system seeks to improve market access and financial inclusion for agricultural stakeholders across the country, with the goal of cutting annual food losses estimated at 72 billion shillings. Murkomen Alleges Opposition Hiring Goons to Trigger Chaos: Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has alleged that certain opposition figures are orchestrating public unrest by hiring individuals to incite chaos against the government. Murkomen is being questioned by senators regarding violence that has marred political rallies, with the session aimed at addressing rising concerns over political thuggery. The government faces criticism for its perceived inaction in arresting suspects allegedly responsible for instigating chaos during opposition rallies. Bitok Orders Immediate Readmission Student in Hijab Dispute: Kenya's Ministry of Basic Education has ordered the immediate readmission of a Grade 10 student expelled from Lwak Girls High School for wearing a hijab. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) separately ordered the Ministry of Education to immediately reinstate a Muslim Grade 10 student at St Mary's Lwak Girls in Siaya County who was reportedly sent home for wearing a hijab. Meanwhile, Kenya's Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) has ordered the State Department for Basic Education to eliminate or reduce the Ksh30 SMS placement fee for senior secondary school admissions.