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.