Kenya's Treasury CS John Mbadi has ruled out new taxes in the Finance Bill 2026, shifting focus to improving revenue collection efficiency by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

• The government aims to enhance tax compliance and reduce leakages, particularly in areas like rental income.
• Key individuals involved include Treasury CS John Mbadi and officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).
• This strategy shift follows public backlash against previous tax increases and increased KRA scrutiny on mobile money transactions and tax filings.

Vivo Energy Kenya, the distributor for Shell stations, is addressing temporary fuel shortages across its network, attributing the issue to an unexpected surge in customer demand.

• Vivo Energy Kenya is working to quickly replenish fuel stocks at affected stations.
• The shortages follow a warning from Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi against fuel hoarding.
• Vivo Energy Kenya reassures the public that these are temporary stock-outs and normal availability will be restored.

Kenya's Treasury plans to utilize the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) to stabilize fuel prices, rejecting calls for direct subsidies.

• The PDL, currently set at Ksh5.40 per litre, will be used to absorb costs and prevent sharp increases.
• Treasury CS John Mbadi confirmed this approach, diverging from former government policies.
• Industry players like the Petroleum Outlets Association of Kenya (POAK) warn of potential shortages, with an estimated 20% of stations already facing supply issues.

President William Ruto has reassured Kenyans that the government has implemented measures to secure fuel and commodity supplies amidst rising Middle East tensions.

• The Kenyan government is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with regional partners and industry stakeholders to ensure steady fuel availability.
• President Ruto warned against artificial shortages and profiteering, vowing firm action against exploiters.
• The Government-to-Government (G-to-G) oil import arrangement, introduced in 2023, is highlighted as a key factor stabilizing prices and easing pressure on the exchange rate.