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HomeDaily NewsSaturday, April 18, 2026
Kenya News - Saturday, April 18, 2026
Daily Summary

Kenya News - Saturday, April 18, 2026

President Ruto has signed a law reducing fuel VAT to 8%, though the government seeks World Bank aid amid rising costs. Former CJ Maraga criticized fuel procurement corruption, while IG Kanja declared banditry a national security threat. Deputy President Gachagua accused MP Mary Maingi of betrayal, causing unrest in Mwea, and threatened protests over proposed petroleum taxes. The IEBC has registered over 1.3 million new voters ahead of July elections, which include the National Youth Council polls. The EACC is expanding its NYS corruption probe with an Embu raid, and 188 impounded motorbikes will be released in Kilifi. COTU's Francis Atwoli threatens a Labour Day boycott over unpaid salaries. NTV Kenya's FridayNightRave will feature musicians Manasseh Shalom and Ras Amor, alongside film stars.

39 stories across 14 topics
Updated 6:19 PM

Top Stories Today

Atwoli Fires Warning to Employers Over Salaries
Diaspora Remittances Hit Ksh58 Billion in March as Inflows Surge 9%
Easy Coach Announces New Bus Fares
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Atwoli Threatens Labour Day Boycott Over Unpaid Salaries - April 2026

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has issued a strong warning to employers regarding salary delays and failure to honour collective bargaining agreements, threatening a boycott of this year's Labour Day celebrations. At the same time, Kenyan diaspora remittances in March 2026 reached a record Ksh58.15 billion, a significant 9.1% increase from the previous month, indicating robust foreign exchange inflows. Easy Coach has announced new bus fares, effective Monday, April 20, 2026, following a fuel price increase by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

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EACC Conducts Embu Raid in Expanding NYS Corruption Probe
Court Rules on Governor’s Decision to Fire Entire Cabinet
Pressure Mounts on IG Kanja as Gachagua demands probe on police collusion with criminal goons
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EACC Conducts Embu Raid in Expanding NYS Corruption Probe - April 2026

Gov’t orders release of 188 motorbikes held for petty offences
Interior Ministry Orders Immediate Release of Some Impounded Boda Bodas
Police Boss Dies After Prolonged Battle With Illness
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Government Orders Release of 188 Impounded Motorbikes in Kilifi - April 2026

IEBC says 1.3Million new voters registered since March 30
Kenya Youth to Vote in July 2026 — Here’s How to Take Part
Kanja condemns political violence, vows tough action on perpetrators
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IEBC Registers 1.3 Million New Voters as Kenya Prepares July Elections - April 2026

Ruto Pushes Back on Development Criticism in Northern Kenya
Ruto dismisses critics as ‘noisemakers and vision-less’
Ruto promises 2-week fix plan on id cards backlog
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President Ruto Defends Development Record in Northern Kenya - April 2026

More News Topics

Rais Ruto ametia saini sheria ya kupunguza VAT kutoka 16% hadi 8% ili kupunguza gharama ya mafuta
Kenya yatafuta msaada wa dharura kukabiliana na gharama ya juu ya mafuta
DP Kindiki accuses opposition of incitement over fuel crisis
Maraga akashifu ufisadi katika mpango wa uagizaji mafuta
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politics6+5 videos

Ruto Signs Law Reducing Fuel VAT From 16% to 8% - April 2026

President William Ruto has signed a new law reducing the Value Added Tax on fuel from 16% to 8%, aiming to lower the cost of fuel for Kenyans. The Kenyan government is simultaneously seeking urgent financial assistance from the World Bank to cushion the economy against rising fuel costs. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has accused the opposition of inciting Kenyans over the fuel crisis while assuring that the government is implementing measures to reduce prices. In a separate development, retired Chief Justice David Maraga has criticized corruption in the fuel procurement program between Kenya and Arab countries.

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Senate flags staff shortages, poor maintenance in County hospitals
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Elburgon Farmer Switches From Maize to Sunflowers Amid Rising Costs - April 2026

A retired Education Officer in Elburgon, Nakuru County, has found significant success and satisfaction by switching from traditional maize farming to cultivating sunflowers, driven by the need to adapt to changing economic conditions. Meanwhile, prices for cooking gas (LPG) have surged significantly in Nairobi, with a 13-kilogramme pack increasing by up to Sh390, reflecting broader cost pressures on consumers. The Senate Health Committee has also raised concerns about underutilised funds in public health facilities across several counties, highlighting financial management challenges in the healthcare sector. These stories collectively illustrate rising costs and financial pressures affecting Kenyan households, farmers, and public services.

Junior Starlets keen to finish the job against Namibia in WCQ
Rausha Kipaji enters knockout stage
SPL Title Race: No room for slip up for Leopards and Gor Mahia
Kenya’s Junior Starlets chase U-17 World Cup qualification vs Namibia return leg today
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sports6
Rais Ruto ametia saini sheria ya kupunguza VAT kutoka 16% hadi 8% ili kupunguza gharama ya mafuta
Kenya yatafuta msaada wa dharura kukabiliana na gharama ya juu ya mafuta
Maraga akashifu ufisadi katika mpango wa uagizaji mafuta
Kanja aonya wahuni, ataja uhuni tishio kwa usalama wa taifa
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Champions GSU win to keep play-off hopes alive
Ulinzi clash with Umoja in KBF League encounter
Elite national sports talent camp officially kicks off in Nairobi
sports3

GSU Win Keeps Play-Off Hopes Alive in Volleyball League - April 2026

Kenya’s Junior Starlets chase U-17 World Cup qualification vs Namibia return leg today
KCB Women’s Volleyball dominate ARSU Ladies at Africa Club Championship in Cairo
FKF Nairobi East pledges grassroots coach and referee development to raise football standards
video3+3 videos
Shujaa bow out of Hong Kong Sevens after loss to South Africa
Poor show for Shujaa at Hong Kong Sevens
Shujaa edge USA to book South Africa in Hong Kong 7s quarterfinals
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Shujaa Bow Out of Hong Kong Sevens After Loss to South Africa - April 2026

Squatters storm governor’s office over land allocation row
Couple blames Judiciary after land case file disappears
Uhasama yatanda Mwea baada ya Gachagua kumuita mbunge Mary Maingi msaliti wa Mlima Kenya
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Squatters Storm Kwale Governor's Office Over Land Allocation Row - April 2026

News by Category

business

3 stories

Elburgon Farmer Switches From Maize to Sunflowers Amid Rising Costs: A retired Education Officer in Elburgon, Nakuru County, has found significant success and satisfaction by switching from traditional maize farming to cultivating sunflowers. At the same time, cooking gas prices in Nairobi surged by up to Sh390 for a 13-kilogramme pack, reflecting broader cost-of-living pressures. Meanwhile, the Senate Health Committee raised concerns about staff shortages, underutilised funds, and poor maintenance in public health facilities across several counties, highlighting infrastructure challenges affecting Kenyan citizens. These stories collectively reflect the economic pressures and adaptive responses faced by Kenyans across different sectors - from agriculture to energy to public services.

Based on 3 stories from today's coverage

politics

8 stories

Ruto Signs Law Reducing Fuel VAT From 16% to 8%: President William Ruto has signed a new law reducing the Value Added Tax on fuel from 16% to 8%, aiming to lower fuel costs for Kenyans. The Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has accused the opposition of inciting Kenyans over the current fuel crisis, assuring that the government is implementing measures to reduce prices. Simultaneously, the Kenyan government is seeking urgent financial assistance from the World Bank to cushion the economy against rising fuel costs. These actions come amid ongoing concerns about fuel pricing and availability in Kenya. Wetang'ula Warns Governors Against Ignoring Parliamentary Summons: National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has issued a stern warning to governors, cautioning them against ignoring parliamentary summons related to public fund expenditure. This follows controversy over the fuel crisis, with former Chief Justice David Maraga criticizing alleged corruption in fuel procurement deals between Kenya and Arab countries. At the same time, the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has declared escalating thuggery and banditry a significant threat to national security.

Based on 8 stories from today's coverage

sports

4 stories

Junior Starlets Host Namibia in U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier: The Junior Starlets are set to host Namibia today at Ulinzi Sports Complex in the return leg of their 2026 FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup qualifier, holding a narrow 2-1 lead from the first leg away win. Meanwhile, reigning champions General Service Unit kept their playoff hopes alive with a decisive straight-sets victory over Prions Nairobi in the Kenya Volleyball Federation National League. Ulinzi Warriors also face Umoja Basketball Club in a Kenya Basketball Federation League match at Ulinzi Sport Complex. At the same time, the SportPesa Premier League title race intensifies as AFC Leopards prepare to face defending champions Kenya Police, with only seven matches remaining in the 2025-2026 season.

Based on 4 stories from today's coverage

top

24 stories

Ruto Signs Law Reducing Fuel VAT from 16% to 8%: President William Ruto has signed a new law that reduces the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16% to 8%, aiming to lower the cost of fuel for Kenyans. Meanwhile, the Kenyan government is seeking urgent financial assistance from the World Bank to cushion the economy against the rising cost of fuel. In a separate development, former Chief Justice David Maraga criticized corruption in the fuel procurement scheme between Kenya and Arab countries. Additionally, Kenya's Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has declared the escalating "uhuni" (thuggery and banditry) across the nation a significant threat to national security. Gachagua Accuses MP Mary Maingi of Betrayal, Sparking Unrest in Mwea: A controversial statement by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked unrest in Mwea, following his accusation of betrayal against area Member of Parliament Mary Maingi. Separately, chaos erupted during a meeting led by Deputy President Gachagua in Kikuyu, Kiambu County. Furthermore, Gachagua has threatened to lead protests if the proposed taxes on petroleum products are not removed from the new law. FridayNightRave Showcases Kenyan Music on NTV Kenya: The article announces the upcoming FridayNightRave event featuring HopeKid and Melody, inviting viewers to watch NTV Kenya live for news and engaging content. Manasseh Shalom, a musician, is set to be featured on NTV Kenya's FridayNightRave, with the segment exploring his journey from playing string instruments to his current musical soul. The stars of the film 'Boda Love', Marima and Duncun, will also be featured live on FridayNightRave. Additionally, Ras Amor, a name resonating with authentic Kenyan vibes, is highlighted in this NTV Kenya segment. IEBC Registers 1.3 Million New Voters as Kenya Prepares July Elections: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has registered 1,370,930 new voters since launching its Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise on March 30, 2026, with 495,429 registrations occurring in just one week. Kenya is set to hold its first National Youth Council (NYC) elections in 14 years, scheduled from July 5 to July 27, 2026, aiming to elect youth representatives to influence policy and promote youth employment. Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has strongly condemned a recent surge in political violence and attacks on security installations across Kenya, vowing decisive legal action against all implicated individuals regardless of their influence. EACC Conducts Embu Raid in Expanding NYS Corruption Probe: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) conducted a court-authorized search at a hotel in Embu as part of an expanding probe into alleged corruption at the National Youth Service (NYS). The Employment and Labour Relations Court has issued interim orders reinstating 11 senior officials of Bungoma County who were recently fired by Governor Kenneth Lusaka, ruling on the governor's decision to dismiss his entire cabinet. A university student was separately charged with hacking a journalist's WhatsApp account in Mombasa, highlighting the growing threat of cybercrime in Kenya. Government Orders Release of 188 Impounded Motorbikes in Kilifi: The Kenyan Government has ordered the immediate release of 188 motorbikes impounded for minor traffic offences in Kilifi County, a move aimed at alleviating financial strain on boda boda operators and protecting their livelihoods. The Interior Ministry issued this directive to support boda boda operators and restore their means of transportation. This action follows public outcry over the impoundment that had affected many local riders. Atwoli Threatens Labour Day Boycott Over Unpaid Salaries: COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has issued a strong warning to employers regarding salary delays and failure to honour collective bargaining agreements, threatening a boycott of this year's Labour Day celebrations. Easy Coach simultaneously announced new bus fares effective Monday, April 20, 2026, following a fuel price increase by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). These developments highlight growing labor tensions and economic pressures on workers and commuters.

Saturday, April 18, 2026

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has conducted a court-authorized search at a hotel in Embu as part of an expanding probe into alleged corruption at the National Youth Service. The Employment and Labour Relations Court has issued interim orders reinstating 11 senior officials of Bungoma County who were recently fired by Governor Kenneth Lusaka, ruling on the governor's decision to fire entire cabinet. This comes as democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua demands an investigation into alleged collusion between the National Police Service under Inspector General Douglas Kanja and criminal gangs.

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The Kenyan Government has ordered the immediate release of 188 motorbikes impounded for minor traffic offences in Kilifi County, a move aimed at alleviating financial strain on boda boda operators and protecting their livelihoods. This directive follows the Interior Ministry's order for immediate release of some impounded Boda Bodas. Separately, Kitutu Central Sub-County Police Commander Kazungu Charo has passed away after a prolonged illness, with the National Police Service mourning the loss of the senior officer.

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The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has registered 1,370,930 new voters since launching its Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise on March 30, 2026, with 495,429 new registrations recorded in just one week. Kenya is set to hold its first National Youth Council elections in 14 years, scheduled from July 5 to July 27, 2026. This democratic process aims to elect youth representatives to influence policy and promote youth employment. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has separately condemned a recent surge in political violence and attacks on security installations across Kenya, vowing decisive legal action against all implicated individuals regardless of their influence.

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President William Ruto has defended his administration's development initiatives in northern Kenya, attributing current challenges to 60 years of historical neglect rather than recent policy failures. During his tour of Mandera County, he strongly criticized his political opponents, labeling them as noisemakers and vision-less. The President has also ordered immediate reforms to address a national identity card backlog, aiming to resolve the issue within one to two weeks.

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Junior Starlets Host Namibia in U-17 Women's World Cup Qualifier - April 2026

The Junior Starlets are set to host Namibia today at Ulinzi Sports Complex in the return leg of their 2026 Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup qualifier. The Kenyan team holds a narrow 2-1 lead from the first leg away win. Meanwhile, the Rausha Kipaji Football tournament in Nakuru has advanced to its knockout stages, with several academies and schools securing spots in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. Additionally, the SportPesa Premier League title race is intensifying as AFC Leopards prepare to face defending champions Kenya Police, with only seven matches remaining in the 2025-2026 season.

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+5 videos

Ruto Signs Law Reducing Fuel VAT from 16% to 8% - April 2026

President William Ruto has signed a new law that reduces the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16% to 8%, aiming to lower the cost of fuel for Kenyans. The Kenyan government is simultaneously seeking urgent financial assistance from the World Bank to cushion the economy against the rising cost of fuel. Former Chief Justice David Maraga has criticized corruption in the fuel procurement deal between Kenya and Arab nations. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has declared the escalating thuggery across the nation a significant threat to national security, as police warn youth against plans to protest fuel price increases.

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Reigning champions General Service Unit (GSU) kept their playoff hopes alive with a decisive straight-sets victory over Prisons Nairobi in the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) National League. At the same time, Ulinzi Warriors are set to face Umoja Basketball Club in a key Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) League match today at Ulinzi Sport Complex. The Elite National Sports Camp has also officially commenced in Nairobi, serving as a platform to nurture over 600 promising young athletes.

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Junior Starlets Face Namibia in U-17 World Cup Qualifier - April 2026

Kenya's Junior Starlets are set to play the second leg of their U-17 Women's World Cup qualification match against Namibia today, aiming to secure their spot in the global tournament. Kenyan volleyball club KCB Women's Volleyball secured a dominant victory against ARSU Ladies at the Africa Club Championship held in Cairo. The Football Kenya Federation Nairobi East branch has announced a commitment to grassroots development initiatives aimed at improving football standards within the region.

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The Kenya Sevens team, also known as Shujaa, has been eliminated from the Hong Kong Sevens competition after a narrow 26-22 loss to South Africa in the Main Cup quarterfinals on Saturday afternoon. Prior to this, Kenya Sevens began their campaign for promotion back to the World Rugby Sevens Series on a disappointing note, suffering two consecutive losses against Australia and New Zealand, leaving them at the bottom of Group C. However, the team secured a dramatic comeback win against the USA to advance to the quarterfinals before their elimination by South Africa.

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Squatters associated with the Muoroto Development Group stormed the Kwale County governor's office, protesting alleged irregularities in land allocation. Meanwhile, a Kenyan couple has expressed frustration and blamed the Judiciary after their crucial land case file mysteriously vanished from the High Court in Nakuru. In Mwea, controversy erupted when Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused area Member of Parliament Mary Maingi of betrayal, sparking unrest in the region known for its rice irrigation scheme.

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Based on 24 stories from today's coverage
Kenya, Uganda unite communities to restore Mount Elgon ecosystem and curb degradation
CS Murkomen launches plan to restore Cherangany ecosystem
Makueni adopts flour fortification with WFP to fight malnutrition and hidden hunger
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Kenya, Uganda Unite to Restore Mount Elgon Ecosystem - April 2026

Kenya and Uganda are joining forces in a significant cross-border initiative to restore the degraded Mount Elgon ecosystem. Cabinet Secretary Murkomen has officially launched a vital plan aimed at restoring the Cherangany ecosystem. Separately, the Makueni County government has partnered with the World Food Programme to launch a flour fortification program aimed at combating malnutrition and hidden hunger within the region.

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