Executives in the manufacturing sector pessimistic about economic growth over the next 12 months: Executives in Kenya's manufacturing sector are expressing significant pessimism regarding economic growth prospects over the upcoming 12 months, signaling concerns about the economic outlook. Kenyan manufacturers are calling on the Kenyan government to implement supportive policies for local industries, emphasizing the potential to significantly boost the nation's GDP. New car owners in Kenya are set to face higher taxes due to increased costs associated with clearing vehicles at the port of Mombasa. Police disperse protesters and arrest one outside National Archives, Nairobi CBD: Police have dispersed protesters and made an arrest outside the National Archives in Nairobi CBD, with the demonstration seemingly aimed at raising awareness on undisclosed issues. Several youths have been arrested in Nairobi while participating in a demonstration, with the exact reasons not immediately clear. Residents of South C are protesting amid fears that a building is at risk of collapse, highlighting growing concerns over building safety in the area. Meanwhile, a discussion on KTN News probes whether existing laws are being weaponized to stifle dissent in Kenya. Nairobi Police Commander Issues Fresh Warning Over 'Reject Fuel Price' Protests: Nairobi police Commander Issa Mohamud announced the arrest of 11 individuals protesting fuel price hikes in the Central Business District on Tuesday, April 21. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed that over 100 organized gangs are actively operating across the nation, posing a significant threat to national security. Meanwhile, Amnesty International warned the National Police Service against using excessive force during planned protests, reminding law enforcement of the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. At the same time, activists and opposition leaders resumed street protests to demand lower fuel prices and address the rising cost of living. The Kenya Association of Manufacturers urged for peaceful demonstrations and protection of businesses, while Kenyan transport groups threatened mass action if their proposals on fuel costs were not met. Nine protesters demonstrate against high cost of fuel in the Nairobi CBD: Nine protesters took to the streets of the Nairobi CBD to voice their frustration over the escalating cost of fuel, joining similar demonstrations that erupted in Nairobi and Mombasa on the same morning. Business owners in the CBD around the Archives area closed their shops in protest against the latest fuel price hikes, with some businesses remaining shut on Wednesday due to ongoing fuel protests. A fuel protest also occurred at the Globe Roundabout, causing significant disruption, while in Mombasa the fuel protest disrupted the typical morning rush at 9 am. Reverend Bernard Obuya has voiced concerns over the escalating fuel costs and their impact on Kenya's economy, calling for immediate relief measures. The National Taxpayers Association issued a warning against inflated Public Service Vehicle fares after the recent fuel price increase. Treasury takes over financial and governance oversight roles at the Kenya Seed Company, AFC: The National Treasury has assumed control of financial and governance oversight for Kenya Seed Company and the Agricultural Finance Corporation, marking a significant intervention in the agricultural sector. This move comes as maize farmers across Kenya are expressing deep concern over a severe shortage of fertilizer, fearing it will significantly impact their harvest yields. In Kitale, maize farmers are specifically expressing concerns over a severe shortage of fertilizer, fearing a significant impact on their upcoming harvest. President William Ruto had announced significant reforms in the Kenyan agricultural sector, highlighting improvements in sugar production and a crackdown on mismanagement. Teachers across Kenya are threatening to go on strike due to dissatisfaction with the SHA program: Teachers across Kenya are threatening to go on strike due to dissatisfaction with the SHA (Sessional Housing Allowance) program, with this industrial action capable of disrupting the education sector if concerns are not addressed. The Kenyan government has ordered the closure of the Kenya Institute of Management and canceled the certificates of thousands of its students nationwide, citing rule violations and invalidation of credentials. The Engineers Board of Kenya is investigating rogue engineers following growing concerns about public safety, with several cases forwarded to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations for further action. International Medical Institution Closed Hours After Govt Closes KIM Campuses: The Nursing Council of Kenya ordered the immediate closure of Northlands International Medical Training College for allegedly offering unapproved nursing courses, issuing a stern warning to the public against enrolling due to its unaccredited status. The Kenya Institute of Management is undergoing an audit following an abrupt order from the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority to close all its campuses and revoke its accreditation. Separately, the Ministry of Health inaugurated a new board for the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening regulatory standards and patient safety. The Kenya Medical Training College will introduce a new Primary Health Care course across all its faculties, integrating it into its curriculum as a mid-level PhD equivalent. Haiti Exit: 150 Officers Leave as Drawdown of Kenya-Led Mission Enters Final Phase: A contingent of 150 Kenyan police officers departed Haiti, marking a significant step in the phased drawdown of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission. Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli visited Kenyan police officers in Haiti as the mission entered its final drawdown phase. In a separate incident, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed that the 13 individuals who attacked Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi on April 8 in Kisumu have fled the country to neighboring nations. High Court Grants Chief Justice's Office 30 Days for Response in Rules Challenge: The High Court has granted the office of the Chief Justice's office and the Judicial Service Commission 30 days to respond to a challenge against key provisions of the Fair Administrative Action Rules, 2024. The High Court in Nairobi is set to deliver its judgment on May 13 in a significant case accusing mobile giant Safaricom PLC of failing to adequately protect subscriber data. Additionally, the High Court in Kiambu lifted temporary orders that had barred the arrest and detention of governors who fail to appear before parliamentary summons, following amendments sought by the petitioners in the case.