Kenya Eyes Export Boost from China Zero-Tariff Deal: Kenya is poised to significantly boost exports to China following the implementation of a China zero-tariff policy on May 1, with a high-level symposium held in Nairobi to strategize for this new trade opportunity. Kenya's avocado exports are projected to see significant growth by 2026, with an estimated increase of 7.4 percent, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Separately, the Nairobi Securities Exchange is planning to attract investors from the Middle East and Asia to enhance market resilience and broaden its foreign capital base. The Kenya Revenue Authority is also set to integrate its iCMS and iTax systems from May 2026, automating the syncing of export declarations with Value Added Tax returns to enhance compliance. BP Profits More Than Double as Iran War Sends Oil Prices Higher: BP's profits more than doubled in the first quarter of the year, reaching $3.2bn, largely driven by a surge in oil prices following the conflict with Iran. Global military spending reached a record 2.89 trillion U.S. dollars in 2025, marking the eleventh consecutive year of growth, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. In contrast, the accessories chain Claire's has closed all 154 standalone stores in the UK and Ireland, resulting in over 1,300 job losses. Kiharu TVET to Build Sh234mn Hostels to Ease Housing Shortage: President William Ruto has officially launched a Sh234 million student hostel project at Kiharu Technical and Vocational College in Murang'a, aimed at addressing accommodation shortages for trainees. The Iten Affordable Housing Project in Iten, renowned as the 'Home of Champions,' has reached 57% completion, aiming to address a housing shortage and boost the local economy. Meanwhile, the Migori Airstrip, also known as Lichota Airstrip, is undergoing a Sh300 million upgrade set for completion in December, significantly enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism and trade in Western Kenya. Additionally, the Mageta Solar Mini Grid project, costing Sh232 million, has brought significant economic and social transformation to Mageta Island in Siaya County, commissioned by President Ruto in 2024. China Blocks Meta's $2bn Acquisition of AI Start-up Manus: China's regulators have blocked Meta's $2 billion acquisition of AI start-up Manus, requiring the parties to withdraw the transaction. At the same time, Japan Airlines is trialing humanoid robots at Tokyo's Haneda airport for ground handling tasks to alleviate employee workload. A growing number of users are frustrated with the presence of AI-generated music on Spotify, leading to the development of third-party tools to filter it out.

Videos Surface Claiming Wakavinye Never Loved Njugush: Kenyan social media is abuzz following resurfaced video of couple Timothy Kimani (Njugush) and Celestine Ndinda discussing their early relationship, with viewers claiming they always knew Wakavinye never loved Njugush. In a separate development, Celestine Ndinda stepped out for the first time with her son after publicly announcing separation from Njugush. Meanwhile, popular content creator and YouTuber Elodie Zone announced her engagement, revealing a stunning custom diamond ring. Kamene Goro Criticizes DJ Bonez For Absence During 36-Day Hospitalization: Media personality Kamene Goro publicly expressed disappointment and confusion over her husband DJ Bonez not being present during her 36-day hospital stay, which included time in the ICU where she was given only six hours to live. Further developments emerged when a man claiming to be Kamene Goro's cousin surfaced on X, accusing her of lying about her husband abandoning her during that difficult time. At the same time, content creator Terence Creative, real name Lawrence Mwangi, officially denied allegations of sexual assault, stating the claims were false and interactions with the complainant were purely professional, choosing to pursue legal action.

Gachagua Drops Reinstatement Bid, Seeks Compensation in Court: Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has shifted his legal strategy in his impeachment battle, dropping a bid for reinstatement and instead pursuing a claim for compensation and benefits. The legal battle challenging his removal has officially begun at the Milimani High Court, with Gachagua arguing he was removed unconstitutionally. Meanwhile, speculation continues about whether Gachagua will be eligible to contest for the presidency in 2027, arising from ongoing discussions and potential legal interpretations surrounding his qualifications and political future. ODM Leaders Push for Deputy President Slot Amid Internal Rivalries: Leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement are pushing for the party to secure the Deputy President slot in future power-sharing arrangements, amidst growing internal divisions and coalition negotiations. A significant rivalry has emerged between Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM leader Oburu Oginga over the party's leadership, a dispute that has been brewing for years and intensified after the death of Raila Odinga. Despite these internal tensions, ODM Party leaders have stated they will not be intimidated and are resolute in their commitment to work with President Ruto.

Teacher Strikes Threaten Second Term Learning: The second term of the school year in Kenya began with unease as primary school teachers staged protests, with some teachers threatening to strike over ongoing issues with their health insurance. These strikes by Kenyan teachers threaten to disrupt the second school term, with educators demanding improved remuneration and better working conditions, potentially leading to significant educational setbacks. IEBC Says Voter Registration Concludes Tomorrow, No Extension: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has announced that the nationwide mass voter registration exercise will officially conclude tomorrow, Tuesday, with no extensions planned. Political leaders from the UDA party are urging the IEBC to extend the voter registration period, citing low registration rates among youth in Busia County. In Awendo, Migori County, a significant number of residents are unable to register as voters due to a lack of identification documents. Meanwhile, on the final day of the voter registration drive, a significant number of youth in Kahawa West turned out to register as voters, with Kenyans reportedly using their last moments before sleep to register as voters, indicating a surge in civic engagement ahead of the deadline. Kenya Ends Haiti Security Mission as Final Police Contingent Withdraws: Kenya has officially concluded its Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, marking the withdrawal of its final police contingent after an 18-month deployment aimed at restoring stability. Kenyan officials, including CS Kipchumba Murkomen and IG Douglas Kanja, visited Haiti to commend police officers as the mission concluded its drawdown phase. They traveled to oversee the final drawdown of Kenyan police officers in the UN-mandated mission amid investigations into Kenyan officers. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta is separately attending the Tana Forum on Security in Africa in Accra, Ghana, a high-level forum convening leaders to discuss African-led solutions to peace and security challenges on the continent. Duale Urges Coordinated African Response to Rising Non-Communicable Diseases: Kenyan Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has called for an intensified, coordinated continental response to the escalating crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), injuries, and mental health conditions across Africa. Kenya is grappling with a significant public health crisis, recording over 19,000 snakebite cases annually, resulting in more than 1,000 deaths according to Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Civil servants and teachers in Kenya are expressing deep frustration with the new Social Health Authority (SHA), which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), leading to widespread dissatisfaction and threats of industrial action. KAA Unveils Plans for Major Infrastructural Upgrades at JKIA, Moi Airports: The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has launched a multi-billion tender program for significant upgrades across various Kenyan airports and airstrips, including JKIA and Moi International Airport. The Kenyan government is seeking to acquire land in Gigiri, Nairobi, to construct a new multi-storey office block that will house United Nations agencies. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will integrate export data from its Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS) directly into VAT returns filed on the iTax platform, effective May 1, 2026. Kenya and India have separately signed a new customs agreement to facilitate trade, enhancing the flow of goods across a market valued at Ksh282 billion. Kenya Crowned Best Team in Africa During First Round of World Rafting Championship: Kenya has been crowned the best team in Africa following the first round of the World Rafting Championship, marking a proud moment for the nation's athletes on the international stage. Africa's fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, is making a resurgence in his career, sharing insights into his journey and recent triumphs. In football, the Kenya Police Bullets are one step closer to retaining their title after a decisive 3-0 victory over their closest rivals, Ulinzi Starlets, in a crucial women's Premier League match. Kenyan runner Hellen Obiri has attributed the slower-than-expected race pace to a lack of teamwork among athletes, expressing her disappointment with the dynamic during the recent competition. Additionally, Kenya's General Service Unit (GSU) volleyball team suffered a straight-sets defeat in Kigali. Chaos as Nairobi Estates Hit by Floods After Overnight Rains: Heavy overnight rains have caused significant flooding in several areas of Nairobi, disrupting transportation and inundating residential estates on Monday night and into Tuesday morning. The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has issued a warning for persistent heavy rains and potential floods and landslides across several counties until May 1. A CityLink Aviation Ltd aircraft crashed approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Juba, South Sudan, on Monday, killing all 14 people on board, including two Kenyan nationals. NTSA Issues Notice to All Motorists on Vehicle Design and Modification: The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has released an updated list of approved vehicle body builders for motor vehicles in Kenya, directing owners, particularly bus and matatu operators, to use only these licensed firms for modifications. Kenya's Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is enhancing its Fuel Integrity Solution (FIS), a technology-driven system designed to combat fuel adulteration, smuggling, and tax evasion. EPRA has also announced the initiation of a Petroleum Cost Recovery Audit for oil production companies in Turkana, set to commence in December. FKF Leadership Crisis Deepens Amid Sh42 Million Questions: Leadership wrangles are reportedly rocking the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), with significant questions arising over a sum of Sh42 million. The FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) has presented evidence to corruption watchdog agencies amidst an ongoing probe, with this internal conflict leading to the temporary closure of the FKF head office. Gachagua Legal Battle Begins at High Court: The legal battle challenging the removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially begun at the Milimani High Court, with Gachagua stating he was removed contrary to the Constitution. The Kenyan political landscape is buzzing with speculation about whether Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will be eligible to contest for the presidency in 2027, arising from ongoing discussions and potential legal interpretations surrounding his qualifications and political future. ODM Party leaders have stated they will not be intimidated and are resolute in their commitment to work with President Ruto amid potential pressures regarding their alliance.