KRA Flags Sh23.1bn Tax Claim in Tullow-Auron Deal: The Kenya Revenue Authority is demanding Sh23.1 billion in taxes from Tullow Oil following its 2025 sale of its Kenyan business to Auron Energy E&P Limited. This comes as Kenya's annual inflation rate climbed to 5.6% in April, up from 4.4% in March, driven by increased costs in fuel and transport sectors. Meanwhile, One Petroleum Ltd is blaming the Kenyan government for a scandal involving contaminated fuel, claiming they supplied an emergency cargo based on instructions from the Ministry of Energy. The farm industry, however, is celebrating the prospect of duty-free access to the Chinese market following China's announcement to grant zero-tariff treatment to all African countries with diplomatic ties starting May 1, 2026.

Azziad Makes History as First East African Maybelline Digital Spokesperson: Kenyan content creator Azziad Nasenya has made history by becoming the first East African to be appointed as a Digital Spokesperson for Sub-Saharan Africa by Maybelline New York. This represents a significant milestone for East African representation in the global cosmetics industry. Kenyan Mugithi superstar Samidoh has sparked concern among his fans after sharing a photo of himself in a hospital bed on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, accompanied by a cryptic message about resilience. Meanwhile, Kenyan singer Nadia Mukami has unveiled her latest venture: a multi-million apartment block currently under construction, representing another artist expanding into real estate investment. Nairobi MCA Calls for Stricter Enforcement of Shisha Ban: Nairobi County Assembly Health Committee Chairperson, Hon. Maurice Ochieng, is demanding stronger enforcement of the ban on shisha, citing its resurgence in residential areas and entertainment spots almost nine years after it was prohibited. Kenya Power has announced planned electricity outages across multiple regions, including Nairobi, North Rift, Western, Mt. Kenya, and Coast, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. The maintenance is routine and aims to improve power reliability. George Ruto's newly acquired matatu, branded "Baba Yaga," has been involved in a road crash just a week after beginning operations on the Rongai route.

Kigen's links to Ruto stir debate in Supreme Court judge interviews: Court of Appeal Judge Katwa Kigen faced scrutiny during his Supreme Court judge interview due to his alleged links with President William Ruto. The perceived relationship between Kigen and Ruto, along with his short tenure in the judiciary, stirred debate during the interview process. Meanwhile, a months-long stalemate between the Senate and the Council of Governors has officially ended, with governors agreeing to appear before Senate watchdog committees after months of defiance. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has cancelled his planned tour of London next month and will instead remain in Kenya to oversee nominations.

Airtel Kenya Launches XStream Fibre for Home and Business Users: Airtel Kenya has launched its new XStream Fibre service, offering both Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) and Fibre-to-the-Business (FTTB) solutions with prices starting at KES 1,999. Safaricom has simultaneously upgraded its Home Fibre packages, increasing speeds across most tiers with Bronze now at 40Mbps and Gold hitting 150Mbps, along with substantial discounts. Meanwhile, Amazon Kuiper Kenya Limited has applied to the Communications Authority of Kenya for a Network Facilities Provider Tier 2 licence, setting up direct competition with Elon Musk's Starlink in Kenya's satellite internet market.

Rush at IEBC Centres as Enhanced Voter Registration Closes: Kenyans rushed to Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) centers across Nairobi as the 30-day Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise concluded on April 28. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has successfully concluded its continuous voter registration exercise, registering over 1.8 million new voters. The voter registration exercise in Kenya has officially concluded, marking the end of a significant period for political engagement. Deaths Reported as Floods Wreak Havoc in Nairobi: At least three people are feared dead after being swept away by floodwaters following heavy rains in Nairobi on Monday and Tuesday night. The downpour caused widespread flooding, particularly around the Ruai Bypass, paralyzing transport and submerging roads. The Kenya Defense Forces have been deployed to Nairobi for search-and-rescue operations following extensive flooding caused by ongoing long rains. At least 700 households in Tana River County are facing potential displacement due to rising river levels. The Kenya National Highways Authority has closed a section of the Iten-Kabarnet Road due to a landslide caused by heavy rainfall. US Offers Kenya Multibillion Minerals Partnership Amid Ksh8.1 Trillion Mrima Hill Rare Earth Tender: The United States has formally invited Kenya to join a multibillion-dollar critical minerals partnership, coinciding with Kenya's tender for the valuable Mrima Hill rare earth deposit. President William Ruto has led the opening of an investment conference focused on the mining sector in Kenya. The potential of Kenya's mining sector is the subject of discussion, highlighting key factors needed for its unlocking. Chief Justice Sergon Faces Panel Over Kericho Case Backlog: Chief Justice William Sergon is facing a panel from the Judicial Service Commission regarding the backlog of cases in Kericho. In a related legal development, the High Court in Nakuru has issued a stay of proceedings, preventing a military officer from appearing in court to face murder charges. Separately, a Nakuru High Court murder case has been postponed after ruling that the Kenya Defence Forces officer accused of killing his wife is unfit to stand trial due to mental health concerns. Kenyan Police Conclude Haiti Mission as Final Contingent Returns: The Kenyan police mission in Haiti has officially concluded as the final contingent returned home, marking the end of Kenya's participation in the UN-backed Multinational Security Support mission. Earlier, 150 Police officers from Kenya returned home after their deployment to Haiti, representing the end of their mission as part of an international security effort. Murang’a ECDE Teachers Protest Demand Permanent Employment: Early Childhood Development Education teachers in Murang'a held a demonstration to voice their grievances, specifically demanding to be employed on permanent and pensionable terms. Separately, Cabinet Secretary Adebairy Duale met with Kenyan teachers' union leaders in an effort to avert planned industrial action, addressing grievances and de-escalating tensions that have threatened nationwide strikes. President Ruto Opens Mining Investment Conference: President William Ruto has led the opening of an investment conference focused on the mining sector in Kenya, focusing on developments and opportunities within Kenya's mining sector. During the conference, President Ruto announced that Kenya has climbed to become the 6th largest economy in Africa, up from 8th largest in 2022. Additionally, the Principal Secretary for Cooperatives, Patrick Kilemi, discussed initiatives aimed at revitalizing the nation's struggling coffee sector. Raila Odinga Jr Backs Ruto Development Plans: Raila Odinga Jr has reportedly declared his support for President William Ruto's development plans for Kenya. President William Ruto has been defended by leaders from the Rift Valley region following recent criticisms. Separately, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has successfully concluded its continuous voter registration exercise, registering over 1.8 million new voters.