China Scraps Tariffs for All But One African Nation: China is set to remove tariffs for 53 African countries, excluding Eswatini, as part of a policy expansion effective Friday, May 1st, lasting until April 30, 2028. This trade policy expansion represents a significant development in China-Africa economic relations. In contrast, the High Court in Eldoret dismissed a case filed by Green Planet Initiative 2050 Foundation against Earthbanc AB concerning the Regeneration Kenya Project, ruling in favor of Earthbanc and finding the plaintiff's claims lacked merit while ordering them to pay legal costs. Separately, Apple announced record sales growth in the first quarter with its iPhone 17 launch described as the most popular launch in Apple's history, with overall sales jumping 17% to $111bn driven significantly by a 28% increase in China. Ruto Announces Up to 15pc Wage Increase for Workers on Labour Day: President William Ruto announced a wage increase for Kenyan workers on May 1st, coinciding with Labour Day, to help mitigate the rising cost of living. This announcement comes amid ongoing economic pressures facing Kenyan households. The timing of the announcement on International Workers' Day underscores the government's focus on labor welfare. Separately, Naivas Supermarket CEO Andreas von Paleske outlined a strategic expansion plan focusing on people and partnerships to transform the retailer into a regional powerhouse. Meanwhile, a senior official at the Kenya Revenue Authority has vehemently denied circulating online claims targeting Commissioner George Obel, which falsely stated he was under investigation for unexplained wealth totaling Sh30 billion. Safaricom Boosts Home Fibre Speeds by Up to 2.5 Times: Safaricom has significantly upgraded its Home Fibre internet speeds by up to 2.5 times for all packages, with no increased cost to customers. This enhancement comes as Kenya demonstrates remarkable leadership in artificial intelligence adoption, with a significant majority of its internet users actively engaging with AI tools according to a new report. The surge in AI usage positions Kenya to attract further investment and accelerate growth in its digital economy. Additionally, the World Health Summit Regional Meeting convened in Nairobi with over 2,000 delegates from more than 50 countries discussing reimagining African health systems.

Mudavadi, Oparanya Lead Ruto's Re-election Push at Vihiga Labour Day Rally: The 61st Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County were dominated by political endorsements for President William Ruto's re-election bid, shifting focus from workers' rights to early succession politics. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli used the occasion at Friends School Chavakali to lead chants asserting Kenya's strength and progress. Simultaneously, Atwoli urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to stop premature political rallies, warning that ongoing political escalations could lead to unrest that disproportionately harms workers. These developments highlight how Labour Day became a platform for 2027 election positioning rather than traditional labor advocacy.

Kenya Basketball Play-off Race Intensifies as Volleyball, Boxing Events also Advance: The race for play-off slots in the Kenya Basketball Federation Men and Women's Premier League is intensifying as the first leg of the 2026 season draws to a close, with teams pushing for crucial victories to secure positions in the top eight. Meanwhile, Nakuru is all set to host a boxing tournament this afternoon at K-Fitness Gym to commemorate Labour Day, featuring six professional fights aimed at promoting the sport at the grassroots. Additionally, Kenya's Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has been eliminated from the Confederation of Africa Volleyball (CAVB) Men's Club Championship after a 3-1 loss to Rwanda's Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the quarter-finals, dashing Kenya's dream of trophy. These three stories represent different sporting disciplines where Kenyan athletes and teams are competing at various levels.

Ruto Announces Salary Increase for All Kenyan Workers: President William Ruto announced a significant increase in minimum wages during the 2026 Labour Day celebrations in Vihiga County, marking a historic first as the national event was held outside Nairobi at Friends School Chavakali High. The celebrations drew thousands of workers nationwide, with security heightened at the venue. Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli pushed Ruto's administration over delayed Labour treaties, citing broken promises on international labour convention ratification. Meanwhile, several employers face prosecution for failing to remit mandatory training levies to the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA). New Dates, Routes for 300KM Mau Summit-Malaba Highway: President William Ruto announced an extension of the Mau Summit-Malaba expressway, with tenders and construction set to begin before the end of the year. He also approved the construction of new railway stations along the Naivasha-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension, allocating Ksh 250 million for a station in Luanda, Vihiga County, following public outcry. Separately, Kenya's Ministry of Trade and Investments temporarily increased the permissible sulphur content in fuel for six months, raising concerns about effects on vehicles and the environment. Ogamba Warns School Principals Over Fees Guidelines Violation: Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba has issued a stern warning to school principals who are reportedly overcharging parents on school fees, violating government guidelines. A significant school fees scandal has rocked Kenya, with reports revealing alleged mismanagement and discrepancies in fee collection and utilization. Meanwhile, the Mirithu Girls' Secondary School in Kiambu has been temporarily closed after a devastating fire destroyed the students' dormitories. Teachers in Kenya are expected to benefit from major improvements in the SHA program, including comprehensive medical services and special compensation. Kuppet leaders from Vihiga and Kisumu counties have outlined their expectations ahead of Labour Day, focusing on addressing labor concerns. Fuel Quality Standards Lowered for Six Months: The Kenyan Ministry of Trade and Industry has temporarily lowered fuel quality standards for the next six months, extending until October. This decision aims to address current fuel supply challenges in the country. MOJA Expressway Suspends Toll Fees Due to Severe Flooding on Mombasa Road: The Nairobi Expressway temporarily waived toll fees for motorists exiting via the Southern Bypass and Eastern Bypass (Exit A) due to severe flooding on Mombasa Road. Heavy overnight rains caused widespread flooding across Nairobi, rendering key transport routes impassable and disrupting daily life on Saturday, May 1. A tragic head-on collision along the Narok-Bomet highway resulted in 4 dead and several injured. The Kenya Meteorological Department reported that heavy rains will significantly ease by mid-May 2026, providing respite after weeks of downpours. TSC Orders Nationwide Teacher Redistribution: The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has ordered an immediate nationwide redistribution of teachers to address significant staffing imbalances across schools in Kenya. The TSC also announced the inclusion of In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment under the Social Health Authority (SHA) Mwalimu Comprehensive Cover for teachers. The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) opened applications for 126 courses from KCSE graduates, targeting C- students with a deadline of May 6 through KUCCPS. African Nations to Benefit From China's Two-Year Zero-Tariff Regime: China will extend its zero-tariff treatment to all African nations it has diplomatic relations with for a two-year period, from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2028. Uganda's King of the Bamasaba, Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma, visited Kenya to strengthen cross-border cultural ties between the Bagishu in Uganda and the Bukusu community in Kenya. Kenya joined global and regional powers including the African Union, EU, and IGAD in calling for an immediate humanitarian truce and sustained ceasefire in Sudan following talks in Berlin. President Ruto Announces 12% Wage Increase for General Workers: President William Ruto has announced significant wage increases, with general wages set to rise by 12% and agricultural wages by 15%. The President addressed the nation during the 61st Labour Day celebrations held in Vihiga, marking a significant national event focused on workers' rights. The event saw President Ruto leading the nation in celebrating Labour Day alongside thousands of Kenyan workers at Chavakali High School in Vihiga county. Cabinet Secretary Mithika Mutua informed President Ruto that the Kenyan labour sector has experienced significant growth, citing that figures don't lie. Security was heightened at Chavakali Boys High School in Vihiga as the institution prepared to host the Labour Day celebrations.