Kenya’s Industrial Growth Slowed by Weak Infrastructure, Skills Gaps: A new report by the Business Council for Africa reveals that Kenya's industrial growth is significantly hampered by inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of skilled labor, despite strengths in digital finance. Meanwhile, contractors in Kenya's Affordable Housing Programme are projected to earn Sh86.5 billion in profits, a figure significantly higher than international standards for taxpayer-funded projects. The nation also faces a fuel crisis, with the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum defending the decision to reintroduce higher-sulphur fuel amid supply disruptions. Treasury Proposes Eliminating eCitizen Fees for Small Transactions: Kenya's National Treasury has proposed new regulations that could eliminate convenience fees for transactions below Sh100 on the eCitizen platform, aiming to make government service payments more accessible. However, in a conflicting move, the government also plans to double the e-Citizen convenience fee to Sh100 through a tiered system based on service cost, despite previous legal challenges and concerns raised by the Auditor-General. The proposals come as Kenya faces multiple economic challenges, including a fuel crisis attributed to technical and administrative issues in the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, and a report revealing that Kenya's industrial growth is hampered by inadequate infrastructure and skilled labor shortages.

Cryptocurrency Fraud Suspect Granted Seven-Day Detention: A Nairobi court has granted seven-day detention for Dickson Ndege Nyakango to facilitate investigations into an alleged multi-million-shilling cryptocurrency fraud scheme. The suspect was produced in court as authorities pursue the investigation. Separately, Goffrey Mosiria rescued a 14-year-old Ethiopian girl in Nairobi who was allegedly married off at age 12 to an elderly man, saving her from a forced child marriage. Meanwhile, the father of slain teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang has spoken out about his family's struggles following his son's death in police custody in June 2025, claiming public support waned after he thanked President William Ruto for condolences. Khalif Kairo Explains Rejecting TikTok Support For Mother's Funeral: Kenyan businessman and social media personality Khalif Kairo has explained his decision to decline financial support from TikTok users for his mother's funeral, discussing the reasons behind his choice in an interview. In the same interview, Kairo showcased his KSh400,000 watch while discussing luxury, grief, and self-reliance. At the same time, digital commentator Andrew Kibe revealed that his KSh500,000 monthly salary from Kiss 100 was "rubbish" and evaporated within a day due to high expenses in Kenya. Turning to music, Kenyan rap star King Kaka celebrated his 39th birthday by reflecting on a near-death experience and announcing an upcoming memoir.

Tribunal Freezes ODM Disciplinary Outcome Against Sifuna: The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has halted the implementation of any disciplinary outcomes by the Orange Democratic Movement regarding Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who faces potential removal as Secretary-General. The tribunal's ruling prevents ODM from enforcing disciplinary measures while the dispute is ongoing. This development occurs amid ODM's announcement to overhaul its party primaries to ensure fairness and transparency, responding to legacy issues of flawed elections and declining candidate confidence. Simultaneously, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo have accused police and hired goons of targeting supporters of their ODM Linda Mwanachi faction in Kisumu. Separately, the High Court declined to penalize political parties for illegal recruitment of members after ruling that electronic evidence provided by petitioners was inadmissible.

Mastercard Partners Yellow Card to Advance Stablecoin Payments Across Africa and EEMEA: Mastercard has partnered with Yellow Card to boost the adoption of stablecoin payments across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA). Further, African governments are being urged to treat telecommunications as a core economic pillar and reduce taxes to enhance digital inclusion across the continent. Meanwhile, Kenya's Treasury is proposing a new tiered structure for the eCitizen convenience fee, potentially doubling the maximum charge from KES 50 to KES 100, aiming to replace the flat fee that was previously struck down by the courts.

President Ruto Bids Farewell to Monica Juma: President William Ruto formally bid farewell to Kenya's outgoing National Security Advisor, Ambassador Monica Juma, on May 6, 2026, as she takes up significant leadership roles at the United Nations. At the same ceremony, President Ruto officially received Letters of Credence from three new ambassadors to Kenya at State House, Nairobi, marking a transition in Kenya's diplomatic corps. Economic Survey reveals Sh5.2bn in unclaimed assets: The 2025 Economic Survey highlights a significant increase in unclaimed financial assets, now totaling over Sh5.2 billion, a rise from the Sh4.3 billion recorded last year. The report also indicates a growing county debt and a decline in real wages. Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has emphasized the crucial role of Kenyan diaspora investments in driving the nation's economic growth. Separately, The Star newspaper reveals details of President William Ruto's administration's significant election budget, highlighting the substantial financial allocation planned for electoral processes. Parliament Announces Public Hearings on Sh4.78 Trillion Budget Across 16 Counties: The National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee is holding public hearings in 16 counties to gather input on the proposed Sh4.78 trillion budget for the 2026/27 financial year. The Treasury has allocated Ksh50.6 billion to the Affordable Housing Units project for the same period, representing a significant decrease from previous years. Additionally, the Treasury is increasing fees for government services accessed via the eCitizen platform, with charges now set to range up to Ksh100 per service. Armed Attacker Killed in Botched Carjacking Near Mtito Andei: A planned carjacking on the Mombasa-Kampala highway near Mtito Andei turned deadly on May 7 when an armed robber posing as disabled was killed during a struggle. Kenyan police are urging transit drivers to be extra vigilant after the foiled carjacking resulted in one suspect being fatally injured. In a separate development, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has vowed sustained government action against recent killings and organized crime in Kitui County, calling the incidents barbaric. Wandayi says fuel shortage resolved, cites technical hitch: Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has announced that the recent fuel shortage has been resolved, attributing it to an administrative and technical hitch. However, Kenyans are expressing widespread frustration over a persistent fuel shortage across the country, with Nairobi and other major towns reportedly affected. Information and Communication Technology Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo has stated that there is adequate fuel supply. The private sector in Kenya faced significant pressure in April as escalating fuel prices, influenced by the Middle East conflict, led to increased business expenses and a downturn in consumer spending. Kindiki assures Kitui of tighter security after deadly attacks: Following recent deadly attacks in Kitui County, Kenya's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has pledged enhanced security measures, assuring residents that government security agencies have been directed to bolster their efforts to prevent further violence. Residents of Embu town are expressing growing concern over a recent surge in crime, citing a perceived breakdown in law and order. A family in Homa Bay is separately demanding an investigation by the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) into the death of their relative while in police custody. The Situation Room probes Ministry of Land graft accusations: The Ministry of Land is under scrutiny following accusations of graft, as The Situation Room program aims to clear the way for transparency and accountability within the ministry. KTN News Kenya is highlighting the critical role of The Situation Room in holding the government accountable. This comes as the program alsopreviews a segment on Kenya's diplomatic challenges, delving into the intricacies of the nation's foreign relations and the efficacy of its diplomatic efforts. CS Reveals Deadline for Employing 20,000 Teachers on Permanent Terms: The National Treasury has allocated Ksh4.92 billion to employ 20,000 intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, effective January 1, 2027. This follows President William Ruto's order for the automatic transition of over 44,000 intern teachers to permanent terms after their initial two-year contracts. Separately, the Treasury allocated Ksh9.9 billion to KNEC for 2026 national examinations and invigilation costs, and unveiled new HELB allocations and scholarships for university and technical training students in the 2026/27 budget. Justice Warsame Sworn In as Supreme Court Judge at State House Nairobi: Justice Mohamed Abdulahi Warsame was sworn in as a Judge of the Supreme Court at State House Nairobi, filling a vacancy on the bench. His appointment followed parliamentary approval and was made by President William Ruto. Separately, Kenya is actively campaigning to secure a judgeship for Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung'u at the International Criminal Court, demonstrating the country's diplomatic efforts in international judicial appointments. Linda Mwananchi leaders demand IG Kanja halt youth arrests: Leaders from the Linda Mwananchi organization have called upon Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome to halt the ongoing arrests of young people. Police in Mumias have launched an investigation following the murder of a shop owner by unknown assailants. In a separate incident, tragedy struck in Vihiga County as families mourn following clashes between police and bodaboda operators, with the confrontations resulting in significant loss and distress for the community.