Trump and Xi are set to meet. Where do US-China tariffs stand?: US President Donald Trump is set to meet with China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing from May 13-15, marking a significant moment for US-China trade relations. This visit will test a fragile trade truce between the world's two largest economies. Separately, the inaugural Africa-China Investment and Trade Conference is set to take place in Guangdong Province from September 24-25, aiming to significantly deepen economic ties between the two continents. Counties must stop signing contracts they cannot afford: Kenyan county governments are facing a significant crisis by signing contracts without the financial capacity to fulfill them, leading to billions in pending bills owed to suppliers and contractors. At the same time, Kenyan families are struggling to cope with a high cost of living, forcing many to reduce consumption, seek additional income, and adjust their spending habits amidst rising inflation. Rising fuel prices in Kenya are triggering a significant chain reaction, impacting everything from food costs to transportation and household budgets. Moreover, the government has postponed plans for income tax relief targeting low-income earners due to an anticipated Sh35 billion revenue shortfall. Kenya, France sign 11 deals on rail, ports, energy and digital economy: Kenya and France have signed 11 agreements to boost cooperation in key sectors including transport, energy, and the digital economy. The deals were finalized at State House Nairobi following discussions between President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron. Meanwhile, Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote is considering a shift for his proposed multi-billion dollar oil refinery project, potentially moving it from Tanzania to Mombasa, Kenya. In another development, the National Assembly has initiated public consultation on the Finance Bill 2026, which proposes significant tax changes across various sectors, including a proposed 25% excise duty on mobile phones that could make smartphones unaffordable for low-income households.

Winnie Odinga Celebrates Mother’s Day With Ida Odinga and Graça Machel: Winnie Odinga celebrated Mother's Day by sharing a significant moment with two prominent African matriarchs: her mother Ida Odinga and Mozambican politician Graça Machel. The gathering represented a notable intersection of influential female figures on the continent. Meanwhile, Kenyan comedian Njugush marked Mother's Day with a symbolic tribute, his first since a widely publicized separation from wife Celestine Ndinda. On the same day, Sky Victor, daughter of the late gospel artist Betty Bayo and Pastor Victor Kanyari, shared an emotional tribute marking her first Mother's Day since her mother's passing in November 2025.

Court Blocks Wetang'ula From Suspending MP Wamboka as PIC Chair: The High Court has blocked an attempt by National Assembly Speaker Wetang'ula to suspend Bumula MP Jack Wamboka from his role as Chair of the Public Investments Committee. The ruling prevents Wamboka's suspension while the matter remains in court. Meanwhile, an ODM retreat intended to strategize engagement with President William Ruto's administration has reportedly devolved into internal disputes within the party. At the same time, as Kenya gears up for the 2027 General Election, President William Ruto is implementing a strategy to consolidate power by weakening the opposition, primarily targeting the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. Clan Politics to Decide Western Kenya's 2027 Governor Races: Clan politics are set to significantly influence the 2027 gubernatorial races in four counties across western Kenya as current governors complete their final terms. The political landscape is further complicated by upcoming by-elections, with battle lines drawn for the Ol Kalou by-election on July 6 following the death of area MP David Kiaraho. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Dignity Restoration Party (DRP) have concluded nominations for the contested seat. Meanwhile, Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata is being scrutinized for his political trajectory, with critics debating whether he is a tactical politician or an opportunist given his consistent electoral success since 2002.

Safaricom Launches Chapa Dimba Season With Sweden Opportunity: Safaricom launched the fifth season of its youth football tournament Chapa Dimba, offering unprecedented international exposure and educational opportunities for young Kenyan players. Registration is now open across the country for both boys' and girls' teams. At the same time, Alphanus Mokaya emerged as the overall winner at the Mother's Day Golf Tournament held at Nyanza Golf Club on May 9, 2026, carding 43 points. In athletics, Amos Kiprotich and Doreen Cherop Kibet emerged victorious at the fifth edition of the Betika Iten Road Race.

Africa Forward Summit 2026 brings international leaders to Nairobi: The Africa Forward Summit 2026 officially commenced in Nairobi, bringing together African leaders from 20 nations, with President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron serving as distinguished guests at the University of Nairobi. The two leaders oversaw the signing of 11 agreements to strengthen Kenya-France ties during the summit. President Ruto delivered a keynote address emphasizing the continent's potential and the need for strategic investment, while also announcing that Kenya is now producing mobile phones and computers locally. Kenya-France Sign Deals Worth Billions for Infrastructure and Education: President William Ruto has secured France's support for the rehabilitation and expansion of the Nairobi Commuter Rail system in a Ksh12.5 billion deal, part of 11 economic growth instruments signed between Kenya and France. Additionally, President Ruto announced a major Ksh4.5 billion Engineering and Science Complex at the University of Nairobi, jointly funded by the French Development Agency. These agreements represent deepening cooperation between the two nations across strategic infrastructure and education sectors. Digital Taxi Drivers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Fuel Prices: Digital taxi drivers in Kenya are threatening a nationwide strike on Monday, May 11, due to escalating fuel prices and stagnant fares. The operators have warned they will halt transport services across the country if their grievances are not addressed. This threat of disruption comes amid broader concerns over the cost of living and economic pressures facing Kenyan workers in the transport sector. Many Kenyans in informal settlements denied clean environment right: Many Kenyans residing in informal settlements are being denied their fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment, according to reports from NTV Kenya. Over 100,000 crows have been found dead along the Kenyan coast following suspected poisoning, raising concerns among environmental and public health officials. Nairobi experienced severe flooding, impacting various parts of the city and affecting journalists in their work, with the Daily Nation reporting on the challenges faced and the extent of the inundation. A clean environment remains a distant dream for residents in Kenya's informal settlements, highlighting a critical challenge in urban planning and public health. Kenya Prisons and Pipeline dominate in volleyball league wins: Kenya Prisons asserted their dominance in the Kenya Volleyball League, securing a decisive 3-0 victory over Young Spykers during the fourth leg at the Kasarani Gymnasium. The Chapa Dimba initiative has selected an all-star Kenyan team that will represent the country at the prestigious Gothia Cup in Sweden. Kenya has inaugurated its first-ever public high-altitude training camp in Bungoma County, aiming to support athletes and enhance sports development. Young swimmers delivered exceptional performances at the recent Nairobi County Swimming Championships, showcasing impressive talent and determination. Makueni county government implementing strategies to reduce maternal deaths: The Makueni County government is prioritizing efforts to significantly reduce maternal and child mortality rates within the region through various implementation strategies. In a related health development, health services in Embu County face potential disruption as nurses have issued a seven-day strike notice. Meanwhile, calls have been made for residents in Embakasi and Kasarani to register children living with disabilities to ensure they receive necessary support and services. Government officials are also being urged to increase financial allocations for people with disabilities due to significant challenges faced by parents in meeting their children's essential needs. UN Secretary-General, President Ruto Commission Major UNON Expansion: President William Ruto and UN Secretary-General António Guterres commissioned the USD 340 million expansion of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), transforming it into a major global hub. This Sh44 billion expansion was a key topic during the Africa Forward Summit. The UN Secretary-General's visit marked a significant diplomatic engagement, with the expansion representing a major milestone in Kenya's role as an international diplomatic center. Kenyan government taps extra fuel levy funds to secure fresh KSh120B road loan: The Kenyan government is leveraging additional funds from the Fuel Levy to secure a new road loan totaling KSh120 billion, aiming to finance ongoing and future infrastructure projects across the country. Digital taxi operators in Kenya are threatening to halt transport services nationwide in protest against rising fuel prices, with drivers also threatening to go on strike due to the increasing fuel costs across the country. A new report titled "The Bold Standard: Fuel Levy Trap" highlights concerns over the current fuel levy structure in Kenya, drawing attention to the financial mechanisms behind these transportation challenges. Africa Forward Summit Brings Global Leaders to Nairobi: The Africa Forward Summit 2026 is underway in Nairobi, hosted by President William Ruto and attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and leaders from 20 African nations. This marks the first time in decades the summit is held outside France, signaling a shift toward investment and innovation-based partnerships. President Ruto and Macron met with young innovators at the University of Nairobi, reaffirming their commitment to youth-led initiatives. They oversaw the signing of 11 agreements to strengthen Kenya-France ties. President Ruto announced Kenya is now manufacturing phones and computers locally. Public Participation Opens for Finance Bill 2026 Tax Proposals: The National Assembly has invited public and stakeholder submissions on the proposed Finance Bill 2026, which includes controversial tax proposals affecting mobile phones, digital assets, and imported mitumba goods. President William Ruto has assented to three major bills, including the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, aimed at reforming tax policies. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi explained the government is considering increasing the tax-free PAYE income threshold to Ksh 30,000. The Kenya Revenue Authority has also announced that salaried Kenyans can file their annual income tax returns even without their P9 forms.