Shock as TSC Cuts Promotion of 20,000 Teachers: The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has announced a significant reduction in teacher promotions for the post-July 2026 cycle, cutting expected slots by 20,000 from earlier promises. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has stated that no additional funds will be allocated for the payment of officials contracted for the 2025 KCSE and KCPE examinations, clarifying that the treasury has already disbursed the full allocated budget to the Ministry of Education. The Kenyan government is proposing to introduce a monthly stipend of Sh3,000 for approximately 110,000 village elders across the country, a move that would formalize their long-standing role in local governance and community security. All systems go for May 14 by-elections: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has confirmed all preparations are on track for the by-elections scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2026, to fill vacant positions in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Porro Ward, and Endo Ward. The IEBC has issued a stern warning against electoral law violations during by-elections in these areas, vowing strict action against offenders. A recent wave of burglaries in Migori County has targeted several government institutions and a school, with property worth millions of shillings stolen, including a Deputy Governor among the victims. Emurua Dikirr by-election underway as Endo Ward records low voter turnout: A by-election for the Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament seat in Narok County is currently underway, with voting underway and residents demonstrating an early turnout starting at 6 am. In the Endo Ward by-election, UDA candidate Festus Korir expressed concern over the notably low voter turnout on election day. Additionally, clergy in Kenya have issued a stern warning to politicians, urging them to steer clear of corruption, alcoholism, and premature campaigning for the 2027 elections. Ruto Explains Reopening Kenya-Somali Border After Sustained Attacks: President William Ruto has explained that the Kenya-Somalia border remains closed due to renewed instability within Somalia, despite a promise for reopening in April. He attributed the failed reopening to renewed conflict and political instability within Somalia. The President has also strongly criticized Sudan’s warring generals and rejected accusations that Kenya is biased, emphasizing his nation's neutral role in mediating the conflict. Additionally, Kenyan President William Ruto stated that Kenya and other East African nations have a "bigger responsibility" to stabilize the volatile Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), even after the withdrawal of regional troops. SHA owes health facilities more than Sh77 billion, official says: The Social Health Authority (SHA) is reportedly owing healthcare facilities a staggering Sh77 billion as of last year, with the debt continuing to grow, according to Brian Lishenga, the Chairman of the Rural & Urban Private Hospitals Association (RUPHA). Respiratory diseases have emerged as the leading ailment among patients covered by the State Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), according to a recent report. Kenyans are reportedly spending billions of shillings out-of-pocket to access essential healthcare services, indicating a significant financial burden on citizens for medical needs. Questions are also being raised about promised funds for cancer patients in Kenya, concerning the allocation and accessibility of financial aid intended for those battling the disease. Kericho residents protest exclusion from land distribution lists: Residents of Kericho County took to the streets in protest, demanding to be included in land distribution lists, with a group led by Elisabeth Tuimising voicing concerns over alleged interference by some leaders in the land allocation process. In a separate incident, a family in Kwale is demanding justice after a relative was allegedly killed with arrows during a land dispute in Mwereni, Lunga Lunga Constituency. Religious leaders across Kenya are also raising concerns over a disturbing trend of land grabbing that is increasingly targeting churches and other places of worship. Gachagua impeachment case proceeds amid constitutional controversy: Kenya's Deputy President Rigathan Gachagua claims his removal from office was unconstitutional, while lawyers for the Kenyan Senate argue the impeachment process followed proper legal procedures. Proceedings in the case took an unexpected turn when the first petitioner disappeared from court during afternoon sessions. The impeachment case has taken a new turn following the presentation of new evidence by a doctor, with the doctor's testimony expected to significantly influence the proceedings. Three Arrested Over Siphoning Ksh 5M from Attorney General's Linked Accounts: Three suspects have been arrested in connection with a sophisticated fraud scheme that defrauded the Public Trustee Administration Estates Account of over Ksh5.2 million. The funds were allegedly siphoned through fraudulent transactions into personal bank accounts. In a separate case, two men have been fined a total of Sh 700,000 each or face two years in jail after being convicted of smuggling 8,750 litres of ethanol into Kenya, resulting in a tax loss of Sh 10,463,430. Meanwhile, three suspects were arrested in Nairobi's Kayole area after a dramatic chase involving a motorcycle, leading to the recovery of firearms and a large number of suspected stolen phones. Governor Sang urges Nandi residents to boost dairy farming for increased milk production: Nandi County residents are being urged by Governor Stephen Sang to boost dairy farming to increase milk production, with residents also being encouraged to increase their efforts in dairy farming to boost milk production in the region. Cotton farmers in Lamu County are also urging the government to support the Buy Kenya, Build Kenya initiative by establishing more textile factories in the region. Students from various tertiary institutions in Embu are urging the government to expedite the disbursement of student bursaries. Ol Donyiro residents oppose relocation of Crocodile Jaw Dam on Ewaso Ng'iro River: Residents of Ol Donyiro, situated on the border of Laikipia and Isiolo counties, are strongly opposing the planned relocation of the Crocodile Jaw Dam construction site on the Ewaso Ng'iro River from its initially agreed-upon location. Meanwhile, a proposed amendment to Kenya's constitution threatens the future of public forests, according to Job Mwangi, the Advocacy Manager at the Green Belt Movement. Separately, residents of Boji village in Bura constituency, Tana River County, are living in fear after the Adhele River broke its banks.