Prof. Ayub Gitau Appointed UoN Vice Chancellor: Professor Ayub Gitau has been appointed the 9th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, approved by the University Council on May 14, 2026. The appointment ushers in a new leadership era for the institution as it strengthens its pursuit of excellence and global competitiveness. Separately, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has directed school heads and education directors to strengthen communication and establish early warning systems to prevent school closures due to unrest. Meanwhile, Germany has opened applications for a paid professional development program for experienced Kenyan German-language teachers, allowing selected educators to spend nearly a year teaching in Germany. Talanta Sports City Cost Rises to 45.8 Billion Shillings as Project Nears Completion: The construction cost for Kenya's Talanta Sports City, featuring the Raila Odinga International Stadium, has significantly escalated to 45.8 billion shillings as the project nears completion. Meanwhile, the Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) has disbursed over 4.3 billion shillings to the National Land Commission for compensation of individuals impacted by the Kengeleni–Kwa Kadzengo road project. In Nairobi, the Valley Road elevated viaduct construction is progressing as the Kenya Urban Roads Authority targets alleviating traffic congestion in the central business district. The three stories represent major infrastructure projects with significant public investment underway across different sectors of Kenya's development landscape. Kenyan Manufacturers Decry High Production Costs, Traders Demand Urgent Government Incentives: Kenyan manufacturers are expressing frustration over soaring production costs, while traders are urging the government to provide immediate incentives to alleviate economic pressure. This comes as fuel stations across Kenya experience widespread stock-outs due to a cash-flow crisis at the Kenya Pipeline Company and delays in subsidy payments. Motorists face additional burden from increased fuel prices affecting petrol, diesel, and kerosene costs. Separately, Kigali Rwanda is hosting the Africa CEO Forum where leaders discuss the impact of ongoing Middle East war on oil prices, while vessels continue to pile up in the Strait of Hormuz following President Trump's rejection of an Iranian proposal. Kenya Wins Gold and Bronze at Africa Athletics Championships: Kenya secured a gold and a bronze medal at the Africa Athletics Championships, highlighting the nation's strong performance in continental competition. The national women's under-17 football team, the Junior Starlets, are intensifying training for a crucial FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifier against Uganda. In football, the FKF Cup semifinals are set for Saturday at Nyayo National Stadium featuring Tusker, KCB, Police and Bandari among the 64 teams initially registered. Kenyan boxers are also preparing for the Kalakoda boxing night in Nairobi, where boxer Onyango has vowed a four-round knockout victory against Mchunguzi in a fight for the East Africa title. Gachagua and Sifuna Hint at Opposition Collaboration Ahead of 2027 Polls: Following a TIFA poll projecting intense competition for the 2027 general election, key political figures Rigathi Gachagua and Edwin Sifuna have signaled potential collaboration to remove President William Ruto from power. Kenyan opposition leaders have pledged to unite and work together as they look ahead to the 2027 general election, with recent polls indicating President Ruto leading in potential presidential matchups while Edwin Sifuna has surged to fourth place. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is opposing a bid by his predecessor Gachagua to receive full pension benefits as Deputy President, arguing that granting the request would imply Gachagua is entitled to the position. Tension marked the Emurua Dikirr by-election with one person injured in an attack by suspected goons in the Chelemei area, as late MP Johana Ngeno's widow cast her vote. Fuel Prices Rise by Ksh16-Ksh46 Per Litre in New EPRA Review: Kenyan motorists are facing significant fuel price increases as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announces new prices for the period of May 15 to June 14, 2026. The review shows Super Petrol rising by Ksh 16 per litre and Diesel by Ksh 46 per litre. Households and businesses are bracing for higher transport and energy costs as a result of these changes. EPRA implements these substantial price adjustments through the monthly fuel price review mechanism. This comes amid broader economic pressures affecting consumers across the country. SHA Boosts Cancer Cover Limit to Ksh800,000 Annually: The Social Health Authority has announced an increased annual cancer cover limit to Ksh800,000, providing enhanced financial protection for policyholders facing cancer treatment costs. The Salaries and Remuneration Commission appeared before the Senate to explain the delay in releasing payments totaling Ksh 1.7 billion to public hospitals. Meanwhile, the East African aviation sector is experiencing a significant upswing in demand for both pilots and comprehensive aviation services, though the region is grappling with a pilot shortage raising serious concerns for the industry.
