Hustler Fund Loses Budget Support as Treasury Shifts to Nyota Programme: Kenya's National Treasury is phasing out direct budget support for the Hustler Fund, a flagship programme launched by President William Ruto, signalling a policy shift towards youth-focused initiatives like the Nyota programme. This comes as WPP ScanGroup has restructured its board, appointing three new non-executive directors and seeing three depart, amid significant shareholder pressure due to declining performance and investor value. Meanwhile, Kenyan blockchain and fintech industry players are concerned that proposed regulations and taxes in the Finance Bill 2026 and draft VASP Regulations might favour large foreign companies over local startups. The creator economy is also transitioning into a formal business sector but faces challenges from underdeveloped monetisation infrastructure and support systems.

Commuters on Mombasa Road forced to walk to work as matatu strike kicks off: A nationwide matatu strike officially kicked off at midnight on Monday, May 18, 2026, following a unanimous decision by industry stakeholders to suspend operations due to rising fuel prices. The strike left thousands of commuters stranded in Nairobi and its environs, significantly disrupting Monday morning peak-hour travel. Commuters along Mombasa Road faced significant disruption and were forced to walk to their workplaces. Residents of Kangemi were also compelled to walk to their workplaces. At Kinoo along Wayaki Way, commuters faced significant disruptions as the nationwide transport strike left many stranded and unable to reach their destinations. Police clashed with protesters along the Kihunguro, Ruiru bypass as the nationwide matatu strike commenced. Woman Who Tattooed Ruto's Face Dies While Receiving Treatment After Brutal Petrol Attack: Gospel singer Rachel Wandeto, who gained attention for tattooing President William Ruto's face on her body, died from severe burn injuries sustained after being doused with petrol and set ablaze in Mwiki, Kasarani. The attack occurred shortly after she publicly declared support for President William Ruto's re-election and got a tattoo of his face. She was in critical condition after the alleged arson attack in Kasarani's Mwiki area before succumbing to her injuries. The incident shocked the nation, coming amid heightened political tensions over fuel prices and widespread protests.

Gor Mahia Move One Win Away From Premier League Title After 3-1 Victory: Record champions Gor Mahia are now one win away from securing the SportPesa Premier League title after a 3-1 victory over Murang'a Seal on Sunday. The Strathmore University Swords secured a crucial 67-64 victory against Eldonets in a tightly contested Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Women's Premier League match. Meanwhile, Eric Kirimi emerged as the overall winner at the eighth and final leg of the Kengen golf tournament series, held at the challenging VetLab Sports Club course. Defending champions Kenya Police and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are leading the National Boxing League after the first leg concluded in Nakuru. Separately, Ghanaian midfielder Antoine Semenyo scored a stunning goal to secure Manchester City their eighth FA Cup title, defeating Chelsea 1-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium.

CS Mbadi Confirms Fuel Prices Unchanged Until June: The cost of fuel in Kenya will not be adjusted until June, as confirmed by Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions and the government's commitment to stabilizing fuel prices for consumers. In contrast, Kenya's Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has called for peace as tensions rise due to increasing fuel costs, which have ignited the nationwide matatu strike. CS Wandanyi also expressed empathy with citizens regarding the rising fuel prices, stating that the government itself is also feeling the impact. A Kenyan has approached the High Court seeking to halt the recent increase in fuel prices. Transport Operators Paralyze Operations Over Record Fuel Price Hike: Kenya's transport sector commenced a nationwide shutdown from midnight after 14 industry groups announced no vehicles would operate until the government reverses record-high fuel price increases. Major public transport operators across Kenya suspended services on Monday, May 18, in a nationwide protest against record fuel prices, causing widespread commuter disruption and fears of economic paralysis. Chaos erupted in Nairobi's CBD as police clashed with protestors and a nationwide transport strike over fuel prices paralysed the capital. Thousands of commuters were left stranded on the Thika Superhighway as matatus withdrew from roads. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced that fuel prices will remain unchanged until the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) review on June 14, amidst ongoing transport disruptions. Opposition Leaders and Government Clash Over Rising Fuel Prices: Opposition leaders have strongly criticized the government over a significant increase in fuel prices across the country, led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in Kiambu County. Kalonzo Musyoka slammed Ruto over fuel prices, accusing him of political distraction and deflection. Dr. Oburu Oginga, an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader, plans to meet with President William Ruto to discuss reducing the escalating cost of fuel. In contrast, leaders from Kenya Kwanza and ODM have strongly defended the government amidst criticism from the opposition. A Nairobi-based activist filed a High Court petition to halt the recent fuel price increases, citing illegality and significant economic harm to Kenyans. Matatu Operators Park Vehicles at Shell Station as Nationwide Strike Commences: Matatu operators across Kenya have commenced a nationwide strike, with matatus parked at Shell petrol station along Waiyaki Way as part of the protest. The Matatu Owners Association has declared the strike will continue until fuel prices are lowered. In Ruiru, police clashed with protesters at Kihunguro along the Ruiru bypass as the strike kicked off. Commuters along Mombasa Road faced significant disruption and were forced to walk to work as the strike commenced this morning. Similarly, residents of Kangemi were compelled to walk to their workplaces following the strike that significantly disrupted public transportation services in the area. Kalonzo Musyoka Slams Ruto Over Fuel Prices: Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly criticized President Ruto's administration over fuel prices, accusing him of political distraction and deflection. This criticism was made in Kiambu County alongside other opposition leaders who strongly criticized the government over a significant increase in fuel prices across the country. In response, Mombasa residents have expressed their disappointment with President Ruto's administration following a significant increase in fuel prices, stating it contradicts the "bottom-up" economic model promised during his campaign. However, leaders from Kenya Kwanza and ODM have strongly defended the government amidst criticism from the opposition regarding the high cost of fuel. Kenya Police Bullets Crowned 2025/26 FKF Women's Champions: Kenya Police Bullets have been crowned the 2025/26 FKF women's champions, securing their third consecutive Kenya Women Premier League title in just their third season in the top flight. This victory solidifies their dominance in women's football. Record Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia are now just one win away from their historic 22nd league title after a decisive 3-1 victory against Murang'a Seal. In golf, Prisca Chebet has achieved a career-defining victory, winning the Kenya Seed Golf Tournament at Nandi Bears Golf Club. Murkomen Vows Crackdown on Hate-Fuelled Political Violence After Artist Wandetto Attack: Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed a crackdown on political violence following a brutal attack on artist Rachel Wandetto. Wandetto was reportedly doused with petrol and set on fire on May 16 in Mwiki, Kasarani, allegedly due to her political views. Kenyan gospel singer Rachel Wandeto has tragically passed away days after being doused in petrol and set on fire by unknown assailants in Mwiki. Murkomen and Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja have ordered a swift investigation after a female gospel singer was severely attacked and set on fire in Mwiki, with the incident potentially linked to political motives. Separately, Oscar Sudi condemned a "barbaric petrol attack" on a woman identified as Rachael Muthoni, allegedly linked to a tattoo of President William Ruto's image. DCI Nabs Kenyan Woman After Foreign Investor Loses Ksh55.7M in Gold Scam: Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a woman suspected of orchestrating a sophisticated fake gold scam that defrauded an American investor of over Ksh55.7 million. Authorities in Kenya have recovered six suspected stolen Yamaha outboard boat engines during a joint operation at Sindo Main Beach in Homa Bay County, dismantling a suspected theft syndicate. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has issued a public warning regarding a fraudulent recruitment scheme where an individual named David is allegedly soliciting money from job seekers by falsely promising employment. Court of Appeal Orders Government to Make SGR Contracts Public: The Court of Appeal has ordered the Kenyan government to make public all contracts and documents related to the Nairobi-Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). This ruling asserts that withholding information about the USD 4.5 billion (approximately Ksh583 billion) project from taxpayers is unconstitutional. The Kenyan Ministry of Health has issued urgent directives to all County Governments requiring immediate preparedness and response measures to prevent potential cross-border transmission of the Ebola Virus, following an outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced a four-hour maintenance window for its iTax system, temporarily disrupting online tax services.