Treasury to Wait Longer for Sh244bn Safaricom Windfall: The High Court has extended a freeze on the sale of a 15 per cent stake in Safaricom Plc to parent firm Vodacom Group Limited, delaying a potential Sh244.5 billion windfall for the National Treasury. The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) has raised concerns that the proposed Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, 2024 could exacerbate the illicit tobacco trade, estimated to cost the government Sh12 billion annually in lost taxes. Former Industrialisation Cabinet Secretary Adan Mohamed has been appointed the new Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). Equity Group Holdings has reported a significant 24 per cent year-on-year rise in Profit After Tax, reaching Sh19.1 billion for the first quarter ended March 2026, with growth primarily fueled by strong performance from its regional subsidiaries and insurance arm. Kenya Matatu Strike Enters Second Day as Government Talks Collapse: A nationwide matatu strike has entered its second day after negotiations between transport operators and the government failed to reach a resolution on Monday. Commuters continue to face significant disruption across Kenya. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) has adjusted fuel prices following widespread protests that disrupted transport across Kenya. Separately, Car & General has launched a new Piaggio LPG-powered three-wheeler in Kenya, aiming to help urban transport operators combat rising fuel costs. Kenya Pitches AI-Driven Industrial Solutions as Tech Funding Tops Sh134bn: Kenya is showcasing its AI-driven industrial solutions at a major tech summit, aiming to solidify its position as Africa's leading technology investment destination. This initiative follows a significant surge in tech funding for the country. ASUS is strategically positioning Kenya as its regional hub for East Africa, aiming to capitalize on the nation's growing AI adoption among its youth and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Meanwhile, TikTok has removed over 820,000 videos in Kenya during the fourth quarter of 2025 as part of a major safety crackdown.

Fuel Price Protests Erupt Across Kenya As EPRA Cuts Diesel By Ksh 10: Anti-fuel price protests erupted in Nairobi's Githurai area, where a pastor's vehicle was torched during the demonstrations. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accused a corruption cartel within the Ministry of Petroleum of causing the fuel price surge, demanding answers from President William Ruto. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki indicated the government might explore further measures to reduce fuel costs following the widespread protests, while firmly stating that violent demonstrations will not influence policy. Meanwhile, Kenyan matatu operators temporarily suspended their nationwide strike over high fuel prices for one week after two days of paralyzed transport. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) responded by revising fuel prices mid-cycle following an emergency meeting with public transport stakeholders, cutting diesel price by Ksh 10 effective May 19 to June 14, 2026.

Adan Mohamed Appointed KRA Commissioner General as Tax Authority Pursues Tech Reset: Adan Abdulla Mohamed, 62, has been appointed the new Commissioner General of the Kenya Revenue Authority for a three-year term effective 18 May 2026, following a six-week interim period. This appointment comes as the KRA aims for a tech-first reset under new leadership. Meanwhile, develoPPP Ventures has opened applications for Cohort 11, offering €100,000 non-dilutive funding opportunities for high-impact Kenyan startups. At the same time, AI Everything Kenya X GITEX Kenya, East Africa's largest tech and AI event, officially launched in Nairobi, signaling a significant step towards the region's digital sovereignty and AI development.

Matatu strike to continue as govt, operators fail to agree on fuel price cuts: A nationwide matatu strike continues as government officials and matatu operators failed to reach an agreement on fuel price cuts Monday, May 18, 2026. The strike has paralyzed transport in Bungoma and Webuye counties after operators withdrew their vehicles from the road, protesting the recent increase in fuel prices by the Energy Regulatory Authority (EPRA). The Transport Sector Alliance is demanding a reversal of recent price increases. Nairobi's Central Business District was paralyzed for a second day as the strike brought transport and business activities to a near standstill. However, the strike was suspended for one week starting May 19, allowing for high-level talks to continue between the government and transport stakeholders with an agreement to meet again by Tuesday, May 26. Kindiki condemns violent fuel protests, vows to ensure national security: Kenya's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has strongly condemned the violent fuel protests that disrupted the country, attributing the unrest to the opposition. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has called for constitutional and peaceful methods to address rising fuel prices, condemning violent protests that resulted in destruction and looting. CS Murkomen has announced strict measures following widespread chaos and destruction caused by nationwide matatu protests against rising fuel prices, stating that political elements have been blamed for the violence. Meanwhile, a relative calm is gradually returning to parts of Kenya as security agencies intensify operations following nationwide fuel protests that entered their second day. Demonstrators Clash With Police on Thika Superhighway Despite End of Fuel Protests: Demonstrators clashed with police on the Thika Superhighway even as fuel protests mediated by the Matatu Owners Association were reportedly ending. Several protesters were arrested on the Thika Superhighway as tension remains high in response to the nationwide matatu strike. Police fired teargas to disperse demonstrators staging a protest along the Thika Superhighway this morning, protesting against rising fuel prices. The main matatu terminus in Kikuyu remains deserted as operators continue their nationwide strike, with shops in the area closed due to safety concerns. Motorists faced significant disruptions on the Thika Superhighway as the transport sector strike entered its second day, forcing drivers to turn back. Kenya Turns Into Walking Nation Due to Fuel Crisis: Kenya is experiencing a widespread matatu strike as operators protest escalating fuel prices, forcing many citizens to resort to walking. Thousands of commuters in Nairobi were forced to walk to their workplaces due to the nationwide matatu strike, significantly disrupting public transportation across the country. Kenyans are facing significant disruptions as the nationwide matatu strike is underway, forcing many citizens to walk to work. Transport has been paralyzed at Kayole junction with many Kenyans failing to reach their workplaces due to the nationwide matatu strike. Four killed, 348 arrested in nationwide protests over high fuel costs: Nationwide protests over soaring fuel costs on Monday resulted in the deaths of four people and the arrest of 348 individuals, according to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Four people have been confirmed dead and over 30 others injured following protests that erupted in Kenya, with the demonstrations escalating into widespread violence in Nairobi and other areas. The Machakos and Kitui counties became a scene of cat-andmouse games between the police and protesters. Additionally, a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) politician's car was torched during protests along Thika Road, prompting the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch an investigation. EPRA announces new revised fuel prices for May to June: The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced a reduction in diesel prices by Ksh10.06 per litre, while increasing kerosene prices by Ksh38.60 per litre. The Authority has also capped new pipeline transport tariffs for the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), shielding consumers from potentially higher fuel prices. Kenyan energy officials have defended the country's high electricity costs, asserting that a reliable power supply is paramount for economic growth, even if it means higher tariffs. CS Mbadi explains Tanzania pricing advantage as LSK demands oil pricing audit: Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi explained that Tanzania's fuel is cheaper than Kenya's due to the timing of imports, not a significant pricing gap. CS Mbadi has refuted claims attributing the recent fuel price hike to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), asserting that the IMF provides only economic advice, not directives. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is demanding an audit of Kenya's government-to-government oil importation arrangement and full disclosure of the fuel pricing formula. Police Disperse Angry Protesters Along Kamiti Road as Matatu Strike Continues: Police used force to disperse angry protesters on Kamiti Road amid a nationwide matatu strike, with the protests driven by matatu operators demonstrating against increasing fuel prices. Bonfires were lit along Kamiti Road causing major disruptions to movement as matatu operators continue their nationwide strike in response to escalating fuel prices. Transport along Kamiti Road was paralyzed and matatus were not operating on Thika Road due to the nationwide strike by operators protesting rising fuel prices. Police have intensified patrols along Kihunguro and Ruiru Bypass as the matatu strike enters its second day, disrupting transport services. Running Battles Erupt in Murang'a as Police Clash With Fuel Protesters: Running battles erupted in Murang'a as police clashed with protesters demonstrating against a recent fuel price hike. Public transport vehicles remain grounded in Nairobi for the second day as matatu operators strike, demanding a reduction in the prices of petrol and diesel. Kenya's transport sector strike continued for a second day, causing widespread disruption to public movement with minimal activity observed on key routes. Several shops in Westlands have been forced to close as fuel protests by matatu operators enter their second day, a protest against rising fuel prices.