Schneider Electric Opens Innovation Hub, Training Centre in Nairobi: Schneider Electric launched a new innovation hub and hands-on training centre in Nairobi to foster energy technology, digitalization, and technical skills development across East Africa. Italy is deepening engagement with Kenya's tech sector, showcasing innovation at the inaugural AI Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya exhibition in Nairobi. Google announced a major push into the agentic era of AI with Gemini 3.5 and Antigravity, enabling AI systems to handle complex tasks with minimal human input. Equity Bank Posts 23.8pc Profit Growth to Sh18.3bn: Equity Group Holdings announced a 23.8% increase in profit after tax for Q1 2026, reaching Sh18.3 billion, driven by cost-cutting measures and a digital shift. KCB Group followed with a 15.3% pre-tax profit increase to Sh24.4 billion for Q1 2026, achieving growth despite a challenging business environment. Sidian Bank also reported a 9.0% profit increase to Sh607.03 million, propelled by growth in net interest income and expansion of its balance sheet. The banking sector's strong performance reflects broader digital transformation in Kenya's financial industry. CEOs Sound Alarm on AI Gap as Africa's Workplaces Go Digital: East African business leaders urged immediate adoption of Artificial Intelligence during a roundtable discussion, warning that companies delaying digital transformation risk losing competitiveness. Kenya is expanding cybersecurity training programs and recognizing top student talent to enhance national digital security. The State Department for Industry is requesting Sh6.978 billion for 2026/27 to address funding gaps in industrial projects and operations. KPC Union Petitions CMA Over CEO Recruitment Process: The Kenya Petroleum Oil Workers Union petitioned the Capital Markets Authority regarding alleged corporate governance irregularities at Kenya Pipeline Company, specifically concerning the recruitment of its Managing Director. An MP proposed significant cuts to fuel taxes and levies to lower pump prices and alleviate cost of living pressures. Kenya Power's e-mobility revenues surged to Sh382 million, driven by increased electric vehicle adoption and electricity sales. Sorted Wallet Raises $4.4mn to Expand in Emerging Markets: Sorted Wallet, a non-custodial digital wallet for feature phones, raised $4.4 million in seed funding to fuel expansion into emerging markets. Discovery Health rebranded its employer health insurance arm to Discovery Health Global Health Solutions, signaling expansion of integrated healthcare offerings for employers across Africa. India will host the India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi, focusing on expanding trade, digital cooperation, security partnerships, and development ties after an 11-year hiatus.

Mwalimu Rachel reveals she's not pressed about marriage: Kiss 100 FM presenter Mwalimu Rachel has stated that marriage is not a priority for her at present, emphasizing her current sense of personal and professional fulfillment. Kenyan content creator Diana Marua has publicly questioned her husband, singer Bahati, about their long-promised wedding after nearly a decade together. Meanwhile, Kenyan YouTuber Miss Trudy has emotionally shared her journey to motherhood, including previous heartbreaking miscarriages, as she prepares to bring her baby home to Kenya. Pastor Victor Kanyari shared a humorous anecdote about his daughter, Sky, cleverly using one of his own sermons to defend her choice to wear crop tops.

Court Upholds Auction of Tuju's Tamarind Karen and Dari Business Park: The High Court has upheld the auction of former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju's properties, Tamarind Karen and Dari Business Park, to recover a loan owed to East Africa Development Bank (EADB). The sale was finalized in 2024. Separately, seven Kenyan governors elected in 2022 are facing significant pressure to retain their seats in the 2027 elections, potentially becoming victims of a curse of one-term governorships seen since 2013. At the same time, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is preparing for a contest for the vacant parliamentary seat in Ol Kalou, following the death of David Kiaraho, with both Gachagua and Kuria expected to compete.

Arsenal Clinches Premier League Title After 22-Year Wait: Arsenal Football Club has clinched the English Premier League title for the 2025/2026 season, ending a 22-year championship drought. At the same time, Aston Villa, led by head coach Unai Emery, secured a historic UEFA Europa League title in Istanbul on May 21, 2026, defeating Freiburg 3-0 to win their first trophy in 30 years. These consecutive victories mark a remarkable season for English football clubs on the European stage. Kenya Prepares for Afcon; DR Congo Relocates Training: Kenya's Harambee Stars are preparing for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and upcoming international friendlies, with coach Benni McCarthy focusing on a youthful squad. The Democratic Republic of Congo national football team has relocated its pre-World Cup training camp from Kinshasa to Belgium due to an Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country.

Google Unveils Gemini 3.5 and Antigravity Platform at I/O 2026: Google announced a significant shift towards agentic AI at I/O 2026 with the unveiling of Gemini 3.5 models and the Antigravity platform, promising to bring advanced AI agents to consumers. At the same time, Vertiv partnered with Acciona to upgrade the cooling infrastructure at Acciona's corporate headquarters data centre in Madrid, resulting in significant energy savings and enhanced capacity. Meanwhile, Westcon-Comstor launched OneSOC, a vendor-agnostic, white-label Security Operations Centre service enabling channel partners to offer cybersecurity services under their own brand without upfront costs.

Rights Groups Issue 40-Day Ultimatum Over Gender-Based Violence Crisis: A coalition of Kenyan rights groups has issued a 40-day ultimatum to the government to address the escalating crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, threatening nationwide protests and legal action if demands are not met. Women in Nandi County held a peaceful protest against the alarming rise in femicide incidents across Kenya. Several advocacy groups are urging the Kenyan government to officially declare gender-based violence a national disaster in response to increasing incidents of violence and killings against women. A taxi driver has been arrested in connection with the arson attack that tragically killed gospel singer Racheal Muthoni. A group of women in Nairobi are demanding justice for the late gospel artist Rachael Wandeto, who tragically died following severe burns. The family of a murdered gospel singer has strongly denied viral social media claims that a tattoo was the reason for their relative's death. NCIC Under Scrutiny Before 2027 General Election: The National Cohesion and Integration Commission is facing scrutiny over its performance and preparedness ahead of the 2027 general election. The newly appointed chairperson of NCIC, Bishop Kepha Omae Nyamweya, has officially taken office with a pledge to rebuild public trust in the commission and tackle divisive issues impacting Kenya's national unity. Separately, Siaya County Governor James Orengo has protested the alleged arbitrary withdrawal of his security detail, penning a protest letter to the Inspector General of Police. LSK Seeks Court Review of Fuel Prices as Punitive: The Law Society of Kenya is seeking a High Court review of current fuel prices, calling them punitive and detrimental to the economy. Opposition politicians are demanding transparency in Kenya's fuel pricing mechanism to understand the reasons behind rising costs. They are urging Kenyans to reject the Finance Bill 2026. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that the government is actively working to reduce the current high fuel prices. Police Investigate Multiple Murder Cases Across Kenya: Police in Kakamega are investigating the gruesome murder of a man found buried inside his Matungu homestead. Officers are actively searching for a farmhand accused of killing his employer and burying the body on the farm. In a separate case in Njoro, police are hunting a suspect after a Grade Six pupil from Sinendet Primary School was discovered murdered, her body abandoned in a maize plantation. A woman has also been arrested in Kisii County after being on the run for over six months, suspected of murdering a bodaboda operator. Sakaja Targets Friday Deadline for Deal with Matatu Operators: The Kenyan government is targeting a deal with matatu operators by Friday, May 23, to end fuel price protests. The agreement aims to provide relief to Kenyans while ensuring the government continues to collect taxes. The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has accused leaders from the PSV and Transport Sector Vehicle subsectors of betraying a transport alliance by suspending a nationwide fuel strike without full consultation. Meanwhile, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has stated that no further immediate fuel price cuts are expected, despite ongoing talks with public transport operators, pointing to a recent reduction in diesel prices as evidence of their actions. The nationwide matatu strike has been suspended for one week following crucial meetings aimed at addressing operator concerns over rising fuel prices. A nationwide matatu strike is underway, paralyzing transport services as operators protest a recent surge in fuel prices, with the Mt Kenya region emerging as a new hotspot for anti-government demonstrations. Rachel Ruto Highlights Need for Greater Autism Support in Kenya: Kenyan First Lady Rachel Ruto visited the Asyl Miras Center in Astana, Kazakhstan, highlighting Kenya's need for greater support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. She drew inspiration from the comprehensive model of the Asyl Miras Center in Astana, Kazakhstan. During the same state visit, Kenya and Kazakhstan forged a new partnership aimed at transforming trade and investment ties into concrete commercial agreements to drive mutual prosperity. President William Ruto was accompanied by key government officials, and leaders and business executives from both nations laid out a roadmap for cooperation. Police Hunt Suspects in Multiple Violent Deaths Across Kenya: Police in Matungu are actively searching for a farmhand who is accused of fatally assaulting his employer and subsequently burying the body on the farm. Police in Njoro are searching for a suspect following the tragic discovery of a Grade Six girl's body in a maize plantation. Kenya is increasing disease surveillance and emergency preparedness following a World Health Organisation (WHO) declaration of an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Nairobi Women Demand Justice for Gospel Artist Rachael Wandeto: Nairobi women are demanding justice for gospel artist Rachael Wandeto, who died after a brutal petrol attack. The family has called for speedy investigations into her death. This killing is part of a broader wave of gender-based violence that has sparked outrage across Kenya. Women in Nandi County held a separate peaceful protest demanding action against the alarming rise in femicide incidents. Several advocacy groups have issued a 40-day ultimatum to the government, urging official declaration of gender-based violence as a national disaster. Kagwe Announces Crackdown on Milk Hawking as Govt Unveils Sweeping Dairy Reforms: The Kenyan government, led by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, is launching a comprehensive crackdown on unregulated milk hawking due to public health risks and its negative impact on the dairy industry. Kenya is actively pushing to finalize a significant meat export deal with China, aiming to leverage the country's new zero-tariff trade policy for African nations. Kenya is pioneering a new approach to agricultural finance by securitizing loans to smallholder farmers, aiming to attract institutional investors through structured credit markets. Matatu Operators Nationwide Strike Over Rising Fuel Prices: A nationwide matatu strike is underway in Kenya as operators protest the recent surge in fuel prices. The strike has caused significant disruption to daily commutes across the country. Following crucial meetings, operators suspended the strike for one week. However, the fuel crisis continues to ripple through the economy. Schools are facing new financial strain nationwide due to the fuel price increases. Meanwhile, traders in Githurai and Kitengela are counting losses running into millions of shillings after their businesses were raided during protests.