Kenya is set to introduce minimum fare regulations for ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt, following a directive from President William Ruto.

• The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has been tasked with developing a pricing framework to establish a minimum taxi fare.
• This move aims to address concerns about the sustainability of the ride-hailing ecosystem, where aggressive price competition has led to shrinking incomes for drivers.
• Key considerations for the minimum fare structure will include fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, insurance, distance, and platform commissions, seeking a balance between driver earnings and passenger affordability.

A new academic corridor is set to be established between Kenya and Romania, aiming to provide Kenyan students with access to EU-accredited master’s degree programs.

• Five Kenyan universities, including Amref International University, Strathmore University, Kabarak University, Moi University, and Pwani University, are expected to sign partnership agreements with Romania’s Danubius International University.
• The initiative, led by Danubius International University and AspiraPath LLC, will facilitate connections through Erasmus+ agreements, joint research, and potential dual degree programs.
• Partnerships are slated for signing between May 25 and May 28, 2026, with the Romanian Embassy in Nairobi also involved in early discussions.

The Finance Bill 2026 proposes a significant overhaul of smartphone taxation in Kenya, potentially making devices cheaper for consumers.

• The current effective tax burden on imported mobile phones is approximately 55.5%, combining 16% VAT, 10% excise duty, 25% import duty, 2.5% import declaration fee, and 2% railway development levy.
• The proposed change, explained by Treasury CS John Mbadi, aims to collapse these multiple taxes into a single 25% excise duty collected upon phone activation.
• This shift could lead to increased liquidity for retailers and more competitive pricing, ultimately benefiting Kenya's digital economy.