Enwealth Receives CMA Approval to Operate as Corporate Trustee: Enwealth Trustees Services Limited has been granted approval by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to operate as a licensed corporate trustee in Kenya. This approval allows the company to provide corporate trustee services within the Kenyan financial market. Separately, Absa Bank Kenya has reported a Sh5.3 billion profit after tax for the first quarter ending March 2026, driven by growth in customer deposits and balance sheet expansion despite economic challenges. Both stories highlight developments in Kenya's financial services sector, with one focusing on regulatory approval for a new service provider and the other on banking performance. The third story relates to the Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA) which argues that a tobacco-free world is achievable by embracing safer nicotine alternatives for adult smokers, marking World No Tobacco Day. New Coffee Hub to Bring Global Buyers Straight to Kenyan Farms: Kenya has launched the Kenya Coffee Hub, a new trade convention designed to connect international buyers directly with local farmers, aiming to boost export earnings and producer returns. The initiative seeks to shorten the supply chain and increase profitability for Kenyan coffee farmers. At the same time, Nairobi hosted a forum focused on accelerating East Africa's clean energy transition, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to discuss sustainable solutions. Meanwhile, Ulwazi Place in Nairobi has expanded its facilities, adding a new conference wing to capitalize on Kenya's growing conference tourism market and positioning it as a regional hub for MICE tourism.

Kenya ready to defend regional karate title: Kenya is poised to defend its title at the UFAK Region East Africa Karate Championships, commencing tomorrow at Nyayo Gymnasium. Kenya's Shujaa rugby sevens team is set to face tough competition in the second leg of the HSBC SVNS Championship in Valladolid, Spain, renewing rivalries with South Africa and Australia. Top riders are set to compete in the second Kenya Polo Association (KPA) tournament of the year at Timau Sports Club starting Friday afternoon.

Kenya Approves US Plan for Ebola Quarantine Facility in Laikipia, US officials say: Kenya has approved a United States plan to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at a military air force base in Laikipia County. America committed Ksh1.7 billion to bolster Kenya's preparedness for Ebola, following outbreaks in neighboring countries. The government approved the US plan with the quarantine site at Laikipia Air Base. However, the High Court in Nairobi suspended the establishment of the US-linked Ebola quarantine centre after a legal challenge by lobby groups concerned about public safety. The Katiba Institute also filed a petition at the High Court seeking to halt plans for the establishment of Ebola treatment centers. Kenyan medical professionals issued a 48-hour strike notice protesting the plan over biosecurity concerns, with the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists' Union demanding transparency regarding the proposed facility. Detectives Detain Over 10 Students Over Utumishi Girls' Fire Incident: Police in Kenya have detained over 10 students from Utumishi Girls Academy following a deadly dormitory fire that tragically killed 16 learners and injured 79 others. Authorities suspect arson and are using DNA analysis to identify the victims. The tragic incident at Utumishi Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, has reignited concerns about recurring safety issues in Kenyan schools. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is demanding the resignation of Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen following the deadly fire. Additionally, a mother whose daughter was injured in the Utumishi Academy fire tragedy died in a road accident while rushing to the school on the Gilgil-Nakuru highway. 16 Students Die in Utumishi Girls Dormitory Fire, 79 Injured: A devastating dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls school in Gilgil, Nakuru County, resulted in the tragic deaths of 16 students and injured 79 others, with several students hospitalized with severe injuries. Police are investigating the incident as suspected arson and have detained 10 students in connection with the fire. Authorities announced plans to use DNA analysis to identify the victims. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has demanded the resignation of Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen following the tragedy. Education stakeholders have blamed the government for the situation, raising questions about school safety protocols. A nationwide matatu strike protesting rising fuel prices was ongoing during the incident, with questions raised about whether delayed emergency response contributed to the death toll. Timothy Ouma Set for Champions League with Slavia Prague: Kenyan international Timothy 'Babu' Ouma is set to feature in the UEFA Champions League following his parent club Slavia Prague's qualification for the prestigious tournament. The Harambee Stars midfielder is on the cusp of making history as he prepares to play in the Champions League with the Czech club. Meanwhile, Kenya has officially announced a 14-man squad for the CAVB Zone Five qualifiers scheduled to take place in Kampala. The Malkia Strikers are intensifying their training for the upcoming CAVB African Cup qualifiers to represent the nation in a crucial continental tournament. Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has selected a 24-player squad for the Zambia Four Nations tournament. Civil Society Criticises Judges Retirement Benefits Act 2025: Kenyan civil society organizations are expressing strong disapproval of the Judges Retirement Benefits Act 2025, calling for immediate amendments or a complete repeal of the legislation. President William Ruto has pledged to accept the results of the 2027 presidential election and has refuted allegations of any plans to rig the upcoming polls. Absa Kenya has reported a 13.8% drop in its first-quarter profit, attributed to the impact of lower interest rates and a decrease in lending income. A new programme is being launched in Trans Nzoia to encourage the cultivation of indigenous vegetables, aiming to boost food security and diversify agricultural practices in the region. Mbadi Quizzed on Revenue Projections as Deficit Hits KSh1.1 Trillion: Members of the Budget and Appropriations Committee expressed significant concerns regarding revenue shortfalls and fiscal pressures during a review of the FY 2026/27 budget. The committee has endorsed an independent funding model for the Office of the Auditor-General to address concerns about audit delays and a significant backlog impacting public finance oversight. Separately, the Kenya National Highway Authority issued a 30-day eviction notice to traders and occupants with unauthorized structures along the Kisii-Ahero highway. Katiba Institute Petitions Court to Halt Ebola Treatment Centre: The Katiba Institute has filed a petition at the High Court in Nairobi seeking to halt plans for the establishment of Ebola treatment centers in Kenya. Kenya's Public Health and Professional Standards PS, Mary Muthoni, stated that discussions about establishing an Ebola isolation center in Kenya are not a negative development. In a related legal matter, a Kenyan court has ordered the suspension of Racheal Wandeto's burial, preventing the planned funeral from proceeding. Tennis Kenya Partners with French Authorities for Sport Growth: Tennis Kenya has officially launched a significant partnership with French authorities to accelerate the development of tennis within Kenya. The partnership aims to foster growth of tennis in Kenya through collaborations with French organizations. The Samburu region is currently hosting the 37th Rhino Charge, an annual off-road conservation event dedicated to fundraising for the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust. The Kenya National Teachers Colleges Sports Association games have reached their final stages in Meru, representing a significant event for teacher training colleges across the country.