Kenya Ranks Low Globally in Shift Toward Smoke-Free Alternatives: Kenya is struggling to help smokers transition to less harmful alternatives, ranking 75th globally in a new report released ahead of World No Tobacco Day. On World No Tobacco Day, the Campaign for Safer Alternatives argued that a tobacco-free world is achievable by embracing safer nicotine alternatives for adult smokers. Separately, Kenya became the center of a social media storm fueled by AI-generated satire and political commentary regarding a potential U.S. plan to manage Ebola exposure cases on its soil. State Orders Bulk Purchase of Mwea Rice to Stabilise Market: The Kenyan government ordered state agencies to purchase all unsold rice stocks from the Mwea Irrigation Scheme to stabilize market prices and prevent farmer losses during persistent surplus harvest seasons. Kenya launched the Kenya Coffee Hub, a new trade convention connecting international buyers directly with local farmers to boost export earnings and producer returns. These interventions address Kenya's heavy reliance on imports while supporting domestic producers in both rice and coffee sectors. Absa Kenya Posts Sh5.3 Billion Profit After Tax in Q1: Absa Bank Kenya 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. Enwealth Trustees Services Limited received approval from the Capital Markets Authority to operate as a licensed corporate trustee in Kenya, expanding financial services offerings. Meanwhile, Ulwazi Place in Nairobi expanded its facilities by adding a new conference wing to capitalize on Kenya's growing conference tourism market and position it as a regional hub for MICE tourism.

Jubilee Youths Challenge Mt Kenya MPs to Confront Ruto Directly: The Jubilee Youth League has challenged Mount Kenya MPs to confront President William Ruto directly instead of blaming UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar for coalition tensions. Several elected leaders from the Mt Kenya region affiliated with President Ruto's United Democratic Alliance party are reportedly planning to run as independents or under smaller parties in the lead-up to the 2027 Polls. Meanwhile, the Orange Democratic Movement faces an uncertain future as escalating factional rivalries emerge following the departure of its long-time party leader, Raila Odinga. These developments reflect broader coalition tensions and shifting political alliances in Kenya's political landscape.

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. The championship features teams from the East Africa region competing for regional supremacy. Meanwhile, Kenya's Shujaa rugby sevens team is competing in the second leg of the HSBC SVNS Championship in Valladolid, Spain, renewing rivalries with South Africa and Australia. Kenya Sevens, known as Shujaa, narrowly lost their opening match at the Valladolid Sevens to Australia in sudden death, with the final score of 15-10. Top riders are also set to compete in the second Kenya Polo Association (KPA) tournament of the year at Timau Sports Club starting Friday afternoon.

One UI 8.5 Update Expands to More Budget Galaxy Devices: Samsung is rolling out its One UI 8.5 update to a wider range of budget-friendly Galaxy phones and tablets, expanding access to its latest software features. Separately, new leaks reveal the upcoming Samsung Galaxy A27 is set for an imminent launch in Kenya, boasting significant upgrades over its predecessor. At the same time, DStv subscribers in Kenya are set to receive complimentary upgrades to higher-tier bouquets throughout June 2026 as part of a new promotion targeting the Kenyan market. Absa Bank Kenya Posts KSh 5.3 Billion Q1 Profit: Absa Bank Kenya has announced a significant KSh 5.3 billion profit after tax for the first quarter of 2026, demonstrating resilience amidst economic challenges. The bank joins other financial institutions showing strong performance in the region. Meanwhile, Tanzanian fintech company Swahilies has officially received a Payment Service Provider license from the Central Bank of Tanzania, enabling it to expand its digital payment services. Additionally, Airtel Kenya is set to receive a substantial $100 million equivalent in local currency from the International Finance Corporation to bolster its mobile network expansion and refinance existing debt.

16 Students Die in Utumishi Girls Dormitory Fire, 79 Injured: A devastating dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, claimed the lives of 16 students and injured 79 others, with several hospitalized with severe injuries. Education CS Julius Ogamba declared the fire an act of arson and confirmed that eight students have been arrested in connection with the incident. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has demanded the resignation of Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over the tragedy. Authorities are utilizing DNA analysis to identify victims, with families awaiting sampling at Naivasha Funeral Home as some bodies were burned beyond recognition. Education stakeholders have criticized the government over school safety failures, while questions continue to emerge about emergency response times during the fire. Timothy Ouma Set for Champions League with Slavia Prague: Kenyan international Timothy "Babu" Ouma is set to make his debut in the UEFA Champions League following his parent club Slavia Prague's qualification for the prestigious tournament. The Harambee Stars midfielder is poised to make history as he prepares to play in Europe's top club competition. Meanwhile, Kenya's men's volleyball team, the Malkia Strikers, are intensifying training for the upcoming CAVB African Cup qualifiers in Kampala, where Kenya has confirmed a 14-man squad. The Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has also named a 24-player squad for the Zambia Four Nations tournament. 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. The petition argues against the construction of Ebola quarantine facilities in the country. In response, Kenya's Public Health and Professional Standards PS Mary Muthoni stated that discussions about establishing an Ebola isolation center are not a negative development. Separately, a Kenyan court has ordered the suspension of Racheal Wandeto's burial, preventing the planned funeral from proceeding. 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. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed an investigation into the fire at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary in Gilgil on Thursday, May 28, with authorities suspecting arson. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has dissolved the Utumishi Girls Academy Board of Management and ordered disciplinary action against the principal. Meanwhile, eight students have been arrested in connection with the suspected arson attack, and authorities are utilizing DNA analysis to identify the victims, with seven out of 16 victims positively identified so far due to extreme burns making identification extremely difficult. High Court Suspends US-Backed Ebola Facility: The High Court in Kenya has issued a temporary order suspending the establishment and operation of any US-backed Ebola quarantine, isolation, or treatment facilities in the country. This decision came after a legal challenge by lobby groups concerned about public safety, with the Katiba Institute filing a petition at the High Court in Nairobi seeking to halt plans for the establishment of Ebola treatment centers. Kenya's Parliamentary Health Committee has summoned Health CS Aden Duale and other ministry officials over the government's approval of a US Ebola quarantine center, which a court has since suspended. The government had approved a US plan to establish an Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, with America committing Ksh1.7 billion to bolster Kenya's preparedness efforts. Tennis Kenya Partners with French Authorities for Sport Growth: Tennis Kenya has officially launched partnerships with French organizations aimed at significantly boosting the development of tennis in Kenya. The partnership was announced with French authorities to accelerate the sport's growth in the country. Meanwhile, the Samburu region is 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 (KNTCSA) games have also reached their final stages in Meru, representing a significant event for teacher training colleges across the country. 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. In a separate political development, 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. Meanwhile, 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. 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. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi was questioned as Kenya's deficit has hit KSh1.1 trillion. The Budget and Appropriations 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. This comes as public finance oversight faces challenges amid the substantial fiscal gap.