IPOA Investigates Fatal Shooting During Anti-Fuel Protests: The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating multiple deaths and an officer-involved shooting that occurred during the nationwide fuel price protests on May 18 to 19. Following a tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that resulted in the deaths of 16 students, the KUPPET Chairperson Omboko Milemba is advocating for the abolition of boarding schools nationwide. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Geoffrey Ruku, has warned that state agencies failing to adopt the new Human Resource Information System (HRIS) risk having their salary payments frozen. Absa Posts KSh 5.3 Billion First-Quarter Profit on Strong Operational Performance: Absa Bank Kenya has announced a robust KSh 5.3 billion profit after tax for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. Consolidated Bank also achieved a significant turnaround, reporting a pre-tax profit of KSh 92.5 million in the first quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, Naivas Supermarket launched its 'Game Iko On' consumer engagement campaign in anticipation of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Women entrepreneurs from across Kenya convened at the SHEconomy Summit to advocate for improved access to finance, business opportunities, and government procurement. Kenya Steps Up Ebola Preparedness With Isolation Centre at JKIA: Kenya has established a dedicated Ebola isolation center at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as part of significantly enhanced preparedness measures against Ebola and other public health threats. The Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni reviewed Ebola preparedness and containment measures at JKIA. Kenya is preparing to establish nearly 16 intervention centres across the country. NTV Kenya reported that experts from the United States have arrived in Kenya to construct an Ebola quarantine facility. However, a court prohibited the establishment of an Ebola quarantine camp in Busia due to concerns over potential health risks and inadequate consultation with local communities. The United States is engaged in diplomatic talks with Kenya following this court challenge that temporarily halted the facility's establishment. Junior Starlets Face Uganda in Decisive FIFA U-17 World Cup Qualifier: The Kenya U-17 Junior Starlets are preparing for a crucial FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifier match against Uganda's Teen Cranes at Nyayo Stadium. The team is rallying fans to attend the decisive match, with the encounter described as significant for their tournament advancement. This qualifier follows the team's preparations for the crucial World Cup qualification campaign. Separately, Kenya's national women's football team, the Harambee Starlets, are also preparing to compete in an upcoming four-nations tournament. Additionally, the Kenya Wafalme men's volleyball team is intensifying training for the CAVB Zone Five qualifiers. Survivors of Utumishi Fire Out of Critical Condition as DNA Testing Begins: Medical practitioners have confirmed that survivors of the Utumishi Girls fire are no longer in critical condition. Postmortem examinations have begun on the 16 students who died in the suspected arson attack at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County. DNA testing has commenced to identify the bodies of the students who perished in the devastating fire. The families of the 16 victims are anxiously awaiting the postmortem results. Eight students from Utumishi Girls have been arrested in connection with the fire incident that occurred on Wednesday night. Kenya Establishes 16 Ebola Intervention Centers as Court Blocks Busia Quarantine Camp: Kenya is preparing to enhance its Ebola preparedness by establishing nearly 16 intervention centres across the country. Prime CS Mudavadi announced this initiative as part of containment measures. A court has prohibited the establishment of an Ebola quarantine camp in Busia due to concerns over potential health risks and inadequate consultation with local communities. Meanwhile, experts from the United States have arrived in Kenya to construct an Ebola quarantine facility, signifying a proactive measure by the Kenyan government. JKIA has designated Gate 16 specifically for passengers arriving from Ebola high-risk countries as a precautionary measure. Ruto Announces Plans for Regional Refinery to End Fuel Disruptions: President William Ruto announced plans to construct a regional refinery aimed at ending constant fuel disruptions. The initiative was revealed during a meeting with the Kenyan diaspora at State House, Nairobi. Separately, victims of protests against the Finance Bill 2024 are urging the government to expedite compensation payments as promised by the President. Victims of police brutality are also threatening fresh protests over delayed compensation, demanding justice and compensation for brutality they suffered. NTSA Directs Motorists to Update Contact Details Ahead of New Traffic Offences Framework: The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is directing all motorists to update their contact details on its digital platform to prepare for the rollout of a new minor traffic offences framework starting June 1, 2026. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has separately issued a 30-day eviction notice to traders and occupants operating unlawfully along the Kamulu-Joska-Malaa-Tala-Kangundo Road. Meanwhile, JKIA experienced a notable decrease in passenger traffic in March 2026, according to a report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), as the government prepares for a multi-billion airport expansion. Finance Bill 2026 Proposes Tax Increases Amid Cost of Living Strain: The Finance Bill 2026 has sparked debate in Kenya as it proposes significant tax increases to raise approximately Sh120 billion amid persistent cost of living pressures. Kenya's annual inflation has climbed to 6.7% in May 2026, a significant increase from 5.6% in April 2026. Mitumba traders in Kenya are advocating for a 5% presumptive tax on imported second-hand clothing, presenting their proposal to the National Assembly's Finance Committee as part of the Finance Bill 2026 public participation. The National Assembly Finance Committee is grappling with misinformation surrounding the Finance Bill 2026, as false claims about tax measures are misleading the public.
