Kenya's exam body, KNEC, aims for a paperless national examination system by 2027, but significant hurdles threaten its readiness.

• KNEC needs approximately KES 12.5 billion annually for national exams, facing a projected shortfall of KES 4.82 billion for the 2026/27 period.
• The transition to digital exams, envisioned to cut costs and modernize the system, faces challenges in funding, device accessibility (only 40% of secondary schools have functional computer labs), internet connectivity, and reliable power supply.
• Cybersecurity concerns and the need for extensive capacity building for both learners and educators are also critical factors that make the 2027 deadline ambitious.

A Kenyan court has extended a block on a United States-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base, demanding the government publish the full terms of the deal within seven days, highlighting a larger dispute over control of Kenya’s health decisions and data.

• The High Court ordered the disclosure of all agreements, assessments, and approvals related to the facility, temporarily halting its setup and the admission of exposed individuals until June 23rd.
• Key players include Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, the Katiba Institute, the Law Society of Kenya, the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and the Laikipia County government.
• This case echoes a previous court suspension of data-sharing aspects of a $2.5 billion Kenya-US Health Cooperation Framework, underscoring concerns about public participation and the potential re-identification of de-identified health data.

The Kenyan government has halted Kenya Power's application to increase retail electricity tariffs, providing temporary relief to consumers. However, this decision comes with significant implications for the financially strained utility sector.

• The upward revision of base electricity rates, sought by Kenya Power and other sector players, has been shelved.
• Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi announced the withdrawal of the application on June 3, aiming to shield households and businesses.
• While base tariffs remain unchanged, monthly bills may still fluctuate due to variable charges like fuel and foreign exchange adjustments.
• The withdrawal is expected to derail funding plans for upgrading the aging electricity transmission and distribution network, creating a funding gap for utilities.