Public Debt Rises by Sh533bn to Sh12.83 Trillion: Kenya's public debt has surged by Sh533 billion in the first quarter of the year, reaching a total stock of Sh12.83 trillion by the end of March. Meanwhile, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development projects Kenya's economy will grow at a steady but subdued rate of 4.6% in 2026. However, the EBRD notes that rising energy costs and a high debt burden pose significant challenges to the economic outlook. Additionally, Kenyan consumers and businesses will continue to pay current electricity rates after the government withdrew a retail electricity tariff review application submitted by Kenya Power and Lighting Company.

Prosecution Seeks 30-Day Detention for Student Suspects in Utumishi Girls Academy Fire Tragedy: Prosecutors are seeking to detain student suspects for 30 days as investigations continue into a deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy that resulted in the deaths of 16 students. Seven students have confessed to the arson, a fire that tragically killed 16 students and injured dozens more. Radio broadcaster Alex Mwakideu has sparked a national debate by questioning the installation of CCTV cameras inside the sleeping quarters of Utumishi Girls Academy following the tragic fire. Content creator Mylee Staicey has defended the school's decision to install CCTV cameras in female student dormitories, noting the cameras became crucial in the investigation.

Party Hopping Disrupts Kenyan Political Parties Ahead of 2027 Elections: Political parties in Kenya are experiencing significant disruptions as elected leaders frequently switch allegiances, a trend that has intensified ahead of the 2027 general elections. This irregular party hopping is causing instability within political outfits across the country. Separately, the United Opposition announced plans to field a single candidate in the upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, aiming to consolidate support ahead of the vote. Meanwhile, facing challenges with its nomination process, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is seeking to learn from seasoned political parties in South Africa and Ghana to address internal selection issues.

Gor Mahia Clinches Record 22nd Title, Targets Continental Success: Gor Mahia Football Club has clinched the Kenyan Premier League title, securing their 21st league trophy (the 22nd overall record) and setting their sights on competing in the CAF Champions League. After the title win, players were rewarded and challenged to replicate the 1987 continental feat. The newly crowned champions received Sh1 million from Owalo following their triumph. The club also honored the late Raila Odinga with an emotional trophy presentation visit, acknowledging his significant contributions to the club and Kenyan football. Prominent figures in Kenyan football visited the family of the late Raila Odinga to pay their respects. Harambee Stars Defender Returns After Ten-Month Injury Absence: Defender Eric Ouma makes a much-anticipated return to the Harambee Stars lineup, bringing experience to a youthful squad facing Lesotho in an international friendly in South Africa. This marks Ouma's first appearance for the national team in ten months following a serious injury. Meanwhile, Kenya's Wafalme Stars men's national volleyball team faces a crucial match against hosts Uganda today in the 2026 Africa Senior Nations Championship qualifiers, with both teams vying for a second consecutive win. At the same time, Harambee Starlets are set to depart for Lusaka, Zambia to participate in a Four-Nations FIFA Tournament serving as crucial preparation for the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

PayPal Freezes and Blocks Kenyan Accounts Over Money-Laundering Checks: PayPal has begun freezing and permanently blocking accounts for users in Kenya, demanding extensive documentation to verify identities and transaction legitimacy. At the same time, ride-hailing platform Bolt officially denied claims circulating online that it is exiting the Kenyan market, stating the reports are based on a fraudulent document intentionally shared to mislead the public. Separately, MultiChoice is offering former Showmax subscribers in Kenya a year of DStv Stream Compact at a discounted rate following the shutdown of the standalone Showmax service. Meanwhile, Safaricom is actively encouraging users of its MySafaricom app to transition to the newer My OneApp, signaling a potential phase-out of the older application.

Two Killed in Laikipia Anti-Ebola Facility Protests: Violent protests erupted in Laikipia County against a proposed U.S. Ebola quarantine facility, resulting in two deaths and three injuries. The U.S. government has assured local residents that the bio-isolation facility poses no risk to nearby communities, citing Kenya's proximity to disease outbreak hotspots as the reason for its location. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale will face the National Assembly Departmental Health Committee to address concerns about the proposed quarantine facility for U.S. citizens exposed to Ebola. Meanwhile, Kenya's united opposition has intensified calls urging President William Ruto to abandon the facility, while the U.S. Embassy has clarified that no Americans exposed to Ebola are slated for transfer to Kenya. COSSAAK Demands Nationwide Dormitory Safety Audit After Utumishi Fire Kills 16: Following a deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Senior Secondary School that claimed 16 lives, the Consortium of Secondary Schools Alumni Associations of Kenya (COSSAAK) is demanding a nationwide audit of dormitory safety and emergency escape systems in all boarding schools. The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has separately proposed new safety regulations for school dormitories, recommending comprehensive overhaul of existing safety standards. These incidents have prompted a critical examination of accountability measures, highlighting a concerning trend of arson incidents within educational institutions nationwide. DCI Arrests Suspect Over Githurai Vehicle Arson During Fuel Protest: Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a content creator in Ruiru, suspected of involvement in the arson of a vehicle at Githurai Roundabout during recent fuel-related protests. Separately, Narok Law Courts experienced significant disruption when police fired shots and tear gas to disperse over 400 morans attempting to free a murder suspect. Additionally, a police firearm that went missing in Nairobi's Central Business District a week ago was recovered by DCI, found concealed within a supermarket on Moi Avenue. Kenya Faces Multiple Parallel Crises Amid Nationwide Strike: A Kenyan national showing symptoms of Ebola has been admitted to a hospital along Kiambu Road as the country grapples with multiple crises. Martha Karua has criticized President William Ruto's remarks regarding the Ebola virus, stating his comments are disrespectful to Kenyans. The Ebola debate has rekindled focus on the United States' longstanding support for Kenya's health sector. Meanwhile, a nationwide matatu strike continues over escalating fuel prices, with the Energy Cabinet Secretary explaining that fuel increases result from multiple factors influencing global and local markets. Hassan Joho Condemns Fake Mining Licenses in Kenya: Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Hassan Joho, has issued a stern warning against the issuance of illegal mining licences and the subsequent loss of national revenue. The former Mombasa Governor highlighted the issue during a time when the nation is grappling with a widespread matatu strike. Meanwhile, the Kenyan national government will pave the Maungu to Kasighau road in Taita Taveta County following requests from local leaders. Beneficiaries of the Nyota project will receive the second tranche of startup capital by June 30. Kiambu, Wajir, Vihiga Residents Protest New Taxes: Residents in Kiambu, Wajir, and Vihiga counties are protesting increased taxes, demanding reductions in the prices of goods and fuel. Five activists have been brought before court in Kenya accused of inciting violence across the country. Additionally, mitumba traders are advocating for a 5% presumptive tax to be implemented, aiming to address challenges within their sector. The Member of Parliament for West Mugirango, Stephen Mogaka, has criticized political leaders and citizens opposing the Financial Bill 2026. Two Killed in Laikipia Anti-Ebola Facility Protests: Violent protests erupted in Laikipia County against an anti-Ebola quarantine facility, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to three others. Kenya's united opposition has intensified its rejection of the U.S. Ebola quarantine centre in Laikipia, urging President William Ruto to abandon the facility. A U.S. Congressional committee has reportedly criticized plans for an Ebola center in Kenya, while the U.S. Embassy in Kenya affirmed that no Americans exposed to Ebola are slated for transfer to Kenya. At the same time, President William Ruto defended the government's decision to establish an Ebola quarantine facility within Kenya. Twenty-five counties in Kenya are at high risk of Ebola outbreak amid these controversies. Nine Utumishi Academy Students Charged in Deadly Fire Case: Nine students from Utumishi Academy have been brought before the court in connection with a fire that tragically claimed the lives of 16 students. A Kenyan court is set to decide whether suspects linked to the Utumishi fire incident will be detained for 30 days or not. Meanwhile, a school play staged eight years ago at Butere Girls High School has resurfaced in relevance following the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy.