Following a tragic fire that claimed the lives of 16 learners at Utumishi Girls Senior School, the school's founder, Edward Mbugua, has called for the phasing out of boarding schools.

• 16 learners died in the fire at Utumishi Girls Senior School.
• Edward Mbugua, the school's founder, advocates for a transition to day schools.
• Since January 2026, 47 schools have reported fire incidents, with day schools remaining largely unaffected.

A requiem mass was held at Gilgil Stadium to honour the 15 Utumishi Girls Academy students who died in a dormitory fire two weeks ago. First Lady Rachel Ruto and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba were among those attending.

• 15 students lost their lives in the devastating fire.
• The fire is being investigated as an arson attack, with 9 students currently in custody.
• The victims were remembered ahead of their burial, though one student, Zuhura Rama, was buried last week as per Islamic tradition.

President William Ruto has set a September 2026 deadline for the historic Kenya-European Union data adequacy deal, a landmark agreement that will facilitate free personal data movement between the two entities.

• Kenya is poised to become the first African nation to secure this data-sharing agreement with the EU.
• The deal involves the European Union Parliament for ratification.
• The European Union has committed €102 million (Ksh15 billion) to fund digital infrastructure projects under the EU-Kenya Digital Partnership.

President William Ruto skipped the memorial service for the 16 Utumishi Girls Academy students who died in a dormitory fire, with First Lady Rachel Ruto instead leading the national tribute in Gilgil, Nakuru County.

• 16 schoolgirls died in the tragedy.
• The memorial service was held at Gilgil Stadium.
• The government announced a compensation package of Sh200,000 for each affected family.