Kenyan Lawmakers Divided Over Finance Bill 2026: Lawmakers in Kenya are divided over the proposed Finance Bill 2026, with ongoing debates and differing opinions on the financial proposals. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is demanding full disclosure regarding an agreement for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Separately, Babu Owino has raised concerns over Governor Sakaja administration's planned Ksh 692 billion loan. G7 Leaders Launch Ports Network to Curb Global Drug Trafficking: Leaders at the G7 Summit in France have agreed to launch a new international ports network and joint action plans to combat global drug trafficking networks. At the same time, the G7 leaders welcomed an agreement facilitating the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, a vital corridor for global oil transport. Additionally, Kenya has joined the Group of Seven (G7) nations and South Korea in a renewed pledge to combat migrant smuggling and human trafficking. G7 leaders, alongside partner nations including Kenya, have also united to call for a strengthened, coordinated international response to the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. EACC Arrests Former Senior Govt Official Over Ksh 12M Fraud: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a former Taita Taveta County Political Affairs Director for an alleged fraud involving Ksh12.4 million. The Executive Office of the President has disclosed that a significant portion of the KSh14.5 billion in pending bills was inherited from the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS). Moreover, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has clarified why some 2025 income tax returns are being rejected, even after passing initial validation, identifying common taxpayer mistakes. Treasury CS Defends e-GP Rollout Citing Improved Transparency: Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has strongly defended the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system, highlighting its role in transforming public procurement by boosting transparency, efficiency, and accountability across government levels. Meanwhile, Mbadi has assured county employees that their June salaries will be paid on time, despite reported delays in Exchequer releases due to a cash crunch. Over 1,000 CEOs are also urging the Kenyan government to take immediate action to alleviate the high cost of doing business, ease credit conditions, and boost private sector liquidity. Drought Destroys Maize Farms in North Rift Region: A severe drought is posing a significant threat to the North Rift region's maize harvest, potentially leading to substantial losses for local farmers. Farmers in the North Rift region of Kenya are facing significant losses after a severe drought destroyed their maize farms. Additionally, maize farmers in the Rift Valley are facing the grim prospect of substantial losses as their crops begin to wither, with urgent concerns mounting over the potential scale of the damage. IG Kanja Issues New Orders Amid Surge in Politically-Linked Goons: Kenya's Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has ordered a nationwide crackdown on criminal gangs and goons for hire following a disturbing rise in their use to disrupt public order, particularly ahead of upcoming elections. Church leaders in Kenya are blaming the State for a disturbing trend of politically motivated violence and disruptions, warning it could trigger widespread unrest ahead of the General Election. Meanwhile, fearing escalating political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, teachers in Kenya are seeking mass transfers, leading to a warning from the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET). KeNHA Put on Notice Over Upgrade of 352KM Highway Linking Four Counties: Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah is demanding urgent action from the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) to address the perilous state of the Kisumu-Busia highway, citing frequent accidents and deteriorating road conditions. Separately, Kilimani residents are opposing a proposed KSh1.6 billion expansion of State House Road into a dual carriageway, citing environmental concerns and doubt the project's effectiveness in reducing traffic congestion. Additionally, Members of Parliament have ordered the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to expedite the Ksh 1.4 billion rehabilitation project at Wilson Airport due to escalating air safety concerns and operational inefficiencies. Nationwide Matatu Operators Strike Over Escalating Fuel Prices: Matatu operators across Kenya have initiated a nationwide strike, paralyzing public transport as they protest significant increases in fuel prices impacting their businesses. The strike commenced on June 16th, 2026, disrupting transportation across the country. Human rights organizations are demanding an official apology from the Kenyan government following alleged abductions and brutality during the strike. The family of a 12-year-old girl, Abigael Chepkirui, allegedly killed during Tuesday's protests against rising fuel prices, is demanding an apology from Deputy President William Ruto. Our Ocean Conference Opens in Mombasa: Kenya is set to host the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, a significant international gathering focused on marine conservation and sustainable ocean management. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir delivered opening remarks at the 11th Our Ocean Conference, highlighting key environmental concerns. The city is gearing up to host the global ocean summit amidst escalating concerns over marine pollution.
