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HomeDaily NewsThursday, June 18, 2026
Kenya News - Thursday, June 18, 2026
Daily Summary

Kenya News - Thursday, June 18, 2026

Parliament narrowly passed the Finance Bill's second reading amid fierce debate, with MPs reportedly rebelling against proposed taxes. This follows a nationwide matatu strike over fuel prices, leading the IG to announce a crackdown after a student's tragic fall. Senator Edwin Sifuna was removed from the Petroleum Committee, intensifying political tensions. The Treasury defended economic resilience as the Shilling strengthens amid increased yuan trade. Meanwhile, Kenya hosts the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, with DP Kindiki urging global ocean protection. President Ruto secured G7-backed financial reforms in France, with the EU pledging Ksh74.1 billion for Ebola response, and Kenya nearing a critical minerals deal with the US. The TSC advances overseas teaching opportunities, while the SHA clarified IVF access for teachers. Families of police brutality victims marched demanding justice, amid business concerns over demonstration losses. In sports, the Junior Starlets topped their group after a draw.

54 stories across 16 topics
Updated 6:18 PM

Top Stories Today

MPs clash as Finance Bill 2026 pass Second Reading
Drama as MPs Clash Over Ksh1B Allocation to State House
Kabuchai MP thrown out of House ahead of Finance Bill vote
COFEK faults Parliament’s rush to pass Finance Bill 2026
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Finance Bill 2026 Passes Second Reading Amid MPs' Clash - June 2026

The Finance Bill 2026 passed its Second Reading in the National Assembly on June 17, 2026, amidst heated arguments between government and opposition lawmakers over tax proposals. The debate wasinstigated by concerns over the justification and transparency of a Ksh1 billion allocation to State House in the Supplementary Estimates II. Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga was ejected from the National Assembly ahead of the vote for disorderly conduct by Temporary Speaker Farah Maalim. The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has separately lodged a complaint with the High Court against Parliament's rapid approval of the Finance Bill 2026.

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Kenya to benefit from G7-backed financial reforms, Ruto says
Kenya, Africa leave G7 Summit with concrete wins – State House
Ruto, Trump Near Deal on Critical Minerals
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Kenya Secures G7-Backed Reforms at France Summit - June 2026

Treasury defends economic resilience, debt strategy and public finance reforms
Kenya Shilling Set for Further Gains as Traders Shift From Dollar
Experts Predict When Fuel Prices Will Drop
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Treasury Defends Economic Resilience Amid Shilling Gains - June 2026

Thousands of Unemployed Teachers Set for Overseas Jobs in New TSC Plan
SHA Responds After Teachers Raise Concerns Over Treatment Rules
Relief for Teachers as Parliament Unlocks Extra Funds to Settle Exam Allowances
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TSC Advances Overseas Teaching Program as SHA Clarifies IVF Access - June 2026

Kenya Among Countries Set to Benefit as EU Commits Ksh74 Billion to Ebola Response
Single gunshot ended Nanyuki teen life, autopsy revealed
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WHO Issues Ebola Guidelines as EU Commits Ksh74 Billion - June 2026

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever comprehensive guidelines for managing Ebola and Marburg diseases, emphasizing early supportive care to improve patient survival. The European Union has committed Ksh74.1 billion (€493 million) to bolster Ebola response efforts region-wide, significantly boosting international support following an appeal by President Ruto at the G7 Summit. An autopsy has confirmed that 17-year-old Sylvester Muigai Ndung'u died from a single gunshot wound to the head during protests in Nanyuki against a proposed Ebola quarantine centre.

More News Topics

Mbui pushes Ruto tax exemption pledge for low earners
Finance Bill fireworks: Opposition, government MPs clash over taxes
politics4

Ruto Trips: Global Statesman or Just Flying President? - June 2026

President William Ruto's extensive foreign travel to the G7 Leaders' Summit in Evian, France has sparked significant debate about its benefits versus costs. At the same time, Kathiani MP Robert Mbui is pushing to legally implement Ruto's pledge to exempt low-income earners from income tax, aiming to remove workers earning below KSh30,000 from the tax net. Meanwhile, the Kenyan opposition is navigating complex internal dynamics as the Linda Mwananchi faction gains influence, potentially reshaping the 2027 presidential race. In Parliament, intense drama unfolded as Members of Parliament clashed over the Finance Bill 2026, with accusations of hidden tax increases and rushed progression through the House.

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Sifuna aondolewa kamati ya kawi ya Seneti, mabadiliko yazua mvutano bungeni
Finance Bill enters second reading stage as MPs debate revenue proposals
Bunge lapasuka makundi huku Mswada wa Fedha 2026 ukisomwa mara ya pili
Opposition MPs protest passage of Finance Bill 2026 as debate shifts to implementation
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Junior Starlets top group after draw with Tanzania
Kenya Junior Starlets reach CECAFA U-17 semi-finals after 1-1 draw
SportPesa boosts Kenya Rugby Sevens with new sponsorship deal
Kenya launches National 7s rugby circuit running across six major legs
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June 25 commemoration: Families of police brutality victims march to IG Kanja’s office
Brief standoff at gate of Jogoo House before kin of victims of police brutality were allowed in
KNCHR yafafanua mapendekezo kuhusu haki ya maandamano
Wafanyabiashara walalamika kupoteza mali wakati wa maandamano bila mpango wa fidia hadi sasa
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Mombasa hosts historic Our Ocean Conference as Kenya pushes for year-round tourism growth
President Ruto's speech at the 11th Our Ocean Conference | Final day
Rais Ruto kutamatisha rasmi Kongamano la 11 la Bahari Mombasa
Kindiki urges global action to protect oceans at World Ocean Conference
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Ronaldo fails to shine as DR Congo earn historic World Cup point
Luis Diaz shines as Colombia beat Uzbekistan in World Cup group game
Kane scores twice as England beat Croatia to launch World Cup charge
sports3

DR Congo Draws Portugal 1-1 for Historic First World Cup Point - June 2026

Failed Polygamist Jimal Rohosafi Rates Netflix Drama The Polygamist 1/10 as Series Sparks Online Debate
Milly Wa Jesus Apologizes Following “The Polygamist” Backlash, Still Refuses To Watch the Show
She’s Kemunto Says Netflix Series Polygamist Reminded Her of Her Own Past Experiences
entertainment3

Jimal Rohosafi Rates Netflix Drama The Polygamist 1/10 - June 2026

Police assure June 2024 protest victims’ families ahead of memorial march
IEBC yaonya kuhusu magenge ya wahuni yanayoweza kuhatarisha uchaguzi wa amani
Mbadi urges leaders to stop misleading Kenyans on Finance Bill
video3+3 videos

Police Issue Warning Ahead of June 2024 Protest Memorial - June 2026

News by Category

entertainment

6 stories

Patelo Challenges Khaligraph Jones And Arrow Bwoy To A Boxing Match: Kenyan rapper VJ Patelo has issued a public boxing challenge to several prominent music artists, including Khaligraph Jones and Arrow Bwoy, daring them to prove their toughness outside of social media. Kenyan boxer Protifas Odipo, known as Majembe, has denied rumors that he sold his prize car won at the Vurugu Boxing competition, stating it is still in his garage. Singer-turned-politician Jaguar has denied claims that he was booed off stage at the Mataha Festival in Thika on June 14, 2026, attributing the disruption to a technical audio glitch rather than anti-government sentiment. Jimal Rohosafi Rates Netflix Drama The Polygamist 1/10: Kenyan businessman Jimal Rohosafi has given the South African Netflix drama 'The Polygamist' a low rating of 1/10, calling it 'overhyped' and sparking widespread debate. Content creator Milly Wa Jesus apologized after facing backlash for her commentary on the series, admitting she judged the show without watching it. Kenyan content creator She's Kemunto shared that the trending Netflix series Polygamist brought back personal memories and prompted reflection on women in similar relationships.

Based on 6 stories from today's coverage

politics

3 stories

Ruto Trips: Global Statesman or Just Flying President?: President William Ruto's extensive foreign travel, including his attendance at the G7 Leaders' Summit in Evian, France, has sparked a debate about its benefits versus its cost. At the same time, the Kenyan opposition is navigating complex internal dynamics as the Linda Mwananchi faction gains influence, potentially reshaping the 2027 presidential race. Meanwhile, intense drama unfolded in Kenya's Parliament as Members of Parliament clashed over the Finance Bill 2026, with accusations of hidden tax increases and a rushed progression through the House. These developments occur amid broader political tensions as Kenya approaches the 2027 electoral cycle.

Based on 3 stories from today's coverage

sports

3 stories

DR Congo Earns Historic First World Cup Point in 1-1 Draw With Portugal: The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a historic 1-1 draw against Portugal in their 2026 World Cup Group K opener, marking their first-ever World Cup point. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo failed to shine during the match. Meanwhile, Colombia also defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opening Group K match, with Luis Diaz delivering a standout performance. Additionally, England launched their World Cup charge with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Texas, where Harry Kane scored twice in the first half.

Based on 3 stories from today's coverage

tech

3 stories

Seacom Launches New High-Capacity Nairobi–Kampala Network Route: Seacom has launched a new high-capacity terrestrial network route connecting Nairobi and Kampala, significantly upgrading a key data corridor inland from subsea cable landing stations. This infrastructure development comes ahead of the Africa Internet Summit 2026, scheduled for June 22–26, 2026 in Nairobi, a major gathering focused on shaping the continent's digital future. Meanwhile, Midjourney, known for its AI image generation, has launched a new division called Midjourney Medical, which has developed an experimental full-body ultrasound scanner named "Ultrasonic CT."

Based on 3 stories from today's coverage

top

39 stories

Finance Bill 2026 Passes Second Reading Amid MPs' Clash: The Finance Bill 2026 passed its Second Reading in the National Assembly on June 17, 2026, amidst heated arguments between government and opposition lawmakers over tax proposals. Kenyan Members of Parliament are reportedly rebelling against President Ruto's proposed tax bill. This parliamentary clash follows a nationwide matatu strike initiated by operators protesting escalating fuel prices, with Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja subsequently announcing a crackdown on reckless matatu operators following a tragedy where a student was pushed from a moving matatu. Separately, Senator Edwin Sifuna was removed from the Senate's Petroleum Committee, a move that sparked tensions within Parliament. Treasury Defends Economic Resilience Amid Shilling Gains: Kenya's National Treasury has defended the nation's economic resilience and debt strategy before the Senate, attributing its performance to ongoing public finance reforms. The Kenya Shilling is expected to strengthen further as Kenyan traders increasingly utilize the Chinese yuan over the U.S. dollar in trade with China. Additionally, Kenya anticipates potential relief from high fuel prices following Iran's agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal, which eases concerns over global oil supply disruptions. Parliament has also approved crucial additional funding to clear arrears owed to teachers who administered and marked the 2025 national examinations. Mombasa Hosts Historic Our Ocean Conference: Mombasa is hosting the historic Our Ocean Conference, an event aimed at fostering commitments for ocean conservation and sustainability. This landmark conference in Kenya highlights the nation's dedication to global marine protection efforts. President William Ruto is scheduled to officially close the 11th Maritime Conference in Mombasa today. Meanwhile, Kenya's Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki has called for global collaboration to safeguard oceans and marine life from climate change impacts at the World Ocean Conference. Kenya Secures G7-Backed Reforms at France Summit: President William Ruto represented Kenya at the G7 Summit in France, securing benefits from G7-backed financial reforms aimed at reducing capital costs for developing nations. Kenya and Africa achieved significant outcomes at the summit focusing on financial reform, critical minerals, infrastructure, health, and global governance. The European Union separately committed Ksh74.1 billion (€493 million) to bolster Ebola response efforts region-wide, significantly boosting international support following an appeal by President Ruto at the G7 Summit. Kenya and the U.S. are also nearing a significant deal concerning critical minerals, with a focus on preventing raw export and promoting local processing. TSC Advances Overseas Teaching Program as SHA Clarifies IVF Access: The Teachers Service Commission is actively pursuing a new government program, the Mwalimu Majuu programme, to connect qualified Kenyan teachers with overseas employment opportunities. This comes as thousands of unemployed teachers are set for overseas jobs. The Social Health Authority has clarified that a marriage certificate is not required for teachers to access In Vitro Fertilisation treatment under its scheme, correcting previous communication that led to an individual being denied services. Meanwhile, the Kenya School of Government and industrialist Manu Chandaria have partnered to establish a new institution in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga. Senator Edwin Sifuna Removed From Senate Petroleum Committee: Senator Edwin Sifuna has been removed from the Senate's Petroleum Committee, a move that has sparked tensions within the Kenyan Parliament. This development comes as the Finance Bill 2026 advances to its second reading stage amid a heated debate on revenue proposals. Meanwhile, the Kenyan Parliament is reviewing a second supplementary budget that includes proposals for significant funding. Opposition Members of Parliament have protested the passage of the Finance Bill 2026, with Kenyan Members of Parliament reportedly rebelling against President Ruto's proposed tax bill. The parliamentary division intensifies as matatu operators continue a nationwide strike protesting increased fuel prices. Families of Police Brutality Victims March to IG Kanja's Office: On June 25, families of victims of police brutality marched to the office of Inspector General Japhet Koome to demand justice and accountability. A brief standoff occurred at the gate of Jogoo House this morning before relatives of victims of alleged police brutality were granted entry, following a procession from Uhuru Park. Kenyan business owners are raising concerns over significant property losses incurred during recent, unannounced demonstrations, with no explicit plan for compensation to date. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has outlined proposals regarding the right to protest, aiming to clarify and strengthen the legal framework surrounding this fundamental freedom. Kiambu Women Farmers Thrive Through Modern Farming Techniques: In Kiambu County, women farmers are successfully turning to modern farming techniques to maximize profits from limited land, thriving despite decreasing plot sizes in urban and peri-urban areas. Separately, three farmers in Kiambu County are demonstrating that profitable agriculture is achievable even on small plots of land, transforming limited space into a thriving agro-enterprise. Kenya is actively promoting agricultural mechanisation to overcome challenges of low productivity and high production costs, as highlighted at the Agritech Exhibition in Nairobi. Junior Starlets Top Group After Draw With Tanzania: The Kenyan national under-17 women's football team, the Junior Starlets, secured the top spot in Group A of the CECAFA Under-17 Championship after a draw with Tanzania. The Kenya Junior Starlets have subsequently secured a spot in the CECAFA U-17 semi-finals following a 1-1 draw in their latest match. SportPesa has announced a new sponsorship deal aimed at bolstering the Kenya Rugby Sevens team. Kenya has officially launched its National 7s rugby circuit, a significant step for the sport in the country. The head coach of Nairobi City Thunder, Wamukota, is calling for patience as the team strives to reach the Basketball Africa League playoffs, expressing belief that the team has the potential to become a dominant force in African basketball.

Thursday, June 18, 2026

President William Ruto represented Kenya at the G7 Summit in France, securing benefits from G7-backed financial reforms aimed at reducing capital costs for developing nations. Kenya and Africa achieved significant outcomes at the G7 Summit in Évian, focusing on financial reform, critical minerals, infrastructure, health, and global governance. Separately, Kenya and the U.S. are nearing a significant deal concerning critical minerals, with a focus on preventing raw export and promoting local processing.

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Kenya's National Treasury has defended the nation's economic resilience and debt strategy before the Senate, attributing its performance to ongoing public finance reforms. The Kenya Shilling is expected to strengthen further as Kenyan traders increasingly utilize the Chinese yuan over the U.S. dollar in trade with China. Kenya anticipates potential relief from high fuel prices following Iran's agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal, easing concerns over global oil supply disruptions.

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The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) is actively pursuing a new government program, the Mwalimu Majuu programme, to connect qualified Kenyan teachers with overseas employment opportunities. The Social Health Authority (SHA) has clarified that a marriage certificate is not required for teachers to access In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment under its scheme, correcting previous communication that led to an individual being denied services. Kenya's Parliament has approved crucial additional funding for the 2025/2026 financial year, specifically allocating funds to clear arrears owed to teachers who administered and marked the 2025 national examinations.

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Senator Edwin Sifuna Removed From Senate Petroleum Committee - June 2026

Senator Edwin Sifuna has been removed from the Senate's Petroleum Committee, a move that has sparked tensions within the Kenyan Parliament. This development comes as the Finance Bill 2026 enters its second reading stage, with MPs debating revenue proposals amid a divided legislature. The parliamentary tensions escalate as Opposition MPs protest the passage of Finance Bill 2026 while a nationwide matatu strike continues over increased fuel prices. Separately, Senator Okiya Omtatah is advocating for the establishment of an independent National Treasury to bolster protection of public funds.

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Junior Starlets Top Group After Draw With Tanzania - June 2026

The Kenyan national under-17 women's football team, the Junior Starlets, secured the top spot in Group A of the CECAFA Under-17 Championship following a 1-1 draw. The Kenya Junior Starlets have subsequently secured a spot in the CECAFA U-17 semi-finals following another 1-1 draw in their latest match. SportPesa has announced a new sponsorship deal aimed at bolstering the Kenya Rugby Sevens team, while Kenya has officially launched its National 7s rugby circuit running across six major legs. Meanwhile, Nairobi City Thunder's head coach Wamukota is calling for patience as the team strives to reach the Basketball Africa League playoffs, with the captain expressing belief the team can become a dominant force in African basketball.

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Families of Police Brutality Victims March to IG Kanja's Office - June 2026

On June 25, families of victims of police brutality marched to the office of Inspector General Japhet Koome to demand justice and accountability, marking a solemn commemoration. A brief standoff occurred at the gate of Jogoo House before relatives of victims of alleged police brutality were granted entry, following a procession from Uhuru Park. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has outlined proposals regarding the right to protest, aiming to clarify and strengthen the legal framework surrounding this fundamental freedom. Separately, business owners are raising concerns over significant property losses incurred during recent, unannounced demonstrations with no explicit plan for compensation.

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Mombasa Hosts Historic Our Ocean Conference - June 2026

Mombasa is hosting the historic Our Ocean Conference, a landmark event in Kenya highlighting the nation's dedication to global marine protection and ocean conservation commitments. President William Ruto delivered a significant address on the final day of the 11th Our Ocean Conference and officially closed the maritime conference in Mombasa. Kenya's Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki has called for global collaboration to safeguard oceans and marine life from climate change impacts, urging global action to protect oceans at the World Ocean Conference.

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The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a historic 1-1 draw against Portugal in their 2026 World Cup Group K opener, marking their first-ever World Cup point. Meanwhile, Colombia defeated World Cup debutants Uzbekistan 3-1 in their opening Group K match, with Luis Diaz delivering a standout performance. In another Group K match, England launched their World Cup charge with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in Texas, with Harry Kane scoring twice in the first half.

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Kenyan businessman Jimal Rohosafi gave South African Netflix drama 'The Polygamist' a low rating of 1/10, calling it 'overhyped' as the series sparked debate among Kenyan viewers. Content creator Milly Wa Jesus apologized after facing backlash for commenting on the show without watching it, admitting she judged it prematurely. Kenyan content creator She's Kemunto shared that the trending Netflix series Polygamist brought back personal memories and prompted reflection on women in similar relationships. The series has generated varied reactions from Kenyan audiences, with creators sharing both critical and personal perspectives.

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Ahead of a planned memorial march, the Kenyan Police have pledged to provide adequate security for families seeking to honor victims of the June 2024 protests against the Finance Bill. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has issued a stern warning regarding the emergence of criminal gangs that could jeopardize a peaceful election in Kenya if swift action is not taken. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has urged political leaders to cease misleading Kenyans regarding the Finance Bill, which is currently under review by the National Assembly.

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Based on 39 stories from today's coverage
Patelo Challenges Khaligraph Jones And Arrow Bwoy To A Boxing Match
Jaguar Denies Being Booed Off Stage By “Wantam” Chants At Mataha Festival
Majembe Addresses Rumors That He Sold Prize Car He Won After Vurugu Match
entertainment3

Patelo Challenges Khaligraph Jones And Arrow Bwoy To A Boxing Match - June 2026

Kenyan rapper VJ Patelo issued a public boxing challenge to several prominent music artists, including Khaligraph Jones and Arrow Bwoy, daring them to prove their toughness outside of social media. The challenge comes amid tensions in the Kenyan music scene. Singer-turned-politician Jaguar denied claims he was booed off stage at the Mataha Festival in Thika on June 14, 2026, attributing any disruption to a technical audio glitch rather than anti-government sentiment. Kenyan boxer Protifas Odipo, known as Majembe, denied rumors that he sold his prize car won at the Vurugu Boxing competition, stating it remains in his garage.

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Midjourney Built a Full-Body Ultrasound Scanner. Here’s What It Can and Can’t Do
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Seacom Launches New High-Capacity Nairobi–Kampala Network Route - June 2026

Seacom has launched a new high-capacity terrestrial network route connecting Nairobi and Kampala, significantly upgrading a key data corridor inland from subsea cable landing stations. Meanwhile, Nairobi has been selected to host the Africa Internet Summit 2026 (AIS'26) from June 22–26, 2026, a significant gathering focused on shaping the continent's digital future. In a separate development, Midjourney, known for its AI image generation, has launched a new division called Midjourney Medical, which has developed an experimental full-body ultrasound scanner named 'Ultrasonic CT.'

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Cofek Moves Court to Block JKIA Redevelopment Over Transparency Concerns - June 2026

The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the Sh375 billion redevelopment of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), citing a lack of transparency regarding the project's financing and ownership structures. Meanwhile, there is significant public outcry and calls for transparency regarding a separate secret Sh180 billion deal for the upgrade of JKIA, with a Chinese firm reportedly leading the process. Separately, a new legal dispute has erupted over the Sh715 billion National Social Security Fund (NSSF) scheme, with the Law Society of Kenya stating there's no legal basis for the current enhanced contribution deductions.

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