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.