Two Entrepreneurs Transform Arid Lands Into Profitable Honey Business: Two Kenyan entrepreneurs, Joan Watheri and Tony Nzomo, are transforming arid lands into profitable honey-producing regions through their social enterprise, Yatta Beekeepers Limited. Separately, an unemployed journalism graduate, Waihiga Mutero, successfully relaunched her home-based granola business, Gratifying Granola, with just one initial order after facing difficulties finding employment in her field for over two years. These stories highlight individual Kenyan entrepreneurs leveraging innovative approaches to create successful businesses despite significant challenges. Family Bank Debuts on NSE With Sh29.9bn Valuation: Family Bank has officially debuted on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), marking a significant moment for the Kenyan financial sector and its capital markets. At the same time, mobile money subscriptions in Kenya have surged by 2 million to reach a total of 53.4 million in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The National Treasury faces intense pressure to disburse Sh68.5 billion to county governments within the next month to meet constitutional obligations before the close of the financial year. Additionally, Kenya has secured a substantial Sh22 billion financing package from Japan to bolster its automotive sector and implement energy reforms, aiming to accelerate industrialization and diversify the country's funding sources.

Oga Obinna Gifts Bodybuilder Gachau Njoroge Ksh 50K Bonus After Brutal TKO Loss: Comedian and promoter Oga Obinna has gifted bodybuilder Gachau Njoroge a Ksh 50,000 bonus following his TKO loss in the Vurugu 2 event. Kenyan musician Arrow Bwoy has officially demanded a rematch against Ugandan boxer Shakib Cham Lutaaya following his debut TKO loss at the Vurugu 2 event. Viral content creator Dem Wa Facebook is maintaining the privacy of her baby daddy, sharing only a cryptic Father's Day WhatsApp message and vowing fans will never know him. Government Promises Relief Funds & Thorough Probe Following Devastating Gikomba Fire: The Kenyan government has pledged relief funds and a thorough investigation following a devastating fire that engulfed the Gikomba market on Sunday morning. The blaze destroyed hundreds of stalls and livelihoods. President William Ruto's state visit to Congo-Brazzaville on May 26, 2026, was cancelled due to mandatory 21-day Ebola quarantine fears, with the decision based on advice from the Ministry of Health. Kenya Power has announced planned power interruptions across several counties on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, due to essential maintenance work. Rigathi Gachagua Claims State Plot To Sabotage June 25 Protests, Warns Gen Z: Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused top Kenyan state officials of plotting to sabotage upcoming June 25 memorial protests by orchestrating violence and blaming the opposition. The Regional Commissioner for the Eastern region, Jacob Muganda, has issued a stern warning against criminal activities during the upcoming Gen Z commemoration protests scheduled for Thursday. The Nyeri United Business and Small Traders Association has called on its members to gather at their businesses on Thursday to protect them against potential destruction or looting during planned protests. On June 25, Nandi leaders are urging for peaceful conduct ahead of the anticipated Gen Z protest anniversary, emphasizing a call for calm and order. Student leaders at the University of Nairobi are opposing planned protests scheduled for Thursday, just two days before the commemoration of the youth killed during the Finance Bill 2024 protests. Former Justice and Constitutional Affairs Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has stated that State House will continue to have a leader for the Gen Z demographic as long as they remain without their own leadership.

ODM Removes Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Executive Committee has officially removed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as Secretary-General for the second time. The removal followed a report from an internal dispute committee, with NEC ratifying the decision. Sifuna is heading back to court to challenge this recent decision by ODM NEC. Meanwhile, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal had previously upheld the ODM party's right to proceed with disciplinary action against Sifuna, despite quashing his immediate ouster. The Linda Mwananchi political faction has announced plans to challenge ODM's decision to expel Sifuna a second time.

Messi Sets World Cup Scoring Record as Argentina Down Austria: Lionel Messi made history by becoming the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer, netting twice as holders Argentina secured a spot in the last 32 with a 2-0 victory over Austria. Kylian Mbappe also starred, scoring twice including his 100th cap for France as they defeated Iraq 3-0 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier held in Philadelphia. The match was significantly delayed by a two-hour storm, making it the first of the tournament to be impacted by adverse weather. Meanwhile, two-goal hero Erling Haaland fired Norway into the World Cup last 32 with a come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Senegal. Additionally, Algeria staged a comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match, eliminating the Asian debutants from the tournament. Boost for FKF Boss Mohammed as Procurement Authority Drops Sh42m CHAN Probe: The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority closed its investigation into a controversial Sh42.4 million insurance tender linked to the 2024 African Nations Championship, ruling it lacks jurisdiction as no public funds were used. Meanwhile, while other African nations are making strides on the global football stage, Kenya appears to be falling behind due to a lack of seriousness and strategic planning. Separately, rehabilitation of Masinde Muliro Kanduyi Stadium in Bungoma County is set for completion by October 2026, aiming to transform it into a regional sporting hub. Additionally, St. Mary's School Yala and Maseno School have been crowned football champions of Siaya County and Kisumu County respectively, after their finals were rescheduled and moved due to security concerns.

Safaricom's Kenyan Smartphone Factory Makes 700k Devices: Safaricom's East Africa Device Assembly plant has produced approximately 700,000 devices and created 300 local jobs in its first year of operation, significantly contributing to digital inclusion in the region. Meanwhile, M-PESA's savings product Ziidi has amassed KES 20 billion, signaling a shift towards financial services beyond mobile money transfers. The Africa Internet Summit 2026 has commenced in Nairobi, bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss Africa's digital future, focusing on critical areas like digital infrastructure and collaboration. Kenya Opens Applications for AI Champions Programme: The Kenyan government, through the ICT Authority, has launched the AI Champions Recognition Programme to equip young people with practical artificial intelligence skills as part of the national goal to train 20 million citizens in digital skills by 2032. Separately, Kenya is in discussions with OpenAI to potentially host the first OpenAI Academy in Eastern Africa, with Nairobi as the proposed location. Additionally, NTT DATA and Nutanix have forged a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating hybrid multicloud adoption, infrastructure modernization, and AI readiness across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

Mvurya Sets October Deadline for Kanduyi Stadium: Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has set a new completion deadline for renovations at Masinde Muliro Kanduyi Stadium in Bungoma County. Meanwhile, Spitfire FC has been crowned champions after a decisive 3-0 victory, securing their promotion to the National Super League. In Eldoret, boxing enthusiasts are gearing up for the Ndondi Mtaani fight night, promising an exciting evening of action. Additionally, the sixth edition of the Live Free Race has been officially launched, marking the commencement of preparations for a major regional cycling event. A contingent of 50 rafters has also been selected to represent Kenya at the upcoming African leg of the World Cup series. Ruto Announces Coffee Sector Reforms, Vows 2027 Victory: President William Ruto has announced transformative reforms in the coffee sector, promising farmers swift payments within five days of delivering their produce to the market. He has also expressed confidence in winning the 2027 general election and criticized opposition leaders regarding the Finance Bill. East African nations have launched a new initiative, backed by President Ruto, to address the critical soil degradation crisis affecting the region. Additionally, President William Ruto is spearheading efforts to boost investment in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands as part of an expanded drought resilience strategy. Separately, President Ruto has rejected calls from the opposition to incite Kenyans to protest against the 2026 Finance Bill. ODM Removes Sifuna as Secretary General After NEC Endorses Disciplinary Process: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) officially removed Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as Party Secretary General following an internal disciplinary process. The party had resolved to expel Senator Sifuna from his position as Secretary General after internal party deliberations. The Orange Democratic Movement National Executive Committee (NEC) made the decision to remove him from the party's Secretary General position. Sifuna has indicated he plans to challenge his second ouster in court, deeming the NEC decision unconstitutional. IMF Issues Fresh Instructions to CBK Affecting Bank Interest Rates: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has updated the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK)'s economic model to incorporate climate shocks and government spending into interest rate decisions. President William Ruto has also directed an immediate salary increase for all civil servants, effective July, encompassing basic pay and key allowances including housing and commuter allowances. Kenya has separately secured a Ksh22.1 billion (JPY 25 billion) Samurai Bond from Japan, aimed at boosting local manufacturing and industrial growth. High Court Stops Sh340 Billion Diageo-EABL Sale: The High Court has temporarily halted the proposed sale of Diageo's 65% stake in East African Breweries Limited, a deal valued at Sh340 billion. The Kenyan Parliament has separately approved the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Agency, a significant step towards bolstering the nation's digital defenses. Kenya's Budget Controller, Margaret Nyakang'o, has raised concerns over the expenditure of development project budgets in several counties. Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale has been found guilty of contempt of court for failing to comply with a court order regarding the construction of an Ebola treatment center in Laikipia County. ODM Removes Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially removed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as Secretary-General for the second time. The party leadership cited a report from the internal dispute committee as the basis for this decision. Meanwhile, Edwin Sifuna had been fighting the ouster bid, with the party experiencing internal conflict over his leadership. Separately, President William Ruto joined Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki for a significant political tour in Kirinyaga, declaring his intention to secure victory in the 2027 election. Additionally, Lands CS Alice Wahome urged Nyandarua residents to support government development projects and vote for the UDA candidate in an upcoming by-election. Student Leaders at U of Nairobi Oppose Planned Thursday Protests: Student leaders at the University of Nairobi are opposing planned protests scheduled for Thursday, just two days before the commemoration of the youth killed during the Finance Bill 2024 protests. The Regional Commissioner for the Eastern region, Jacob Muganda, has issued a stern warning against criminal activities during the upcoming Gen Z commemoration protests. The Nyeri United Business and Small Traders Association has called on its members to gather at their businesses on Thursday to protect them against potential destruction or looting. On June 25, Nandi leaders are urging for peaceful conduct ahead of the anticipated Gen Z protest anniversary. Former Justice and Constitutional Affairs Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has stated that State House will continue to have a leader for the Gen Z demographic as long as they remain without their own leadership. EACC Arrests KRA Officials in Ksh900K Scandal: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested two Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) employees for allegedly soliciting a bribe. The duo was apprehended while receiving part of the agreed-upon amount at their KRA offices in Nairobi. In a separate case, two KRA officials were arrested in Nairobi for allegedly demanding a bribe of Sh3 million from a taxpayer linked to a tax dispute. The DCI has also launched a specialised five-day training course on combating money laundering and terrorism financing in partnership with Türkiye. Additionally, a Thika trader, Antony Mwangi Ndegwa, was charged with multiple counts of forgery, including possessing a forged judicial court seal and creating fake government documents. Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai due in Court Over Violent Clashes That Left Five Injured: Kuresoi North Member of Parliament Alfred Mutai is set to appear in court following violent clashes that resulted in five injuries and property damage. The legislator surrendered to police and was detained pending arraignment at Nakuru Central Police Station. Twelve suspects have been charged with arson, assault, and malicious damage to property following last week's incident in Kuresoi North. Kenya Announces New Entry Requirements for Travellers From Select Countries: Kenya has implemented mandatory health surveillance forms for all travellers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda as a precautionary measure against the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). President William Ruto cancelled a planned visit to Congo-Brazzaville on May 26, 2026, due to concerns over a growing Ebola outbreak and a mandatory 21-day quarantine requirement. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale escaped punishment after the High Court accepted his apology in contempt proceedings concerning the controversial U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Laikipia.