Police Hunt Politician Linked to Chaos in Ol Kalou: Police in Nyandarua are actively searching for a former Member of County Assembly (MCA) and another county assembly official following overnight political disturbances in Ol Kalou ahead of a July 16 by-election. Tensions flared as gunshots rang out during a DCP meeting, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen trading accusations over the reported chaos. Meanwhile, the Youth Affairs Principal Secretary's security detail is under scrutiny after a confrontation involving warning shots at a public event allegedly resulted in the fatal shooting of a young man, Cecil Otieno Ouma, on July 1. Kiambu Governor Wamatangi Announces Near Sh30 Billion Budget: Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has announced that the county is approaching a historic budget of nearly Sh30 billion, with the county subsequently passing a Sh25.1 billion budget that prioritizes roads and health. The Governor highlighted a significant funding disparity, stating that Kenyan counties manage a much larger road network than the national government but receive a disproportionately small share of the road fund. Meanwhile, the Mombasa county government has launched a Sh150 million interest-free fund aimed at empowering women, youth, and small traders. Kenya Advances Major Infrastructure Projects Across Multiple Sectors: Construction has officially begun on the Naivasha to Malaba railway line, a project expected to significantly boost the nation's economy. Over 20 principal secretaries visited affordable housing projects in Nairobi, reiterating the government's commitment to providing quality housing for all Kenyans. Additionally, the Kenyan government plans to construct a 54-kilometre sewer line to prevent waste from entering the Nairobi River. The Principal Secretary for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, Dr. Caroline Karugu, is also intensifying efforts to ensure the completion of projects by the Coast Development Authority, while the government has ordered an accelerated implementation of development projects in the Coast region. Mudavadi Orders Faster Delivery of Nairobi Rising Projects: Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has ordered government agencies and Nairobi City County to expedite delivery of key projects under the Nairobi Rising Programme, a Sh80 billion initiative aimed at urban transformation. He urged accelerated implementation and tighter coordination, emphasizing the need for tangible deliverables within the next 13 months. Meanwhile, traders in Dagoretti Corner have expressed delight at the swift completion of the KSh3.8 billion Ngong Road-Naivasha Road (Junction Mall) Flyover, which has opened ahead of schedule. The National Land Commission has also granted KeNHA approval to begin early construction works on the new Nithi Bridge alignment before full land compensation is completed. LSK Puts Govt on Notice Over Finance Act 2026: The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a warning to the Kenyan government regarding the implementation of the Finance Act 2026, vowing to take legal action against any perceived administrative overreach. The government has announced significant changes to import duties on several key products, including mobile phones, rice, and baby diapers, following approvals from the East African Community. Separately, the Nairobi Securities Exchange has announced a leadership transition, with Board Chairman Kiprono Kittony retiring and businessman Tom Mulwa appointed as his successor amid government privatisation plans. Kenyan Truck Driver Allegedly Beaten by South Sudan Soldiers: A Kenyan truck driver, identified as Mzee Malalo, was reportedly brutally assaulted by South Sudan soldiers along the Juba-Nesitu Road on Wednesday, July 1, escalating concerns over driver safety. Two people have died following fierce protests in Mathare and Kiamaiko, where residents are demanding the whereabouts of two missing young men. A Kenya Railways freight train carrying cargo from Nairobi to Mombasa also caught fire in the Masimba area of Makueni County on Wednesday, causing panic. Junior Starlets Arrive in South Africa for World Cup Qualifier: The Junior Starlets have arrived in South Africa to compete for a spot in the Women's Under-17 World Cup, facing Bantwana in what is described as a crucial make-or-break qualifier. Kenya's U-17 girls' football team is preparing for this significant match that could secure their place in the global tournament. At the same time, Felix Okoko is leading Kenya's medal charge in judo at the Commonwealth Games, with Kenya also preparing for the games with judoka Kiplagat Okoko aiming to secure a medal. These stories represent Kenya's active engagement in international youth sports competitions across multiple disciplines. Kenya Pursues Agricultural and Economic Sector Reforms: Kenya is aiming to revitalize its struggling pyrethrum industry with new sector reform regulations proposed for 2026, seeking to overhaul a sector that has faced significant decline in recent years. New regulations are also being implemented to revive Kenya's pigeon pea crop and boost farmers' incomes, aiming to address challenges and improve profitability of this important agricultural product. The Nairobi Securities Exchange has pledged to increase investment in Kenyan industries to stimulate growth and development within the manufacturing sector, while Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya's former Health Cabinet Secretary, has called upon Africa to unite and challenge unfair global tariffs that are stifling the continent's industrialization efforts. Workers and Communities Demand Accountability Across Sectors: Dockworkers have threatened industrial action, including a strike, if private companies fail to comply with a directive to pay them KSh80,000. The KUPPET branch in Murang'a is threatening industrial action, demanding improvements to SHA services. Meanwhile, families in Kiamaiko are demanding justice following the deaths of their loved ones in recent unrest, with communities grappling with loss and seeking accountability. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has urged Kenyans to cooperate with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to strengthen evidence presented in court.
