Kenya Courts Chinese Manufacturers to Boost Local Industrial Production: Kenya is actively seeking partnerships with Chinese manufacturers through the 3rd China (Linyi)-Kenya International Commodity Exhibition to expand local industrial production. Manufacturers in Kenya are simultaneously urging the government to implement significant reforms, including reducing electricity costs and tackling corruption, to boost industrial growth and competitiveness. Meanwhile, Kenya's private sector activity stabilized in June, recovering from three months of contraction as rising sales boosted business conditions. Separately, a group of investors under Kipenzi Sugar Limited plans to establish a new Sh1.46 billion sugar factory in Siaya County. Moi University Seeks Sh11bn Bailout to Clear Staff Dues, Finish Projects: Moi University is urgently seeking an Sh11 billion government bailout to address critical financial needs including staff dues and stalled projects. The university has been granted court permission to restart its workforce reduction initiative, aiming to cut its payroll and improve financial stability, with the downsizing expected to save approximately Sh100 million monthly. At the same time, county governments across Kenya collectively owe workers a staggering Sh44.29 billion in unpaid salaries, unremitted statutory deductions, and staff claims, with some arrears accumulating for over three years. Additionally, the Kenya Pipeline Company is asking the High Court to dismiss a Sh10.9 billion claim by contractor Zakhem International Construction, asserting that all disputes related to the Line 1 replacement project were settled.

Ramos winner sends Portugal through, Switzerland and Spain advance: Portugal secured a dramatic late victory against Croatia to advance to the last 16 of the World Cup. Substitute Goncalo Ramos scored the winning goal in stoppage time. Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 to advance to the last 16. Spain defeated Austria 3-0 to advance to the next stage. Kipyegon hopes to rewrite history at Eugene Diamond League: Kenyan track stars are set to make history at the Eugene Diamond League this Saturday, with three-time Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon aiming to break more records. Kenya is simultaneously aiming to significantly boost its representation at the 2028 Los Angeles (LA28) Olympic Games, planning to expand its participation across more sports disciplines. The PGK Equator Tour's quest for spots in the 2027 Magical Kenya Open and 2028 Olympic Games shifts to the coast this week, from July 2-5, at the Nyali Golf and Country Club.

Jubilee Group Partners With FSD Africa to Develop AI-Powered Insurance Solutions: Jubilee Group and FSD Africa have partnered to develop innovative AI-powered insurance and investment solutions designed to reach underserved Kenyans. The collaboration will focus on digital products to expand financial inclusion across East Africa, starting in Kenya. Meanwhile, the fintech company Grey has launched local currency deposits in Kenya and Ghana, allowing users to fund their accounts in Kenyan Shillings (KES) and Ghanaian Cedis (GHS) through bank transfers and mobile money. Visa has separately introduced a suite of innovations in AI, stablecoins, and tokenization to advance digital commerce across the CEMEA region. Dimension Data Uganda Rebrands as NTT DATA: Dimension Data Uganda has officially rebranded to NTT DATA, marking a significant step in its growth and support for Uganda's digital transformation. OPPO is reportedly phasing out OnePlus' OxygenOS and Realme UI in favor of a unified ColorOS experience across all its smartphone brands. Additionally, Microsoft is officially bringing back the ability to resize the Taskbar in Windows 11, a feature long missed by many users.

University Announces Mass Layoff Amid Insolvency Reports: Moi University is planning to lay off several staff, including lecturers, as it grapples with severe financial difficulties accumulated over more than a decade. The university faces insolvency challenges requiring significant workforce reduction. Separately, Senior Counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi claims some judges are planning legal action to block the release of a reportedly damaging report detailing low judicial productivity and significant case backlogs. Meanwhile, a debate has erupted in the Kenyan National Assembly over the disqualification of female police recruits due to pregnancy, with lawmakers divided on whether the practice is a standard administrative procedure or a violation of women's rights. Families Demand Release of Missing Gen Z Protest Victims: Families are desperately appealing for the release of individuals they allege were abducted by police officers before and during the June 25 Gen Z anniversary protests. In a separate development, Kajiado Magistrate's Court has ordered the case file of activist Bob Njagi to be closed, subsequently freeing him from charges. Kenyan activist Bob Njagi had been granted cash bail of 100,000 shillings following his arrest. Kindiki Issues New Update on Ksh154 Billion JKIA Upgrade: The modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), a project estimated to cost Ksh154.2 billion, has officially commenced this week. The project represents a significant infrastructure investment in Kenya's main international gateway. Separately, the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company has commenced a three-month door-to-door verification of customer data and water services in Kamulu and Ruai, starting June 8, 2026. Workers Threaten to Down Tools Over Ruto's Salary Directive: The Kenya National Private Security Workers Union (KNPSWU) is threatening action against private security firms that are reportedly failing to implement the Ksh30,000 minimum wage for guards, despite securing government contracts. The workers are demanding compliance with the salary directive. In related developments, the Public Service Ministry has announced a significant shift in how civil servants are promoted, moving away from seniority to a merit-based system. Additionally, a Kenyan judge has nullified the recruitment of over 30 senior prosecutors at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), citing constitutional violations. Nationwide Matatu Strike Continues as Political Tensions Rise: Kenyan matatu operators have initiated a nationwide strike protesting escalating fuel prices, causing significant disruption across the country. The operators are demanding immediate action to address the rising costs that are impacting their livelihoods. A postmortem examination has confirmed that Cecil Ouma died from a close-range gunshot wound, with Youth PS Fikirini Jacobs recording a statement as part of the ongoing investigation. Kenyan leaders are meanwhile accusing critics of actively working to undermine the government, particularly in the face of this nationwide matatu strike. Kenya evacuates 151 citizens from South Africa amid anti-migrant unrest: Kenya is evacuating 151 citizens from South Africa due to escalating anti-migrant unrest and intimidation targeting foreign nationals. The returnees arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday evening, citing fears for their safety and the loss of their livelihoods. Additionally, 55 more Kenyans have returned to Kenya after fleeing South Africa due to escalating xenophobic attacks. The Kenyan government is urging Kenyans in South Africa to respect local laws and maintain valid immigration documents as xenophobic protests escalate and repatriation efforts intensify. Kindiki Details El Niño Response Plan Ahead of Expected Heavy Rains: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has activated a nationwide preparedness plan for the anticipated El Niño rains expected between October and December, aiming to mitigate the impact of expected heavy rainfall. The Kenyan government has assured citizens of its preparedness, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki chairing a meeting of the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on El Niño Preparedness and Response. The government emphasizes that comprehensive measures are in place to minimize disruption and safeguard lives.