Kenya Economy Expands 5.3 Percent in Q1 2026 Driven by Manufacturing, Mining: Kenya's economy demonstrated robust growth, expanding by 5.3 percent in the first quarter of 2026, a notable increase from 4.9 percent in the same period last year. This expansion was primarily propelled by robust performance in key sectors including manufacturing and mining. The Kenya Revenue Authority announced a significant increase in tax collections for the 2025/26 financial year, reporting a total of Sh2.84 trillion, marking a 10.6 percent rise in revenue compared to the previous fiscal year. Manufacturing led collections among sectors, contributing substantially to the revenue growth.

Musalia Mudavadi Declares Presidential Ambitions: Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has explicitly declared his presidential ambitions, stating he no longer wishes to hold the second-highest office. This announcement comes amid political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections. Meanwhile, President William Ruto announced a massive Ksh2.2 trillion oil refinery deal in Lamu with Aliko Dangote, promising 60,000 jobs. At the same time, Israel has reportedly shared intelligence with the United States indicating potential Iranian assassination plots targeting President Trump amidst escalating regional tensions. These developments highlight the intersection of domestic Kenyan politics and international relations. Ruth Matete Opens Up On Cost Of Single Parenting In Canada: Gospel singer Ruth Matete has shared the significant financial and emotional challenges she faces as a single mother parenting her daughter alone in Canada. In a separate development, popular content creator Baba Talisha has shared an update on his daughter, Baby Talisha, revealing her diagnosis with ADHD and dyslexia after a medical assessment. Meanwhile, actress and content creator Naomi Kuria has sparked widespread speculation after a video surfaced showing her in a close embrace with fellow actor Blessing Lung'aho. These stories highlight personal challenges and relationships among entertainment figures. Grade 9 Student Arrested For Brutal Murder Of Two Girls In Kisii: A Grade 9 student has been arrested in Kisii South as the prime suspect in the brutal murders of two young girls, aged 4 and 5, in Nkura Village. The victims, Annah Bahati and Stacy Nyanchama, disappeared while playing outside and were later found dead in a banana plantation. Separately, Lydia Wanjiru is issuing a warning about drink-spiking, emphasizing that both men and women are targets following recent alarming accounts. Additionally, a drug-resistant strain of Shigella, a bacterial infection affecting the intestines, is increasingly spreading through sexual networks, primarily among gay and bisexual men in the United Kingdom. These stories relate to safety concerns affecting vulnerable populations.

IEBC Warns Ol Kalou Poll Could Be Cancelled Over Alleged Election Malpractice: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned that the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election could be cancelled or postponed due to allegations of widespread electoral malpractice, including vote buying and breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct. The by-election, scheduled for July 16, has become a major political battleground testing the strength of key figures ahead of the 2027 General Election. Questions are being raised regarding KSh10 billion worth of projects initiated in Ol Kalou, with accusations that these developments constitute election-time vote buying.Allegations of vote buying are dominating the electoral race, with claims fueled by the distribution of cash, the promise of development projects, and reports of government "generosity" including cash, mattresses, boats, and shoes being distributed in exchange for political support. Registrar of Political Parties Approves Sifuna's Removal as ODM Secretary General: The Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has officially approved the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General. Sifuna's entry into the presidential race following his endorsement by the Linda Mwananchi movement has reportedly caused significant friction within the opposition, particularly for the Linda Mwananchi movement. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has dismissed the presidential ambitions of leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi team, stating they are not ready for the country's top seat.

St Mary's Yala to Face Kisumu Boys in Nyanza Football Finals at Raila Odinga Stadium: St. Mary's School Yala is set to face Kisumu Boys in the 2026 Nyanza Region Secondary School football boys' finals at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Saturday. St Mary's School Yala and Maseno School were set to clash in a highly anticipated semi-final after stellar performances in the group stages. The Nyanza Region Secondary School Term Two Games are heating up as the boys' rugby sevens title race intensifies following the failure of former champions St Mary's Yala to reach the regional finals. Eight schools will now compete for the vacant rugby championship title in the quarter-finals. Mbappe Scores Spectacular Goal as France Beat Morocco to Reach World Cup Semi-Finals: Kylian Mbappe scored a spectacular goal and set up another as France defeated Morocco 2-0 to advance to the World Cup semi-finals. Despite missing a penalty, Lionel Messi led a remarkable comeback for Argentina, who are still in contention for the World Cup. The quarter-final lineup shows continued dominance by European nations, with six of the eight remaining teams hailing from Europe despite the World Cup's expansion to 48 teams. Morocco's head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has vowed that the Atlas Lions will return stronger after their 2026 World Cup quarter-final exit, with the team aiming to build on their experience for future challenges and the 2030 World Cup which Morocco will co-host.

LSK Leads Nationwide Protests Over Killings of Two Advocates: The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is spearheading nationwide protests following the recent killings of two advocates. Members of the legal fraternity in Kenya staged a Purple Ribbon march along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi, demanding justice and accountability following the deaths of two of their colleagues. The Law Society of Kenya organized a Purple Ribbon March to protest the recent deaths of two lawyers, Edward Muthee and Esther Wairimu. Conservation Groups Raise Alarm Over Growing Destruction of Kenya's Public Forests: Conservation groups in Kenya are sounding the alarm over the accelerating destruction of the nation's public forests, citing a disturbing rise in illegal activities. Environmental conservation activists and organizations are raising concerns and demanding action regarding the state of forests across Kenya, highlighting a growing outcry over perceived neglect and threats to these vital natural resources. Activists are raising concerns that the Ngong Forest is being targeted, and they are calling for increased protection of forests across the country. Residents living near the Kaptagat Forest are embracing an ongoing fencing initiative around the forest, believing it will enhance environmental conservation and community safety. Ruto Orders Two-Year Licence Waiver for NYOTA Businesses: President William Ruto has ordered a two-year business permit waiver for beneficiaries of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, directing county governments to waive business permit fees to reduce the cost of doing business for young entrepreneurs. President Ruto has also directed government financing institutions to create a new funding product for beneficiaries who need expansion capital for their businesses. The second phase of the Nyota Start-Up Capital Programme, a $5-year initiative aimed at empowering young Kenyan entrepreneurs, kicked off on Friday. IEBC Warns Ol Kalou Poll Could Be Cancelled Over Alleged Election Malpractice: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned that the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, scheduled for July 16, could be postponed or cancelled due to alleged election malpractice, security concerns, and rising insecurity. Allegations of vote buying are dominating the electoral race, with claims fueled by the distribution of cash and the promise of development projects in exchange for political support. The Kenyan government is distributing resources in Ol Kalou just before the upcoming by-elections, sparking debate about whether these actions constitute empowerment or bribery. Questions are being raised regarding KSh10 billion worth of projects initiated in Ol Kalou, with accusations that these developments are a form of election-time vote buying. DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto's administration of planning to postpone the by-election due to fears of losing, despite significant spending in the constituency. Autopsy Fails to Determine KFS Legal Manager Wairimu Cause of Death: An autopsy performed on the body of Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Legal Services Manager Esther Wairimu Keige has been inconclusive due to advanced decomposition, with investigators awaiting toxicology results to determine the cause of her death. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has stated that homicide has not been ruled out in the death, whose body was discovered in Juja, Kiambu County. Police investigations reveal she had been battling depression and undergoing treatment after going missing on June 10 and being found deceased on the night of July 6. Lawyers nationwide held a Purple Ribbon March demanding swift investigations into the recent deaths of two advocates, Edward Kariuki and Esther Wairimu, under unclear circumstances. IEBC Warns Ol Kalou By-Election Could Be Postponed Over Rising Insecurity: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has warned that the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election may be postponed due to escalating insecurity in the region. The IEBC has also issued a stern warning that the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election could be cancelled due to allegations of malpractice. Questions are being raised regarding KSh10 billion worth of projects initiated in Ol Kalou, with accusations that these developments are a form of election-time vote buying. Mavoko MP Patrick Makau has voiced concerns about alleged voter bribery taking place in the lead-up to the Ol Kalou by-election, while nine candidates are set to compete for the coveted seat. World Bank Warns Kenyans of Tough Times Ahead, Predicts Sharp Poverty Rise: The World Bank is warning of significant economic hardship in Kenya, projecting that up to 2.4 million more people could fall into poverty by the end of 2026. The World Bank has also urged Kenya to implement significant anti-corruption reforms as a condition for its latest $750 billion lending package, which was delayed due to the government's slow progress on these measures. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced it collected a record Ksh2.844 trillion in the 2025/2026 fiscal year, with the manufacturing sector being the largest contributor. KeNHA Issues 30-Day Demolition Notice Along Key Road Linking Thika, Nakuru Highways: The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a 30-day eviction notice to individuals and structures illegally occupying the road reserve along the Ruiru-Githunguri-Uplands (B116) Road. Separately, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a fraud alert warning Kenyans about fake SMS messages demanding payment for traffic fines through fraudulent links, with scammers exploiting the recent rollout of the Instant Fines Management System. Meanwhile, four men have been charged at the Makadara Law Courts for allegedly attempting to vandalize and steal a Kenya Power transformer valued at nearly KSh1.2 million in Nairobi's Industrial Area. President Ruto Launches Second Phase of NYOTA Programme: President William Ruto has officially launched phase two of the Nyota Programme at the Ulinzi Complex, emphasizing increased investment in technology and infrastructure. The Kenyan government has disbursed the second tranche of the Nyota grant, benefiting 122,000 young people. Approximately 7,000 youth from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Nandi counties have received funding through the Nyota initiative, which aims to empower young entrepreneurs by providing capital to start and manage small businesses. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki launched the second phase of the NYOTA Programme disbursements in Nakuru, marking a significant step in the rollout aimed at supporting youth initiatives.