Seven insurers fail to file mandatory returns, face IRA scrutiny: Seven insurance companies are under scrutiny by the Insurance Regulatory Authority for failing to submit mandatory quarterly returns, which prevents the regulator from assessing their financial performance and industry compliance. Separately, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has announced that fuel prices will remain unchanged for the period of July 15, 2026, to August 14, 2026. Investors in Kenya are increasingly opting to refurbish older commercial buildings rather than invest in new developments, driven by a growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient spaces. Tax uncertainty threatens NIFC’s $5bn investment target: Concerns over Kenya's unpredictable tax policies threaten the Nairobi International Financial Centre's goal of attracting $5 billion in investments by 2030. At the same time, Kenya is separately gearing up to attract an estimated $5 billion (Sh646 billion) in investments by 2028 through the establishment of a planned carbon exchange and enhanced carbon trading regulations. Additionally, Kenya's foreign exchange reserves are set to significantly increase following the government's sale of its Safaricom stake, which will boost the country's import cover. CBK assures stable shilling amid Dollar inflows: The Central Bank of Kenya has assured the public that the Kenyan shilling will remain stable due to significant inflows of US dollars from recent government asset sales. The government is also set to generate Sh22.5 million monthly from leasing land in Mombasa to Asharami Synergy Limited for an LPG storage facility. Meanwhile, the Kenya Revenue Authority has significantly boosted its collections from negotiated tax disputes through its Alternative Dispute Resolution program, more than doubling revenue in the fiscal year ending June after a substantial decline in the previous year.

Eastlands MCA Among Three Charged With Robbery With Violence: A sitting Nairobi Member of County Assembly, Aaron Kang'ara Wangari, and two others have been charged with robbery with violence following an incident in Donholm on June 26, 2026. Separately, a suspected armed robber believed to be involved in a recent daylight restaurant attack in Nairobi's Spring Valley was fatally shot in a police operation in Joska, Machakos County, with detectives recovering a Beretta pistol during the encounter. Moreover, Kenyan musician King Kaka has publicly revealed a past involvement in selling stolen mobile phones during his youth, admitting he is not proud of this chapter in his life. Salasya Claims He Bought Gabriella’s Leaked Video For Ksh 1,000 After It Went Viral: Member of Parliament Peter Salasya revealed he paid Ksh 1,000 to obtain a leaked video of Tik-Toker Sheryll Gabriella, stating he wanted to keep up with other Kenyans. At the same time, Nairobi County's Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service Geoffrey Mosiria became a trending topic after his involvement in the online discussions surrounding leaked videos of Tik-Toker Sheryl Gabriella and adult film star Alicia Kanini. Additionally, controversial content creator Andrew Kibe revealed that a boxing match between him and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya might actually happen, which relates to Salasya's public profile from the video leak controversy.

Gachagua Accuses IEBC of Bias Ahead of Ol Kalou By-election: Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of bias ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on Thursday. Leaders of the DCP have stated they will not be intimidated by state-sponsored attacks ahead of the by-election. The United Opposition has demanded the IEBC take decisive action against electoral law violators ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, emphasizing its importance for the commission's credibility in the lead-up to the 2027 General Election. The High Court has dismissed a petition seeking to nullify the registration of Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), ruling that such disputes must first be heard by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal. 2027 Election Realignments Reshaping Kenya's Political Landscape: Upcoming 2027 Kenyan elections are seeing significant shifts in political allegiances, with major parties UDA and ODM experiencing a loss of popularity in their traditional strongholds, according to a new survey. A resurgent political movement, Linda Mwananchi, is causing concern for both the Kenya Kwanza administration and the United Opposition, significantly influencing the political landscape ahead of the 2027 presidential race. Youth allied with the opposition are urging presidential aspirants to unite behind a single candidate to challenge William Ruto in the upcoming general election. The Governors of Kakamega and Bungoma counties have strongly condemned the persistent acts of political thuggery in their regions. Kanini Kega Attacked in Ol Kalou Ahead of By--election: East African Legislative Assembly (EULA) MP Kanini Kega was allegedly attacked by armed individuals in Ol Kalou, a development that has heightened tensions ahead of the parliamentary by-election. An international observer group has issued a stark warning that Kenya faces an 84% chance of experiencing significant electoral violence during the 2027 presidential elections. The upcoming Ol Kalou parliamentary election is shaping up to be a high-stakes event, marked by widespread voter bribery and intimidation. Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has written a strong letter warning Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja about alleged insecurity and undue influence in the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has fined Gikaria Sh2.5 million for alleged inflammatory utterances made during the Ol Kalou campaign. Mary Wambui wa Ruto Faces Sh8 Billion Loan Risk From Equity Bank: Businesswoman Mary Wambui Mungai, also known as Wambui wa Ruto, is reportedly facing significant financial risk due to a Sh8 billion loan from Equity Bank, potentially jeopardizing her extensive business empire. Her daughters are implicated as personal guarantors for the loan. Once a prominent figure in Kenya's business elite, Mary Wambui is now reportedly facing the potential collapse of her business investments following a notable fall from prominence. This represents a dramatic shift from her previous position in Kenya's business hierarchy.

Spain Defeats France 2-0 to Reach World Cup Final: Spain defeated France 2-0 in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals, ending France's campaign despite their previously potent attack. Spanish defender Pedro Porro described reaching the World Cup final as "a dream come true" after scoring in the victory over favourites France. In contrast, France's World Cup dreams have ended in immense disappointment following the 2-0 semi-final defeat, according to star forward Kylian Mbappe.

Chrome for Android Finally Fixes Installed Web Apps Edge-to-Edge Issue: Chrome for Android is finally addressing an inconsistency with installed Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) that prevented them from rendering edge-to-edge, unlike regular browser tabs. At the same time, Xiaomi has commenced the rollout of its stable Android 17-based HyperOS 3 update for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in Europe, signaling the beginning of Android 17's public deployment on Xiaomi devices. Separately, Techish is hosting a giveaway for a brand-new HONOR CHOICE Watch 2i, offering one lucky reader the chance to win the feature-packed smartwatch for free.

Stage Set for Ol Kalou By-election as 73,480 Voters Await Poll: Voters in Ol Kalou are set to elect a new Member of Parliament today in a by-election that could signal future political alignments in Central Kenya. The contest fell vacant following the death of the area's MP in March 2026. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission states it is legally unable to penalize politicians for pre-campaign political activity due to its enforcement powers only beginning during the official election campaign period. The ruling UDA party has hit back at the Deputy President, defending the IEBC against bias claims. EACC, DPP Unveil Joint Strategy to Strengthen Corruption Investigations: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) have unveiled a joint strategy to enhance their collaboration in investigating and prosecuting corruption and money laundering cases. The two agencies pledged to enhance their collaboration following a strategic meeting. Meanwhile, the Law Society of Kenya is advocating for better pay and increased transparency in the hiring of government lawyers following discussions with the Public Service Commission. Nairobi MCA, Two Others Charged With Robbery With Violence: A sitting Nairobi Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Viwandani, Aaron Kang'ara Wangari, and two others have been charged with robbery with violence following an alleged attack in Nairobi's Donholm area last month. A separate incident involved a Member of County Assembly for a different area also charged with robbery with violence following an incident in Donholm on June 26, 2026. In related crime news, Kenyan police shot dead a suspect, identified as Vincent Ochieng, in Joska following a manhunt for his involvement in a brazen daytime robbery at the Chaiiwali restaurant in Spring Valley. Ruto Confident New Police Plan Will Boost Nairobi Security: President William Ruto has announced that the Nairobi Metropolitan Policing Framework will be launched in the coming days, aiming to bolster security and community policing in Nairobi and its environs. The President expressed confidence that the upcoming Nairobi Metropolitan Policing Framework will significantly improve security in the capital by fostering stronger collaboration. However, concerns are mounting over President William Ruto's perceived inaction and silence in the face of rising political violence and the activities of goons across Kenya. IEBC Fines Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria Sh2.5 Million Over Electoral Code Violations: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) fined Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria Sh2.5 million after finding him guilty of bribery and campaign misinformation related to electoral code violations. This fine comes as IEBC prepares for the Ol Kalou by-election scheduled for Thursday, with the commission implementing strategies to ensure the election is peaceful. Governor Anne Waiguru has called for peace ahead of the by-election, urging all parties to maintain calm. However, the Democratic Change Party (DCP) has alleged intimidation ahead of the election, while opposition members claim a secret State House meeting could disrupt the Ol Kalou election. These developments highlight the tensions surrounding the upcoming by-election. Government Extends 8% VAT Relief on Fuel Until October: The Kenyan government has extended the 8% VAT relief on petroleum products until October, allocating an additional KSh 945 million to maintain stable fuel prices. However, the government has hinted at possible fuel price hikes in upcoming reviews, warning Kenyans about rising global oil costs due to renewed conflict in the Middle East. This extension and potential future increase directly impacts the cost of living, affecting fuel and electricity prices across the country. Petition Filed to Stop JSC From Publishing Judges' Performance Data: A petition has been filed at the High Court seeking to halt the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from publishing the individual performance data of judges and judicial officers. Separately, Parliament received a petition to recognise low libido and female Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) as disabilities. Additionally, the High Court dismissed a petition by the Rastafari community seeking to decriminalise marijuana on religious grounds, upholding existing Kenyan laws against its possession and use, and rejected a separate challenge seeking an exemption from cannabis laws for religious worship after ruling the community failed to prove cannabis is an essential tenet of their faith. Booth Boys High School Closed Indefinitely Over Safety and Governance Concerns: Booth Boys High School has been closed indefinitely following serious safety and governance concerns, with the PCEA Booth High also closing over sexual abuse allegations. A Nakuru family is now demanding an investigation into the tragic death of their 15-year-old son, Peter Ndirangu, who sustained fatal burns at school. These incidents have raised serious questions about student safety in educational institutions. The closures and the death investigation represent a significant crisis in the education sector regarding student welfare and institutional accountability.