Dangote's Sh2.2trn Lamu Refinery Faces Pushback: Controversy surrounds the proposed Sh2.2 trillion oil refinery by Dangote Group in Lamu, Kenya, part of the LAPSSET Corridor project. At the same time, oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel for the first time since May, driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East and Houthi militia attacks on tankers in the Red Sea. A BloombergNEF report highlights that Kenya's freeze on new Power Purchase Agreements between 2018 and late 2025 significantly hampered investment in utility-scale renewable energy projects, despite renewables making up over 80% of installed capacity. These developments underscore Kenya's complex energy landscape as the country balances fossil fuel infrastructure with renewable energy growth. Google Fined €890mn by EU for Favouring Own Apps: The European Union has fined Google €890 million for allegedly abusing its market dominance by favouring its own apps and services over rivals. Kenya's government is simultaneously championing Artificial Intelligence as a pivotal force for boosting productivity, innovation, and competitiveness among its micro, small, and medium enterprises. Manufacturing, distribution, and financial services led Kenya's merger activity in the 2024/25 financial year, accounting for over half of all applications filed with the Competition Authority of Kenya. These stories reflect global and local trends in technology regulation, innovation adoption, and market competition.

Sifuna's Western Kenya Tour Rattles Kenya Kwanza Coalition: Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna's upcoming political tour in Western Kenya has reportedly unsettled leaders aligned with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition. The tour, part of Sifuna's presidential bid initiative, has prompted increased activity and engagement from Kenya Kwanza officials in the region. A new poll reveals Sifuna has, for the first time, overtaken Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka in presidential popularity, marking a significant shift in the Kenyan opposition. Meanwhile, Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi paybill experienced a brief outage following his clash with President William Ruto, leading to speculation of political interference. In related developments, ODM is targeting Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi for removal as Chairperson of the County Public Investments and Special Funds committee following Sifuna's ouster. Gachagua Reveals Succession Plan for Mt Kenya If Impeachment Upheld: Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed a contingency plan for Mt Kenya's political leadership in the event his potential impeachment is upheld by the courts. Gachagua is preparing youthful leaders to step in should a court uphold his impeachment, potentially barring him from the 2027 General Election. He has also launched Operation Fagia, a campaign aimed at removing leaders allied with President William Ruto from power. Additionally, Gachagua has pledged to initiate a significant purge within the National Police Service if he is elected President. Ruto's Rating Drops to 24% Amid Political Tensions: A recent survey by Trends and Insights For Africa (TIFA) indicates a significant drop in President William Ruto's approval rating to 24%. Coalition partners in Kenya Kwanza have issued a stern warning to Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper party, cautioning him against continued association with the opposition. Ruto allies have also told Kalonzo that Gachagua will betray him, reflecting deepening fractures within political alliances. Meanwhile, Kenya's political landscape is heating up as the August 10, 2027 General Election approaches, with parties focusing on a nationwide voter registration drive as the initial battleground for State House.

Veteran Football Coach Juma Abdallah Dies at 73 After Prolonged Illness: Veteran football coach Juma Abdallah died at the age of 73 on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Thika Level 5 Hospital after a prolonged illness. His death marks the loss of a significant figure in Kenyan football who had dedicated decades to the sport. Meanwhile, Kenya's national women's football team, the Harambee Starlets, arrived in Morocco for the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, representing the national team's continued participation in continental competitions. In school football, Nyakach Girls are targeting the national football crown at the upcoming Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association championships in Thika after a strong regional victory. Separately, Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier was appointed to chair a seven-member FKF Premier League transition committee tasked with developing a roadmap for the future management of Kenya's top-flight football league.

Google Ends Android 6 Marshmallow Support After 11 Years: Google has officially ended support for Android 6 Marshmallow, its operating system first released in September 2015 after 11 years of service. The tech giant is simultaneously phasing out support for older Android operating system versions on key apps. This means many existing smartphones will no longer receive crucial updates for essential applications like YouTube, Gmail, and the Google app. The Mastercard Foundation story is unrelated to this technology news and cannot be grouped with the Android-related stories.

Ruto Unveils Jobs Boost for Nairobi Artisans, Mechanics: President William Ruto has announced a series of initiatives to boost employment and empower artisans and mechanics in Nairobi County as part of the government's economic transformation agenda. Separately, the President announced an initiative to formally certify 40,000 skilled young Kenyans who lack formal academic qualifications, recognizing skills acquired through prior learning and work experience. Additionally, Ruto announced that the Linda Mama program has been expanded and renamed Linda Jamii, offering broader healthcare services under the Social Health Authority (SHA). Governor Sakaja: Gikomba Title Deeds Are Just Papers, Land Is County Property: Nairobi Governor Sakaja has declared that Gikomba title deeds are merely pieces of paper, asserting that the land is unequivocally county property. Residents of Siberia, Nyahururu are celebrating a court ruling that dismissed a land ownership claim, with the Nyahururu Law Courts ruling in favour of the current landowners, ending a protracted dispute. Separately, cane farmers in South Nyanza are urging the government to stop importing sugar and protect local mills. Ex-Governor Okoth Obado and Co-Accused Head to Remand After Sharon Otieno's Murder Conviction: Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his co-accused have been sent to remand after being convicted of murdering Rongo University student Sharon Otieno. An advocate broke down the court's ruling in the Sharon Otieno murder case, explaining the legal implications. The LSK boycott enters day two as the Judiciary standoff deepens, with lawyers protesting judicial issues. High Court Convicts Okoth Obado, Two Aides for Sharon Otieno's Murder: Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and two former aides, Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero, have been found guilty of the 2018 murder of Sharon Otieno. The Director of Public Prosecutions welcomed the High Court's verdict, describing it as a significant milestone for justice and accountability in Kenya. The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) lauded the conviction, stating it restores faith in the justice system after an almost eight-year wait. The DPP expressed anticipation for the sentencing of the convicted individuals. Kenyan Universities Begin Preparing for New Competency-Based Education Curriculum: Kenyan universities are preparing for the imminent rollout of the new Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum, focusing on revising their academic programs. The Ronald Ngala Tourism College is set to officially commence academic programs in September, welcoming its inaugural cohort of students. Meanwhile, residents and parents in Busia County are being urged to embrace vocational and technical education, with stakeholders noting this initiative aims to equip students with practical skills quickly and affordably, addressing the persistent issue of unemployment. Additionally, stakeholders in the water, health, and Early Childhood Development Education sectors are urging the county government to use accurate data for resource allocation. Gachagua Unveils Campaign That He Says Will Sweep Away Leaders Allied to Kenya Kwanza: DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched Operation Fagia, a campaign aimed at removing leaders allied with President William Ruto from power. Kenya's Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, has pledged to initiate a significant purge within the National Police Service if he is elected President. Coalition partners in Kenya Kwanza have issued a stern warning to Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper party, cautioning him against continued association with the opposition, lest he be left out. Meanwhile, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Kipchumba Murkomen has ordered a ruthless crackdown on criminal gangs across the country and their financiers, while also stating the extent of goonism has been exaggerated for political motives. NCIC Warns About Increase in Hate Speech and Use of Youth as Goons: The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has warned about an increase in hate speech and the use of youth as goons. In Machakos, Governor Wavinya Ndeti condemned divisive politics and the use of goons ahead of 2027. Religious leaders have initiated a guide for selecting virtuous leaders in 2027, emphasizing ethical leadership. Separately, Kwale county is planning new legislation to address terrorism among youth. Kindiki Assures Food Security Amid Poor Rains, El Niño Expected: Kenya's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki assured the nation that the government is implementing comprehensive measures to ensure food security amidst poor rainfall and anticipated El Niño conditions. The Kenyan government will convert failed maize crops into animal feed to help farmers recover from losses due to insufficient rainfall. Scientists are issuing a dire warning that Mount Kenya's iconic ice caps are now projected to completely melt within the next three to five years, a significantly accelerated timeline from previous predictions.