China picks Standard Bank to process Yuan payments in Kenya, other African countries: China has approved Standard Bank Group and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) to operate Africa's first Renminbi (RMB) clearing hub, aiming to streamline trade and payments between China and African nations. Additionally, KCB received Sh12.9 billion from the European Investment Bank for SME lending, expanding access to credit for small and medium enterprises. At the same time, former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju urged Members of Parliament to strip the National Treasury of its power to unilaterally determine the amount of public funds transferred to the East African Development Bank, highlighting ongoing discussions about development bank governance. KRA customs revenue beats target by Sh8bn: The Kenya Revenue Authority's customs division exceeded its revenue target by Sh8 billion, demonstrating strong tax collection performance. The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed a one-month delay in implementing increased cargo taxes following constructive consultations with KRA. Separately, the African Development Bank forecasts Kenya's economy to grow by 4.6% in 2026, with a slight increase to 4.7% in 2027. Meanwhile, the value of card payments in Kenya decreased by 11.55% in the six months leading up to June 2026, indicating a shift toward alternative payment methods and tighter household budgets. Hustler Fund disbursements hit Sh90bn as repeat borrowing, savings rise: The Hustler Fund in Kenya has reached a significant milestone, disbursing Sh90 billion to over 28 million borrowers since its inception. The fund has facilitated both repeat borrowing and increased savings among Kenyan citizens. Separately, Kenya Airways plans an aggressive fleet expansion, aiming to more than double its aircraft to 67 by 2030 from the current 32, driven by anticipated increases in passenger demand. Kenya Reinsurance Corporation has also retained its international and national financial strength ratings from GCR Ratings, an affiliate of Moody's Ratings, highlighting the company's robust financial standing with a strong capital base and stable earnings.

Ol Kalou By-election Exposes Ruto's Political Vulnerabilities: The July 17 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election saw a significant defeat for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), raising questions about President William Ruto's re-election prospects in 2027. Newly elected Ol Kalou MP Sammy Waweru Ngotho, who won a landslide victory in a by-election marred by violence that claimed two lives, stated that President William Ruto hired him previously, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua backed his campaign, and Professor Kithure Kindiki later dismissed him from a political advisor role. President William Ruto has publicly acknowledged that his bid for a second term in 2027 will be a challenging political undertaking, indicating his re-election will not be easily secured. Bitter Exchanges Expose Infighting in Ruto's Government: Internal friction within President William Ruto's government is becoming apparent through public exchanges between senior leaders, indicating underlying tensions within the Kenya Kwanza coalition. Public disagreements among senior leaders within President William Ruto's government have exposed rifts within the Kenya Kwanza coalition. Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has called for the resignation of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale over alleged ethnic slurs made against the Kikuyu community. Senate Shake-up Removes Opposition Leaders from Powerful Committees: The Kenyan Senate has seen a significant reshuffling of its committee members, with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi being removed from powerful positions. This move is seen as a potential weakening of parliamentary oversight. At the same time, Kenya's Senate is reportedly criticizing Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Alice Wahome for failing to appear before the Senate Lands Committee. Separately, President William Ruto has rejected the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sending it back to Parliament with specific reservations, citing concerns that the bill could negatively impact Kenya's investment climate and public procurement framework. DP Kindiki Under Siege as Core Duties Reassigned: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is facing intensified political pressure from multiple fronts, with reports of his core duties being reassigned, raising questions about his position as President William Ruto's running mate for the 2027 General Election. Kindiki is reportedly facing significant challenges to his position despite his roles as Principal Assistant to President William Ruto and Deputy Party leader of UDA. Meanwhile, Kenya is actively seeking regional consensus to host an East Africa oil refinery, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki leading this initiative to bolster energy security and foster economic growth across the region.

Kakamega High School Returns to National Games After Eight-Year Absence: After an eight-year absence, Kakamega High School's football team, the 'Green Commandos,' are set to compete in the KSSSA National Term Two Games. The newly crowned Nyanza Region football champions, St Mary's School Yala, are preparing to make their national debut at the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Games in Thika, aiming to seize the vacant boys' football title. Former national and East Africa champions Upper Hill are also aiming for national glory at the 2026 KSSSA National Term Two games in Thika, showcasing their prowess in rugby Sevens. FIFA's Sh540b Stake Sale Plan Draws EU, FA Criticism: FIFA is facing widespread criticism from football governing bodies over its plan to sell a significant stake in its tournaments through a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), estimated at Sh540 billion. The Football Association (FA) of England has expressed deep concern over FIFA's newly announced plans to sell stakes in its major competitions. The European Union has publicly opposed these plans, warning the governing body to "Hands off our game." This move by the sport's global governing body has also drawn strong criticism from UEFA.

Controller of Budget Warns Kenya Trapped in Borrowing Cycle as Debt Hits Sh12.82tn: Kenya's Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang'o, has warned that the nation is caught in a debt cycle, with Sh12.82 trillion in public debt significantly straining government finances. The Controller of Budget separately issued a stern warning regarding Kenya's increasing public debt, highlighting its detrimental impact on development funding. Additionally, the Controller of Budget Wants Public Finance Law Amended Over Rising Debt, proposing legislative changes to address the fiscal crisis. These warnings come amid investors injecting a staggering Sh181.4 billion into three-month Treasury bills over the past 10 weeks, presenting a short-term debt challenge for the National Treasury. Sifuna Announces Presidential Bid With 100-Day Reform Plan: Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has declared his readiness to run for president in 2027 if the Linda Mwananchi movement supporters endorse him, emphasizing that the ultimate decision rests with the people. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has pledged to slash government expenditure and reduce the tax burden on ordinary Kenyans within his first 100 days if his Linda Mwananchi movement forms the next government. At the same time, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has warned legislators against wearing party colours or coordinated attire in Parliament, following a protest over 13 Members of Parliament from the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) displaying their party colours. EACC Arrests 3 Over Sh4.8mn Fraud in Igembe North: The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested three individuals in connection with an alleged Sh4.8 million fraud involving non-existent rural electrification projects in Igembe North Constituency. Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke has reiterated the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications' dedication to the responsible management of public resources and strengthened asset accountability. Meanwhile, President William Ruto has declined to assent to the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal (Amendment) Bill, 2024, sending it back to Parliament with concerns that its provisions could harm Kenya's investment climate and create procurement law inconsistencies. Controller of Budget Warns Over Rising Public Debt: The Controller of Budget has issued a stern warning regarding Kenya's increasing public debt, highlighting its detrimental impact on development funding. At the same time, investors have injected a staggering Sh181.4 billion into three-month Treasury bills over the past 10 weeks, presenting a short-term debt challenge for the National Treasury. The Controller of Budget also wants the Public Finance Law amended to address the rising debt concerns. Separately, President William Ruto announced that reforms to the university funding model are progressing as planned, aiming to fulfill the government's commitment to fully finance all students who qualify for higher education. KWS Investigates 15 Elephant Deaths Near Amboseli Park After Toxic Substance Detected: The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is investigating the deaths of 15 elephants in the Amboseli National Park area between June 24th and July 24th, 2026, with preliminary findings suggesting a potential toxic substance as the cause. Investigators are looking into the mysterious deaths of 15 elephants in Kenya's Amboseli ecosystem after a potential toxic substance was detected in samples. An urgent investigation is underway following the mysterious deaths of 14 elephants near Amboseli National Park, with experts examining the carcasses to determine the cause of the unusual mortality event. Joho Suspends Tata Chemicals Magadi Mining Over Compliance Failures: Kenya's Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho has suspended the mining operations of Tata Chemicals Magadi due to alleged non-compliance with mining laws. The company has been ordered to halt work until it meets all legal and regulatory requirements. In a separate legal development, the High Court has quashed the government's ban on shisha smoking, ruling that its enforcement was unlawful due to the reliance on expired regulations. Additionally, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) is under scrutiny for its perceived lack of enforcement against hate speech, despite announcing investigations into prominent figures including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. Health Workers Protest Delays in Appointment Letters for UHC Employees: Health unions are protesting delays in appointment letters for 7,000 UHC workers, with health workers in Nairobi taking to the streets to demand employment letters. UHC health workers are demonstrating to demand permanent contracts that were promised to them. In Tharaka Nithi, a nurses' strike has disrupted health services. Additionally, nurses in Lamu are accusing the government of breaking agreements. Kenya and Somalia Ease Border Tensions Amid Electoral Prep: Kenya and Somalia have resolved diplomatic tensions stemming from Kenya's refusal to allow several Somali officials entry, agreeing to enhance consular cooperation and facilitate smoother cross-border movement. Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged institutions to prepare early for the upcoming general election, emphasizing the need for free and fair polls while assuring Kenyans that the justice system is ready for elections. The IEBC is intensifying efforts to establish a legal framework to regulate election campaign financing. Kenyans Question Crackdown on Gangs Amid Rising Goonism Concerns: Nairobi police have successfully dismantled several criminal gangs responsible for armed robberies and mobile phone theft across the city, with one killed, eight arrested, and 500 stolen phones recovered in Joska. However, Kenyans are questioning whether the government has lost control in the fight against goonism amid rising concerns. Over 175 million people across Africa are currently experiencing severe food insecurity, with Kenya being one of the most affected nations. Meanwhile, Nairobi faces a crime wave that raises fresh security fears ahead of the 2027 elections. The DPP Renson Ingonga has also warned politicians against hate speech for the 2027 election. Flower Farm Workers in Segera Laikipia Boycott Jobs Without Notice: Over 200 workers at a flower farm in Segera, Laikipia North, have boycotted their jobs without prior notice, demanding better treatment from their employer. Local businesses in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, can breathe easier following the government's decision to extend the stay of the British Army barracks after a licensing dispute. Laikipia leaders have expressed support for BATUK and are calling for a long-term cooperation agreement. The Kenyan government has granted approval for the British Army Training Unit Kenya to resume its training operations following a week-long diplomatic dispute.