HELB Opens 2026/27 Applications for Loans of Up to Ksh600,000: The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has opened applications for its 2026/27 Jielimishe Loan, offering salaried learners the opportunity to finance their further studies with loans of up to Ksh600,000. Parliament has begun reviewing proposed legislation to overhaul university and college funding following President William Ruto's directive to make public tertiary education free. The National Assembly's Committee on Education has also commenced a thorough review of several proposed Bills designed to overhaul Kenya's education sector, aligning with recommendations from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform. Cracks Deepen in Opposition as Leaders Accuse Gachagua of Bullying: Peter Munya, Party of National Unity (PNU) leader, has branded Rigathi Gachagua a 'bully,' citing his alleged dictatorial leadership tendencies and disrespectful language as detrimental to Opposition unity. He criticized Gachagua for using 'bully' tactics that threaten opposition unity ahead of the 2027 General Election. Separately, Members of Parliament have voiced grave concerns over a surge in ethnic profiling and inflammatory political rhetoric, warning it could jeopardize national unity and the 2027 General Election. DPP charges CEOs of KCB, NCBA and Coop Bank over alleged Sh363m fraud scheme: The Chief Executive Officers of three major Kenyan banks (KCB Bank, NCBA Bank, and Cooperative Bank) are facing fraud charges related to an alleged Sh363 million scheme, expected to appear in court on Tuesday. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions approved charges against three top bank executives accused of failing to report suspicious transactions linked to a significant fraud case. A tribunal has ordered Kenya Union of Savings and Credit Co-operatives (Kuscco) to refund Sh489 million to Mhasibu Sacco Society Limited, exacerbating the umbrella organization's existing financial challenges. The Director-General of the Competition Authority of Kenya, David Kemei, identified cartels and unscrupulous businesspeople as the primary threat to Kenya's business environment. Ruto launches National Ambulance Dispatch Centre in Nairobi: President William Ruto officially launched the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre and the 922 emergency line in Nairobi on Wednesday, describing the new ambulance system as designed to work in every corner of Kenya. This single national toll-free medical emergency line aims to transform emergency healthcare access across the country. The launch comes as healthcare workers continue to grapple with labor disputes, with nurses in Kakamega calling on the government to resolve their strike and the Muungano wa wauguzi union demanding urgent negotiations to end the ongoing nationwide strike. Senators Issue Ultimatum Over Tolling of Rironi-Mau Summit Expressway: Kenyan Senators are opposing the planned tolling of the Rironi-Mau Summit Expressway, arguing it would impose unfair financial burdens on citizens. ENA Coach has introduced new policies affecting luggage and children's seating, with passengers facing extra charges for luggage exceeding 15kg and children aged 5 and above requiring their own booked seat. Nairobi's Outer Ring Road will experience a partial closure on Saturday, August 8, between 12 pm and 3 pm, to allow for the removal of an overhead gantry, affecting over 10 Nairobi estates. Jaji Mkuu Martha Koome atangaza kuanzishwa mahakama mpya Kakamega na Mumias kuboresha huduma za haki: Chief Justice Martha Koome announced the establishment of new courts in Kakamega and Mumias to improve justice services, addressing access to justice concerns in the region. In Kilifi, the court ordered the arrest of two individuals for failing to appear to answer charges of land fraud. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Wetang'ula, stated that the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) must remain active throughout the year, not just during elections. The Isaaq and Harti communities in Isiolo are appealing to the President for protection against alleged oppression by the National Land Commission, claiming loss of more than 70 acres of land. Ruto Orders Security Firms to Meet Minimum Wage: President William Ruto has ordered private security firms nationwide to comply with the government-approved minimum wage and remit statutory deductions. He also ordered all government institutions and public offices to cease using the term watchmen in official records. Meanwhile, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi hailed private security officers for safeguarding democracy and protecting the country's economic stability. Kakamega High, Yala book boys' football final: Kakamega High School and St. Mary's Yala are set to clash in the boys' football final of the 2026 Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association National Term Two Ball Games at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy. Over 4,700 talented young chess players from more than 30 counties gathered for the National Schools Chess Championship, demonstrating their strategic prowess. Nairobi is hosting the inaugural Hockey 5s Youth Africa Cup, a three-day tournament featuring both boys' and girls' Under-18 categories. Meanwhile, Gor Mahia FC has reached the CECAFA Kagame Cup final after a thrilling penalty shootout and will face Rayon Sports in the championship match. Gachagua rules out coalition talks with weak parties: Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated he will not engage in coalition talks with political parties that lack a solidified political base in the Mount Kenya region, saying there will be no zoning in Mt. Kenya and that he wants to create the Hyena Coalition. Gachagua has refuted claims that he urged other opposition leaders to dissolve their parties and join his DCP, instead advising them to concentrate on strengthening their own political entities. Thirty-eight ward representatives from Nakuru have left UDA and joined the DCP party. Governor Gladys Wanga called for peace ahead of the Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, while leaders from the National Restoration Movement have strongly condemned the increasing political violence during campaign rallies across the country.