Nairobi Traders Shut Shops Over Sh3.2m KRA Customs Benchmark: Nairobi traders shut their shops and protested on August 28, 2026, over a revised Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) customs benchmark for consolidated cargo that increased the minimum yield from Sh2.5 million to Sh3.2 million. Police were deployed as traders protested the increase in customs valuation benchmark, leading to business disruptions in the central business district. Small traders subsequently vowed to hold weekly protests every Friday, escalating their opposition to KRA's decision to increase customs benchmark rates. However, the KRA clarified that the Sh3.2 million minimum yield for consolidated cargo is a risk-management benchmark, not a fixed tax. NSE Half-Year Net Profit Jumps 386% to Sh736.9 Million: The Nairobi Securities Exchange announced a significant surge in its net profit for the first half of 2026, driven by robust trading activity, with profit jumping 386% to Sh736.9 million. Britam Holdings also reported a substantial increase in its net profit for the same period, with a 53.3% jump to Sh2.66 billion. Meanwhile, Kenyan advertising spending rebounded in the second quarter, reaching Sh14.3 billion, a 12.7% increase from the previous quarter, driven by restored marketing budgets and a surge in digital platform usage, with banks and financiers leading the advertising spend.

Governor Njuki: Kindiki Must Be Retained as Running Mate in 2027: Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki has publicly stated that Mt Kenya should unite behind Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as President William Ruto's running mate for the 2027 General Election. At the same time, a governance expert is urging Edwin Sifuna to carefully choose his political allies ahead of the upcoming election, highlighting the importance of strategic political partnerships. Meanwhile, Kenya's opposition is experiencing internal turmoil as partner parties engage in political cannibalism, with elected leaders defecting to rival outfits and weakening smaller parties. A crucial retreat by the United Opposition in Kiambu County concluded without resolving key disputes over coalition operations and leadership selection, further illustrating the fragmentation in opposition ranks.

Fred Omondi Wins Welterweight Championship at National Boxing League in Vihiga: Kenya Defence Forces boxer Fred Omondi has won the welterweight championship at the third leg of the National Boxing League in Vihiga, overcoming previous setbacks to secure the title. Meanwhile, Kenyan international footballers are making their mark on the European stage, with three Harambee Stars players recently featuring in high-profile matches. At the same time, defending champions Malkia Strikers maintained their perfect record at the CAVB Women's African Nations Volleyball Championship, sweeping Mali 3-0 in their final group stage match.

Nairobi Traders Shut Businesses in Protest Over New Tax Policies: Business owners in Nairobi closed their shops to protest against new tax policies and changes in customs valuation, demanding immediate intervention from authorities to address their grievances. Small business traders also staged a protest in the Nairobi CBD, demonstrating against taxation and changes to customs valuation. Police fired tear gas at traders who were protesting along Kenyatta Avenue. Separately, small traders marched to the KRA offices to protest new taxes affecting their businesses, with traders raising additional concerns that the proposed Tobacco Control Bill could significantly increase operating costs for small businesses. IEBC Refutes Gachagua's Claim That Miru Systems Won 2027 Election Tender: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has refuted claims by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that Miru Systems, a South Korean company, has been awarded a contract for 2027 general election technology. Gachagua had alleged the tender was granted in a scheme to rig the vote. The Deputy President further claimed that IEBC commissioners and President William Ruto received a bribe of Sh2 billion to award the technology tender to the South Korean company. The IEBC has rejected these allegations, asserting the tender was not awarded to the firm as claimed. Government Urges Kenyans to Plant Trees as El Nino Rains Approach: As the anticipated El Nino rains approach, the Kenyan government is urging citizens to actively participate in tree planting initiatives to mitigate potential impacts of heavy rainfall. Residents and traders in Madogo, Tana River County have expressed dissatisfaction with the county government's preparedness for the anticipated El Nino rains expected to begin in October. Meanwhile, some areas in Nyandarua County are facing drought conditions, adding to environmental concerns. The government has called for national action on tree planting ahead of the seasonal weather changes. Ruto Hints at Fresh Salary Review for All Police, Prison Officers: President William Ruto has signaled ongoing efforts to enhance police remuneration following a recent 36% salary increase, with the government collaborating with the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) and the National Police Service Commission. Earlier, Ruto warned over 6,000 newly trained police officers to uphold the Constitution and respect citizens' rights and freedoms. TheInterior Cabinet Secretary defended the new police uniform against criticism, stating it underwent public participation and will be introduced gradually. Additionally, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations dismantled a counterfeit money syndicate in Makueni County, arresting four individuals and seizing significant fake currency. IEBC Rejects Gachagua's Claims About 2027 Election Interference: The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has strongly refuted allegations by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua regarding the 2027 General Election preparations, stating the claims are false and aim to erode public trust. The commission rejected claims that a South Korean company, Miru Systems, was awarded a technology tender in a scheme to rig the vote. Gachagua alleged that IEBC commissioners and President William Ruto received a bribe of Sh2 billion to award the technology tender, which the IEBC firmly denied. The commission demanded evidence from Gachagua after he claimed politicians bought a house worth up to Ksh200 million for the IEBC Chairperson to influence the elections. Police fire tear gas at traders protesting along Kenyatta Avenue in the Nairobi CBD: Chaos erupted in Nairobi's Central Business District on August 28 as police lobbed teargas at small-scale traders marching towards Kenya Revenue Authority offices to demonstrate against increased taxes. The KRA clarified a new Ksh3.2 million threshold for consolidated cargo, amidst plans by traders to hold nationwide protests who argue the increase has raised business costs. The protests centered around the Kenya Revenue Authority offices as traders demanded reconsideration of the new tax regulations. Ruto Acknowledges Government Errors During Gen-Z Protests, Bloodshed Should Have Been Avoided: President William Ruto acknowledged governmental errors during the Gen-Z protests two years ago, stating that bloodshed should have been avoided. This comes as citizens continue to highlight unfulfilled promises from his 2022 campaign. A group of activists is demanding the resignation of President Ruto on the 16th anniversary of Kenya's constitution, citing alleged rights violations. President Ruto has also urged Kenyans to uphold and scrutinize the Constitution, while criticizing the judiciary for allegedly hindering government policies. These developments underscore a growing public sentiment of skepticism regarding the administration's delivery on key pledges. Coast Water Board Permanently Shuts Off Water Supply to Kwale, Kilifi, Taita Taveta: The Coast Water Services Board has permanently shut off water supply to three water service providers in Kwale, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta counties due to accumulated debts. The move affects access to clean water for residents across these coastal counties. In contrast, Malindi Hospital has acquired a new CT scan machine, a significant upgrade expected to benefit over 300,000 residents from the North Coast region. Separately, the Kwale County health sector is intensifying efforts to involve men in reproductive health matters, aiming to significantly reduce maternal deaths during pregnancy and childbirth. Parliament Passes New Bill Targeting Money Collected From Air Travellers: The National Transport and Safety Authority is set to enhance road safety by introducing automated driver tests and establishing new vehicle inspection centres. The Kenya Airports Authority has officially transitioned from a state corporation to a public limited company as part of government reforms for state-owned enterprises. Separately, the National Assembly approved the Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which will direct funds collected from air passengers towards enhancing aviation safety and promoting tourism.