Kenya News Weekly: Weekly: June 2-8, 2025
This week in Kenya, the Supreme Court addressed proceeds of crime while President Ruto met governors over housing initiatives. The National Assembly approved new IEBC leadership, and the Kazi Mtaani programme was revived to aid youth employment. Activist Rose Njeri’s arrest sparked controversy, while discussions on budget challenges intensified amid rising violence in Nakuru and Marsabit. Governor Sakaja announced a new housing project, highlighting ongoing development efforts in counties.
Weekly Breakdown by Category
Top Stories
349 stories this weekTop Stories - Week's Highlights
Supreme Court to decide on issues around suspected proceeds of crime. Public institutions must replace old number plates by August 29 to avoid penalties. Kenya Met forecasts rain in five regions this week. Murkomen engages with UN officials to enhance partnerships on security and support for over 800,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya. Civil society raises concerns over the government's 2025/2026 budget, with a projected deficit of 876.1 billion shillings amid plans to spend 4.24 trillion shillings against revenues of 3.32 trillion shillings. National Treasury faces criticism over a plan to raise the Road Maintenance Levy. MPs express concerns about the government's transparency in the matter. Ministry assures that no child will miss any vaccine doses despite shortages, according to Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga. Speaker Wetang'ula calls for unity and responsible leadership among leaders. Martha Karua was denied entry into Tanzania on May 18, 2025. Nairobi Governor Sakaja plans a new house costing 235 million Kenyan Shillings. Uasin Gishu MP Sudi donated goods worth 145 million Kenyan Shillings.
Videos
866 stories this weekVideos - Week's Highlights
Embakasi MP Gitonga Mukunji has criticized Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire's claims of a conspiracy against her involving government officials linked to President Ruto. Thousands of graduates remain unemployed amid a shortage of nurses and doctors, leading some to seek alternative livelihoods such as livestock trading. The National Assembly approved the appointment of the new chairman Erastus Ethekon and commissioners of the IEBC, facilitating their official induction. Robert Alai explains why Azimio joined the Broad Based government. Meanwhile, Ruto and Luhya MPs are in discussions over budget challenges affecting constituents. Hydroponics is increasingly being adopted in urban areas of Kenya, offering an innovative solution for food production. Meanwhile, tree planting initiatives continue to gain momentum across the country. Education stakeholders urge the government to improve the teaching methods of Kiswahili in schools to enhance learning outcomes.
Politics
33 stories this weekPolitics - Week's Highlights
Raila Odinga urges President Ruto to compensate victims of Gen Z protests, emphasizing the need for closure after police brutality. Compensation for victims also featured in ODM and UDA agreement. Meanwhile, a fresh court case aims to remove Kindiki and reinstate former Deputy President Gachagua. NGEC condemns Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo's sexist remarks against Senator Fatuma Dullo and demands an apology. Martha Karua urges global bodies to investigate ongoing abductions in East African Community member states. Ruto and Raila are facing internal disagreements just three months after their political agreement. NGEC has condemned Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo for sexist remarks and is demanding an apology. Martha Karua urges global bodies to investigate the ongoing abductions in East African Community member states. Orengo leads a delegation to State House today, continuing his critical stance against President Ruto. Meanwhile, Kindiki and Kenya Kwanza MPs address Gachagua over succession politics.
Business
55 stories this weekBusiness - Week's Highlights
Kenya and France enhance energy collaboration with a 12 billion shillings grid project, supported by the Ministry of Energy and KETRACO. US cuts in development assistance could impact Kenya's infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, Moniepoint Inc. from the US has received approval to acquire Sumac Microfinance Bank Ltd. Pornhub to cease operations in France due to new age verification law starting Wednesday. CAK Director-General David Kemei appointed to chair the East African Community Competition Board. BK Group reports a profit after tax of 2.29 billion shillings for Q1 2025, a 5.4% increase. Government to enhance start-up innovation with new sector reforms aimed at capacity building in the ecosystem. KCAA has denied TUI Airlines a license to operate charter flights to Mombasa. Meanwhile, Kenya's private sector saw a slowdown in May due to reduced demand and new orders. Mbadi proposes tax reliefs for spirits made from local produce to support Kenyan farmers and businesses. Additionally, the Central Bank of Kenya has licensed 41 new Digital Credit Providers. A new book by David G. Maillu urges Kenya to rethink Generation Z's impact on political change. The government has leased Muhoroni and Chemelil Sugar Companies to reform the sugar sector.
Sports
54 stories this weekSports - Week's Highlights
Gor Mahia's title hopes dim after a 1-1 draw with AFC Leopards in the Mashemeji Derby at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay. Austine Odhiambo and Brian Wanyama scored for their teams. Athletes at the Absa Kip Keino Classic focused on the importance of financial literacy for investing their bonuses. The event took place at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi. Ferdinand Omanyala aims for the 100m and 200m double following his win at the Atlanta City Games. Meanwhile, Kenya's national women's netball team prepares for the UAE Netball Cup in June. Manchester City has agreed a fee with AC Milan for midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, marking their first major summer signing. Harambee Stars are set to face Chad in friendlies on June 7th and 10th in Morocco, with Bajaber withdrawn from the squad. African champion Omondi aims for more global karate titles after his success. Meanwhile, Kenya Ports Authority hopes to secure their first Kenya Volleyball Federation men's national league title this season. GSU, Pipeline, KPA, and DCI prepare for a volleyball final showdown, vying to reclaim titles lost to Kenya Prisons and KCB Bank. KBF Premier League's key matches today involve Nairobi City Thunder and Equity Bank Hawks at Nyayo Gymnasium. Beatrice Chebet, fresh from a historic performance in Rabat, will participate in the Rome Diamond League, with Timothy leading in the men’s 1500m. Odira and Keter aim to defend their titles at the Kenya Prisons Championships while striving for personal bests. ANU Panthers secure victory against Storms, both teams facing relegation struggles. Harambee Stars aim for first win under McCarthy against Chad in Marrakech. Odira and Muneria excel at Kenya Prisons meet. Kibugu wins Sunshine Tour with a 5-under par final round. Kenyan team prepares for Six-Goal-Zimbabwe International Championships following a recent win over Nigeria.
Tech
26 stories this weekTech - Week's Highlights
KCB Group has finalized the sale of National Bank of Kenya to Access Bank Plc. AXIAN Telecom now owns 8% of JUMIA Technologies' total shares. OPPO Kenya launches the OPPO A5 with a rugged design and a 6,000mAh battery, starting at 21,999 Kenyan Shillings. TikTok introduces 'Manage Topics' and enhanced keyword filtering for personalised feeds. Airtel Money now offers 50% reimbursement of bank-to-wallet transaction fees as airtime, expanding its Rudishiwa campaign. OPPO Kenya launches the OPPO A5 with a rugged design and a 6,000mAh battery, starting at 21,999 Kenyan Shillings. TikTok introduces features for better topic management. Airtel Money now reimburses 50% of bank-to-wallet fees as airtime. Tanzania has blocked X over pornography claims, resulting in economic losses of 8.9 million USD ahead of the 2025 elections, raising concerns about digital freedom during campaigns.
Entertainment
10 stories this weekEntertainment - Week's Highlights
Stevo Simple Boy unveils a new car, sharing the excitement with his management team, including comedian Tumbili. Fans react positively to his announcement on Instagram. Comedian Mulamwah is in a new relationship with a Ugandan woman, just three months after proposing to his baby mama, Ruth K. He shared photos of his new partner online. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was heckled during an event in Othaya, Nyeri County, as youths protested. He was there to launch the construction of the Othaya Modern Community Centre. Georgina Njenga shares her experiences as a young mother, emphasizing the joys and challenges of raising her daughter Astra, while clarifying she cannot reconcile with baby daddy Tyler Mbaya. Kenyan content creators have given the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) a 48-hour ultimatum to lift the ban on promoting gambling. They voiced their concerns during a press briefing. Stevo Simple Boy reveals his new car on Instagram, sharing his excitement with photos alongside his management team, including comedian Tumbili. Comedian Mulamwah enters a new relationship just three months after proposing to his baby mama, claiming his new girlfriend is from Uganda. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki receives backlash from youths during an event in Othaya, Nyeri County, where he was commissioning a community project. Georgina Njenga reflects on challenges and joys of parenting her daughter Astra, marking her third birthday, and discusses co-parenting with baby daddy Tyler Mbaya. Kenyan content creators have given the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) a 48-hour ultimatum to lift the ban on gambling promotions by celebrities and influencers.