April 13 - April 19, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, April 13 to Sunday, April 19, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
April 13
DCI Arrests Suspect in Murder of RIAT College Student - April 2026
DCI in Kisumu West has arrested a prime suspect in the murder of a 21-year-old RIAT College student. The decomposing body was discovered in Riat Forest with multiple stab wounds. Meanwhile, Governor Anyang' Nyong'o demanded action on attacks on businesses including Java House and Fairways Hospitality Hotel, and Bishop Dominick Kimengich warned against using thugs in political activities.
Treasury Issues New Directives on eGP System Affecting All Govt Agencies - April 2026
The Kenyan government will fully enforce the e-Government Procurement (eGP) system from July 1st, with no exemptions, according to Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. This move aims to close loopholes and prevent the loss of public funds through inflated procurement costs. Kenya is also proposing a Free Trade Agreement with India to address a significant trade imbalance and boost Kenyan exports, which currently stand at a fraction of imports. The trade opportunity is worth KSh 271 billion. Additionally, the Kenya Revenue Authority is enforcing the use of the electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) in Eastleigh, Nairobi, with traders mandated to issue electronic tax receipts starting May 1.
Energy CS Wandaji Says He Will Not Resign Over Sh 4.8 Billion Fuel Consignment - April 2026
Kenya's Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has refused to resign over a controversial Sh 4.8 billion fuel consignment imported outside the Government-to-Government framework. Kenya is planning to establish long-term fuel reserves to end fears of supply shocks and shortages, with the country currently relying on a continuous supply chain with reserves only sufficient for a maximum of 21 days. Fuel price concerns have risen ahead of the EPRA review after United States President Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of talks with Iran over its nuclear program.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
April 14
Omtatah Recalls 2012 Attack, Warns of Rising Political Violence Ahead of 2027 Polls - April 2026
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has issued a stark warning about the resurgence of politically sponsored violence, drawing parallels to his own near-fatal attack in 2012 as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election. A Kenyan parliamentary committee has issued a stark warning about the escalating use of organized gangs in politics, deeming it a significant threat to national security ahead of the 2027 General Election. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged Kenyans to protect their democracy by prioritizing civic education, ethical voter mobilization, and actively rejecting political violence. At least two people have died following violent demonstrations in Mbeere North on Tuesday, April 14, where protesters clashed with police officers over the condition of a local hospital.
KAA Appoints Moses Wekesa as CEO Nearly 3 Years After Gitari's Exit - April 2026
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has appointed Moses Wekesa as its new Chief Executive Officer, filling a leadership vacancy that has persisted for nearly three years. The KAA Board confirmed the appointment following a rigorous selection process. This comes as Joseph Boinnet has officially taken over as Kenya's National Security Advisor, succeeding Monica Juma in a handover ceremony on Tuesday, April 14. Outgoing National Security Advisor Monica Juma has defended Kenya's role in international security interventions, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti, citing national interest and global stability, before officially stepping down to assume a significant international position at UNODC.
Kiamaiko MCA Warns of Cracked Buildings in Nairobi CBD - April 2026
A Kiamaiko Member of County Assembly (MCA), Joseph Ndungu, has issued a stern warning about the increasing number of buildings with visible cracks in Nairobi's Central Business District, highlighting potential immediate danger to occupants and visitors. Kenya has sufficient petrol stocks to last over 20 days, according to the Kenya Pipeline Corporation, aiming to alleviate public concerns about fuel shortages at some filling stations. Kenyan engineer Patrick Obath questions whether the current fuel shortage is a genuine scarcity or a result of hoarding. Motorists are urging the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority to prevent an increase in fuel prices during the April 14 review, warning that higher costs would exacerbate the current economic strain on Kenyans.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
April 15
IPOA to Investigate Police Killings During Embu Protests - April 2026
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) will investigate a police killing in Embu County that occurred during a protest at Ishiara Level 4 Hospital on April 14, bringing the death toll to three. Three people were tragically shot dead during protests in Ishiara town, Mbeere North, over the dire state of services at Ishiara Level Four Hospital. The National Police Service (NPS) has pledged full cooperation with IPOA and assured full accountability following the deaths of two people during the protests, which were reportedly over the deteriorating state of Ishiara Level 4 Hospital.
Petrol Jumps Sh28, Diesel Sh40 in EPRA Review - April 2026
Motorists and households in Kenya face fuel price hikes announced by EPRA for April-May 2024. Super Petrol increased by Sh28 to Ksh206.97 per litre and Diesel by Sh40 to Ksh206.84 per litre in Nairobi. The government reduced fuel VAT to 13 percent and will utilize Sh6.2 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy to cushion consumers. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro says Kenya has a 50 percent chance to lower costs through domestic policy choices. Kenyans face a potential Ksh3.2 billion bill from a cancelled fuel import deal.
State House Given 14-Day Ultimatum to Demolish Wall - April 2026
State House has been formally given a 14-day notice to demolish a section of its wall built on the Kirichwa Kubwa River riparian reserve as part of Nairobi's River Regeneration Programme. A section of the State House perimeter wall, built on riparian land, has been marked for demolition. This action signals a strong commitment from the President William Ruto administration to reclaim waterways in the city.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
April 16
Contaminated Fuel Under Investigation at KPC Mombasa Facility - April 2026
The Kenyan Senate Committee is investigating a contaminated fuel shipment that arrived at the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) facility in Mombasa. The shipment reportedly contained a significant amount of adulterated fuel, raising concerns about its potential impact and the processes involved in its import and handling. The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has issued an alert regarding allegedly harmful compounds, specifically carcinogenic halogenated bromides, detected in Kenya's fuel supply. Moreover, the Kenyan Senate has raised allegations that the government was aware of the importation of counterfeit fuel into the country.
Online Cab Drivers Announce 1.5x Fare Hike Following Fuel Price Surge - April 2026
Online cab fares in Kenya are set to increase significantly after drivers announced a new pricing structure. The Organization of Online Drivers (OOD) is implementing a 1.5X fare multiplier, which will substantially raise minimum charges. At the same time, commuters in Nairobi are facing surprise fare increases on electric buses following a recent fuel price hike, despite the vehicles not using petrol or diesel. Meanwhile, commuters across Kenya are experiencing immediate difficulties as transport fares have been increased following a surge in fuel prices that took effect at midnight Tuesday.
Epra Cuts Fuel Prices After Treasury VAT Review - April 2026
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) has reduced fuel prices following the National Treasury's review of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel. The government has allocated Ksh6.5 billion to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a warning to Kenya and other nations regarding fiscal interventions, such as fuel subsidies and VAT cuts, to combat rising fuel prices.
More from Thursday:
Friday
April 17
IEBC registers 1.3M new voters since March 30 - April 2026
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has registered 1,370,930 new voters since launching its Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise on March 30, 2026. This figure includes a significant surge of 495,429 new registrations in just one week. Meanwhile, Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja is facing a potential 6-month jail term for contempt of court following an application demanding action for his prolonged failure to appoint a County Secretary. At the same time, Siaya Governor James Orengo and regional leaders have backed Kenya's plan to build its first nuclear power plant in Siaya County, a project estimated to cost Sh1 trillion and significantly boost the nation's electricity generation.
KRA Scraps Nil Returns, Issues Directive to Kenyans Without Income - April 2026
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has replaced the Nil Returns filing system with a new "PIN with No Obligation" (PWO) category to simplify tax compliance for individuals without taxable income. In a separate development, the Kenyan shilling has strengthened significantly against the United States dollar, recovering from recent pressures linked to the Middle East conflict, now trading at Ksh129.05 to the dollar. Additionally, the government, in partnership with Huawei Technologies Kenya, launched a tree-growing initiative in Limuru, Kiambu County, to restore endangered forests and bolster climate resilience.
World Haemophilia Day: Over 5,000 Kenyans living with blood disorder - April 2026
On World Haemophilia Day, Kenyatta National Hospital is highlighting the critical importance of early diagnosis for individuals living with this rare blood disorder. The Kenyan government has won a legal battle to proceed with the finalisation of a reviewed hardship zones report after the Employment and Labour Relations Court dismissed a petition by the Kenya Teachers in Hardship and Arid Areas Welfare Association (Kethawa). A new bill in Kenya aims to change how police detain vehicles, potentially offering relief to motorists facing prolonged impoundments.
More from Friday:
Saturday
April 18
Government Orders Release of 188 Impounded Motorbikes in Kilifi - April 2026
The Kenyan Government has ordered the immediate release of 188 motorbikes impounded for minor traffic offences in Kilifi County, a move aimed at alleviating financial strain on boda boda operators and protecting their livelihoods. This directive follows the Interior Ministry's order for immediate release of some impounded Boda Bodas. Separately, Kitutu Central Sub-County Police Commander Kazungu Charo has passed away after a prolonged illness, with the National Police Service mourning the loss of the senior officer.
President Ruto Defends Development Record in Northern Kenya - April 2026
President William Ruto has defended his administration's development initiatives in northern Kenya, attributing current challenges to 60 years of historical neglect rather than recent policy failures. During his tour of Mandera County, he strongly criticized his political opponents, labeling them as noisemakers and vision-less. The President has also ordered immediate reforms to address a national identity card backlog, aiming to resolve the issue within one to two weeks.
EACC Conducts Embu Raid in Expanding NYS Corruption Probe - April 2026
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has conducted a court-authorized search at a hotel in Embu as part of an expanding probe into alleged corruption at the National Youth Service. The Employment and Labour Relations Court has issued interim orders reinstating 11 senior officials of Bungoma County who were recently fired by Governor Kenneth Lusaka, ruling on the governor's decision to fire entire cabinet. This comes as democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua demands an investigation into alleged collusion between the National Police Service under Inspector General Douglas Kanja and criminal gangs.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
April 19
Gachagua atoa makataa ya siku saba kushusha bei ya mafuta - April 2026
Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President William Ruto to reduce fuel prices, threatening nationwide protests if the demand is not met. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi stated that government measures, including a VAT cut and fuel subsidy, prevented pump prices from exceeding Ksh215 per litre, warning that petrol could have sold at Ksh236 without intervention. Kenya Kwanza leaders, led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, have asserted that the government is managing oil prices amidst global market volatility caused by the Middle East conflict. President William Ruto explained that Kenya's higher fuel costs compared to Tanzania and Uganda are due to significant infrastructure investments and Kenya's status as a middle-income economy.
President Ruto Undertakes Three-Day State Visit to Italy - April 2026
President William Ruto is undertaking a three-day state visit to Italy this week for high-level bilateral talks aimed at bolstering relations and securing trade and investment partnerships. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced a trade and investment-focused agenda for the visit, aiming to unlock economic opportunities between Kenya and Italy. This visit represents Kenya's effort to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with European partners.
Gachagua Renews Feud with Duale Over Comments on Uhuru - April 2026
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly warned Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale against making further remarks about former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Separately, Gachagua has rejected overtures from Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's emissary seeking leniency amid escalating political tensions. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has also accused the Kenyan state of a cover-up in the investigation of his violent assault in Kisumu, alleging irregularities in arrests and court proceedings following the April 8 incident.