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.
KNH Nurses End Strike Following Return-to-Work Deal - April 2026
Nurses at Kenyatta National Hospital have ended their two-day strike following the agreement on a return-to-work formula between hospital management and the Kenya National Union of Nurses and Midwives. Nurses and midwives at KNH have called off their disruptive strike after reaching an agreement with the government, which included new allowances, restoring services at the nation's premier referral facility. The strike by nurses at KNH has been called off after successful negotiations with hospital management.
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.
Felix Koskei Loses Millions in Fraudulent Land Deal Within State Department - April 2026
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has revealed losing millions of shillings due to a fraudulent land deal involving the manipulation of official land files within the State Department for Lands and Physical Planning. Koskei has ordered that civil servants found colluding with fraudsters to cause government financial losses must first repay stolen funds before being dismissed. Separately, the Kenyan government is launching a unified digital system to overhaul all land services, aiming to combat widespread corruption, delays, and manipulation affecting property rights.
More from Thursday:
Friday
April 17
Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Takes Effect as Leaders Welcome Historic Truce - April 2026
A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has taken effect, bringing a fragile calm to the Middle East after days of heightened cross-border tensions. President Donald Trump announced that a potential meeting with Iran could occur this weekend, signaling optimism for an end to the Iran war. In a related development, U.S. House Democrats have filed articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of high crimes and misdemeanors related to the war with Iran and other military actions. These stories form a connected sequence of Middle East developments spanning the ceasefire announcement, implementation, and domestic U.S. political fallout.
Former Cabinet Minister Summoned Over Fake Degrees Saga - April 2026
The Commission for University Education (CUE) has summoned former Trade Minister Mukhisa Kituyi to appear in person following his allegations of fake degrees at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). Separately, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has initiated a nationwide teacher transfer exercise to address staffing imbalances ahead of the second school term reopening on April 27. Meanwhile, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has provided a pathway for 2024 and prior KCSE candidates to apply for university placement after missing the initial deadline. These three stories connect through Kenya's education system facing multiple accountability and access challenges within days of each other.
Govt Applies for World Bank Emergency Loan to Stop Fuel Price Hike - April 2026
Kenya has formally applied to the World Bank for an emergency loan to combat rising fuel costs exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged opposition leaders to cease politicizing fuel prices, attributing recent hikes to global market factors rather than domestic policy. The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has issued a stark warning about a potential major crisis within the tea sector, with significant disruptions to exports caused by escalating fuel prices and ongoing conflict in the Middle East. These three stories form a cohesive fuel crisis narrative showing government response, political deflection, and economic sector impact.