June 1 - June 7, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, June 1 to Sunday, June 7, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
June 1
Wajir Elders Gift President Ruto 100 Camels After Historic Madaraka Day Celebrations - June 2026
Elders from Wajir County gifted President William Ruto with 100 camels as a sign of gratitude for hosting Kenya's 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations in the region for the first time. The historic event took place at Wajir Stadium, which was filled to capacity, forcing officials to close gates and turn away attendees. President Ruto acknowledged past neglect of Northern Kenya and pledged renewed investments, announcing a Sh15.6 billion housing project for Wajir. The Wajir Stadium was also renamed in honor of the late former Wajir West MP Ahmed Khalif during the celebrations. Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described the event as "historic" for the region.
CCTV Captures Eight Students Allegedly Setting Utumishi Dormitory Fire - June 2026
CCTV footage at Utumishi Girls' Service High School captured eight students allegedly setting a dormitory fire that killed 16 classmates in Nakuru. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations identified six out of eight students arrested in connection with the tragic fire. The Education Ministry subsequently ordered a nationwide safety audit of all boarding schools following the incident. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula urged the Ministry of Education to act decisively against schools ignoring safety regulations. The government also announced it would provide psychological support and counseling to families affected by the tragedy.
Nationwide Matatu Strike Protests Rising Fuel Prices - June 2026
A nationwide matatu strike began in Kenya as operators protested against escalating fuel prices, causing significant disruption across the country. The strike took place during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir, with residents awaiting the Presidential address amid the transportation crisis. Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi delivered his speech at the 63rd Madaraka Day Celebrations against the backdrop of the nationwide strike. The protest aimed to bring attention to the financial strain on public transport providers.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
June 2
Lenana School Closed Indefinitely After Student Unrest - June 2026
Lenana School in Nairobi has been indefinitely closed following student unrest on Monday night, with parents required to pick up their sons from the school starting June 2. Meanwhile, nine students have been arraigned in court following a deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which occurred on May 28, 2026, resulting in the deaths of 16 students. The suspects in the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire have confessed to setting the blaze that killed 16 students and injured others, citing reasons linked to school administration decisions. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has also proposed significant reforms to the Teachers Career Progression Guidelines (CPG), aiming to accelerate promotions and end decades of career stagnation for thousands of teachers.
DCI Arrests Ex-Catholic Priest Over Alleged Calls to Oust Ruto Govt - June 2026
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested a 44-year-old former Catholic priest for allegedly using social media to incite the overthrow of President William Ruto's government. A police officer, Hassan Juma Moyo, tragically passed away after collapsing during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir Stadium on Sunday, June 1, 2026. Chaos ensued at the Narok High Court on Tuesday, June 2, as residents stormed the premises in an attempt to free a murder suspect, leading to clashes with police and gunshots to disperse the crowd.
Ruto Links Laikipia Facility Approval to Personal Request from Trump - June 2026
Kenyan President William Ruto stated that he approved the establishment of a US Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base following a personal request from former US President Donald Trump. The Kenyan High Court has extended orders blocking the establishment of the proposed US-Kenya Ebola facility and has mandated the government to disclose all related documentation within seven days. Nanyuki residents protested against the proposed Ebola quarantine facility, resulting in injuries to two individuals. The United States has issued a travel advisory for Kenya due to protests in Nanyuki against the planned Ebola quarantine facility for Americans. Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale will appear before a parliamentary committee to address the nation's preparedness for the Ebola Bundibugyo virus and a reported deal with the United States.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
June 3
Two Killed in Laikipia Anti-Ebola Facility Protests - June 2026
Violent protests erupted in Laikipia against a proposed U.S. Ebola quarantine facility, resulting in two deaths and three injuries. The U.S. government has defended its decision to establish the facility in Kenya, citing the country's proximity to disease outbreak hotspots as a primary reason. However, the U.S. Embassy has clarified that no Americans exposed to Ebola are currently slated for transfer to Kenya. Meanwhile, Kenya's united opposition has intensified calls for President William Ruto to abandon the facility, and a U.S. Congressional committee has reportedly criticized the plans. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale is scheduled to face Parliament to address concerns surrounding the proposed quarantine facility.
Energy Ministry Withdraws KPLC Tariff Review Application - June 2026
The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has withdrawn an application by Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) to review electricity tariffs, effectively halting a proposed increase in electricity costs. The decision was announced on Wednesday, June 3, with the ministry assuring consumers of stable power supply. Meanwhile, the Kenyan government is proposing a new legal framework to regulate Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), aiming to enhance oversight and attract investment. This initiative emerged from discussions involving DFIs, financial regulators, and policymakers. In corruption news, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested the Clerk of the Nyamira County Assembly over alleged corruption and suspected loss of public funds, while ten individuals and companies have been ordered to repay Sh51.5 million obtained through a fraud scheme in Kilifi County.
Nine Utumishi Students Remanded for 21 Days Over Dorm Fire - June 2026
Nine students from Utumishi Girls' Senior School have been remanded for 21 days following a dormitory fire that killed 16 of their schoolmates, as investigations intensify into the tragedy. The Consortium of Secondary Schools Alumni Associations of Kenya (COSSAAK) is demanding a nationwide audit of dormitory safety and emergency escape systems in all boarding schools. The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has also proposed new safety regulations for school dormitories in response to the fire. This comes as fires have broken out in schools across Kenya, prompting a critical examination of accountability measures within educational institutions.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
June 4
KRA Reveals Billions Lost After Fuel Tax Cut Directives - June 2026
The Kenya Revenue Authority has reported a significant tax revenue loss of Ksh9.1 billion following the government decision to halve the Value Added Tax on fuel. Kenyans significantly reduced household spending in May as rising inflation forced businesses to increase prices, according to the latest Stanbic Bank Purchasing Managers Index report. The Kenya Bankers Association is urging the Central Bank of Kenya to increase the Central Bank Rate at its upcoming MPC meeting on June 9, 2026, to combat rising inflation, which could lead to more expensive loans for borrowers.
Alliance High closed indefinitely after fire incident - June 2026
Alliance High School has been closed indefinitely following a fire that destroyed about 200 mattresses, prompting the urgent request for parents to collect their children. Eleven students are being held by police in connection with a planned strike linked to the incident. This incident is part of a disturbing wave of unrest and fires sweeping across Kenyan schools, leading to destruction, injuries, and deaths. The Ministry of Education has ordered schools to suspend any second-term examinations that may cause student unrest following a series of incidents including the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls High School.
Kenya Seeks Sh2.6bn to Boost Ebola Preparedness for First 100 Cases – CS Duale - June 2026
Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has requested Sh 2.6 billion from Parliament to bolster the nation's Ebola Virus Disease preparedness, specifically focusing on the first 100 cases. The government will proceed with establishing an Ebola quarantine and isolation facility at Laikipia Air Base without public consultation, citing the urgency of public health threats. Kenya is reportedly considering a deal to host a 50-bed quarantine and treatment facility at Laikipia Air Base for American citizens exposed to Ebola in neighboring countries. Despite Kenyan court orders and protests, US experts and medical equipment continue to arrive at the US-backed Ebola quarantine facility in Nanyuki. Meanwhile, chaotic scenes at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have exposed significant weaknesses in Kenya's disease surveillance and passenger screening.
More from Thursday:
Friday
June 5
NTSA Summons PSV Saccos After Deadly Car Crashes - June 2026
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has summoned officials from Risen Sacco and Royal Swift Express Limited following two separate road crashes that claimed lives and raised concerns over public transport safety. NTSA issued a stern warning to all PSV operators and crew to strictly adhere to traffic regulations following a fatal crash that claimed five lives. A matatu driver and conductor were sentenced to 10 years in prison each for the murder of a 21-year-old college student who fell from their speeding vehicle on Thika Road. Separately, the NTSA launched an automated traffic enforcement system in Nairobi employing hundreds of smart surveillance cameras to instantly penalize speeding motorists via digital notifications, though the system faced backlash over confusion about liability and concerns about potential abuse.
Kenya, South Africa Sign Six Deals as Ruto Calls for United Africa - June 2026
Kenyan President William Ruto concluded a two-day State Visit to South Africa by signing six agreements aimed at deepening economic, diplomatic, and strategic ties, emphasizing the need for a united Africa on the global stage. At the joint Kenya-South Africa Business Forum in Midrand, President William Ruto challenged African businesses to prioritize intra-Africa trade, emphasizing the continent as the next major frontier for investment and innovation. Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is establishing the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit with a focus on public order and business protection, drawing inspiration from the City of London Police.
Bitok Tells Teachers Not to Force Exams at Expense of School Stability - June 2026
Kenya's Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Julius Bitok, has advised teachers and school administrators not to force students to take examinations if they are experiencing anxiety or are unprepared, emphasizing that school stability is paramount. The Architectural Association of Kenya has proposed stricter design and safety standards for school dormitories following the tragic fire at Utumishi Girls Academy. Parliament approved the 2026/27 national budget with significant allocations towards education, including funds for the Teachers Service Commission to absorb 20,000 intern teachers.
More from Friday:
Saturday
June 6
Kenya Screens 80,000 Travelers as Ebola Outbreaks Persist in DRC, Uganda - June 2026
Kenya is intensifying its surveillance and preparedness measures against the Ebola Virus Disease, having screened over 80,000 travelers at various points of entry. All 56 suspected samples tested have been negative for the virus. The government is reinforcing surveillance and preparedness measures due to regional links to outbreaks in neighboring Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kenya has confirmed it remains free of Ebola despite regional outbreaks.
DPP Charges 81 Individuals Over Manzil Towers Collapse - June 2026
The Director of Public Prosecutions has approved charges against former Nairobi County planning chief Patrick Analo Akivaga and 80 other individuals, including developers and construction professionals, in connection with the deadly collapse of Manzil Towers in South C, Nairobi. The charges include manslaughter and criminal negligence. The collapse occurred on January 2, 2026, and claimed the lives of two security guards. Additionally, Nairobi County officials are among those facing criminal charges for their roles in the incident.
Kenyans Fearful Over US Ebola Centre at Laikipia Air Base - June 2026
Kenyans are expressing significant fear and anger over the United States establishing a quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base to handle potential Ebola cases from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Kakamega County government is establishing two Ebola quarantine centres to bolster Kenya's preparedness against the virus. Meanwhile, opposition leaders are intensifying their campaign against the proposed Ebola facility in Laikipia.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
June 7
Kalonzo Unveils 13-Point Presidential Agenda Focused on Governance and Economic Recovery - June 2026
Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Democratic Movement, has unveiled a 13-point presidential agenda detailing his plans for governance reform and economic recovery if elected in 2027. He has also launched his campaign platform titled 'Komboa Kenya,' positioning it as a national liberation movement aimed at addressing the country's leadership and economic challenges. Additionally, Kalonzo has launched a new digital platform as part of his strategy to compete for the presidency in the 2027 general election. Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has publicly hinted at a potential 2032 presidential bid while rallying youth in Western Kenya to support President William Ruto's re-election in 2027.
DNA Results Confirm Identities of All 16 Utumishi Girls Fire Victims - June 2026
DNA results have confirmed the identities of all 16 Utumishi Girls high school students who tragically died in a dormitory fire, leaving their families overwhelmed with grief and seeking answers. The Kenyan government has announced a compensation package for families affected by the Utumishi Girls Academy dormitory fire, providing Sh200,000 each. Grieving parents are protesting a delayed release of the bodies of 16 students who died in the fire, ten days after the tragedy. The government has also identified examination pressure as a significant contributor to the recent surge in student unrest and school fires nationwide.
Government Orders Nationwide Audit of Boarding Schools Amid Rising Unrest - June 2026
The Kenyan government has ordered a nationwide audit of all boarding schools following a surge in student unrest that has led to the closure of several institutions, with inspections assessing compliance with required safety standards. Amidst rising school unrest, Kenya's Principal Secretary for Basic Education Julius Bitok has instructed school heads to prioritize dialogue over force when addressing student concerns, particularly regarding examinations. A dormitory at Agoro Sare High School was destroyed by fire on June 6 during a parents' visiting day, fueling concerns over a wave of unrest in schools nationwide. Following a spate of school fires across Kenya, the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) is advocating for a new approach to address the underlying issues.