Kenya Minute.
Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 29 April 2026
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Archive Minute from Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Politics

NG-CDF sharing formula should account for population size

The News

An opinion piece argues that Kenya's National Government Constituencies Development Fund, which allocates at least 2.5 per cent of the national budget to constituencies, should adjust its sharing formula to take population into account. The writer notes the fund's purpose is to address grassroots needs in education, security, and local development priorities, and that its impact is particularly evident in education across the country.

Why it matters

A Kenya Minute pick.

30 April 2026 · The Standard

Politics

  1. NG-CDF sharing formula should account for population size

    An opinion piece argues that Kenya's National Government Constituencies Development Fund, which allocates at least 2.5 per cent of the national budget to constituencies, should adjust its sharing formula to take population into account. The writer notes the fund's purpose is to address grassroots needs in education, security, and local development priorities, and that its impact is particularly evident in education across the country.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  2. JSC nominates Warsame to replace Ibrahim at Supreme Court

    The Judicial Service Commission has nominated Court of Appeal Judge Mohamed Warsame to replace Justice Mohammed Ibrahim at the Supreme Court, with Chief Justice Martha Koome noting that Warsame demonstrated competence and integrity in two-day interviews.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  3. Mudavadi, Wetang'ula meet Western MPs on 2025 elections

    National Assembly Speaker Wetang'ula, Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi, and Cabinet Secretary Oparanya met more than 30 Western region MPs on Wednesday to strategise ahead of next year's polls, amid a regional political shift as ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna gains electoral support in Luhya areas.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  4. Former senator Gloria Orwoba arrested at Parliament

    Former Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba was arrested on Wednesday after an unsuccessful attempt to access Parliament's precincts. Her vehicle, parked at the main Parliament entrance, blocked access and prompted an altercation with Sergeants-at-arms.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  5. Ruto claims Mt Kenya region holds 40% of government positions

    President William Ruto told Mt Kenya grassroots leaders that the region has occupied 40 per cent share of his administration, urging them not to abandon him for his former Deputy Rigathi Gachagua despite Gachagua's impeachment.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  6. Court of Appeal Judge nominated for Supreme Court vacancy

    The Judicial Service Commission has nominated Court of Appeal Judge Mohamed Warsame to replace Justice Mohammed Ibrahim at the Supreme Court, with the judge emerging tops in two-day interviews. Chief Justice Martha Koome said Justice Warsame demonstrated competence and integrity for the position.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  7. Economic Survey shows weak growth, challenges to Ruto's 2027 bid

    Kenya's economy registered weak growth in 2025 as key sectors slowed down and faced monumental challenges in 2026, contradicting President Ruto's promises of economic growth and job creation for his second-term bid.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  8. Wetangula, Mudavadi meet Western MPs to strategise for polls

    National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya met more than 30 MPs from the Western region on Wednesday to strategise ahead of next year's elections, as Luhya regional politics shifts toward ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, whose rallies have attracted significant support from voters and elected leaders.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  9. Former Senator Orwoba arrested and released at Parliament

    Former Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba was arrested on Wednesday after an unsuccessful attempt to access Parliament's precincts. Her vehicle, parked at the main Parliament entrance, blocked access and prompted an altercation with the Sergeants-at-arms, leading to her arrest and subsequent release.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  10. Sonko, three others ordered to stand trial in Sh14 million tender case

    The Milimani Anti-Corruption Court ruled that former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and three co-accused have a case to answer in a Sh14 million corruption case linked to an alleged irregular award of a heavy equipment hire tender by Nairobi County Government in 2018. Trial Magistrate Isabellah Barasa found that the Director of Public Prosecutions established a prima facie case on four counts against Sonko, Frederick Odhiambo Oyugi (trading as Yiro Enterprises), ROG Security Limited, and its director Anthony Otieno Ombok.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  11. Nairobi County Assembly considers disaster management overhaul bill

    A new Disaster and Emergency Management Policy Bill before Nairobi County Assembly aims to transform how the city handles disasters including fires and floods through a structured chain of command, a dedicated Disaster Management Fund, enhanced emergency response capacity, and establishment of a Fire and Disaster Management Academy. The bill also proposes creating a digital Disaster and Emergency Management Information System for real-time data collection and coordination.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  12. Ndhiwa elders threaten to curse ODM leaders opposing appointees

    Elders in Ndhiwa sub-county have threatened to curse ODM politicians from Nyanza who seek the dismissal of Internal Security PS Raymond Omollo and other appointees from Homa Bay, accusing the politicians of jealousy and disloyalty to their community.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  13. Human rights defenders petition Senate for one-term nominated MCA limit

    Human rights defenders Carolyne Soi, Maryann Wangui, and Laban Omusundi have petitioned the Senate to enact legislation imposing a strict one-term limit for all nominated Members of County Assembly, arguing that renomination subverts the constitution and converts nomination slots into a closed political system favoring few individuals.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  14. Senate reveals weak controls and revenue issues in county municipalities

    The Senate County Public Investment and Special Funds Committee reported that Municipalities in the Counties have failed to fully operationalize Municipality Charters, have weak budgetary control and revenue under-realization, and hold unsupported or undisclosed property and plant and equipment.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  15. Senate leaders accused of excluding members from governor truce talks

    Most senators complained they were kept in the dark after the Senate Majority Leader announced a truce with the Council of Governors, brokered over two weeks of meetings by house leadership. The deal includes governors agreeing to resume appearances before Senate Committees after previously threatening to boycott.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  16. Sifuna says opposition unity needed to defeat Ruto in 2027

    ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna says a single united opposition coalition is the only way to remove President William Ruto from office in 2027, warning that a divided field would give the president an easy path to re-election.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  17. Wanjigi demands freeze on Treasury's Sh150bn shadow account

    Businessman Jimi Wanjigi has called for a freeze on a Sh150.7 billion sovereign bond account that he alleges the National Treasury is hiding outside the Consolidated Fund. He claims that 84 out of 88 recurrent exchequer line items published in a Kenya Gazette notice contained errors, and argues the discrepancies point to systemic failures in public finance management rather than clerical mistakes.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  18. Wajir races to complete infrastructure ahead of Madaraka Day

    Wajir town is undergoing major transformation as Kenya prepares to mark Madaraka Day celebrations in the county for the first time on June 1. Key infrastructure projects including a new stadium (65–70 per cent complete), roads, water systems, and power are nearing completion, with officials expressing confidence the town will be ready in time.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  19. Nairobi youth call for extended voter registration period

    Young people in Nairobi have urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to extend the enhanced voter registration that ended, citing time constraints, weather disruptions, and long queues as reasons more time is needed. First-time voters argue that an extension of one to two weeks would allow more eligible citizens to register and participate in future elections.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  20. IEBC cites budget, security gaps after missing voter registration target

    The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission registered 2,345,476 voters between March 30 and April 28, falling short of its 2.5 million target by 154,524 voters. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon attributed the shortfall to budget constraints, security challenges faced by staff in some regions, and difficulties reaching remote and historically marginalised communities.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  21. Architects Bill sparks debate on regulation and professional authority

    Kenya's proposed Architects Bill, 2026, sponsored by Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, aims to reform the profession through stricter licensing, enforceable discipline, and a statutory Institute of Architects, but stakeholders are divided over whether the measures address systemic building failures or risk regulatory overlap.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  22. Maraga warns against re-electing Ruto in 2027

    David Maraga, the United Green Movement's presidential hopeful, has warned Kenyans against electing President William Ruto, saying he would cause irreparable damage to the country if re-elected in 2027.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  23. Government launches Sh7bn redesign of deadly Nithi Bridge

    The government has initiated a Sh7 billion redesign of the Nithi Bridge in Tharaka Nithi County, which will replace the winding and steep road section with an 880-metre bridge crossing the Nithi River valley on a straight alignment. President Ruto said the project aims to eradicate deaths on the road caused by its dangerous design, with work to commence after land compensation issues are resolved.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  24. Court orders Kiambu County, MCA to pay golf club Sh3m damages

    The Environment and Land Court has barred Kiambu County from demanding 20 acres of land from Kiambu Club and ordered the county and Town MCA Francis Koina to pay the club Sh3 million for property destruction. Justice Ann Mogeni ruled that the county could not force the lease extension condition without proper legal acquisition and formal procedures under the Land Act.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  25. Ichung'wah receives Ksh.5 million from Gachagua, raises accountability questions

    National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah revealed in an interview that he received Ksh.5 million in cash from then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, with Ksh.1 million later donated at a harambee. The disclosure has prompted questions about money exchange procedures in government and whether the funds were private or public.

    13 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  26. Kenya's Haiti security mission ends; officer's fate remains unclear

    Kenya's Multinational Security Support mission to Haiti has ended, with the final contingent of 150 police officers returning home this week. However, the family of police officer Benedict Kabiru Kuria remains uncertain about his fate after he went missing during a gang attack in March 2025, with government officials giving contradicting accounts—some categorising him as missing while President Ruto listed him among the fallen.

    14 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  27. Gen Z in Kenya using digital tools to defend electoral integrity

    Generation Z across Kenya and Africa are stepping forward as active defenders of democracy, leveraging digital fluency and social media to build accountability systems through activism, fact-checking, and crowdsourced reporting. Rather than relying solely on institutions, young people are blending online vigilance with real-world mobilisation to protect elections amid rising misinformation and declining institutional trust.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  28. National Assembly approves eight members for NCIC leadership

    Kenya's National Assembly has approved eight nominees for the National Cohesion and Integration Commission, including Dr. Kepha Omae as Chairperson and seven other members. The nominees will be formally appointed by the President and sworn into office following parliamentary vetting.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  29. Kalonzo warns leaders against ethnic rhetoric after Tseikuru attack

    Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accused Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale of spreading ethnic threats against the Kamba community and warned political leaders against fanning ethnic rivalry following clashes at the Garissa-Kitui border that killed seven people in Tseikuru, Kitui County.

    23 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  30. Wajir readies for historic Madaraka Day celebrations June 1

    The government says infrastructure projects for Wajir's hosting of Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1 are near completion, with the main stadium between 65 and 70 per cent complete and projected to be finished at least two weeks ahead of schedule. This will be the first time Madaraka Day celebrations are held in Northern Kenya.

    23 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  31. Duale calls for disarmament and justice after Kitui border clashes

    Health CS Aden Duale has appealed for peace and unity in Tana River and neighbouring counties following deadly inter-community attacks along the Kitui–Tana River border, urging political leaders to preach peace and security agencies to apprehend those responsible for killings.

    23 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  32. High Court rejects petition withdrawal on Kenya-US health deal

    The High Court has declined to withdraw a constitutional petition challenging the Health Data Sharing Agreement between Kenya and the United States, ruling that public interest litigation cannot be terminated through private consent where constitutional issues remain unresolved. The petition questions the constitutionality of the health data-sharing deal, with concerns raised over privacy rights, data protection, and public participation.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  33. Karurumo residents protest deteriorated road network in Embu

    Residents of Karurumo in Runyenjes, Embu County, have protested the deplorable state of the Karurumo–Kasafari road by planting bananas along it and taking to the streets, accusing local leaders of using the road as a political tool rather than addressing repairs. They warn of further demonstrations if the road is not immediately graded, noting they were previously promised tarmacking that has not materialized.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  34. Nairobi court acquits Sonko of money laundering, refers tender charges to trial

    A Nairobi court has acquitted former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko of money laundering charges, ruling that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence, but found he has a case to answer on charges related to the irregular award of tenders during his tenure at City Hall.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  35. Sifuna says he offered to resign to ease ODM leadership tensions

    ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has disclosed that he offered to resign following Raila Odinga's death to avoid tensions at the party's top, and said he confronted deputy leader Oburu Odinga over public calls for his removal. Sifuna attributed the dispute to disagreements over party constitution and internal rules, and said the relationship between party leader and secretary general cannot function with unresolved tensions.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  36. North Eastern leaders condemn deadly Mwingi-Garissa clashes

    North Eastern Parliamentary Group lawmakers have condemned violent clashes along the Kitui-Garissa county boundary, saying the escalating tensions and skirmishes have resulted in loss of life, injuries, and property destruction, and threaten years of peaceful coexistence between neighbouring communities.

    23 hours ago · Capital News

  37. High Court clarifies record in decade-old Bia Tosha-EABL dispute

    The High Court has directed that the official record of the long-running petition between Bia Tosha Distributors Limited and East African Breweries PLC be clarified before substantive proceedings. The dispute, spanning over a decade, includes a Further Amended Petition filed in January 2026 seeking to halt the Diageo-Asahi transaction and claiming Sh45 billion, which EABL and Diageo have opposed.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  38. Court blocks Kenya-US health data deal petition withdrawal

    The High Court declined the Consumer Federation of Kenya's application to withdraw a constitutional petition challenging the Health Data Sharing Agreement between Kenya and the United States, ruling that public interest litigation cannot be terminated by private consent where unresolved constitutional questions remain. The petition raises concerns over the right to privacy, data protection, and lack of adequate public participation.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  39. Nairobi court acquits Sonko of money laundering, orders defence on tender fraud

    A Nairobi court has cleared former Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko of money laundering charges, ruling the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence, but found he has a case to answer on charges related to the alleged irregular award of tenders during his tenure at City Hall.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  40. Kalonzo warns political motive behind Kitui killings

    Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has condemned deadly bandit attacks in Tseikuru, Kitui County that killed at least eight people, warning of a possible political hand and potential exploitation to destabilise the region. He called for peace and reconciliation, noting that two governors, the Mwingi Central MP and community elders are working together to foster peace.

    21 hours ago · Capital News

  41. Wanjigi alleges Ksh.150 billion concealed in Treasury accounts

    Safina Party leader Jimi Wanjigi has accused the National Treasury of concealing billions of shillings and pointed to a sharp rise in the State House allocation from Ksh.529 million to Ksh.12 billion, along with an alleged shadow account holding Ksh.150.7 billion that cannot be explained.

    16 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  42. Senator Cherargei criticizes KRA taxation of athlete prize money

    Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has called on the Kenya Revenue Authority to reconsider taxing prize money earned by Kenyan athletes, saying sporting winnings should be exempt or zero-rated. He cited marathon champion Sabastian Sawe's case, claiming KRA is set to deduct approximately Ksh. 18 million from Sawe's Ksh. 48.5 million in awards.

    17 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  43. Kitui and Garissa governors address border insecurity at joint meeting

    Kitui Governor Julius Malombe and Garissa Governor Nathif Jama held a joint public engagement at Nguni Market with security agencies, residents, clergy and community leaders to address escalating insecurity along the Kitui–Garissa border. The meeting follows recent attacks in the area that left at least seven people dead and have disrupted transport and daily life.

    18 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  44. North Eastern leaders urge government to end Mwingi-Garissa clashes

    Leaders from North Eastern Kenya have called on the government to urgently intervene and restore calm following escalating clashes along the Kitui–Garissa border that have paralysed transport along the Mwingi–Garissa highway. The legislators condemned the violence and warned against its ethnic undertones, urging security agencies to act with urgency and impartiality to restore law and order.

    19 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  45. Ruto defends economic record, cites three-year growth

    President William Ruto said Kenya is changing for the better and pointed to economic growth during his three years in office as proof the country is headed in the right direction. He highlighted progress in universal health coverage, agriculture, education and housing, and vowed that Kenya will become a first-world economy within his lifetime.

    20 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  46. IEBC exceeds voter registration target with 2.6 million new voters

    The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced it has surpassed its voter registration target under the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration Phase One, registering over 2.6 million new voters—exceeding the 2.5 million target set for 30 days. The total comprises 267,249 voters registered from September 29, 2025, under continuous registration before the mass exercise, and 2,345,476 voters during the enhanced voter registration phase.

    20 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  47. High Court orders clarification of competing pleadings before Bia Tosha trial

    The High Court has directed that proceedings in a dispute between Bia Tosha Distributors Limited and East African Breweries PLC will not advance until the court formally establishes which version of the petition is officially on record. The case centres on a Further Amended Petition filed by Bia Tosha in January 2026, which seeks an injunction to block a Diageo transaction and claims KSh 45 billion, though EABL and Diageo contend such financial remedies fall outside the court's constitutional jurisdiction.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  48. Court orders Sonko to defend corruption charges in 2018 tender case

    The Milimani Anti-Corruption Court has placed former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko on his defence in a corruption case linked to the irregular award of a 2018 county tender for heavy equipment hire. Sonko and three co-accused face four counts including conspiracy to commit an economic crime and acquisition of proceeds of crime, but were acquitted on a money laundering charge.

    18 hours ago · Capital News

  49. Wajir Prepares for First Northern Kenya Madaraka Day Event

    The Government says preparations for Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County are on track, with key infrastructure including the main stadium between 65–70 percent complete. This will be the first time the national event is held in Northern Kenya.

    18 hours ago · Capital News

Business

  1. KCB Bank launches mortgage facility for MSME business owners

    KCB Bank has launched a home loan mortgage facility for MSME business owners, artisans, boda boda operators, and gig economy workers, offering loans from Sh1 million to Sh4 million at 9.9 per cent over a maximum 15-year period. The facility assesses affordability using transactional history, mobile money flows, and alternative data rather than conventional payslips.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  2. SBM Bank launches Sh1 billion green vehicle financing facility

    SBM Bank Kenya has launched a Sh1 billion Green Finance Facility available over the next 12 months to provide consumers and businesses with credit to transition to electric and hybrid vehicles, while the bank itself has invested Sh45 million to modernise its logistics with five BYD vehicles through a partnership with CFAO Mobility Kenya.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  3. Economic Survey shows weak growth, undermining Ruto's job promises

    Kenya's economy registered weak growth in 2025 as key sectors slowed down and faced monumental challenges in 2026, complicating President William Ruto's second-term bid and his promises of economic growth and youth jobs.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  4. KRA installs solar system at Malaba border to cut power costs

    Kenya Revenue Authority has partnered with Sweden's government and TradeMark Africa to install a hybrid solar system with battery storage at Malaba One-Stop Border Post, aiming to reduce energy costs by 90 per cent and eliminate disruptions from frequent power outages that delayed cargo clearance and increased smuggling.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  5. Global energy price surge to deepen Kenya's inflation

    A sharp surge in global energy prices triggered by Middle East tensions is set to deepen inflationary pressures in Kenya, according to the World Bank.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  6. Energy committee raises concern over slow last-mile connectivity progress

    The National Assembly's Committee on Energy has expressed regret that the Last Mile Connectivity Programme remains largely incomplete, with only nine per cent of the project finished despite years of significant public investment.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  7. Athletes urged to trademark brands to support SMEs

    During World Intellectual Property Day 2026 celebrations in Eldoret, Kenya Industrial Property Institute Chairperson Allan Kosgey urged athletes to register their brands and develop merchandise to strengthen the country's economy and support Small and Medium Enterprises. He stated that the government supports athletes protecting their intellectual property rights through trademark registration to safeguard innovations and unlock commercial opportunities.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  8. Kenya's April inflation rises to 5.6% on food, fuel, transport

    Kenya's inflation rate increased to 5.6 per cent in April from 4.4 per cent in March, driven by higher prices in food and non-alcoholic beverages (8.8%), transport (10.0%), and housing/utilities (2.4%). Gas prices rose 7.3%, matatu fares jumped 9.7% for inter-town travel, and tomatoes increased 9%, though electricity charges declined 0.6%.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  9. Faulu Microfinance Bank reduces losses over 60 percent

    Faulu Microfinance Bank narrowed its loss before tax from Sh1.04 billion to Sh386.9 million in 2025, attributed to disciplined cost management, a strategic shift towards MSME financing, and successful diversification of revenue streams including fees and commissions.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  10. Government relaxes fuel quality standards for six months

    Kenya's government has temporarily relaxed fuel quality standards, approving a six-month waiver on sulphur limits in petrol and diesel to avert potential shortages amid global supply chain tensions. The Cabinet Secretary said the measure will be reviewed at the end of six months or earlier if global supply conditions improve.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  11. Kenya's digital growth increases exposure to cyber threats

    As Kenya advances its digital economy and moves services online, a cyber security expert warns that businesses and institutions face rising threats including SIM-swap fraud, mobile-first attacks, and API-based exploits targeting mobile money platforms and cloud systems.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  12. Uber launches hotel booking feature via Expedia partnership

    Uber has added hotel booking to its app through a partnership with Expedia, which lists over 700,000 properties, as part of the company's expansion into a broader "everything app" beyond rides and food delivery.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  13. KCB launches Sh1m–Sh4m home loans for small business owners

    KCB Bank Kenya is offering home loans from Sh1 million to Sh4 million at 9.9 per cent interest to small business owners, artisans, boda boda operators, and gig economy workers, using transactional history and alternative data rather than formal payslips to assess repayment capacity.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  14. Employers oppose wage hike, propose 5% cap for Labour Day

    The Federation of Kenya Employers has rejected calls for a minimum wage increase ahead of Labour Day, citing strain on businesses from global economic pressures and warning of implications for small and medium enterprises. The body is urging a cap of no more than 5 per cent on any wage increment and calling for tax relief and structural reforms to reduce business costs.

    17 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  15. Government targets trade barriers on Mombasa–Taveta economic corridor

    Kenya's national government is working to remove trade barriers along the Mombasa–Voi–Taveta corridor to strengthen regional integration within the East African Community. The Principal Secretary for EAC Affairs met with Taita Taveta's governor to address bottlenecks affecting goods movement through the Taveta–Holili Border Post, which handles an average of 130 inbound and 90 outbound trucks daily.

    19 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  16. Hermosa Paints named fastest-growing brand in Kenya

    Hermosa Paints has been recognised as the fastest-growing brand in Kenya's paint industry, signalling growing competition and a shift in the sector as emerging brands reshape a landscape long dominated by Crown Paints Kenya, Basco Paints, and Kansai Plascon Kenya. Consumer behaviour is changing, particularly in urban centres, with paint increasingly viewed as part of interior design and lifestyle expression alongside its traditional role as a construction input.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

Mining & Energy

  1. World Bank urges Kenya to shield poor, pivot to renewable energy

    The World Bank warned that Kenya and other developing economies face prolonged cost-of-living pressure from a 24 per cent surge in energy prices driven by the Middle East war, and urged governments to provide targeted support to the poorest households while accelerating the shift to renewable energy.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  2. UAE exits OPEC, dealing major blow to cartel's oil price control

    The United Arab Emirates is leaving OPEC and OPEC+ starting in May, marking the biggest oil producer exit from the cartel and straining ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The UAE, previously OPEC+'s fourth largest producer accounting for nearly 13 percent of OPEC production, left because it was frustrated with Saudi-led quotas that capped its output at 3.4 million barrels a day, while seeking to expand capacity to five million barrels by 2027.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. KenGen hydropower output surges as dam levels near optimal capacity

    Kenya Electricity Generating Company reports strong water levels across its hydroelectric dams following favourable rainfall, with April hydropower generation exceeding projections and reservoir levels averaging about 99 per cent of operating capacity. KenGen says this position will help maximize hydropower production, the cheapest source of electricity on Kenya's grid, with potential to ease pressure on electricity tariffs in the medium term.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  4. Government temporarily relaxes fuel standards amid global supply disruptions

    Kenya's government has temporarily adjusted fuel standards to ensure steady supply amid global disruptions, particularly from Middle East conflicts affecting oil shipments. The Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry approved a temporary waiver of the sulphur parameter to a maximum of 50mg/kg for automotive gasoil and premium motor spirit, following consultation with standards bodies.

    19 hours ago · Capital News

  5. Cabinet Secretary announces temporary fuel standards waiver

    Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has announced that the ministry has temporarily waived fuel standards to ensure continued supply following disruptions to global supply routes. The move comes weeks after a similar waiver led to arrests and resignations of three senior petroleum and pipeline officials.

    17 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  6. Oil price spikes to highest since 2022 on Iran conflict

    Brent crude rose to more than $126 a barrel after a report that the US military plans to brief President Trump on potential military action in Iran, with energy prices climbing as peace talks stall and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. About 20% of the world's oil and LNG usually passes through the strait.

    14 hours ago · Capital News

Agriculture & Land

  1. Thwake Dam delays drive cost up 32 percent to billions

    Delays in construction of the Thwake Dam have cost taxpayers billions, with an audit revealing a 32 per cent price escalation to Sh48.9 billion. The Auditor General flagged the increase as a breach of legal variation limits and noted that delayed payments have also driven up interest costs.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  2. Former Taita Taveta Governor petitions Parliament on land succession reform

    Eng. John Mruttu, a Taita Taveta Senate aspirant and the county's inaugural Governor, has presented a petition to amend Kenya's customary land and succession laws, arguing the current system is expensive, complex and slow, and has locked widows, orphans and young people out of inherited land. He called for simplified inheritance processes and reduced reliance on lengthy court procedures.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  3. AFC chief presents petition for customary land and inheritance law reforms

    A petition for amendments to customary land and inheritance laws was presented to the Speaker of the National Assembly on Wednesday by Agricultural Finance Corporation chairperson John Mruttu. The reform aims to address legal complexities and barriers that have prevented vulnerable groups, including widows, orphans, and youth, from accessing land rightfully theirs.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  4. Kenya launches World Agriculture Forum Council for AI, bioengineering

    Kenya has established a World Agriculture Forum Country Council at the International Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi to position the country as a continental leader in agricultural innovation through artificial intelligence and bioengineering, bringing together government officials, researchers, investors and agribusiness leaders to strengthen food system productivity and resilience.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  5. Macadamia farmers warned against below-minimum brokers

    The MacNut Association of Kenya has warned farmers to reject brokers offering prices as low as Ksh.30 per kilogram, well below the government-set minimum of Ksh.100, citing reports of such coercive practices in several producing counties.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

Society

  1. Young scholars abandoning serious reading amid job market concerns

    Many young scholars are stepping back from reading books, journals, and academic texts, driven by the belief that university education no longer guarantees meaningful employment and by demoralised teaching environments in under-resourced institutions.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  2. Epilepsy stigma persists despite Kenya awareness efforts

    Despite medical estimates that about one in every 100 Kenyans lives with epilepsy, stigma and misinformation keep many patients from seeking care, with some families relying on traditional healers instead. An awareness drive in Kajiado aims to address deeply rooted cultural beliefs that epilepsy is a curse or demonic possession, which has led to children being hidden from school and communities.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  3. Ruai residents decry years of flooding along Kangundo Road

    Residents of Ruai along Kangundo Road have raised alarm over persistent floods that have destroyed property, disrupted livelihoods and endangered lives. Residents say the flooding has been a long-standing crisis ignored despite repeated appeals, and recent heavy rains have swept away vehicles and inundated businesses.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  4. Building collapses in Nairobi expose construction standards crisis

    Multiple building collapses in early 2026 have claimed lives and exposed a severe crisis in Nairobi's construction standards, with poorly maintained structures taking a health toll on residents.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  5. Slain officer's family received only belongings at airport

    As the final batch of Kenyan police officers returned from the 18-month Haiti mission on Tuesday, the family of slain police officer Benedict Kabiru received only his belongings at the airport, not a homecoming embrace.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  6. KDF soldier committed to psychiatric hospital for wife's murder trial

    A Nakuru High Court ordered KDF officer Edwin Kaunga committed to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital after a psychiatric report found him unfit to stand trial for his wife Anita Mugweru's death on April 14, 2026. The report indicated Kaunga suffered behavioral changes, irritability, and violence following a deployment to Somalia, and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  7. High Court blocks DPP from prosecuting Russian woman in assault case

    The High Court has issued conservatory orders barring the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director of Criminal Investigations from arresting or prosecuting a Russian national, Kristina Berman, in a case arising from a contentious divorce and child custody dispute involving allegations that she assaulted her son.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  8. Police arrest Mombasa drug dealer with 170kg bhang seized

    Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit apprehended a 34-year-old suspect in Mombasa's Tonge Nyama area, seizing 170 kilograms of bhang hidden in sacks and carrier bags. Separately, police arrested four people in Nakuru County and seized cannabis worth over Sh500,000 along with illicit alcohol and ethanol.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  9. Government moves to disband Alliance Girls board over inflated fees

    The government has moved to disband the Board of Management at Alliance Girls High School following an investigation that uncovered inflated fees, questionable expenditures, and governance failures. The board approved a 2026 fee structure of Sh120,179, more than double the government-approved Sh53,554, with non-essential expenses including Sh16 million for annual trips and Sh13 million for prize-giving ceremonies.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  10. Kikuyu elders reject Karen Nyamu coronation as political move

    Kikuyu elders have dismissed the coronation of Nominated senator Karen Nyamu as a political gimmick that falls short of traditions. They say Nyamu remains at the level of Kangei (a woman with young children), and such a woman's status only changes when her daughter marries or her son is circumcised.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  11. Travellers Beach Hotel wins case against lawyer over ID denial

    Travellers Beach Hotel won a case brought by Nairobi lawyer James Njogu and colleague Grace Malila, who alleged they were turned away for refusing to produce identity cards while visitors of other races were allowed entry without identification on September 1, 2024.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  12. Clergy urge expansion of Webuye-Kitale highway

    Religious leaders in Webuye East and Webuye West have called on the national government to expand the Webuye–Kitale highway, install signage, deploy traffic officers, and erect speed bumps following a recent crash that claimed at least 15 lives.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  13. Turkana West residents demand water and health priority in budget

    Residents of Turkana West, including host and refugee communities, have called on the county government to prioritise water and healthcare services in the 2026/2027 budget. More than 300 participants at a public participation forum in Kakuma cited persistent water shortages, long distances to clean water, and limited access to healthcare as urgent needs.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  14. Sexual harassment drives women journalists out of Kenya newsrooms

    A report by the Association of Media Women in Kenya reveals that nearly 38.7 per cent of women journalists identify sexual harassment as a major concern, with slow institutional response and workplace culture discouraging reporting. The media sector struggles to retain women, with only 13.2 per cent remaining beyond 15 years of experience.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  15. Two suspected gang members arrested in Nakuru

    Two suspects linked to the "Mungu Leta" gang have been arrested following a police operation in Elburgon, Nakuru County, where residents of Kasarani and Salama areas had experienced recent attacks, theft and intimidation. Police recovered a cache of suspected stolen items including military boots, KPLC token machines, mobile phones, solar panels, and other goods from a house in Salama.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  16. Kenya loses KSh 120 billion annually to illicit alcohol trade

    Parliament has been told that Kenya loses more than KSh 120 billion annually in tax revenue due to illicit alcohol trade, with illicit alcohol accounting for approximately 6 per cent of the country's total alcohol market and posing serious health and economic risks while allowing illegal operators to avoid taxation and regulatory compliance.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  17. DCI foils two drug trafficking operations on Nairobi highway, border

    Detectives from the Anti-Narcotics Unit and Transnational Organised Crime Unit intercepted cannabis sativa shipments on the Nairobi–Nakuru highway and at Malaba border, arresting two suspects. Preliminary investigations indicate the narcotics were destined for distribution in Nairobi.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  18. Fire destroys dormitory at Mirithu Girls High School in Kiambu

    A dormitory at Mirithu Girls High School in Limuru was destroyed by fire on Wednesday night while students attended evening prep classes; all students, staff and residents were safely evacuated with no injuries reported. Investigators suspect an electrical malfunction caused the blaze, which spread rapidly through the timber structure and destroyed bedding, clothing, books and other personal belongings.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  19. Government signs deal to build 10 maternal hospitals

    Kenya has signed an agreement with Tanzanian firm AMSONS Group to establish 10 specialised mother-and-child hospitals across nine counties as part of the Health Systems Strengthening Initiative, aimed at improving maternal and newborn healthcare access.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  20. Ministry orders dissolution of Alliance Girls board over Dubai trip

    The Ministry of Education has directed the Teachers Service Commission to dissolve the Board of Management of Alliance Girls High School following investigations into financial and administrative breaches, including approval of a Sh25 million five-day Dubai trip for staff and the imposition of illegal extra fees totaling Sh120,179 on parents.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  21. Police arrest four burglary suspects in Narok, recover goods

    Police in Narok arrested four suspected burglars and recovered 17 television sets, seven gas cylinders, two laptops, a woofer, and a motorbike from Majengo Estate. Detectives believe some items may have been stolen from neighbouring towns including Bomet or Nakuru, and are urging members of the public who lost similar goods to report to Narok Central Police Station.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  22. Parliamentary chef dies from stab wounds in domestic dispute

    Mungai Gathogo, 53, a chef working in Parliament, was stabbed to death in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, during an alleged domestic dispute with his girlfriend at an apartment on Tuesday night. Police said a kitchen knife was found lodged in his left arm near the chest.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  23. Kitui Senator demands action after bandit killings in county

    Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua has called for urgent government action following deadly bandit attacks in Kitui County that have left at least eight people dead, including seven killed in Kwa Kamari on April 25 and a schoolboy in Ukasi three days later. The Senator has petitioned the Senate Standing Committee on National Security to investigate the attacks and secure adequate deployment of security personnel in affected areas.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  24. COTU announces Labour Day celebrations set for Vihiga

    The Central Organization of Trade Unions has announced that preparations for Labour Day celebrations, scheduled to take place in Vihiga, are complete. COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli said the event, which will feature workers' assemblies and floats from factories and unions across the region, marks the first time Labour Day is being held outside the capital city.

    22 hours ago · Capital News

  25. Ministry moves to discipline Alliance Girls over unauthorized fee hike

    The Ministry of Education has directed the Teachers Service Commission to initiate disciplinary action against the chief principal of Alliance Girls High School over a more than 100 per cent fee increase to Ksh.120,000 that lacked ministry approval. The Education Cabinet Secretary says action will be taken against any principal found imposing excessive fees beyond government-approved rates.

    16 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  26. 65-year-old drowns in Kirinyaga floods; several displaced

    A 65-year-old man drowned while fetching water from River Kanaro in Kiuria village, Mwea West Sub-county, during heavy rains. Flooding continues to affect multiple parts of Kirinyaga County, displacing residents in Ngomongo village and Kithogondo informal settlement.

    23 hours ago · Citizen Digital

Culture

  1. Recording Academy president to visit Kenya for music talks

    The Recording Academy's president Panos A. Panay will visit Nairobi from May 26 to May 29 for talks with President William Ruto on Kenya's creative economy and music industry position, exploring opportunities in talent development, infrastructure, and international market access.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

Sport

  1. Ruto awards Sawe Sh8m and car for marathon world record

    President William Ruto awarded marathon world record holder Sabastian Sawe Sh8 million and a customised vehicle after he became the first athlete to run a legal sub-two-hour marathon at the London Marathon, crossing the finish line in 1:59:30.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  2. Chelsea captain Millie Bright retires citing abuse and mental health

    England defender Millie Bright, 32, has retired from football with three games left in Chelsea's season, citing six years of playing injured and significant mental toll from abuse over the past year. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor said Bright should be celebrated, while Bright told the BBC she had "lost herself as a person" and that "the amount of abuse I have dealt with has been too much to handle."

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  3. Kenyan marathon runner Sawe breaks sub-two-hour barrier in London

    Sebastian Sawe, 31, from Nandi County, became the first man to run a sub-two-hour marathon in an official race, clocking 1:59:30 at the London Marathon. He returned to Kenya to a hero's welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday night.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  4. Arsenal, Atletico Madrid draw 1-1 in Champions League semi

    Julian Alvarez's second-half penalty earned Atletico Madrid a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg, after Viktor Gyokeres had given Arsenal the lead from the spot before the interval.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  5. Antonelli chases third straight win as F1 returns in Miami

    Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old Mercedes driver and youngest championship leader in F1 history, seeks a third consecutive victory at the Miami Grand Prix after wins in China and Japan. Formula One returns after a month's break due to the Middle East war, with the race marking the effective start of a new season featuring revised rules and car upgrades.

    14 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  6. Liverpool expect Salah available before end of season

    Liverpool FC said Wednesday that Mohamed Salah is expected to be available to play again before the season ends, after a suspected hamstring injury forced him off in Saturday's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace. Salah, who will leave the club at the end of the season after nine years, was a 33-year-old Egypt international.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  7. President Ruto honors marathoner Sawe for record-breaking achievement

    President William Ruto awarded Sebastian Sawe Ksh.8 million after the 30-year-old became the first person to run a marathon in under two hours, with an official time of 01:59:30 at the London Marathon. Ruto hosted Sawe at State House on Thursday to celebrate the historic feat.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  8. Chelsea winger Mudryk appeals drugs ban to CAS

    Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport against his drugs ban following a provisional suspension by England's FA for an adverse finding in a routine urine test in December 2024. He was charged by the FA last June with violating anti-doping rules and faces a potential ban of up to four years.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  9. PSG defender Hakimi ruled out of Champions League semi-final

    Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi will miss the Champions League semi-final second leg at Bayern Munich on May 6 due to a right thigh injury. PSG lead the tie 5-4 ahead of the return leg, with midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery, 20, expected to replace Hakimi at right-back.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  10. President Ruto awards Sawe Ksh8 million after sub-two-hour marathon

    President William Ruto awarded marathon runner Sebastian Sawe Ksh8 million and a brand new car after Sawe became the first athlete to complete the London Marathon in under two hours, clocking 1:59:30.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  11. Kenya sevens stars Wekesa, Odongo return for RPL season two

    Kenyan rugby sevens players Kevin Wekesa and Patrick Odongo are set to compete in the second edition of the Rugby Premier League in India, scheduled for 16–28 June 2026 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. Both players featured in the inaugural 2025 season in Mumbai, where Odongo scored eight tries for Delhi Redz and guided them to the final.

    23 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  12. Mombasa United appoints Okidi as head coach for promotion push

    Mombasa United have appointed former Shabana FC coach Peter Okidi as head coach for the remaining eight National Super League matches, with further contract discussions expected after the season. Okidi, who also serves as assistant coach of Kenya's U-17 national team, aims to guide the club toward promotion to the Kenyan Premier League.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  13. Scott Parker departs Burnley after Premier League relegation

    Scott Parker has left his position as head coach of Burnley by mutual consent following the club's relegation from the Premier League. Parker led Burnley to promotion last year but the club struggled this season with just four league wins in total.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  14. Emery targets Europa League glory with Aston Villa

    Unai Emery said he wants to write a "new chapter" with Aston Villa as the Premier League club prepares for a Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest. The two former European champions, meeting Thursday at the City Ground, are one step away from a continental final.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  15. Equatorial Classic Rally preparations underway in Taita Taveta

    Defending champion Piers Daykin has arrived in Taita Taveta to prepare for the Equatorial Classic Rally, running a new Datsun 280Z and emphasizing a more controlled approach to the competition this year.

    16 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  16. CAF announces unanimous backing for Infantino fourth term bid

    The Confederation of African Football said it has unanimously agreed to support FIFA President Gianni Infantino's re-election bid for 2027, which would be his fourth term despite FIFA statutes limiting presidents to three terms.

    17 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  17. FIFA bans Tunisia club from signings over Gor Mahia debt

    FIFA has imposed a transfer ban on Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel for failing to pay Gor Mahia Ksh6.4 million owed from defender Alphonce Omija's transfer. The ban prevents player registrations internationally and domestically until the debt is settled or for a maximum of three consecutive registration periods.

    18 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  18. Belgian Saintfiet resigns after two years as Mali coach

    Belgian Tom Saintfiet has resigned as Mali national team coach after two years in charge. Under his leadership, Mali finished third in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group and lost to Senegal in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

    18 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  19. Adhiambo excited for top-flight return with Mathare United Women

    Mathare United Women forward Jerrine Adhiambo expressed joy at the club's promotion to Kenya's top-tier women's football league, describing it as a major milestone for both the team and her personal development. Adhiambo, who previously competed at the higher level with Madira Soccer Assassins, is also part of the Harambee Starlets U-20 setup.

    18 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  20. Kenyan marathoner Sabastian Sawe runs first official sub-two-hour marathon

    Kenya's Sabastian Sawe became the first man to officially finish a marathon in under two hours, with a time of 01:59:30 at the London Marathon. The feat capped decades of attempts to breach the previously unattained barrier in marathon running.

    19 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  21. Mombasa receives Ksh 14 million for grassroots football teams

    Mombasa county government unveiled a Ksh 14 million sponsorship package to benefit 155 local football teams, covering affiliation fees and referees' costs throughout the league season for clubs under the Mombasa County Football Association and Football Kenya Federation.

    19 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  22. Kobbie Mainoo signs five-year contract extension at Manchester United

    Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has signed a new contract keeping him at the club until 2031, ending months of speculation about his future. The 21-year-old has made 98 appearances for United and scored seven goals, including in the 2024 FA Cup final win against Manchester City.

    20 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  23. Inter Milan close to Serie A title amid refereeing scandal

    Inter Milan could clinch their 21st league title this weekend against Parma, holding a 10-point lead over second-place Napoli with four matches remaining. A brewing refereeing scandal threatens the integrity of Italy's top flight.

    21 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  24. Arsenal's Arteta angry over VAR overturning Eze penalty decision

    Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta was furious after a penalty awarded to his team was overturned by VAR review during their 1-1 Champions League semi-final first leg draw at Atletico Madrid, with the decision coming after defender David Hancko made contact with Eberechi Eze's foot in the box.

    22 hours ago · Citizen Digital

Tourism & Environment

  1. Kenya receives four endangered mountain bongos from Czech Republic

    Four critically endangered male mountain bongos arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from the Czech Republic as part of Kenya's long-term conservation strategy to restore the species, which exists only in Kenya's montane forests. Senior government officials, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, attended the reception and highlighted the importance of coordinated conservation efforts involving government, communities, and the private sector.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  2. Canadian tree planter attempts 40,000 mangrove record in Mombasa

    Antoine Moses, a Canadian who holds the Guinness World Record for planting the most terrestrial trees in 24 hours, is attempting a new record by planting 40,000 mangroves in 24 hours in Mombasa, coordinating with tidal shifts to plant as water retreats and focusing on mangroves as coastal buffers.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

World & Region

  1. French real estate agencies enable racial discrimination in housing

    According to a survey published Sunday, almost half of real estate agencies in France accept or enable racial discrimination in access to housing.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  2. Turkish ship hijack revives Somali piracy fears off coast

    A Turkish vessel headed to Mombasa was hijacked by pirates on April 26, raising concerns that the key Indian Ocean trade route is returning to the chaos experienced in 2011 during peak Somali piracy. The redeployment of international naval forces to combat Houthis and address the U.S/Israel war against Iran has created a security vacuum that Somali pirates are exploiting.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  3. Somali pirates hijack Turkish ship bound for Mombasa

    A Turkish ship headed to Mombasa was hijacked by pirates on April 26, with security experts warning that redeployment of international naval forces to combat Houthis and the U.S./Israel conflict with Iran has created a security vacuum in the Indian Ocean, raising fears the key trade route could return to the chaos of 2011.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  4. Global press freedom falls to lowest level in 25 years

    Reporters Without Borders warned that press freedom has declined to its lowest point in a quarter-century, with more than half the world's countries now in "difficult" or "very serious" categories. The United States has dropped to 64th place, cited for Trump's "systematic" attacks on journalists, among other press freedom concerns.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  5. New York mayor urges King Charles to return Koh-i-Noor diamond

    New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called on King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond, a 106-carat stone taken by the British Empire from the Indian subcontinent in the 1800s and now housed in the Tower of London as part of Britain's crown jewels. India has repeatedly sought the return of the jewel, whose ownership has been contested through history.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  6. Iran's supreme leader rejects US blockade warning as oil prices surge

    Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei declared in a written statement that the United States had suffered a shameful defeat, defying Trump's threat of a months-long naval blockade. Khamenei asserted Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz and claimed any maritime blockade would violate international law and fail.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  7. Cambodia deports 635 Thais suspected in cyberscam operations

    Cambodia deported more than 635 Thai nationals allegedly involved in illegal online business operations and transnational criminal networks on Thursday, part of a broader crackdown against the multibillion-dollar online scam industry that has become a significant problem in the country.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  8. UAE exits OPEC over production quota dispute with Saudi Arabia

    The United Arab Emirates is leaving OPEC and OPEC+ starting in May, marking the departure of the cartel's fourth-largest producer and a significant blow to the Saudi-led group's ability to regulate oil prices. The UAE, which pumped 3.6 million barrels per day in February and accounted for nearly 13 percent of OPEC production, had long been frustrated with OPEC quotas capping its production at 3.4 million barrels a day and seeks to expand capacity to five million barrels a day by 2027.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  9. US-Iran Islamabad talks fail to materialise under Trump

    The anticipated second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad did not take place after US President Donald Trump declared Washington will no longer send delegations for negotiations with Iran. Both sides remain divided over key issues including the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear programme, and war compensation, though analysts report diplomatic efforts continue to build common ground.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  10. US sanctions DR Congo ex-leader Kabila over rebel support

    The United States imposed sanctions on Joseph Kabila, former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, accusing him of providing financial and political support to Rwandan-linked rebels responsible for violence and instability in the region. The action follows a peace deal announced by President Trump in December.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  11. Trump invites Iraqi PM-designate to US after government formation

    US President Donald Trump called Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi to congratulate him on his nomination and extended a formal invitation to visit Washington following the formation of the government. The two discussed strategic bilateral relations and regional stability cooperation.

    30 April 2026 · The Standard

  12. US owes WHO membership fees before withdrawal

    The WHO director-general said Wednesday that the United States has not yet paid off its membership fee arrears, and that payment is a condition for the US withdrawal from the organization that began with a one-year notice in January 2025.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  13. US House votes to end 76-day partial government shutdown

    US lawmakers approved a Senate-passed bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security, ending a 76-day partial shutdown over disagreement on immigration enforcement funding. The measure reopens DHS but excludes ICE and parts of Customs and Border Protection, which Democrats refused to fund without agency reforms after deadly shootings involving federal immigration officers.

    14 hours ago · Capital News

  14. U.S. must settle WHO dues before completing withdrawal

    The WHO chief said the United States has not paid its outstanding membership dues, which is a condition for Washington's planned withdrawal from the organization. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed hope that the U.S. could clear its arrears before exiting and stressed that the issue extends beyond finances, arguing that health security requires universality.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  15. Photos show suspect armed before White House press dinner shooting

    New images filed by US prosecutors show Cole Tomas Allen posing with weapons in a hotel room before the 25 April shooting at a White House Correspondents' dinner. The 31-year-old has pleaded not guilty to charges including attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  16. US defence chief faces Iran war questions in six-hour hearing

    US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth sparred with Democratic lawmakers during a nearly six-hour hearing over the Iran war, with the defence department's chief financial officer revealing the conflict has cost the US $25 billion so far. The White House is seeking a $1.5 trillion defence budget boost, which would mark the largest military spending increase since World War Two.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News

  17. 17 killed, seven rescued off Libya after eight days at sea

    The Libyan Red Crescent recovered 17 bodies and rescued seven people during a patrol boat operation to assist a stranded vessel off Libya. The organisation described the rescue as "one of the most arduous field missions to date."

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  18. US charges Mexican governor with drug trafficking

    The US Justice Department charged the governor of Mexico's Sinaloa state and nine other people with working with the Sinaloa cartel to distribute massive quantities of narcotics to the United States. Mexico's Foreign Ministry said it received extradition requests and objected to the public announcement, saying such cases are normally handled confidentially under bilateral treaties.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  19. Hammer-wielding man attacks five in Tokyo, remains at large

    A 44-year-old man wielding a hammer attacked two teenage boys and three police officers in Fussa city, Tokyo on Wednesday, wounding five people before fleeing after spraying an unknown substance at officers.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  20. Trump says Iran naval blockade could last months, oil prices spike

    US President Donald Trump stated that a naval blockade against Iran could last months, causing oil prices to reach their highest level in more than four years. With US-Iran diplomacy at a standstill, Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who warned of "damaging consequences" if the US and Israel resume military action against Iran.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  21. Teen arrested for smuggling 30 protected tortoises at Thai airport

    Thai authorities arrested a 19-year-old Taiwanese woman at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport for attempting to smuggle 30 Indian star tortoises valued at approximately $9,000 under her clothing, taped to her body. The tortoises, protected under international trade rules, were discovered during a security check as she prepared to board a flight to Taipei.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  22. UN experts demand Saudi Arabia reform labour practices before 2034 World Cup

    UN rights experts urged Saudi Arabia to dismantle its kafala sponsorship system, which binds foreign workers to employers, citing abuse and exploitation of an estimated 16 million migrant workers. The experts noted that despite labour reforms announced in 2021, reports of wage theft, workplace violence, and worker deaths continue.

    30 April 2026 · Citizen Digital

  23. Kenya hosts inaugural global conference on diplomatic privileges June 2026

    Kenya will host the inaugural Diplomatic Conference on the Administration and Management of Privileges and Immunities on June 25–26 in Nairobi, bringing together global stakeholders to strengthen how host countries implement international obligations governing diplomatic relations. The conference will focus on enhancing frameworks such as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and aligning legal and policy frameworks across jurisdictions.

    19 hours ago · Capital News

  24. Two Jewish men stabbed in London terrorist attack

    Two Jewish men, aged 76 and 34, were stabbed in north London's Golders Green neighbourhood on Wednesday in an attack police declared a "terrorist incident." A 45-year-old suspect was arrested; both victims are in stable condition in hospital.

    15 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  25. Ugandan-American sentenced to death for kindergarten murders

    Christopher Okello Onyum, a Ugandan-American man, was sentenced to death for stabbing four toddlers aged 15 months to 2½ years to death at a kindergarten in Kampala. Onyum was arrested on April 2 as he tried to flee the daycare centre; prosecutors said he confessed to the crime, believing the killing would help him become rich, though he pleaded not guilty in court.

    16 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  26. FIFA Congress meets as Iran, World Cup issues loom

    FIFA's 76th Congress convenes in Vancouver less than two months before the World Cup opens across Canada, Mexico and the United States, with roughly 1,600 delegates expected to discuss the Iran war, World Cup logistics, and Russia's international ban. Iran's football federation officials abruptly left Canada after landing in Toronto, threatening to overshadow the meeting.

    19 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  27. Global coalition endorses Berlin Principles to resolve Sudan conflict

    International and regional actors, including the African Union, European Union, and representatives from Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Uganda, Egypt, and Gulf states, have renewed efforts to end Sudan's conflict through an expanded "Berlin Principles" framework adopted following an April 15, 2026 conference in Berlin. The updated principles include 12 guiding commitments aimed at delivering a peaceful resolution while reaffirming Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

    17 hours ago · Capital News

Opinion

  1. Government should prioritize governance over early 2027 campaign activity

    Jamila Mohamed argues that while education, healthcare, and cost of living pressures burden Kenyans, the government is operating in campaign mode 15 months ahead of the 2027 elections, raising questions about when governing will actually occur.

    13 hours ago · Citizen Digital

  2. Heed flood warnings to prevent deaths and displacement

    Joseph Bonyo's opinion column urges Kenyans to take meteorological and humanitarian flood warnings seriously, noting that recent heavy rains have already caused deaths, destruction, and displacement in various regions including the Coast and North Eastern areas. He argues that warnings are life-saving advisories, not political statements, and criticizes the tendency to dismiss alerts as exaggeration rather than acting preventatively.

    14 hours ago · Citizen Digital

Kenya Minute