Kenya Minute.
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 29 July 2026
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Kenyan press · Place

Middle East

2026-04-242026-07-29

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. July 2026
  2. Capital News

    The port has also emerged as an important alternative gateway for cargo and transshipment services as some shipping operators diversify routes in response to security concerns affecting parts of the Red Sea and the wider Middle East.

    Mombasa and Lamu Ports to Receive 48 Cargo Vessels Over Next Two Weeks
  3. Citizen Digital

    Alex Wong/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by ALEX WONG / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) Audio By Vocalize Oil prices extended a surge on Wednesday as the Middle East crisis burst back into the spotlight with US forces launching fresh strikes on Iran after an attack on

    Oil prices extend rally as US strikes on Iran revive geopolitical fears
  4. The Standard

    Backed by modern cold-storage facilities that preserve quality from harvest to shipping, they grow basil, rosemary, thyme, and other high-value herbs bound for supermarket shelves and restaurant kitchens across Europe and the Middle East.

    How tech-savvy women are ruling herbs export market
  5. Citizen Digital

    Iranians knew little about the younger Khamenei when he was named to the lifetime post shortly after a US-Israeli airstrike killed his father Ali Khamenei, supreme leader since 1989, at the start of the Middle East war.

    Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran's unseen leader shadowed by late father
  6. Citizen Digital

    Iranians knew little about the younger Khamenei when he was named to the lifetime post shortly after a US-Israeli airstrike killed his father Ali Khamenei, supreme leader since 1989, at the start of the Middle East war.

    Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran's unseen leader shadowed by late father
  7. Citizen Digital

    The visit, running from July 3 to July 5, forms part of Kenya's diplomatic efforts to deepen political, economic and people-to-people ties with one of its key partners in the Middle East.

    Mudavadi in Saudi Arabia for talks on Kenyan workers, trade, investment
  8. The Standard

    s power, increase productivity and ultimately improve profitability.” He said the exhibition will also provide opportunities for joint ventures, distributorships and knowledge transfer between African manufacturers and international companies from Asia, Europe and the Middle East

    State rallies behind packaging sector as catalyst for growth
  9. Citizen Digital

    Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war in March with rocket fire at Israel, triggering Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion.

    Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will stay as long as Hezbollah 'threatens us'
  10. June 2026
  11. Capital News

    The proposed legal changes will also target trafficking networks sending Kenyans to countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe for forced labour, sexual exploitation and criminal activities.

    Cabinet endorses international anti-mercenary treaties
  12. Citizen Digital

    Photo by - / AFP Audio By Vocalize The Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for the global trade of crude oil and liquefied natural gas, is at the centre of disputes in negotiations to end the Middle East war, even after the US and Iran signed a preliminary deal.

    Strait of Hormuz: Strategic chokepoint in shadow of geopolitics

Yesterday

  1. Houthi Red Sea blockade drives crude oil prices higher

    Global crude prices surged past $112 per barrel driven by the rapid expansion of the Middle East conflict and mounting fears of a full-blown regional war, putting fresh pressure on Kenya's fuel costs and economy.

    22 hours ago · The Standard

Monday 27 July

  1. Iran halts retaliatory strikes as Trump opens space for talks

    Iran and the United States have halted missile strikes after fighting over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's UN envoy said the president is giving negotiations "a little bit of room" while forces remain ready, and Iran's army spokesman confirmed Tehran has halted retaliatory operations.

    27 July 2026 · The Standard

Sunday 26 July

  1. Dubai real estate prices fall as Middle East war dampens demand

    Dubai's property market has cooled following the outbreak of Middle East conflict in late February, with rents falling despite the city's earlier rapid growth. Some residents have capitalized on lower prices to upgrade to larger, better-located apartments at reduced cost, though the city's image as a safe destination has been damaged by attacks on iconic sites.

    26 July 2026 · The Standard

Saturday 25 July

  1. Artcaffé expands to Eldoret and Coast as curated dining demand rises

    Artcaffé is expanding beyond Nairobi to Eldoret and coastal towns, driven by rising demand for curated dining experiences among Kenya's growing middle-income population. The chain, which currently operates more than 60 outlets, is launching a new Winter Mediterranean Menu as part of its growth strategy.

    25 July 2026 · Capital News

Friday 24 July

  1. CS Mudavadi condemns Red Sea attacks, assures fuel supply stability

    Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has condemned attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and threats to the Bab al-Mandab Strait, warning that the escalating crisis could disrupt global trade and increase the cost of essential imports including oil and fertilizer.

    24 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Oil prices hit $100 amid Middle East tensions

    Oil prices surged to $100 a barrel as Tehran-backed Houthi rebels targeted Red Sea shipping and U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military strikes in return. Saudi Arabia's use of the Red Sea as an alternative export route faces disruption, potentially removing more oil from the market.

    24 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. Israel calls Saudi normalization historic step toward Mideast peace

    Netanyahu's office stated that Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords would represent a historic advancement for Middle East peace, following a US-Saudi nuclear deal that President Trump said would be conditional on Saudi normalization with Israel.

    24 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  4. African Maritime Forces Summit addresses piracy in Horn of Africa

    A four-day African Maritime Forces Summit in Rabat, Morocco brought representatives from more than 40 African countries and 20 international partner states to address maritime security challenges including piracy, illegal fishing, maritime terrorism, and transnational crime. Somalia's navy commander discussed measures his country has taken to improve security along its coastline despite a sharp fall in piracy over more than a decade, though experts warn of isolated recent attacks and persistent illegal fishing by foreign vessels.

    24 July 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 23 July

  1. Dangote Lamu refinery strengthens regional energy security

    An opinion piece argues that the Lamu Refinery—now in implementation with government commitments fulfilled and financing secured—is a strategic investment that will strengthen regional energy security, unlock the LAPSSET Corridor, and position Kenya as East Africa's gateway for energy, trade and manufacturing.

    23 July 2026 · The Standard

  2. US and Russian diplomats meet on Ukraine war in Manila

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Manila on the sidelines of an ASEAN summit to discuss the Ukraine war and US-Russia relations, with both officials expressing openness to dialogue despite stalled peace efforts.

    23 July 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 22 July

  1. Kenya's Robert Aruho appointed chair of global antelope conservation body

    Wildlife veterinarian Robert Aruho, Conservation Lead at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, has been appointed Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission Antelope Specialist Group for 2026–2030, leading an international network responsible for guiding antelope protection and recovery across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

    22 July 2026 · Capital News

  2. Trump warns of imminent US strikes on Iran nuclear site

    President Donald Trump said Tuesday the US is far from finished with Iran and warned the next military target could be Pickaxe Mountain, a deeply buried nuclear site near Natanz where Western intelligence suspects Iran is building an undeclared enrichment facility. Trump estimated it would take Iran more than 20 years to rebuild from current damage.

    22 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Monday 20 July

  1. Yemen's Houthis announce maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia

    Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis announced a maritime embargo of Saudi Arabia, stepping up tensions as the rebels threatened the top oil exporter's ability to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade, if enforced, could strain Saudi Arabia's economy by cutting off Red Sea port access and hurt global markets reliant on Saudi crude exports.

    20 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Mudavadi urges collaboration on youth, peace, governance

    Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi has called for greater collaboration among governments, faith leaders and young people to promote peace, empower youth and strengthen good governance across Eastern Africa, speaking at the 21st Plenary Assembly of AMECEA in Nairobi.

    20 July 2026 · The Standard

Sunday 19 July

  1. Iran executes two men over anti-government protest violence

    Iran's judiciary announced the execution by hanging of Erfan Esfandiari and Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi on Sunday. The men were convicted of assaulting police officers and videotaping the incident during anti-government protests that began in December over economic grievances and intensified in January.

    19 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Saturday 18 July

  1. US Secretary of State Rubio visits Southeast Asia for partnership talks

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to the Philippines to meet with Southeast Asian counterparts at an ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Manila. The trip aims to advance US priorities for a "free and open Indo-Pacific" amid tensions in the Middle East and US concerns about China's alleged election interference.

    18 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Digital tracking system aims to boost Kenya's meat industry value

    Kenya launched a digital livestock tracking system called ANITRAC at a national meat conference, designed to strengthen animal health, improve food safety, and meet international traceability requirements to help grow the livestock sector from its current Sh390 billion annual contribution toward a Sh1 trillion goal within two years.

    18 July 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 16 July

  1. US, Iran trade military strikes over Gulf waters

    The United States struck Iran and Tehran hit back at US allies in the Gulf on Thursday amid renewed fighting over the Strait of Hormuz, a month after a preliminary peace deal was signed to end the conflict that broke out in late February.

    16 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. NWHSA, Tana River sign lucerne farming partnership deal

    The National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority, Tana River County Government and Stella Mundi Properties Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding to implement a climate-smart lucerne farming project aimed at boosting irrigation, food security and livelihoods through water infrastructure development and commercial fodder production.

    16 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. EU extends Russia oil price cap by one week pending sanctions deal

    EU countries agreed Wednesday to maintain Russia's oil price cap at $44 for one week to allow time for negotiating a broader sanctions package, avoiding an imminent deadline that would have raised the cap. The 21st round of sanctions the EU proposes on Russia since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine has faced resistance from multiple countries seeking to water down various provisions.

    16 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  4. Safaricom sale, World Bank funding to boost forex reserves

    Kenya's foreign exchange reserves are set to reach a seven-month high following proceeds from the government's sale of a 15 per cent stake in Safaricom totalling Sh244.5 billion, World Bank funding of $750 million, and Kenya Pipeline Company privatisation receipts of Sh103.45 billion received in April, with the CBK expecting the shilling to remain stable.

    16 July 2026 · The Standard

Wednesday 15 July

  1. Government extends fuel VAT relief for three more months

    The government has extended the eight per cent VAT rate on petroleum products by three months to continue offering Kenyans relief from high fuel costs, using powers granted by Parliament's April VAT Amendment Act which allows the Treasury Cabinet Secretary to extend the initial three-month relief period.

    15 July 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 14 July

  1. EPRA holds fuel prices steady for July through August

    The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced that maximum retail prices for Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene will remain unchanged from July 15 to August 14, 2026. The government extended an 8 per cent VAT relief on petroleum products for three months and used Sh945 million from the Petroleum Development Levy Fund to stabilize prices amid global oil market volatility.

    14 July 2026 · Capital News

  2. Kenya extends 8% VAT relief on fuel through October

    Kenya's government has extended an 8 per cent Value Added Tax reduction on petroleum products for three more months until October 14, 2026, and approved a Ksh.945 million subsidy for the July–August fuel pricing cycle to protect consumers from rising global oil prices and Middle East tensions.

    14 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. Energy CS assures Kenya fuel supply secure despite Middle East conflict

    Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said Kenya holds adequate fuel stocks and that Middle East conflict has not disrupted petroleum product availability, crediting the Government-to-Government fuel import arrangement for protecting the country from supply disruptions and price volatility.

    14 July 2026 · The Standard

  4. Kenya extends 8% VAT relief on fuel for three more months

    The government has extended the reduced 8 percent Value Added Tax on petroleum products for another three months until October 14, 2026, to cushion consumers from rising global oil market uncertainty. The extension also includes a Sh945 million injection from the Petroleum Development Levy during July-August 2026 to stabilize pump prices.

    14 July 2026 · The Standard

  5. Kenya extends reduced fuel VAT until October 2026

    The government has extended the reduced 8 per cent VAT on petroleum products for three more months until October 14, 2026, to shield motorists, businesses and households from volatile global oil prices. The Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary said the extension was made in consultation with the National Treasury, and the government will also inject Sh945 million from the Petroleum Development Levy during July-August 2026 to stabilise pump prices.

    14 July 2026 · The Standard

Sunday 12 July

  1. South African president visits France for talks and war commemoration

    President Cyril Ramaphosa is visiting France for a three-day trip, including a commemoration on Sunday for South African soldiers killed in World War I at the Battle of Delville Wood. Ramaphosa met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, with the two leaders finding broad convergence on crises in the Middle East and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    12 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Saturday 11 July

  1. World Bank projects 2.4 million Kenyans at poverty risk in 2026

    The World Bank's Kenya Economic Update projects the national poverty rate could rise by two to 4.5 percentage points by the end of 2026, with an additional 1–2.4 million Kenyans potentially falling below the poverty line due to worsening economic conditions including inflation, high cost of living, and joblessness. The bank has also downwardly revised Kenya's 2026 growth forecast to 4.3 per cent from 4.6 per cent, citing fiscal challenges and geopolitical tensions.

    11 July 2026 · The Standard

Friday 10 July

  1. Horn of Africa emerges as arena for Middle East geopolitical rivalry

    The Horn of Africa has become a key site of geopolitical competition, with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, and other international powers seeking influence across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In Somalia, this rivalry intensifies as the federal government faces domestic challenges and criticism over state institutions, corruption, and political disputes.

    10 July 2026 · Citizen Digital

Middle East — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute