Kenya Minute.
Saturday, 13 June 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 13 June 2026
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Kenyan press · Place

Middle East

2026-04-242026-06-13

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. May 2026
  2. Citizen Digital

    The war has intensified concerns over rapidly depleting US weapons stockpiles after months of heavy missile and air-defense operations in the Middle East.

    Pentagon says US cost of Iran war nearing Ksh.4 trillion
  3. Citizen Digital

    Uncertainties surround these costs due to the unrest in the Middle East, which has disrupted global fuel supply.

    Bolt announces 6% fare increase after fuel price hike
  4. Citizen Digital

    y ahead of November's mid-term elections. window._taboola = window._taboola || []; _taboola.push({ mode: 'thumbnails-m', container: 'taboola-mid-article-thumbnails', placement: 'Mid Article Thumbnails', target_type: 'mix' }); The US-Israel war on Iran has engulfed the Middle East

    US consumer inflation hits three-year high fuelled by Iran war
  5. Citizen Digital

    Washington and Beijing have been at loggerheads over key issues ranging from trade tariffs to the Middle East war and Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory.

    China confirms Trump's visit this week
  6. Capital News

    Other anticipated agenda points include concerns over global economic inequality, rising borrowing costs affecting African economies, and the wider impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on food security and economic stability across the continent.

    Guterres in Nairobi for Africa Forward Summit, Sh44bn UNON expansion
  7. Citizen Digital

    Macron, in Africa for a summit in Nairobi, said the whole continent was "victim of the blockade" of the strait, through which normally passes most of the oil exported from the Middle East.

    Macron says France 'never envisaged' sending warships into Strait of Hormuz
  8. Capital News

    Other anticipated agenda points include concerns over global economic inequality, rising borrowing costs affecting African economies, and the wider impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on food security and economic stability across the continent.

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres to Visit Kenya for Major UNON Expansion Launch in Nairobi
  9. The Standard

    Bush (CVN 77) sailing in the Arabian Sea, on May 3, 2026. [AFP] US President Donald Trump branded Iran's terms for ending the Middle East war "totally unacceptable", raising the possibility of fresh conflict and sending oil prices sharply higher in early Asia trade on Monday.

    Trump rejects Iran peace terms, Tehran warns of new attacks
  10. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeWhat began as a geopolitical escalation in the Middle East is becoming a global economic event with immediate, visible consequences for Kenya.

    A Distant War, A Direct Impact: How the USIsraelIran Conflict is Reshaping Kenya's Economy
  11. Citizen Digital

    The vital waterway has been virtually closed since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, with Tehran responding with attacks across the Middle East and imposing a chokehold on the strait that has rattled global energy markets.

    S. Korea says 'unidentified aircraft' hit cargo ship in Hormuz on Monday
World & Region

India's economy grows 7.8% despite Middle East conflict

The News

India's GDP expanded 7.8 percent year-on-year in the January-March quarter, beating economist forecasts of 7.2 percent, boosted by trade gains including an EU agreement and reduced U.S. tariffs. However, the RBI has raised its inflation forecast to 5.1 percent and cut its growth projection to 6.6 percent for the coming year, citing Middle East conflict disruptions to energy supplies.

6 hours ago · Capital News

Today

  1. India's economy grows 7.8% despite Middle East conflict

    India's GDP expanded 7.8 percent year-on-year in the January-March quarter, beating economist forecasts of 7.2 percent, boosted by trade gains including an EU agreement and reduced U.S. tariffs. However, the RBI has raised its inflation forecast to 5.1 percent and cut its growth projection to 6.6 percent for the coming year, citing Middle East conflict disruptions to energy supplies.

    6 hours ago · Capital News

Yesterday

  1. Deloitte cautious on Kenya 2026/27 budget despite growth optimism

    Deloitte East Africa experts expressed cautious optimism about Kenya's 2026/27 budget, saying it balances fiscal realities with growth ambitions while avoiding major tax shocks, though they warn that rising public debt, inflationary pressures and external economic risks could undermine gains without consistent reforms. GDP is projected to grow from 4.6 per cent this year to 5 per cent in 2026, driven by services, manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

    12 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Iran's World Cup squad trains ahead of tournament

    Iran's footballers held a public training session in Tijuana on Thursday ahead of the World Cup, their first glimpse to journalists since arriving for the tournament. The squad moved their camp to Tijuana from Arizona, and only a dozen of 26 players were visible during the fifteen-minute session, with striker Mehdi Taremi absent.

    12 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. Mideast conflict nearing 100 days, disrupts global economy

    The Middle East conflict that broke out in late February has disrupted energy supplies and triggered the largest oil supply disruption in history, with global oil supply losses reaching 12.8 million barrels per day. International institutions including the OECD have lowered global growth forecasts, citing the prolonged conflict as a major source of uncertainty affecting inflation, financial markets and supply chains.

    12 June 2026 · The Standard

Thursday 11 June

  1. Treasury CS signals no surprises in Sh4.84 trillion budget

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said there are "no surprises" in the 2026/2027 national budget, as most revenue-raising proposals have been public since April following constitutional requirements for public participation. He warned that the budget was prepared amid difficult global economic conditions, including Middle East tensions and disruption to fuel prices and trade.

    11 June 2026 · Capital News

  2. Treasury presents 2026-27 budget with social and tax reforms

    Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi unveiled the 2026-27 budget on June 11, proposing Sh41.8 billion to cushion vulnerable Kenyans (including Sh24.6 billion for the elderly, Sh8.9 billion for orphans, and Sh1.5 billion for PWDs), alongside tax reforms including VAT exemptions on kidney dialyzers and bottled water, a 25 per cent excise duty on mobile phones, and allocations for universities, health, and infrastructure.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard

  3. Dangote refinery's gasoline unit expects mid-June return to full capacity

    Nigeria's Dangote oil refinery has reduced its gasoline-making unit (RFCCU) by 34% since May 21 due to insufficient crude feed and a flue gas slide gate valve issue, with repairs nearly complete and full-rate operations expected by mid-June, according to industry monitor IIR Energy.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 10 June

  1. India-UAE partnership expands across trade, energy, technology

    As India pursues its Vision 2047 development agenda, the United Arab Emirates has emerged as a key strategic partner, with cooperation expanding across trade, energy, logistics, technology and infrastructure. The partnership gained further momentum in May 2026 when the two countries signed a strategic cooperation agreement covering advanced technology, innovation, industrial development, maritime security and information sharing.

    10 June 2026 · Capital News

  2. Central Bank holds lending rate at 8.75 percent despite inflation

    The Central Bank's Monetary Policy Committee has retained the base lending rate at 8.75 percent for the next two months, pausing the monetary easing cycle. Governor Kamau Thugge attributed the decision to Middle East conflict disrupting global supply chains and raising energy prices, while noting that Kenya's overall inflation is expected to remain within target range in the near term.

    10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  3. China calls UN Security Council to caution on Iran nuclear issue

    China's UN envoy urged the Security Council to exercise prudence on the Iranian nuclear issue amid disagreement over sanctions, stressing Iran's legitimate right to peaceful nuclear use alongside non-proliferation concerns. Eight countries led by France called for full implementation of recently reimposed sanctions, noting Iran possesses highly enriched uranium at levels where manufacturing a nuclear device cannot be excluded.

    10 June 2026 · Capital News

  4. UAE real estate magnate invests billions in global data centres

    Hussain Sajwani, chairman of DAMAC Properties and second on Forbes' Arab rich-list, is investing billions into data centres across 13 countries, aiming to capitalize on AI boom and become the global leader in the field.

    10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Monday 8 June

  1. Israel strikes Iranian military targets after missile attack

    Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes on military targets in western and central Iran after Tehran fired missiles toward northern Israel. The Iranian attack was described as retaliation for Israeli strikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah positions.

    8 June 2026 · Capital News

Sunday 7 June

  1. Iran World Cup team departs for Mexico amid US visa dispute

    Iran's World Cup squad departed Turkey for Mexico on Saturday ahead of the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, after the US refused to issue visas for some team support staff, triggering a diplomatic row between Tehran and Washington.

    7 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Saturday 6 June

  1. US, Iran trade military strikes despite World Cup ceasefire attempts

    New attacks in the Middle East on Friday threatened a fragile US-Iran ceasefire that has been in place since April 8, with the US military striking Iranian radar sites after downing drones, and Iran's Revolutionary Guards responding with missile strikes toward Kuwait and Bahrain. Weeks of complex talks have failed to secure a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

    6 June 2026 · The Standard

  2. Rising costs dampen International Flower Trade Expo

    The International Flower Trade Expo 2026, held in Nairobi under the theme "Shaping the Future of Floriculture," attracted over 210 exhibitors and hundreds of international buyers. The event featured a striking butterfly floral installation by Sosiani Flowers that became a popular photo backdrop.

    6 June 2026 · The Standard

Friday 5 June

  1. Iran football squad seeks US visas for 2026 World Cup

    Iran's national football team handed their passports to the US embassy in Turkey for visa applications ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, according to Iran's Football Federation head Mehdi Taj, following FIFA's instructions. The team's participation remains uncertain as Iran and the US negotiate to end a Middle East war that began in February.

    5 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Iran's leader claims decisive victory in Middle East conflict

    Iran's supreme leader said the United States and Israel suffered a "decisive blow" in the Middle East war, after the government reported "no tangible progress" in efforts to end the conflict. Weeks of talks marked by threats and violence have failed to secure a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

    5 June 2026 · The Standard

  3. India and Venezuela boost energy partnership amid Gulf crisis

    India and Venezuela are strengthening ties in the energy sector, with New Delhi describing Caracas as a preferred partner. Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, focusing on cooperation in upstream and downstream energy projects as global oil supplies have been disrupted by the Middle East crisis.

    5 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

Wednesday 3 June

  1. UN warns unprecedented gaps in global food aid funding

    The UN's World Food Programme is facing a 75-percent funding shortfall amid multiple global crises, with an official stating the funding gaps are "unprecedented" and leaving tens of millions going hungry. The WFP cited European funding cuts as the largest shock to the system, despite the United States remaining its top donor.

    3 June 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Trump nominates Henry Wooster as US ambassador to Kenya

    US President Donald Trump has nominated career diplomat Henry Wooster, a former ambassador to Jordan with experience in Central Asia and the Middle East, to be the next US ambassador to Kenya, filling a 19-month vacancy. The nomination requires Senate confirmation and comes amid US-Kenya relations concerns including a US-backed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base and efforts to finalise a bilateral trade agreement.

    3 June 2026 · The Standard

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Mudavadi calls for Global South unity and multilateral cooperation

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi addressed Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, calling for renewed Global South solidarity and stronger multilateral cooperation, and warning that rising unilateralism and weaponisation of economic tools are straining multilateralism as countries rethink their diplomatic and economic strategies.

    2 June 2026 · Capital News

  2. Trump nominates Henry Wooster as U.S. Ambassador to Kenya

    President Donald Trump has nominated career diplomat Henry Wooster, currently Chargé d'Affaires in Haiti, to serve as the next United States Ambassador to Kenya, subject to U.S. Senate confirmation. Wooster, who holds the rank of Minister-Counselor, brings over two decades of diplomatic experience including previous postings as U.S. Ambassador to Jordan and senior roles across the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia.

    2 June 2026 · Capital News

  3. Middle East crisis exposes Africa's dependence on imported fuel

    The ongoing Middle East conflict is revealing Africa's heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products from the Gulf, with East Africa sourcing nearly 80 per cent of its refined petroleum from Middle Eastern suppliers. Supply disruptions have already triggered fuel station queues, rising prices, and increased transport and electricity costs across African cities, threatening economic stability and social cohesion.

    2 June 2026 · The Standard

  4. Somali piracy resurgence threatens Gulf of Aden shipping

    A guided-missile destroyer foiled a suspected piracy attempt on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden, the latest sign of renewed aggression from Somali pirate networks that had been suppressed over the past decade but are now showing fresh activity, including an oil tanker firing warning shots at suspicious vessels near Yemen's Socotra Island.

    2 June 2026 · The Standard

Monday 1 June

  1. Global power shifts reshape Kenya and Africa's international role

    The Friedrich Naumann Foundation held a geopolitical academy in Nairobi with 21 participants to discuss how changing global power dynamics and competing great powers affect Kenya and Africa's position in the emerging world order. Speakers emphasized that geopolitical shifts—from regional wars to economic pressures—directly impact daily life across the continent and determine whether Africa becomes a key player or remains sidelined.

    1 June 2026 · The Standard

Sunday 31 May

  1. Israel strikes southern Lebanon after evacuation orders

    Israel launched strikes across south Lebanon on Saturday following evacuation orders from more than a dozen locations. Lebanon's army said a targeted Israeli strike wounded two soldiers, as military delegations from both countries held security talks in Washington ahead of US-brokered negotiations scheduled for early next week.

    31 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

  2. Pentagon chief seeks stable equilibrium with China in Asia

    US Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth said at Singapore's Shangri-La Dialogue that Washington seeks a "stable equilibrium" with China in Asia, while acknowledging "rightful alarm" over Beijing's military build-up and regional expansion.

    31 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

Saturday 30 May

  1. Iran demands US action, not words, on ceasefire deal

    Iran's top negotiator said Tehran would only trust Washington's actions, not its words, after US Vice President JD Vance announced progress on a ceasefire extension and peace framework. President Donald Trump has remained silent about the deal despite US sources saying it only needed his sign-off.

    30 May 2026 · Citizen Digital

Monday 25 May

  1. Trump instructs negotiators to slow pace on Iran deal

    US President Donald Trump has instructed negotiators "not to rush into a deal" with Iran, saying both sides must take time to "get it right," after earlier suggesting an agreement was close. The reported deal involves a 60-day ceasefire extension, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and further negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme, though some Republicans argue it is too lenient on Iran.

    25 May 2026 · Capital News

  2. Iran says US deal still distant despite weekend progress signals

    Iran's foreign ministry warned Monday that while some progress has been made, a deal with the United States to end the Middle East war remains not yet close, contradicting optimistic signals from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who suggested an agreement could be reached within the day. US and Iranian forces have observed a ceasefire since April 8, with Pakistan's Prime Minister mediating negotiations and discussions focused on opening the Strait of Hormuz.

    25 May 2026 · The Standard

Middle East — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute