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. June 2026
  2. Capital News

    Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes on military targets in western and central Iran early Monday after Tehran fired missiles toward northern Israel in the latest escalation threatening to reignite wider conflict across the Middle East.

    Israel Launches Retaliatory Airstrikes on Iran After Missile Attacks
  3. Citizen Digital

    The players are to stay several weeks before heading to the World Cup that is being co-hosted by the US, which began bombing Iran on February 28 alongside Israel, sparking a wider war in the Middle East.

    Iran World Cup team heads to Mexico as US visa row rages
  4. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeSmoke rises from a vehicle targeted by an Israeli drone attack in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh on June 5, 2026. [AFP] New attacks in the Middle East on Friday threatened to unravel an already fragile US-Iran ceasefire, even as American officials confirm

    US, Iran trade strikes despite visas for World Cup footballers
  5. The Standard

    Held under the theme Shaping the Future of Floriculture, the continent’s largest flower industry trade show attracted over 210 exhibitors and hundreds of buyers from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and America.

    Rising costs take shine off annual flowers showcase
  6. Citizen Digital

    The players are to stay several weeks before heading to the World Cup that is being co-hosted by the US, which began bombing Iran on February 28 alongside Israel, sparking a wider war in the Middle East.

    Iran squad hand passports to US embassy for visa approval
  7. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeIran’s supreme leader said on Thursday that the United States and Israel had suffered a “decisive blow” in the Middle East war, after the government reported “no tangible progress” in efforts to end the conflict.

    Iran leader says dealt enemies 'decisive blow' in MidEast war
  8. Citizen Digital

    Alexander NEMENOV / POOL / AFP) Audio By Vocalize India and ​Venezuela sought to boost their ties in the energy sector on Thursday with New Delhi ‌saying that Caracas sees it as a preferred partner in the sector at a time global oil supplies have been disrupted by the Middle East

    India sees 'perfect complimentarity' with Venezuela in energy trade amid Gulf crisis
  9. Citizen Digital

    "When the system breaks as it is now, she fades away, and her children waste away." The deep cuts were coming while the challenges have been multiplying, including from the war in the Middle East, which has piled on logistical difficulties and hiked prices for aid deliveries in a

    UN warns of 'unprecedented' gaps in global food aid amid funding cuts
  10. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeUnited States President Donald Trump has nominated career diplomat Henry Wooster, a former ambassador to Jordan with extensive experience in Central Asia and the Middle East, to be the next US ambassador to Kenya, ending a 19-month vacancy at one of Washington’s

    All you need to know about Trump's nominee for US ambassador to Kenya
  11. Capital News

    He linked current global instability to a series of ongoing crises, including the COVID-19 aftermath, the Russia–Ukraine war, and conflicts in the Middle East, noting their ripple effects on African economies.

    Mudavadi Calls for Global South Unity as Kenya Pushes for Stronger Global Role in Seoul Address

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