The High Court has struck down provisions of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, 2025, that allowed a state committee to order internet service providers to block access to websites and online applications without prior court approval. Justice Patricia Mande ruled that Section 6(1)(j)(a) of the amended law was unconstitutional, finding that it violated constitutional guarantees on freedom of expression, media freedom, and freedom of religion. The judge further held that the provision granted excessive powers to the National Computer and Cybercrimes Coordination Committee. The contested provisions had empowered the committee to direct internet service providers to disable access…
Author: Special Correspondent
Kenya has strengthened its position as East Africa’s fuel gateway after securing a new petroleum supply pact with Rwanda. Through a Government-to-Government (G2G) framework, the two governments have signed a three-part agreement for Rwanda’s importation of refined petroleum products through the Port of Mombasa and Kenya’s pipeline network. The agreements, signed in Nairobi on June 29, consist of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a Tripartite Agreement (TPA), and a Transport and Storage Agreement (TSA). The agreements are the result of a negotiation process that started with a bilateral meeting in Kigali in November 2024 and were approved by Kenya’s Cabinet…
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is facing a legal challenge over the award of a Sh3.013 billion contract for the upgrade of the Masara–Muhuru Bay Road, after advocate Anthony Ngatia filed a petition at the High Court seeking to halt the project. In court papers, Ngatia alleges that the procurement process was irregular and violated constitutional requirements on transparency, accountability and fairness in public procurement. He states that KeNHA awarded the contract to Lafey Construction Company Limited, despite Ricons General Services Co. Ltd having submitted a lower evaluated bid of about Sh2.777 billion. The petition claims the authority has…
A Nairobi advocate Charles Mugane has moved to the High Court to challenge the controversial traffic rules issued by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). The Motor Vehicle Inspection rules that require mandatory annual inspections for government vehicles and privately owned vehicles older than four years from the date of manufacture are scheduled for implementation from July 1. Lawyer Mugane argues that the Traffic (Motor Vehicle Inspection) Rules were introduced without adequate public participation and would significantly affect motorists as they will face unlawfully imposed costs and penalties. “The respondents failed to conduct adequate public participation before gazetting Legal…
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)’s plan to introduce mandatory annual inspections for private motor vehicles older than four years from July 1 has sparked public backlash, prompting clarification on the enforcement timeline for some provisions. In a public notice issued on Friday, June 26, NTSA said the inspections will be conducted exclusively at its inspection centres, with vehicle owners required to book annual inspections through the NTSA service portal on the eCitizen platform. The move is anchored on Section 55 of the Traffic Act and expands the Authority’s vehicle inspection programme beyond commercial and school transport vehicles, which…
Teachers in Kenya will be required to renew their teaching licenses every five years after completing a mandatory Teacher Professional Development (TPD) programme under new rules introduced by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). The changes were announced during the 49th Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) conference in Mombasa and are aimed at improving the quality of education. Acting TSC chief executive Evaleen Mitei said the new policy is meant to strengthen the teaching profession by ensuring teachers continue improving their knowledge and skills throughout their careers. “The purpose of TPD is to improve teachers’ competencies. Like other professions, the…
About 74 people held during Thursday’s Gen Z memorial protests appeared before the Milimani Magistrates’ Court on Friday for a hearing, as legal teams moved to secure their representation. Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo said the legal team had visited Central Police Station earlier in the day after receiving reports that about 74 individuals were being held following their arrest during the demonstrations. She said advocates had pushed for the suspects to be arraigned in court without delay, in line with their constitutional right to a fair trial. “We had information that about 74 people were being…
The price of oil has fallen to levels not seen since before the Iran war as traffic through the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route gradually resumes. Global benchmark Brent crude briefly fell below $72.48 (£55) a barrel, the price it was at the day before the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28 February, before edging up to $73.23. Energy prices have been on a wild ride since Iran responded to the strikes by effectively closing the strait, a critical waterway for oil and gas shipments. The cost of crude has been moving sharply lower since the…
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced he will resign as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party. In a statement outside 10 Downing Street, he said every decision he has made in office has been about “putting the country I love first”. Starmer thanked his “fantastic wife, Vic”, describing her as a “rock”. He also says he wants to be the “best dad I can to my beautiful children, who are my pride and joy”. He further said he will do everything he can to ensure an orderly handover of power and will give his successor his full…
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is the big winner following the country’s general election as his party has retained its overwhelming parliamentary majority, despite the poll being overshadowed by conflict, accusations of repression and little participation by opposition parties. The Prosperity Party, which won 438 of the 501 contested seats, will form the new government with Abiy set to be sworn in for another term at the beginning of October. It is a boon for Abiy’s supporters, who believe he will continue with the economic gains he has overseen. But others fear the internal divisions and security challenges facing Africa’s…
