As Kenya’s opposition intensifies consultations ahead of the 2027 General Election, political analysts are urging coalition leaders to prioritise a shared policy agenda over an early contest to choose a presidential flag bearer. The discussions over a possible opposition flag bearer have brought to the fore several prominent figures, including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee deputy party leader Fred Matiang’i, and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, whose supporters have advanced different arguments on who is best placed to challenge President William Ruto in 2027. The debate comes as leaders from the opposition coalition continue consultations aimed…
Author: Special Correspondent
Singer Bonnie Tyler, known for hits including Total Eclipse of the Heart, Holding Out for a Hero and It’s a Heartache, has died at the age of 75. A message posted on the official website for the hugely popular Welsh power ballad diva read: “Bonnie’s family and team are heartbroken to announce that Bonnie unexpectedly passed away last night in hospital in Portugal as a result of the illness that she was being treated for.” In May, the performer, from Skewen in south Wales, was placed into an induced coma after having emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal. Last month, her…
Nigeria’s billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote has selected Lamu, Kenya, as the location for his planned East African oil refinery, ending months of speculation over whether the $17 billion (Sh2.2 trillion) project would be located in Kenya or Tanzania. In an announcement on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Edwin Devkumar, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, told Reuters that the proposed 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery will be built in Lamu. “The site has been selected, soil tests are underway, and design and engineering work has commenced. Kenya was the choice from the beginning,” Devkumar said. The announcement follows months after…
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…
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…
