Kenyan president, in office since 2022
A Cessna 208 Caravan operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd has crashed about 20 kilometers southwest of Juba, killing 15 people on board including 13 South Sudanese and 2 Kenyans. Initial findings point to adverse weather and poor visibility. Investigators have been dispatched to the scene.
Kenya's Sabastian Sawe has become the first man to run a competitive marathon in under two hours, finishing the 2026 London Marathon in 1:59:30. Yomif Kejelcha has also run under two hours. The performance has reshaped the world record, triggered national celebration in Kenya and prompted discussion about shoes, pacing and testing.
France has been pushing a renewed Africa policy at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, aiming for a partnership of equals with English-speaking Africa and more Africa voice in global finance. Paris has signed defense pacts with Kenya and is promoting investments across energy, AI and agriculture as it seeks to reshape its role on the continent.
France, under President Macron, has hosted Africa Forward in Nairobi, presenting a roadmap for deeper Franco-African economic ties. The Nairobi Declaration outlines investments, reform of global financial architecture, and higher African voice in international institutions. Macron and Kenyan President Ruto frame the outcome as a shift toward sovereign, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Uganda has sworn in President Yoweri Museveni for a seventh term after winning the January vote with about 72%. The ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds signals continuity in leadership, but observers say the election was marred by tensions, internet blackouts, and crackdowns on opposition. Analysts expect ongoing influence over Uganda’s political future and potential questions about succession.
Protests over recent fuel-price hikes have intensified, with multiple cities experiencing unrest as transport operators strike. Authorities report arrests and disruptions to daily life, while officials attribute the rises to global oil market volatility and domestic tax measures.
COFEK has argued that the Finance Bill 2026 introduces a “hidden digital taxation” with retrogressive VAT changes and broadened tax powers that would burden consumers and small businesses. They warn that redefining royalty and management fees to cover digital payments could impose withholding taxes on digital transactions, affecting interchange and merchant charges. The lobby is calling for a 12‑month transition and restoration of zero-rated basic goods, while criticizing a 20% withholding on gambling winnings and a 25% excise on mobile phones activated on Kenyan networks. They also warn this could breach EAC rules and privacy safeguards in the virtual assets framework. Parliament is now reviewing submissions ahead of the third reading.
A dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, has killed at least 15–16 students and injured dozens. Police and rescue teams have been searching the burned dormitory, investigators have opened a probe and authorities have said eight students are persons of interest in a suspected arson plot.
A Kenyan court has paused the proposed U.S.-run Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia air base, with a full hearing set for June 2. The Katiba Institute has challenged the plan’s constitutionality and is seeking disclosure of terms of any Kenya–U.S. agreement, including financial arrangements and safeguards for Kenyans.
Kenya’s High Court has temporarily suspended the planned 50-bed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki as protests mount and scrutiny over the U.S.-Kenya deal intensifies amid a regional Bundibugyo outbreak.
Protests have erupted in Nanyuki after Kenya has allowed construction of a US-backed 50‑bed Ebola quarantine unit at Laikipia Air Base. Police have used tear gas and gunfire has killed at least two people; a 17‑year‑old protester has reportedly died with dispute over whether a tear‑gas canister or a bullet caused his death. Flights and equipment for the centre have continued despite court orders.
South Africa has announced a set of diplomatic initiatives to address migration, including deploying envoys to engage origin, transit, and destination countries. The talks with Kenya's President Ruto emphasised continental cooperation, economic development, and regional integration as ways to ease migration pressures and boost AfCFTA-driven trade.
Parliament’s impeachment committee has resolved to oppose President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent interdict to halt its work on the Phala Phala report. Ramaphosa seeks to revive the report’s legal status after a Constitutional Court ruling, while the committee and key parties push forward. The High Court will consider orders to pause parliamentary proceedings as the process resumes.
California lawmakers are finalizing a $356 billion state budget with Gov. Newsom. A tax package is advancing, including a health care provider tax and a software sales tax, while critics warn of higher costs for families and businesses. The package aims to balance revenue gaps amid federal funding shifts.
Protests in Nanyuki against a planned US-backed Ebola quarantine and treatment facility have turned violent. One person is dead and dozens arrested as police confront demonstrators. Local rights groups demand transparency on safety, approvals and operational protocols while courts review the project.
Kenya is weighing formal investigations into RSF crimes abroad under universal jurisdiction, following a 12-victim complaint detailing torture, sexual violence and killings around Khartoum between 2023 and 2025. The filing marks a historic use of Kenya’s legal framework and could set a precedent for accountability beyond borders.
Tanzania has unveiled its 2026/27 budget and national development plan, highlighting 38 flagship projects across seven transformational programs. The plan aims to push inclusive growth, with private sector investment and human capital development at the fore. Infrastructure, irrigation, energy, and digital transformation feature prominently, while costs for the year are set against a challenging fiscal backdrop.
Global oil markets have eased after a peace deal in the Middle East, triggering expected cuts in local fuel prices. South Africa and the UK report smaller pump-price movements as markets reflect calmer conditions; East Africa debates subsidy and stabilization measures while Rwanda notes volatility in imports.
Across Africa, governments are prioritising domestic resources to fund infrastructure and social programmes, citing vast pension funds and private savings as untapped assets. Officials say aid reliance is declining, while long-term domestic capital will finance growth. The shift comes as aid falls and debt concerns rise.
Kenya has ordered a halt to preparations for a U.S.-run Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base after the health minister was found in contempt for defying a prior court stop-work order. Protests have persisted, and the U.S. has pledged funding for Ebola preparedness; debates center on public health risk and colonial overtones.
A wave of developments across US, Gaza and Kenya signals changing political dynamics. The Democratic Socialists push a sweeping program; Kamala Harris engages pro-Palestinian activists; Gaza demonstrations falter amid security concerns; Kenya deploys pre-emptive tactics to curb street protests.
Kenya faces rising political violence as youth goon squads stalk public events ahead of elections. Reports describe shootings, property damage and arrests linked to clashes in Kisumu and Nyahururu, with security forces promising firm action. Dozens of suspects have been detained as authorities warn violence will not go unpunished.
Environmentalists warn Kenya’s planned 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery at Lamu could damage fragile coastal ecosystems and lock the country into a fossil-fuel future, while officials argue it will create jobs. Greenpeace Africa is pushing for an independent environmental and social impact assessment before approvals proceed.