1.Sh9.4 Billion Siphoned from e-Citizen in Audit Scandal
A damning audit reveals Sh9.4 billion was irregularly diverted from Kenya’s e-Citizen platform, including Sh6.3 billion sent to an unauthorized Equity Bank account. Parliament is investigating the scandal, raising calls to terminate the platform over systemic corruption and lax oversight.(Page 1)
2.Music Festival Celebrates Talent and Financial Literacy
The Kenya National Music Festival’s third day saw Little Friends Academy win top honors in elocution, while performances highlighted wealth creation and insurance. The event, themed around boosting the creative economy, drew schools nationwide to showcase artistic expression.(Page 2)
3.1998 Embassy Bombing Survivors Demand Justice
Victims and families marked 27 years since the Nairobi US embassy attack, lamenting unmet promises of compensation and medical support. Survivors like Michael Nyakanga and Rose Kwamboka recounted lasting trauma and financial ruin from the blast that killed 224.( Page 3)
4.Treasury, Auditor-General Clash Over e-Citizen Losses
Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo denied Sh9.4 billion was lost but admitted to illegal Sh2.6 billion convenience fees, sparking a dispute with the Auditor-General. Documents show e-Citizen collected Sh360.1 billion since 2014, but audit findings reveal unlawful payments and mismanagement. (Page 5)
5.Kenya Rules Out Retaliation Over Tanzania Work Permits
Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi vowed diplomatic solutions to Tanzania’s restrictive permit policies, which delay Kenyans for up to a year. He warned against xenophobia but assured protection for Kenyan workers abroad amid unequal treatment concerns.(Page 6)
6. Mudavadi Assures Strong Kenya-US Ties Amid Status Review
Prime CS Mudavadi clarified Kenya’s non-NATO ally review was proposed by a US senator, not the Biden administration, stressing robust bilateral relations. He noted Kenya’s 10% trade tariff advantage but acknowledged ongoing trade negotiations. (Page 7)
7.Uhuru’s Jubilee Return Shakes Mt Kenya Politics
Uhuru Kenyatta’s call for a Jubilee delegates’ conference signals his political comeback, threatening DP Gachagua’s influence and Ruto’s 2027 strategy. The move follows his court win over a rival faction and fuels speculation about realignment.(Page 10)
8.Journalist’s Parents Die En Route to His Graduation
Standard Group reporter Edwin Nyarangi lost his parents in a highway collision as they traveled to his Master’s graduation. His father, Josiah Biyongo, was a former Kisii gubernatorial candidate and community leader.(Page 11)
9.Kenya’s Haiti Mission in Jeopardy as US Reviews Ties
US lawmakers may reassess Kenya’s non-NATO ally status, casting doubt on its Haiti police mission despite gains against gangs. Operational hurdles like lacking armored vehicles persist in the challenging terrain.(Page 12)
10. US Contraceptive Freeze Worsens Kenya’s Maternal Health Crisis
A $9.7 million freeze on reproductive health supplies risks escalating Kenya’s maternal deaths, now at 21 daily. Health experts urge alternative funding to secure drugs like Carbetocin for remote areas.(Page 14)
11. Kenya Mulls VAT Refund Reforms to Ease Business Strain
The government may let firms offset taxes using VAT credits and shorten refund processing from 120 to 90 days. Businesses also seek increased monthly refund allocations to clear Sh1 billion pending claims. ( Page 20)
12.US Slaps Hefty New Tariffs on Global Trade Partners
The US raised tariffs to 15–41% on imports, with India hit by 50% duties and semiconductors taxed at 100%. The Trump-era policy targets EU, Japan, and Syria, reshaping trade for US interests.( Page 22)
13. Athletics Legends Decry Kenya’s Fading Track Dominance
Moses Kiptanui and Ezekiel Kemboi urged teamwork to revive Kenya’s podium sweeps ahead of the Tokyo World Championships. They warned of declining talent as fewer athletes match past glories.(Page 35)
14. Harambee Stars Hold Angola in CHAN Group Clash
Kenya drew 1-1 with Angola despite an early goal, staying atop Group A with Austine Odhiambo’s penalty. A red card and VAR drama marked the match as Morocco and DR Congo closed in.(Page 40)