News as at
May 26, 2026, 12:22 am
Manufacturers Flag Potential Cost Pressures in Finance Bill 2026 Proposals
- [Capital FM] The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has warned that the Finance Bill 2026 could significantly increase production costs across the industrial sector, citing a range of proposed tax and levy measures that may pressure already tight manufacturing margins and affect competitiveness.
Visa Report Flags Ai-Powered Scams As Biggest Threat to Digital Payments
- [Capital FM] Criminals are increasingly deploying artificial intelligence and social engineering to manipulate users into authorizing payments, a new report by Visa has revealed.
ODM Signals No Presidential Candidate in 2027 As Oburu Focuses On Coalition Politics
- [Capital FM] Kisumu -- The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has signaled that it may not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, with party leader Oburu Oginga indicating that the party will instead focus on strengthening its bargaining power within a broad-based coalition arrangement.
Bankers Warn Proposed Mobile Money VAT Could Shrink Tax Base
- [Capital FM] The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has pushed back against a proposal in the Finance Bill 2026 seeking to impose a 16 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on fees charged by digital payment and money transfer platforms, warning that the move could reverse gains made in financial inclusion and digital payments.
Education Conference Endorses Comprehensive Schools Under One Board and Leadership
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- A national education conference convened by the Ministry of Education has endorsed sweeping reforms in the management of schools, including the establishment of Comprehensive Schools bringing together Primary and Junior School levels under a single administration structure.
Govt Declares Wednesday Public Holiday to Mark Eid Ul-Adha
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- The government has declared Wednesday, May 27, a public holiday to mark Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
Uhuru Kenyatta Denies Political Comeback, Says He Is Overseeing Jubilee Transition
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has clarified that he is not actively engaging in politics, insisting that his current involvement in the Jubilee Party is solely aimed at facilitating a smooth transition to new leadership within the party.
Kenya Eyes 300,000 Ugandan Tourists in 2026 On Improved Air Links
- [Capital FM] NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25-Kenya is targeting a 27 per cent increase in tourist arrivals from Uganda to 300,000 in 2026, banking on improved air connectivity to deepen regional travel flows and sustain growth in its tourism sector.
Chaos Erupts in Nyeri, Thika and Nyahururu Over High Transport Fares
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- Chaos erupted in parts of Central Kenya, including Nyeri, Thika and Nyahururu, after residents took to the streets to protest against increased transport fares linked to rising fuel prices.
'We Will Not Borrow to Build Transmission Lines, We'll Use PPP' - Ruto to Ketraco
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- President William Ruto has told officials at the Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) that the government will no longer rely on borrowing to finance the construction of power transmission lines, insisting instead on the use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
CS Mbadi Urges Leaders to Stop Propaganda Over Finance Bill 2026
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has urged political leaders to stop spreading propaganda and misinformation regarding the Finance Bill 2026.
Kenya High Commission Working With Australian Authorities Over Sheila Chebii Death
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- Kenya High Commission Canberra has confirmed that it is working closely with Australian authorities to investigate the death of Kenyan national Sheila Chebii in Sydney, Australia.
Mbadi Says Proposed Mobile Phone Tax Reform Aims At Streamlining, Not Raising Burden
- [Capital FM] NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25-Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi now says the government has not introduced any new taxes on mobile phones, but is instead proposing a simplification of the current tax regime rather than the creation of a new levy.
CS Mbadi Dismisses Kalonzo Claim On Finance Bill 2026 Land Tax Allegations
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has dismissed claims by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka that the proposed Finance Bill 2026 seeks to introduce an annual rent on freehold land.
Bayer East Africa Warns Kenyan Farmers Against Counterfeit Seeds Amid Rising Food Security Concerns
- [Capital FM] Kisii -- Bayer East Africa has intensified its campaign against counterfeit seeds and fake agricultural inputs, warning that the growing circulation of substandard farm products poses a serious threat to food security and farmers' livelihoods in Kenya.
Five Kenyan Universities Eye EU Academic Corridor Under Romania Pact
- [Capital FM] NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25-Kenyan universities are set to deepen academic links with Europe through a planned partnership with Romania's Danubius International University that will establish what organizers describe as East Africa's first structured Kenya-Romania European Union academic corridor.
Parliament to Conclude Finance Bill 2026 Public Hearings As Submissions Deadline Lapses
- [Capital FM] NAIROBI, Kenya, May 25-Parliament is set to conclude public participation on Kenya's Finance Bill 2026 today, following the lapse of the two-week window period that saw consultations with stakeholders, industry groups and members of the public on the proposed tax measures shaping the 2026/27 fiscal framework.
Western Kenya Leaders Demand Deputy President Slot in Ruto's 2027 Re-Election Plan
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- Leaders from Western Kenya have intensified calls for the region to secure the Deputy President position in President William Ruto's 2027 re-election campaign, adding fresh momentum to political succession debates already taking shape within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Ruto Wraps Up Coast Tour With Launch of Ksh3bn Mariakani Power Substation
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- President William Ruto wound up his five-day working tour of development projects in the Coast counties of Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale on Monday.
Govt Boosts Education Funding, Targets Ksh765b Budget - - Kindiki
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to transforming the education sector through increased funding, improved infrastructure and expanded access to learning opportunities across the country.
One Man's Tears, Another Man's Champagne - Ambani Laments Leopards League Title Heartbreak As Gor Celebrate 22nd Crown
- [Capital FM] NAIROBI -- Even as Gor Mahia were popping champagne in Homa Bay, back at the Kericho Green Stadium, it was all tears and lamentations over what could have been for AFC Leopards.
Pubg Mobile Launches Greek Mythology-Themed Version 4.4 Update for Kenyan Gamers
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- PUBG MOBILE has unveiled its new Version 4.4 Update, introducing exciting gameplay features, fresh battleground experiences, and enhanced team-based action for players in Kenya.
Tight-Lipped Shujaa Ready to Shock Stronger Opponents At World 7s Championships Series
- [Capital FM] "We will not talk much until after France but we want to promise you that we will man up in the two legs."
Major Overhaul Ordered in President Ruto's Security After Kilifi Breach
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- A major overhaul of President William Ruto's security team has been ordered following a security breach during a public event in Ganze, Kilifi County, where a man managed to get close to the Head of State while he was addressing a crowd.
Presidential Escort Unit Commander Noah Maiyo Moved in Major Police Shake-Up After Security Breach On Ruto
- [Capital FM] A major reshuffle has hit the elite Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) following a serious security breach involving President William Ruto during a public event in Kilifi County on Saturday.
Bible-Wielding Man Dodges Security, Clings to President Ruto in Ganze
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- A dramatic security breach unfolded in Ganze, Kilifi County, when a man carrying a Bible managed to reach the main dais where President William Ruto was addressing residents, briefly holding onto him before security officers intervened and restrained the situation.
Hassan Omar Apologizes After Backlash Over Alleged Ethnic Remarks
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar has issued a public apology following backlash from Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru over remarks she described as "ethnic baiting" targeting the Mt Kenya region.
Kenya and Rwanda Move to Deepen Defence Cooperation With New Security Pact Push
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- Kenya and Rwanda have stepped up efforts to deepen military cooperation and regional security coordination, with both countries pushing for the expedited signing of a new defence cooperation agreement amid growing concerns over terrorism, organised crime, and emerging security threats in East Africa.
Suspect Arrested, IED Recovered As Security Team Foils Terror Plot in Garissa
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- A potential terror attack was thwarted along the Garissa-Dadaab Road after a multi-agency security team arrested a suspect and recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
U.S. Embassy Nairobi Closed On May 25 for Memorial Day Observance
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- The United States Embassy in Nairobi will remain closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day, joining other US embassies and diplomatic missions around the world marking the American federal holiday.
