Key features of the mortgage product:

• The mortgage offers loans ranging from Sh1 million to Sh4 million, repayable over up to 15 years.
• Eligibility requires at least two years of business operation.
• The product aims to increase financial inclusion by easing rigid credit assessment models.
• It uses alternative indicators, such as mobile money transactions and business records, for credit assessment.

Over 80% of Kenya’s workforce operates in the informal sector. Many of these individuals struggle to secure traditional mortgage financing. Caroline Wanjeri, a spokesperson for KCB Bank, highlighted the importance of this new solution.

Wanjeri stated, “With more than 80% of Kenya’s workforce operating in the informal sector, the new mortgage solution seeks to increase financial inclusion, ease the rigid credit assessment mortgage models and enable an increase in homeownership for Kenyans.”

This move comes as Kenya faces a persistent housing deficit driven by rapid urbanization and rising construction costs. The initiative is expected to tap into underserved groups who have traditionally found it difficult to access home loans.

Wanjeri added, “By combining alternative credit assessment and financial discipline we are making mortgage financing accessible by redefining eligibility through consistency in business performance as a credible pathway to dignified home ownership.” KCB Bank is positioning itself as a leader in addressing housing challenges in the country.

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On April 21, 2026, IPOA launched inquiries into the fatal shooting of Adan Mohamed Hassan, who was shot while responding to a distress call from friends arrested by police. A post-mortem examination revealed that he died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

Hundreds of residents in Garissa have called for swift investigations into the killing of the taxi driver. IPOA’s Rapid Response Team has begun inquiries into the shooting incident. Yet, a parent has filed a lawsuit against IPOA for listing a minor as deceased during protests.

Job openings announced by IPOA:

• 33 positions available across various departments.
• A chairperson position requires Kenyan citizenship, a university degree, and at least ten years of relevant experience.
• The chairperson will serve a non-renewable term of six years.

Applications for the chairperson role must be submitted by May 19 at 5 PM. The authority stated that no fees are charged at any stage, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Ann Mwangi, IPOA Vice Chairperson, emphasized that “IPOA remains committed to conducting independent and impartial investigations into the matter.” Preliminary findings indicate that at approximately 2:20 AM on the day of the shooting, Hassan attempted to intervene during his friends’ arrest when he suffered a fatal gunshot injury.

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Job openings:

• IPOA has 33 job openings available.
• The chairperson position requires applicants to be Kenyan citizens with a university degree and at least ten years of relevant experience.
• The chairperson will serve a non-renewable term of six years.
• Applications for the chairperson role must be submitted by May 19 at 5pm.

On the same day as the job announcement, IPOA initiated investigations into the shooting death of Adan Mohamed Hassan. The taxi driver was shot while responding to a distress call from friends who had been arrested by police. A post-mortem examination indicated that Hassan died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

IPOA’s Rapid Response Team has begun inquiries into this shooting incident. Hundreds of residents in Garissa have called for swift investigations into the killing. Ann Mwangi, IPOA Vice Chairperson, stated that IPOA remains committed to conducting independent and impartial investigations into the matter.

Additionally, legal action has arisen from this incident. A parent has sued IPOA for incorrectly listing a shot minor as deceased during protests related to the shooting. This case adds another layer of pressure on IPOA amid ongoing public scrutiny regarding police oversight in Kenya.

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The highway spans 243 kilometers. It currently serves over 3,000 trucks daily, which transport more than 35 million tonnes of cargo each year. The upgrade will convert it into an access-controlled tolled road under a Public-Private Partnership model. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is responsible for implementing this project.

Funding for the upgrade comes from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The project is currently in the feasibility study phase, which began in November 2025. Competitive bidding will follow once these studies are complete.

The upgrade is crucial for reducing congestion on roads leading to the port of Mombasa. Improved infrastructure will facilitate smoother cargo movement to neighboring countries. This change is expected to significantly benefit regional trade and economic activity.

Yet, the final cost of the project remains undetermined. Estimates suggest that it could reach Ksh130 billion. The government has not announced toll charges yet, but users will likely contribute to cost recovery once the road becomes operational.

Meanwhile, another related project—the Nairobi-Rironi-Mau Summit highway—is under construction. This 175-kilometer stretch is expected to be completed by June 2027. Both projects are part of broader government efforts to enhance the northern corridor route.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific timelines for the Mau Summit-Malaba Toll Road’s completion. Stakeholders are closely monitoring developments as they unfold.

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The bank plans to reorganize into a Non-Operating Holding Company (NOHC) structure. The listed entity will be renamed ‘Co-op Bank Group PLC’. A new subsidiary, ‘Co-op Bank Kenya Limited’, will handle licensed banking operations in Kenya.

As of December 2025, Co-op Bank holds total assets of KSh 827.4 billion. It operates 222 branches across Kenya and South Sudan. The bank has a 64.56% stake held by Co-op Holdings Co-operative Society Limited.

The restructuring aims to enhance operational efficiency and support regional expansion. The South Sudan unit reported a profit before tax of KSh 236 million for FY2025.

Dr Muriuki emphasized that the NOHC model provides a scalable platform for expansion into diversified financial services and other regional markets.

This approach mirrors that of its predecessors: enhanced operational efficiency and a more robust structure for sustained growth.

The restructuring will place all subsidiaries under a clean group umbrella—this offers greater flexibility for capital allocation across subsidiaries and future regional banking expansion.

Co-op Bank has set ambitious targets under its 2025-2029 strategic plan, aiming to grow total assets beyond KSh 1 trillion.

It is noteworthy that Co-op Bank is the sixth NSE-listed banking group to adopt the NOHC structure.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific timelines for regulatory approvals. However, the upcoming AGM on May 15, 2026, will be crucial for moving forward with this restructuring plan.

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Currently, more than 1.1 million secondary school learners lack capitation funding. The government’s policy sets capitation at Sh22,044 per learner, but schools receive an average of only Sh15,844.38. This underfunding has led to a cumulative deficit of over Sh71 billion across secondary schools between the fiscal years 2020/21 and 2023/24.

Junior Secondary Schools alone recorded a staggering deficit of Sh31.9 billion. The number of learners without adequate funding has increased sharply—from 724,959 in 2020/21 to 1,161,349 in 2023/24.

The capitation model does not meet the real needs of schools. Wilberforce Oundo highlighted this issue: “Who foots that particular deficit of capitation? You should make a policy directive that we are not having free education but subsidised education.” His remarks underscore the growing concern about financial sustainability in the education sector.

Another expert, Nabii Nabwera, pointed out that inflation has reduced the effective capitation amount: “The capitation is actually 12,000 and not 15,000 if we factor inflation because the value of money now and when the capitation was calculated is not the same.” This illustrates the urgency for a reassessment of funding models.

The state department acknowledges discrepancies between actual student enrollments and those registered in the National Education Management Information System (Nemis). Edwin Mugo raised further concerns about pending bills in universities impacting sustainability: “Can we have an analysis on the pending bills in secondary schools?”

This sequence of events matters greatly for students and educational institutions alike. Without adequate funding, schools face challenges in delivering quality education. The proposed changes could reshape how education is financed and accessed across Kenya.

As discussions continue, stakeholders await clarity on how these proposals will unfold. The future of education funding remains uncertain amidst these ongoing debates.

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Before this development, commuters expected stable fares despite fluctuations in fuel prices. However, the landscape shifted dramatically when matatu owners enforced a 25% fare increase nationwide. Operators claimed that the adjustments were necessary to recover operating costs amid rising fuel prices.

The additional fuel cost per trip for a 14-seater matatu is approximately Sh587.20. Yet, operators are charging about Sh300 per passenger on the popular Nairobi-Nakuru route. This fare hike translates to significant revenue for operators—approximately Sh3,613 per trip after accounting for fuel costs.

This situation raises concerns among taxpayers and commuter advocacy groups. The National Taxpayers Association argues that fare adjustments exceed what is needed to cover operational expenses. They warn that such increases could lead to unjustified financial burdens on the public.

Patrick Nyangweso from the association stated, “This means the actual additional revenue they are making is Sh3,613. This is uncalled for, and we should not continue to rob Kenyans in broad daylight.” His comments reflect a growing frustration among commuters who feel exploited by sudden fare hikes.

Some matatu operators have increased fares by up to Ksh 300 per passenger. This move has sparked criticism from various quarters, including the Motorists Association of Kenya. They question whether these hikes are justified given the actual operating costs.

The Taxpayers Association of Kenya has urged operators to adjust fares only within a reasonable recovery margin. They emphasize that fare increases should not exceed what is necessary for sustainability. Still, with fuel prices among the highest in the East African Community, many commuters face tough choices ahead.

Kenya’s debt levels are currently between 65% and 70% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This economic backdrop complicates matters further for taxpayers who rely on affordable transportation options. As fare increases continue to impact daily life, scrutiny of operator practices will likely intensify.

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KD plates are not a substitute for standard number plates. Their use is restricted to specific purposes outlined in law. Nashon Kondiwa stated, “A KD plate is not a substitute for a standard motor vehicle registration plate. Its use is strictly governed by the law.” This change aims to clarify the legal framework surrounding vehicle registration.

Motor vehicle dealers face new financial requirements. They must pay annual fees of Sh9,600 for new vehicle dealers and Sh4,200 for second-hand dealers. Additionally, new KD plates will cost Sh18,500, while renewals are set at Sh6,300.

All vehicles on public roads must have at least third-party insurance cover as mandated under the Insurance (Motor Vehicle Third Party Risks) Act. This regulation reinforces the need for responsible vehicle ownership.

As schools prepare to reopen, NTSA issued a safety checklist for school administrators. The checklist ensures safe transportation of learners when schools resume operations. School transport vehicles must pass safety compliance checks under Operation Watoto Wafike Salama.

Yet, school buses are not permitted to operate before 6 AM or after 6 PM to keep learners safe. This restriction aims to reduce risks associated with transporting children during high-traffic hours.

NTSA has intensified inspections targeting public service vehicles and school transport operators. Failure to comply with these safety standards could attract penalties, including withdrawal of operating licences for school transport providers.

This regulatory shift comes amid alarming statistics—31 lives were claimed by road traffic accidents in the first six days of 2026. The National Police Service remarked, “This is unacceptably alarming and cannot be allowed to continue. It is a crisis that demands immediate, collective, and decisive action.”

Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these changes will impact accident rates in the long term. However, NTSA’s focus on enforcement suggests a commitment to improving overall road safety in Kenya.

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On April 20, 2026, a breakthrough occurred in Nanyuki. Paternity has been legally confirmed in twelve cases by the UK’s highest Family Court judge. James Netto and Denise Syndercombe Court led efforts using DNA testing to identify these fathers. They uncovered nearly one hundred documented cases of children with similar backgrounds.

Phill, a former British soldier, confirmed his paternity and is now providing financial support to his daughter, Cathy. He expressed remorse for lost time, stating, “I told Cathy… it doesn’t matter what I do, I can never make up for the amount of time that I’ve lost with her.” His situation reflects the emotional complexity many face when reconnecting with their past.

Yvonne’s story adds another layer to this unfolding narrative. After a DNA test, she discovered that her father is alive and residing in the UK. This revelation has brought joy but also challenges as families navigate their new realities.

Yet, the inquiry into the actions of British soldiers remains contentious. A Kenyan parliamentary investigation accused them of operating within a culture of impunity at the base. The UK Ministry of Defence expressed regret over issues related to its defense presence in Kenya but stated it would not investigate unless criminal accusations arose.

Nasibo, another affected individual, shared her thoughts on the situation: “I used to think they were gentlemen.” Her words reflect a broader sentiment among those seeking recognition from absent fathers. Many hope for accountability and acknowledgment from both the UK government and the military.

The implications of these findings extend beyond personal stories. They raise questions about responsibility and legacy—issues that resonate deeply within families affected by these historical ties. As more individuals come forward, observers expect further developments in this ongoing saga.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding future actions from the Ministry of Defence or any potential investigations into these cases. However, as more paternity cases emerge, the conversation surrounding fatherhood and accountability continues to evolve.

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The Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Authority revoked KIM’s accreditation on April 20, 2026. It ordered the closure of all KIM campuses nationwide. This action stems from findings that KIM operated unapproved programmes and employed unlicensed trainers.

All academic awards issued by KIM after 2018 are now void. Students who graduated during this period will find their qualifications unrecognized. The TVET Authority emphasized adherence to accreditation guidelines for all educational institutions.

This decision disrupts ongoing learning activities, admissions, and examinations at KIM. The authority warned the public to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrolling in any programme of study.

KIM had previously been accredited to offer programmes certified by the TVET Curriculum Development Assessment and Certification Council. Yet, it appears that compliance with these standards was not maintained.

No private TVET institution in Kenya has been accredited as a Qualification Awarding Body. This situation raises concerns about the quality of vocational education in the country.

Members of the public are advised to exercise caution while engaging with KIM. They should verify the accreditation status of any institution before enrolling in any programme of study.

The public is hereby notified that KIM does not have the legal mandate to award qualifications. This statement underscores the urgency for students to seek accredited institutions.

The TVET Authority has been reviewing compliance across the sector to ensure quality assurance in technical and vocational education. The implications of this review are still unfolding.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding how many students will be affected or what options they may have moving forward. The future of KIM remains uncertain as it navigates this significant setback.

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