Good evening from the news desk. Below is a roundup of the key stories making headlines across Kenya’s leading newspapers and digital platforms on Saturday, May 30, 2026. From a high court’s decision on a controversial U.S. Ebola facility to the ongoing tragedy in Naivasha and the battle over the Finance Bill, here are the stories that matter.
1. High Court Halts Controversial US Ebola Quarantine Facility Amid Public Outcry
A Kenyan High Court has temporarily frozen plans by the United States to establish an Ebola quarantine and treatment facility in Laikipia County, sparking a major diplomatic and legal standoff. Justice Patricia Nyaundi issued interim conservatory orders stopping the establishment and operation of any Ebola-related facility linked to an arrangement involving the United States, pending an inter-parties hearing on June 2.
The proposed facility, planned for the Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, was intended to quarantine American citizens potentially exposed to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kenya has not recorded any Ebola cases, and the DRC epicentre is more than 1,500 miles away. The legal challenge was filed by the Katiba Institute, which argued that the arrangement was being established in secret and raised serious constitutional, public health, and sovereignty concerns.
“Crucially, the directive strictly forbids the admission, transfer, or recipient into Kenya of any persons exposed to or infected with the Ebola virus under this impugned arrangement,” the Katiba Institute said. “While international cooperation in global health is necessary, it cannot bypass constitutional safeguards. The people of Kenya possess a fundamental right to transparency, public participation, and a government that acts explicitly in their best interest.”
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has also moved to court to challenge the proposal, arguing that it raises serious constitutional, public health, environmental, biosafety, and sovereignty concerns. LSK expressed concern that discussions appeared to have taken place without parliamentary oversight or publicly available biosafety assessments.
The United States has responded by saying it is engaging Kenyan authorities and remains optimistic that concerns can be resolved. In a statement, the U.S. Foreign Service said, “We are aware of the court action filed in Kenya against the Ebola isolation facility. We are in touch with Kenyan authorities and are optimistic we can resolve objections.” The U.S. also announced plans to commit an additional $13.5 million (approximately KSh1.74 billion) toward Kenya’s Ebola preparedness efforts.
The debate has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua questioned the government’s willingness to host foreign nationals exposed to Ebola while Kenya continues to face significant health challenges. “The government must prioritise the safety and welfare of Kenyans,” Karua insisted, as she slammed the Kenya Kwanza administration over the secretive talks.
Meanwhile, the government has intensified surveillance at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other border points amid growing regional health threats. According to the Ministry of Health, authorities remain on high alert due to the continued risk posed by emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has been vocal in defending the broader U.S.-Kenya health partnership, while local doctors and legal organizations have joined the chorus of criticism.
2. Utumishi Girls Fire Tragedy: Families Await Postmortem Results as Eight Students Arrested
The nation remains in mourning following the deadly dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Naivasha, which claimed the lives of 16 students and left 79 others injured. Police have arrested eight students as persons of interest in connection with the suspected arson attack.
Families of the victims are awaiting postmortem results in Naivasha, with authorities preparing to use DNA analysis to identify some of the bodies that were completely burned in the inferno. A Form 3 student who survived the fire has recounted the events of the fateful night, describing how the fire spread rapidly through the dormitory, leaving little time for escape.
Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba has confirmed the death toll and assured the public that a comprehensive investigation is underway. The government has since dissolved the school’s board of management pending the outcome of the probe. NTV reported that police are holding eight students as persons of interest in the fire probe, and the suspects are expected to be arraigned on Tuesday.
The tragedy has reignited conversations about school safety standards across the country, with parents and civil society groups demanding stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in all learning institutions.
3. Battle Over Finance Bill 2026 Escalates: Treasury Takes Campaign to the Streets
The proposed Finance Bill 2026 continues to dominate public discourse, with National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi taking to the streets and social media to defend key provisions. The Bill has sparked fierce debate, particularly over a proposal to introduce a 25 per cent excise duty on every mobile phone activated in Kenya.
Mr Mbadi has been visiting electronics shops in Nairobi’s Central Business District and holding public barazas to explain the proposals, arguing that the opposition has deliberately misinterpreted the provision. “This provision is simply meant to streamline taxation by removing multiple tax layers currently paid by those selling phones. In fact, if it is passed in its current form, it will make mobile phones cheaper, not more expensive, contrary to what people are being told,” Mr Mbadi said.
The Cabinet Secretary explained that mobile phone importers currently pay cumulative taxes and levies amounting to 55 per cent. “What we are now doing through the Bill is consolidating all levies, including import duty, VAT and others, into a single 25 per cent tax. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” he asked.
The Treasury has adopted a direct public engagement strategy to counter what the Kenya Kwanza administration describes as misinformation being spread by the opposition. The National Assembly has also set up a dedicated team to monitor social media and provide clarifications on provisions of the Bill. Starting next Tuesday, Parliament will issue explainers to help the public better understand the Bill’s contents.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has dismissed claims by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka that the Finance Bill contains punitive provisions on land ownership, further highlighting the intense political battle over the legislation.
4. Kenya’s Inflation Rises to 6.7% in May, Highest in Over Two Years
Kenya’s annual inflation rate has accelerated to 6.7 per cent in May 2026, up from 5.6 per cent in April, marking the second consecutive monthly increase and the highest level recorded in more than two years. The surge has been driven by higher fuel and food prices, which have increased the cost of living across the country.
The rising fuel prices, in particular, have had a cascading effect on the economy, pushing up transport costs and the prices of goods and services. The inflationary pressures come at a time when households are already struggling with a high cost of living, adding to the political sensitivity of the government’s economic management.
In response to the rising cost of living, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has once again reassured Kenyans that there is no fuel shortage in the country. He said fuel shipments are arriving on schedule, storage levels remain stable, and distribution across the country is continuing without interruption despite volatility in global energy markets.
5. Kenya Suggests Cooperation with South Korea in Rare Earth Refinement and Nuclear Energy
In a significant diplomatic development, Kenya’s top diplomat has hinted at seeking South Korean cooperation in areas of rare earth refinement and nuclear energy, signaling Nairobi’s desire to expand bilateral cooperation beyond traditional development assistance. In a written interview with Yonhap News Agency, the Kenyan Foreign Minister outlined the country’s ambitions to tap into South Korea’s advanced technology in these critical sectors.
The move comes as Kenya seeks to diversify its energy mix and explore opportunities in the mining sector, particularly in the extraction and processing of rare earth minerals, which are essential for high-tech industries. The proposal reflects Kenya’s broader strategy to attract foreign investment and technology transfer in emerging industries.
6. Kenya Partners with Google to Deploy AI in Tourism Marketing
The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has announced a strategic partnership with Google Kenya to integrate artificial intelligence into tourism marketing and destination management. The government is seeking to boost visitor arrivals and improve the sector’s competitiveness through AI-driven strategies.
Kenya recorded 2.5 million tourist arrivals in 2025, with about a quarter of visitors traveling for business-related activities. The new partnership aims to leverage Google’s AI capabilities to target potential travellers more effectively, personalise marketing campaigns, and enhance the overall visitor experience. According to a statement released on May 29, the AI-driven tourism strategy is expected to transform how Kenya markets itself to global travellers and manages the tourism sector.
7. Police Use of Force Under Scrutiny as IPOA Probes Killings
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into multiple deaths linked to recent fuel price protests across the country. Among the cases under probe is the death of 23-year-old Brian Ndung’u Njung’e, who died in police custody at Kiambu Police Station. A post-mortem confirmed suicide, but IPOA says it is examining whether proper custodial procedures were followed.
The authority is also investigating the fatal shooting of Martin Rigii Karuu during protests in Kiambu Town, with preliminary findings suggesting a single armed officer may have been involved. A post-mortem examination established that the deceased sustained a single gunshot wound with associated internal injuries, including a ruptured lung and fractured ribs.
In Nakuru County, several other protest-related deaths have been reported, with investigations ongoing in Naivasha, Molo, and Mwariki. IPOA has assured the public of independent and impartial investigations and has committed to periodically providing updates on the progress of related cases.
8. Sports Roundup: Harambee Stars to Face Lesotho, Shujaa Keep Promotion Hopes Alive
Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, will now face Lesotho in two international friendly matches during the upcoming June FIFA international break after logistical challenges forced the cancellation of previously scheduled fixtures against Palestine and Kyrgyzstan. The first match is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026, while the second will take place on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
In rugby, Kenya Sevens (Shujaa) revived their hopes of another top-eight finish, sealing a place in the cup quarter-final following a 12-7 win over Great Britain in Valladolid, Spain. The victory came after losing their opening group stage games against Australia and South Africa on Friday.
Arsenal fans in Kenya have also made headlines, with the club’s Premier League title triumph sparking wild celebrations across Nairobi. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has since responded, sending a message to the club’s supporters in Kenya, acknowledging their passionate displays of loyalty.
That concludes the roundup of top news across Kenya on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Stay tuned for more updates as these stories continue to develop.
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