Kenyan dailies report on Finance Bill 2026 battles, JKIA expansion deal, and Ebola funding
via Tuko6 min read
Kenyan newspapers on Thursday, June 18, focused on political disputes over the Finance Bill 2026, succession politics for the 2027 General Election, and calls for transparency regarding the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport JKIA expansion deal. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga faced scrutiny from the Senate Public Accounts Committee over KSh 700 million in unaccounted hospital revenue and the financing of the KSh 820 million county headquarters. Senators ordered further investigations into these matters. Pressure is mounting on the government to disclose details of the planned KSh 150 billion to KSh 180 billion JKIA expansion, with civil society groups, lawmakers, and activists accusing the government of secrecy in the procurement process. Sources indicate a Chinese firm, likely China Road and Bridge Corporation CRBC, has secured the contract. Stakeholders, including Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and the Law Society of Kenya, have threatened legal action for full disclosure. Kenya is among several African nations set to benefit from a KSh 67 billion US$518 million international fund announced at the G7 Summit in France. This funding aims to strengthen preparedness and response efforts against Ebola outbreaks, particularly in light of the resurgence of cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC and Uganda. G7 leaders expressed concern over the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola and the challenges of containment in conflict-affected areas. The funds will support the Continental Prepar
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Must ReadPresident William Ruto met with World Bank Group president Ajay Banga during the G7 Summit in France to discuss development financing and reforms to global financial systems. The Kenyan delegation, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to working with the World Bank to advance national priorities. President Ruto welcomed the World Bank's support for reforms to the international financial architecture aimed at expanding access to capital and strengthening resilience for developing countries. This meeting occurred as the World Bank prepares to disburse a KSh 96.9 billion loan to Kenya by June 30, following progress on reform conditions. Kenya had previously sought emergency funding in April to mitigate economic impacts, but this request was rejected. President Ruto also used the G7 platform to advocate for stronger Africa鈥揼lobal partnerships and increased access to affordable credit for developing nations, emphasizing a desire for partnership based on mutual benefit and shared prosperity.
Must ReadA postmortem examination has confirmed that Sylvester Muigai, a 17-year-old Form Three student, died from a single gunshot wound to the head during protests in Nanyuki on June 9. Pathologist Peter Ndegwa stated that the bullet entered above the left eye and lodged in the back of the head. Muigai lost his life during demonstrations against the proposed construction of an American-linked Ebola quarantine facility at the Laikipia Air Base. VOCAL Africa condemned the incident, with activist Brian Olang' questioning the police's role. The organization also revealed that a small-arm bullet retrieved from Muigai's skull was handed to the IPOA for investigation. Muigai's mother, Lucy Kagure, is appealing for justice and assistance, having also lost her home to a fire late last year. She alleges that police officers threatened her when she sought answers regarding her son's death.
The Kenya Medical Research Institute KEMRI has addressed viral social media claims suggesting it is recruiting 200 volunteers to be deliberately infected with malaria in exchange for payment. KEMRI clarified that these posts are inaccurate and do not reflect its research practices. The institute emphasized that all studies involving human participants are conducted under strict ethical and regulatory guidelines, prioritizing participant safety and informed consent. The false reports claimed KEMRI would pay KSh 48,000 to each volunteer, with an additional KSh 2,000 daily remuneration for hospital stays. KEMRI urged the public to verify information through official channels and avoid spreading unverified claims, reaffirming its commitment to responsible research and ethical standards.