Author: Mwenda Gitonga

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has announced revised excise duty rates on various imported goods and services, following the enactment of the Finance Act, 2025. The new rates, which came into effect on July 1, 2025, affect manufacturers, importers, and suppliers across multiple sectors including packaging, construction materials, and gaming services. KRA issued a public notice notifying businesses to implement the revised excise rates and ensure timely remittance of tax to the Commissioner. Key Excise Duty Adjustments on Imported Goods Some of the most notable changes in the excise structure include: ProductPrevious RateNew Rate (Effective July 1, 2025)Imported labels and…

Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara has been released on bond after rejecting DCI summons over ‘offensive conduct’ charges. Her lawyers say the law used is unconstitutional.

Manchester United have agreed a £70m deal to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, as Ruben Amorim strengthens his squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, has boldly declared that President William Ruto is on track for a landslide re-election in 2027, citing a fragmented opposition and growing public appreciation of his administration’s efforts. Speaking during an interview with radio personality Alex Mwakideu on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Jalang’o said it is becoming increasingly difficult to imagine a scenario where Ruto is unseated. “Ruto kurudi inaenda kuwa ngumu na kumtoa ndio inaenda kuwa ngumu zaidi. Rais William Ruto ndio anaenda kuwa raisi tena, anaenda kushinda mbali sana,” he stated. According to the youthful legislator, no strong challenger has…

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has come out strongly against Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro’s criticism of the government’s handling of fuel prices, saying the lawmaker’s remarks are misleading and disregard global economic realities. Speaking on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during the commissioning of rural electrification projects in Kajiado West sub-county, Wandayi blamed the recent fuel price hike on geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel, which he says have caused a ripple effect across global oil markets. “Rafiki yangu Ndindi Nyoro Mbunge wa Kiharu ameanza kuharibika kwa sababu anatoa matamshi ambayo haina maana,” Wandayi said in Kiswahili. “Vita kati…

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has once again dismissed ODM leader Raila Odinga’s renewed call for an intergenerational national dialogue, calling it “hypocritical” and out of touch with the real issues facing Kenyans today. Speaking on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during the commissioning of the Maria Salus Infirmorum Health Facility in Kiongwani, Kilome Constituency, Makueni County, Kalonzo said Kenyans—especially the youth—are not interested in more talks. Instead, he urged both President William Ruto and Raila to focus on implementing real solutions to the grievances raised by the Gen Z-led protests. “My friend Raila amesema tufanye inter-generational dialogue. Hawa watoto do…

Human rights activists demand KSh129M compensation and public apologies from Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda Kenyan human rights activist Boniface Mwangi and his Ugandan counterpart Agather Atuhaire have taken the Tanzanian government to the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), accusing it of grave human rights violations, including torture, unlawful detention, and illegal deportation. The suit is backed by seven civil society organisations across the region. In the petition, the two activists are demanding at least KSh129 million (approximately $1 million USD) in compensation, along with public apologies not just from Tanzania but also Kenya and Uganda, whom they claim were…

Britain and Germany have signed a landmark “Kensington Treaty” to deepen defence cooperation and crack down on people-smuggling, marking a new chapter in bilateral ties during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first official visit to the United Kingdom. The treaty, described as the first “friendship treaty” between the two nations, was signed on Wednesday, July 17, 2025, at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London before both leaders held bilateral talks at 10 Downing Street. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the deal as a turning point, saying it would lead to closer security coordination, joint military projects, and significant progress…

In a bold leap toward turning the car into a mobile office, Mercedes-Benz has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Microsoft to embed productivity tools like Microsoft Teams, Intune, and eventually Microsoft 365 Copilot directly into its next-generation vehicle operating system. The integration will debut in September 2025 with the all-new CLA model, which will run on the fourth-generation MBUX system powered by MB.OS, the carmaker’s custom operating system. “By integrating Microsoft Workspace tools directly into MB.OS, we’ve created an intuitive and secure platform that enhances efficiency without compromising safety,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Group…

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has called on Kenyans to protect stadium infrastructure during the upcoming 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), as the country showcases its readiness to host major international tournaments. Speaking during the official handover of the renovated Nyayo National Stadium to the CHAN Local Organising Committee, Tuya emphasised the importance of maintaining the multimillion-shilling upgrades made to Kenya’s key sports facilities. “It is a moment to also implore our Kenyan sports fans that… the incidents we often see of vandalism, of extreme celebrations that cause destruction… we should not see those incidents again,” she said. The Ministry…