‘Total Lack of Respect!’ French President Emmanuel Macron Lectures Noisemakers at Africa Forward Summit

By

-

May 11, 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday briefly interrupted proceedings at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi to reprimand attendees for making noise while speakers and artists addressed the audience.

Macron stopped the session midway and urged delegates to show respect to speakers on stage, saying the disruptions were inappropriate during discussions focused on culture and youth voices.

The remarks drew applause from sections of the audience as order was restored and the session resumed.

“Excuse me, everybody, hey, hey. I’m sorry, but it is impossible to speak about culture and to have people like that super inspired coming here, making a speech with such noise. This is a total lack of respect,” Macron told the audience.

“I suggest that if you want to have a chat about something else, you have bilateral rooms or you go outside. If you want to stay here, listen to the people, and we will play the same game. Thank you.”

Emmanuel Macron is in Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit, a two-day meeting being co-hosted by William Ruto and France on May 11 and 12.

The summit has been billed as a major platform aimed at reshaping relations between Africa and France while strengthening cooperation on economic development, innovation, investment and global governance.

The summit has brought together African Heads of State, representatives of the African Union, international financial institutions, development partners, investors, business leaders, innovators and creatives.

Organisers say the meeting seeks to establish a new partnership framework between Africa and France based on equality, mutual respect and shared prosperity.

The event is being held under the High Patronage of Presidents Macron and Ruto and is co-organised by Bpifrance, Business France and Proparco.

More than 1,500 economic and institutional leaders from Africa and France are expected to attend the summit.

The forum will focus on showcasing Africa’s innovation capacity and advancing solutions to emerging challenges facing the continent and the world.

The summit comes at a time when African nations are increasingly pushing for greater agency in global decision-making, climate financing, trade and sustainable development.

Ruto, in his welcoming message ahead of the summit, described the gathering as a historic opportunity to shape the future of Africa’s partnerships with the rest of the world.

“It is my distinct honour to warmly welcome you to Nairobi, Kenya, for the inaugural Africa Forward Summit, co-hosted by Kenya and France at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre and the University of Nairobi on the 11th and 12th of May 2026,” Ruto said.

“Kenya, the cradle of humankind, is proud to host you once again on African soil, a place where history began, and where the future is being actively shaped.”

Macron also underscored the significance of the summit, saying it marked a major step in efforts to redefine relations between France and Africa.

“Since 2017, we have been working on overhauling the Africa–France relationship. We wish to build partnerships on an equal footing, founded on shared interests and tangible results,” Macron said.

“The Africa Forward Summit will be a significant milestone in that endeavour. For the first time, France and an English-speaking African country will co-chair this event, symbolising an open and future-focused relationship.”

Prime Minister Modi urges Indians to work from home amid global energy crisis

By

John Mutiso

-

May 11, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to Indians to revive working from home, buy less gold and limit foreign travel to deal with a surge in global energy prices because of the continuing crisis in the Middle East.

Modi said the austerity measures, reminiscent of the Covid era, would reduce India’s fuel use and help save foreign exchange.

India imports 90% of its oil and its crude bill has seen a multi-billion dollar spike since the US and Israel’s war on Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow Gulf chokepoint, shut for more than two-and-a-half months now.

Analysts described Modi’s appeal, made at a public event in the southern city of Hyderabad on Sunday, as the “most drastic” so far.

“Patriotism is not only about the willingness to sacrifice one’s life on the border. In these times, it is about living responsibly and fulfilling our duties to the nation in our daily lives,” Modi said.

“In the current situation, we must place great emphasis on saving foreign exchange,” he added.

Urging people to use public transport such as the metro, Modi suggested people carpool to conserve fuel. He also asked farmers to reduce use of fertiliser by half.

The effect was visible on Indian markets on Monday – analysts say Modi’s comments was one of the reasons the benchmark Sensex index fell more than 1,000 points in early trade amid fears of prolonged economic disruption.

India has so far avoided raising petrol and diesel prices at the pump despite mounting pressure on state-run fuel retailers. But the prolonged conflict and disruption to oil supplies have begun to strain the broader economy.

The impact has been visible in a number of industries, with hundreds of thousands of jobs at risk in factories that make glass and plastic products and tiles. Dwindling fertiliser supplies have raised concerns about lower farm produce and higher food prices.

But the effect has been most stark on the Indian rupee, which has hit record lows in recent weeks, increasing the cost of imports and adding pressure on inflation.

Analysts say Modi’s remarks indicate the government may soon issue some directives to curb energy use. A price revision of petroleum products could also be on the horizon.

India’s opposition leaders criticised Modi’s remarks, saying it pointed to poor planning on the part of the federal government.

Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi said the government was shifting “responsibility onto the people” and escaping accountability themselves.

“[Modi’s suggestions] aren’t sermons – these are proofs of failure,” he said in a post on X.

The war in Iran and the choking of the Strait of Hormuz has affected economies across the globe, especially in Asia, with many countries reeling under rising fuel costs. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has described it as the “largest supply disruption in history”.

In the days following the start of the war, a number of countries introduced measures to limit the impact on consumers and the economy.

China ordered its oil refineries to stop exporting fuel for the time being, but petrol still became expensive in the country and some Chinese airlines cut flights as jet fuel prices went up.

Some Australian states have made public transport free or slashed fares by half to encourage people not to drive.

The Philippines declared a national emergency in March, with its government offering subsidies to transport drivers, reducing ferry services and implementing a four-day work week for civil servants.

Sri Lanka too introduced fuel rationing and temporarily turned to a four-day week, shutting down schools, colleges and other government institutions on Wednesdays.

Port of Lamu Receives Largest Ship Ever to Dock in East and Central Africa

By

John Mutiso

-

May 11, 2026

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has announced the arrival of the largest vessel ever to dock at any port in East and Central Africa.

In a statement on Monday, May 11, the authority said the MV Baltimore Express berthed at the Port of Lamu on Sunday, May 10.

The vessel, operated by Hapag-Lloyd, arrived from Salalah Port in Oman and marked a major milestone for the Lamu Port.

“In a historic feat, the Port of Lamu on Sunday evening welcomed the largest vessel ever to dock at any Port in East and Central Africa. The MV Baltimore Express, a colossal, measuring 369 meters in length overall, arrived from Oman’s Salalah Port,” the statement read.

KPA explained that the ship’s massive size underscored the growing capacity of the Port of Lamu to handle ultra-large vessels that many regional ports would struggle to accommodate.

“To put that size into perspective, the ship spans nearly the length of three football pitches with 69 meters to spare. Many regional ports would struggle to accommodate such a giant, but Lamu stood up to the challenge,” the statement added.

KPA further noted that the vessel docked successfully at the port without any operational challenges due to the port’s infrastructure capacity.

“With the port’s quay length of 400 meters per berth, MV Baltimore Express docked smoothly without any incident,” the statement further read.

File image of the MV Baltimore Express at Lamu Port

During its stay at the port, the vessel handled restows of dangerous cargo through the repositioning of DGs aboard the ship in compliance with the regulations of the International Maritime Organization.

According to KPA, the latest call follows an earlier record set by sister vessel MV Nagoya Express, a 335-meter container ship that docked at the Port of Lamu in August 2025.

KPA General Manager for the Port of Lamu Capt. Abdulaziz Mzee welcomed the vessel and said the successful docking had elevated Lamu’s standing among major global ports.

“This call lifts Lamu’s profile on the global maritime map, and compares to some of the world’s most developed ports like Singapore, Rotterdam and Hamburg,” he said.

According to KPA, the Port of Lamu has handled more than 120 vessels since the beginning of the year, with more ship calls expected in the coming days as traffic at the facility continues to grow.

To support the increasing activity, the authority is investing in modern cargo handling equipment including new cranes, terminal tractors and other machinery expected later this year.

Abdulaziz also confirmed that 90 motor vehicles out of the 5,000 units discharged at the port in March had already been evacuated from the facility.

13 Convicted in Three Months for Electricity Vandalism

By

John Mutiso

-

May 11, 2026

Kenyan courts have imposed tough penalties on 13 individuals convicted of vandalising electricity infrastructure across the country over the past three months.

In a statement on Monday, May 11, Kenya Power said the decisions, delivered between March and May 2026, underscore the seriousness with which courts are treating electricity-related offences.

According to the company, at the Eldoret Chief Magistrate’s Court, three men were convicted on May 6 over vandalism and theft of energy equipment.

Ernest Kemboi and Amos Swahili were each sentenced to 10 years in prison on every count. Isaac Maiyos was fined Ksh5 million or, in default, serve 10 years in jail.

Two other suspects, Victor Ndayala and Juliah Mburu, are still facing trial, with the matter scheduled for mention on May 25, 2026.

In Machakos County, the Kithimani Law Court sentenced Stanley Mutia Nyamai, also known as Stano, and Daniel Kamau Wambui, alias Hunter, to 10 years in prison each or a fine of Ksh5 million after finding them guilty of vandalising a Kenya Power transformer valued at more than Ksh850,000.

Investigators recovered exhibits linked to the offence from the convicts’ premises, including transformer laminations, coils, bolts, Kenya Power overalls and about 140 litres of transformer oil.

In Vihiga County, the Luanda Magistrates Court sentenced Martin Mutuku Mbiti and Joseph Imbaya Orubi to five years in prison each after they were convicted of vandalising energy structures.

File image of Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO Joseph Siror

Other convictions recorded in March and April also reflected a firm judicial stance against vandalism.

At Siakago Court, Richard Mureithi was sentenced to 10 years in prison or a fine of Ksh5 million on the first count, and Ksh2 million or two years’ imprisonment on the second count.

In Bomet, the Item Law Court fined Evans Kipkogei Kiprono Ksh5 million or five years in prison.

At the Rongo Magistrate’s Court, Peter Ochieng Ogin and Kelvin Otieno Chabuya were each sentenced to 10 years in jail.

The Migori Law Courts fined Francis Itembe Nyahiri, Jonathan Robi Merengo and Samue Mesegeso Marwa Ksh50,000 each, with a default sentence of two years’ imprisonment.

Meanwhile, the Kericho Law Courts sentenced Victor Langat to one year in prison for stealing energy infrastructure equipment.

“These convictions sends a strong message to everyone that vandalism has no place in our society. It is a serious crime punishable by law. When vandalism occurs, it affects essential services, communities, and businesses and this is something we must stop. As a Company we shall keep on working with communities and law enforcement agencies to ensure safe and reliable power supply to our customers.

“In carrying out this campaign, we also want to thank the communities that are working with us to ensure that we continue to create awareness on anti-vandalism. Together, let’s protect our installations because when we shine, everyone shines,” Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO Joseph Siror said.

NTSA e-Logbook: 10 Features of the e-Logbooks Set to Be Launched by NTSA

By

John Mutiso

-

May 11, 2026

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has published 10 benefits of the new e-Logbooks set to be formally launched on June 10, 2026.

NTSA explained that the new e-logbook would make vehicle ownership easier, safer and more convenient.

Motor vehicle owners will enjoy instant digital issuance. Applications for the electronic document will be processed instantly, cutting off the waiting period that lasted days or even weeks.

The new digital logbooks would make the vehicle sale and transfer process free from fraud through their real-time updates and tamper-proof features.

This means that any changes in ownership would reflect instantly to avoid cases where unsuspecting buyers are duped by devious sellers who may backtrack on sales after receiving payment.

A file photo of Kenyans seeking services at NTSA offices.

According to NTSA, the new logbooks will have digital encryption that makes the document very difficult to forge, thus eliminating the risk of logbook scams.

Car owners will have easy access to their logbooks, without the burden of walking around with a physical copy to show proof of ownership.

“Access anywhere, anytime; view your e-logbook 24/7 from the NTSA TIMS portal or mobile app. No physical document needed,” the Authority explained.

The e-logbooks will have QR codes, a feature that allows buyers, banks and insurers to instantly verify authenticity with a simple scan.

Motorists who intend to use their vehicles to seek financing from commercial banks will enjoy faster loan approvals thanks to the seamless bank integration feature and the direct verification of ownership status.

Other features include instant ownership transfer, cloud storage and free download of digital copies with no paid replacement.

NTSA explained that upon migrating to the e-Logbook, motorists will not have to worry about insurance payment dates as they will receive automated reminders.

Ruto, UN Secretary-General Guterres Break Ground for Ksh43.8 Billion Expanded UN Office

By

John Mutiso

-

May 11, 2026

President William Ruto and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday, May 11, broke ground for the construction of the expanded United Nations Office at Nairobi Assembly Hall in Gigiri and also inaugurated a new United Nations office block.

In a statement after the event, Ruto said the project reflected the UN’s commitment to global inclusivity and geographical representation.

“The modernisation and expansion of the United Nations Office at Nairobi is a powerful expression of inclusivity, geographical balance and the universality of the United Nations system,” he said.

File image of the event at the United Nations Office at Nairobi Assembly Hall in Gigiri

Ruto said the expansion of the UN complex would also be matched by significant investments by the Kenyan government in surrounding infrastructure.

“To complement the modernisation of the UN campus, we are investing $1.1 billion in complementary support for Nairobi’s infrastructure upgrade, including roads, street lighting, regeneration of the Nairobi Rivers, ICT systems security, and the operationalisation of the UN One-Stop Shop,” he added.

Further, Ruto said the latest investment further cements Nairobi’s place within the international diplomatic system.

“This investment affirms Nairobi’s role as the UN’s headquarters in the Global South, a centre of international diplomacy, and a symbol of international cooperation,” he concluded.

Elsewhere, Ruto has announced that Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire will deepen diplomatic ties following talks with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara at State House, Nairobi.

In a statement after the meeting on Sunday, May 10, Ruto said the two governments had agreed to establish an embassy in Nairobi.

“Our decision to open an embassy and send the first-ever Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire reflects our shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations and expanding Kenya’s diplomatic presence in West Africa,” he said.

Ruto also welcomed Ouattara’s commitment to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s representation in Kenya by sending an ambassador to Nairobi.

“I appreciated President Outarra’s pledge to send an ambassador to Nairobi. Our focus is to unlock greater opportunities in trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges for the mutual benefit of our citizens,” he added.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation at the multilateral level, with Kenya seeking support for international judicial candidate, Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung’u.

“At the multilateral level, we agreed to advance our cooperation. I sought President Ouattara’s support for Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung’u in her candidature for the position of Judge of the International Criminal Court,” he concluded.

Gachagua Urges Ruto to Order DCI to Release CCTV Footage in Rev. Ndumia Murder Probe

By

John Mutiso

-

May 11, 2026

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Monday, May 11, claimed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was holding onto key evidence in the murder of Rev Julius Ndumia.

Speaking during Rev Ndumia’s funeral service, Gachagua added that the DCI had in their possession CCTV footage that captured the murder of the deceased.

He claimed that the people responsible for the murder stayed at the PCEA Tabuga Church in Nakuru for three hours.

The DCP presidential hopeful demanded that the clip be released to the public so that the church and the residents can help identify the suspects.

“The footage shows that the killers were acting between 1 a.m and 4 a.m. The DCI in Nakuru are holding onto the footage, and should release it so that the family and Kenyans can watch it as you continue with your investigations,” he stated.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua with the children of the late Rev Julius Ndumia.

Gachagua questioned whether the man and woman who had been arrested and charged with the murder were actually culpable.

He argued that the two could be innocent Kenyans, whose offence was handling property owned by the deceased.

“The young lady and gentleman arrested were only found with the late Ndumia’s phone. Those who killed him dumped the phone and ran away. Where are those who killed him?” Gachagua posed.

The former DP questioned the government’s loud silence on the matter, as the heads of the security organs had not yet addressed the gruesome murder.

He claimed that the murder has left most men of the cloak fearing for their lives and challenged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Police Inspector General to ensure that justice is served.

The DCP leader demanded that President William Ruto ensure that the clergy in the country were safe. He claimed that the KSh2 million donation to the family was not enough, unless justice is served.

He accused his former Boss of attacking the very church that was a stepping stone to his ascent to the presidency.

Reverend Ndumia was killed on the night of May 3, 2026, after assailants broke into the PCEA Tabuga Church in Nakuru.

Supreme Court Battle Looms After Nyanja Holdings Wins Bid to Escalate Karen Land Dispute

By

Editor

-

May 11, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

A decades-long legal fight over a prime 100-acre Karen property is now headed to the Supreme Court after Nyanja Holdings Limited successfully obtained certification to challenge a Court of Appeal decision that upheld the controversial transfer of the land.

The dispute traces back to a loan facility advanced by City Finance Limited, now Kingdom Bank, to Nyanja Holdings, using L.R No. 7583/1 Karen as security. Over the years, disagreements emerged over interest rates, loan calculations and the legality of the bank’s actions concerning the charged property.

Senior Counsel Cecil Miller, appearing for Nyanja Holdings, argued before the Court of Appeal that the matter raises weighty constitutional and public interest issues touching on land ownership, fraudulent statutory sales and remedies available to borrowers.

Miller maintained that the case goes beyond a private commercial disagreement and could significantly affect how courts handle disputes involving statutory power of sale in Kenya.

At the heart of the dispute is the sale of the Karen property to Redmars Holdings Limited through a private treaty in 2011 while litigation concerning the debt and sale process was still ongoing.

Nyanja Holdings challenged the transaction, arguing that the property was sold at a gross undervalue and through an unlawful process.

In 2020, the High Court ruled in favour of Nyanja Holdings, finding that the loan had allegedly been overpaid and nullifying the transfer of the land.

However, the Court of Appeal later overturned that judgment and held that once a statutory sale is completed, the borrower’s equity of redemption is extinguished and remedies become limited mainly to damages.

Miller strongly opposed that position during the certification proceedings, arguing that the appellate decision effectively allows illegally acquired titles to remain protected even where fraud or irregularities are established.

According to court documents, one of the questions framed for determination before the Supreme Court is:

“Whether an illegal exercise of the statutory power of sale can confer a good title to the purchaser and confine the chargor’s remedy to damages only.”

Nyanja Holdings further questioned whether courts should remain restricted to damages even where transactions are allegedly tainted by “fraud, collusion, illegality, or irregularity.”

Miller told the court that conflicting legal interpretations surrounding statutory sales continue to create uncertainty for borrowers and lenders across the country and require final guidance from the Supreme Court.

The respondents opposed the application, arguing that the dispute was purely commercial and did not amount to a matter of general public importance warranting Supreme Court intervention.

They also resisted attempts to preserve the Karen property pending the intended appeal, insisting that the Court of Appeal had already finalized the substantive dispute.

But in its ruling, the appellate court found that the questions raised by Nyanja Holdings transcended the interests of the parties involved and carried broader implications for property rights and statutory land sales in Kenya.

The judges stated

“The questions raised in the interplay between the existing jurisprudence and the principles enunciated by the Supreme Court in the Dina Management case… are of general public importance.”

The court ultimately allowed the matter to proceed to the Supreme Court, paving the way for what could become a landmark ruling on the legality of statutory land sales and protections available to borrowers challenging disputed transactions.

Kenya, Ivory Coast Announce Plans for New Embassy in Nairobi

By

John Mutiso

-

May 11, 2026

President William Ruto has announced that Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire will deepen diplomatic ties following talks with Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara at State House, Nairobi.

In a statement after the meeting on Sunday, May 10, Ruto said the two governments had agreed to establish an embassy in Nairobi.

“Our decision to open an embassy and send the first-ever Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire reflects our shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations and expanding Kenya’s diplomatic presence in West Africa,” he said.

Ruto also welcomed Ouattara’s commitment to strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s representation in Kenya by sending an ambassador to Nairobi.

“I appreciated President Outarra’s pledge to send an ambassador to Nairobi. Our focus is to unlock greater opportunities in trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges for the mutual benefit of our citizens,” he added.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation at the multilateral level, with Kenya seeking support for international judicial candidate, Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung’u.

“At the multilateral level, we agreed to advance our cooperation. I sought President Ouattara’s support for Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung’u in her candidature for the position of Judge of the International Criminal Court,” he concluded.

CS Mbadi: Why Government May Not Reduce PAYE for Low-Income Workers as Promised

By

John Mutiso

-

May 11, 2026

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has explained why the government may not fulfil the promise to do away with tax for Kenyans earning up to Ksh30,000 and reduce pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) tax.

Speaking on Monday, May 11, CS Mbadi explained that the move would create a Ksh30 billion hole in the budget if implemented.

He disclosed that the Treasury would tap into personal income tax and rental income tax to raise more revenue, which should then open up room to lower the PAYE.

“If the reforms bear fruit, we will collect much more from personal income tax, which will compensate for this. The other area is the rental income tax.

“Those are the things we are working on, but that will not stop us from implementing or actualising the proposal that we announced publicly,” he stated.

A file photo of CS John Mbadi during a press interview on May 11, 2026.

Mbadi further divulged that the government is forced to heavily tax low-earning Kenyans because of rampant tax evasion by high-income-earning Kenyans.

He explained that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) sought access to Kenyans’ financial data to clamp down on billionaires underpaying or deliberately refusing to pay taxes.

“We would have even reduced PAYE so that people pay less, but because we have people who earn money but do not want to pay taxes, taxpayers bear a lot of the burden,” the CS stated.

Mbadi urged Kenyans to rally behind the push to access personal data, and promised that the access would be limited to only financial data.

The CS explained that KRA would only charge tax on income earned and not any other money in their mobile money wallets or bank accounts.

“If I have a bank account which has huge transactions that cannot be explained, can I pay taxes on it at the very least? KRA should get the data and ask me if it is my income.

“It is for me to explain, for example, that the money has been sent to me by my aunt, or boyfriend, or girlfriend, and it is not income. B,” he stated.

The Treasury boss added that the government would not go after money on M-Pesa amid concerns raised by Kenyans.

“M-Pesa is not an income; it is a transfer of funds. Nobody will come for that,” he reassured.

Mbadi stated in his parting shot that financial data is part of public records and that KRA should be allowed access to it.

He claimed that those opposed to the access of financial data were money launderers who did not want to be questioned on their sources of income.

Create a free account, or log in.

Upgrade your subscription