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The National Treasury has proposed a Ksh 4.82 trillion spending plan for the 2026/27 financial year, setting a new high for government expenditure as authorities navigate a tightening global economic environment.

Budget projections submitted to Parliament before the April 30 deadline indicate a slight easing in economic growth, expected to dip from 5.3 % to 5.0 %. The adjustment is attributed to external pressures, including geopolitical tensions affecting global trade flows.

To support the spending plan, the government targets Ksh 3.63 trillion in total revenue, with Ksh 2.99 trillion anticipated from ordinary collections. The remaining gap of about Ksh 1.1 trillion will be financed through borrowing.

Most of this borrowing will be sourced domestically, with Ksh 995.7 billion expected from the local market, the highest level on record. External financing is projected at Ksh 116.2 billion.

Expenditure will be divided into three main areas: Ksh 2.89 trillion for the national government, Ksh 1.5 trillion for Consolidated Fund Services, and Ksh 420 billion allocated to county governments, reflecting a modest increase from the previous cycle.

A large portion of the national allocation will go toward recurrent spending, including public sector wages, operational costs and debt obligations, which together account for Ksh 3.54 trillion. Development spending is set at Ksh 749 billion.

Within the national government, the Executive is expected to receive Ksh 2.8 trillion, representing the bulk of the allocation. Of this, Ksh 1.98 trillion will cover recurrent expenses, while Ksh 840.6 billion is designated for development programmes.

Parliament has been allocated Ksh 48.69 billion, while the Judiciary is set to receive Ksh 30.44 billion.

The proposed budget reflects a continued balancing act between sustaining government operations, funding development priorities, and managing rising debt levels amid global economic uncertainty.

Alleged serial fraudster Brian Reeves Obare is facing serious charges at the Milimani Magistrates Court over a Ksh51 million visa fraud case, as fresh testimony continues to shed light on how the alleged scheme was carried out.

The case, which has drawn scrutiny over its handling and the frustrations faced by victims, took a new turn following detailed testimony by Bonventure Aradi, a director at Golden Key Travel Consultants Limited and one of the alleged victims of the fraud.

Appearing before Magistrate P. Mutai, Aradi narrated how he and his company were allegedly misled by Obare into believing he had the capacity to facilitate Canadian visas.

Aradi told the court that Golden Key engaged the accused in good faith and proceeded to forward funds collected from clients for visa processing.

“Employees of Golden Key were sending money to Brian… on behalf of the company,” he testified, maintaining that all transactions were conducted through official company channels.

He explained that the payments, amounting to over Ksh51 million, were made under the belief that the accused was legitimately connected to the Canadian Embassy and capable of delivering the promised services.

According to his testimony, the company collected passports and supporting documents from clients and handed them over to the accused alongside the payments.

Aradi emphasized that the firm operated transparently, with multiple employees involved in handling transactions and documentation.

“Golden Key has employees… and those employees send money to Brian,” he told the court, underscoring that the accused was the primary recipient of the funds.

He further stated that the company relied entirely on the representations made by Obare, only to later discover that none of the visa applications were successful.

The court heard that despite the significant payments made, clients were unable to travel, with some reportedly denied boarding, arrested, or turned back during transit after their documents were found to be invalid.

Aradi’s testimony also revealed the financial burden that fell on the company, stating that Golden Key has since been forced to refund over Ksh34 million to affected clients, while some others opted to be facilitated to alternative destinations in Europe.

Further details presented in court indicate that Obare allegedly represented himself as a Canadian consulate official during his dealings with the company. Upon his arrest, officers reportedly recovered additional identification documents, including a fake Seychelles ID and an expatriate employee card also from Seychelles, listing him as a demarcation officer under the Ministry of Lands and Housing. Both documents bore his full name and notably, were said to have expired on the same date, October 30, 2024.

In parallel proceedings before the High Court, further insight into the case emerged through a revision application challenging the release of items seized during Obare’s arrest. The court found that the lower court had erred in releasing the exhibits at a pre-trial stage.

“I find that it is/was premature to release the items at the Pre-Trial stage,” the court ruled, adding that, “the orders were in breach of procedure and were tainted by illegality warranting intervention by this court.”

The High Court directed that key items, including mobile phones, laptops and a motor vehicle suspected to be linked to proceeds of the alleged fraud, remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations and trial.

The court further held that the trial court lacked the authority to release exhibits before they are formally produced in evidence.

“I find that the court erroneously found that the listed items were not exhibits,” the judge stated, emphasizing that such items must remain under the custody of investigating officers until the case is fully heard.

Among the items retained are several digital devices, including high-end mobile phones and laptops, which are undergoing forensic examination and are expected to form part of the prosecution’s evidence.

The court also declined to release a Land Rover Discovery motor vehicle (Reg. KDM 279R), noting that its ownership and potential link to the alleged offence must first be established during trial proceedings.

Obare is charged with obtaining Ksh51,244,650 by false pretences, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code. The prosecution alleges that he deliberately misrepresented his ability to process visas, leading to substantial financial losses for both the company and individual clients.

The matter was initially before magistrate Lucas Onyina but he recused himself saying that defense approached him trying to compromise this case.

It is ongoing, with the prosecution seeking to demonstrate that the accused orchestrated a well coordinated and deliberate scheme to defraud unsuspecting victims.

In a letter addressed to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Tuesday, the DPP instructed detectives to probe the circumstances surrounding the artist’s death and submit their findings to the prosecution within seven days.

The directive follows a formal complaint lodged on December 9 by the singer’s mother, Joyce Wairimu, who petitioned the DPP to open an inquest into her daughter’s death. In her letter, Wairimu expressed concerns that the circumstances under which Bayo died were unclear and required further scrutiny.

Betty Bayo passed away on November 10, 2025, while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital. At the time, a family spokesperson, accompanied by the singer’s husband, Hiram Gitau, informed the public that the 11th Hour hitmaker had succumbed to leukaemia.

However, in her appeal to the DPP, Wairimu disputed that account, claiming her daughter had not shown signs of serious illness prior to her death. She stated that the family believes there may have been foul play involved and described the death as sudden and unexplained.

The bereaved mother also raised concerns over events that followed the singer’s passing. She alleged that the family was not given access to the autopsy report and that Bayo was buried hastily, actions she claims may have been intended to obscure critical details surrounding her death.

Additionally, Wairimu accused hospital officials and other parties of denying the family access to medical records and information on the treatment Bayo was receiving before she died, further deepening suspicions and prompting calls for an independent investigation.

The World Health Expo (WHX) Nairobi has officially launched, setting a new agenda for the future of healthcare in East Africa. Held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, the summit is a powerhouse of innovation. It unites over 5,000 professionals from more than 20 countries.

The message from day one was clear: the era of top-down solutions is over. A new model, built on local leadership and smart technology, is taking root.

The opening CEO panel set a profound tone for the event. Leaders from Kenya’s top hospitals shifted the conversation from balance sheets to human capital.

Dr. Toseef Din of M.P. Shah Hospital moved the audience with a powerful statement. “In healthcare we witness loss every day, yet compassion must never fade,” he said.He argued that leaders must guard their teams’ humanity as fiercely as their patients’ well-being.

Dr. Richard Lesiyampe of Kenyatta National Hospital built on this, stressing investment in people. He called for a strategic shift from simply managing staff to actively developing talent.

The dialogue quickly expanded to system-wide financing and policy. A fireside chat hosted by the Global Health Association of Kenya tackled sustainable funding head-on.

Dr. Samuel Oti of the International Development Research Centre issued a bold challenge. He demanded global health funding evolve “from charity to collaboration.”

“True progress happens when funders invest directly in local expertise,” Oti stated. “Authentic allyship is about shifting power, not preserving it.”

Dr. Aliza Monroe-Wise of the WHO then framed Africa’s future in staggering terms. “Africa is standing on the edge of a demographic goldmine,” she declared.Her vision was unequivocal: “If we invest in our youth and systems today, Africa will define the future.”

On the exhibition floor, this vision was already taking physical form. Companies demonstrated technologies designed for real-world African conditions.

Randox showcased its push to decentralize molecular testing. The goal is to move complex diagnostics from central labs out to county-level facilities. Meshack Oduor Ouma of Randox explained their mission is to ensure “no patient is left behind” on the path to Universal Health Coverage.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian surgical supplier Bioline announced plans to deeply embed itself in Kenya. Country Manager Sara Silva confirmed they are actively seeking a local distribution partner.

This strategy aims to strengthen medical supply chains while creating local employment opportunities.

Running parallel to the main congress, WHX Labs Nairobi focused on the engine room of healthcare: the laboratory. Sessions delved into the unglamorous but critical work that makes quality care possible. Key topics included workforce development and the integration of AI in diagnostics.

Combating antimicrobial resistance was also a central theme, highlighting the ongoing challenges and innovations in public health.

As day one concluded, a new blueprint for East African healthcare became visible. It is a future built on partnership, empowered local leadership, and appropriate technology.

The summit continues with day two focusing squarely on digital health. The integration of AI and telemedicine promises to be the next chapter in this unfolding story of health system transformation.

WHX Nairobi and WHX Labs Nairobi are part of the World Health Expo (WHX) network is the world’s leading healthcare platform uniting over 600,000 medical professionals across 15 global exhibitions and 110 conferences annually.

The WHX platform also champions sustainability through its “Better Stands” initiative, encouraging exhibitors to use reusable and recyclable materials to reduce carbon emissions.

Informa Markets, the event organiser, is a global leader in exhibitions, digital services, and business intelligence. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is part of the FTSE 100 Index, employing over 14,000 professionals across 30 countries.

A Nairobi court has dismissed an application by Cheekati Narasimha’s, a businessman accused of Stealing Employer’s Sh200M to have his travel documents released.
This is after it was strongly objected by victim lawyer Kimani Wachira,who questioned the validity of the medical documents and the applicant’s familial relationship with the alleged doctor father.
Narasimha had made an application before Principal Magistrate Caroline Nyaguthii seeking to have his medical documents released in order to visit his sick father in India.
While dismissing the application, Nyaguthii said the applicants failed to produce enough evidence to support the application.
“The court has not received any document including birth certificate or any medical documents showing that his father is indeed hospitalized, “ruled Nyaguthii.
Wachira had urged the court to dismiss it entirely saying that the applicant would take this opportunity to escape justice.
The accused had argued that he wanted to travel to India to take care of his sick father as he suffers from a neurological condition that adversely affects his spinal cord and nerves, with screws embedded in his neck.
Wachira dismissed it saying that the court had not received any medical report regarding the applicant’s father; instead, only an unauthorized letter had been provided, which does not sufficiently demonstrate the familial relationship with the applicant.
“Regarding the neurological condition that necessitates his travel outside the country, there is no formal medical report, but merely a record indicating that he visited a facility known as Citi Neuro Centre on August 26, 2024, and August 29, 2024, as an outpatient, simply walking in and out of the facility” he added.
Narasimha, a former employee of Printing Services Limited is charged with stealing Sh 254 million from the company.
He is accused of stealing Sh 254,461,768, the property of Printing Services Limited which got into his possession by virtue of his employment.
Rao is alleged to have committed the offense on diverse dates between 1st January 2016 and 31st August 2024, in Nairobi, jointly with others not before court.
The accused is also charged with forging the signature of the managing director of Printing Services Limited.
According to the charge sheet, Rao forged the signature of Malkiat Singh Dhillon on a letter of appointment promoting himself to the position of Production Manager of Printing Services Limited, purporting it to have been signed by PSL MD Malkiat Singh Dhillon.

It is alleged that this offense was committed on 1st April 2010 at an unknown place within the Republic of Kenya, with intent to deceive.
He denied the charges before Chief Magistrate Lukas Onyina and was granted a cash bail of Sh 3 million.

A Notorious serious fraudster Woman Teresiah Wanjiru Boro and her co-accused Hosea Muge Mbugua have been charged at Milimani Law courts with rice fraud.

The two have appeared before magistrate Lucas Onyina to face charges involving fake rice deals and denied the charges.

Wanjiru has been charged that on diverse dates between February 20,2024 at Nairobi City in Nairobi County,with intent to defraud obtained Sh 3,800,000 from Eva Waithera by falsely pretending that she was financing the purchase of dry maize grains from Eldoret knowing it was untrue.

She was also charged with obtaining another Sh 1,145,000 from Bernard Ngirita knowing it was untrue.

Munge on the other hand was charged that on January 4,2024 and April 3,2024 at Nairobi County,obtained Sh  4,350,000 pretending that he was financing the purchase of dry maize from Eldoret knowing it was untrue.

Waithera faced a last count of defrauding Sh 581,000 from David Kamau knowing it was untrue on January 4,2024.

Her release on bail was highly opposed by the prosecution saying she would abscond as she has other matters similar to this in various courts.

Muge on the other hand was released on Sh 900,000 or a cash bail of Sh 400,000.

Waithera has been detained till March 20,2024.

Two Directors of Rosalia Blooms Limited have suffered a blow after the high court declined to suspend their prosecution at the lower court.

While delivering the Judgement, Justice Lilian Mutende, ruled that there was no proof that the prosecution was abusing the court process.

Justice Mutende faulted the two directors saying they challenged their prosecution too late.

The two Mr. Shailesh Kumar Rai and his wife Ranjeeta Pandey Rai are the directors of a flower firm and are accused of stealing Sh107 million from the company.

Mr. Shailesh Kumar Rai and his wife Ranjeeta Pandey Rai had challenged their prosecution arguing that the charges were illegal and that the trial court failed to distinguish the company as a separate entity from its directors as they cannot be held liable for the acts of the company.

The couple were charged in August last year, together with two employees Isaac Ikua Kihara and Chris Oyunge, and denied a total of nine counts including conspiracy to defraud and forgery.

According to the charge sheet, Kumar between September 2021 and August 2022 in Nairobi County being the director of Heritage Flowers Company stole Euros 368,416.71 and 348,166.94 USD which came to his possession by virtue of his employment.

Kumar was further charged alongside Ranjeeta Pandey Rai, Isaac Jkua Kihara, Chris Oyunge Ontita for conspiring to defraud Heritage Flowers Limited company Ksh 117,718,596.

Kumar, Ranjeeta and Rosalia Blooms Limited was separately charged with money laundering where they were accused of engaging in a transaction to conceal an ammount of Ksh 107 million while having reason that the money was proceeds of crime.