Kenya News Brief - Thursday, Jun 18, 2026

Equity Group has entered Kenya's retail pharmacy market, and a new initiative will help university students build credit history through rent payments with partnerships involving Co-operative Bank and Absa Bank Kenya. Parliament advanced the Finance Bill to its second reading amid a nationwide matatu strike over fuel prices. Senator Edwin Sifuna was removed from the Senate's Petroleum Committee. President Ruto secured benefits from G7-backed financial reforms aimed at reducing capital costs for developing nations, with Kenya also nearing a deal with the U.S. on critical minerals. The EU committed 74.1 billion Kenyan Shillings for Ebola response. The Junior Starlets topped their group after a draw with Tanzania, advancing to the CECAFA U-17 semi-finals. Kenya also launched its National 7s rugby circuit and secured new sponsorship. In Kiambu County, women farmers are thriving using modern techniques on small plots, while Kenya promotes agricultural mechanisation. Nairobi City Thunder's captain believes the team can become a force in African basketball. This episode features AI-powered summaries of the day's top Kenyan news stories.