Raw Materials Push: President William Ruto says Kenya will stop exporting raw minerals and instead process them locally, linking the move to jobs and value addition after the Lake Magadi soda ash dispute involving Tata Chemicals. Mining Governance: Kajiado Senator Samuel Seki demands Magadi community inclusion in the new investor arrangements, warning residents must benefit directly from resources. Transport & Land: The State is buying land urgently for the Rironi–Nakuru–Mau Summit toll road after design changes add interchanges, using “early entry” to protect timelines. Elections & Media Freedom: A Thomson Reuters Foundation report warns Kenya may see more internet and media restrictions ahead of the 2027 polls, echoing 2024–25 protest-era disruptions. Opposition Politics: Ndindi Nyoro urges opposition leaders to end infighting and unite behind one presidential candidate for 2027. AI in Work: Kenya’s gig and student-cheating ecosystem is being squeezed by AI, while recruiters increasingly use AI tools to spot fake CVs and deepfake identities. Business & Finance: B Lab Africa launches its 7th Resilient Sustainable Business cohort for SMEs, while Bank of Baroda’s fight with Infinity Industrial Park escalates in court over loan default and control. Telecoms Watch: Questions linger over Airtel Kenya’s licence status as the regulator says approvals are still pending public submissions. Security & Trade: Two women were arrested at JKIA for allegedly smuggling 658g of gold to Dubai.