School Arson Crisis: Almost 50 fires have hit Kenyan schools this year, killing 16 girls and forcing over 100 closures, with Utumishi Girls’ Academy in Nakuru among the worst cases—sparking renewed calls for better funding, oversight and safer dorm conditions. Plastic & Food Safety: Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference ends with warnings that toxic chemicals and microplastics from plastic waste are contaminating marine ecosystems and the seafood Kenyans eat. Sickle Cell Access: Kisumu sickle-cell advocates demand affordable, inclusive care as gaps in medication, screening and specialized services keep patients sidelined. El Niño Preparedness: FAO and WFP launch a $202m joint anticipatory appeal to protect nearly 9 million people in 22 high-risk countries from El Niño-driven shocks. Critical Minerals Deal: President Ruto says Kenya is close to a U.S. deal to process strategic minerals locally, aiming to keep value and jobs in-country. Banking & SME Growth: Egypt’s Commercial International Bank Kenya targets tripling market share in two years, focusing on retail deposits, trade finance and SMEs. Telecom Shift: Mobile money has crossed 100% penetration while 5G users consume far more data than average, signalling a move toward heavier digital activity. Housing Investment: IHS targets 3,000 green affordable homes by 2030, with hundreds already under construction. Youth Enterprise Finance: Co-op Bank and Absa unveil a Sh1bn graduate programme with start-up capital and unsecured housing loans to spur new businesses. FATF Grey List Pressure: Kenya may face continued enhanced scrutiny as enforcement—especially asset recovery and complex financial crime prosecutions—remains a weak link. Ocean Governance: Kenya backs a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining and joins regional pushes for stronger marine protection.