Here is what you need to know to keep up to speed with today’s happenings.

Finance Bill 2025

One key event to watch today is the Kenyan Senate’s plenary session, set to resume on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 2:30 pm. The sitting will feature a packed agenda focused on critical financial and governance matters affecting counties.

The key discussion in the agenda includes discussions on County revenue allocation and budget bills, where Senators will deliberate on the Division of Revenue Bill and the County Allocation of Revenue Bill for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

These bills are crucial for determining how national revenue is shared among counties, ensuring the timely disbursement of funds for county operations.

The Senate is also expected to address discrepancies between its version of the County Governments Additional Allocations Bill and that passed by the National Assembly.

The Senate’s version allocates Ksh50.5 billion, while the National Assembly’s version proposes Ksh25.3 billion, leading to a Ksh25.2 billion gap that could affect county funding.

With the current revenue-sharing formula set to expire at the end of the 2024/2025 financial year, the Senate will review recommendations from the Commission on Revenue Allocation for a new formula.

This review aims to ensure equitable distribution of resources among counties based on updated criteria.

A special sitting is scheduled to discuss measures ensuring the effective utilisation of funds allocated to the 47 counties.

This includes addressing the issue of pending bills and considering legislation that would allow the National Treasury to retain a portion of county funds to clear outstanding obligations.

The Senate will continue discussions on a bill aimed at defining the roles and responsibilities of deputy governors. The bill seeks to provide a clear legal framework to enhance the functionality and accountability of deputy governors in county administrations.

Ruto’s apology

President William Ruto’s public apology to Kenya’s Gen Z, delivered during the National Prayer Breakfast on May 28, 2025, is expected to stir significant reactions across the political spectrum and among the youth.

The President acknowledged possible government missteps and extended an olive branch to the young generation, who have been increasingly vocal about economic injustices, unemployment, and governance.

As the nation digests his remarks, political leaders and Gen Z influencers are gearing up to respond, some welcoming the gesture as a step toward dialogue, others questioning its sincerity in the absence of tangible reforms.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o

Today, Kenya and the global literary community are mourning the loss of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, the esteemed author, scholar, and activist, who passed away on Wednesday morning, 28 May 2025, at the age of 87 in Atlanta, USA.

His daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ, announced his death,

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o was a towering figure in African literature, renowned for his works that delved into the impacts of colonialism and championed African languages.

His notable novels include Weep Not, Child (1964), The River Between (1965), A Grain of Wheat (1967), Petals of Blood (1977), and Wizard of the Crow (2006).

Throughout his life, Ngũgĩ was a staunch advocate for cultural identity and social justice. His commitment to writing in his native Gikuyu language and his activism often put him at odds with the Kenyan government, leading to his imprisonment in 1977 and subsequent exile.

Tributes have poured in from across the globe, with many highlighting his profound impact on literature and society. Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga remarked, “Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s works challenged oppression and celebrated the power of indigenous voices.

Connected Africa Summit 2025

Today, the 14th Annual Connected Africa Summit (CAS) 2025 is set to conclude at the Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani, Kwale County.

The event was organised by Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy in collaboration with the ICT Authority.

The summit has brought together over 2,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, including ICT ministers, policymakers, tech executives, and innovators.

Under the theme “The Digital Journey: Vision to Reality,” the summit has focused on accelerating Africa’s digital transformation.

Key discussions revolved around implementing the Nairobi Declaration, enhancing digital inclusivity, and fostering cross-border collaborations.

Notable sessions have addressed topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, green technology, and the development of digital public infrastructure.

The summit’s final day features a plenary session, a gala dinner, and the Innovation Awards Ceremony, celebrating groundbreaking technological solutions contributing to Africa’s digital advancement.

As the summit concludes, stakeholders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to collaborative efforts that will shape the continent’s digital future.

African Chiefs of Defence conference

The 2025 African Chiefs of Defence Conference (ACHOD), co-hosted by the United States and Kenya, concludes today, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Nairobi.

The conference brought together senior military leaders from approximately 37 African nations to discuss shared security challenges and strengthen partnerships.

Key discussions focused on enhancing regional security cooperation, addressing transnational threats, and fostering military partnerships across the continent.

The conference also emphasised the importance of African-led solutions to security challenges, aligning with AFRICOM’s mission to support regional stability and collective defence.

As the conference wraps up, participating nations are expected to reaffirm their commitment to collaborative efforts that will enhance security and stability across Africa.