Economic Outlook: Kenya’s economy grew 5.3% in the first quarter, with manufacturing up 4.4%, mining 9.1%, construction 6.6% and agriculture 4.9%, according to the statistics office. Youth & Business Support: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki defended NYOTA funding as Ruto orders a two-year business permit waiver for NYOTA beneficiaries to cut early compliance costs, while the second tranche rolls out across counties. Education Access: HELB opened 2026/27 loan and scholarship applications for first-time university and TVET students via the HEF portal. Courts & Training: The High Court dismissed TVETA’s objection to Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) accreditation dispute, giving students fresh breathing room. Public Safety: Coast DCI boss Benson Kasyoki dismissed “genital theft/shrinking” claims as baseless, saying medical checks found no harm and warning of syndicates using the panic to rob people. Transport Fraud: NTSA warned motorists about fake SMS scams tied to the Instant Fines system and urged people not to click links or pay via suspicious platforms. Poverty Risk: The World Bank warned up to 2.4 million more Kenyans could fall into poverty by end of 2026 as food, fuel and transport costs bite. Maritime Jobs: Bandari Maritime Academy is seeing more youth enrolling for STCW basic safety training to chase international seafaring work.