Top news items in major Kenyan media outlets

The following are news highlights in major Kenyan media outlets on Thursday.

-- Teachers push for a 300 percent salary increase and rise in allowances for its members as the government asks for more time to study the offer. The teachers have vowed to take nothing less than the percentage demanded, setting stage for showdown. (Daily Nation)

-- Banks record a surge in loan applications following the capping of interest rates in the East African nation at 4 percentage points above the Central Bank rate. Lending charges now stand at 14 percent in the country. (Business Daily)

-- New electoral law creates a fresh crisis as it sets rigid requirements and shorter timelines, effectively messing up the calendar for the August 8, 2017 general election. Deadlines will be missed, officials note. (The Star)

-- The final audit that is set to start direct flight between Kenya and the U.S. is expected by the end of next month. Kenya is expected to have attained the highest International Aviation Safety Assessment status to help open up business and trade opportunities through direct flights. (People Daily) Endit