KBC and Nation report IEBC officially rolls out Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration from March 30 to April 28 under theme Deepening Democracy in Kenya Through Inclusive Voter Registration.

CBK forex reserves surge to record USD 14.02 billion providing six-month import cushion as Kenya braces for Iran war fallout

Standard reports Kenya's forex reserves hit record Sh1.82 trillion offering six-month import buffer as country prepares for economic shocks from rising oil prices and Iran war disruptions.

Kenya secures Green Climate Fund regional office for Eastern and Southern Africa cementing Nairobi as climate finance hub

KBC and Capital FM report Green Climate Fund Board at 44th meeting selected Kenya to host regional office enhancing Nairobi position as strategic climate finance hub for region.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) will officially launch a 30-day Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration exercise on 30 March under the theme "Deepening Democracy in Kenya Through Inclusive Voter Registration," targeting 6.3 million new voters ahead of 2027 elections amid intensifying political mobilization by both Kenya Kwanza and opposition factions. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia MUDAVADI emphasized peace as the backbone of Kenya's economic transformation during Palm Sunday celebrations at ACK Kanyagia Parish in Nyahururu on 29 March, warning that instability risks undermining development gains. Central Bank of Kenya forex reserves surged to a record $14.02 billion (Sh1.82 trillion) as of late March, providing a six-month import cushion as Kenya braces for economic shocks from rising oil prices and disruptions linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, The Standard reported on 29 March. Opposition leaders Edwin SIFUNA and James ORENGO continued grassroots mobilization efforts at Tononoka Grounds in Mombasa on 29 March, launching digital registration drives aimed at building momentum for 2027. END SUMMARY.

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Capital FM and NTV report competing ODM factions held parallel Special National Delegates Conferences at Jamhuri Grounds and Ufungamano House, with police blocking Sifuna-aligned delegates after Political Parties Disputes Tribunal dismissed his case.

EACC arrests Kilifi County revenue officer over KSh 435,000 bribery demand for construction permit

KBC reports EACC arrested Kilifi County Building Inspector Sylvia Dhahabu Karisa for allegedly demanding KSh 435,000 bribe from complainant to facilitate construction permit issuance in Watamu Municipality.

Kenya's flower exporters lose USD 4.8 million as Middle East conflict disrupts Gulf routes

Capital FM reports Kenya Flowers Council states flower exporters lost USD 4.8 million due to Middle East conflict disrupting Gulf air cargo routes, with five Gulf countries representing 13.35 percent of export value.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: The Orange Democratic Movement on 27 March held two parallel Special National Delegates Conventions in Nairobi — one at Jamhuri Grounds led by party chair Oburu OGINGA, the other at Ufungamano House organized by Secretary General Edwin SIFUNA — deepening the party's internal crisis ahead of President William RUTO's 2027 re-election bid, Capital FM and NTV confirmed. Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission on 27 March arrested Kilifi County revenue officer Sylvia Dhahabu KARISA for allegedly demanding Ksh435,000 in bribes to expedite construction permit approvals in Watamu Municipality, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) reported. The Judicial Service Commission on 27 March shortlisted five candidates for Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya, including Court of Appeal judges Kathurima INOTI (Katwa Kigen) and Aggrey MUCHELULE, Capital FM confirmed. President RUTO on 27 March reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Singapore as the two countries prepare to mark 35 years of bilateral relations, KBC reported. END SUMMARY.

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The Standard reports Attorney General and Equity Bank CEO summoned for questioning after special audit revealed e-Citizen platform unlawfully collected KSh 2.6 billion from Kenyans, part of KSh 9.4 billion loss.

Kenya to begin 2,000MW nuclear power plant construction next year, targets 3,000MW by 2033

KBC reports President Ruto announced Kenya will install at least 3,000MW nuclear energy within seven years to lower power costs, with 2,000MW plant construction beginning 2027.

France invites Ruto to represent Africa at 2026 G7 Summit

Capital FM reports French President Emmanuel Macron invited President Ruto to represent Africa at G7 Summit in France, bringing together leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK and US.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: Attorney General and Equity Bank CEO were summoned on 26 March by investigators probing Sh9.4 billion ($73 million) in losses through Kenya's e-Citizen platform, following a special audit showing Sh2.6 billion was unlawfully collected, The Standard reported. Residents living within Mukogodo Forest in Laikipia County received evacuation orders on 26 March ahead of an imminent security operation targeting armed bandits, with officials warning those possessing illegal firearms to surrender or face severe consequences, Capital FM confirmed. First Lady Rachel RUTO on 26 March joined global first spouses at a White House summit focused on artificial intelligence and education, emphasizing the urgency of preparing young people for a rapidly evolving digital world, Capital FM reported. Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe OPARANYA on 26 March called for a comprehensive debt audit affecting coffee cooperatives, revealing that verified applications from coffee cooperative societies have reached Sh6.8 billion ($53 million) with the government allocating Sh2 billion to begin partial settlement. END SUMMARY.

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NTV and Capital FM report Kenya finalized negotiations for trade deal granting 98 percent exports duty-free access to China, flagging off first consignment including avocados, coffee, hides to narrow KSh 500 billion trade deficit.

Third contingent of 208 Kenyan police return from Haiti MSS mission

KBC and Capital FM report 208 Kenyan police officers returned from Haiti Multinational Security Support mission, received by NSA Monica Juma and IG Douglas Kanja at JKIA.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: Kenya on 25 March finalized negotiations over a trade deal with China following January's preliminary agreement granting 98% of Kenyan exports duty-free access to the Chinese market, President William RUTO announced, as Deputy President Kithure KINDIKI on 24 March flagged off Kenya's first zero-tariff consignment — including avocados, coffee, and hides — in a bid to narrow the Sh500 billion trade deficit. A third contingent of 208 Kenya Police officers on 24 March returned from Haiti after completing their deployment under the Multinational Security Support Mission, with National Security Advisor Monica JUMA and Inspector General Douglas KANJA receiving the contingent at JKIA. The Missing Voices Coalition on 25 March urged Parliament to criminalize enforced disappearances after reporting 131 cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in Kenya in 2025, with men accounting for 90% of victims and shootings the most common method in 114 cases, as civil society groups pressed for ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. The High Court on 25 March rebuked the government over the hurried rollout of the Social Health Insurance Fund, finding it violated constitutional health rights, even as Justice Bahati MWAMUNYE upheld the multi-billion-shilling procurement of the Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System as legal under Section 114A of the Public Procurement Act despite procedural deficiencies, and ordered the government to file quarterly progress reports on corrective action. END SUMMARY.

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Capital FM reports Rubio thanked Ruto for Kenya's public condemnation of Iranian attacks on UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain during Monday call.

KNH issues 7-day deadline to claim 480 unclaimed bodies, 378 are children

KBC reports Kenyatta National Hospital lists 102 adult and 378 child unclaimed bodies, urges families to collect remains within seven days or face mass burial.

National flood death toll rises to 84, three missing as River Nyando, River Tana overflow across multiple counties

KBC and Interior Ministry report 84 fatalities with three missing as River Nyando floods Kisumu County locations and River Tana overflows in Tana River County, Uasin Gishu also affected.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: U.S. Secretary of State Marco RUBIO briefed President William RUTO on 24 March regarding objectives of Operation Epic Fury—the joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran—and thanked Kenya for publicly condemning Iranian missile attacks on UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain, signaling continued U.S. reliance on Kenya's Major Non-NATO Ally posture amid Middle East crisis. Inspector General of Police Douglas KANJA on 24 March held security talks with Rwanda's Inspector General of Police to discuss cross-border crime cooperation, particularly cattle rustling and terrorism in the Great Lakes region. Kenya on 24 March flagged off its first zero-tariff exports to China under the newly implemented agreement—including avocados, coffee, and hides—as Deputy President Kithure KINDIKI told Chinese Vice President HAN Zheng that Kenya seeks expanded trade to narrow a trade deficit exceeding Sh500 billion. Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael TUJU was taken ill moments before his scheduled court appearance on 24 March to face charges of giving false information to police over his alleged staged disappearance, which DCI claims was fabricated. END SUMMARY.

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Capital FM reports Kindiki rebuffs Rigathi Gachagua ultimatum on Meru banditry as multi-agency forces including KDF operate across Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, Laikipia counties.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: Deputy President Kithure KINDIKI on 23 March publicly dismissed former Deputy President Rigathi GACHAGUA's ultimatum demanding government action on banditry in Meru County, calling it "empty and childish" as the KDF-led security operation announced 21 March continues in the northern rangelands—the sharp exchange underscores intensifying political competition within the Mt. Kenya region ahead of 2027. Chief Justice Martha KOOME on 23 March swore in seven new National Land Commission (NLC) commissioners, bringing the constitutionally mandated body closer to full capacity as it works to resolve Kenya's long-standing land disputes and fraud issues. Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers on 23 March arrested two suspects and recovered 213 stolen mobile phones in Trans Nzoia County following an intelligence-led raid in Lessos, part of a broader nationwide crackdown that also netted four suspects in Kisumu with stolen motorcycles and electronics. Police intensified the search for missing former Cabinet Secretary Raphael TUJU on 23 March after his vehicle was found abandoned in Karen on 22 March, with authorities calling for witnesses and TUJU's family demanding urgent answers as speculation mounts over his disappearance amid an ongoing KSh 1.9 billion debt dispute. END SUMMARY.

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Capital FM reports Kenyan government will grant amnesty to nationals who joined Russian military operations in Ukraine following agreement with Moscow to end recruitment of Kenyans.

15 Kenyans evacuated from Iran via Turkey as Middle East conflict escalates

KBC and Capital FM report government evacuated 15 Kenyans from Iran through diplomatic missions amid escalating regional tensions, multi-agency team activates emergency protocols across Kenya missions.

Meru religious leaders condemn escalating banditry as DP Kindiki confirms KDF deployment to four counties

KBC reports clergy join political leaders condemning banditry in Meru northern rangelands following lives lost and livestock stolen, as multi-agency forces including KDF operate across Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, Laikipia.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: Kenya Police Service on 22 March launched an investigation after two street boys in Kericho reported digging a mass grave at Makaburini Cemetery where 14 mutilated bodies in bags were buried, with authorities seeking additional witnesses and planning exhumation to identify victims and verify claims — the discovery underscores persistent accountability gaps in Kenya's security and justice sectors despite ongoing human rights scrutiny. The government on 22 March announced it will grant amnesty to Kenyan citizens who joined Russian military operations in Ukraine after Moscow agreed to stop recruiting Kenyans and place Kenya on a "stop list," resolving a contentious bilateral issue that emerged in 2024. Fifteen Kenyans evacuated from Iran amid escalating Middle East conflict arrived in Nairobi on 22 March after coordinated repatriation through diplomatic missions in Iran and Türkiye, marking Kenya's first confirmed casualty evacuations from the three-week-old U.S.-Israel war with Tehran. Religious leaders in Meru County on 22 March condemned escalating banditry and cattle rustling incidents that have claimed lives and livestock in the northern rangelands, calling on the national government to sustain Deputy President Kithure KINDIKI's multi-agency operation announced 21 March deploying Kenya Defence Forces units with orders to "use all weapons at their disposal to neutralize all threats." END SUMMARY.

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KBC and Capital FM report Presidents Ruto and Museveni jointly launched SGR extension from Kisumu to Malaba, estimated at Sh500-650 billion, amid transparency concerns raised by Standard petitioner.

GSU deployment to Macalder area in Nyatike sparks tensions as activists demand troop withdrawal

KBC reports human rights activists calling for immediate GSU pullout from Macalder/Kanyarwanda area Migori County following violent protests over M-Pesa attendant killing and rising insecurity.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: President William RUTO and Ugandan President Yoweri MUSEVENI on 21 March jointly launched construction of the Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (Phase 2C) in Kisumu East Sub-County, completing the SGR extension from Naivasha and opening a freight corridor linking Kenya's western region to Uganda — the KSh 549–650 billion project financed through revenue securitization is expected to reduce freight costs and enhance East African trade integration, though a petitioner has challenged procurement as "shrouded in secrecy" and awarded to China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) without competitive tender. The National Police Service on 21 March launched a multi-agency security operation across Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, and Laikipia counties to combat banditry, recover stolen livestock, and restore security following violent attacks — the operation reflects escalating insecurity in Kenya's northern corridor despite ongoing government counterinsurgency efforts. Human rights activists in Nyanza region demanded the immediate withdrawal of General Service Unit (GSU) officers deployed to Macalder/Kanyarwanda area of Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County, where tensions are escalating following violent protests by residents angered by rising insecurity, including the killing of an M-Pesa attendant by an unknown gang. A passenger plane carrying 39 people veered off the runway at Wilson Airport in Nairobi on 21 March, prompting Vihiga Senator Geoffrey OSOTSI to call for the airport's closure and raising safety concerns — all passengers and crew are safe, and the Kenya Airports Authority has launched investigations. END SUMMARY.

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Sports PS Elijah Mwangi told Parliament Kenya must pay CAF hosting fee by month-end or forfeit 2027 tournament, adding to existing infrastructure funding concerns.

KeNHA issues traffic advisory for Mai Mahiu-Suswa-Narok road after flooding deposits silt

Kenya National Highways Authority warns motorists of heavy silt deposition at Kedong Ranch near Suswa on B7 road following ongoing rains, disrupting traffic flow.

CS Tuya confirms Kenya on heightened alert amid US-Iran-Israel escalation, investing in defense modernization

Defence CS Soipan Tuya said security assessments ongoing with investments in modernization and intelligence systems to address emerging threats including missile and drone warfare.

Interior CS Murkomen calls on UK to invest in Kenya border infrastructure at London aviation forum

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen told International Aviation Forum in London that Kenya seeks UK investment along borders to expand bilateral opportunities and strengthen diplomatic ties.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan TUYA on 19 March confirmed Kenya is on heightened alert as the U.S.-Iran-Israel conflict escalates, stating "security assessments are ongoing, preparedness is continuous, and we are investing in modernization and intelligence systems" — a signal that Nairobi views Middle East instability as a direct threat to Kenya's security and economic interests, particularly with Lamu Port receiving diverted cargo from Gulf ports. President William RUTO on 19 March launched construction of the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway extension in Suswa, Narok County — a KSh 549 billion project financed through revenue securitization after a six-year funding hiatus — marking Kenya's renewed push to extend rail infrastructure to the western border and regional trade corridors ahead of a planned joint launch with Ugandan President Yoweri MUSEVENI in Kisumu. Kenya's hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is in jeopardy after Sports Principal Secretary Elijah MWANGI revealed on 19 March that Kenya has not yet paid the KSh 3.9 billion (USD 30 million) hosting fee to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with a deadline set for the end of March. Muslims across Kenya marked Eid ul-Fitr on 20 March following a public holiday declaration by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba MURKOMEN on 18 March, with President Ruto urging "compassion and unity" as the country celebrates the end of Ramadan. Kisumu Governor Anyang' NYONGO on 20 March rallied residents ahead of the Ruto-Museveni SGR launch, describing the railway as "more than just a transport project" — it symbolizes "economic transformation and regional integration." END SUMMARY.

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Capital FM and KBC report Kahawa Law Courts convicted Abdikarim Hassanow Hassan under Prevention of Terrorism Act 2012 for recruiting and radicalizing minors for al-Shabaab network.

SGR extension to Naivasha-Narok-Kisumu launches Thursday after six-year China funding freeze

NTV reports President Ruto will launch SGR extension Thursday after six-year stall caused by Beijing cutting funding, with project financed through revenue securitization not traditional Chinese loans.

KMD warns heavy rainfall intensifying from Thursday with flood risks across multiple regions

Kenya Meteorological Department warns rainfall will intensify to over 20mm daily from March 19 with peak conditions March 20-23, raising flood and flash flood risks nationwide.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: The Kahawa Law Courts on 19 March convicted Somali national Abdikarim Hassanow Hassan on multiple terrorism-related charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2012, specifically for radicalizing minors for al-Shabaab—a significant prosecution in Kenya's ongoing counterterrorism campaign. President William RUTO on 18 March met China Railway Construction Corporation representative Song Hailiang ahead of the 20 March commissioning of the Naivasha-Narok-Kisumu Standard Gauge Railway extension, reviving a project stalled for six years after Beijing slashed infrastructure lending and financed instead through revenue securitization. A 22-storey building under construction in Westlands partially collapsed on 18 March, killing one worker and trapping several others, as the National Police Service confirmed the national flood death toll reached 71 with Nairobi accounting for 36 fatalities. Former Attorney General Justin MUTURI on 19 March warned the newly established National Infrastructure Fund's legal framework could expose Kenya to a "mega scandal" similar to Malaysia's 1MDB sovereign fund collapse. Interior CS Kipchumba MURKOMEN on 18 March declared 20 March a public holiday to mark Eid al-Fitr. The James ORENGO-led ODM faction on 19 March confirmed plans for a parallel "People's NDC" in Nairobi on 27 March—the same date as the official National Delegates Convention—deepening the party's internal fractures ahead of the 2027 election. END SUMMARY.

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KBC and Capital FM report 215 Kenyan officers from second MSS contingent returned home March 17, with Interior PS Raymond Omollo overseeing homecoming ceremony, as Chad prepares gradual replacement deployment through October 2026.

AFRICOM conducts airstrike targeting ISIS in Puntland State, Somalia

Horseed Media and AFRICOM report US forces conducted airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia in Puntland on March 16 in coordination with Federal Government of Somalia.

Djibouti AUSSOM troops deploy to Beledweyne to assume security responsibilities from Kenyan forces

Shabelle Media and Horseed Media report Djibouti troops serving under AUSSOM arrived in Beledweyne and Buulo Burde to assume security duties previously held by other forces.

Chinese national charged with attempting to smuggle 3,361 live ants from Kenya through JKIA

KBC and Capital FM report DPP charged Zhang Kequn, 37, Chinese national and Charles Mwangi, 35, Kenyan with dealing in live wildlife species including 3,361 live ants and garden ants at JKIA.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: Interior PS Raymond OMOLLO on 17 March oversaw the return of 215 police officers who formed the second contingent of Kenya's Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to Haiti, as the Dominican Republic confirmed Chad will gradually replace the Kenyan force through October 2026 — marking a significant transition in Kenya's first-ever international police deployment. Equity Bank on 17 March reported a record KSh 75.5 billion profit after tax for 2025, a 55 percent increase year-on-year, and declared a KSh 21 billion dividend — underscoring the resilience of Kenya's banking sector despite macroeconomic headwinds. A Kisumu High Court on 17 March sentenced 23-year-old Arnold Ochieng OMOLLO to 45 years imprisonment for murdering his younger brother and nephew using crude weapons in November 2024. Amnesty International Programs Director Victor NDEDE on 17 March condemned the escalating personal attacks between President William RUTO and former Deputy President Rigathi GACHAGUA, describing the rhetoric as "deeply unpresidential" and warning it "deepens societal divisions" ahead of the 2027 election. The Kenya Meteorological Department warned rainfall intensity will increase from 19 March, as the national flood death toll reached 71 with 36 fatalities in Nairobi. The Linda Mwananchi Movement announced a 22 March rally in Narok, continuing its nationwide mobilization ahead of the 2027 election. END SUMMARY.

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President Ruto defended government intervention in Nairobi Hospital March 17, stating facility requires urgent action to prevent collapse due to fraud and mismanagement, while Health CS Duale dismissed state takeover claims.

Shauri Moyo building collapse death toll unchanged at four as Nairobi County confirms structure was earmarked for riparian demolition

Governor Sakaja confirmed March 17 that Shauri Moyo building which collapsed Monday was located along Nairobi River riparian corridor and had been marked for removal under river regeneration programme.

EACC recovers KSH 10.9 million from Homa Bay official who held dual government positions

KBC and Capital FM report court ordered March 13 restitution of KSH 10.9 million in salaries irregularly earned by Odhiambo Ottoman Adel Walter who simultaneously held permanent positions at Homa Bay County and Kenya Medical Training College Kisumu.

Senator Nyamu proposes AI Commissioner with KSH 5 million fine for violations in regulatory bill

NTV and Capital FM report Kenya Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026 proposes establishing Office of AI Commissioner appointed by President to regulate AI innovations, conduct risk assessments, and enforce KSH 5 million penalties for offenders.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: Nairobi Governor Johnson SAKAJA on 17 March confirmed the four-fatality building collapse at Blue Estate in Shauri Moyo, Kamukunji Sub-County, occurred at a structure previously earmarked for demolition under the ongoing Nairobi River riparian corridor regeneration programme, raising questions about enforcement gaps as City Hall mandated a 48-hour action plan to address flooding and infrastructure damage across the capital. President William RUTO on 16-17 March defended government intervention in The Nairobi Hospital crisis, stating the 70-year-old facility requires urgent action to prevent collapse amid governance disputes and fraud allegations, though Health CS Aden DUALE dismissed state takeover claims and emphasized the hospital belongs to Kenya Hospital Association members. The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on 13 March secured court-ordered restitution of Sh10,991,712 from Odhiambo Ottoman Adel Walter, a former Homa Bay County Deputy Director of Health who simultaneously held positions at both the county government and Kenya Medical Training College in Kisumu. Nominated Senator Karen NYAMU on 17 March introduced the Kenya Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2026, proposing establishment of an Office of the Artificial Intelligence Commissioner appointed by the President with authority to levy Sh5 million fines for violations. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia MUDAVADI on 16 March announced Russia has agreed Kenyans will no longer be eligible for enlistment in Russian military forces following bilateral discussions with Foreign Minister Sergey LAVROV in Moscow, though MUDAVADI provided no detail on repatriation mechanisms for an estimated 1,000 Kenyans already deployed to Ukraine frontlines. END SUMMARY.

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Capital FM and NTV report Kenya Medical Association condemned detention of veteran obstetrician Dr Job Obwaka and four Nairobi Hospital board members including Vice Chairman Samson Kinyanjui and former board chairman Dr Chris Bichage, with families questioning whether law was followed in arrests linked to hospital leadership row.

PCS Mudavadi arrives in Moscow for two-day talks on Kenyans fighting for Russia

KBC and Capital FM report Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi arrived in Moscow March 15 for bilateral meetings with top priority being discussions over Kenyan citizens fighting for Russia, after National Assembly report indicated over 1,000 Kenyans are fighting for Russia having been duped into war frontline.

Flooding death toll reaches 66 as woman's body recovered in Kitui while heavy rains continue nationwide

The Standard and KBC report flooding death toll climbed to 66 after woman's body retrieved from Kathonzooni Rock Catchment in Kitui County, as President Ruto activated multi-agency response and Kenya Meteorological Department warned heavy rains expected to continue.

French naval vessels arrive in Mombasa as part of EU Operation Atalanta maritime security mission

Capital FM reports French naval vessels made port call in Mombasa to boost regional maritime security operations conducted under European Union's Operation Atalanta.

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DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: President William RUTO on 15 March began a five-day development tour across Western Kenya, starting with inspection of ongoing rehabilitation and expansion works at Kakamega Airstrip, which the President said is expected to enhance regional connectivity. Nairobi Governor and Chair of the Implementation Committee on the Cooperation Agreement Johnson SAKAJA on 16 March ordered preparation of a 48-hour action plan to address flooding, drainage failures, and infrastructure damage across the capital, following an urgent meeting with several Principal Secretaries and representatives from key national government agencies. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia MUDAVADI arrived in Moscow on 15 March for a two-day bilateral visit, with discussions expected to cover education, labor mobility, health, infrastructure, and energy cooperation, while also addressing the status of Kenyans recruited into Russian armed forces—though The Standard reported the repatriation issue was "pushed from top agenda." National Youth Service (NYS) on 16 March launched nationwide recruitment for youth aged 18-24, with the exercise running through 21 March at sub-county recruitment centers. Kenya Medical Association condemned the arrest of veteran obstetrician Dr. Job OBWAKA, with five Nairobi Hospital board members—including Vice Chairman Samson KINYANJUI and former board chairman Dr. Chris BICHAGE—remaining in custody in connection with a leadership dispute at the institution. END SUMMARY.

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Capital FM reports INTERPOL-led Operation Synergia III resulted in 94 arrests and takedown of over 45,000 malicious internet addresses across 72 countries in global cybercrime crackdown; Kenya's participation in operation not specified.

President Ruto signs three bills including Meteorology Act establishing Kenya Meteorological Service Authority

KBC reports President Ruto assented to Miscellaneous Fees and Levies Amendment Act 2026, Coffee Act 2023 Mediated Version, and Meteorology Act 2023 establishing Kenya Meteorological Service Authority to regulate weather services and align Kenya with ICAO standards.

EACC cites 67 ongoing corruption investigations targeting NG-CDF officials in Western Kenya

Capital FM reports EACC warned NG-CDF managers against corruption while disclosing 67 ongoing investigations across constituencies in Western Kenya; EACC Vice Chairperson urged county administrations to strengthen transparency and accountability systems.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: President RUTO on 13 March assented to three key bills including the Coffee Act 2023 (Mediated Version), which transfers regulatory and commercial functions from the Agriculture and Food Authority to the Coffee Board of Kenya, and the Meteorology Act 2023, establishing the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority in alignment with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. United Democratic Alliance (UDA) confirmed preparations are complete for party primaries in 18 counties, signaling Kenya Kwanza coalition internal positioning ahead of the 2027 general election. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested two suspects in Runda's Githogoro area in a late-night operation targeting a black-market network dealing in stolen mobile phones. Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Vice Chairperson Dr. Monica JUMA urged county governments to strengthen transparency and accountability systems in industrial projects, warning corruption is a "snake under the bed" undermining Kenya's development. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) expressed concern that youth apathy threatens to undermine the Sh1.1 billion mass voter registration exercise beginning 30 March. END SUMMARY.

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Capital FM and NTV report fourteen people died and sixteen injured when a truck plowed into residents who had gathered at a motorcycle crash site in Webuye, Bungoma County; President Ruto called for urgent road safety measures as national traffic deaths mount.

KRA deploys 350 body-worn cameras at all border points to combat illicit trade

Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and Capital FM report KRA has rolled out 350 body-worn cameras for customs agents at all border crossings including JKIA to enhance transparency, evidence collection, and combat smuggling and corruption at entry points.

UNMISS peacekeepers to remain in Akobo despite South Sudan army evacuation order

Radio Tamazuj and Eye Radio report UNMISS confirmed peacekeepers will stay in Akobo, Jonglei state, despite SSPDF evacuation order ahead of planned government offensive; MSF warns hundreds of thousands face impossible choice between fleeing or remaining at risk.

US AFRICOM special operations commander meets Jubaland president to boost anti-al-Shabaab operations

Shabelle Media reports Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam met with AFRICOM Director of Special Operations Major General Claude K. Tudor Jr. to discuss strengthening security cooperation and accelerating counter-insurgency efforts against al-Shabaab in southern Somalia.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: KRA deployed 350 body-worn cameras for customs agents at all border points — including JKIA — to combat illicit trade and enhance transparency, Commissioner General Humphrey WATTANGA announced 10 March. The rollout follows President RUTO's 9 March assent to the National Infrastructure Fund Bill establishing a KSh 5 trillion development fund with JKIA expansion as first beneficiary, and the Judges' Retirement Benefits Bill requiring 7.5% judicial contributions matched by 15% government funding. A Webuye-Kitale highway collision killed 14 and injured 16 on 9 March when a truck struck bystanders at a motorcycle accident scene. Azimio purged six senior leaders — including CSs JOHO, OPARANYA, MBADI and Minority Leader Junet MOHAMED — from coalition councils 9 March, replacing MOHAMED with MP Caroli OMONDI, deepening ODM internal divisions over the Kenya Kwanza cooperation agreement. Activist Boniface MWANGI proposed public hangings for corrupt officials while criticizing RUTO's administration. Former Harambee Stars coach Engin FIRAT died 9 March from a heart attack at Istanbul Airport. END SUMMARY.

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Interior CS Geoffrey Ruku confirms 42 deaths (26 in Nairobi, 10 in Eastern) following heavy rains that triggered severe flooding; Health PS warns of cholera, malaria, typhoid outbreaks as search operations continue in inaccessible areas.

President Ruto announces March 20 launch of Kenya-Uganda SGR construction

President Ruto announces that construction of the Kenya-Uganda Standard Gauge Railway will begin on March 20, 2026, advancing regional infrastructure integration within the East African Community.

Museveni assumes EAC chairmanship from Ruto as bloc makes structural changes

Daily Nation reports Uganda's President Museveni takes over the East African Community Summit chairmanship from President Ruto, with the Summit making key institutional changes to prevent bloc collapse.

Opposition leaders sue State after police block church entry during Kindiki visit in Meru

Kalonzo Musyoka and Rigathi Gachagua accuse police of blocking them from Methodist bishop induction ceremony in Meru County attended by Deputy President Kindiki; leaders threaten legal action over alleged political interference.

DRIVING THE DAY

SUMMARY: Kenya faces deadly flooding after heavy overnight rains killed at least 42 people countrywide — 26 in Nairobi, 10 in Eastern — and displaced thousands. President RUTO announced 20 March groundbreaking for Kenya-Uganda SGR construction during a Siaya visit marked by political tensions: Deputy President KINDIKI clashed with former DP GACHAGUA at a Meru church event where opposition figures were reportedly barred entry. ODM fractured internally over ongoing talks with RUTO's government, with five unresolved issues emerging. Health PS warned flooding could trigger cholera and malaria outbreaks. EAC leadership transitioned from RUTO to Uganda's MUSEVENI. Kenya Airways flagged Mumbai route disruptions due to regional airspace restrictions amid Middle East escalation. END SUMMARY.

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