The Online Kenyan

Kenya's Treasury CS John Mbadi has ruled out new taxes in the Finance Bill 2026, shifting focus to improving revenue collection efficiency by the Kenya Revenue Authority. The Treasury plans to utilize the Petroleum Development Levy to stabilize fuel prices, rejecting calls for direct subsidies. Meanwhile, KRA is intensifying its crackdown on nil return filers by monitoring mobile money transactions to ensure accurate income declaration. The Central Bank of Kenya has confirmed that older series banknotes, except the Ksh1,000 note, remain legal tender.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has admitted to critical regulatory lapses at Wilson Airport following a March 20, 2026 plane crash-landing involving a light aircraft with 39 people on board, though all occupants escaped unharmed. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a crucial road safety advisory for motorists, pedestrians, and passengers due to persistent heavy rains across Kenya. The High Court has blocked the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) from lifting conservatory orders that suspended instant traffic fines.

The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has expressed concerns that the new Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension could significantly disrupt Kenya's highway-based economy by diverting cargo from roads to rail. Kenya's National Treasury has confirmed a Ksh389 billion Public Private Partnership (PPP) project to upgrade the Nairobi-Mombasa expressway, which will be converted into a toll road. President William Ruto has announced over $2.9 billion in new investment deals expected to create 63,000 jobs in Kenya during the Kenya International Investment Conference in Nairobi.

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal dismissed a case filed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna challenging his removal from the ODM Party Secretary General position, allowing him to retain his post. The tribunal directed the ODM party to utilize its internal dispute resolution mechanisms before any further action. Ahead of the ruling, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga had disowned Sifuna, creating internal party tensions. Meanwhile, rival factions announced parallel National Delegates Conference meetings, highlighting the deep rift within the party's leadership.

African governments are urged to enhance financial oversight and transparency to combat a staggering Sh11.7 trillion ($90 billion) annually in illicit financial flows draining the continent. This call comes as Nigeria's reform efforts aimed at global investor confidence are influencing how African markets, including Kenya's, are perceived internationally. Meanwhile, traders are rushing to complete transactions on the Kenya Revenue Authority cargo clearance system ahead of a scheduled weekend shutdown, following a similar outage last month that caused significant disruptions at the Mombasa port.

Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has issued a stern warning to oil marketing companies accused of hoarding fuel, stating "We are coming for you" amidst a worsening fuel crisis impacting Kenyans. The Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has also issued directives warning companies suspected of hoarding fuel for speculative profit, citing concerns of artificial shortages and inflated prices. Separately, Vivo Energy Kenya, operator of Shell stations, attributed temporary fuel stock-outs to unexpectedly high customer demand coinciding with rising global fuel prices. Skyward Airlines announced it will increase ticket prices starting April 1, 2026, implementing a fuel surcharge to address higher operating expenses. Additionally, COFEK is demanding suspension of new levies on fuel and LPG, arguing they were introduced without public participation.

A prolonged conflict in the Middle East has significantly disrupted global air travel, impacting major Gulf aviation hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, threatening the successful "Gulf model" of aviation which has made long-distance travel more affordable. South Korea is expanding fuel tax cuts to ease financial pressure on citizens amidst the ongoing Middle East conflict. The OECD projects global economic growth to slow to 2.9 percent in 2026, citing Middle East tensions as a significant risk factor. Meanwhile, India's fertiliser supplies are under strain due to shipping route disruptions caused by the war, raising concerns about potential impacts on farm produce and food prices. President William Ruto assured Kenyans that measures are in place to prevent fuel and commodity shortages amidst the crisis.

The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action, Opiyo Wandayi, has issued a stern warning to oil marketing companies accused of hoarding fuel, stating, "We are coming for you." This action comes amidst a worsening fuel crisis that is impacting Kenyans. The Kenyan government, through a directive from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, has issued a stern warning to companies suspected of hoarding fuel for speculative profit, amid concerns of artificial shortages and inflated prices impacting consumers.