The Online Kenyan

President William Ruto officially launched the construction of the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension at a groundbreaking ceremony in Suswa, Narok County. The project aims to cut transport costs and boost regional trade. In a separate development, the High Court ordered the Kenyan government to produce eight crucial procurement documents related to the Ksh10 billion Ngong-Riruta commuter meter-gauge railway project within 30 days, following a petition by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah challenging the project's constitutionality and financial viability. Former Attorney General Justin Muturi also expressed concerns about the newly established National Infrastructure Fund, warning it could lead to a major corruption scandal similar to Malaysia's 1MDB scandal.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) faces a crisis as a faction plans a parallel National Delegates Convention (NDC) on March 27, the same day the Political Parties Tribunal is set to rule on the legality of the party's current leadership and the planned NDC. The Linda Mwananchi faction, led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, is planning to hold its own People's National Delegates Convention. Critics view the leadership disputes as an attempt to turn the party into a family affair, with three members of the Odinga family potentially holding top leadership roles if Winnie Odinga's deputy party leader bid passes.

President William Ruto has defended his recent criticisms of opposition figures during a Western region tour, vowing to confront them directly while highlighting his administration's development agenda. The President stated he would engage rivals head-on, employing a strategy of responding to insults with only 1% of his time, reserving the remaining 99% for serving Kenyans. He has shown no intention of apologizing for his remarks, appearing unwilling to issue an apology as some Kenyans had hoped. These statements come as Kenya faces escalating political tensions and divisive rhetoric 16 months ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Kenya Revenue Authority has interdicted six staff members and suspended 21 clearing agents in connection with a Sh452.2 million fraud scheme involving irregular cargo clearance. The World Bank has banned three PricewaterhouseCoopers firms in Kenya, Rwanda, and Mauritius from its projects for 21 months due to fraud and collusion. A new report by Tala reveals that approximately one in five Kenyans are experiencing a significant rise in their cost of living, with over 20 percent reporting an increase in the past six months.

President William Ruto has officially broken ground for the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway extension, a Sh549 billion infrastructure project aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and trade. Sub-Saharan Africa faces a significant 57 percent construction talent gap by 2035 as infrastructure development accelerates, highlighting workforce challenges in the sector. A new report reveals that over half of Kenya's cab drivers rely on ride-hailing platforms for their primary income, underscoring the sector's significant economic impact on transportation workers.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing an internal split as the "Linda Mwananchi" wing announced plans for a parallel convention on March 27. Gladys Wanga has declared that there will be only one ODM National Delegates Convention held at Jamhuri Grounds. The appointment of Winnie Odinga to a leadership role within ODM has ignited controversy and debate among party members. The move has sparked internal discussions regarding the selection process and its potential implications for the party's future. The Linda Mwananchi faction has also announced plans to hold a parallel public meeting on the same date.

Four people were killed in Mutuati, Meru, just a day after a security meeting was held in the area. A contingent of 215 police officers has returned to Kenya after successfully completing their mission in Haiti as part of an international security restoration effort. Meanwhile, President William Ruto has continued his strong vocal rhetoric in the western region, issuing a stern dismissal of an unnamed individual, calling them a "useless fellow" who "cannot lead anything." Calls for the impeachment of President William Ruto are gaining momentum following controversial recent remarks he made.

Iran's football federation president Mehdi Taj stated that the country will "boycott the United States" but "not the World Cup," amidst uncertainty about their participation due to geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick anticipates a challenging away match against a resurgent Bournemouth on Friday as the team aims to secure a Champions League spot. Additionally, Galatasaray confirmed a double injury blow after their Champions League defeat to Liverpool, with Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen breaking his right arm and Dutch international Noa Lang set for thumb surgery.