The Online Kenyan

A contingent of 11 Kenyan police officers has successfully completed an 18-month United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, returning to Nairobi on April 1. The National Police Service has also launched the second phase of its e-learning programme to enhance officer training through digital learning, as part of ongoing police reforms. An arrest warrant has been issued for an immigration officer at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, John Poriot, for failing to appear in court on human-trafficking charges.

Three Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties—Mandera, Marsabit, and Wajir—are bracing for above-average rainfall in April, as the long rains season peaks. Public demand for weather and climate information in Kenya has significantly increased due to more accurate forecasts and improved accessibility, with the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority noting growing public confidence and utilization of their services. Meanwhile, the Lake Basin Development Authority has launched a beekeeping initiative to boost incomes and promote conservation in the Lake Victoria region, aiming to empower farmers and revitalize the environment through apiculture.

The United Nations has appointed former Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille as the new United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya, officially taking office on Wednesday, April 1. He succeeds Dr. Stephen Jackson. The appointment comes as the United States government has identified widespread corruption in Kenya as a significant barrier to fair trade and investment, with a recent report highlighting bribery and corrupt practices as major obstacles for U.S. companies operating in Kenya. Trump called out Kenya over rampant corruption in this context.

President William Ruto has defended the recent demolitions in Nairobi's Gikomba market, accusing the opposition of spreading propaganda. He stated that the demolitions were part of an ongoing urban renewal process. Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged opposition leaders to refrain from politicizing the demolitions, emphasizing the government's plan to relocate traders to modern facilities. Nairobi's Gikomba market is facing a standoff as traders split over relocation to facilitate a multi-billion-shilling upgrade. Traders whose stalls were demolished are struggling to rebuild their businesses and face significant financial hardship as they attempt to restart their livelihoods.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and current Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua displayed a public show of camaraderie at a funeral in Kirinyaga County, signaling a potential political reunion ahead of the 2027 elections. At the same funeral, Uhuru urged Kenya's political class to embrace principled leadership characterized by unity and integrity, while warning against divisive politics. He also called on the Opposition to maintain unity and resist divisive political ambitions. President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were also seen together publicly at the high-profile burial of the late Mama Sarah Wanjiru, signaling a potential easing of political tensions.

Kenya's tea exports are facing significant disruptions due to the conflict in the Middle East, with approximately 8 million kilograms of tea currently held up in Mombasa warehouses. This situation is leading to substantial weekly financial losses. Separately, Tanzania's energy regulator EWURA announced new, higher cap prices for petroleum products effective April 1, citing escalating global supply disruptions from Middle East geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, Standard Chartered Bank has relaunched its China-Kenya trade corridor solution aimed at empowering local small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in Sino-Africa trade.

The Kenya Revenue Authority launched a WhatsApp chatbot named 'Shuru' to onboard an estimated 22.6 million potential new taxpayers and simplify tax filing processes. This follows a separate KRA initiative introducing a new WhatsApp service aimed at simplifying tax filing and improving compliance for taxpayers across Kenya. Meanwhile, Kenyan bankers are advocating for a reduction in Pay As You Earn taxes as a strategic move to stimulate consumer spending capacity.

The Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority has mandated that all regulated saccos enhance their cybersecurity measures and implement mandatory data backups ahead of upcoming public holidays. Separately, struggling pension scheme Telposta Pension Scheme is planning a significant KSh 10 billion asset sell-off to address its financial difficulties. Additionally, the Kenyan Shilling reached a significant milestone, averaging an exchange rate of 130 against the US Dollar.

Over 800 athletes are set to compete in the national trials next week at Nairobi's Ulinzi Sports Complex for a chance to represent Kenya at the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana (May 2-3) and the Africa Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana (May 12-17). At the same time, Double Deaflympics champion Ian Kahinga and World Para Athletics javelin silver medalist Sheila Wanyonyi are frontrunners for the top honors at the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (Soya). Meanwhile, the 23rd Brookside Secondary Schools National Term One games are set to commence on Tuesday in Kisumu County, featuring regional champions competing for national glory and a chance to represent Kenya in the Federation of East Africa School Sport Association games in Tanzania. Additionally, Eastern Region girls handball champions Sacred Heart Kyeni are aiming to secure a spot in the East Africa games in Morogoro, Tanzania, after making their national debut last year.