The Online Kenyan

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has halted payments and ordered the removal of a Ksh4.8 billion fuel consignment imported outside the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) agreement, citing breach of framework and potential consumer cost increases. Key figures in Kenya's energy sector, including former Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, and Epra Director-General Daniel Kiptoo Bargoria, are facing scrutiny in the fuel scandal. Former Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban, ex-KPC MD Joe Sang, and former EPRA DG Daniel Kiptoo have been released on police bail following their implication. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has defended CS Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui amidst the controversy. Meanwhile, fuel prices in Kenya are projected to rise significantly next week, with petrol potentially increasing by up to Ksh53.4 per litre due to rising global oil prices and local supply pressures.

Detectives in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, have arrested a 56-year-old man identified as Gilbert Nyabuto on suspicion of child trafficking and impersonation. The same suspect was also posing as a Deputy Commissioner with the National Intelligence Service (NIS), deceiving residents while rescuing a missing minor. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) recently conducted a weeklong training program to enhance the capacity of prosecutors nationwide in tackling terrorism financing. The Kenyan government has initiated the construction of a new multi-agency security camp near the Marsabit-Wajir border to combat drug and human trafficking.

The Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) has directed all public senior school principals to submit detailed learner and textbook data by subject for Grade 10 students by April 10, to address discrepancies in the first phase of textbook distribution and ensure a one-to-one student-to-textbook ratio for the second phase. The rollout of Grade 10 in Kenya has been marred by chaos as frequent policy shifts by the Ministry of Education have exposed significant gaps in the implementation of education reforms. Emmanuel Manyasa of Usawa Agenda has voiced concerns regarding the current state of foundational learning in Kenya, highlighting critical issues that impede student progress. NTV Kenya is highlighting the crucial role of foundational learning as the Competency-Based Education (CBE) implementation begins.

Following a tragic crash that claimed 16 lives on the Nyeri-Nyahururu Highway, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has ordered the Kenya National Highways and Safety Authority (KeNHA) to construct dedicated cycling lanes along that route. A requiem mass is currently underway at the ASK Kabiru-ini grounds in Nyeri for the 16 victims of the tragic road accident. Kindiki has also urged the Judiciary to lift court orders that suspended the National Transport and Safety Authority's (NTSA) instant fines system, advocating for its swift reinstatement to enhance road safety. Separately, KeNHA has announced progress on a major infrastructure project funded by the World Bank, involving the construction of three highways to link seven counties in the Western, Nyanza, and Rift Valley regions.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched a scathing verbal attack on his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, promising to embarrass him in an upcoming political showdown. Kindiki has urged the Mount Kenya region to support President William Ruto's 2027 re-election bid, while also vowing to counter political influence from his predecessor. Kindiki framed the Ruto re-election as a strategic move towards securing a presidential bid for the Mt. Kenya region in 2032. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is facing mounting pressure to clarify a directive requiring Kenyans who registered before 2012 to re-register, raising concerns about the integrity of the voter register as the commission conducts its enhanced continuous voter registration exercise.

Internal divisions are threatening the fragile unity of the United Opposition as key figures clash over the selection process for their 2027 presidential flag bearer. A political conflict has erupted between the UDA and ODM parties regarding zoning for the upcoming 2027 elections. Separately, ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna faces critical strategic choices for the 2027 elections amid internal party battles and a growing anti-establishment movement. Leaders aligned with Orange Democratic Movement are reportedly using the pursuit of the Deputy President slot as a strategy to secure political survival and influence within President William Ruto's government.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is visibly toning down political attacks against rivals in Mt Kenya, signaling a strategic shift towards unity and development ahead of the 2027 elections. Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democratic Citizens Party, has unveiled Vincent Kibet Rotich as the party's candidate for the Emurua Dikirr parliamentary seat, vowing to defend the Kipsigis community. The Orange Democratic Movement has broken its silence on the Sh4.8 billion fuel scandal, condemning the scam and calling for action against those responsible.

Kenya's private sector activity contracted in March for the first time since August 2025, with the Purchasing Managers' Index falling to 47.7 from 50.4 in February. The contraction snapped a six-month growth streak, driven by weak consumer demand and global disruptions exacerbated by the Middle East war. Separately, Nairobi Business Ventures, a diversified company with interests in aviation, heavy vehicle maintenance, retail, and manufacturing, issued a profit warning for the financial year ending March 2026, anticipating a significant decline in earnings due to challenging market conditions. These developments highlight the broader economic pressure on Kenya's private sector, with multiple businesses reporting difficulties stemming from weak market conditions.