The Online Kenyan

A protest turned into a riot at the University of Nairobi's main campus on Sunday night as students expressed their frustration over a prolonged water shortage. The water crisis has lasted over two weeks, affecting campus residences particularly female hostels. Following the riot, University of Nairobi students are now threatening to block University Way in protest of the severe shortage. Separately, Kenya used World Water Day to highlight the gender inequalities in water access, emphasizing the disproportionate burden carried by women and girls in water collection.

Bishop Kamomoe has issued a stern warning to political leaders in Kenya, urging them to abandon divisive politics that threaten national unity, emphasizing the need for leaders to prioritize peace and cohesion over political gains. Separately, an influential religious leader, Archbishop Kakala, has called for the dissolution of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), alleging the commission has been derelict in its duties, allowing hate speech to proliferate. Meanwhile, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) is advocating for interfaith dialogue as a crucial strategy to combat radicalization in Kenya, highlighted during an event at the Pumwani Riyadha Mosque in Nairobi on March 21, 2026.

President William Ruto has publicly criticized his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of wasting five years in Parliament and promoting tribalism. The remarks came during Ruto's visit to Homa Bay, where he continued his public criticism of Gachagua amid ongoing political tensions within the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Asian stock markets experienced a significant downturn as tensions between the United States and Iran threatened to escalate, with the conflict entering its fourth week. Global oil prices plummeted and stock markets rallied after US President Donald Trump announced progress in talks aimed at halting the conflict in the Middle East. Kenya Airways has reported a significant surge in flight demand, attributing the increase to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the US-Israeli war on Iran. The COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission is warning businesses across its member states against exploiting the Middle East crisis for price gouging and engaging in anti-competitive practices. The National Farmers' Union in the UK has warned that rising fuel and fertilizer costs, driven by the Iran conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, will likely lead to increased food prices.

Money sent home by Kenyans abroad experienced a significant drop of Sh21.6 billion as of March 16, 2026, according to new data released by the Central Bank of Kenya. Kenya's increasing reliance on domestic borrowing, now exceeding 54 percent of its total public debt, is sparking debate about its impact on the economy. The government's strategy shifts capital away from private sector growth, raising concerns about sustainability and governance. Members of the Kenyan Parliament have blocked a request for Sh280 million to upgrade the office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi. The decision comes amidst calls for government austerity, fueling debate about the timing and necessity of the expenditure.

Recent geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, are significantly disrupting global pharmaceutical supply chains, leading to increased costs and potential shortages of medicines in Africa. A fierce competition is unfolding in the US weight-loss drug market, characterized by significant price cuts and direct-to-consumer sales as drugmakers struggle to gain traction due to a lack of widespread insurance coverage. For the first time in history, Chinese automakers have surpassed their Japanese counterparts in global vehicle sales, achieving the top position worldwide.

Detectives are investigating the discovery of 14 bodies found secretly buried in a single mass grave at Makaburini Cemetery in Kericho County. The bodies were reportedly interred on Friday morning under unclear circumstances. A public cemetery in Kericho is now the focal point of a disturbing investigation following revelations of secret burials. The allegations of mass graves discovered in Kericho have resurfaced painful memories of unresolved killings in Kenya.

Mugithi singer DJ Fatxo has publicly appealed for prayers for his mother, who is currently battling an illness, while also sharing his struggles with online trolling. Meanwhile, Kenyan singer Nadia Mukami recently shared insights into her journey from a humble background to stardom, crediting her disciplined upbringing by her military mum. Kenyan rapper Stevo Simple Boy has also announced a dramatic increase in his net worth, boasting a rise from six figures to millions of Kenyan shillings in a few months. In a separate development, digital trader Kenyan Prince shared investment advice emphasizing the irreversibility of time over the fear of financial loss in the growing Kenyan forex trading scene.