Jimmy Lai Wins Appeal Against 2022 Fraud Conviction: Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has won an appeal against a 2022 fraud conviction that carried a nearly 6-year jail sentence, with the Hong Kong Court of Appeal overturning the convictions of Lai and another defendant on Thursday. Separately, Bill Gates addressed his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in a staff meeting, stating he took responsibility for his actions and calling his association with Epstein a huge mistake, according to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Meanwhile, a prominent businesswoman, Vasundhara Oswal, has filed a constitutional and human rights petition in Uganda following her alleged arbitrary detention, a case raising concerns about the protection of foreign investors within the East African Community. These three stories involve prominent figures challenging legal decisions or facing accountability for their actions in different jurisdictions. Eight Health Facilities, Directors Charged Over Social Health Authority Fraud: Eight health facilities and several individuals are facing prosecution for alleged fraud targeting the Social Health Authority in Kenya, with the Director of Public Prosecutions ordering the charges after reviewing investigation files. In a separate development, the Office of the Auditor-General raised significant concerns regarding legal, governance, and constitutional gaps in the proposed National Infrastructure Fund Bill, warning it could undermine oversight of public resources. Additionally, a humanitarian initiative is using biometric technology to improve healthcare access for thousands of undocumented patients in northern Mauritania, with HumanCoop deploying facial biometric solutions from Identy.io to create unique patient records. These three stories address healthcare-related issues including fraud prosecution in Kenya, governance concerns in Kenyan public funds, and healthcare access innovation in North Africa. ARM Cement to Shut Down After Unresolved Tax, Debt Liabilities: Collapsed cement manufacturer ARM Cement Limited is set to wind up its operations due to mounting debt and unresolved tax liabilities, as confirmed by its joint administrators. At the same time, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited announced the resignation of its Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, Chemutai Murgor, effective May 31, 2026, concluding a significant tenure with the bank. Additionally, the Insurance Regulatory Authority identified Directline, Trident Insurance, and AMACO as the general insurers facing the highest number of customer complaints in Kenya during the third quarter of 2025. These three stories collectively highlight financial and corporate sector challenges in Kenya, including business collapse, executive departures, and regulatory issues.

Investigation Reveals Bribery Ring Sending Kenyan Youth to Russian War Front: An investigation by Citizen TV has uncovered a large-scale recruitment ring that allegedly bribed Kenyan government officials to facilitate the departure of hundreds of youths to join the Russian military in the war against Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has announced a significant recruitment drive for 12,520 temporary positions to support an upcoming nationwide voter registration exercise. Additionally, Nairobi County's Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement Geoffrey Mosiria has urged parents to restrict children under 17 from using Facebook during the school mid-term break due to inappropriate content and advertising.

ODM Backs Down to Tribunal Orders Protecting Sifuna: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has backed down from its efforts to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as party secretary general, agreeing to abide by tribunal orders. The party had attempted to remove Sifuna from his position, prompting him to challenge the decision at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal. In a strategic shift, ODM now plans to use video evidence and transcripts to prove its case against Sifuna at the tribunal hearing, seeking to have his challenge against his removal dismissed. These developments follow the tribunal's orders protecting Sifuna's position within the party.

Juventus Exit Champions League After 7-5 Aggregate Loss to Galatasaray: Juventus suffered a painful Champions League exit, losing 7-5 on aggregate to Galatasaray despite a valiant comeback attempt with 10 men. The Italian club licked wounds after the painful defeat in the last 16 stage. Real Madrid also featured in Champions League action, with Aurelien Tchouameni declaring their 2-1 victory over Benfica in the last 16 as a win for everyone who is against racism. Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino celebrated 10 years as FIFA President, a tenure marked by his commitment to reform and a promise to bring football back to FIFA, with Kenya featuring in FIFA's long-term plan.

TECNO Unveils Modular Smartphone With Magnetic Interconnection Technology: TECNO is pushing the boundaries of smartphone innovation with its ambitious Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology, showcased at MWC 2026. This modular concept allows components to be connected magnetically, representing a unique approach to smartphone design. At the same time, Samsung announced its Galaxy S26 series featuring exclusive Google AI features, becoming the first non-Pixel phones to receive these advanced AI capabilities. However, the Galaxy S26 Ultra's new Privacy Display feature, designed to prevent shoulder surfing, unfortunately turns dark mode blacks into a washed-out gray, limiting its effectiveness. All three announcements emerged from MWC 2026, representing the latest developments in smartphone technology from different manufacturers.

UDA Sweeps Four By-Elections as IEBC Completes Vote Counting: United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidates secured victories in all four by-election contests held on Thursday, February 27, solidifying President William Ruto's re-election prospects. President William Ruto celebrated the party's clean sweep, declaring UDA is becoming a strong national movement. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed the end of voting and the initiation of the tallying process in four by-election areas, with vote counting commenced following the conclusion of polling. Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Kieni, Nyeri County, cautioned politicians against inciting youths to cause violence, asserting that politics is about ideas, not violence. The Kenya Police Service Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat issued a strong warning against sponsors of political violence, signalling a heightened crackdown ahead of the election cycle. US-Iran Nuclear Talks in Geneva Conclude With Significant Progress: High-stakes nuclear talks between the United States and Iran in Geneva have concluded with significant progress, according to mediator and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, though a final deal remains uncertain. United States and Iranian officials met in Geneva for crucial indirect talks aimed at averting conflict, as President Donald Trump continues to threaten military action over the nuclear deal. Separately, Borge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has stepped down following an independent review of his connections to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Kenya Launches Lenacapavir in HIV Prevention Push: Kenya has launched Lenacapavir, a new long-acting injectable medication, marking a significant advancement in its efforts to combat new HIV infections. Separately, Kenya's Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs has launched a national strategy targeting a significant increase in fish production by 2030, with the government targeting 450,000 tons of fish production. Additionally, Kenya is leveraging its bioeconomy to significantly enhance its agricultural sector, generate employment opportunities for its youth, and decrease reliance on imports, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to national development through health and economic initiatives. Kenyan Rally Drivers Prepare for WRC Safari Rally 2026: Kenyan rally driver Nikhil Sachania is intensifying his preparations for the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya, recently completing a crucial test session to fine-tune his vehicle. Kenya's leading female rally star, Pauline Sheghu, is calling for increased sponsorship as she prepares for the upcoming FIA World Rally Championship Safari Rally. Meanwhile, Kenya is set to host the World Rafting Cup in Sagana, Kirinyaga County in July 2026, showcasing Kenya's growing prominence in international motorsport and adventure sports events. Parliament Urges Counties to Enforce Sh130B Budget Allocation: The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) is calling on Members of Parliament (MPs) and the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) to mandate county governments to allocate a significant portion of their budget to vital sectors. Kenyan manufacturers are facing substantial compliance challenges with the Kenya Revenue Authority's (KRA) electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS), prompting calls for industry and regulators to close tax compliance gaps. Separately, BAT Kenya has announced a Sh60 dividend per share to its shareholders, following a significant 17 per cent rise in net profit to Sh5.25 Billion for the year ended December 2025, reflecting the broader economic and fiscal landscape in Kenya. Violence Disrupts West Kabras Ward By-election: Chaos erupted in West Kabras ward by-election as supporters of rival candidates clashed, disrupting the voting process. The violence led to a temporary halt in proceedings as authorities intervened. Separate ward by-elections in Kenya were also marred by violence and kit failures, disrupting voting processes and leading to injuries and arrests. Additionally, Nairobi residents are criticizing the short feedback period provided for public participation on a cooperation agreement between the Nairobi County Government and the national government, highlighting concerns about democratic participation in electoral processes. DCI Detectives Arrest KMPDC Staff Member for SHA Fraud: The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested Harun Liluma, an interdicted staff member of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), for his alleged involvement in fraud impacting the Social Health Authority (SHA). This arrest comes as investigations into SHA fraud intensify, with authorities working to uncover the full extent of the financial scheme. In a related legal development, the Director of Public Prosecutions closed its final case in the Shakahola massacre trial after calling 95 witnesses, with Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 94 others facing charges related to the deaths of 429 people. Separately, the Kenya's Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) ordered the State Department for Basic Education to eliminate or reduce the KSh30 SMS placement fee for senior secondary school admissions, addressing what was termed 'exorbitant' charges. Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga Resigns: Homa Bay County Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga has resigned, ending months of speculation about his rift with Governor Gladys Wanga. The resignation, confirmed on Thursday, February 26, is effective immediately and is expected to reshape the county's leadership ahead of the 2027 General Elections. Governor Gladys Wanga subsequently declared the Deputy Governor position vacant following the resignation on February 26, 2026. Magwanga cited frustration and an inoperative office as reasons for his departure. Kenyan Shilling Maintains Stability Against Dollar for 18 Months: The Kenyan Shilling has maintained a remarkable stability against the US dollar for 18 months, a feat attributed by CBK Governor Kamau Thugge to strong foreign exchange reserves and proactive monetary policy. Kenya's annual inflation rate has seen a slight decrease, dropping to 4.3 percent in February from 4.4 percent in January. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has released its latest consumer price index report, indicating mixed price changes for essential commodities in February, with some items seeing price increases even as overall inflation declined slightly. ODM and UDA Reportedly Pursue 50-50 Pre-Election Deal for 2027: Ahead of the 2027 general elections, political realignments are underway, with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) reportedly pushing for a 50-50 pre-election deal with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). The same political realignment is discussed across two parts of the story. Separately, a three-judge bench has scheduled March 19 for a ruling on a constitutional case seeking the removal of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki from office, adding another dimension to the evolving political landscape as parties position themselves ahead of the next election cycle.