BAT Kenya declares Sh70 dividend as profit rises 18pc: BAT Kenya has declared a total dividend of Sh70 per share, following an 18 percent rise in gross profit for the year ending December 31, 2025. Despite this positive financial performance, the company experienced a decline in net revenue. At the same time, Walmart has agreed to pay $100 million to settle claims that it misled gig workers using its Spark Driver app about their pay and tips. Additionally, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's company Block is implementing significant layoffs, cutting its workforce by nearly half, from 10,000 to less than 6,000 employees as it embraces AI.

Top GoK Officials Bribed to Send 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. At the same time, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced 12,520 temporary positions for an upcoming voter registration exercise, creating job opportunities for Kenyan youth. Separately, Nairobi County's Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement Geoffrey Mosiria warned parents to restrict children under 17 from using Facebook during mid-term break due to inappropriate content and advertising.

ODM Withdraws Removal Attempt Against Sifuna After Tribunal Ruling: The Orange Democratic Movement has backed down from its efforts to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as party secretary general, agreeing to abide by tribunal orders that protected his position. The party had attempted to remove Sifuna but was ordered to maintain him in his role. In a related development, ODM planned to use video evidence and transcripts to prove its case against Sifuna at the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, seeking to have Sifuna's challenge against his removal dismissed. The tribunal's intervention forced ODM to eat humble pie and accept the ruling protecting Sifuna's position within the party.

Sacking Amorim could cost Manchester United Sh2.8 billion: Manchester United is facing a significant financial fallout from the dismissal of former head coach Ruben Amorim, with the move potentially costing the club nearly £16 million (approximately Sh2.8 billion). English Premier League leaders Arsenal face a crucial title test against London rivals Chelsea this weekend, with Manchester City continuing their pursuit of the title. The UEFA Champions League last 16 draw has set up a thrilling rematch between perennial rivals Real Madrid and Manchester City, while reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain will face Chelsea in another highly anticipated clash. Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes star player Mohamed Salah is a victim of his own exceptional standards amid a rare goal drought, with the 33-year-old going nine Premier League games without scoring.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series Brings Exclusive Google AI Features to Non-Pixel Phones: The new Samsung Galaxy S26 series is introducing groundbreaking AI capabilities, becoming the first non-Pixel phones to receive exclusive Google AI features. 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, negatively impacting the display quality. Meanwhile, TECNO is pushing the boundaries of smartphone innovation with its ambitious Modular Magnetic Interconnection Technology, showcased at MWC 2026, representing a different approach to mobile device advancement.

Political Tensions Rise as Leaders Trade Accusations: The Bishop of the ACK Makueni Diocese, Francis Matui, has urged politicians to halt premature campaigns that are escalating political tensions across Kenya. Mordecai Manoti has criticized remarks made by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing them of fueling division within the country. 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. Returning Officer Cancels Garbatulla Polling Station Results Over 100-Vote KIEMS Discrepancy: The Garbatulla Polling Station results have been cancelled by the Returning Officer due to a significant discrepancy in the Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kit, involving a difference of over 100 votes. This follows chaos that erupted in West Kabras ward by-election where supporters of rival candidates clashed, disrupting the voting process and leading to a temporary halt in proceedings as authorities intervened. Separately, ward by-elections in Kenya were marred by violence and kit failures, disrupting voting processes and leading to injuries and arrests. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is simultaneously urging Kenyan youth to actively participate in the electoral process by registering to vote to increase youth representation in Kenya's political landscape. Nairobi Grapples With Rising Insecurity Amid Police Vow: Nairobi residents are grappling with a pervasive sense of fear due to a recent surge in insecurity, with victims reporting a constant feeling of unease and vulnerability. The Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat has pledged a strong crackdown on crime in the Coast region as part of efforts to enhance security and restore order in the area. The Western region of Kenya is reportedly the leading area for the counterfeit trade, raising serious concerns among authorities about both the economic and health implications for the country. Kenya Leverages Bioeconomy to Boost Agriculture and Create Youth Jobs: Kenya is leveraging its bioeconomy to significantly enhance its agricultural sector, generate employment opportunities for its youth, and decrease reliance on imports. Efforts to boost youth employment in Kenya have received a significant push, signaling a renewed focus on addressing unemployment challenges among young people. The Kenyan government has approved the construction of solar-powered irrigation infrastructure in Ahero, Kisumu County, as part of infrastructure development to support agricultural activities. President Ruto hails voter support as UDA sweeps 4 by-elections: President William Ruto celebrated the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party's clean sweep in four recent Kenyan by-elections, declaring the party is becoming a strong national political outfit. Following UDA candidate victories, President Ruto stated the party is on track to becoming a formidable national political outfit. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Kieni, Nyeri County, cautioned politicians against inciting youths to cause violence, asserting that politics is about ideas not violence. Meanwhile, 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. Gladys Wanga declares Deputy Governor position vacant: Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has declared the Deputy Governor position vacant following the resignation of Oyugi Magwanga on February 26, 2026. Governor Wanga accepted Magwanga's resignation, declaring the position vacant, with Magwanga citing irreconcilable differences and political ambitions as reasons for leaving. Wanga pointed to his political ambitions and opposition to the ODM candidate in the Kasipul by-election. The resignation is expected to reshape the county's leadership ahead of the 2027 General Elections. Marsabit health workers strike enters 118th day: A labor dispute involving clinical officers has crippled healthcare services in Marsabit County for 118 days, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis and a drastic drop in patient care. The Kenya Forest Service is constructing National Youth Service barracks at its Karura headquarters and other forest stations nationwide to support President William Ruto's goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. Meanwhile, the European Union has launched a new Ksh 500 million initiative to address human rights challenges in Kenya, funding civil society organizations in advancing and protecting citizen rights. DCI detectives arrest SHA fraud suspect: The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested an interdicted staff member of the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC), Harun Liluma, for his alleged involvement in fraud impacting the Social Health Authority (SHA). Separately, DCI detectives in Nairobi County arrested a suspect accused of forging official signatures in a multi-million shilling land fraud scheme involving the Pangani area. Kenya's medical and dental associations have expressed grave concerns over alleged corruption, fraudulent facility registrations, and irregular licensing at KMPDC, warning of compromised patient safety and public trust. 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. Kenya is set to introduce Lenacapavir, a novel anti-HIV injection offering long-acting prevention and treatment, marking a significant advancement in HIV care accessibility. The Minister of Health Aden Duale has refuted claims of Ksh 11 billion public funds being misappropriated within the SHA health insurance scheme. Shakahola massacre trial concludes with DPP closing case: The Director of Public Prosecutions has closed its final case in the Shakahola massacre trial, with Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 94 others facing charges related to the deaths of 429 people. The DPP called 95 witnesses throughout the trial process. In a separate legal matter, a Bomet court sentenced Bernard Miyeiende Kerongo to 50 years in prison and fined him Sh50 million for trafficking 278 kilograms of cannabis. Additionally, human rights activist Boniface Mwangi publicly accused the government of unlawfully issuing Kenyan passports to foreigners under direct orders from State House.