Monica Juma Appointed UNODC Executive Director and UN Office at Vienna Chief: Kenyan diplomat Monica Kathina Juma has been appointed by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres as the new Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV). Juma previously served as Kenya's National Security Advisor to President William Ruto and held Cabinet Secretary positions. President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki extended congratulatory messages following her appointment to this senior UN role. This appointment marks Kenya securing a significant leadership position within the United Nations system. At least 10 dead as President Ruto deploys military for flood rescue in Nairobi: At least 10 people have died in Nairobi following intense overnight rains that caused severe flooding on March 6, 2026. President William Ruto deployed the Kenya Defence Forces to assist in rescue efforts as flash floods devastated the capital. The Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Red Cross were deployed to assist with rescue and traffic management after heavy rainfall submerged vehicles and businesses in the CBD and major highways. Scores remain missing as emergency response operations continue across the city. Heavy Rains Flood Nairobi Roads, Commuters Stranded for Hours: Nairobi experienced widespread flooding following heavy rains, rendering major roads impassable and stranding hundreds of commuters for hours. The Nairobi-Mombasa Highway experienced significant disruptions after River Sultan Hamud burst its banks, causing extensive traffic jams. The Mai Mahiu-Narok Road was also affected by heavy rains and silt deposits, leading to closures and advisories from KeNHA. Heavy rains also damaged crucial infrastructure, disrupting Nairobi's water and electricity supply, with estates facing water shortage starting Saturday. Gov’t directs sub-counties to set up flood emergency response centres: The Kenyan government has ordered all sub-counties to establish immediate flood emergency response centres to manage the escalating impact of ongoing heavy rains and floods across the country. In Kisumu County, the Sondu-Miriu River burst its banks in Wang'chieng Ward, submerging homes and farms and affecting 381 households. Separately, President William Ruto directed the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to create a framework for compensating victims of human rights violations, particularly those arising from protests. 67-Year-Old Swept Away as Floods Wreak Havoc Across Kenya: A 67-year-old individual has been swept away as floods cause widespread destruction across Kenya. The devastating weather event has led to significant damage and disruption. Heavy rains have exposed significant failures in Nairobi's drainage and infrastructure systems, with the downpour leading to widespread flooding across the capital. In Nairobi Central, Friday night floods claimed 5 lives and caused widespread destruction of property, leaving numerous travelers stranded. Additionally, hundreds of people are stranded and families displaced in Mt. Elgon and along the Kitale-Lodwar highway due to severe flooding that has rendered roads impassable.
