Kenyan diplomat Dr. Monica Juma has been appointed Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna. Meanwhile, Nairobi is grappling with severe flooding after heavy rains, with at least 10 deaths reported and the Kenya Defence Forces deployed for rescue efforts. Commuters faced hours of stranded traffic as major roads became impassable. The government has directed sub-counties to establish flood emergency centres, with Kisumu County also reporting a river bursting its banks. Further afield, a 67-year-old was swept away as floods continue to cause damage across the country, highlighting critical infrastructure failures in Nairobi's drainage systems.
Oil Price at Two-Year High After Qatar Warns Gulf Production Could Stop Within Days: Oil prices have surged to a two-year high following warnings from Qatar's energy minister that all Gulf oil and gas production could cease within days due to escalating regional conflict. The surge in jet fuel prices, driven by disruptions in the Gulf following air strikes on Iran, is poised to increase air travel costs and potentially lead to flight cancellations. Meanwhile, Kenya Airways has temporarily suspended its Nairobi-Dubai repatriation flight effective yesterday due to new security guidance from Dubai International Airport authorities.
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Sifuna Slams Closed-Door Plan for Ruto-Raila Pact Report: A draft report on the March 7, 2025 power pact between President William Ruto and former ODM leader Raila Odinga indicates a high level of implementation, potentially paving the way for future coalition talks. Separately, a faction within the Orange Democratic Movement Party, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, plans to present a parallel report on the implementation of the 10-point Memorandum of Understanding. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has criticized plans to present the report at a closed-door meeting, advocating for public disclosure instead.
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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.
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At least 10 dead as President Ruto deploys military for flood rescue in Nairobi - March 2026
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At least 10 people have died in Nairobi following intense overnight rains that caused severe flooding on March 6, 2026. President William Ruto has deployed the Kenya Defence Forces to assist in rescue efforts, with the military joining the Kenya Red Cross in helping stranded commuters. The torrential downpour overwhelmed the city's drainage systems, submerging vehicles and businesses in the CBD and major highways. Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rains will continue across many parts of the country through the weekend of March 7 and March 8. The government has ordered all sub-counties to establish immediate flood emergency response centres to manage the escalating impact of ongoing heavy rains and floods. In Kisumu County, 381 households were affected after the Sondu-Miriu River burst its banks in Wang'chieng Ward, submerging homes and farms.
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Hundreds Stranded as Floods Block Roads and Disrupt Travel in Mt. Elgon and Kitale-Lodwar - March 2026
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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. Heavy rains last night have caused a section of Parklands Road to flood, significantly disrupting traffic and daily activities in the area. An elderly 67-year-old individual has been swept away as floods cause widespread destruction across Kenya.
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Monica Juma appointed new UNODC Executive Director and Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna - March 2026
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Monica Kathina Juma 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). This appointment makes Dr. Juma the third highest-ranking official in the UN system. She previously served as Kenya's National Security Advisor to President William Ruto and held cabinet positions including Cabinet Secretary for Defence and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, have extended congratulatory messages following her appointment to these senior roles within the United Nations.
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Oil prices have surged to a two-year high following warnings from Qatar's energy minister that all Gulf oil and gas production could cease within days due to escalating regional conflict. This oil price surge has driven a significant increase in jet fuel prices, which analysts warn could push up air travel costs and potentially lead to flight cancellations. In response to these fuel supply disruptions, Kenya Airways has temporarily suspended its Nairobi–Dubai repatriation flight effective yesterday due to new security guidance from Dubai International Airport authorities.
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Health workers in Kajiado county are in an uproar, demanding the immediate payment of long-overdue salaries. The prolonged salary delays are causing significant hardship for both newly employed and promoted staff. Kenyan opposition leaders have strongly criticized the government following widespread floods and devastating losses across the country. The National Assembly on Thursday passed the National Infrastructure Fund Bill, a significant move aimed at transforming Kenya's infrastructure financing strategy.
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Israeli strikes targeted the Lebanese town of Nabi Chit in the Bekaa Valley on Saturday, resulting in widespread destruction and casualties. An airstrike reportedly struck a children's playground and emergency building in Shiraz, Iran, causing significant casualties with 20 killed and 30 injured. Protests took place outside the Embassy of Israel in London on Friday evening, with demonstrators condemning recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
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Traders and residents in Nyamira county staged a peaceful protest on Friday against planned demolitions of shops at Magwagwa market. Small traders operating at the Uhuru Open Air Market on Jogoo Road are facing potential demolition following a county vacate notice. President William Ruto has announced that the Kenyan government will purchase 1,500 acres of land in Angata Barikoi to resolve long-standing disputes and settle individuals who were previously evicted from Mau.