China Exports Surge Despite Tariffs, India Faces Gas Shortage: China's exports experienced a significant surge of over 20% in January and February, defying trade tensions with the United States and setting the nation on pace to surpass its previous annual trade surplus record. In contrast, India is facing a significant shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, impacting several regions particularly in Karnataka and Maharashtra, with lawmakers expressing serious concern over supply disruptions. Separately, Tokyo stocks saw a rebound on Tuesday, recovering some losses after a significant drop the previous day, primarily driven by a retreat in crude oil prices. Oil Prices Volatile After Trump Comments, Strait of Hormuz Warning: Oil prices experienced historic volatility, surging to $115 a barrel before a potential release of emergency stockpiles and comments from US President Donald Trump offered some relief, though prices remained elevated and supply chains were in disarray. Further adding to the uncertainty, oil prices dropped significantly after Trump issued a strong warning to Iran against blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global energy supplies. In response, G7 nations pledged to take "necessary measures" to support global energy supplies amidst soaring oil prices triggered by the US-Israel conflict with Iran, though a meeting of G7 finance ministers and the International Energy Agency concluded without an immediate agreement to release strategic crude reserves. RBA Renews KUSCCO License, KDIC Explores Saccos Cover: The Retirement Benefits Authority renewed the operating license for KUSCCO Mutual Assurance Limited, permitting it to continue managing pension schemes. Meanwhile, Kenya's Bank deposits insurer, Kenya Deposit Insurance Corporation, expressed openness to developing a deposit protection scheme for Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies to enhance saver confidence in the sector holding over Sh1 trillion in deposits. The global financial system is also undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by blockchain technology and digital assets, creating a unique opportunity to rebuild financial infrastructure for the next era. KRA Deploys Body Cameras at Border Points, JKIA: The Kenya Revenue Authority deployed 350 body-worn cameras at border points nationwide to enhance transparency and accountability in customs operations. Separately, KRA also deployed body cameras for its officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to boost transparency and accountability in passenger clearance. Meanwhile, the Motorists Association of Kenya is seeking urgent clarification from the National Transport and Safety Authority regarding the legal and procedural aspects of its newly implemented instant traffic fines system. Kenya Pipeline Shares Begin Trading at NSE: Shares of Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) commenced trading on the Nairobi Securities Exchange on Tuesday, March 10, following a bell-ringing ceremony led by President William Ruto. In a related development, Nairobi City County Government launched a substantial Sh38.1 billion water and sanitation upgrade plan to enhance access to clean water and sewage infrastructure in the capital. Additionally, the Capital Markets Authority Kenya partnered with Afri Fund Capital through a Memorandum of Understanding to boost infrastructure financing in Kenya using capital market products.

Pastor Dorcas Rigathi Denies Controlling Husband in Marriage: Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has refuted claims that she dominates her husband, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, describing the allegations as a misunderstanding of their marriage. In a separate development, Tanzanian musician Harmonize has settled his divorce dispute with Italian ex-wife Sarah Michelloti, paying 7 million Kshs to finalize their legal battles. Meanwhile, social media influencer Shes Kemunto is publicly asserting her relationship with singer Iyanii is ongoing, despite his denial of their supposed reunion.

Orengo Denies Leaving ODM, Hints at Major Party Developments: Siaya Governor James Orengo has denied plans to leave the Orange Democratic Movement, clarifying that the Linda Mwananchi faction operates within the party while hinting at significant developments within ODM in the coming months. Meanwhile, the resignation of Oyugi Magwanga as Homa Bay Deputy Governor is poised to significantly alter the political dynamics and the upcoming gubernatorial race in Homa Bay County, potentially affecting the re-election bid of Governor Gladys Wanga. At the same time, a faction supporting ODM party leader Edwin Sifuna will boycott a joint Parliamentary Group meeting convened by President William Ruto and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, highlighting internal divisions within the party.

Kenyan Teams Defend Titles at Sub-Regional Games: Nairobi's reigning champions, including Dagoretti High and Olympic High, have successfully defended their titles at the sub-regional games and are now preparing to compete for regional championships and a spot at the national games. Separately, defending Safari Rally champion Elfyn Evans acknowledges he will need a dose of luck to retain his title at the upcoming WRC event in Naivasha. Former Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat passed away at the age of 55 after suffering a heart attack at Istanbul Airport while en route to Turkey, having coached Kenya's national football team from 2021 to 2024. Man City Draws Liverpool in FA Cup Quarter-Finals: The draw for the FA Cup quarter-finals has set up a highly anticipated clash between Manchester City and Liverpool. Other notable matchups include Arsenal facing Southampton and Chelsea hosting Port Vale. In a separate football development, Paul Scholes has apologized to former Manchester United teammate Michael Carrick after a social media comment criticizing the team's performance was widely interpreted as a jibe. Meanwhile, Iraq's head coach Graham Arnold has appealed to FIFA to postpone the team's crucial World Cup playoff match, scheduled for March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico.

Gebeya Integrates InterNetX to Let African Entrepreneurs Buy Domains Without Credit Cards: Gebeya has partnered with European domain registrar InterNetX to allow African entrepreneurs to purchase domain names using local payment methods, eliminating the need for international credit cards. This partnership addresses a key barrier for web entrepreneurs across Africa who previously struggled with international payment requirements. Meanwhile, Safaricom's Ziidi Money Market Fund has been honored with the Best Fintech and Digital Commerce Innovation Award at the 2026 Global Mobile Awards in Barcelona, representing recognition for Kenya's digital financial innovations. At the same time, Absa Group extended its partnership with NTT DATA for another five years to support its financial systems running on the SAP S/4HANA Finance Platform across Africa, reflecting continued investment in financial technology infrastructure.

Floods Kill 44, Tens Missing as Schools Reopen for Clean-up: Unprecedented floods in Kenya have claimed the lives of 44 people and left tens missing, disrupting the reopening of schools for a new term. The natural disaster struck on Friday evening, forcing students and teachers to engage in clean-up efforts instead of learning. Over 500 residents in Osodo, Homa Bay County, have been displaced and are seeking refuge in local churches after their homes were submerged by floods, with the Miriu River bursting its banks. Families have been arriving at the Nairobi City Mortuary for four days to identify the bodies of loved ones lost in the devastating floods. 14 killed, 30 injured in Malaha junction crash on Kitale-Webuye road: A horrific road crash on the Kitale–Webuye highway in Bungoma County resulted in 14 deaths and 30 injuries after a trailer lost control and struck multiple vehicles and pedestrians. A separate incident along the same highway involving a truck and Public Service Vehicle left 10 dead and 11 injured. President William Ruto led the nation in mourning the victims, urging immediate road safety enhancements. The accidents occurred at Malaha junction, with reports indicating one truck crashed into a crowd assisting victims of an earlier accident. Truck Crash Kills 14 in Webuye After Ploughing Into Rescuers: A tragic incident occurred near Webuye when a trailer lost control and plowed into rescuers and onlookers at Malaha, resulting in multiple fatalities. The Webuye incident has resulted in 14 fatalities after a truck lost control and crashed into a crowd assisting victims of an earlier accident. This was the same trailer from the Malaha area. A separate multi-vehicle accident on the Kisumu–Busia road resulted in the deaths of three people and left five others hospitalized, with Duale's motorcade aiding rescue efforts. President Ruto Signs KSh 5 Trillion National Infrastructure Fund Law: President William Ruto has officially signed into law the National Infrastructure Bill, paving the way for the mobilization of KSh 5 trillion for major government projects. The Kenyan government has launched efforts to raise over Sh5 trillion through the National Infrastructure Fund, a new bill signed into law aimed at addressing the nation's fiscal challenges and funding infrastructure development without increasing public debt. Nairobi County's special committee for improving the county's operations has announced a budget allocation of Ksh 25 billion for infrastructure development. Kenya Met Lists 6 Regions to Receive Heavy Rains Over Next 7 Days: The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast continued rains, with some areas expected to experience above-average downpours, over the next seven days. Heavy rains across Kenya over the weekend caused devastating floods, resulting in the deaths of 42 people and significant damage. While the intensity of rainfall is expected to decrease this week, officials warn that flooding remains a risk due to saturated soils. The Amboseli Airstrip in Kajiado has been temporarily closed by the Kenya Wildlife Service due to flooding caused by heavy weekend rains, grounding all flights. Azimio Revokes Junet as Minority Leader, Names Caroli Omondi Replacement: The Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party has replaced Minority Leader Junet Mohamed with Suba South Member of Parliament Caroli Omondi. The changes were announced by Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka following a meeting of the coalition's governing bodies. Several prominent leaders, including Junet Mohamed and Hassan Joho, were expelled from key governing bodies due to various violations. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has asserted that political agreements should be evaluated based on their continued service to the people, not on arbitrary timelines. Meanwhile, ODM Leader Oburu Oginga reassured party members of his commitment and ability to lead the party. Kenya Pipeline Company Listed on Nairobi Securities Exchange: The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) has officially been listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. President William Ruto presided over the listing ceremony, while Cabinet Secretary Mbadi delivered a speech during the event. The listing marks a significant milestone for the company and the Kenyan capital markets.