Kenya News - Wednesday, March 11, 2026 | Daily Summary - The Online Kenyan
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Kenya News - Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Parliament approved the 2026/2027 Budget Policy Statement, setting a Sh4.7 trillion fiscal framework, as lawmakers also demanded assurances on jobs in Safaricom's planned share sale. The Law Society of Kenya has filed a petition challenging the alleged unlawful access and use of protesters' data. Kenya Power Chief Executive Joseph Siror identified trees as the primary cause of most power outages, urging public cooperation. Meanwhile, a funding plan for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is set for a June groundbreaking. Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco has warned of potentially catastrophic consequences for global oil markets. A tragic accident on the Webuye-Kitale road claimed 15 lives, with another road accident in Malaha confirming 15 deaths and 29 injuries. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development has sold its controlling stake in Nation Media Group, ending a 66-year association, with Tanzanian businessman Rostam Azizi taking control. Kenya has urged the international community to take urgent action against evolving drug threats at the UN, and a UK Border Force delegation visited the DCI headquarters to bolster collaboration. The Kenya Revenue Authority has launched body cameras for customs officers. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has defended its new system for issuing instant fines and is also deploying automated speed cameras. Senators are calling for an immediate assessment of Nairobi's drainage systems following devastating floods that have caused widespread damage and loss of life, with flood victims’ families pleading for action and tangible support.
Mvurya Warns Joho Against Pressuring Ruto Over Deputy Position: Cabinet Secretaries Salim Mvurya and Hassan Joho have clashed over the 2027 deputy presidential position, with Mvurya cautioning Joho against pressuring President William Ruto. At the same time, President Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga have formed an eight-member technical committee to plan a 2027 pre-election coalition and announced plans to compensate victims of police brutality by June. Further, the Committee on the Implementation of the ten-point agenda and the National Dialogue Committee report (Nadco) has reportedly disappointed Kenyans by failing to address key demands made by former ODM leader Raila Odinga, with the committee's released report not including resolutions on critical issues.
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MPs Approve Sh4.7 Trillion Budget While Debating Safaricom Share Sale: Kenyan Parliament has approved the 2026/2027 Budget Policy Statement (BPS), establishing a Sh4.7 trillion fiscal framework and outlining government spending priorities. Separately, Members of Parliament are demanding assurances regarding job security and the existing business model for Safaricom employees and partners as part of the government's plan for a partial divestment of its shares in the company. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has filed a constitutional petition challenging the alleged unlawful access and use of protesters' personal data by government agencies and telecommunications companies between 2024 and 2025. Kenya Power Blames Trees for Outages as JKIA Expansion Planned for June: Kenya Power Chief Executive Officer Joseph Siror has identified trees as the primary cause of most power outages in the country, urging public cooperation in managing vegetation near power lines. The Kenyan government has unveiled a funding plan for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), with ground-breaking set for June. Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco has warned of potentially catastrophic consequences for global oil markets due to ongoing disruptions affecting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, just days before Kenya's fuel price review. Tragic Accident at Webuye-Kitale Road Claims 15 Lives: A tragic accident on the Webuye-Kitale road in Bungoma County on Monday resulted in the devastating loss of 15 lives. A separate horrific road accident in Malaha also resulted in 15 people confirmed dead and another 29 injured. Another incident on the Webuye Highway resulted in 15 deaths and left 29 others injured. These multiple fatal accidents occurring in close succession on Kenyan roads highlight persistent road safety concerns. Aga Khan Fund Exits Nation Media After 66 Years as Tanzanian Tycoon Takes Control: The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) has sold its controlling stake in Nation Media Group (NMG), ending a 66-year association with the East African media company. The exit marks a significant ownership transition for one of East Africa's largest media houses. Tanzanian businessman Rostam Azizi has become the majority shareholder, acquiring the controlling stake in this landmark transaction. This represents the first time in six decades that the Aga Khan's investment vehicle has not held a controlling position in the media group. Kenya Strengthens International Drug Cooperation at UN and With UK: Kenya has urged the international community to take urgent, balanced action against evolving drug threats at the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna. A delegation from the UK Border Force visited the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Nairobi to bolster collaboration in combating drug trafficking. The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has launched 350 body-worn cameras for customs officers nationwide, enhancing transparency and accountability at Kenya's border entry points. NTSA Introduces Instant Fines and Automated Speed Cameras to Boost Road Safety: The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has implemented new measures to enhance road safety across Kenya, including the introduction of instant fines for traffic offenders and the deployment of automated speed cameras. The authority has defended its new instant fines system, stating it aims to enhance road safety and curb corruption in traffic law enforcement. Additionally, NTSA launched a new system aimed at improving the enforcement of traffic laws and identifying drivers or vehicle owners who violate traffic regulations. These measures represent a coordinated effort by the transportation regulator to address road safety concerns through technological and enforcement innovations. Senators Call for Urgent Review of Nairobi Drainage After Deadly Floods: Kenyan Senators are demanding an immediate assessment of Nairobi's drainage systems following devastating floods that have caused widespread damage and loss of life. Survivors recount harrowing experiences as raging floodwaters transformed a Friday evening in Nairobi into a desperate struggle for survival, with the sudden deluge catching many off guard. A Nairobi mortuary is overwhelmed with grieving families as Kenya grapples with the devastating aftermath of recent floods, with the intense rainfall causing widespread destruction and loss of life across the country. Families of flood victims are pleading for immediate action and concrete aid, not just empty promises, following the devastating floods.
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Gunfire Erupts as Irungu Nyakera Defends Hotel From Attackers in Kisumu - March 2026
Gunfire erupted early Wednesday morning in Kisumu when Democracy for Citizens Party Patron Irungu Nyakera allegedly fired two shots in the air to deter a large group of attackers at his hotel. The incident represents a violent confrontation targeting a political figure's property. At the same time, concerns over Kenyans being recruited for foreign conflicts continue to mount, with Senator Okiya Omtatah questioning whether the Kazi Majuu program was a plot to recruit Kenyans for Russia's war in Ukraine. Omtatah has threatened to sue the government over allegations of Kenyans being recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war, demanding accountability for those who have died or gone missing. Additionally, another Kenyan family is seeking government assistance after losing contact with Humphrey Kimani, a Kenyan citizen recruited into the Russian army, raising fresh concerns about Kenyan nationals being deployed to conflict zones.
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Kenya has urged the international community to take urgent, balanced action against evolving drug threats at the 69th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna. A delegation from the UK Border Force visited the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters in Nairobi to bolster collaboration in combating drug trafficking. The Kenya Revenue Authority has launched 350 body-worn cameras for customs officers nationwide, a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability at Kenya's border entry points. These developments represent coordinated international efforts to strengthen Kenya's drug enforcement capabilities.
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MPs Amend Govt Plan to Sell 15% Safaricom Stake, Introducing Worker Protections - March 2026
Members of Parliament have amended the Kenyan government's plan to sell a 15 percent stake in Safaricom PLC to Vodacom Group, introducing worker protections and business partner safeguards. Kenyan MPs are demanding assurances regarding job security and the existing business model for Safaricom employees and partners as part of the government's plan for a partial divestment of its shares in the company. Meanwhile, Treasury has clarified that civil servants' salaries will not be subject to deductions to finance the newly established National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), which aims to raise significant capital for infrastructure development without burdening public employees. Separately, the Law Society of Kenya has filed a constitutional petition challenging the alleged unlawful access and use of protesters' personal data by government agencies and telecommunications companies between 2024 and 2025.
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The Kenyan government has unveiled a funding plan for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), with ground-breaking set for June. Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco has warned of potentially catastrophic consequences for global oil markets due to ongoing disruptions affecting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, just days before Kenya's fuel price review. These separate infrastructure and energy developments highlight Kenya's ongoing preparations for major projects amid global market uncertainties. Meanwhile, Kenya is urging fellow African nations to invest in space technology and data systems to enhance disaster management capabilities, with the call made during a briefing hosted by the Kenya Space Agency.
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NTSA Introduces Instant Fines and Automated Speed Cameras to Boost Road Safety - March 2026
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is implementing new measures to enhance road safety across Kenya, including the introduction of instant fines for traffic offenders and the deployment of automated speed cameras. The NTSA has defended its new system for issuing instant fines to motorists caught violating traffic laws, stating the measures are aimed at enhancing road safety and curbing corruption. Separately, the NTSA launched a new system aimed at improving the enforcement of traffic laws and identifying vehicle owners or drivers who violate traffic regulations.
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Kenyan Senators are demanding an immediate assessment of Nairobi's drainage systems following devastating floods that have caused widespread damage and loss of life. Survivors recount harrowing experiences as raging floodwaters transformed a Friday evening in Nairobi into a desperate struggle for survival, with the sudden deluge catching many off guard. A Nairobi mortuary is overwhelmed with grieving families as Kenya grapples with the devastating aftermath of these recent floods.
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Severe floods that occurred on Friday have caused 49 deaths, with dozens of people still missing and their whereabouts unknown. Families of flood victims in Kenya are pleading for immediate action and concrete aid, not just empty promises, following the devastating floods. In Taita Taveta, severe floods caused widespread destruction, leaving over 348 houses destroyed and a trail of devastation across the region.