CPF Group Expands Financial Services to Rwanda: CPF Group, a Kenyan financial services provider, has officially opened a new office in Kigali, Rwanda, as part of its ongoing regional expansion strategy. Farmer's Choice plans a major expansion of its smokie vendor network, aiming to grow it from 50,000 to 150,000 vendors nationwide, an initiative part of the Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) program seeking to boost entrepreneurship particularly for women and youth. In a separate legal development, the appointment of Francis Meja as the chairperson of the Public Service Commission is facing a legal challenge in the High Court of Kenya. Oil Prices Surge Despite Record Reserve Release Amid Iran War: Oil prices surged despite a record release of emergency reserves by International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries aimed at stabilizing the market following concerns linked to the Iran war. A looming fuel shortage threatens Kenya and Uganda by the end of March due to global ramifications from the Iran war. Kenyan exporters of perishable goods are facing significant financial losses due to shipping route disruptions caused by the conflict between the US and Iran, with extended transit times leading to quality degradation and mounting expenses for key agricultural and meat products. Meanwhile, US inflation remained stable at 2.4% in February, a figure recorded before the impact of the US and Israel war in Iran on energy prices. Kenya Public Debt Surges to Sh12.29 Trillion: Kenya's public debt has surged to Sh12.29 trillion by December 31, 2025, marking a significant increase partly attributed to financing budget deficits and accumulated interest. Separately, SBM Bank Kenya has announced a significant financial turnaround, returning to profitability after a challenging year, posting a profit before tax of Sh614 million for the year ending December 31, 2025, a remarkable shift from a Sh1.6 billion loss in 2024. KCB Group has also announced an 11 percent increase in net profit, reaching Sh68.4 billion for the year ending December 31, 2025, with growth driven by a significant rise in lending and overall revenues.

Betty Kyallo Shares Pregnancy Sleep Struggles As Due Date Approaches: Media personality Betty Kyallo shared personal struggles with pregnancy sleep discomfort as she nears her due date. Simultaneously, social media influencer Diana Kemunto revealed she drafted a formal relationship contract for her past union with singer Iyanii, outlining terms for their public image and a coordinated exit strategy. Meanwhile, content creator and entrepreneur Murugi Munyi celebrated her ninth wedding anniversary on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, with her husband Zach Munyi. These three stories feature Kenyan media personalities sharing personal relationship updates through various media platforms.

Sifuna Challenges ODM Leadership Over Tribunal Ruling and Party Agenda: Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has petitioned the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal to nullify his removal as ODM Secretary-General, alleging the party violated its own constitution. A faction of ODM leaders including Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have denounced the newly released ten-point agenda report, labeling it a fraud and a public relations exercise. Separately, Siaya Governor James Orengo faces an unprecedented challenge to his re-election campaign in 2027, with internal ODM factions working to deny him the party ticket. Meanwhile, the political movement Linda Mwananchi has accused President William Ruto of betraying the legacy of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga through the fraudulent 10-point agenda report. A tense meeting at the offices of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga revealed a significant shake-up of his staff five months after his passing, leading to emotional outbursts and uncertainty.

Neuville Tops Safari Rally Shakedown as Drivers Warn of Brutal Race: Thierry Neuville set the fastest time during the shakedown for the WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026, but heavy rain has drivers anticipating a brutal and unpredictable race. The 2026 WRC Safari Rally has officially kicked off in Naivasha, transforming the lakeside town into a hub of activity and economic boom. Meanwhile, mechanics are in a race against time to put the finishing touches on rally cars at the Kenya Wildlife Service Research and Training Institute as teams finalize preparations. The event runs from today until Sunday, with drivers battling for supremacy on challenging terrains.

High Court Rules on Ouster of Noordin Haji as NIS Director: The High Court has dismissed a petition that sought to challenge the appointment of Noordin Haji as the Director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Justice Lawrence Mugambi ruled that the president's discretionary power in appointing such officers is constitutionally protected. President William Ruto has officially appointed Abdillahi Saggaf Alawy as the Chairperson of the National Land Commission (NLC) for a six-year term, following parliamentary approval. The National Assembly has approved seven nominees for the NLC proposed by President William Ruto, despite concerns raised by some MPs regarding the nominees' qualifications. NEMA Launches Real-time Digital Platform to Monitor Industrial Pollution: The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has launched a new digital platform, Kenya Online Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (KOCEMS), to monitor industrial pollution in real-time across Kenya. Kenya and Japan are set to bolster their collaboration in health technology transfer and local medical manufacturing. The Aga Khan University Surgery Residency Programme in Kenya has become the first in the country and region to receive accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International (ACGME-I), setting global standards for surgical training. Solar Projects Aim to Reduce Water Costs in Kilifi and Mombasa: A new solar energy project has been launched on the coast of Kenya, aiming to reduce electricity costs for water projects in the Kilifi and Mombasa counties. The Kenyan government is reportedly committed to resolving the coastal water crisis through the solarization of the Mwache Dam project. Residents of Kilifi and Mombasa counties may soon experience relief from water scarcity, despite existing debts. The construction of the modern Diani Market has also been completed, marking a significant development for the local community. Kenyan drivers are taking legal action against the new instant fine system implemented by NTSA: Kenyan drivers are taking legal action against the new instant fine system implemented by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in Nairobi. The Director General of NTSA, Nashon Kondiwa, addressed concerns regarding the implementation and enforcement of traffic fines, questioning the visibility of road signs and operational status of cameras. According to David Njoroge, traffic offenses in Kenya are being exploited by the government primarily as a means of revenue generation. Nairobi lawyer Danstan Omari has separately declared that NTSA operates illegally and unconstitutionally. CS Kagwe Breaks Down How Kenya Lost Over Ksh300 Million to Middle East Conflict: Kenya is experiencing a significant economic setback, losing an estimated Ksh300 million weekly due to the current conflict in the Middle East disrupting its key export markets. The United States and 32 member nations of the International Energy Agency (IEA) will jointly release 400 million barrels of oil reserves to stabilize global markets and prevent a potential fuel crisis. Kenya is among the countries set to benefit from this emergency fuel relief as Trump announces emergency measures. Additionally, G7 nations in coordination with the IEA plan a record release of emergency oil reserves to combat surging prices driven by the US-Israel war. Court Blocks NTSA From Enforcing Instant Fines: The High Court in Nairobi has temporarily suspended the National Transport and Safety Authority's (NTSA) new Instant Fines Traffic Management System. The conservatory order halts the issuance and enforcement of penalties generated by automated systems as the court reviews a case challenging the directive. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has accused NTSA of rolling out a new Sh42 billion automated traffic enforcement system as a money scheme rather than for road safety. Following a tragic accident that claimed 15 lives and injured over 21 others in Webuye on March 10, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is urging parliament to enact stricter road safety laws. NTSA is planning to introduce mobile money and USSD payments for instant traffic fines, expanding beyond the current single bank option as the project remains in pilot phase. Sakaja Announces Waiver for Nairobi Residents: The Nairobi City County Government has announced a 30-day waiver on repair fees and approvals for properties damaged by recent deadly floods, effective March 11. The Nairobi County Government announced a one-month waiver on all levies and approvals for property repairs following recent floods, aiming to accelerate restoration of damaged homes and businesses. Despite ongoing rains, Kenya faces a worsening hunger crisis, with 3.6 million Kenyans in arid and semi-arid regions expected to be food insecure. Waathiriwa wa mafuriko wakashifu serikali wakisema imewatelekeza: Swathes of people affected by recent floods have publicly accused the Kenyan government of abandoning them in their time of need. The situation highlights a growing concern over the government's response to humanitarian crises. A Grade 3 pupil in Kericho was tragically swept away by floods on Wednesday morning while en route to school. Heavy rainfall in Kenya's Nyanza region has caused severe flooding in Homa Bay and Kisumu counties, destroying homes, farms, and roads. CCTV shows Police-linked Toyota used to hunt MP Ong’ondo Were before fatal shooting in Nairobi: CCTV footage has revealed a Toyota vehicle linked to the police was used in the pursuit of Member of Parliament (MP) Ong'ondo Were shortly before his fatal shooting in Nairobi. Police are reportedly investigating the suspected murder of MP Ong'ondo Were, with the circumstances surrounding his death under scrutiny. Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is calling for the swift arrest of the driver responsible for a tragic accident at Malaha Junction on Webuye Road that claimed nine lives. Armed goons raid Fairways Hotel in Kisumu: A large gang of approximately 100 people stormed and vandalized the Fairways Hotel in Kisumu on Wednesday morning, making off with valuable items. Police in Kisumu are investigating the raid where valuable items were destroyed. Former Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera fired two warning shots to disperse over 100 goons who invaded a hotel linked to him in Kisumu on the same day.