Budget Controller Clarifies Sh44.5mn Spending Was Mislabelled: The Controller of Budget has clarified that Sh44.5 million in spending was mislabelled in a report concerning the Office of the Spouse of the Deputy President. The Kenya Revenue Authority has appointed Mohamed Abdul M'maka as the new Commissioner for Investigations and Enforcement, effective March 11, to combat financial crimes and tax evasion. Kenyan Members of Parliament have directed the National Treasury to dissolve nine State corporations and merge 42 others within the next eight months, by the end of October 2026. These actions represent ongoing efforts to strengthen financial oversight and accountability across government institutions. Ruto Signs Law Shifting Coffee Regulation to New Board: President William Ruto has signed new laws, transferring coffee sector regulation to the Coffee Board of Kenya and establishing a dedicated Coffee Research and Training Institute. The Kenyan government has launched a separate initiative to boost local production of sunflower and soybean oil, aiming to significantly reduce the country's substantial import bill. President William Ruto has overseen the disbursement of a Sh250 million credit facility from the Kenya Development Corporation to Trans Elite County SACCO, aiming to significantly expand access to credit for over 10,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises in the North Rift region. US Eases Russia Oil Sanctions as Iran War Disrupts Global Supply: The US has temporarily eased sanctions on Russian oil for vessels already at sea, aiming to stabilize global energy markets amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. This measure responds to escalating tensions in the Gulf and disruptions to vital shipping routes. The International Energy Agency reports the global oil market is experiencing its largest supply disruption ever due to the escalating Middle East conflict. Separately, Kenya's agricultural exports, particularly meat, are facing significant disruption due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, potentially costing the country up to Sh1.2 billion monthly. Kenya meat exports to Middle East markets have been directly impacted by shipping route disruptions.

Sifuna Challenges Removal Before Political Parties Tribunal: ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna is challenging his removal from office before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, calling the decision unlawful. The Orange Democratic Movement's (ODM) planned Special Delegates Convention on March 27, 2026, is facing a significant challenge. An article uses the lens of Greek tragedy to explore the current state of ODM after the departure of its prominent leader Raila Odinga, focusing on his elder brother Oburu Oginga, who has taken a more prominent role within the party.

Safari Rally Kicks Off in Naivasha With Drivers Wary of Tough Conditions: The 2026 WRC Safari Rally officially kicked off in Naivasha on Thursday with a thrilling shakedown and official flag-off, but drivers are already expressing caution due to challenging and wet conditions. Sudden downpours are drastically altering stage conditions, turning what is typically a dusty event into a muddy ordeal. At the same time, drivers are navigating routes shared with wildlife, and thankfully, no incidents were reported on the opening day. The third leg features the longest competitive section, Loldia, spanning 25.04 kilometres, which will test top drivers. Japanese rally driver Takamoto Katsuta has navigated a challenging path to become a globally recognized motorsports competitor, driven by a deep-rooted family passion for racing. Meanwhile, Kenya's government will continue paying affiliation and related fees for the WRC Safari Rally, signaling ongoing support for the event as a major sports tourism driver. Safari Rally Kicks Off in Naivasha With Challenging Wet Conditions: The 2026 WRC Safari Rally officially kicked off in Naivasha on Thursday with a thrilling shakedown and official flag-off, though drivers are already exercising caution due to challenging and wet conditions. The third leg today introduces the longest competitive section, Loldia, spanning 25.04 kilometres through stages SS4 and SS9, set to test top drivers. Meanwhile, the government has confirmed it will continue paying affiliation and related fees for the WRC Safari Rally, signaling ongoing support for the event as a major sports tourism driver.

Kenya and Rwanda Sign Kigali Declaration to Enable Fintech License Passporting: Kenya and Rwanda have signed the Kigali Declaration, establishing a new framework for fintech license passporting to simplify cross-border operations for fintech companies and payment service providers. The Konza Technopolis Development Authority has officially launched its own smart power distribution network within Konza Technopolis, enabling the technopolis to internally manage electricity distribution and significantly improve reliability for business, research, and residential occupants. Datacentrix has significantly bolstered its security and service delivery capabilities by achieving new ISO certifications and recertifying existing international standards. These developments collectively represent Kenya's advancing technological ecosystem across regional partnerships, infrastructure, and security standards.

President Ruto Highlights Youth Employment Opportunities: President William Ruto has highlighted a range of emerging opportunities designed to create employment for Kenya's youth, reiterating his promise to organize jobs across various sectors. The Kenyan government has launched a new system to assess the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across all 47 counties to support this initiative. The government's department for small businesses is requesting Parliament to approve 300 billion Kenyan Shillings to revive the Hustler Fund, which aims to provide financial support to small businesses and youth entrepreneurs. Wakulima wa Baringo Wapata Upungufu wa Asali Kutokana na Madawa: Farmers and experts in Baringo County are reporting a significant drop in honey production, citing escalating pesticide use and environmental degradation as the primary causes. Students in Baringo South are risking their lives to cross the Perkerra River daily in their quest to reach school, highlighting infrastructure challenges in the region. Herdsmen in Samburu County affected by drought and livestock theft have received a reprieve after the county government provided compensation in the form of camels to help them resume their livelihoods. Digital Piracy Costs Kenya KES 17.38 Billion in Lost Tax Revenue: Digital piracy in Kenya is estimated to be costing the country a staggering KES 17.38 billion in lost annual tax revenue, representing a significant economic drain. More than 63,000 people in Makueni County have received various government services over a three-month period through Huduma Kenya, demonstrating outreach efforts. Residents of Tarbaj Constituency in Wajir County are experiencing numerous benefits from an ongoing major road construction project in their area, improving connectivity and economic opportunities. Kenya Met Warns of Heavy Rains in 5 Regions This Weekend: The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a five-day weather advisory predicting moderate to heavy rains across several regions of the country this weekend, including the Central Highlands and Rift Valley. The Ministry of Health has issued a warning about increased risks of building collapses during the current March-April-May (MAM) long rains, urging public vigilance and safety measures. The Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Sanitation has issued a warning that the Ndakaini dam is nearing capacity and could spill within two weeks. The Kenya Met has also issued warnings of heavy rainfall expected in Nairobi and several surrounding counties over the next 24 hours. Oliver Solberg Leads Day One of WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha: Oliver Solberg of Toyota has taken the lead after the first day of the WRC Safari Rally in Kenya, currently driving in the third leg of the championship. Economic activity in Naivasha has surged due to the Safari Rally, with local hotels reportedly operating at full capacity. The rally is injecting significant revenue into the local economy, benefiting businesses in the area. Meanwhile, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has unveiled new strategies to address the escalating human-wildlife conflict, a growing concern in regions like Naivasha where wildlife migrates through populated areas. Waziri wa Afya Lawa Kutahadhari wazazi Kuhusu Madawa ya Kulevya: The Ministry of Health has issued a stern warning to parents, urging them to closely monitor their children's behaviour to combat the growing problem of drug abuse amongst the youth. Concerns are mounting over the disappointing performance in the mathematics section of Kenya's national examinations, which some attribute to various factors including drug abuse. Additionally, there is increasing pressure to separate the leadership of primary and secondary schools in Kenya amidst concerns about the current administrative structure affecting educational outcomes. Thika Superhighway Closed at Globe Roundabout for Bridge Repairs: The Thika Superhighway has been partially closed at the Globe Roundabout from March 12 to March 19 for essential bridge repair works, significantly impacting thousands of commuters using one of Nairobi's busiest routes. Traffic along Thika Road will experience significant disruptions due to this partial closure, which is facilitating the reinstatement of the Nairobi River bridge. The World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya 2026 has also cancelled its third competitive stage due to poor road conditions caused by heavy rains, meaning drivers will start Friday's action later than initially scheduled. A series of road accidents across Kenya has resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including a four-year-old pupil, renewing urgent calls for stricter road safety measures. President Ruto Hands Over Keys to 120 New Homeowners in Emgwen: President William Ruto on Thursday handed over keys to 120 new homeowners at the Emgwen Boma Yangu Estate in Nandi County, marking a significant milestone for the Affordable Housing Programme. The State Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is requesting a significant budget to recover defaulted loans from the Hustler Fund, with the state needing Ksh 300 million to recover these loans. Parliament has invited public comments on a Ksh316.87 billion supplementary budget that significantly increases government spending beyond initial approved estimates. President William Ruto Assents to Three Key Bills: President William Ruto has assented to three key Bills into law: the Miscellaneous Fees and Levies (Amendment) Act, 2026, the Coffee Act, 2023, and the Meteorology Act, 2023. President William Ruto has also approved the creation of the Railway Development Levy Fund (RDLF), a new vehicle to accelerate infrastructure funding and securitisation. Separately, President Ruto has nominated Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung'u as Kenya's candidate for the upcoming election of International Criminal Court (ICC) judges in December. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is set to conduct its grassroots elections this Saturday, March 14, in 18 counties across Kenya.