Dr Obwaka Spends Third Night in Police Custody: Veteran obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Job Obwaka has spent his third night in police custody following his arrest on Friday, amid a leadership dispute at Nairobi Hospital. The Kenya Medical Association is protesting what it calls the persecution of doctors following Dr. Obwaka's detention. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union is calling for his release, citing concerns about potential misuse of state power and has issued a strike notice for Monday, February 19th, over the alleged unfair and mysterious arrests of officials linked to Nairobi Hospital. Kenya, Russia Agree to End Recruitment of Kenyans into Military: Kenya and Russia have reached an agreement to halt the recruitment of Kenyan citizens for military operations, as announced by Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during a joint press conference in Moscow on Monday, March 16. Meanwhile, Kenya has dispatched a high-level delegation to Moscow in an urgent effort to repatriate Kenyan citizens reportedly caught up in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. African nations are adopting a cautious approach to the recruitment of their citizens by Russian networks for the war in Ukraine, balancing domestic pressure with foreign policy considerations. SHA Begins Ksh11.1B Disbursement to Settle Health Claims: The Social Health Authority has begun disbursing Ksh11.1 billion to healthcare providers to settle claims under the Social Health Insurance Fund, with payments commencing on Friday, March 13 and continuing throughout the week aiming for full settlement by Thursday, March 19. The Kenyan government has significantly boosted its oncology treatment package under SHA, raising the coverage from Ksh550,000 to Ksh800,000 per patient. Separately, Supreme Court Judge Justice Isaac Lenaola has urged law schools to enhance legal education by hiring former judges and experienced advocates, emphasizing the critical need for ethical practices within the legal profession. Opposition Leaders Intensify Criticism of President Ruto: Opposition leaders have strongly criticized President William Ruto, accusing him of lack of accountability and behaving more like a businessman than a head of state. They are demanding transparency regarding the privatization of state corporations, alleging a scheme to personally benefit from public funds through these sales. Edwin Sifuna of ODM has criticized the government for misusing police in political pursuits. The opposition coalition has continued its strong criticism against the current government, escalating political tensions between the factions. President Ruto Begins Western Kenya Tour with Infrastructure Inspection: President William Ruto has commenced a five-day development tour of Western Kenya, beginning with an inspection of infrastructure projects in Kakamega County. In Busia County, he launched an Ksh860 million road project and an Ksh130 million market. Earlier, he attended the final day of the Safari Rally in Naivasha, where he announced that the 2027 World Rally Championship Safari Rally will be the first to be fully organized and funded by the private sector. President Ruto Launches SGR Extension Amid Western Kenya Tour: President William Ruto launched the Standard Gauge Railway Extension in Kisumu, marking a significant infrastructure milestone during his four-day visit to Western Kenya. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir had earlier inspected the SGR in Kisumu on March 20th, ahead of the President's visit alongside Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni scheduled for March 21st. The launch represents a major transportation development connecting the region to the national rail network. Separately, President Ruto also officially launched the Mundere–Okando–Sio Port–Nangina Road in Budalang'i, Busia County, further expanding regional infrastructure. Government Urged to Boost Farm Mechanization for Food Security: Kenyan authorities are being urged to increase investment in farm machinery to boost agricultural productivity and achieve food security. The push aims to significantly increase yields and promote national self-sufficiency in food production. Additionally, over 5,000 women and youth in Embu and Kirinyaga counties are set to benefit from a new initiative focused on climate-smart agriculture financing. These efforts come as Kenya addresses food security challenges through modernization of farming practices. Floods Devastate Kenya With 66 Dead; Water Crisis Hits Nairobi: Heavy rains and floods across Kenya have resulted in 66 fatalities, according to the police department. Heavy rainfall has also caused the Narok River to overflow, leading to significant flooding impacting the Lemurua Loitai area. In Nairobi, residents of Buruburu estate have been without reliable water supply for two weeks despite recent floods, with many complaining about the paradoxical water shortage. The flooding has created dual challenges of disaster response and water access for residents. Sakaja Orders 48-Hour Action Plan to Tackle Flooding and Infrastructure Damage: Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered an immediate 48-hour action plan to address severe flooding, drainage issues, and damaged roads across the city following heavy rains. The UN-Habitat has committed to supporting the Kenyan government in responding to devastating flash floods that have impacted Nairobi, creating significant humanitarian and urban management challenges. The death toll from recent floods has risen to 66 as search and rescue operations continue, with four more bodies recovered on Sunday. Meanwhile, residents of Buruburu estate in Nairobi have been without reliable water supply for two weeks due to the flooding, while heavy rainfall has also caused the Narok River to overflow, impacting the Lemurua Loitai area.
