Sri Lanka Declares Wednesdays Off Amid Middle East Fuel Crisis: Sri Lanka has declared Wednesdays a public holiday for institutions and schools to conserve fuel amid potential shortages caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Kenya is similarly at risk of fertilizer shortage due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route. Meanwhile, the conflict escalated as Iran targeted the United Arab Emirates' key oil port in Fujairah and Dubai International Airport with drone attacks on March 16. These events highlight how the Middle East conflict is disrupting regional supply chains and energy resources across Asia and Africa. Stecol Corporation Wins Sh38.7bn Kiambu Road Dualling Contract: Chinese firm Stecol Corporation has won a Sh38.7 billion contract to dual the Muthaiga-Kiambu-Ndumberi Road in Kenya, a project designed to significantly reduce traffic congestion. In a separate development, the National Transport and Safety Authority in Kenya introduced instant fines for traffic violations, a move expected to curb fraudulent motor insurance claims and improve road safety. The Court of Appeal also allowed Equity Bank Kenya Limited to auction the former headquarters of Chase Bank Kenya Limited to recover a debt exceeding Sh1.3 billion. These stories reflect ongoing infrastructure and regulatory developments in Kenya's transport and financial sectors.

Ruto Says Matiang'i, Gachagua Have Nothing to Offer: President William Ruto has launched attacks on opposition leaders Matiang'i and Gachagua, accusing them of corruption and presiding over killings of Kenyans during their time in office. Meanwhile, former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju has accused Ruto of orchestrating a plan to seize his 20-acre property in Karen, Nairobi. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has opened nominations for the Emurua Dikir MP seat and two MCA positions following the deaths of incumbents. A power struggle within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has erupted, with a faction planning a parallel National Delegates Convention on March 27.

Race towards 2026 Eldoret City Marathon begins: The roadmap for the 2026 Eldoret City Marathon has been set for its seventh edition on April 26, promising an even larger event with the return of Uasin Gishu County as title sponsor and Standard Group PLC as media partners. The 2026 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha proved to be an exceptionally challenging event, with defending champion Sebastien Ogier calling it the toughest leg of his career. Additionally, the Nyanza Region Secondary Schools Term One games are set to commence on Wednesday at Maseno School, promising intense competition across rugby, hockey, and basketball as schools gear up to host national finals next month. Chelsea fined £10.75 million for Historical Financial Breaches: Chelsea Football Club has been fined £10.75 million (approximately Sh1.8 billion) and given a suspended one-year transfer ban for historical breaches of Premier League rules. At the same time, Kylian Mbappe is set to make a highly anticipated return from injury for Real Madrid in their crucial Champions League last-16 second leg match against Manchester City. Meanwhile, Neymar will miss Brazil's upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia due to fitness concerns, while young sensation Endrick has been recalled to the squad.

M-Pesa Launches Africa's First Mobile-Money Tap-to-Pay for Android: Vodacom Tanzania, in partnership with M-Pesa Africa, Visa, and Paymentology, has launched Africa's first mobile-money Tap-to-Pay feature for Android users, enabling contactless payments at Visa-enabled terminals globally. The feature allows users to transform their Android phones into global Visa cards. Separately, M-Pesa has rolled out this Tap-to-Pay service in Tanzania, expanding digital payment options in the region. Meanwhile, Old Mutual Holdings reported a KES 856 million profit after tax for the year ended December 2025, a 2% increase from the previous year, with digital growth and their Thrive App driving momentum.

Kindiki Vows 20 Trips to Meru for Every Opposition Visit: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has pledged to make twenty trips to Meru County for every single visit by opposition leaders, accusing them of inciting residents and spreading falsehoods. This comes as political tensions rise ahead of upcoming electoral competitions. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has also opened party nominations for the upcoming Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election, along with two ward seats. Separately, UDA announced the schedule for its nomination process for the upcoming by-elections in Emurua Dikirr constituency and the Porro and Endo wards, signaling active preparation for these electoral contests. Katiba Institute Challenges Ksh5 Trillion Infrastructure Fund in Court: The Katiba Institute has filed a petition challenging President William Ruto's Ksh5 trillion National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), potentially halting its operationalization. This represents a significant legal challenge to the government's infrastructure financing plan. Meanwhile, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has successfully recovered Ksh10.9 million from a former Deputy Director of Health in Homa Bay County following an anti-corruption court ruling. In a separate case, EACC secured court orders for the recovery of Sh10 million in salaries irregularly earned by a former county official, demonstrating ongoing anti-corruption enforcement efforts. State House Defends Ruto's Role in Nairobi Hospital Crisis: State House has defended President William Ruto's involvement in the Nairobi Hospital crisis, stating his actions were in response to petitions regarding leadership wrangles and mismanagement. President William Ruto has pledged government intervention to restore The Nairobi Hospital to its former premier status, amidst a deepening governance and legal crisis. The State House revelation came after appeals from various stakeholders including doctors, hospital board members, and patients. Separately, concerns are mounting over the credibility and transparency of the upcoming Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) elections scheduled for April 2. Opposition Vows to Fight Ruto Government Over Public Assets: Kenya's opposition has vowed to fight the Ruto government over alleged plans to seize public assets. The united opposition is continuing its efforts to block alleged deals involving President William Ruto, specifically accusing him of seeking a personal stake in the sale of state corporations. President William Ruto has strongly refuted these allegations, labeling opposition leaders as clueless and accusing them of engaging in ethnic politics. This statement comes amid his tour of the western Kenya region, where he is focusing on housing projects in Kakamega. Sakaja Launches 48-Hour Flood Response Plan After Deadly Nairobi Rains: Nairobi Governor Sakaja has launched a 48-hour flood response plan following devastating rains that have significantly impacted the city. Tragedy struck in Nairobi's Shauri Moyo estate after a condemned building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of four people. Additionally, traders at Nairobi's Toi Market are alleging that a recent fire was a deliberate act aimed at evicting them from their stalls in Kibera. Four Dead, Four Rescued in Shauri Moyo Building Collapse: Four people have died and four others were rescued after a building collapsed in Nairobi's Shauri Moyo area on Monday. The collapse occurred as the building was being partially demolished for the Nairobi River Regeneration Project. A separate incident at the same location left two people hospitalized and six missing during rescue operations. Nairobi County confirmed that the collapsed building had been slated for demolition by the Nairobi City County. The tragic events highlight ongoing concerns about building safety, with the National Building Code 2024 introducing stringent regulations for new constructions focusing on boundary walls, windows, and setbacks to ensure safety. Over 20,000 Bungoma Farmers Receive Free Seeds: Over 20,000 farmers in Bungoma County have received free seeds for the current planting season. Samburu County has launched a seed distribution program to boost agricultural production. Approximately 5,000 women and youth in Kenya are set to benefit from funding for climate-smart agriculture. Kenya Launches Hunger Index Reports Amid Food Security Concerns: KTN News Kenya is broadcasting live coverage of the Hunger Index Report Launch 2025, marking the first part of the critical assessment. The 2025 Hunger Report (Part 2) has been launched by KTN News Kenya, providing a comprehensive assessment of the food security situation in the country. These reports come as residents of Mumias in Kakamega County express concerns about a declining economy and appeal to President Ruto during his visit to the Western region.