Co-op Bank increases dividend after recording Sh39.9bn net profit: Co-operative Bank of Kenya announced a 67 percent dividend increase to Sh2.50 per share for the year ended December 31, 2025, following robust profitability growth. This comes as Equity Group also reported a significant net profit growth of 54.6%, becoming Kenya's most profitable company for the year ending December 2025. However, a new report by Tala reveals that approximately one in five Kenyans are experiencing a significant rise in their cost of living, with over 20 percent reporting an increase in the past six months. Meanwhile, the Kenya Revenue Authority interdicted six staff members and suspended 21 clearing agents in connection with a Sh452.2 million fraud scheme involving irregular cargo clearance. Aviation workers issue fresh seven-day strike notice: Aviation workers have issued a fresh seven-day strike notice, threatening to disrupt operations at Kenya Civil Aviation Authority facilities starting March 25. The notice comes as Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest carrier, announced the resumption of its direct passenger flight service between Addis Ababa and Atlanta, USA, with the route recommencing on May 21 after a temporary interruption. At the same time, Sub-Saharan Africa faces a significant 57 percent construction talent gap by 2035 as infrastructure development accelerates, highlighting broader workforce challenges in transport and infrastructure sectors.

ODM Faces Split as Parallel Convention Set for March 27: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) faces a crisis as a faction plans a parallel National Delegates Convention (NDC) on March 27, the same day the Political Parties Tribunal is set to rule on the legality of the party's current leadership and the planned NDC. The Linda Mwananchi faction, led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, is planning to hold its own People's National Delegates Convention (NDC). This comes as the Oburu camp deals with double trouble ahead of the NDC, with internal party tensions escalating over leadership disputes. Ruto Defends Attacks on Opposition During Western Tour: President William Ruto has defended his recent criticisms of the opposition during his Western region tour, vowing to confront them directly while highlighting his administration's development agenda. The President stated he would engage rivals head-on, employing a strategy of responding to insults with only 1% of his time, reserving the remaining 99% for serving Kenyans. He has shown no intention of apologizing for his remarks, with some Kenyans had hoped he would. Kenya faces escalating political tensions and divisive rhetoric 16 months ahead of the 2027 elections.

CS Murkomen Declares Friday a Public Holiday for Idd-ul-Fitr: Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, a public holiday across Kenya to commemorate Idd-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The government has recognized the Muslim festival with the national holiday announcement. AFC Leopards Beat Nairobi United 1-0, Close Gap to Seven: AFC Leopards secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Nairobi United at the Nyayo National Stadium, narrowing the gap at the top of the Kenya Premier League to seven points behind leaders Gor Mahia. The win represents a significant boost to the team's title aspirations in the ongoing season. Additionally, the victory provides momentum as the club continues its push for the championship position. ODM's Linda Mwananchi Camp Declares Parallel Convention: Kenya's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is facing an internal split as the 'Linda Mwananchi' wing announced plans for a parallel convention on March 27. The appointment of Winnie Odinga to a leadership role within the party has ignited controversy and debate among members. The Linda Mwananchi faction has also announced plans to hold a parallel public meeting on the same date, with the move sparking internal discussions regarding the selection process and its potential implications for the party's future. Public Universities Face KSh 100 Billion Debt Crisis: Public universities in Kenya are facing an immense financial crisis, burdened by debts exceeding KSh 100 billion, severely hampering their operations. Separately, Kenya's Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakango has issued a warning regarding the alarmingly low absorption rate of development funds by several counties, with some counties using under 3% of budgets, hindering crucial development projects. The government has also reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing technical skills development and significantly increasing employment opportunities within the nation's workforce. Families Seek Justice for Murder Victims as Crimes Against Children Rise: The family of 11-year-old Glorious Kaizen is demanding justice following her abduction, rape, and subsequent murder, with her body discovered abandoned in a thicket in Junda Ward, Kisauni, Mombasa County. The Kenyan government has allocated funds for reparations amidst ongoing efforts to secure justice for victims of the 2024 anti-finance bill protests, where approximately 30 people remain unaccounted for following alleged state-enforced disappearances. Additionally, the plea of Peter Njuguna, accused in the murder of 8-year-old Baby Shantel Waruguru, has been postponed to May 2026, with the incident occurring last month in Rititi village, Mathira, Nyeri. Port of Lamu Receives Second Car Carrier Amid Gulf Conflict: The Port of Lamu has received its second car carrier in a week, unloading thousands of vehicles as ongoing Gulf conflict rerouting shipping lines drives increased activity. At the same time, the escalating conflict in the Middle East is significantly impacting businesses in Mombasa, where shipping costs have quadrupled, disrupting the global supply chain. Meanwhile, concerns are growing about potential congestion at Kenya's ports due to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. 22 Rescued After Kericho Building Collapse, 4 in Critical Condition: Twenty-two people have been rescued after a building collapsed in Kericho County on Wednesday, with four survivors in critical condition. One person has been confirmed dead and several others injured following the collapse of a building under construction in Kericho's Kaptebeswet Bypass area. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities work to account for all individuals present at the site. In a separate incident, a 22-storey building under construction partially collapsed in Nairobi's Westlands area on Wednesday night, trapping at least two workers. Emergency teams are conducting search and rescue operations at the Westlands site as well.