22 rescued after Kericho building collapse, 4 in critical condition: Twenty-two people were rescued after a building collapsed in Kericho County on Wednesday, with four survivors in critical condition. One person was confirmed dead and several others injured during the incident at the Kaptebeswet Bypass area. Meanwhile, in Nairobi's Westlands area, a 22-storey building under construction partially collapsed, trapping at least two workers. Emergency teams are conducting search and rescue operations at both locations. These incidents come as authorities investigate construction safety standards across the country. CS Murkomen declares Friday a public holiday for Idd-ul-Fitr: Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen 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 announcement was made via a gazette notice, signaling the nation's recognition of this significant Islamic observance. Multiple stories confirmed the government declaration, with the Interior CS making the formal announcement to the public. Second car carrier docks at Port of Lamu as Gulf conflict reroutes shipping: The Port of Lamu received its second car carrier in a week, unloading thousands of vehicles. This surge in activity is attributed to ongoing Gulf conflict rerouting shipping lines. Simultaneously, concerns have grown about potential congestion at Kenya's ports due to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. The Middle East conflict is significantly impacting businesses in Mombasa, where shipping costs have quadrupled, disrupting the global supply chain. This situation represents a major economic disruption for Kenya's maritime sector. Linda Mwananchi faction declares parallel ODM convention amid internal party split: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing an internal split as the "Linda Mwananchi" wing announced plans for a parallel convention on March 27. Gladys Wanga has declared that there will be only one ODM National Delegates Convention held at Jamhuri Grounds. The appointment of Winnie Odinga to a leadership role within ODM has ignited controversy and debate among party members. The move has sparked internal discussions regarding the selection process and its potential implications for the party's future. The Linda Mwananchi faction has also announced plans to hold a parallel public meeting on the same date. Public universities face Sh100 billion debt crisis amid low budget absorption: Public universities in Kenya are facing an immense financial crisis, burdened by debts exceeding Sh100 billion, which are severely hampering their operations. 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. The Kenyan government has strongly reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing technical skills development and significantly increasing employment opportunities within the nation's workforce. Nassir backs reparations as families seek justice for protest victims and abducted child: Abdulswamad Nassir, an official, has backed the establishment of a national reparations framework for victims of human rights abuses, deeming it a long-overdue measure. The Kenyan government has allocated funds for reparations amidst ongoing efforts to secure justice for victims of the 2024 anti-finance bill protests. Approximately 30 people remain unaccounted for following alleged state-enforced disappearances during the youth-led demonstrations. The family of 11-year-old Glorious Kaizen is demanding justice following her abduction, rape, and subsequent murder. Her body was discovered abandoned in a thicket in Junda Ward, Kisauni, Mombasa County. Local leaders, spearheaded by Mombasa Woman Rep Zamzam Mohamed, have strongly condemned the attack on the family. Ruto launches construction of Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR extension: President William Ruto officially launched the construction of the Naivasha-Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension at a groundbreaking ceremony in Suswa, Narok County. The project aims to cut transport costs and boost regional trade. In a separate development, the High Court ordered the Kenyan government to produce eight crucial procurement documents related to the Ksh10 billion Ngong-Riruta commuter meter-gauge railway project within 30 days, following a petition by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah challenging the project's constitutionality and financial viability. Former Attorney General Justin Muturi also expressed concerns about the newly established National Infrastructure Fund, warning it could lead to a major corruption scandal similar to Malaysia's 1MDB scandal. Mutuati killings follow security meeting as Kenya police return from Haiti mission: Four people were killed in Mutuati, Meru, just a day after a security meeting was held in the area. A contingent of 215 police officers has returned to Kenya after successfully completing their mission in Haiti as part of an international security restoration effort. Meanwhile, President William Ruto has continued his strong vocal rhetoric in the western region, issuing a stern dismissal of an unnamed individual, calling them a "useless fellow" who "cannot lead anything." Calls for the impeachment of President William Ruto are gaining momentum following controversial recent remarks he made.
