The United States, under the Trump administration, has introduced a Visa Bond Pilot program requiring citizens from Ethiopia and six other African nations, along with six non-African countries, to post bonds of up to Ksh1.9 million ($15,000) for visa applications.

• 12 countries have been added to the list, including Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique, the Seychelles, and Tunisia.
• The U.S. Department of State aims to reduce visa overstays, with the program effective from April 2.
• While Kenya is not on this specific bond list, Kenyan applicants face new fees and enhanced vetting, including social media history disclosure.

European Union leaders are vowing to remain vigilant against potential migratory flows and the spillover of Middle East conflicts, emphasizing preparedness and border security.

• The EU will fully mobilize its tools to prevent migratory movements and preserve security, drawing lessons from the 2015 migration crisis.
• Key organizations involved include the European Council and military operations like EUNAVFOR Aspides and EUNAVFOR Atalanta.
• Leaders also urged de-escalation in the Middle East and supported a moratorium on strikes against energy and water facilities.

Kenya is on high alert as Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya assured the nation of continuous vigilance amidst escalating global security risks, particularly those stemming from the US-Iran-Israel conflict and wider Middle East instability.

• The Ministry of Defence is actively conducting ongoing security assessments and investing in modernization and intelligence systems to address emerging threats like missile and drone warfare.
• Key figures speaking on the matter include Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.
• Concerns were raised by committee members, including Gilgil MP Martha Wangari and Kajiado Central MP Memusi Kanchory, regarding the Ministry of Defence undertaking projects outside its core mandate, potentially distracting from critical defence functions.