Kenyan Flower Firms Hit by 10pc Rise in Freight Charges: Kenyan flower export freight charges have surged by 9% to Sh545.6 per kilo due to flight disruptions stemming from the Middle East conflict. This increase has significantly impacted the sector, which has already incurred substantial losses. Similarly, Korean Air has entered emergency management mode due to soaring jet fuel costs triggered by the ongoing conflict with Iran, with Vice Chairman Woo Ki-hong communicating company-wide cost-reduction measures to staff. At the same time, Singapore residents will experience an increase in electricity and town gas tariffs for Q2, with further hikes anticipated later this year, attributed to escalating global fuel costs driven by the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, Kenya is shielding its fuel supply and prices from global instability through a Government-to-Government import deal. Controller of Budget Warns of Kenya Debt Vicious Cycle: Kenya's fiscal stability is under threat as the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang'o, warns of a deepening debt cycle fueled by expensive borrowing and poor project management, with the nation's public debt surging to Sh12.29 trillion, significantly exceeding the legal threshold. A new study by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers reveals that high and unpredictable logistics costs are preventing Kenyan SMEs from fully accessing African markets despite the African Continental Free Trade Area. Additionally, the Kenyan government is intensifying scrutiny of the Turkana oil development plan by Gulf Energy, introducing independent environmental and social monitoring audits alongside regulatory checks.

Kenya Pays Sh3.9 Billion CAF Hosting Fee for AFCON 2027: Kenya has taken a significant step towards co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations by fully meeting its financial obligations to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), paying the Sh3.9 billion hosting fee. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has officially gazetted the 38-member Pamoja Africa Cup of Nations 2027 Local Organising Committee, tasked with overseeing planning, coordination, and delivery of the continental football tournament set for early 2027. Additionally, Mvurya confirmed that Kenya is on track to meet its financial commitments for hosting the African Cup of Nations next year, according to a government official.

Savanna Fibre Disrupts Kenya Home Internet Market With 100Mbps at KES 2,000: Savanna Fibre announced plans to launch aggressive new home fiber internet packages in Kenya on May 1, 2026, offering 100Mbps speeds for just KES 2,000 per month, potentially disrupting the market currently dominated by Safaricom, Zuku, and Airtel. This pricing represents a significant challenge to existing players in Kenya's home internet sector. At the same time, Safaricom's engineering summit Decode 4.0 kicked off in Nairobi focusing on Kenya's embrace of Artificial Intelligence and digital innovation under the theme "Made for Kenya." However, many Kenyan users reported unexpected deductions from their M-PESA balances due to a system error related to previously unbilled Fuliza loans, which Safaricom stated were being settled through the error.

Nairobi Governor Sakaja Criticizes Police Operation at City Hall as Unnecessary Drama: Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has criticized plans for his arrest by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, calling the move unwarranted drama and urging for dialogue instead. This came after police surrounded City Hall attempting to arrest him for contempt of Parliament. The Governor visited Senate Clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye hours after the police operation. The Council of Governors (CoG) is demanding the withdrawal of arrest warrants against governors amid ongoing disputes with the Senate. Meanwhile, President William Ruto is set to make a historic address at the Nairobi City County Assembly on Thursday, April 9, marking the first time a sitting head of state will speak to a County Assembly in Kenya. The Senate is considering stringent measures against Governor Sakaja for failing to appear before a parliamentary committee. Police and NTSA Implement New Road Safety Measures Ahead of Easter: The National Police Service (NPS) and NTSA are strengthening road safety measures and deploying more police officers across the country for the upcoming Easter holiday. This initiative aims to enhance security and curb traffic violations during a period of increased travel and social activity. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) is implementing significant reforms to boost road safety, particularly focusing on driver health and technological oversight, including mandatory medical checks and digital monitoring of drivers. The Motorist Association of Kenya (MAK) has issued a warning to drivers, urging extreme caution on the Narok-Mai Mahiu road due to a rise in violent robberies. The Kenyan Ministry of Interior is planning to standardize police housing allowances nationwide to improve officer welfare and morale. Police Arrest Warrant Issued for Governor Sakaja: Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is reportedly being sought by police following an arrest order from the Senate watchdog committee for failing to appear before a parliamentary committee. The Senate has expressed dissatisfaction with his absence and is considering stringent measures against him. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly condemned the demolition of stalls at Gikomba market, which occurred on Monday night, with the destruction leaving traders in distress and questioning the authorities' actions. Gikomba traders are counting massive losses after an overnight demolition exercise saw structures razed down, leaving many business owners devastated. Political leaders from Kilifi County, including Governor Gideon Mung'aro, have criticized Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and KeNHA board chairperson Aisha Jumwa, highlighting the broader political tensions. Kenya Shujaa Coach Declares Squad Ready for World Sevens Championship: Kenya's Shujaa head coach Kevin Wambua has declared his squad fully prepared for the upcoming World Sevens Championship. Kenya is set to host the FIFA Women's Series for the first time, marking a significant development for women's football in the country. The article discusses the ongoing fight against doping in Kenya, highlighting the efforts and challenges faced by the nation's sports authorities. Overnight Demolitions Displace 6,000 Traders at Gikomba Market: The Nairobi County government conducted overnight demolitions at Gikomba Market, displacing approximately 6,000 traders to clear riparian land along the Nairobi River and mitigate flood risks. Sections of the market were demolished to make way for a new Ksh3 billion modern market, sparking public discussion and protests from affected traders. Dozens of traders faced significant losses as county authorities carried out the clearance of structures on riparian land. The demolitions have triggered protests, with traders demanding compensation and alternative trading spaces. Kenya Moves to Leverage Transshipment Opportunities Amid Gulf Crisis: Kenya is actively seeking to capitalize on emerging transshipment opportunities created by disruptions to global supply chains stemming from the Gulf crisis. The nation aims to strengthen its position as a regional trade hub amidst these evolving international trade patterns. President William Ruto highlighted measures taken to buffer the economy from rising commodity prices and supply chain issues. The government assures the nation of adequate fertilizer supplies through September, despite global trade disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. Additionally, measures have been announced to shield Kenyans from potential price shocks in fuel and other essential commodities stemming from the Middle East conflict. SHA Assumes Police, Prison Officers Medical Cover From April 1: The Social Health Authority (SHA) will officially take over the medical cover for police and prison officers from April 1, 2026. This transition aims to integrate these services under the Public Officers Medical Scheme Fund (POMSF), ensuring continuity of care for officers and their eligible dependents. Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has refuted claims made by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua regarding a KSh90 billion debt owed to faith-based health facilities by SHA. The Inua Jamii programme has disbursed Ksh2,000 to over 430,000 vulnerable households across Kenya to support orphans and children in need, following the government's release of Ksh860 million. Consolidated Bank Posts Sh217.5 Million Profit Before Tax: The Consolidated Bank of Kenya has reported a significant turnaround, swinging to a profit before tax of Sh217.5 million. Family Bank has also announced a significant increase in its dividend payout to shareholders, doubling the amount from the previous year to Sh2.2 billion. Investors in Kenya are expressing concern over the increasing tax burden being placed on a small group of taxpayers, raising questions about the sustainability and fairness of current tax policies. Nurses Strike in Homa Bay Over Unpaid Salaries and Promotions: Nurses in Homa Bay have gone on strike, citing unresolved issues surrounding promotions, salary arrears, and gratuity payments. The industrial action began today, impacting healthcare services across the county. The Budget Controller, Margaret Nyakango, has stated that Kenya's national treasury is significantly burdened by mounting debts, which are now reaching interest-bearing levels. Viragoni residents are protesting the allocation of 3,000 acres of Kayafungo Ranch land to Kilifi County, raising concerns about the process and its impact on their livelihoods. Voter Registration in Kenya Hampered by Low Turnout Despite Youth Outreach: The voter registration process in Kenya has been consistently hampered by low turnout among citizens, impacting the effectiveness of electoral preparations. A strong call has been made for Kenyan youth to actively participate in the voter registration exercise, aiming to boost the number of young voters registered ahead of upcoming electoral activities. Registration for Kenyan voters has commenced across the nation, offering youth a significant opportunity to have their voices heard through the ballot.