March 9 - March 15, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, March 9 to Sunday, March 15, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
March 9
Kenya flood toll rises to 42 as government pledges support for affected families - March 2026
The national death toll from recent floods in Kenya has tragically risen to 42, with Nairobi bearing the brunt of the disaster's impact. Following devastating flash floods in Nairobi, the government is urging residents to check the Nairobi City Mortuary for unidentified loved ones, which currently holds 27 fatalities including 22 males, 3 females, and 2 children awaiting identification. Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in Central Kenya, displacing at least 48 households and leaving one child feared dead. Meanwhile, Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has declared the ongoing floods a national disaster, urging leaders to desist from politicising the tragedy and instead focus on collective action, while defending the controversial relocation of residents from riverbanks last year as a necessary measure to save lives during recent floods.
3 dead, 19 injured in Otonglo accident near Kisumu - March 2026
Three people died and 19 were injured following a road accident in Otonglo, Kisumu, on Sunday. The accident occurred near the convoy of Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who stated his team assisted the victims. The Kenyan Ministry of Health has denied claims that Duale's motorcade was involved in the fatal accident. Separately, one person died when a city shuttle bus lost control on Valley Road, crashing into multiple vehicles.
Ruto Names First Multi-Billion Shilling Project Under National Infrastructure Fund - March 2026
President William Ruto has announced that the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will be the first infrastructure project financed under the newly established National Infrastructure Fund (NIF), designed to mobilize over Ksh5 trillion over the next decade for large-scale development projects. The President also officially signed the NIF Bill into law, establishing a new entity aimed at significantly boosting infrastructure development in Kenya. At the same time, the Port of Mombasa has launched a new trade route directly connecting East Africa to India, aiming to boost cargo movement and economic ties. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja announced the rehabilitation of the Ngethu Water Treatment Plant as the inaugural project under the Ksh80 billion Ruto-Nairobi Partnership, addressing critical water supply issues affecting the city.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
March 10
14 killed, 30 injured in Malaha junction crash on Kitale-Webuye road - March 2026
A horrific road crash on the Kitale–Webuye highway in Bungoma County resulted in 14 deaths and 30 injuries after a trailer lost control and struck multiple vehicles and pedestrians. The incident occurred at Malaha junction when a trailer collided with several passenger vehicles and motorcycles. President William Ruto led the nation in mourning the victims and urged immediate road safety enhancements. In a separate development, a tragic accident occurred on the Webuye-Kitale Highway in Bungoma County on Monday night when a truck collided with multiple vehicles including a Public Service Vehicle (PSV), resulting in additional fatalities and injuries. The Webuye-Kitale highway has seen multiple fatal accidents in this period, highlighting urgent road safety concerns.
Floods Death Toll Hits 49, Damages 16 Police Stations - March 2026
Heavy rainfall across Kenya has resulted in a tragic rise in the death toll to 49 people, with widespread displacement and significant property damage reported. The devastating downpours have led to 16 police stations being damaged. Families have been arriving at the Nairobi City Mortuary for four days to identify the bodies of loved ones lost in devastating floods that swept through Nairobi on Friday. Over 500 residents in Osodo, Homa Bay County, have been displaced and are seeking refuge in local churches after the Miriu River burst its banks. The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast continued rains, with some areas expected to experience above-average downpours over the next seven days.
CS Wandayi Calls for Emergency Meeting Amid Concerns of Fuel Shortage - March 2026
Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, has called an emergency meeting with oil marketers following concerns about a potential fuel shortage. Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco has warned of potentially catastrophic consequences for global oil markets due to ongoing disruptions affecting shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, just days before Kenya's fuel price review. Kenya's manufacturing sector faces potential price hikes for manufactured goods due to significant disruptions in maritime transport, leaving over 600 vessels bound for the country stranded at sea. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has appealed to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) to maintain current fuel prices in Kenya despite a surge in global oil costs due to the Middle East crisis.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
March 11
KeNHA Threatens Arrests on Nairobi-Nakuru Highway Ahead of Safari Rally - March 2026
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is threatening arrests for illegally parked trucks on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway to manage traffic during the Safari Rally scheduled from March 12th to March 15th, 2026. This comes as KeNHA issued traffic advisories revealing routes to beat expected Naivasha congestion. Meanwhile, the government unveiled a funding plan for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport expansion with ground-breaking set for June. Additionally, Treasury clarified that civil servants' salaries will not be subject to deductions to finance the newly established National Infrastructure Fund, which aims to raise significant capital for infrastructure development without burdening public employees.
Wetang'ula Urges Stricter Laws After Webuye Accident Kills 15 - March 2026
Following a tragic accident that claimed 15 lives and injured over 21 others in Webuye on March 10, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is urging parliament to enact stricter transport laws. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has clarified that its new instant fines system for traffic offenders is aimed at improving road safety, not generating revenue, and that emergency vehicles are exempt while explaining the appeal process for motorists.
Businessman Rostam Azizi Acquires Majority Stake in Nation Media Group - March 2026
Tanzanian businessman Rostam Azizi, through Taarifa Ltd, has acquired a majority stake in Nation Media Group (NMG), marking the exit of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) after a 66-year investment. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development sold its controlling stake, ending a 66-year association with the East African media company. This represents a major ownership transition for the East African media giant.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
March 12
Court Blocks NTSA From Enforcing Instant Fines - March 2026
The High Court in Nairobi has temporarily suspended the National Transport and Safety Authority's (NTSA) new Instant Fines Traffic Management System. The conservatory order halts the issuance and enforcement of penalties generated by automated systems as the court reviews a case challenging the directive. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has accused NTSA of rolling out a new Sh42 billion automated traffic enforcement system as a money scheme rather than for road safety. Following a tragic accident that claimed 15 lives and injured over 21 others in Webuye on March 10, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is urging parliament to enact stricter road safety laws. NTSA is planning to introduce mobile money and USSD payments for instant traffic fines, expanding beyond the current single bank option as the project remains in pilot phase.
CS Kagwe Breaks Down How Kenya Lost Over Ksh300 Million to Middle East Conflict - March 2026
Kenya is experiencing a significant economic setback, losing an estimated Ksh300 million weekly due to the current conflict in the Middle East disrupting its key export markets. The United States and 32 member nations of the International Energy Agency (IEA) will jointly release 400 million barrels of oil reserves to stabilize global markets and prevent a potential fuel crisis, with Kenya among the countries set for fuel relief. The G7 nations, in coordination with the International Energy Agency (IEA), plan a record release of emergency oil reserves to combat surging prices driven by the US-Israel war.
NEMA Launches Real-time Digital Platform to Monitor Industrial Pollution - March 2026
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has launched a new digital platform, Kenya Online Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (KOCEMS), to monitor industrial pollution in real-time across Kenya. Kenya and Japan are set to bolster their collaboration in health technology transfer and local medical manufacturing. The Aga Khan University (AKU) Surgery Residency Programme in Kenya has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first in the country and region to receive accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education International (ACGME-I), setting global standards for surgical training.
More from Thursday:
Friday
March 13
Parliament Seeks Public Comment on Ksh316.87B Supplementary Budget - March 2026
Parliament has invited public comments on a Ksh316.87 billion supplementary budget that significantly increases government spending beyond initial approved estimates. The State Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises is simultaneously requesting Ksh 300 million to recover defaulted loans from the Hustler Fund. President William Ruto has approved the creation of the Railway Development Levy Fund, a new vehicle to accelerate infrastructure funding and securitisation. These developments come as President Ruto also handed over keys to 120 new homeowners at the Emgwen Boma Yangu Estate in Nandi County, marking a significant milestone for the Affordable Housing Programme.
Thika Superhighway Closed at Globe Roundabout for Bridge Repairs - March 2026
The Thika Superhighway has been partially closed at the Globe Roundabout from March 12 to March 19 for essential bridge repair works, significantly impacting thousands of commuters using one of Nairobi's busiest routes. Traffic along Thika Road will experience significant disruptions due to this partial closure to facilitate the reinstatement of the Nairobi River bridge. A series of road accidents across Kenya has resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including a four-year-old pupil, renewing urgent calls for stricter road safety measures. The WRC Safari Rally Kenya 2026 has cancelled its third competitive stage due to poor road conditions caused by heavy rains.
Kenya Met Warns of Heavy Rains in 5 Regions This Weekend - March 2026
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a five-day weather advisory predicting moderate to heavy rains across several regions of the country this weekend, including the Central Highlands and Rift Valley. Kenya's flash flood death toll has tragically risen to 62, with Nairobi bearing the brunt of the devastation, recording the highest number of fatalities. The Ministry of Water, Irrigation, and Sanitation has issued a warning that the Ndakaini dam is nearing capacity and could spill within two weeks. The Ministry of Health has also issued a warning about increased risks of building collapses during the current March-April-May long rains.
More from Friday:
Saturday
March 14
Court of Appeal Allows Ruto’s Advisers to Remain in Office Pending Appeal - March 2026
The Court of Appeal in Kenya has granted a temporary reprieve to President William Ruto's 21 advisors, suspending a High Court ruling that declared their offices unconstitutional. The Court of Appeal has temporarily suspended a High Court ruling that declared President William Ruto's 21 advisers unconstitutional. Questions have mounted after this surprise court decision favoring Ruto, with the temporary suspension allowing advisors to remain in office pending appeal.
Former Trade CS Warns of Fuel Rationing in Nairobi Amid Middle East Disruptions - March 2026
Kenya faces potential fuel rationing due to disruptions in the Middle East, with Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria warning of an impending oil shock impacting Africa most severely. At the same time, EPRA announced that fuel prices for the March-April cycle will remain unchanged, easing public anxiety. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has also warned of an impending fuel price hike, alleging a secret government plot to increase prices despite current fuel stock being imported at lower costs.
Solberg Maintains Narrow Lead in WRC Safari Rally Naivasha - March 2026
Oliver Solberg of Sweden holds a one‑second lead after Day 2 of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally in Naivasha. Toyota crews continue to dominate the top positions, with Sébastien Ogier closing in after Solberg suffered a tire puncture earlier in the day. Changing weather and muddy stages have made driving conditions particularly demanding. In a related development, Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Takamoto Katsuta described a double front puncture at Kedong' Two as the worst of his career at the Safari Rally. Meanwhile, the top three drivers are separated by just 12 seconds after stage nine, highlighting how closely contested the 2026 Safari Rally has become. Turning to the economic impact, the rally has brought significant activity to Nakuru County, with Naivasha experiencing a surge in business and tourism during the event.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
March 15
Ruto Announces Action After Second Wave of Flash Floods - March 2026
President William Ruto has pledged government support and relief efforts following the second wave of devastating floods to hit Nairobi and surrounding areas in less than two weeks. The heavy rains caused widespread disruptions on Saturday evening and into Sunday, flooding roads and estates across the city. The downpour overwhelmed drainage systems, leaving commuters stranded and several areas impassable. Second Lady Joyce Kindiki has urged Nairobi residents to proactively maintain clear drainage systems to avert potential disasters like floods. Additionally, the Government of Belarus has provided significant financial assistance amounting to 23 million shillings to Kenyans affected by the floods.
Private Sector to Fund Safari Rally Starting Next Year, Ruto Says - March 2026
President William Ruto has announced that starting next year, the private sector will fully fund and manage the WRC Safari Rally. This marks the final year of government funding for the event. Takamoto Katsuta secured his maiden WRC victory at the Safari Rally in Naivasha on Sunday, March 15, 2026. However, unlike many major sporting events, Katsuta will not receive a direct cash prize from the WRC organizers.
Tuju Forcefully Evicted From Karen Property Over Debt Dispute - March 2026
Former Cabinet Secretary Raphael Tuju was forcefully evicted by police officers from his commercial property in Karen, Nairobi, on Saturday night. The eviction is reportedly linked to a legal dispute over the auctioning of his assets due to debt. Siaya Governor James Orengo has publicly supported Tuju, labelling him a victim of systemic injustice and ferocious capitalism in Kenya, amid the dispute over a substantial loan. Separately, Democratic Party (DP) Leader Justin Muturi has accused individuals linked to the current administration of orchestrating a land-grabbing scheme involving portions of the Del Monte land in Murang'a County.