March 16 - March 22, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, March 16 to Sunday, March 22, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
March 16
Sakaja Orders 48-Hour Action Plan to Tackle Flooding and Infrastructure Damage - March 2026
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ordered an immediate 48-hour action plan to address severe flooding, drainage issues, and damaged roads across the city following heavy rains. The Kenyan government has confirmed that UN-Habitat will provide support in responding to recent devastating flash floods that have impacted Nairobi, causing significant humanitarian and urban management challenges. The death toll from recent floods in Kenya has tragically risen to 66 as search and rescue operations continue, with four more bodies recovered on Sunday. Residents of Buruburu estate in Nairobi have been without a reliable water supply for the past two weeks due to recent floods. Heavy rainfall has also caused the Narok River to overflow, leading to significant flooding impacting the Lemurua Loitai area.
State House Breaks Silence On Nairobi Hospital Management Disputes Amid Takeover Fears - March 2026
President William Ruto has intervened in the significant governance and operational disputes plaguing Nairobi Hospital, with State House confirming the intervention following numerous complaints from stakeholders. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has threatened to go on strike over the alleged unfair and mysterious arrests of officials linked to Nairobi Hospital. The Kenya Medical Association (KMA) is protesting the 'persecution' of doctors following the arrest and detention of Dr. Job Obwaka, 79, amid a leadership dispute at the hospital. Veteran obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Job Obwaka has spent his third night in police custody following his arrest on Friday, with KMPDU calling for his release citing concerns about potential misuse of state power.
Kenya, Russia Agree to End Recruitment of Kenyans into Military - March 2026
Kenya and Russia have reached an agreement to halt the recruitment of Kenyan citizens for military operations, as announced by Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi during a joint press conference in Moscow on Monday, March 16. Kenyan citizens are no longer permitted to enlist in Russia's military operations following this agreement, with Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi stating that support would be provided to Kenyans in Russia requiring assistance through legal channels. Kenya has dispatched a high-level delegation to Moscow in an urgent effort to repatriate Kenyan citizens reportedly caught up in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. African nations are adopting a cautious approach to the recruitment of their citizens by Russian networks for the war in Ukraine, balancing domestic pressure with foreign policy considerations.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
March 17
State House defends Ruto's role in Nairobi Hospital crisis - March 2026
State House has defended President William Ruto's involvement in The Nairobi Hospital crisis, stating his actions were in response to petitions regarding leadership wrangles and mismanagement. President Ruto pledged government intervention to restore The Nairobi Hospital to its former premier status amidst a deepening governance and legal crisis. The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) has raised concerns over the credibility and transparency of their upcoming elections scheduled for April 2. Separately, Kenyatta National Hospital is transitioning to a fully paperless system with the launch of the Afya Apex HMIS/ERP system, set to go live on March 20.
Flood death toll rises to 71 as search, rescue operations continue - March 2026
The death toll from ongoing floods across Kenya has tragically risen to 71, with the National Police Service reporting five additional fatalities. The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy rains and isolated thunderstorms across several parts of the country starting Thursday. Recent heavy rains have caused widespread flooding, submerging vehicles and leading motorists to question their insurance coverage. Britam, a leading insurance provider, has clarified what happens to car insurance claims when vehicles are flood-damaged.
Four dead, four rescued in Shauri Moyo building collapse - March 2026
Four people have died and four others were rescued after a building collapsed in Nairobi's Shauri Moyo area on Monday during partial demolition for the Nairobi River Regeneration Project. The condemned building had been earmarked for demolition by Nairobi City County. Two people were hospitalized and six others remained missing during rescue operations. The National Building Code 2024 introduces stringent regulations for new constructions, focusing on boundary walls, windows, and setbacks to ensure safety and orderly urban development.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
March 18
Gachagua Refutes Murder Allegations in Two Separate Deaths - March 2026
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has refuted allegations linking him to the death of blogger Maureen Kinyua, stating she died in a road accident. The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has officially denied issuing a statement that falsely implicated former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the murder of a university student. Separately, Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated that the 2027 general election cannot be rigged, citing changes in vote counting procedures, while also accusing President William Ruto of hoarding national identity cards. The political animosity between President William Ruto and his former Deputy Rigathi Gachagua has escalated into verbal exchanges.
Kenyan Police Return From Haiti as Chad Prepares to Take Over Security Mission - March 2026
The second contingent of over 200 Kenyan police officers has returned home from Haiti, successfully concluding their deployment with the Multinational Security Support Mission. A batch of 215 Kenyan officers arrived back in Nairobi on Tuesday evening. Meanwhile, Chad is preparing to take over their role in a restructured security mission. Additionally, Kenya's Principal Secretary Steve Isaboke met with the European Commission to discuss strengthening digital cooperation between Kenya and the EU. Separately, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has issued a warning about fake recruitment messages circulating online, coinciding with the rollout of major road projects across the country.
Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado to Learn Fate in Sharon Otieno Murder Case - March 2026
Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and his two co-accused will learn their fate on May 29, 2026, in the murder case of Sharon Otieno. Meanwhile, the Employment and Labour Relations Court has temporarily halted the Public Service Commission's (PSC) directive to set a mandatory retirement age of 70 for university lecturers and researchers. Additionally, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested a court assistant in Mombasa for allegedly soliciting and receiving a bribe to obstruct justice, and a Court Assistant in Mombasa has been separately arrested for allegedly soliciting and receiving a Ksh10,000 bribe.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
March 19
22 rescued after Kericho building collapse, 4 in critical condition - March 2026
Twenty-two people have been 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 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, two construction workers are reportedly trapped after a 22-storey building under construction in Westlands partially collapsed on Wednesday. Emergency teams are conducting search and rescue operations after this incident in Nairobi.
CS Murkomen declares Friday a public holiday for Idd-ul-Fitr - March 2026
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 Kenyan government has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the Muslim festival of Idd-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. This announcement was made via a gazette notice, signaling the nation's recognition of this significant Islamic observance.
Ruto launches construction of Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba SGR extension - March 2026
President William Ruto has officially launched the construction of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension at a groundbreaking ceremony in Suswa, Narok County. This project aims to significantly cut transport costs and boost regional trade across the country. Former Attorney General Justin Muturi has expressed serious concerns about the newly established National Infrastructure Fund, warning it could lead to a major corruption scandal, likening the potential risks to Malaysia's notorious 1MDB scandal. Construction of the SGR extension has officially commenced after the groundbreaking ceremony.
More from Thursday:
Friday
March 20
Trump Adds 6 African Countries on List to Pay Ksh1.9 Million Visa Bond - March 2026
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. 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. European Union leaders are vowing to remain vigilant against potential migratory flows and the spillover of Middle East conflicts, emphasizing preparedness and border security.
KeNHA Warns of Blockage on Highway Linking Nairobi, Narok & Nakuru, Provides Alternatives - March 2026
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a major blockage along the Mai Mahiu-Suswa-Narok highway due to heavy rains causing flooding and silt deposition near Kedong Ranch, affecting traffic flow. The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy rains across several regions of Kenya, expected to begin on Friday, March 20, and continue through Tuesday, March 24. A senior Kenyan police officer has begun a 250-kilometer peace walk from Nyamira to Kakamega to foster better relations between the public and law enforcement and promote accountability within the National Police Service (NPS).
Kenya on Verge of Losing AFCON Hosting Rights - March 2026
Kenya faces the risk of losing its hosting rights for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next year due to a failure to pay the required hosting fees. The Kenyan government is actively seeking United Kingdom investor funding to develop world-class sports infrastructure, mirroring the UK's successful model, during a meeting between Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and the UK's Minister of Border Security and Asylum Alex Norris in London. Separately, Kenya's Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC) project has reached 40% completion, showcasing significant progress in developing world-class MICE facilities to boost Kenya's tourism and economic transformation.
More from Friday:
Saturday
March 21
Ruto Launches Kisumu-Malaba SGR Extension - March 2026
President William Ruto launched Phase 2C of the Kisumu-Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Kisumu County, asserting that his administration's development agenda is progressing despite challenges. Uganda President Yoweri Museveni hailed the launch as crucial for safer and more cost-effective regional trade. Ruto revealed negotiations that led Uganda to acquire a 21% stake in the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), detailing direct discussions with President Museveni. The groundbreaking ceremony was presided over by both presidents, marking a significant milestone for Kenya's infrastructure and East African trade.
Passenger Plane Veers Off Runway at Wilson Airport - March 2026
A passenger plane carrying 39 people veered off the runway at Wilson Airport on Friday, March 20, shortly after landing from Kisumu. All individuals on board were reported safe with no injuries. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was among the survivors, recounting the terrifying ordeal. Following the incident, Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi called for the immediate closure and comprehensive upgrade of Wilson Airport, citing safety concerns. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the incident.
Security Operation Targets Bandits in Northern Kenya - March 2026
The Kenyan government has launched an all-out war against bandits in Meru and neighboring counties, deploying the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to bolster security operations. The National Police Service is appealing to residents in Meru, Isiolo, Samburu, and Laikipia counties to share intelligence regarding a surge in banditry that has resulted in deaths and stolen cattle. In a significant development following Inspector General Kanja's directive, DCI officers in Meru shot dead a notorious gang leader during a fierce gun battle hours after the announcement of the crackdown.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
March 22
Government rescues 47 Kenyans from Russia, warns against further recruitment - March 2026
Kenya's government has successfully rescued 47 Kenyans caught up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and issued a stern warning against further recruitment. Kenya is launching a nationwide campaign, Linda Mkenya Majuu, and extending amnesty to Kenyan citizens who joined Russian military operations, which is against Kenyan law. The Kenyan government will grant amnesty to its citizens who illegally joined the Russian military in Ukraine, following an agreement with Russia to cease recruitment of Kenyans. Separately, Fifteen Kenyan nationals have returned home after being evacuated from Iran following escalating regional tensions, arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday morning. The Kenyan government has confirmed the evacuation of 15 citizens from Iran to Kenya via Türkiye amidst escalating Middle East tensions.
Govt Orders Immediate Evacuation in Six Nairobi Estates as Dam Threatens to Burst - March 2026
Nairobi residents in several estates near the Nairobi Dam, including informal settlements in Kibera, have been ordered to evacuate immediately due to the dam nearing its breaking point amid heavy rains. A flood alert has been issued for residents downstream of the Nairobi Dam due to rising water levels and a structural failure in the earthen barrier, exacerbated by ongoing heavy rainfall. Heavy rains in Nairobi have disrupted water supply to State House and other residential areas following a burst on a major transmission pipeline, necessitating emergency repairs by the Nairobi City Water & Sewerage Company (NCWSC). Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has defended ongoing evictions and demolitions along riverbanks, asserting the necessity of reclaiming riparian land to mitigate flooding and restore the city's rivers.
Floods Kill 9 People in Makueni as Death Toll in the Country Rises to 77 - March 2026
Heavy rains have caused devastating floods in Makueni County, resulting in the deaths of at least nine people. This brings the total death toll from extreme weather across Kenya to 77. Heavy overnight rains have caused widespread flooding in Kisumu, submerging homes and disrupting daily life across the city. Heavy rains on Friday night have left hundreds of residents in Dago Village, Kisumu East, stranded and homeless after their homes were flooded.