March 30 - April 5, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, March 30 to Sunday, April 5, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
March 30
Flood Death Toll Rises to 110 Across 30 Counties - March 2026
Kenya is grappling with devastating floods as the nationwide death toll has tragically climbed to 110. The crisis, fueled by persistent heavy rains, has now impacted 30 counties, displacing over 34,700 people and leaving three missing. The unrelenting rainfall has devastated at least 30 counties, displacing over 6,900 households. The disaster has expanded significantly, signaling a widening humanitarian emergency. Heavy rains have triggered widespread devastation, causing rivers to overflow and infrastructure to collapse.
IEBC Launches Enhanced Voter Registration Targeting 2.5 Million New Voters - March 2026
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has launched an enhanced continuous voter registration exercise starting Monday, aiming to register 2.5 million new voters ahead of the 2027 General Election. Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Erastus Ethekon has praised the significant increase in youth voter registration as the 30-day nationwide enhanced registration exercise begins. This surge is seen as a strong indicator of youth engagement in Kenya's democracy. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured of unwavering security for the Enhanced Continuous Voter Registration (ECVR) exercise commencing nationwide.
Nakuru Human Rights Groups Demand Urgent Action on GBV and Feminicide Report - March 2026
Human rights groups in Nakuru are demanding urgent government action on a report addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Feminicide. The activists argue that despite recommendations for stricter measures and a national crisis declaration, insufficient action has been taken. Civil society groups, led by Vocal Africa, are urging the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to ensure transparency and a victim-centred approach in its reparations process for human rights violations. Survivors and families affected by the 1998 Nairobi U.S. Embassy bombing have escalated their pursuit of compensation by filing an appeal at the Court of Appeal after their High Court case was dismissed.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
March 31
Police Move to Arrest Governor Sakaja Over Senate Contempt Order - March 2026
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is being sought by police following an arrest order from the Senate County Public Accounts Committee for alleged contempt of Parliament. Sakaja has criticized the police operation at City Hall as 'unnecessary drama', urging dialogue instead of enforcement. The Council of Governors (CoG) is demanding the withdrawal of arrest warrants against governors amid ongoing disputes with the Senate. At the same time, 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. Meanwhile, political leaders from Kilifi County, including Governor Gideon Mung'aro, have criticized Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and KeNHA board chairperson Aisha Jumwa, adding to the complex political landscape.
Overnight Demolitions Displace 6,000 Traders at Gikomba Market - March 2026
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. The clearance drive, part of a Ksh3 billion modern market project, left traders facing significant losses and sparked public discussion. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly condemned the demolition, stating the destruction has left traders in distress and questioning the authorities' actions. Traders are counting massive losses after the swift operation saw structures razed down, with many business owners devastated by the overnight action.
Police, NTSA Implement New Road Safety Measures Ahead of Easter - March 2026
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 increased travel and social activity. The NTSA is also implementing significant reforms focusing on driver health and technological oversight, including mandatory medical checks and digital monitoring of drivers. The Ministry of Interior is additionally planning to standardize police housing allowances nationwide to improve officer welfare and address disparities where officers in Nairobi currently receive higher allowances. The Motorist Association of Kenya has separately warned drivers to exercise extreme caution on the Narok-Mai Mahiu road due to a rise in violent robberies.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
April 1
Sakaja Defies Senate Summons, Police Attempt Arrest - April 2026
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja presented himself before the Kenyan Senate following his defiance of previous summons, amidst failed attempts to have him arrested. This came after police attempted to arrest him for failing to appear before the Senate's public accounts committee, with his office surrounded by law enforcement. The Council of Governors has expressed concerns over the alleged excessive force used by the Office of the Inspector General of Police in the attempt to arrest Sakaja. The Linda Wananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement party plans to sue National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula over the suspension of Kitutu South MP Antony Kibagendi, who has been suspended from the National Assembly for another 14 days following a finding of gross disorderly conduct.
Gikomba Market Demolition Sparks Opposition Criticism - April 2026
Nairobi's iconic Gikomba Market is undergoing phased demolition for a modern upgrade, sparking mixed reactions from traders and criticism from opposition leaders. The opposition has accused President William Ruto's administration of brutality and harassment following the demolitions, claiming the forceful evictions have disproportionately affected small-scale traders. Kenya's annual inflation surged to 4.4% in March 2026, primarily driven by significant price increases in food, transport, and housing-related expenses, with tomato and potato prices shooting up alongside electricity costs.
Government Printer at Risk of Shutdown Over Ksh475.4M Debt - April 2026
The Government Printer faces potential shutdown due to a significant debt of Ksh475.4 million and budget cuts, which could lead to a shortage of crucial government documents including national IDs, smart driving licenses, and birth certificates. Huduma Kenya is urging Kenyans to collect their awaiting personal identification documents from designated service centres nationwide amid these concerns. In Kirinyaga County, leaders are pressing the Kenyan government to expedite the issuance of national identity cards to prevent residents from being disenfranchised in upcoming elections. The Public Service Commission has identified outdated technology as the primary reason for the rise in fake academic certificates within the civil service, with current verification methods being slow, costly, and creating loopholes exploited by individuals seeking public employment with forged credentials. The PSC is now implementing a new verification process to combat fraudulent academic certificates, potentially affecting thousands of jobs.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
April 2
Mudavadi Warns Kenyans Joining Russia's Military Operations - April 2026
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has issued a stern warning to Kenyans against joining Russia's military operations, citing evidence of illegal recruitment networks luring citizens with financial incentives. He revealed that Kenyans are being recruited through clandestine routes, often via the Middle East, making them difficult for the government to track. Mudavadi confirmed that at least 16 Kenyans are missing in action in Russia, with ongoing investigations into deceptive recruitment schemes luring citizens to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. Separately, Mudavadi is urging Parliament to allocate an additional 400 billion Shillings for the evacuation of Kenyans amidst rising global tensions, particularly in the Middle East.
UN Appoints Former Haiti PM to Top Job in Nairobi - April 2026
The United Nations has appointed former Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille as the new United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya, officially taking office on Wednesday, April 1. He succeeds Dr. Stephen Jackson. In a separate development, the United States government has identified widespread corruption in Kenya as a significant barrier to fair trade and investment, with a recent report highlighting bribery and corrupt practices as major obstacles for U.S. companies operating in Kenya. A businesswoman, Joy Kamau, has been charged in a Nairobi court over an alleged fake government tender scheme that resulted in a loss of approximately Sh60 million.
Kenya Police Complete 18-Month UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan - April 2026
A contingent of 11 Kenyan police officers has successfully completed an 18-month United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, returning to Nairobi on April 1. The National Police Service has also launched the second phase of its e-learning programme to enhance officer training through digital learning, as part of ongoing police reforms. An arrest warrant has been issued for an immigration officer at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, John Poriot, for failing to appear in court on human-trafficking charges.
More from Thursday:
Friday
April 3
Three Kenyans dead and others stranded in Russia-Ukraine war while gov't seeks repatriation funds - April 2026
Three Kenyans have been confirmed dead with several others stranded in the Russia-Ukraine war, as the Kenyan government actively seeks funds to facilitate repatriation. Sixteen Kenyans are now reported missing in Russia after joining its army to fight in Ukraine, with the number increasing from 10 to 16 in the past 24 hours, while 47 others have returned home. Several Kenyans who were injured while fighting for Russia have expressed despair following a visit by Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, stating it left them feeling more hopeless. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has stated that 252 Kenyans found fighting for Russia have broken the law. Meanwhile, families of Kenyans who were allegedly duped into joining the Russian military are urgently appealing to the Kenyan government for immediate action and justice.
KNUT SG Defies Court Order as Elections Proceed - April 2026
Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu has declared that the union's elections will proceed as scheduled, defying a court order that temporarily halted the process. The Employment and Labour Relations Court subsequently allowed the KNUT elections, originally scheduled for April 3, 2026, to proceed as planned, while faulting earlier suspension orders. Meanwhile, Kenyan teachers retiring from public service are facing significant financial distress due to prolonged bureaucratic delays in accessing their pension benefits. Separately, senior officials of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Dentists Union (KMPDU) have been re-elected following elections held on Thursday, April 2, after a court dismissed a bid to halt the process.
Eastleigh Residents Issue 24-Hour Ultimatum After Fifth Abduction - April 2026
Eastleigh residents have staged protests and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to authorities following the alleged abduction of a businessman, the fifth such incident in the area this month. The Kenyan National Assembly has approved a supplementary budget allocating an additional Sh45 billion to the security sector, sparking queries and concerns among lawmakers. MPs specifically approved an additional Ksh10 billion for the National Intelligence Service and Ksh24 billion for Defence amid rising border security threats.
More from Friday:
Saturday
April 4
NTSA Issues Urgent Guidelines After 20 Die in Easter Night Crashes - April 2026
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) issued urgent road safety guidelines following the deaths of 20 people in separate road crashes during the Easter holiday weekend. The fatalities included 11 individuals who died when a speeding matatu collided with a stalled trailer near Gilgil on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, with ten people tragically dying after a speeding matatu struck a stalled trailer on Friday night. A separate multi-vehicle crash on the Londiani Junction-Muhuroni road resulted in 20 injuries, with five people in critical condition, while another serious crash in Kericho involved Simba Coach and Dreamliner buses. Mombasa County subsequently implemented a temporary three-month restriction on heavy commercial vehicles exceeding 10 tonnes during peak traffic hours.
KPC Appoints Pius Mwendwa as Acting MD After Joe Sang's Arrest in Fuel Probe - April 2026
The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Board appointed Pius Mwendwa as Acting Managing Director following the arrest of MD Joe Sang in connection with investigations into substandard fuel and an alleged artificial fuel shortage. Top Kenyan energy sector officials, including the Director General of EPRA and the Principal Secretary for Petroleum, have resigned following allegations related to a multi-billion-shilling oil importation deal that allegedly bypassed official government channels. The government exposed an alleged scheme where three senior energy officials are accused of fabricating a fuel shortage to justify a costly and irregular import deal, with pressure mounting on President William Ruto to act against Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi. Meanwhile, Nairobi and Mombasa experienced severe fuel shortages with petrol stations closing and prices skyrocketing to Ksh200 per litre despite government assurances of sufficient supply. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua defended the senior energy officials, suggesting their actions aimed to shield Kenyans from global price hikes fueled by the Iran crisis.
KPA MD William Ruto Hospitalised After Taita Taveta Crash, Daughter Dies - April 2026
The Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), William K. Ruto, was hospitalised following a tragic road accident in Taita Taveta on Friday, April 3, with his daughter tragically dying as a result of the incident. Nairobi residents will face a five-day water supply disruption starting Monday, April 6, as the Northern Collector Tunnel 1 (NCT1) system is shut down for crucial infrastructure upgrades. The Social Health Authority (SHA) has suspended Bungoma West Hospital for 90 days due to suspected fraudulent billing practices, occurring as an increasing number of private hospitals are severing ties with the national health insurer.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
April 5
Ruto Addresses Arrest of Ex-EPRA DG, PS in Ksh4 Billion Fuel Scandal - April 2026
President William Ruto has vowed decisive action against individuals implicated in a Ksh4 billion fuel scandal, following the arrest and resignation of four senior officials including Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban, KPC MD Joe Sang, and EPRA DG Daniel Kiptoo. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is investigating a local tycoon-owned firm and a Swiss oil company in connection with the emergency fuel deal. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has confirmed the substandard fuel threat has been contained and petroleum supplies are secure, while warning against political disinformation as investigations intensify. The Energy Ministry has launched an internal review of petroleum management systems and appointed Joseph Oketch as Acting Director General to oversee the sector during the probe. Further developments involve former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claiming President Ruto ordered the arrests of the energy chiefs.
Kenya Met Warns of High-Risk Deadly Outbreak of Malaria Epidemic - April 2026
Kenya's meteorological department is warning of a potential malaria outbreak due to ongoing heavy rains, with the Western Kenya Highlands identified as high-risk areas. Kenya is experiencing intense heavy rains and floods during the March-April-May long rains season, causing widespread devastation and fatalities across 30 counties. The Kenya Meteorological Department is also warning farmers across Kenya to delay planting until late April, as the early part of the month is expected to have significantly suppressed rainfall, risking crop failure. Kenyatta National Hospital's Farewell Home announced the planned disposal of 480 unclaimed bodies within seven days, prompting public concern, especially as many were children.
Maraga warns IEBC over 2027 election credibility - April 2026
Former Chief Justice and Presidential hopeful David Maraga has cautioned the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission regarding the credibility of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing the continuous need for public trust. He has demanded an immediate audit and inspection of Kenya's voter register, citing confusion stemming from recent statements by the IEBC. Meanwhile, Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has urged Siaya County Assembly members to halt impeachment proceedings against Governor James Orengo, suggesting voters should decide his fate in the 2027 elections. Political strategist Silas Jakakimba has defended Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo against criticism from some Luo Nyanza MPs, calling their attacks misplaced and politically motivated.