March 2 - March 8, 2026
Top Kenya news stories for the week of Monday, March 2 to Sunday, March 8, 2026, organized by weekday.
Monday
March 2
President Ruto Orders Instant Traffic Fines and Road Cameras Rollout Within One Month - March 2026
President William Ruto has ordered the immediate rollout of an instant traffic fines program and the installation of road surveillance cameras in at least five to six major towns within one month. This directive comes as Kenya recorded 5,009 road deaths in a single year, with Chief Justice Martha Koome revealing 787 causing death cases among 62,932 traffic offences filed in 2024/2025. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has simultaneously issued warnings to motorists across Kenya due to persistent heavy rains, emphasizing dangers of reduced visibility and slippery conditions. The Transport Ministry will launch a decentralized motor vehicle inspection program on July 1, bringing inspections closer to motorists across all counties. Additionally, the National Council for the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) has recommended mandatory defensive driving certification for all PSV operators as part of government initiatives to enhance road safety.
Preliminary Report on Nandi Helicopter Crash Due in 30 Days - March 2026
A preliminary report into the helicopter crash that killed Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno and five others is expected within 30 days, according to Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir. The crash occurred in Nandi County on February 28 after the Eurocopter AS350 flew at low altitude and hit trees, disappearing from radar shortly before going down. Leaders from the National Assembly and Senate, including Majority Leaders Kimani Ichung'wah and Aaron Cheruiyot, gathered at the late MP's home to offer condolences. Following the tragic death, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) postponed its nationwide grassroots elections originally set for March 7, with the party's National Election Board citing the loss of a key leader. A Narok County government employee, George Bett, narrowly escaped the fatal crash due to a series of fortunate events including a motorbike puncture.
SHA System Failure Halts Healthcare Pre-Authorisations Nationwide - March 2026
The Social Health Authority (SHA) experienced a critical system failure on March 1, 2026, leading to a nationwide halt in its digital health platform's pre-authorisation services. The disruption has critically impacted hospital pre-authorisation processes across the country. In a separate healthcare development, The Nairobi Hospital has trained over 50 police officers in Basic Emergency and Basic Life Support (BLS) skills as part of its 70th-anniversary celebrations.