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
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 Ngeno is expected within 30 days, according to Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir. The crash occurred in Nandi County on February 28, killing all six occupants including the MP. Critical parts of the aircraft will be sent overseas for specialist forensic analysis. The government will cover all funeral expenses for the late MP and the five other victims. Meanwhile, leaders including Majority Leaders Kimani Ichung'wah and Aaron Cheruiyot gathered at the late MP's home to offer condolences. The United Democratic Alliance postponed its grassroots elections originally set for March 7 following the tragedy.
President Ruto Orders Instant Traffic Fines and Road Cameras Rollout Within One Month - March 2026
Kenya recorded 5,009 road deaths in one year, prompting President William Ruto to order the immediate rollout of an instant traffic fines program and installation of road surveillance cameras in five to six major towns within one month. Chief Justice Martha Koome revealed 787 causing death cases were among 62,932 traffic offences filed in the 2024/2025 financial year. Ruto directed NTSA to fast-track smart traffic cameras across all cities to combat bribery. The Transport Ministry will launch a decentralised motor vehicle inspection programme on July 1. Additionally, mandatory defensive driving certification will be required for all PSV operators.
SHA System Failure Halts Healthcare Pre-Authorisations Nationwide - March 2026
The Social Health Authority experienced a critical system failure on March 1, 2026, leading to a nationwide halt in its digital health platform's pre-authorisation services. The SHA announced a service disruption affecting its digital systems, critically impacting hospital pre-authorisation processes. The system failure came as Kenya is facing a separate road safety crisis, with multiple accidents reported including a fuel tanker collision on Mombasa Road that burst into flames, and residents of Magumu blocking the Nairobi-Naivasha Highway in protest.
More from Monday:
Tuesday
March 3
KEMRI to Identify Helicopter Crash Victims Through DNA Testing - March 2026
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) will utilize its advanced DNA testing capabilities to identify victims of a recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of six individuals, including Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johanna Ng'eno. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula is advocating for stricter aviation safety regulations, including limiting helicopter use during adverse weather, following the fatal crash in Nandi County. The National Assembly has established an Ad Hoc Parliamentary Funeral Planning Committee to organize the final send-off for the late MP, announced by Speaker Wetang'ula on February 28, 2026. A requiem mass will be held at AGC Karen Church in Nairobi. The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has postponed its third phase of grassroots elections, originally slated for March 7-14, following the tragic death.
Middle East Tensions Jeopardize Kenyan Economic Outlook - March 2026
Recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran, are jeopardizing hopes for continued interest rate cuts in Kenya, potentially leading to more expensive loans despite recent efforts by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Iran has threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, the world's busiest oil shipping lane, in response to potential US and Israeli strikes, raising global oil prices. The Kenyan Ministry of Energy and Petroleum has assured the public of adequate fuel supply despite heightened tensions in the Middle East, a primary source of the nation's fuel imports. The United States has ordered the immediate evacuation of its citizens from 14 countries in the Middle East due to escalating safety risks, prompting concern for Kenyan nationals in the area. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, has appealed for utmost restraint in the escalating conflict, warning of severe nuclear risks.
Fire Erupts at Eastleigh Mall as DCI Unveils New Security Technology - March 2026
A significant fire has erupted at Yare Plaza in Eastleigh, Nairobi, leading to concerns that hundreds of individuals may be trapped within the inferno. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has unveiled a high-definition bomb defusing robot to counter rising terror threats in Kenya. The new technology, showcased at the Eldoret International Show 2026 on March 3, represents a significant enhancement to public safety measures. Detectives from the DCI have arrested a notorious fugitive, Evans Simiyu Wanyonyi, also known as Boyi, in Trans Nzoia County, believed to be responsible for a series of criminal activities in the region.
More from Tuesday:
Wednesday
March 4
Kenya Met Says Heavy Rains to Persist Across Kenya Until March 9 - March 2026
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a fresh advisory warning of continued heavy rainfall across numerous Kenyan regions, with the downpour expected to persist and potentially intensify until March 9. Earlier in the week, the Kenya Meteorological Department issued warnings of peaking heavy rains across Nairobi and surrounding counties until Sunday evening, increasing the risk of flash floods with peak rainfall expected between March 4 and March 7. Heavy overnight rains caused significant traffic disruptions and snarl-ups across major Nairobi highways on the morning commute, with motorists experiencing slow-moving traffic and prolonged delays on key routes heading into and out of the city. Tragically, a seasoned Kenya Red Cross Society volunteer, Samuel Wanyonyi Wangila, lost his life while attempting a rescue in the swollen Mbagathi River on Tuesday, and another veteran Kenya Red Cross diver, Samuel Wangila, died on March 3 during a rescue operation for a teenager swept away by the swollen Nairobi River.
Police Constables Set to Receive Up to Sh18,000 Monthly Raise From July - March 2026
The Kenyan Ministry of Interior has announced a substantial salary increase for lower-ranking security personnel, with police constables set to receive up to Sh18,000 more per month starting July 2026. Junior police officers are set to receive the largest salary increases as the final phase of a three-year pay restructuring for security sector personnel takes effect in July. The government raised Ksh106.7 billion from the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Initial Public Offer, with regional neighbours Uganda and Rwanda acquiring a significant portion of shares, as National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah defended the proposed National Infrastructure Fund as a strategic shift from debt-driven financing to sustainable investment.
KQ Announces Repatriation Flights Between Nairobi and Dubai - March 2026
Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai this week, following limited approval from Dubai Airport Management. The airline is operating special repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai following escalating Middle East tensions, offering a limited opportunity for stranded passengers to travel after securing slots amid regional military tensions. These flights come amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East region, with KQ facilitating the repatriation of Kenyans and other nationals stranded in Dubai.
More from Wednesday:
Thursday
March 5
Families eulogise Ngeno, pilot in moving tributes - March 2026
Families and political leaders gathered at the African Gospel Church (AGC) Cathedral in Karen, Nairobi, to mourn six individuals, including Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ng'eno, who perished in a recent helicopter crash in Nandi County. The bodies of five victims, including the MP, were airlifted to Emurua Dikirr Primary School for a joint requiem service, with one additional body also part of the airlift. A requiem mass was held for the MP and five other individuals who died in the helicopter crash in Nandi County on February 28, 2026.
EACC Proposes Blocking Politicians With Pending Appeals From 2027 Polls - March 2026
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is proposing constitutional amendments to prevent individuals convicted of corruption and abuse of office from running for elections while their appeals are pending, ahead of the 2027 general elections. This follows the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions launching a nationwide drive to standardize corruption charges to enhance justice and integrity within Kenya's criminal justice system. Additionally, the Parliamentary Committee on Delegated Legislation has approved regulations for a new KSh2 billion special fund for the ODPP to significantly boost its capacity to deliver timely justice.
Pressure Mounts on Govt to Reveal Cost and Funding Plan for Thika Expressway - March 2026
Kenyan lawmakers are demanding clarity from the Ministry of Roads and Transport regarding the proposed Thika Expressway project, questioning its funding, implementation, and timelines. Hundreds of traders are facing significant financial losses after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) conducted late-night demolitions of their kiosks and shops along the Thika Superhighway at Roysambu. Meanwhile, Kenyan governors are demanding a significantly larger share of road maintenance funds, rejecting a proposal that would allocate them only 5 percent of the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF).
More from Thursday:
Friday
March 6
Govt Issues Advisory to Kenyans Stuck in the Middle East Amid Evacuation Plans - March 2026
Kenya is activating evacuation plans and issuing advisories to its approximately 500,000 citizens in the Middle East due to escalating regional conflict. The government has assured the safety of over 500,000 Kenyan nationals in the Middle East following ongoing regional tensions, reporting no casualties among them seven days into the conflict. A Kenya Airways repatriation flight has safely landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, bringing home dozens of passengers evacuated from the Middle East due to escalating tensions. Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has strongly condemned Kenya Airways for charging fees for repatriation flights, deeming it immoral and deeply insensitive.
Ruto Orders Construction of New 190km Road Network to Begin Within Two Weeks - March 2026
President William Ruto has ordered the construction of a 190-kilometre road network in the Rift Valley region to commence within two weeks, in honour of the late legislator Johana Ng'eno. Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu called for a comprehensive investigation into the fatal helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County, that claimed the lives of Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno and five others. The funeral service for the MP and four others is underway at Emurua Dikirr Primary School in Narok County. Emurua Dikirr constituency has been thrust into the national spotlight following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of its Member of Parliament on February 28, 2026.
ODM Sets March 27 Special Delegates Convention Amid Internal Rift - March 2026
The Orange Democratic Movement has scheduled a Special National Delegates Convention for Friday, March 27, in Nairobi, to address internal rifts and ratify key party decisions. This convention comes amid ongoing party turmoil. Businessman Oketch Salah, a long-time associate of the late Raila Odinga, has spoken out about their relationship, Raila Odinga's final moments, and his alleged political wishes before his death. Separately, Emurua Dikirr Member of Parliament Johana Ng'eno died in a helicopter crash on February 28, 2026, along with five others, hours after sharing a meal with constituents and speaking repeatedly about the inevitability of death.
More from Friday:
Saturday
March 7
At least 10 dead as President Ruto deploys military for flood rescue in Nairobi - March 2026
At least 10 people have died in Nairobi following intense overnight rains that caused severe flooding on March 6, 2026. President William Ruto has deployed the Kenya Defence Forces to assist in rescue efforts, with the military joining the Kenya Red Cross in helping stranded commuters. The torrential downpour overwhelmed the city's drainage systems, submerging vehicles and businesses in the CBD and major highways. Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rains will continue across many parts of the country through the weekend of March 7 and March 8. The government has ordered all sub-counties to establish immediate flood emergency response centres to manage the escalating impact of ongoing heavy rains and floods. In Kisumu County, 381 households were affected after the Sondu-Miriu River burst its banks in Wang'chieng Ward, submerging homes and farms.
Monica Juma appointed new UNODC Executive Director and Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna - March 2026
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Monica Kathina Juma as the new Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV). This appointment makes Dr. Juma the third highest-ranking official in the UN system. She previously served as Kenya's National Security Advisor to President William Ruto and held cabinet positions including Cabinet Secretary for Defence and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, have extended congratulatory messages following her appointment to these senior roles within the United Nations.
Sifuna Criticizes Plan to Table ODM-UDA Pact Report at Closed Meeting - March 2026
A draft report on the March 7, 2025 power pact between President William Ruto and former ODM leader Raila Odinga indicates a high level of implementation, potentially paving the way for future coalition talks. A faction within the Orange Democratic Movement Party, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, plans to present a parallel report on the implementation of the 10-point Memorandum of Understanding. ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has criticized plans to present a report on the 10-point agreement between ODM and UDA at a closed-door meeting, advocating for public disclosure instead.
More from Saturday:
Sunday
March 8
Mudavadi Pledges Urgent Action After Deadly Nairobi Floods - March 2026
President William Ruto has announced urgent government measures to aid families affected by severe flooding in Nairobi and across the country, following torrential rains on March 7, 2026. The floods claimed 23 lives in Nairobi overnight. In a related development, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has pledged coordinated action to address the disaster's root causes. Meanwhile, the government is intensifying child protection measures with a particular focus on children under five. Turning to preparedness, Kenyans can now receive real-time rain and flood warnings every 15 minutes through a specialized mobile application. The Ministry of Health has also issued alerts for potential outbreaks of cholera, malaria, and other diseases due to the ongoing heavy rains and flooding across several regions.
KeNHA Closes Major Highway After Floodwaters Submerge Bridge - March 2026
The Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) has closed the Kaplong–Kisii Road following severe flooding at the Kipsonoi River Bridge in the Mugeni area on March 7. The death toll from severe flooding in Nairobi has risen to 28 following heavy overnight rainfall, with rescue teams actively searching for survivors. Heavy rains across Kenya have resulted in 42 deaths and displaced over 50,000 people, with 172 vehicles swept away according to CS Ruku. The Kenya Wildlife Service restricted tourist access to Tsavo East National Park through the Sala gate due to impassable roads and flash floods that stranded 15 vans. Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company announced water supply disruptions in 15 estates across Nairobi following heavy rains that damaged critical distribution pipelines. Meanwhile, poor urban planning and inadequate infrastructure are identified as the primary causes of devastating floods in Nairobi, with experts warning that decades of neglected warnings have left the capital vulnerable.
IEBC Warns Politicians Over Violence, Premature Campaigns - March 2026
Kenya's electoral agency, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), has issued a strong warning to politicians against engaging in violence and premature campaigning as the country gears up for the 2027 general election. Members of the ruling Kenya Kwanza Coalition and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will convene for a joint Parliamentary Group meeting on Tuesday to receive a broadband-based agenda. A petition has been filed before the National Assembly challenging the suitability of Dr Abdilahi Alawy Saggaf to serve as Chairperson of the National Land Commission.