Laatste nieuws in region
Kenya's Second-Largest County Expands Water Infrastructure to Reach Remote Communities
Kalokol, 1 May 2026
Turkana County has begun construction of a major water supply expansion that will connect the remote Loyoro-Kalokol region through new pipelines and storage facilities. The project includes laying pipelines, building a 100m³ elevated steel tank, establishing water kiosks, and connecting essential services like schools and health facilities. This infrastructure development addresses critical water scarcity in Kenya’s second-largest county, spanning 77,000 square kilometres, and will significantly improve living conditions for thousands of residents in one of the country’s most challenging environments.
South Sudan Unveils Digital Trade Hub to Revive Cross-Border Commerce
Juba, 1 May 2026
South Sudan’s new online Trade Information Hub promises to transform regional commerce by cutting bureaucratic red tape for businesses trading across borders with Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Sudan. Launched with European Union backing, the platform aims to boost transparency and attract investment in a country rebuilding after years of conflict. However, officials warn that weak digital infrastructure and cybersecurity concerns could limit its effectiveness. The initiative signals the government’s commitment to economic recovery and could create new opportunities for the country’s youthful population in East Africa’s strategic trade corridors.
Kenya's NSSF Opens One-Year Internship Programme for Recent Graduates
Nairobi, 1 May 2026
Kenya’s National Social Security Fund has launched its nationwide 2026-2027 internship programme, offering one-year positions exclusively for diploma and degree holders aged 20-34 who graduated within the last five years. Applications close on 22 May 2026, with strict eligibility requirements including no previous work experience since graduation and full-year availability commitment.
China Eliminates All Import Tariffs for African Goods in Historic Trade Move
Nairobi, 1 May 2026
China’s sweeping zero-tariff policy covering all 53 African diplomatic partners could transform continental trade dynamics and reshape global commerce. The initiative addresses stark trade imbalances, with Kenya importing $4.32 billion from China whilst exporting merely $0.21 billion. Cameroon’s cocoa farmers, facing 75% price drops, view the policy as salvation for their struggling industry. Enhanced shipping routes and Chinese port investments signal Beijing’s commitment to deeper African commercial penetration beyond traditional resource extraction.
US Freezes Assets of Former Congo President Over Rebel Funding Allegations
Kinshasa, 1 May 2026
Washington has imposed comprehensive sanctions on Joseph Kabila, who ruled Democratic Republic of Congo for 18 years, accusing him of financially backing the M23 rebel group and encouraging military defections. The 54-year-old former president faces frozen US assets and business bans as America attempts to enforce last year’s peace deal between Congo and Rwanda. Kabila was sentenced to death in absentia by Congolese courts in September for treason and war crimes.
Fertiliser Crisis Could Cost 10 Billion Weekly Meals as War Disrupts Global Food Supply
Global, 1 May 2026
A fertiliser industry chief executive has revealed that current conflicts are threatening to eliminate 10 billion meals per week worldwide, with the poorest nations bearing the brunt of the crisis. War-related disruptions have already cut global nitrogen fertiliser production by half a million tonnes, potentially reducing crop yields by up to 50% in the first season alone. The executive warns that escalating fertiliser prices, which have surged 80% since conflicts began, could trigger a devastating bidding war for food between wealthy and developing nations, leaving the world’s most vulnerable populations unable to afford basic sustenance.
Nairobi's Main Highway Shut Down by Flooding Crisis
Nairobi, 1 May 2026
Heavy overnight rainfall has brought Nairobi to a standstill, with Mombasa Road completely impassable and traffic backed up for 3 kilometres from Ole Sereni to Standard Media Group area. The flooding has trapped motorists since the early hours, with trucks stranded and even affecting Jomo Kenyatta International Airport operations. Kenya Red Cross is responding to emergency calls from Mukuru kwa Njenga, where missing persons are reported and households remain marooned, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact of the capital’s inadequate drainage infrastructure.
Seven Forks Dams Release Water as Tana River Flooding Alert Issued for This Weekend
Tana River, 1 May 2026
Heavy rainfall around Mount Kenya has forced controlled water releases from major hydroelectric dams, triggering flood warnings for thousands of residents along the Tana River. Peak flooding is expected between Saturday and Sunday, with Garissa, Hola, and Garsen at highest risk as water levels continue rising sharply.
Belgium Steps In as 2.1 Million Kenyans Face Food Crisis Through September
Nairobi, 30 April 2026
Belgium has provided emergency funding to Kenya as an alarming 2.12 million people confront severe food insecurity that analysts predict will persist through September 2026. The crisis affects both local communities and refugees, with some camps experiencing Emergency-level conditions where households struggle to meet basic needs. Despite expected improvements from upcoming long rains, widespread Crisis-level food insecurity will continue across the country. The Belgian contribution targets vulnerable populations grappling with prolonged drought and economic pressures, highlighting the international response needed to address Kenya’s mounting humanitarian challenge.
Ugandan Court Sentences Man to Death for Killing Four Toddlers at Nursery School
Kampala, 30 April 2026
Christopher Okello Onyum received a death sentence for stabbing four infants aged one to two at a Kampala nursery on 2 April 2026, claiming the murders were ‘human sacrifice’ to make him rich before pleading insanity.