Laatste nieuws in region
Kenyan Judge Phoebe Okowa Wins International Court of Justice Seat
Nairobi, 13 March 2026
Kenya achieves historic judicial milestone as Phoebe Okowa secures election to the International Court of Justice through concurrent votes by both the UN Security Council and General Assembly. This appointment marks a significant breakthrough for East African representation on the world’s highest judicial body, potentially influencing how international disputes are resolved globally. The election required four rounds of voting, demonstrating the competitive nature of the process where Okowa ultimately defeated three other candidates to clinch this prestigious position.
Major Nairobi Traffic Route Shut Down for Week-Long Bridge Repairs
Nairobi, 13 March 2026
Kenya’s busiest highway connecting the city centre to northern suburbs faces severe disruption as authorities close Globe Roundabout until 19th March for critical bridge works. The closure forces thousands of daily commuters onto alternative routes, creating significant congestion across Nairobi’s transport network. Motorists must navigate complex diversions including the Globe Overpass and Professor Wangari Maathai Road whilst technical teams conduct urgent reinstatement work on the Nairobi River bridge.
Turkana County Plans Massive Health Campaign to Tackle Eye Disease Affecting Two-Thirds of Population
Lodwar, 12 March 2026
Kenya’s second-largest county is preparing for a critical mass drug administration campaign in May 2026 to combat neglected tropical diseases, particularly trachoma, which affected 67.6% of residents in Turkana West according to baseline surveys. The initiative targets both local communities and refugee populations across 77,000 square kilometres, following previous campaigns that achieved mixed results with coverage ranging from 55.6% to 87.2% across different demographics. Eight WHO-certified surgeons now operate across the region, whilst community health workers prepare for comprehensive household registration to ensure maximum reach in this challenging terrain.
Trump Administration Takes Emergency Immigration Case to Supreme Court
Washington, 12 March 2026
The Trump administration has filed urgent petitions with the Supreme Court to terminate Temporary Protected Status for approximately 350,000 Haitians and 1,100 Somalis currently living in the United States. Federal Judge Ana Reyes blocked the Haiti termination in February, ruling it was ‘substantially likely’ driven by ‘hostility to nonwhite immigrants’ rather than legitimate policy concerns. The administration argues conditions in both countries no longer warrant protection, despite ongoing violence and instability. The Supreme Court has ordered challengers to respond by 16th March, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands who have built lives in America under the humanitarian programme originally designed for temporary relief from natural disasters and armed conflict.
Suspected Ant Trafficking Mastermind Returns to Kenya and Gets Caught
Nairobi, 12 March 2026
Zhang Kequn, allegedly the mastermind behind a global ant smuggling network, was arrested at Nairobi airport attempting to export over 2,000 queen ants to China. The 27-year-old had previously escaped Kenya in 2025 using a different passport after coordinating a trafficking ring that saw four accomplices sentenced for smuggling 5,000 ants. This lucrative trade feeds exotic pet markets where individual queen ants can fetch £175 each, making his latest haul potentially worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Presidential Visit Turns Fatal as School Septic Tank Collapse Kills One Student
Kapsabet, 12 March 2026
A tragic accident at Kapsabet School for the Deaf claimed one life and injured ten others when students gathered on an old septic tank to watch President Ruto’s motorcade pass by. The 20-foot concrete slab collapsed under the weight of eleven eager pupils, plunging them into the pit below on Thursday morning.
Trump Administration Ends Legal Protection for 1,100 Somali Migrants Despite Safety Concerns
Washington, 12 March 2026
The United States is terminating Temporary Protected Status for Somalis on 17 March 2026, stripping approximately 1,100 people of their legal right to remain in America. This decision comes as the UN warns that 6.5 million Somalis face acute hunger due to drought, and the US State Department maintains its highest travel warning for Somalia due to terrorism and civil unrest. Legal advocates have filed federal lawsuits challenging the move as discriminatory, arguing conditions remain too dangerous for safe return.
Hezbollah Launches Military Operation Against Israel Amid Lebanon Crisis
Beirut, 11 March 2026
Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has initiated ‘Operation Eaten Harvest’ targeting Israeli positions, marking a significant escalation in southern Lebanon tensions. The operation comes as Lebanon’s government attempts to disarm fifteen factions, including Hezbollah, which rejected disarmament plans in September 2025. Israel has responded with intensive bombing campaigns across southern Lebanon, forcing over 150,000 residents to evacuate from areas south of the Litani River and Beirut’s southern suburbs. Military analysts reveal that ‘Eaten Harvest’ is actually an old operational name previously used by Israel, highlighting the ironic adoption of Israeli military terminology. The escalation occurs against a backdrop of broader regional conflict, with Iran launching approximately 100 missiles at Israeli targets in recent hours, further destabilising Middle Eastern security dynamics.
Homa Bay Governor Sets Ten-Year Timeline to Transform County into Full City Status
Homa Bay, 11 March 2026
Governor Gladys Wanga has crossed the one billion shilling revenue milestone and now aims for city status within a decade. Her administration turned around a county with negative 34 per cent revenue growth through cashless collection systems and comprehensive reforms. The transformation plan focuses on infrastructure development and economic opportunities under the ‘Genowa’ manifesto, positioning Homa Bay as a major hub in the Lake Victoria region and strengthening Kenya’s devolution success story.
Kenya's Second-Largest County Launches Climate Resilience Partnership for Pastoralist Communities
Lodwar, 11 March 2026
Turkana County has partnered with the Pastoralists Adaptive Initiative for Resilience to address climate challenges across 77,000 square kilometres of arid land. The collaboration includes a solar-powered milling enterprise already supporting 250 farming households and 271 school children in the Natoot community, reducing travel costs and distances for essential services.