Laatste nieuws in region
Kenya's Monica Juma Takes Charge of Global Fight Against Drug Trafficking and Organised Crime
Nairobi, 7 March 2026
Monica Juma becomes the first Kenyan to lead the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, positioning her at the helm of international efforts to combat global drug networks, organised crime, and terrorism. The former Defence Cabinet Secretary brings extensive diplomatic experience from her roles across multiple Kenyan ministries and as Ambassador to Ethiopia. Her appointment on 6th March 2026 by UN Secretary-General António Guterres reflects Kenya’s rising influence in international diplomacy and could strengthen global cooperation on security challenges affecting East Africa and beyond.
Kenya Approves £30 Billion Infrastructure Fund to Transform National Development
Nairobi, 7 March 2026
Kenya’s National Assembly has passed legislation establishing a massive infrastructure fund targeting 5 trillion shillings (£30 billion) in public and private investment. The National Infrastructure Fund Bill covers transport, energy, and digital infrastructure projects across the country. A crucial amendment requires all fund money to be held at the Central Bank of Kenya, with operational accounts permitted at commercial banks for investment purposes. This represents one of Africa’s largest infrastructure financing initiatives, potentially transforming Kenya’s economic landscape through improved roads, energy systems, and digital connectivity nationwide.
Kenya's Toll Road Operator Waives Fees During Nairobi Flooding Crisis
Nairobi, 6 March 2026
MOJA Expressway Company made an unprecedented decision on Friday evening, opening the Nairobi Expressway free of charge for two hours as severe flooding paralysed Mombasa Road. The emergency measure allowed motorists to bypass dangerous flood waters on one of Kenya’s most critical transport arteries connecting the capital to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the port city of Mombasa. This marks a significant moment where private toll road infrastructure stepped in as public emergency relief, highlighting both Kenya’s vulnerability to seasonal flooding and the evolving role of private operators in crisis management. The flooding demonstrates ongoing infrastructure challenges that plague East Africa’s economic hub during rainy seasons, affecting thousands of commuters and commercial traffic on this vital economic corridor.
Turkana County Triples Women's Employment in Push for Gender Equality
Lodwar, 6 March 2026
Kenya’s second-largest county demonstrates remarkable progress in women’s empowerment, increasing female employees from 453 to 1,251 whilst implementing 30% procurement quotas for women-led businesses. However, challenges persist as gender-based violence continues to affect communities across the 77,000 square kilometre region.
Kenya Government to Compensate 12,000 Mau Forest Evictees with Land Purchase
Narok, 6 March 2026
President Ruto announced that 12,000 families displaced from Mau Forest conservation efforts will receive compensation through next year’s budget, including purchasing 607 hectares in Angata Barrikoi for resettlement by August 2026. This addresses a decades-long conflict between environmental protection and community displacement in Kenya’s largest indigenous forest.
Former MP Demands Full Investigation Into Parliamentary Colleague's Fatal Car Crash
Nandi, 6 March 2026
Alfred Keter, former Nandi Hills MP, has publicly called for comprehensive authorities investigation into the road accident that killed sitting parliamentarian Johana Ng’eno, drawing cheers from crowds during his address on 5 March 2026. The demand reflects mounting public concern about transparency in high-profile incidents involving Kenya’s political figures, as details surrounding the fatal crash remain unclear.
Kenya's State House Budget Soars to £110 Million, Surpassing White House Spending
Nairobi, 6 March 2026
Kenya’s presidential residence now commands a larger budget than America’s White House, following a dramatic doubling of allocations to £110 million for the current financial year. The increase was approved through emergency constitutional provisions, bypassing standard parliamentary oversight. At £47 million daily spending rate, this represents the highest State House expenditure since 2013, exceeding budgets of developed nations including Germany and the United States. The surge comes amid mounting public pressure over fiscal accountability and economic hardship for ordinary Kenyans, raising serious questions about government spending priorities during challenging times.
Kakuma Refugees Secure Voting Rights in Historic Turkana County Reform
Kakuma, 5 March 2026
Refugees in Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps have achieved unprecedented political participation through groundbreaking amendments to Turkana County Assembly standing orders. The reforms establish formal refugee representation in local governance, creating a dedicated Committee on Justice, Human Rights, Legal and Refugee Affairs. This landmark achievement affects over 835,000 refugees and asylum seekers across Kenya, marking the first time displaced populations have secured structured political voice in county-level decisions that directly impact their daily lives and economic opportunities.
Middle East Crisis Forces 330,000 People from Their Homes as Global Refugee Resources Strain
Nairobi, 5 March 2026
Recent escalating conflicts across the Middle East have displaced over 330,000 people, with most forced to flee within their own countries rather than crossing borders. The crisis spans multiple nations, including 100,000 people leaving Tehran following attacks, over 84,000 sheltering in Lebanese collective sites, and 115,000 internally displaced in Afghanistan due to border clashes with Pakistan. This massive displacement threatens to stretch UNHCR’s already limited global resources thin, potentially impacting refugee assistance programmes worldwide, including those in East Africa where millions depend on international aid.