Britam Group Board Chairman Kuria Muchiru Dies

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March 20, 2026

Britam Holdings PLC has announced the death of its Group Board Chairman, Kuria Muchiru.

In an announcement on Thursday, March 19, the firm expressed deep sorrow over the loss, noting that Muchiru passed away after a short illness.

“The Britam Board of Directors and Management of Britam Holdings PLC is saddened to announce the passing away of our Group Board Chairman, Mr. Kuria Muchiru, who passed away today, 19th March 2026, after a short illness,” the announcement read.

The company went on to convey its sympathies to those close to him, highlighting the impact he had on colleagues and associates during his time in leadership.

“On behalf of the entire Britam family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with him. May God rest his soul in eternal peace,” he added.

Muchiru studied at the University of Nairobi, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics.

He later qualified as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K), a credential that laid the foundation for his long and successful career in finance and advisory.

Muchiru began his professional journey in 1983 at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where he worked for approximately 35 years.

During his time at the firm, he rose through the ranks and took on senior advisory roles, offering guidance to corporations, government entities, and boards.

After leaving PwC, Muchiru transitioned into board-level leadership and corporate oversight.

In 2021, he became the Chairman of Britam Holdings Plc, where he played a key role in guiding the company’s strategic direction and strengthening its governance structures.

Muchiru also served as Chairman of Kenya Wine Agencies Ltd (KWAL) and held several non-executive directorships across various sectors, including finance, hospitality, and investment.

Beyond corporate leadership, he was involved in business ventures in real estate and hospitality.

CS Opiyo Wandayi Blasts Governor Orengo Over Poor Development Record

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John Mutiso

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March 20, 2026

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has questioned Governor James Orengo over the poor state of Siaya County under his regime.

Speaking on Friday, March 19, Wandayi claimed that Orengo had not completed any development projects in the county, arguing that most ongoing projects were initiated by the national government.

He demanded that the Governor account for the billions allocated to the county by the exchequer.

“The development in the county is because of President William Ruto’s government. We do not know where the money disbursed to the county goes. Where does it go?” Wandayi posed.

The CS urged Orengo to put aside his differences with President Ruto and work with the government.

A file image of Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi addressing residents of Ugunja, Siaya County.

“We do not want Siaya County to lag in matters of development. We demand that the county and its governor work together with the national government for the sake of our residents,” he stated.

Wandayi accused Orengo of engaging in selfish and divisive politics. He claimed that the Governor had defied the late Raila Odinga by refusing to work with Ruto.

He alleged that the governor was advancing his politics for personal gain and declared that he would not allow the youths from the region to be used as political pawns.

The Energy confirmed that he would be at the forefront of the campaigns for President Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 General Election.

His sentiments came as the Head of State embarked on a four-day tour of the Nyanza region. Orengo and Ruto’s relationship had taken a nosedive in the last couple of weeks.

Orengo claimed that his bodyguards and staff were allegedly arrested by security officers in Nairobi and Siaya ahead of Ruto’s visit.

The Governor has been adamant that he will not support the President and has even called for Kenyans to go to the streets to remove him from office.

Mombasa halts all construction as county braces for heavy rains

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John Mutiso

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March 20, 2026

The Mombasa County Government on Thursday, March 19, announced the temporary suspension of construction and suspension of activities.

In a public notice issued by County Secretary and Head of Public Service Jeizan Faruk, he stated that the suspension would last for three days.

Faruk explained that the move was part of the county’s preparedness and response measures following the heavy rainfall advisory issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department.

“All construction and excavation activities within the County are hereby suspended for a period of three days, effective immediately. A review will be conducted thereafter,” the notice read in part.

Faruk revealed the sub-counties in the region that are likely to flood during the peak of the heavy rainfall between March 20 and 23.

A file image of Mombasa County Secretary and Head of Public Service Jeizan Faruk and Governor Abdulswamad Sharif.

“Localised assessments further indicate increased risk of flooding in Jomvu, Kisauni and Nyali Sub-counties,” the public notice continued.

He further disclosed that emergency response centres had been set up at Port Reitz, and Utange Hospitals had been set up to respond to flood-related incidents.

In addition, the Momabasa County government stated that it had rescue equipment, including boats pre-positioned to support emergency response operations.

Faruk confirmed partnerships with the Kenya Red Cross, the Kenya Forest Service and the Kenya Wildlife Service for rescue readiness.

The County Secretary revealed collaboration with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) for urgent clearance and maintenance works along the Mombasa-Malindi Road to enhance drainage and ensure public safety.

Earlier, Kenya Met had warned that heavy rainfall was expected across 46 counties in Kenya. The Weatherman cautioned that there was an increased likelihood of flooding.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen reassured Kenyans that the government was ready to combat floods. Murkomen also asked locals to exercise caution during the period.

Seven Charged in Ksh 60 Million Fake Tender Scam at Harambee House

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Editor

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March 20, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Seven suspects have been charged in connection with an alleged fraudulent scheme that used government premises at Harambee House to lure foreign investors into a fictitious tender deal.

According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects were arrested on March 10, 2026, after gaining unauthorized access to a boardroom on the 12th floor of Harambee House, where they allegedly posed as officials from various government ministries.

Investigators say the group targeted two foreign nationals representing a Swedish company, whom they allegedly misled into believing they had secured a government tender to supply 500 Toyota Hiace high-roof ambulances.

The court heard that the scheme began in January 2026 when one of the victims received a WhatsApp message from an individual identified as Stanley Ndawula, who later connected him to another suspect posing as a consultant working with government entities.

The victims later travelled to Kenya, where they were received and escorted to Harambee House. They were allegedly allowed past security checkpoints and taken to a conference room, where they met individuals presented as officials from the National Treasury and Ministry of Health.

They were shown documents said to be official tender papers, including what the prosecution describes as forged prequalification certificates purportedly signed by senior government officers.

The suspects allegedly offered two business packages—USD 90,000 for a single opportunity or USD 110,000 for multiple opportunities. The victims opted for the latter and transferred USD 110,000, followed by an additional USD 360,750 under the pretext of insurance, bringing the total amount involved to USD 470,750.

At the time of the arrests, the suspects were allegedly seeking further payments exceeding USD 1 million, prompting the victims to return to Kenya, where the arrests were made.

Those charged include Geoffrey Were Odondi, Michael Musyoki Ngumbi, Kororia Simatwa, Evans Simotwo, Allan Muthaiga Kariuki, Munialo Jared Masinde, and Purity Njeri Njiami, who is said to have facilitated access to the premises despite not holding any current government position.

They were arraigned before the Milimani Law Courts on March 16, 2026, where they faced charges including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining money by false pretences, acquisition of proceeds of crime, and forgery. All the accused pleaded not guilty and were released on bond of Ksh 5 million each or an alternative cash bail of Ksh 300,000 with sureties.

The matter is scheduled for mention on April 1, 2026, for pre-trial directions.

Authorities stated that no serving government officials were involved in the alleged scheme and that the suspects were acting independently while impersonating public officers.

Members of the public and potential investors have been cautioned to verify government tenders through official channels, as legitimate procurement processes do not require upfront payments or deposits to private accounts.

UoN Kikuyu Campus Moves Classes Online Due to Heightened Insecurity

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John Mutiso

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March 20, 2026

The University of Nairobi (UoN) Kikuyu Campus has moved its classes online due to heightened insecurity in Thogoto.

In an internal memo dated Wednesday, March 18, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof Jeremiah Kalai, requested that academic staff consider holding their classes online.

Kalai explained that the rising insecurity was a concern. Some of the students at the institution had been attacked by a gang terrorising residents in the area.

“Please consider holding online classes for all the lessons being held in Kikuyu Campus in view of the prevailing security situation in the surrounding area for a period of one week, with effect from the date of this memo, as we monitor the situation on the ground,” the memo read.

The advisory came amid attacks by a gang in the Thogoto area that have left one person dead and several others injured.

A file image of the memo calling for online classes at the UoN Kikuyu campus.

A female student who sustained injuries during a robbery incident by members of the gang. In addition, a lecturer at the institution has been hospitalised after he was stabbed.

Preliminary reports indicate an ongoing spat between the locals and the students, after the latter attacked a local who was returning a power bank that one of the students had lost.

UoN Kikuyu Campus President Zipporah Zainab has urged the local leaders to call for dialogue.

“Our lecturer is in hospital fighting for his life, and yet nobody can organise a barasa between the community and the students to call for peace,” Zainab stated.

Police officers confirmed that they have arrested two suspects in connection with the attacks. The community has demanded that the government take action.

They claim that the gang is often armed with knives and machetes and deliberately injure their victims before speeding off on motorbikes.

Forest Ride Momentum Wave Amid Gruelling Run-In

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Editor

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March 20, 2026

By Peter John

Nottingham Forest’s season has taken on renewed life as confidence surges within the squad, with players and coaching staff embracing a crucial period that could define both their domestic survival and European ambitions.

Fresh from an uplifting performance, the mood in the Forest camp has shifted dramatically.

Players were left “looking at the manager” with a sense of belief after proving they could deliver under pressure, and immediately turned their attention to maintaining that level heading into the weekend.

The message was clear — they have found momentum and are determined to build on it.

Manager Vítor Pereira now faces one of the most challenging phases of the campaign, as his side juggles league survival with the demands of the UEFA Europa League.

Forest are set to take on FC Porto in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash on April 9 and 16.

Between those two legs, they must also navigate a tough Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, before hosting Burnley FC the following weekend.

While European football has offered a welcome escape from domestic struggles, it also presents a physical and tactical test.

The added fixtures risk stretching the squad, making Pereira’s role in managing fatigue and squad rotation increasingly vital.

However, the Portuguese coach remains optimistic, emphasizing that winning changes everything — from the team’s energy levels to its overall spirit.

According to Pereira, the squad has shown not only technical quality but also character and unity, qualities he believes will be crucial in the weeks ahead.

“When we win, it’s different,” he noted, highlighting how confidence fuels performance during high-pressure moments.

Midfielder Ryan Yates reinforced the importance of sustaining that momentum.

He described the winning feeling as something the players are eager to hold onto, particularly at this decisive stage of the season.

For Forest, momentum is more than just a psychological boost — it could be the difference between survival and relegation.

Despite the growing optimism, the squad remains grounded.

Focus has already shifted to their next challenge against Tottenham Hotspur FC, a match that will test their consistency and resolve.

With fixtures piling up and pressure mounting, Nottingham Forest find themselves walking a fine line between opportunity and exhaustion.

Yet, with belief restored and unity strengthening within the squad, the dream of finishing the season on a high note remains alive — and, as the players insist, far from over.

Why Kenya Risks Losing 2027 AFCON Hosting Rights

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John Mutiso

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March 20, 2026

Kenya risks losing its rights to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to delays in paying the mandatory Ksh 3.9 billion ($30 million) hosting fee to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi warned on Thursday, March 19.

Mwangi briefed the Dan Wanyama-led National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture, noting that Kenya must settle the fee by March 30, 2026, as part of the ‘East Africa Pamoja’ bid alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

While Uganda and Tanzania have already paid their shares, Kenya remains the only partner yet to meet its financial commitment. Mwangi cautioned that failing to pay on time could hurt Kenya’s credibility as a tournament host.

“We have been given until the 30th of March to clear the payment of the hosting fees. We are aware that our ‘Pamoja’ countries of Uganda and Tanzania have paid, but Kenya is yet to pay its share of about 3.9 billion.

“And therefore the gains that we have so far made in preparations for AFCON may be jeopardised if we are not able to raise 3.9 billion by the 30th of March, and the communications we have had from CAF, they are very particular that we must show commitment. And one of the commitments is payment of the hosting contribution. If we are not able to raise that, then our hosting will be jeopardised,” PS Mwangi told the MPs.

Mwangi further warned that the Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums may not be ready within six months, as required by CAF.

He explained that the contractor renovating Kasarani Stadium reduced its workforce due to a Ksh 3.7 billion debt, while the Nyayo Stadium contractor abandoned the site over a Ksh 2.7 billion debt.

“…of Kasarani Stadium, we owe the contractor in excess of Ksh3.7 billion. And the contractor has realigned and reduced his workforce. And with that, we feel that we may not be ready within six months, the deadline that was given by CAF to have the competition and training venues ready.

“Equally, the Nyayo, we have not paid in excess of Ksh2.6 billion to the contractor who was contracted, let alone additional works of putting up a canopy. And the contractor has already vacated the site. Therefore, we have nothing to show,” he added.

This comes a month after the Committee rejected the Sports Ministry’s request to increase the AFCON budget from Ksh 3.5 billion to Ksh 5 billion, saying the justification was inadequate.

The Ministry had asked for the extra funds to be included in a supplementary budget to meet Kenya’s obligations and safeguard its standing with CAF.

Defending the request, Mwangi said he led a delegation, including Football Kenya officials, on a benchmarking visit during the last AFCON in Morocco. “We established that for Kenya to match the standards set during the competition in Morocco, we must enhance the budget,” he highlighted on February 19.

However, MPs insisted that Kenya’s financial responsibility should reflect the shared nature of co-hosting. Mwangi argued that co-hosting with two other countries should reduce the financial burden.

Despite rejecting the increase, the Committee promised to support the Ministry in lobbying the National Treasury to release the hosting fee.

According to the Budget Policy Statement, the proposed ceiling for the Sports Department in the 2026/27 financial year is Ksh 25.49 billion, with Ksh 7.38 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure and Ksh 18.11 billion for development.

India, Pakistan trade accusations as Indus Waters Treaty remains in abeyance

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Editor

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March 20, 2026

Benjamin-Netanyahu — India and Pakistan signed the water-sharing treaty in 1960

By Stacy Boit

A landmark water-sharing treaty between India and Pakistan will remain suspended, as Delhi puts it: “in abeyance,” the country told the United Nations.

India’s permanent envoy to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, speaking at a UN forum to mark World Water Day, urged Islamabad to end support for terrorism before raising treaty-related issues.

Harish said the Indus Waters Treaty would stay suspended until Pakistan “unconditionally abjure terrorism as an instrument of its state policy. It must uphold the sanctity of human life before talking of upholding the sanctity of treaties.”

“India entered into the Indus Water Treaty 65 years ago in good faith, in the spirit of good will and friendship. Pakistan violated this spirit by inflicting three wars and thousands of terror attacks on India,” he said, adding that India’s “patience” did not “change Pakistan’s way.”

Pakistan’s Second Secretary Aleena Majeed said the treaty does not allow unilateral “suspension or modification or so-called ‘abeyance.’ Such actions amount to the weaponization of water for narrow political gains, jeopardizing the lifelines of millions,” she said.

India announced its decision to hold the treaty in abeyance after the 2025 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, where militants shot and killed 26 civilians. The attack sparked military clashes between India and Pakistan that ended with a cease-fire.

New Delhi accused Islamabad of backing the attack — a claim Pakistan denies. India has long maintained, including on international platforms, that Pakistan uses terrorism as a tool of statecraft.

The Indus is the longest river in South Asia, stretching more than 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles). Its complex network of tributaries flows from Tibet, through divided Kashmir, and into Pakistan before emptying into the Arabian Sea near Karachi.

BTS member RM injured, to partially limit stage performance at Seoul comeback concert on Mar 21

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Editor

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March 20, 2026

On Friday (Mar 20), K-pop superstars BTS’ agency BigHit Music announced that the group’s leader, RM, injured his ankle during a performance rehearsal on Mar 19 (Thursday).

Medical examinations revealed a sprain of the accessory navicular, a partial ligament tear and a talus contusion. He has been advised to wear a cast and limit movement for at least two weeks.

The group is set to perform the BTS The Comeback Live Arirang on Saturday (Mar 21), which will also be livestreamed on Netflix.

Following the injury, the label has announced that RM’s performance on stage “will be partially limited”.

In a YouTube livestream on Friday, RM also shared his regret at the unfortunate incident.

“I have to say something a little sad. A few minutes ago, the notice went up for the performance, and for our concert we were practicing, and I tried very hard, and got an ankle injury due to that, I really tried hard for practice,” he said, according to the YouTube transcription.

“But I am not able to perform right away, so I won’t be able to perform but I will be on stage to meet you. I will be singing and hyping everyone up, and I will try hard to recover for the (April) concert, please do not worry because it is not as serious, so I hope you look forward to the stage.”

BTS released their new album, Arirang, on Mar 20, making this their first album in over three years.

The group is also set to perform at an exclusive fan event with Spotify in New York on Mar 23 and on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Mar 25 and 26 (local time).

By Mary Munywoki

Kenya Marks World Oral Health Day with Nationwide Awareness Campaign and Free Medical Services

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Editor

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March 20, 2026

By Andrew Kariuki

Kenya will join the global community in commemorating World Oral Health Day on March 20, 2026, with the Ministry of Health rolling out a series of activities aimed at promoting oral hygiene and raising awareness on its importance to overall health.

In a press statement issued by the Office of the Director General, the Ministry announced that this year’s celebrations will be guided by the theme “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life,” emphasizing the role of oral health in enhancing quality of life across all age groups.

The Ministry noted that good oral health enables individuals to eat well, speak clearly, and live confidently, while poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections and complications during pregnancy.

To mark the occasion, stakeholders in the health sector have organized a series of pre-event activities, including a school outreach programme at Drive-In Primary School in Ruaraka, Nairobi, as well as a community outreach at the Amref Grounds in Kibra.

The celebrations will culminate in an Oral Health Awareness Walk scheduled for March 21, 2026, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi. The event will be followed by a free medical camp where members of the public will receive oral health education, screening services and basic treatment, alongside eye and hearing checks.

The Ministry further indicated that efforts are ongoing to improve access to oral healthcare services across the country by strengthening community-based health services, training Community Health Promoters and enhancing the collection of oral health data to support better planning and service delivery.

Kenyans have been urged to adopt simple but effective oral hygiene practices, including brushing teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, reducing consumption of sugary foods and drinks, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use and seeking regular dental check-ups.

Parents were also encouraged to prioritize early dental visits for children and instill proper oral hygiene habits from a young age.

The Ministry called on health workers, schools, community groups and other stakeholders to actively participate in the planned activities, as part of a broader effort to improve oral health and overall well-being for all Kenyans.

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