The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture (PIC-SSAA), in a session chaired by the Vice-Chairperson Hon. Caleb Amisi held meetings with the management of three state agencies—the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), the Public Benefit Organizations (PBO) Regulatory Authority, and the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) on audit queries running into billions of shillings for the 2024/2025 financial year.

The meeting with KBC ended abruptly after management failed to present coherent documentation to address multiple audit concerns. The Vice Chairperson expressed frustration with the “haphazard” submissions, ruling that the session could not proceed meaningfully.

“We may not gather anything substantive to present before Parliament,” he stated, directing KBC to return with properly organised responses.

At the centre of scrutiny is a legal dispute in which Channel 2 Group Corporation is demanding approximately Ksh 353 billion from the broadcaster. Lawmakers questioned the independence of KBC’s Board Chairperson, who was reportedly part of Channel 2’s management when the case was initiated. However, KBC CEO Agnes K. Nguna defended the Chairperson, noting he exited the company in 2007 and is listed as a defence witness.

“You are staying without cover, you know the risk,” the Vice Chairperson added, referring to KBC’s failure to insure its assets after CIC General Insurance declined to renew cover due to unpaid premiums.

The committee also flagged discrepancies in asset valuation, a Ksh 35.7 million solar tender awarded without a budgetary provision, and continued non-compliance with the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS).

At the PBO Regulatory Authority, CEO Dr. Laxmana P. Kiptoo faced questions over a severe staffing deficit, with only 58 employees against an approved 207 positions.

“With a 75 per cent deficit in employment, how do you manage to do your work?” posed Hon. Ahmed Hassan.

Dr. Kiptoo attributed the gap to delayed approvals from the National Treasury but noted improvements, with staffing now at 104. He also admitted the Authority’s Ksh 21 million ERP system—donated by UNDP Kenya—has been inactive since August 2023 due to lack of a service agreement following budget cuts.

“We deferred maintenance due to financial constraints, but we are working to re-engineer the system,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the NSDCC came under pressure over under-utilisation of Ksh 257 million and Ksh 81.5 million in long-standing doubtful debts. Acting CEO Douglas Bosire attributed the under-absorption to a government restructuring directive and a moratorium on new projects.

“Our hands were tied by policy decisions beyond management control,” he said.

On the stalled Ksh 100 million ‘Misha Plaza’ project, Bosire cited delays linked to restructuring, while acknowledging efforts to secure land through a partnership with Kenyatta National Hospital.

The committee also raised concerns about leadership instability, with several key positions held in acting capacity. However, members welcomed progress in HIV response efforts, noting a decline in new infections from 94,000 in 2005 to 19,900 in 2024. The council also highlighted the rollout of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention drug.

Closing the session, Hon. Amisi urged the NSDCC to shed its past image and uphold accountability.

“This institution must move away from the perception of being a cash cow and demonstrate prudent use of public resources,” Hon. Amisi warned.

On the competitive front, Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta secured a historic first WRC victory, a well-earned win after coming close in the 2025 edition. The result also reinforced the strength of the Toyota Gazoo Racing team, which once again delivered a composed and consistent performance across the challenging Kenyan terrain.

While the rally stages delivered their usual mix of speed, endurance, and unpredictability, the experience off the track was equally engaging, with the Morendat Fan Village that was proudly sponsored by KBL’s heritage beer brand White Cap brand, serving as the central hub for entertainment throughout the four days.

From Thursday, the fan village steadily built momentum. DJs including Festa, Blaze, Kalonje, Confy, Benitez, set the tone early, offering a steady mix of music that drew in fans arriving from the rally stages. Hype Kev kept the crowd engaged, ensuring a smooth transition into the evening sessions.

By Friday, the atmosphere had picked up. DJ Nijo, DJ E, and DJ Ite maintained the pace, while Big Mitch added a regional touch to the lineup. DJ Benitez returned to the decks alongside Hype Ballo, keeping the crowd active through the night. A standout moment came with a live performance by Sanaipei Tande, whose set brought a different tempo and added variety to the day’s entertainment.

Saturday marked the peak of the entertainment lineup. DJs Joe Mfalme, Kris Darlin, Mista C, Cross, Lisney, and Wal delivered a continuous mix that kept the energy high throughout the evening. MC Claudia Naisabwa held the programme together, guiding the audience through each segment. Performances by Fathermoh, Khaligraph Jones, and Mejja drew strong crowd engagement, with each act bringing their own style to the stage.

On Sunday, the final day of the rally, the programme shifted to a more relaxed but still engaging close. DJs Jay, Most Wanted, and DJ Daq Child handled the music lineup before Mejja took over the stage. MC Gogo and Daffy guided the final sessions, ensuring a smooth wrap-up of the weekend’s activities.

Throughout the rally, KBL’s White Cap brand maintained a strong presence as the Official Responsible Drinking Partner. The brand used the platform to promote its “Distinguished By Nature” positioning, while also encouraging responsible enjoyment among fans attending both the rally stages and the fan village.

Beyond entertainment, White Cap’s involvement reflects its continued support for platforms that bring people together while showcasing Kenya’s landscapes and culture. The Safari Rally remains a key moment in the country’s sporting calendar, not only for motorsport fans but also for the wider lifestyle and entertainment experience it offers.

As the 2026 edition comes to a close, both the on-track competition and off-track experience once again highlighted why the WRC Safari Rally remains one of Kenya’s most anticipated annual events.

By Anthony Solly

Kenya Power has announced planned power interruptions affecting several areas across the country on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

The company said the outages are part of routine maintenance and will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“Good Evening. The listed areas will be affected by planned power interruptions tomorrow (18th March 2026),” Kenya Power said in a statement on X.

The affected areas include parts of Nairobi, Nakuru, Isiolo, Migori, Kirinyaga, Embu, and Kiambu counties.

In Nairobi, residents in parts of Juja Road, Huruma, and adjacent customers will experience interruptions. In Nakuru County, the outage will affect Maai Mahiu Town and surrounding areas, including Governor, Munuiu, Old Kijabe, IDP Camps, Longonot, Kiambogo, Sission, Msafiri, Kimunyu, Mafuta Taa, Kigecha, Satellite, Dry Port (Old Line), Jumbo, Longonot Chicken, Jaeda, Kingstone, Stonemat, Bhudia, Addpack, Hipstone, Nyakinyua, Utheri wa Lari, Ewaso Kedong Market, Najile, and neighbouring customers.

In Isiolo County, areas such as Town, Kiwanjani, and Tururoba will be affected. Specific locations include Kambi ya Juu, Kula Mawe, Spook Mjinga, Mwangaza, County Assembly, Silver Bell, 19 Coins, Glados Hotel, Basalinga, Total, Shell, Cereal Board, General Hospital, Downtown, Police, Safi Estate, Bulla Pesa, and adjacent customers.

Parts of Migori County, including Bonde and Nyabisawa, will also experience outages. In Kirinyaga, affected areas include Majengo, Piai, Murinduko, Estana Hotel, PK Njuguna, Rogoi, Mugamba Ciura, Murinduko Togonye, St. Susan, Kariati, Kadawa, Gold, Mumbu, Itangi, South Ngariama, Ikurungu, Ikurungu Hospital, Morgan, Sikai Sana, Gathigini Primary School, and surrounding areas.

In Embu County, the outage will affect Ishiara, Karurumo, Kanyuambora, Kyeniri, Ngunyumu, Rwanjeru, Kasafari, Baraga, Kathagutari, Karerema, Murari Soko, Kigwambiti, and adjacent customers.

In Kiambu County, parts of Rironi, Kerwa, and Ngecha will be affected, including Kagia, Kanduma, Gitangu, Thamanda, Kerwa, Kanduma, Muguga, Gatonye, Kamuguga, Universal, Zambezi, and neighbouring customers.

The power outages come days after Kenya Power Managing Director Joseph Siror revealed that between 50 and 70 per cent of electricity outages across the country are caused by trees and vegetation interfering with power lines.

“The biggest challenge, if you look at most of our outages, I would want to tell the public that about 50-70% is because of trees, and the unfortunate thing you would recall is that about 2-3 years ago, we entered into a very intensive programme of cutting all the trees near our lines,” Siror said.

Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, on Tuesday appeared before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure chaired by Ndia Member of parliament Hon. George Kariuki, to present and defend the Supplementary Estimates No. I for the Financial Year 2025/26, outlining increased allocations and ongoing reforms in the sector.

During his presentation, CS Chirchir revealed that the State Department for Roads is proposing a revised budget of KES 245 billion, up from the printed allocation of KES 221.8 billion, marking a gross increase of KES 23.8 billion.

He explained that the development budget increment is largely driven by KES 17.1 billion in development partner financing and KES 5.9 billion from the Exchequer.

A key highlight of the meeting was the progress of the roads sector securitization programme. In this regard, CS Chirchir reported that the securitization of KES 7.00 from the fuel levy commenced in February 2025 and as at 31st December 2025 pending bills amounting to KES.126 billion out of KES 173 billion pending bills as at 31st December 2024 had been settled through the utilisation of the Bridge facility under the securitization of KES 7.0 Per Litre.

An additional KES 5 per litre is projected to generate KES 120 billion over two financial years for ongoing projects.

He attributed improved project delivery to enhanced payment certainty, alongside additional financing from initiatives such as the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project and loans from the China Development Bank.

Despite the increase, Chirchir acknowledged ongoing funding challenges.

“The State Department for Roads received only 60 per cent of its expected Exchequer funding in the first half of the financial year, creating a KES 15 billion shortfall”, the CS noted.

However, an additional KES 23 billion was disbursed on March 12, 2026, bringing total Exchequer funding to KES 44 billion—still below the full-year allocation of KES 70.6 billion, leaving a KES 26 billion gap to be filled by June 30, 2026.

CA Chirchir also urged lawmakers to approve the reallocation of KES 208 million toward Intelligent Transport System (ITS) projects being implemented by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).

The projects, including the Nairobi ITS Establishment and Junction Improvement initiative, face budget constraints despite financing from the Korea Exim Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China. The CS warned that delays could affect loan disbursement timelines and overall project completion.

Meanwhile, the State Department for Transport’s budget is set to increase from KES 47.5 billion to KES 68.3 billion, a KES 20.9 billion rise. Principal Secretary Mohammed Dagar attributed the increase to: KES 6.3 billion for the Dongo Kundu Project, KES 12.87 billion for Railway Levy Development Fund projects and additional foreign financing for railway equipment and capacity building

However, the Department still requires KES 6.64 billion, largely from donor funding.

During the meeting, Committee Members questioned the ministry on instant traffic fines, with CS Chirchir clarifying that all proceeds are remitted directly to the National Exchequer.

Concerns were also raised over ferry safety following viral social media footage suggesting negligence. In response, CS Chirchir announced the formation of a special oversight team led by Captain William Ruto of the Kenya Ports Authority.

The CS said reforms would include : Introduction of structured queuing systems, designated holding areas, and diversion of vehicles to the Likoni floating bridge

At the same time, the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development proposed a revised budget of KES 14.9 billion, up from KES 14.5 billion, reflecting a KES 422 million increase.

The funds will support, recurrent expenditures, including personnel and donor-funded airstrip projects and, the development of five new airstrips to boost connectivity, security, and regional growth

In his concluding remarks, CS Chirchir reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to delivering a modern, efficient, and sustainable transport system capable of supporting Kenya’s growing economy.

He thanked the Transport Committee for its oversight role and expressed optimism about continued collaboration to ensure adequate funding and successful implementation of key infrastructure projects.

By Anthony Solly