Kenya will experience mixed rainfall patterns during the March–April–May (MAM) 2026 long-rains season, the Kenya Meteorological Department has said. The Department said that several regions are projected to receive near-average to above-average rainfall while others face below-average totals. “Near-average to above-average rainfall is expected over the Lake Victoria Basin, the Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Highlands East of the Rift Valley (including Nairobi), the Rift Valley, and parts of North-western Kenya,” the statement read. KMD said near-average to below-average rainfall is expected over the Southeastern Lowlands, Northeastern, and parts of Northwestern Kenya, while below-average rainfall is expected over the Coastal region. The department cautioned that despite expected rainfall amounts, the quality of the season may be affected by uneven distribution.

Nairobi City County recorded the highest number of aspirants at the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) State House forum. The aspirants from Nairobi included 9 gubernatorial hopefuls, 23 senatorial contenders, 15 candidates eyeing the woman representative seat, 112 parliamentary aspirants and 809 MCA hopefuls. Baringo also has 6 senatorial aspirants, 30 women eyeing the woman representative seat, 84 MP aspirants and 479 MCA hopefuls. Besides Baringo’s 16 governor aspirants, Kericho recorded 13, Elgeyo Marakwet 10, Nandi 10 and Nairobi 9. In Elgeyo Marakwet, 356 aspirants attended the forum, including 10 gubernatorial hopefuls, 15 senatorial contenders, 10 woman representative aspirants, 43 MP hopefuls and 278 MCA aspirants.

IEBC chairperson, Erastus Ethekon./TIMON OTIENOIEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon has defended former Chief Executive Officer Marjan Hussein Marjan, praising his professionalism and long service to the country just a day after his resignation from the commission. Speaking in response to growing public debate and media speculation surrounding the leadership change, Ethekon described Marjan as a dedicated public servant who had faithfully served Kenya’s electoral body for a long time. The IEBC chair emphasised that Marjan’s contribution should be respected, warning against attempts to tarnish his name through rumours and unverified claims. The remarks come just a day after Marjan Hussein Marjan officially resigned from his role as CEO, a move the IEBC leadership has maintained was guided by the law and reached through mutual agreement. As the commission moves forward with internal changes and plans to recruit a new CEO, Ethekon reiterated the need for professionalism, truthfulness and responsible reporting to safeguard both individuals and public institutions.

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Recovered a Mercedes-Benz after it was reported stolenThe Directorate of Criminal Investigations has recovered a high-end, unregistered Mercedes-Benz reported stolen from a garage in Nairobi’s Spring Valley area. A subsequent inspection confirmed that the vehicle matched the description of the one reported stolen. This comes as detectives continue a nationwide operation targeting stolen mobile phones and the networks behind such thefts. Two alleged accomplices were arrested last week, during which dozens of stolen mobile phones reportedly destined for the Ugandan market were recovered. Upon inspection, officers found three packages wrapped in yellow cellotape containing a total of 62 mobile phones reported to be stolen.

Member of the Rastafarians society of Kenya showcases sample of cannabis seeds in Milimani High Court/LEAH MUKANGAIMembers of the Rastafarian community have expressed frustration after security personnel barred them from bringing cannabis seeds into court as part of their evidence in an ongoing petition. The petitioners’ lawyers told the court that the seeds were intended as evidence to demonstrate the nature of spiritual and religious practices tied to their community. They also noted that any claims of harassment should be backed by proper evidence before the court could issue orders. "The last time you gave orders that the court will not give orders without evidence. If they wish the court to issue orders, they should file a formal application," state counsel Christopher Marwa submitted, warning that the move risked derailing the hearing of the matter.

Ahmed Muharram was among several suspects detained in Zambia's capital, Lusaka, along with large quantities of marijuana and cough syrup containing codeine in several drug busts on Tuesday, the authorities said.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democratic Choice Party (DCP), has welcomed senior counsel Nelson Havi into the party, describing him as a prominent legal expert whose experience could contribute to the party’s legislative work. Gachagua said the DCP values “great legal minds for legislation, representation and oversight” and suggested that Havi’s legal background would enhance the party’s capacity in Parliament and beyond. “DCP is the home of progressive professionals who desire political leadership,” Gachagua added. Gachagua framed Havi’s entry into the DCP as part of a strategy to attract professionals, including lawyers, economists, and policy experts, into active politics. Gachagua welcomed Kega on social media, calling DCP “the home of progressive leaders who desire leadership in the future.”

The High Court is set to issue directions today in a petition challenging the proposed sale of the government’s 15 per cent stake in Safaricom PLC to Vodacom Group, a transaction valued at over Sh200 billion. They contend that the proposed sale may contravene the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015, and the Privatisation Act, 2025, which require transparency, competitiveness, and parliamentary oversight in the disposal of strategic public assets. The petitioners are also seeking orders compelling disclosure of valuation reports, advisers involved in the deal, and approvals granted. The government has previously defended the proposed transaction as part of a broader strategy to raise capital, deepen strategic partnerships, and optimise the state’s portfolio in commercial entities. The petition challenges sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act that criminalise the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis.

Hu man Rights Watch deputy Africa director Laetitia Bader during the launch of the report /HANDOUTA new report has faulted African countries, including Kenya, for continued weakening of institutions that has enabled human rights abuses. The report by Human Rights watch cited criminalising of the opposition, attacks on the media and threats to withdraw from international bodies as some of the impunities. Kenya has been slammed for failing to hold perpetrators of killings and abuses on Gen-Z protesters and activists in 2024 and 2025 responsible. Deputy Africa director Laetitia Bader said like civilians, neighbouring countries such as Kenya are also bearing the brunt of armed conflicts. “Kenya should call out RSF for horrific abuses of human rights.

At Texas this season, his assist rate is half of what it was in 2033-24. At his best, Pope’s game is a can of Coca-Cola, all sugar from his scoring, like a 28-point performance that helped Texas secure a road upset of Alabama. In plus-minus, Pope was the only Texas player to finish in the negative at minus-two. Pope’s lack of impact on the game left Longhorns head coach Sean Miller wondering what he’d actually done on the court. He told me he was a point guard, and we’ve given him that opportunity, and he’s played some great basketball this year,” Miller said.

Coca-Cola Nigeria launches Coke with meals promoCoca-Cola Nigeria has launched a consumer promotion valued at N600 million, positioning it as a volume-driving push tied to everyday meal consumption across the country. The campaign, which runs from January to June 30, 2026, the company’s Senior Director, Frontline Marketing, Nigeria, Yusuf Murtala, said, is structured to deliver frequent cash payouts, including the creation of over 300 millionaires within the six-month period. Consumers who buy eligible Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, or Schweppes in PET or glass bottles can scan a QR code on the packaging and enter a 10-character code under the cap or crown to determine instant winnings. The mechanic, he emphasised, is designed to encourage repeat purchases and sustained engagement across retail channels nationwide. By anchoring the incentive to everyday eating occasions and spreading payouts over months, the company, he added, is effectively trading margin for scale, data capture, and brand stickiness in Africa’s largest consumer market.

Mitsubishi Chemical Group will exit the needle and pitch coke market in 2027, citing weak overseas markets and persistent oversupply stemming from China as key reasons.

In a major shift in the global energy landscape, India is navigating between two key crude oil suppliers, Russia, its long-standing and geographically close partner, and Venezuela, a distant but increasingly discussed alternative. This balancing act comes as India holds trade talks with the United States, which has linked tariff relief to a reduction in Indian purchases of Russian oil. Oil Transport and Delivery TimelinesRussia’s closeness has long worked in its favour. Venezuelan oil, however, faces a much longer journey. Venezuelan crude is heavier and more sulphur-rich, requiring more advanced processing.

Kenya is expected to sign a trade deal with China within the next 30 days, which will allow Kenyan farmers to export their products to the Asian nation at zero tariffs, the Ministry of Trade has confirmed. According to the CS, some key beneficiaries of the deal will include avocado and pork farmers. On the other hand, the CS has revealed that the government is also in talks with the United States to finalise another trade deal within the next two months. "AGOA is an agreement between 21 African Nations and the U.S., so it is not entirely a Kenya-U.S. agreement. The renewal of AGOA is for one year, and that is why we are pursuing a specific one for Kenya-U.S.," he said.