Kenyan president, shaping Africa’s politics
Heavy rains have triggered flash floods across Kenya, including Nairobi, with at least 42 deaths reported and emergency responders continuing search and rescue. The government is coordinating relief as flights are disrupted and infrastructure is damaged; authorities warn that the situation is likely to deteriorate as more rain is forecast.
Recent heavy rains in Kenya have caused deadly floods, with 81 deaths and thousands displaced. Meanwhile, England's water levels remain stable after a wetter-than-normal winter, but drought warnings persist due to dry March conditions. Authorities in both regions continue monitoring and responding to ongoing weather impacts.
Uchral Nyam-Osor was appointed Mongolia's new prime minister following the resignation of Zandanshatar Gombojav. The change follows weeks of political turmoil, opposition boycotts, and corruption allegations, raising concerns over government stability and foreign investment. Uchral aims to unify the government and stabilize the economy.
The US has issued travel warnings and ordered non-essential staff to leave Nigeria due to escalating violence, terrorism, and kidnapping. Nigeria's government criticizes the advisories as unbalanced, citing ongoing security efforts and progress. The situation remains volatile across many states, with US warnings covering over half of Nigeria's regions.
Security efforts in Haiti have slowed gang advances but remain fragile, with gangs adapting to drone strikes and expanding into remote areas. Meanwhile, Kenya faces rising politically linked gangs targeting leaders and disrupting public order, prompting urgent calls for legislative action and security reforms.
A Cessna 208 Caravan operated by CityLink Aviation Ltd has crashed about 20 kilometers southwest of Juba, killing 15 people on board including 13 South Sudanese and 2 Kenyans. Initial findings point to adverse weather and poor visibility. Investigators have been dispatched to the scene.
Kenya's Sabastian Sawe has become the first man to run a competitive marathon in under two hours, finishing the 2026 London Marathon in 1:59:30. Yomif Kejelcha has also run under two hours. The performance has reshaped the world record, triggered national celebration in Kenya and prompted discussion about shoes, pacing and testing.
France has been pushing a renewed Africa policy at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, aiming for a partnership of equals with English-speaking Africa and more Africa voice in global finance. Paris has signed defense pacts with Kenya and is promoting investments across energy, AI and agriculture as it seeks to reshape its role on the continent.
France, under President Macron, has hosted Africa Forward in Nairobi, presenting a roadmap for deeper Franco-African economic ties. The Nairobi Declaration outlines investments, reform of global financial architecture, and higher African voice in international institutions. Macron and Kenyan President Ruto frame the outcome as a shift toward sovereign, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Uganda has sworn in President Yoweri Museveni for a seventh term after winning the January vote with about 72%. The ceremony at Kololo Independence Grounds signals continuity in leadership, but observers say the election was marred by tensions, internet blackouts, and crackdowns on opposition. Analysts expect ongoing influence over Uganda’s political future and potential questions about succession.
Protests over recent fuel-price hikes have intensified, with multiple cities experiencing unrest as transport operators strike. Authorities report arrests and disruptions to daily life, while officials attribute the rises to global oil market volatility and domestic tax measures.
COFEK has argued that the Finance Bill 2026 introduces a “hidden digital taxation” with retrogressive VAT changes and broadened tax powers that would burden consumers and small businesses. They warn that redefining royalty and management fees to cover digital payments could impose withholding taxes on digital transactions, affecting interchange and merchant charges. The lobby is calling for a 12‑month transition and restoration of zero-rated basic goods, while criticizing a 20% withholding on gambling winnings and a 25% excise on mobile phones activated on Kenyan networks. They also warn this could breach EAC rules and privacy safeguards in the virtual assets framework. Parliament is now reviewing submissions ahead of the third reading.
A dormitory fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, has killed at least 15–16 students and injured dozens. Police and rescue teams have been searching the burned dormitory, investigators have opened a probe and authorities have said eight students are persons of interest in a suspected arson plot.
A Kenyan court has paused the proposed U.S.-run Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia air base, with a full hearing set for June 2. The Katiba Institute has challenged the plan’s constitutionality and is seeking disclosure of terms of any Kenya–U.S. agreement, including financial arrangements and safeguards for Kenyans.
Kenya’s High Court has extended conservatory orders suspending the 50-bed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base amid protests and a regional outbreak. The court demands full disclosure of the agreement, safety assessments, and regulatory approvals as authorities defend the project as part of preparedness.
Tanzania’s president has described her Moscow visit as historic, with Putin praising ties and forecasting growth in bilateral trade. The talks center on energy, mining, transport and education as Moscow seeks to expand cooperation ahead of the Russia-Africa Summit. Critics warn of democratic backsliding amid protests and international scrutiny.
Protests have erupted in Nanyuki, Kenya, against a US-backed 50-bed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base. Police have used tear gas and at least two people have been killed. Kenyan courts have paused construction, while Washington says the center will help Ebola preparedness and may serve both Kenyans and Americans. The situation remains tense as discussions continue.
South Africa has announced a set of diplomatic initiatives to address migration, including deploying envoys to engage origin, transit, and destination countries. The talks with Kenya's President Ruto emphasised continental cooperation, economic development, and regional integration as ways to ease migration pressures and boost AfCFTA-driven trade.
A three-judge court has upheld Parliament’s impeachment process against a former Deputy President while acknowledging a rights violation. The court awards Sh50 million in damages for a denied fair hearing, but stops short of overturning the impeachment. The decision underscores constitutional limits and signals how 2027 politics may unfold.
Human Rights Watch documents forced recruitment and detentions by M23 and Rwanda Defence Force in Congo’s North and South Kivu, with hundreds dead or missing. Separately, Kenya faces a historic universal jurisdiction case over Sudan’s RSF crimes, seeking accountability for abuses around Khartoum between 2023 and 2025.
Tanzania has unveiled its 2026/27 budget and national development plan, highlighting 38 flagship projects across seven transformational programs. The plan aims to push inclusive growth, with private sector investment and human capital development at the fore. Infrastructure, irrigation, energy, and digital transformation feature prominently, while costs for the year are set against a challenging fiscal backdrop.