More than 200 families in Kibiri Ward, located in the Karachuonyo constituency, have been forced to evacuate due to severe flooding that hit Kojwang sublocation in Katonde, Homa Bay county.
The floods, triggered by excessive rainfall from Homa Hills, have wreaked havoc, destroying farms, livestock, and personal belongings.
At least 96 families have been left with almost nothing, losing their homes and means of survival as over 100 hectares of agricultural land were swept away.
Currently, about 70 households have taken shelter at Kandiege Primary School, where they have been staying for the last three days.
The affected individuals are calling on the government and relevant authorities to take swift action and provide assistance to those in urgent need.
In the meantime, local officials and humanitarian organizations are evaluating the extent of the damage while working to deliver relief and support to the displaced families.
Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia, who has been serving as the Deputy Governor of Meru County since 2022, has now stepped into the role of governor. This transition follows the Senate’s impeachment of Governor Kawira Mwangaza in 2024, a decision that was confirmed by a court ruling on March 14, 2025.
Mutuma took his oath of office at Mwendantu Grounds in Meru County on Monday, with the ceremony attended by various leaders from both within and outside the County.
Local leaders emphasize that Mutuma’s primary task is to foster unity in Meru County, which has experienced ongoing conflicts since Mwangaza’s election in 2022.
Majority Whip Jim Muchui noted that the Ameru community has endured challenges due to a lack of effective leadership and stability. He expressed hope that the new governor would help bridge the divide between the County Assembly and the Executive.
“For the past two years, Meru has been fragmented. His foremost duty is to work towards uniting the people and their leaders,” Muchui stated.
He also highlighted the expectation for the Governor to promptly present a supplementary budget to the Assembly, as there is a detailed budget that the former governor had refused to implement.
On August 21, 2024, 26 senators voted to impeach Mwangaza on charges of gross misconduct and violations of the constitution and other laws. Fourteen senators chose to abstain, while four supported her.
This marked the third impeachment motion against Mwangaza presented in the Senate.
Authorities in Muhoroni Sub-county, Kisumu County, are currently probing the horrific murder of a 17-year-old female Form Four student, whose decaying body was discovered abandoned in a sugarcane field in the Migingo area.
The victim’s half-clothed body exhibited clear signs of strangulation, leading investigators to suspect that she may have been sexually assaulted prior to her death.
The young girl, a student at Nyando Mixed Secondary Day School in Muhoroni, was reported missing by her parents on Monday after she did not return home from school.
Witnesses reported seeing dogs emerging from the sugarcane plantation with body parts, which prompted local residents to alert the police.
Upon discovery, her body was found in the plantation, with both her legs and arms partially consumed by dogs. Additionally, her tongue was protruding, indicating that she had been strangled.
Law enforcement has detained a 30-year-old male suspect named Lawrence Owuor in connection with this shocking crime that has left the community reeling.
Detectives from the DCI have transported the body to St. Vincent Mission Hospital for an autopsy as the investigation continues.
A recent report has indicated a 7% rise in business ownership in Kenya for 2025, while full-time employment as the main source of income has seen a 5% decline year-on-year.
The Tala Money March 2025 report reveals that both full-time and part-time workers are participating in fewer income-generating activities, as escalating living expenses restrict the funds available for side ventures.
The report also highlights the ongoing effects of the high cost of living. Compared to 2023 and 2024, financial strain continues to be a significant issue, with 90% of Kenyans surveyed reporting economic difficulties in the last six months.
Moreover, 32% of respondents acknowledged feeling stressed about their financial circumstances.
In spite of these economic challenges, there is a strong sense of optimism regarding personal financial health. Almost 46% of those surveyed expressed confidence in their financial future, reflecting the resilience of the Kenyan people.
At the report’s launch event, Tala-Kenya General Manager Annstella Mumbi stressed the importance of financial inclusion, asserting, “Financial empowerment is not just for the privileged; it is a right for everyone. Whether you are a student, entrepreneur, business owner, or seeking a new financial beginning, this campaign is for you.”
In his keynote address, Boniface Kamiti, Manager of Consumer Protection at the Competition Authority of Kenya, called on digital credit providers to see themselves as more than mere lenders.
“We urge all digital credit providers, whether present today or not, to recognize their role as partners in the financial health of their customers. By investing in customer education, we can help borrowers understand responsible credit use and pave the way for a more secure financial future,” he stated.
The report reveals that more than one-third of Kenyans have increased their borrowing, a trend driven by escalating living costs and delayed income. The main reasons for this borrowing include covering business expenses, funding education, and meeting daily needs. On a positive note, around 80% of borrowers express confidence in their ability to repay their loans.
Interestingly, 52% of Kenyans now prefer to work with a single lender, whether it be a licensed Digital Credit Provider (DCP) or a traditional bank, indicating a shift towards establishing long-term financial partnerships.
Looking to the future, aspirations for business and home ownership rank as the top financial goals for Kenyans in the next five years. Many respondents indicated they are setting aside 11–20% of their income for investments, primarily in savings, SACCOs, and chamas. The driving forces behind these investments include the desire to build wealth, expand businesses, and plan for retirement.
Nonetheless, the report also points out significant obstacles to increased investment, such as the fear of financial loss and a lack of trust in investment platforms.
Ola Energy, an oil marketing company, has revealed plans to reduce its workforce in Kenya as part of a restructuring initiative aimed at enhancing profitability and increasing its market presence over the next five years.
On Wednesday, Ola acknowledged the difficulties posed by the current operating environment, which makes it challenging to maintain existing fixed costs.
Since 2024, the company has embarked on a “rescue action plan” for its Kenyan operations, focusing on boosting sales and cutting expenses to redirect the company’s future.
This restructuring is a key component of their strategy, according to Ola.
“It is with great regret that we must proceed with a redundancy program,” the company stated, emphasizing that the process will be handled with care and in full compliance with Kenyan laws.
Ola operates over 1,200 service stations across 17 African nations, employing 1,500 individuals directly.
In 2019, the company, which had 189 employees at the time, previously reduced its workforce through a voluntary early retirement program.
Ola’s announcement adds to a growing trend of prominent companies implementing job cuts in recent months due to a challenging business climate, despite the government’s ongoing defense of Kenya’s economic situation.
Last November, Tile and Carpet Centre reported layoffs in its Athi River production department, attributing the decision to economic and production difficulties.
In a similar vein, global security firm G4S announced it would be laying off 400 employees, while the advertising agency WPP-Scangroup cut 102 jobs last May.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has announced plans to introduce new charges on fuel prices at the pump. This move aims to address the rising costs faced by oil marketing companies and fuel transporters across the nation.
The decision follows the insights and recommendations from the recently completed second Cost of Service Study for the petroleum sector. EPRA conducts this study every five years to assess the financial dynamics within the petroleum and electricity sectors.
The first study took place in 2018, and the latest one has just wrapped up, leading to suggestions for additional charges on fuel products such as petrol and diesel. EPRA emphasizes that these changes are necessary to ensure that fuel prices accurately reflect the expenses incurred throughout the supply chain.
“It is crucial that we align fuel prices with the current market realities in a regulated pricing environment,” stated EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo. Dr. John Mutua, EPRA’s Director of Economic Regulations, further explained, “The government typically has medium-term plans, and given that significant economic factors can shift, it is essential to conduct a review every five years.”
The comprehensive 14-month study, which concluded in February, has received approval from both policymakers and EPRA’s board of directors. As a result of this impending change, prices for super petrol, diesel, and kerosene are expected to rise, with petrol projected to increase by Ksh.7.80 per litre. The additional revenue generated will benefit oil marketing companies and petroleum transporters.
To mitigate the impact of this upcoming price increase on Kenyans, EPRA has committed to implementing these new charges gradually. The study was conducted by Kurrent Technologies Limited in collaboration with the UK-based Channoil Consulting Limited.
Kenyan car manufacturer Mobius Motors is set to restart its operations following its acquisition by a buyer from the Middle East.
Founded in 2010 by British entrepreneur Joel Jackson, Mobius faced significant financial challenges and announced last August that it had appointed a liquidator to manage its winding down due to mounting debts.
On Tuesday, the company revealed that it has been purchased by Silver Box, a firm known for propelling businesses forward through strategic investments, expert management, and cutting-edge technology.
While the specifics of the buyer remain undisclosed, Mobius confirmed that Silver Box is based in the Middle East.
Prior to its financial difficulties, Mobius had successfully launched three SUV models: the Mobius I, II, and III.
Following the acquisition, Mobius has reopened its service center in Nairobi and plans to fully resume production of the Mobius III model by July. Additionally, the company aims to introduce a new model by December.
In conjunction with the buyout, Mobius has undergone a leadership change, appointing John Kavila as the new chief operating officer (COO), succeeding outgoing CEO Nicolas Guibert.
“Mobius Motors has established a remarkable foundation, and we are excited to build on this success by enhancing our market presence and improving accessibility for Kenyan consumers,” Kavila stated.
Guibert expressed confidence in Kavila’s leadership, stating, “I’m pleased to pass the reins to John Kavila, who will drive the development of Mobius Motors… He will receive the visionary and financial backing from Silver Box to effectively grow the brand’s market share, launch new models, establish a network of service stations, and position Mobius Motors as a key player in the African automotive market.”
The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has approved the acquisition, in accordance with regulations requiring that merging entities with a combined turnover or assets exceeding Ksh.1 billion seek authorization from the Authority before proceeding with the transaction.
Mercedes-Benz is set to create smart driving vehicles for international markets, utilizing Hesai’s lidar sensors, according to a source familiar with the situation. This marks the first instance of a foreign automaker opting for Chinese-made technology for models intended for sale outside of China.
This development comes amid escalating trade tensions, as the U.S. ramps up efforts to limit the use of Chinese components and software in vehicles produced by global manufacturers.
German automakers, significant players in their country’s struggling economy, are eager to maintain their competitive edge.
The source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information, revealed that Mercedes spent months weighing the decision due to potential legal and geopolitical challenges.
Ultimately, the company selected Hesai, the largest lidar manufacturer in China, for its cost-effectiveness and capacity for large-scale production.
A representative from Mercedes-Benz stated that the company does not comment on speculation regarding new suppliers.
Following this news, shares of U.S.-listed Hesai surged by 36.6% in early trading. Additionally, the company projected net revenues of 3-3.5 billion yuan ($415-484 million) for 2025.
Hesai, which competes with U.S.-based Luminar, announced an “exclusive multi-year” agreement on Monday to provide its lidar products to a prominent European automaker, although the name of the company was not disclosed.
Lidar technology employs lasers to create three-dimensional representations of a vehicle’s environment, aiding in navigation around obstacles. These sensors are integral to many self-driving systems currently under development by automakers.
European manufacturers have previously sourced lidar from Hesai for their models sold in China.
To meet the growing demand, Hesai is expanding two production lines in China, aiming for an annual output exceeding 2 million units this year, according to Fan.
The company is establishing production facilities abroad, aiming to have them operational as soon as next year to address the concerns of its clients in China regarding tariffs and logistics challenges, according to Fan. He did not disclose the location of the new overseas factory.
In the fiercely competitive Chinese market, the demand for lidar technology is on the rise as automakers increasingly incorporate smart features into their budget-friendly models.
On Monday, Leapmotor launched sales of its B10 SUV, which includes an advanced smart driving feature, starting at $17,950.
This vehicle is outfitted with Hesai’s ATX lidar, which costs approximately $200 each—making it more affordable than safety belts and airbags, as noted by Fan.
Global cryptocurrency exchange Bybit is set to expand its presence in Africa, with Kenya identified as a primary target market.
At the Bybit Kenya Meetup in Nairobi, Joshua Ya, the company’s Global Region and Business Development Executive, announced that Bybit is actively pursuing licenses in several African nations, including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
He highlighted Bybit’s dedication to fostering Africa’s burgeoning digital economy through decentralized finance and peer-to-peer trading.
“As we enhance our global footprint, Africa is a crucial market for us. We are focused on obtaining the necessary licenses to operate in countries like Kenya,” stated Ya.
The event gathered fintech leaders, blockchain innovators, crypto traders, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of digital assets and blockchain advancements across the continent.
Wilson Ogheneovo, Bybit’s Africa Regional Manager, addressed a recent cybersecurity breach involving a third-party platform that resulted in the theft of around 401,000 Ethereum, worth nearly $1.5 billion.
He assured stakeholders that Bybit users were not impacted and reiterated the company’s commitment to security, working closely with global cybersecurity experts.
“Our systems have consistently maintained safety and security,” he remarked, noting that the firm has implemented measures to avert future incidents.
Bybit also emphasized its long-term commitment to Africa through partnerships with local businesses, the expansion of educational programs, and initiatives aimed at onboarding more users into the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
The company aspires to be a key player in shaping Africa’s digital financial landscape by offering secure, user-friendly, and innovative trading solutions.
A 66-year-old man was discovered deceased in a family water tank in Kisii, with authorities suspecting suicide.
According to police, the man, identified as Vincent Okenye, is thought to have leaped into the underground tank, which holds 10,000 liters of water, located in Nyakoe.
At the time of the incident, the tank was filled with water for household use.
His family found his body on March 5, well after the tragic event had occurred.
The reasons behind this incident remain unclear, and police are currently conducting an investigation.
The body has since been retrieved and sent to a local mortuary for an autopsy and further examination.
There has been a noticeable increase in suicide cases, prompting urgent calls for measures to tackle this growing issue.
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