3 March 2025

Good morning. Kenya's political chessboard has been dramatically rearranged as power players make unexpected moves, while county-level developments show progress and peculiar predicaments alike. As March unfolds, here's what's shaping the nation this week.

POLITICS

Ruto-Raila Alliance: The Political Chess Move Shaking Kenya's Status Quo

President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga appear to be forging an unexpected alliance that has sparked intense debate across the nation. This political maneuver comes at a critical juncture for both leaders and could reshape the country's governance structure.

The emerging deal, reminiscent of the 2018 handshake between Raila and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has experts divided on its ultimate value for Kenya. While some view it as a necessary step toward national cohesion, others question the motivations behind this unlikely partnership.

For Raila Odinga, this alliance represents a significant pivot following his failed bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship. With his political future at a crossroads, the veteran opposition leader appears to be weighing several options:

• Forming a closer working relationship with President Ruto's administration
• Negotiating for key government positions for his allies
• Re-establishing his opposition credentials ahead of the 2027 elections
• Rejoining his Azimio coalition partners in opposition

President Ruto has been actively defending the handshake in his Rift Valley stronghold, emphasizing shared interests between their respective parties. Reports suggest he might be prepared to offer as much as 50% of Cabinet positions to Raila's camp, with discussions allegedly taking place at State House Mombasa.

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HEADLINES

🎙️ Majority Leader grilled on Al Jazeera. Kimani Ichung'wah faced intense scrutiny during an interview where he denied police kidnappings while defending President Ruto's administration against human rights abuse allegations. When confronted with statistics showing 63 civilian deaths and 65 forced disappearances since Ruto took office, Ichung'wah dismissed these claims along with allegations from Public Service CS Justin Muturi about his son's abduction. He also revealed his personal wealth at approximately one billion shillings.

🖥️ KRA unveils improved eTIMS system. The Kenya Revenue Authority has upgraded its Electronic Tax Invoice Management System with self-onboarding capabilities that no longer require KRA approval. The new system allows taxpayers to use multiple eTIMS solutions simultaneously, access invoices across different platforms, and link with various third-party integrators. This upgrade aims to simplify compliance while increasing efficiency in tax management for Kenyan businesses.

🌍 Kenya's diplomatic gamble sparks international backlash. The RSF's signing of a charter for a parallel Sudanese government in Nairobi has drawn sharp criticism from Saudi Arabia and Qatar who consider it a threat to Sudan's sovereignty. Kenya's support for the militia group—accused of genocide and crimes against humanity—risks damaging its regional standing and diplomatic relationships. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis deepens with over 20,000 dead and 14 million displaced as coalition unity struggles amid internal tensions.

💼 Kenya secures major international funding deals. Treasury CS John Mbadi announced a $1.5 billion UAE loan with an 8.25% interest rate, though drawdown will be delayed to assess budget needs. The loan, repayable in three $500 million installments, offers better terms than previous Eurobonds. Additionally, Kenya expects over $950 million in loans by June from institutions including the World Bank and African Development Bank to support debt management and budgetary requirements.

CLIMATE

Wildfires Intensify as Nairobi National Park Burns

A devastating wildfire has ravaged Nairobi National Park, destroying 210 acres of vital habitat. The fire incidents were concentrated near Wilson Airport and Athi Basin Dam areas, creating significant environmental damage and disruption to daily city operations.

This disaster is part of a larger bushfire crisis engulfing Kenya, with authorities reporting 180 fire incidents since January 2025. Experts link the rising number of wildfires to a combination of human activities and extreme weather conditions that have created perfect conditions for rapid fire spread.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) successfully contained the wildfire at the main affected area, but a second blaze at the Athi Basin Dam region remains under active containment. Officials have launched investigations into the causes, with preliminary findings pointing to:

• Discarded cigarettes from nearby roads
• Possible arson incidents
• Traditional honey harvesting techniques
• Extremely dry conditions due to ongoing drought

The timing of this disaster is particularly concerning, occurring just one week after the fire at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The Nairobi National Park blaze was first spotted near the Mlolongo area as a small bushfire before rapidly expanding.

The impact has extended beyond environmental damage. Kenya Railways reported significant disruptions to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) operations, with the Madaraka Express experiencing a 40-minute delay on its Nairobi to Mombasa route on February 28 as the fire affected portions of the train line.

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ACROSS THE COUNTY

• NAIROBI — The county has initiated cleanup operations at Stima Plaza following a garbage dumping incident. The Nairobi Green Army mobilized to restore water and sewer lines while conducting thorough fumigation and sanitation efforts. Public Health Chief Tom Nyakaba emphasized the importance of hygiene during the operation. The cleanup comes amid an ongoing dispute between Kenya Power and Nairobi County over unpaid wayleave fees and electricity bills totaling billions. Governor Johnson Sakaja has addressed the situation as investigations into the garbage dumping incident continue.
• MOMBASA — Over 100 graduands found themselves in handcuffs instead of receiving their degrees. The dramatic scene unfolded when investigative officers stormed a graduation ceremony at Northwestern Christian University in Mombasa, abruptly halting the proceedings. Authorities claim the institution is unregistered and has been issuing fake certificates. Two suspects, Moses Masiga and Jackson Khayamba, were arrested during the sham ceremony where counterfeit academic credentials were recovered, including honorary doctorates, academic doctorates, and various degrees. The arrests are part of a broader government crackdown on institutions issuing fraudulent qualifications. The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court on Monday.
• NANDI — Education in Nandi County is receiving a significant boost with the resumption of Koitalel Samoei University construction. The project, now under new contractor Ying Du from Oriole Home Limited, has been allocated Sh900 million for its second phase. Specializing in sports science, the institution will operate with its main campus at Nandi Hills and a branch at Mosoriot Campus. The government has pledged continued support and security for the project, while the contractor has committed to providing scholarships for 16 needy students, demonstrating community investment beyond infrastructure development.
• KWALE — Over 12,700 households in Kwale County now have access to electricity thanks to a Sh1.4 billion government project. The initiative, commissioned by President William Ruto, aims to increase universal electricity access across the region. County Governor Fatuma Achani has expressed strong support for the project, which is expected to enhance education, healthcare services, and security while boosting agricultural productivity and local businesses. This development marks a significant step toward achieving Kenya's national development goals by 2030.
• LAMU — Ethiopia to use Lamu Port for imports in new agreement. President Ruto announced the partnership aimed at creating jobs and boosting the regional economy through Kenya's second-largest port. The port's first three modern berths are now complete, with KSh1.7 billion allocated to compensate displaced fisherfolk. During his visit, the President also launched the Mokowe Affordable Housing Project and revealed plans to connect 7,000 households to electricity. The initiative underscores Kenya's commitment to strengthening regional trade while investing in local infrastructure and food security.
• KISII — 1,500 informal settlers are set to receive 99-year lease certificates. The initiative, part of the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (KISIP) Phase 2 funded by the World Bank, began after Governor Simba Arati signed participation documents. Following a socio-economic survey and draft plan development, the project awaits approval from technical staff, cabinet, and the County Assembly. Beyond securing land tenure and reducing disputes, the program will deliver infrastructure improvements including drainage, street lighting, roads, and sewerage systems. Officials say this will enable long-term investments and address land succession challenges while improving access to basic services.

ONE-LINERS

• Nairobi County has greenlit skyscrapers up to 75 floors in key areas like Upper Hill and Westlands, sparking mixed reactions amid concerns over infrastructure capacity and geological safety as the city grows at 4% annually.
• Director of Public Prosecution Renson Ingonga has been awarded the "Best Public Service CEO" at the 2025 Digital Transformation Awards, recognized for the successful implementation of the Uadilifu Case Management System that streamlines case handling for prosecutors.