Kenya 

Nairobi MCAs Approve KSh1.7B Payroll Facility  

Members of the Nairobi County Assembly approved a KSh1.7 billion monthly payroll facility for Nairobi City County Government from Sidian Bank to help City Hall meet its salary obligations and stabilise cash flow. The facility is intended to ensure timely payment of county employees while the administration manages revenue shortfalls and pending bills. Some MCAs supported the arrangement as a short-term financing solution to maintain essential services and staff payments. However, others raised concerns about transparency, the choice of lender, and the broader fiscal pressures facing the county government. The debate highlights ongoing scrutiny over Nairobi’s financial management and reliance on borrowing to fund recurrent expenditure.   

(Source: Nation) 

Uganda 

Officials Not Personally Liable for Good-Faith Errors 

A court in Kampala, Uganda, has ruled that government officials cannot be held personally liable for mistakes made in the course of their official duties if those actions were carried out in good faith. Justice Bonny Isaac Teko stated that even when an action is later deemed illegal, personal liability only arises if there is proof of malice, fraud, or bad faith. The ruling arose from a judicial review filed by Kabira Aisha, a principal registrar of titles at the Ministry of Lands, after a lower court held her personally liable for cancelling a land title while litigation over the property was ongoing. The judge emphasised that legal error alone does not amount to bad faith, reinforcing statutory protections for public officials acting within their mandate.  

(Source: The Independent) 

Tanzania 

Tanzania to Host 25th EAC Summit on Regional Integration 
The East African Community (EAC) will hold its 25th Ordinary Summit in Tanzania’s Arusha on 7 March 2026 under the theme “Deepening Integration for Improved Livelihoods of EAC Citizens.” The summit will bring together heads of state from all eight member states to advance economic, social and institutional cooperation. Key agenda items include the formal launch of the EAC Seventh Development Strategy (2026‑2031), which will guide regional priorities over the next five years, and the introduction of an EAC Customs Bond mechanism to simplify cross‑border trade by replacing multiple guarantees with a single streamlined system. The meeting is expected to strengthen policy equity among member states and accelerate integration efforts.  

(Source: The Citizen) 

Rwanda 

U.S. Sanctions on Rwanda Heighten Tensions Before EAC Summit 
Just days before the summit, the United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defence Force and four senior military officials on March 2, 2026. The sanctions target the military for allegedly supporting and fighting alongside the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), actions that Washington says violate a December 2025 peace accord and have worsened humanitarian conditions. The measures freeze assets within U.S. jurisdiction and bar U.S. persons from engaging in financial transactions with the designated individuals and forces. Rwanda has rejected the sanctions as “one‑sided,” accusing DRC of its own ceasefire violations. The sanctions raise diplomatic strains ahead of the East African Community (EAC) meeting, complicating regional security discussions.  

(Source: US Department of Treasury) 

Ethiopia 

Ethiopia Celebrates Civil Society’s Role in Democratic Development 

At the 5th Civil Society Organisations Week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian government officials highlighted the critical role of civil society organisations (CSOs) in strengthening democracy, promoting social cohesion, and supporting economic development. Leaders described CSOs as “irreplaceable strategic partners” in bridging governance gaps and fostering inclusive growth. Legal reforms, including Proclamation No. 1113/2019, have expanded civic space, leading to a significant increase in the number of active organisations. Officials encouraged CSOs to engage in voter education, policy advocacy, and community development initiatives, underscoring their importance in consolidating democratic institutions and contributing to national prosperity. 

(Source: Ethiopian News Agency) 

Sudan  

Sudanese Army Recaptures Bara in North Kordofan Offensive 

The Sudanese Armed Forces announced on March 5, 2026, that it had retaken the strategic city of Bara from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after months of control by the paramilitary group. The town had served as a base for RSF operations targeting El Obeid, the regional capital. Military officials reported that the offensive combined airstrikes and ground assaults, destroying dozens of RSF vehicles and forcing a withdrawal. The operation reportedly involved allied forces linked to Minni Arko Minawi. Control of Bara is considered strategically important for securing supply routes and strengthening the army’s position in North Kordofan. 

(Source: Sudan Tribune) 

Somalia 

Cabinet Approves Major International Agreements 
On March 5, 2026, the Somalia Cabinet approved a suite of international agreements designed to strengthen the country’s diplomatic ties, governance frameworks, and policy performance. Agreements signed cover cooperation in security, economic development, and institutional reforms with multiple partner nations and development organisations. Officials said the accords aim to improve government performance, attract foreign investment, and enhance service delivery. The Cabinet’s decisions come amid ongoing efforts to political stabilisation and institutional capacity-building following years of conflict and transitional governance. Observers view this as a step toward consolidating external partnerships and promoting resilience. Source: Somali government press releases and regional news coverage.   

(Source: Sonna News)