March 31, 2024: Top news events to look out for today
Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today's happenings.
WRC Safari Rally
Today marks the fourth and final day of the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally in Naivasha.
The rally, which has been filled with thrill, action and drama, kicked off on Thursday, March 28, 2024, and ends on Monday, March 31, 2024.
A spectator on Saturday, March 30, 2024, escaped death by a whisker after a rally car almost hit her.
In a video seen by PD Digital, the woman had joined others to spectate at the sidelines when the car veered off the muddy trail.
The speeding car attempted to redirect to the main trail but it skidded on the muddy soil and charged towards the spectators.
Acting out of panic, the spectators scattered away for their dear lives save for the lady who ended up falling as the car moved towards her, the driver was able to control the vehicle and finally redirected it to the trail.
Sunday Blackout
Kenya Power has issued a notice informing Kenyans of planned interruptions scheduled for Sunday, March 31, 2024.
In a notice on Saturday, the utility company said the interruptions that will affect two counties are part of network maintenance.
"Good Evening. The listed areas will be affected by planned power interruptions tomorrow (31st March 2024). The interruption is part of network maintenance," Kenya Power stated.
Counties that will be affected include Machakos and Uasin Gishu counties.
In Machakos county, the outage will affect areas such as Kimutwa Sisters, Kwa Kavoo, Yaitha, Mbembani, Kyawalia, Kyamuthinza, Kitonyini, Muumandu, Lumbwa, Kivandini, Ngiini, Kee, Nyayo Girls, Malili wa Kea, Katuaa, Kamuuani, Malooni, Mutulani Veve, Kasunguni, Liyuni, Miiani, Mbuani, Thome, Kola, Kasunguni and adjacent customers.
The expected interruptions will also affect Katani area including Katani Primary School, Kenya Builders, RK Sanghani, H Young, and Ngelani.
The mentioned areas will be affected from 9 am to 5 pm.
Uasin Gishu areas that will be affected from 10 am to 5 pm include; Karuna Centre, Kaplolo junction, Ibinga market, Ibinga dispensary, Salvation Army Church, Safaricom Boosters, Likuyani Centre, Likuyani Primary School, Likuyani Secondary School, Sango Water Pump, Mapera centre and adjacent customers.
Uhuru Highway closure
Motorists will today be affected by the closure of a section of Uhuru Highway at Hotel Boulevard and the University of Nairobi roundabout (Mombasa Bound).
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) in a statement on Thursday, March 28, said the closure is to allow maintenance work on the busy highway.
KeNHA announced that the closure would be effected beginning Thursday, March 28, until Saturday, April 6 at midnight.
“The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to notify the Public that there will be a temporary closure of Uhuru Highway (A8) between Hotel Boulevard and the University of Nairobi roundabout (Mombasa Bound) from 11.59 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2024, to 11.59 pm on Saturday, April 6, 2024,” read the notice in part.
The authority advised motorists accessing Uhuru Highway (A8) from Westlands and Thika Road to use alternative routes and asked drivers to take caution while approaching the affected sections.
The alternative routes include Harry Thuku Road, University Way, Prof. Wangari Mathai Road, and Kipande Road.
Doctors strike
Today marks the 18th day of the doctors' strike in Kenya's public hospitals, which began on March 14, 2024.
The doctors are complaining about the delayed posting of interns, unfair remuneration of interns, postgraduate training, employment of more doctors and comprehensive health coverage for medics.
The doctors are also calling for the Health Ministry to honour the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) made in 2017.
Talks between the government and the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) have failed to resolve the issues.
