1 / 6 In a world where the gender gap still persists, some countries continue to demonstrate what security, inclusion, and justice for women really look like. The Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Index for 2025-26 evaluates the well-being of women across 13 indicators covering three main dimensions. Here are the top 7 best countries in the world for women. The country boasts a historical equal pay certification law, women's representation in politics, and higher security. (Image: Pexels)Norway and Sweden 4 / 6 Both Norway and Sweden share the third position, with similar strengths in all three key dimensions.

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Audio By VocalizeA section of affected road. [KeNHA]The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has urged motorists using the Mai Mahiu-Suswa-Narok (B7) Road to exercise caution and avoid driving through flooded sections. This is after silt deposits at Kedong ranch rendered part of the road impassable, KeNHA said. A section of affected road. [KeNHA]Motorists have also been advised to exercise extreme caution along various sections of the road, particularly between Naivasha ICD and Suswa Ranch.

[File, Standard]The unfolding passport scandal has exposed a troubling weakness in Kenya’s immigration system—one that could carry significant consequences for national security, diplomatic relations and global mobility for Kenyans. Allegations that criminals and foreign nationals have fraudulently acquired Kenyan passports through corruption are not simply administrative failures. If criminals are indeed obtaining Kenyan passports through corrupt channels, the repercussions will be immediate and far-reaching. Once doubts emerge about the integrity of a nation’s passport system, the natural response from foreign governments is to tighten their controls. The credibility of the Kenyan passport, once questioned, could result in delays, suspicion, and greater restrictions for millions of citizens who have done nothing wrong.

President Ruto warned that the escalating conflict in the Middle East poses a serious threat to global peace and security. [File, Standard]The dramatic escalation of hostilities between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran over the weekend has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s economy, threatening hundreds of billions of shillings in bilateral trade and triggering a surge in global oil prices that could upend President William Ruto’s carefully calibrated re-election strategy.

President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Odinga at a previous event. [File Courtesy]The Kenya Kwanza Alliance and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will hold a joint Parliamentary Group meeting on Tuesday to receive and review the 10-Point Agenda report signed between the two parties last year. The meeting comes amid criticism from some ODM members, who say it departs from the spirit of the original agreement.

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SIGN LANGUAGE: Revellers do their thing at the Oppikoppi music festival near Northam in Limpopo in 2013. SIGN LANGUAGE: Revellers do their thing at the Oppikoppi music festival near Northam in Limpopo in 2013. LoverS of music, camping and the outdoors can barely contain their excitement with just a few days standing between them and Oppikoppi. The international acts include Gogol Bordello (US), The Curious Incident (UK), Livingston (UK) and The Circle View (US). Local band Taxi Violence say they’re driving a party bus to Oppikoppi where they’ll perform to the lucky fans on board.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi/FILEPrime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has described the recent floods in Nairobi as deeply concerning, unacceptable and calls for urgent, decisive action. The floods damaged property, displaced residents, and forced closures on major roads, including Uhuru Highway, Mombasa Road, the Thika Superhighway, Jogoo Road, Enterprise Road, and Lang’ata Road. Mudavadi highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between the National Government and Nairobi City County to protect residents and improve service delivery. The National Police Service (NPS) has been at the forefront of emergency response since the flooding began. Mudavadi’s call for urgent action reflects a broader push to ensure Nairobi remains safe, organised, and competitive despite climate challenges.

“Our emergency teams, led by the Disaster Management Department, are actively engaged in the relief efforts in affected areas,” the county said. “Following the heavy rains witnessed in Nairobi County last night, we have witnessed the impact and subsequent flooding in the city. County emergency lines received numerous distress calls between 7 pm and 3 am from residents reporting flooded homes, stranded motorists and people trapped in various neighbourhoods. Technical teams from Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company have since been mobilised to repair the damaged infrastructure and restore services. “County teams are currently conducting assessments, after which affected families will receive the necessary support including blankets and other essential relief items,” the statement said.

[File Courtesy]I am always amazed by my passionate readers who often confess that out of all the books I have written, they prefer Shadows of Love more than any other. The confession usually comes unexpectedly, in classrooms, after workshops, or even in casual social media messages. He informed me that Shadows of Love sold 3,000 copies in its first month of production in 2024. Sales figures, unlike literary debates, are brutally honest. They reveal what people actually read, not merely what critics believe they should read.

Audio By VocalizeGovt to cover hospital costs for people injured or affected by ongoing floods, President Ruto directs immediate deployment of multi-agency response teams to coordinate rescue efforts. [File, Standard]The government will cover hospital bills for those affected by the ongoing floods, President William Ruto has said. “The Government will meet the hospital bills of those injured or affected by the flooding and currently receiving treatment in public health facilities,” the president said in a statement. This is even as emergency response teams have been deployed to coordinate rescue and relief efforts in affected areas. He added that relief food from the national strategic reserves would also be released immediately to assist families affected by the floods.

In images and a video seen by the Star, floodwaters swept through parts of the area, leaving muddy streets, scattered debris, and damaged vehicles in their wake. The incident occurred within the Grogan area, where the heavy downpour caused water to accumulate and flow through streets and open spaces. Debris could also be seen scattered across the area, while some businesses appeared to have been damaged by the water. The heavy rainfall in Nairobi is part of ongoing downpours that have affected several parts of the city in recent days. An overturned matau after the heavy downpour in the Nairobi Grogan area/ENOS TECHEScenes of destruction after heavy rains hit the Grogan area/ENOS TECHEKenyans mill around the body of an unidentified male, who was swept away following a heavy downpour in Nairobi on March 7, 2026/ENOS TECHE

At least 11 people have been confirmed dead in Nairobi following floods that struck the city on Friday evening. More than 100 cars were damaged in the flooding, police said, adding that the most affected areas were South C and downtown Nairobi’s Kirinyaga and River roads. Police said that by midday, six bodies had been recovered in Central Nairobi, with River Road accounting for four, while one body each was recovered in Gikomba and Uhuru Park. Seda warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue in several areas severely affected by the floods. Floodwaters also disrupted traffic along Mombasa Road near South C, Bellevue, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport exit and Kyumbi junction.

Flipkart Layoffs: Walmart-owned e-commerce giant, Flipkart, has reportedly laid off around 500 workers, accounting nearly 3-4% of its total workforce. According to an Economic Times report, the Flipkart layoffs came after the company's annual performance review process. What triggered Flipkart layoffs? We are supporting affected employees with transition support," the company said, according to a report by the Mint. According to the Economic Times, Flipkart has let go around 400-500 lower and mid-level employees, accounting for 3-4 percent of the company's workforce.