The amendments were initially approved on 30 March 2024, with 212 out of 275 members of the House of the People and 42 out of 54 members of the Upper House voting in favor. The approval process has faced criticism, with some opposition members alleging that it was rushed, manipulative, and non-inclusive. The opposition continues to reject the amendments, citing a lack of legitimacy in the review process.

In addition to the governance changes, the amendments clarify the status of Benadir/Mogadishu as the capital and define powers among the Federal Government, Federal Member States, and Local Governments. Furthermore, the term of all elected institutions has been extended to five years, a move that could impact the political landscape significantly.

However, the approval of these amendments has not been without controversy. Following the adoption of the constitutional changes, Puntland suspended cooperation with the Federal Government, and Jubaland’s President also suspended relations, indicating rising tensions among the Federal Member States. Three out of six Federal Member States have ended their collaboration with the Federal Government over the amendments, raising concerns about the stability of governance in Somalia.

The constitutional review process has been ongoing for over 14 years, reflecting the complex political dynamics in Somalia and the challenges of state-building and regional autonomy. The amendments also regulate the Constitutional Court, strengthen judicial independence, and define court structures, while setting clear jurisdictions and coordination mechanisms for national security institutions.

In the backdrop of these developments, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded Somalia control of a disputed maritime zone in 2021, a decision that Kenya has rejected. This maritime dispute involves a 92,389-square-kilometer area that may contain significant oil and gas reserves, with estimates suggesting potential resources of 3.7 billion barrels of oil and 10 trillion cubic feet of gas in Kenya’s part of the Lamu Basin. The combined hydrocarbon potential of the Kenya-Somalia offshore corridor could plausibly translate into $200 billion to $500 billion in lifetime resource value, depending on recovery rates and long-term energy prices, according to expert Siyad Madey.

Saudi Arabia is also intensifying its engagement with Somalia, further impacting the geopolitics of the Horn of Africa. As these changes unfold, the long-term impact of the constitutional amendments on Somalia’s political stability remains unclear. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the response of the international community to the constitutional amendments and the ongoing disputes between Federal Member States and the Federal Government.

The post Somalia Concludes 14-Year Constitutional Review Process appeared first on newskenya.

In recent weeks, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has made significant strides in securing funding for expressway projects across the country. This development comes shortly after President William Ruto’s administration announced ambitious plans to construct several major highways, aimed at enhancing connectivity and boosting economic growth in Kenya.

On March 24, 2026, KeNHA confirmed that it has secured funding from the World Bank as part of the Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project. This funding is expected to play a crucial role in the development of a comprehensive expressway network in Kenya, which will facilitate the movement of goods and people across the region.

The expressway network masterplan is designed to guide future investments in high-capacity highway routes, ensuring that the infrastructure meets the growing demands of the population and the economy. KeNHA has invited consulting firms to prepare this masterplan, indicating a proactive approach to planning and development.

According to KeNHA, “The government has received financing from the World Bank and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consultancy services for the Preparation of an Expressway Network Masterplan for Kenya.” This statement underscores the importance of the funding in laying the groundwork for future infrastructure projects.

Consulting firms interested in participating in this initiative must demonstrate a minimum of ten years of experience in highway engineering or related fields. The assignment for the masterplan is expected to run for nine months, with expressions of interest required to be submitted by April 10, 2026. The selection process will utilize the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) method, ensuring that the most qualified consultants are chosen for the task.

The expressway projects include significant undertakings such as the Nairobi-Thika expressway, which spans 60 kilometers, and the Lake Victoria ring road, projected to cover 500 kilometers. These projects are expected to enhance trade and travel within the region, contributing to economic development.

In a related development, the World Bank recently imposed a 21-month ban on PwC Kenya due to misconduct related to a separate electricity project worth 149.8 billion Shillings. This debarment affects PwC Associates, PwC Kenya, and PwC Rwanda, making them ineligible for participation in World Bank-financed operations and projects. The World Bank stated, “The settlement agreement provides for a reduced period of debarment in light of the companies’ admission of misconduct.” This situation highlights the importance of compliance in securing funding for infrastructure projects.

As KeNHA moves forward with the expressway funding and planning, the implications of these developments are significant for the future of transportation infrastructure in Kenya. The successful implementation of the expressway network masterplan could transform the nation’s highway system, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

The post Kenha world bank expressway funding: Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) World Bank Expressway Funding appeared first on newskenya.