March, 2026 - Big3Africa.org

Study Finds Social Media is Fueling Youth Unhappiness and Climate Anxiety

Peter Ngare March 23, 2026

The World Happiness Report 2026 has flagged social media as a growing driver of youth unhappiness, linking heavy online use to rising climate anxiety and declining wellbeing.

Climate Change

Kenyans Rank Among World’s Least Happy Amid Climate Crisis and High Living Costs

Peter Ngare March 23, 2026

Kenya has been ranked among the world’s least happy countries in the World Happiness Report 2026, as rising living costs, climate shocks, and corruption weigh heavily on citizens. Experts warn that worsening environmental stress and economic strain are eroding wellbeing, even as strong community networks continue to provide a fragile safety net.

Conservation

Ecosystem Loss Costing Kenya Billions, World Bank Warns

Peter Ngare March 19, 2026

Kenya is losing billions annually due to degraded forests, wetlands and rangelands, according to a new World Bank report. The study warns that ecosystem loss is weakening climate resilience, cutting productivity and deepening economic vulnerability across key sectors.

Tech & Energy

UN Chief Says Iran War Should Prompt Faster Transition to Green Energy

Peter Ngare March 19, 2026

Global energy shocks triggered by the war in Iran are exposing the risks of fossil fuel dependence, with UN climate chief Simon Stiell urging nations to accelerate the shift to renewables. He warns that clean energy is no longer just a climate solution but also a matter of economic stability and national security.

Climate Change

Nairobi Among African Cities Recognised in Global ‘Tree Cities of the World’ Programme

Mwangi Ndirangu March 18, 2026

Nairobi has been globally recognised under the Tree Cities of the World programme by Food and Agriculture Organization and Arbor Day Foundation, highlighting its growing commitment to urban forestry and climate resilience amid rapid urbanisation pressures.

Climate Change

Deforestation Could Be Amplifying Kenya’s Flood Disasters, New Research Warns

Peter Ngare March 18, 2026

Deforestation is significantly increasing flood risks in Kenya, with new research showing forest loss can make severe floods up to eight times more likely. Experts warn that degraded water towers and rapid urbanisation are compounding the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather.

Climate Change

Africa Launches First Climate–Health Desk to Turn Weather Data into Disease Warnings

Pauline Ongaji March 17, 2026

Africa has launched its first Climate–Health Desk to turn weather data into early warnings for disease outbreaks, marking a major step in linking climate science with public health across the continent.

Conservation

Kenya Tightens Waste Rules for Importers

Mwangi Ndirangu March 17, 2026

Kenya has begun enforcing tougher waste compliance rules, requiring importers to secure an EPR import certificate before goods enter the country. The move is meant to shift waste responsibility to producers and curb growing pollution.

Conservation

Kenya Busts Ant-Smuggling Ring, Exposing New Threat to Biodiversity

Pauline Ongaji March 13, 2026

Kenyan authorities arrested a suspect at Nairobi's JKIA after discovering more than 2,000 live queen ants hidden in luggage. The insects, identified as the giant African harvester ant (Messor cephalotes), are vital to ecosystem health through seed dispersal and soil aeration. Experts warn that the case highlights a growing global trade in exotic insects that could pose new threats to biodiversity.

Tech & Energy

Kenya’s Green Shield Against Global Oil Shocks

Neville Ng'ambwa March 11, 2026

Amidst global oil market volatility, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, Kenya is strategically leveraging its renewable energy potential. By fast-tracking decentralized solar and micro-grids, the nation aims to protect its rural communities from price shocks and position its green grid as a competitive advantage in the era of carbon pricing.