Top news items in major Kenyan media outlets

The following are news highlights in Kenyan media outlets on Saturday.

-- President Uhuru Kenyatta bans maize exports to neighbouring countries as over 2 million citizens face starvation following drought.

Kenyatta asked authorities to ensure no trader exports maize as only 21 million 90kg bags are left in the strategic reserves, which can last until June. Kenyan farmers usually produce some 33 million bags annually but the country needs at least 40 million bags. Kenyatta further warned traders hoarding maize to sell at higher profit as the government would take action against them. (Saturday Nation)

-- Kenya to start the auditing of all its universities across the country Monday as the government seeks to streamline the sector. Lecturers and non-teaching staff, however, are currently on strike pushing for higher perks. (Standard on Saturday)

-- Governors broker a deal to stop a strike that had been called on Monday by clinical officers, which would have devastated hospitals that have no doctors, who have been on boycott since mid last year. (The Star)

-- Rise in food and fuel prices in East Africa has seen regional economies record an increase in inflation, with analysts warning there would be a surge in prices. (The East African) Endit