Author: NLM Correspondent

By Antony Mutunga For Africa, 2019 was full of the unexpected as leadership changes and demonstrations rocked many countries. For instance, South Africa faced a number of violent protests against foreigners. On the other end, Sudan lived through a revolution that saw the removal of strongman Omar al-Bashir. On a more positive note, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was ratified. With the new year just beginning, the continent will expect a more positive result than recorded in 2019. This year brings with it new opportunities for the continent to develop and catch up to the rest of the…

With cracks in the relationship of the duo, it will be difficult for the DP to marshal government machinery in his quest to ascend to power The Kenyan political situation calls for a delicate balance among leaders in their quest to secure their interests and those of the country. The forthcoming elections have jolted leaders into early campaign mode even as President Uhuru Kenyatta works to steer his Big 4 agenda, the plank of his legacy given, that he is serving his final term. The key political players in this matrix are the President himself, his deputy Dr William Ruto…

BY Shadrack Muyesu I have never been interested in politics in this country and honestly, while I respect their freedoms of thought and expression, I pity the men who put much thought into it. In his best element, a politician is an ethnic entrepreneur and an intellectual whore. Not that it should be held against him; like every Kenyan, his is merely a quest for survival. As King Kaka says, if this country is rotten, the principal culprit is you, the faithful voter and consummate consumer of politics who continues to give him credence never mind the numerous alternatives the Constitution…

Britain has promised to abolish travel advisories that it has been imposing on Kenya over the years. A dispatch from State House said the promise was made last month by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he met with President Uhuru Kenyatta in London. President Kenyatta and the British PM, the statement added, also discussed the effects of travel advisories when the PM assured that they would be abolished as they have a negative effect on the economy. “What happens when these travel advisories are issued is that there are job losses especially in the tourism sector presenting an opportunity…

The private sector is calling on Kenya Revenue Authority to fasten steps towards refunds on Value Added Tax, VAT. Kenya Association of Manufacturers Chief Executive Phyllis Wakiaga says the delays have been affecting businesses, including exporters outside the country. Wakiaga said timely refunds would ease cash flow problems for struggling businesses amid a persistent credit crunch to the private sector. “We are urging KRA to speed up and improve liquidity and payment of suppliers,” said Wakiaga. According to the CEO, some businesses have waited for years for the refunds, which has, in turn, affected their liquidity. The taxman has over…

The Standard Chartered SDG Investment Map reveals a $197 billion opportunity for private-sector investors in five high-growth markets in Africa to help achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with improving digital access making up $74.5 billion of that total. The study highlights opportunities for investors to contribute to three infrastructure-focused goals between now and 2030: SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure across emerging markets. Across all the world’s emerging markets, Oportunity2030 identifies a $10 trillion opportunity for private sector investors. This represents around 40 per cent…

Around the world, and especially in Africa, rapid digitisation and the spread of new technologies are ushering in a new era of economic disruption. This trend has ignited a global debate about the implications for labour markets and the future of work. So far, the future of work discussion has focused mainly on advanced economies and on industrial jobs, which raises questions about its relevance for low-income countries in general and Africa in particular. The rapid spread of digital technologies is disrupting production and trade, generating both opportunities and challenges for sustainable development. Based on a set of guiding questions…

By BRENDA VIOLA There he was, one knee on the ground, hope emanating from his eyes as his lips moved, spilling sweet nothings for me, and perhaps the crowd. At the moment, I knew not how to smile, for I was too disconcerted. The man who knelt before me would be my happily ever after, a new beginning to the other chapter of my life. Was I supposed to be excited? Naturally, yes! I mean, how many times does a woman get proposed to? Several times for the lucky ones and only ones for some. Another batch of women don’t…

By Cynthia Wairimu We are fast approaching the festive season and this is also a source of stress if you might believe that. There is such a thing as too much of anything being poisonous. So, what is likely going to stress you out during this time? One of them is simply expectation. You hold such expectations from either yourself or others for this season which can be overwhelming depending on where you stand at the moment. Are you financially able to handle the demands of the festivities? Are you mentally equipped for the activities and the emotions, feelings around…

By Nita Bhalla Disabled women around the world are being denied basic health services from family planning advice to pap smears because they are seen as asexual, disability rights campaigners have said. Women with disabilities are often ignored, shunned or mocked when seeking help from medical practitioners or even friends or family, victims said on the side-lines global summit on sexual and reproductive health in Nairobi. “Women with a disability are viewed as asexual – that we are not human and do not have needs or sexual desires,” said Mildred Omino, a campaigner with Kenyan charity Women and Realities of…