Author: NLM Correspondent

African nations have a varied approach to Islamic law. A few majority Muslim countries, like Somalia, have embraced it while others, like Senegal, have rejected it. Some have opted for a mix. By Kate Hairsine For non-Muslims, Shariah law is often associated with savage punishments, intolerance and the policing of morality — especially of women. But in many cases, this isn’t the reality on the ground in Africa, experts say. What is Shariah? Sharia refers to the system of duties and obligations that govern all aspects of Muslim life, from personal and public behavior to religious observance, as well as family and business…

By Carmel Rickard The decision of a Kenyan judge has won high praise from trainers at a recent judicial core skills workshop by the Judicial Institute for Africa (JIFA), held in Cape Town and attended by judges from 12 African countries. The decision, by high court judge Enoch Mwita, dealt with a situation in which the President of the country, Uhuru Kenyatta, was held to have ignored the constitution by failing to appoint a member of the Judicial Service Commission. Justice Mohamed Warsame was elected by the judges of the Court of Appeal as their representative on the JSC, but…

We’ve been able to serve over 2000 clients both locally and in the diaspora – Lilian Nzula. Enkavilla properties founder and managing director Lilian Nzula has expertise in projects and partnerships management, team building and operational efficiency, business development, finance, risk and compliance and IT security. Ms. Nzula also has a solid experience leading people and businesses in technology across Sub-Sahara Africa, and worked with global brand IBM before co-founding Enkavilla Properties Limited. She says her drive lies in problem solving and working in business development, identifying the true challenge of effective business development as well as embracing a data…

By Fredrick Mainda Majority of Kenyans are likely to blame a public officer whenever corruption is brought up in a public discourse. This may be attributed to immense obligations and expectations placed on public and state officers by the legal instruments in the fight against corruption. Whereas public officers bear the greatest responsibility in promoting integrity not only in public service but also in society, one may argue, has caused a negative effect on the general public who are seen as inconsequential in graft fight. The Constitution and other legal instruments have placed a civic duty on the public to…

Financial technology (fintech) enterprise Branch International has welcomed the approval from Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) backing its plan to buy Century Microfinance Bank Limited (Century MFB). Branch International Limited (Branch), a digital lending financial solutions provider through its local subsidiary Branch Kenya, has secured the necessary Ministerial exemption and regulatory approvals allowing it to conclude the acquisition of a majority stake in the deposit-taking microfinance bank. With the acquisition, Branch Kenya will soon be making a landmark transition as the first digital lender to expand into the microfinance banking market, allowing for deposit-taking financial services and enhanced lending…

By victor adar When Fransisca Ochieng’ moved from the United States to Kenya in 2014 to work for a financial services firm which doubles as an audit company, little did she know that getting “natural” quality skin care products locally was going to be an uphill task. It was upsetting that the investment banking professional could not get her favourite brands from the local market. At some point, she bought beauty products that had harmful chemicals, and had to dispose them off. That is how she developed a keen interest in starting Lheritier, a skincare company. Her first natural product…

As the tech sector waits for regulators to catch up, ndividual companies can do more to protect consumers By Lesly Goh and Buhle Goslar The last decade has seen an acceleration in the digitization of many aspects of our lives including financial services, commerce, education, and healthcare. Data gathering and exchange have accelerated alongside this swift uptake of digital engagement, and data has become the new essential commodity—with Africa as the next frontier. However, this rapid change brings along questions of data governance and privacy, especially as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) moves forward. As…

Gig work might be the hope for the future in Kenya as economies continue to remain constrained because of job losses and minimal job creation By Victor Adar In 2020, people were surprised to see small cars turned into “viosks” on Thika road by pass, Thika Super Highway. During that time, most car owners would go to Kinangop to bring fresh farm produce and start selling on the roadside. And, for the nearly nine months that learning institutions were closed as a measure to control the spread of coronavirus, people were surprised to see schools being converted into chicken rearing…

By Antony Mutunga After a testy pandemic period, the economy has reopened as the world gradually returns normalcy. Months after reopening, the Kenyan economy has continued to record positive growth in different sectors, with retail seeing an increase in demand for prime retail shops. According to Knight Frank’s Kenya market update H2 2021 report, there was a slight increase in prime rents from Sh454.60 ($4) per square foot (sq. ft) per month in to Sh465.96 ($4.10) per sq. ft per month and an increase in retailer activity in acquiring new units. There has also been an increase in foot and…

The partnership will improve international tax standards and enhance tax transparency globally The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) will now prioritise technical engagements on OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework (IF) on base erosion and profit shifting agreement formed after the end of a recently held three-day workshop in Naivasha in a joint effort to address tax challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy. Senior technical officials led by KRA Commissioner General Githii Mburu and the Director of the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration at the OECD, Mr Pascal Saint-Amans, confirmed that the…