GLOBAL HEALTHCARE EXPERTS GATHER AT EVIDENCE SUMMIT TO SHAPE FUTURE OF PATIENT CARE

In a landmark gathering, the Evidence Summit brought together healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers from around the world to discuss the latest developments in evidence-based medicine. The conference, held over two days, featured presentations, panel discussions, and workshops focused on advancing patient care through rigorous scientific research.

Keynote speakers shared groundbreaking research on topics such as personalized medicine, clinical trials, and healthcare policy. Dr. Maria, a prominent figure in the field, highlighted the importance of translating research findings into clinical practice. “The gap between research and practice is a significant challenge,” she noted. “We need to work together to bridge this gap and improve patient outcomes.”

The summit also provided a platform for early-career researchers to showcase their work and connect with established experts in the field. Participants praised the event for its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Organizers of the Evidence Summit said the event aimed to foster a global community committed to evidence-based healthcare. “This summit represents a crucial step forward in our collective effort to improve healthcare outcomes,” said Dr. Jane, a leading organizer. “By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, we can drive meaningful change in patient care.”

The Evidence Summit concluded with a series of recommendations for future research and policy initiatives, setting the stage for continued progress in evidence-based medicine.

KAKAMEGA COUNTY SPEAKER LOUDS GEN Z PUSH FOR CHANGE

The speaker of kakamega county assembly Hon James Namatsi joined congregants at ACK Shibale church accompanied by Hon Ali Okomba member of county assembly for mumias central ward over the weekend where the speaker encouraged the youths to continue pushing for change. 

Addressing the church on Sunday the speaker urged gen z  youths to remain focussed in the society as they champion for a new dawn in the country. 

The service was marked by spiritual reflections and unity symbolizing deep commitment to faith and spiritual values fostering social cohesion. 

KEPSA CALLS FOR EXPANDING MARKET ACCESS FOR SMEs

The 2nd Edition of the Annual SME Conference, Awards, and Exhibition, hosted by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), has kicked off today at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). The two-day event brings together over 1000 participants to address market access challenges for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and drive sustainable economic growth. Themed, “Bridging Opportunities and Breaking Barriers on Market Access for SMEs,” the conference includes an award ceremony, an exhibition, and a business clinic.

 

SMEs are a cornerstone of the global economy, making up 90 percent of businesses worldwide and being crucial for employment creation, output production, and overall economic growth. In Kenya, SMEs are particularly vital, contributing over 80% to employment creation and accounting for approximately 33.8% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

 

Despite their significant economic importance, Kenyan SMEs encounter considerable market access challenges that impede their growth and competitiveness. These challenges include limited connections, inadequate market intelligence, and logistical barriers, which restrict their ability to access broader markets and diversify customer bases. Additionally, high entry costs, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards impose further financial and administrative burdens. Such obstacles not only hinder the growth of SMEs but also limit their potential to contribute more substantially to economic transformation. Addressing these barriers is therefore critical to enabling SMEs to unlock their full potential and achieve sustainable growth.

 

In his opening address, the chief guest, Hon. FCPA Wycliffe Oparanya, commended KEPSA for its unwavering dedication to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He acknowledged KEPSA's role in the launch of "MSME Connect," a public-private dialogue spearheaded by his Ministry.

 

"My Ministry, working closely with strategic partners such as KEPSA, has developed the Kenya Public Private Sector MSMEs Dialogue dubbed MSMEs Connect, a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening support ecosystems, accelerating enterprise growth, and institutionalising strong public-private collaboration across the MSME sector in a more coordinated approach." Noted Hon. Oparanya, while adding that the Ministry has initiated a nationwide public participation drive for the Draft MSME Policy 2025, which seeks to tackle persistent issues such as access to affordable credit, delayed payments, and regulatory obstacles hindering enterprise growth.

 

Ms. Brenda Mbathi, KEPSA Vice Chair, affirmed KEPSA's commitment to fostering a conducive business environment for SMEs. "We look to create a business environment that promotes Kenyans' global competitiveness by supporting the growth and impact of SMEs. Our advocacy continues to shape an enabling business environment for SMEs to grow and prosper," she stated.

 

The conference will also recognise nine SMEs for exemplary innovations. The winners of the Innovation Excellence Awards for the best overall business innovation, best youth-led business innovation, and best women-led business innovation will also be honoured. Additionally, six SME enablers will be feted during the award ceremony. These awards aim to recognise the exceptional efforts and contributions of organisations that have played a significant role in enabling the growth and success of SMEs. The Innovation Excellence Awards received 293 submissions, while the SME Enablers of the Year Awards garnered 183 entries, indicating robust participation and interest within the SME community.

 

HUMAN RIGHTS BODY CASTIGATES GOVERNMENT TO END MEDIA BAN, PROTECT RIGHTS TO ASSEMBLE

 Kenyan authorities should be held accountable for all abuses during countrywide protests on June 25, 2025, including killings, gun injuries, and beatings, Human Rights Watch said today. Authorities should also embrace international norms and, going forward, ensure security forces’ response to the ongoing protests is lawful and adheres to international human rights standards.

Thousands of people took to the streets on the morning of June 25 in Nairobi and across several counties in Kenya to commemorate the deaths of the protesters who were killed by security forces during the June 2024 demonstrations. At the time of writing, preliminary media reports indicated that, in addition to the police presence, Kenyan authorities deployed the military to push back large numbers of protesters heading toward Nairobi’s Central Business District and the State House, the official residence of the president. According to media reports, at least 16 people were shot dead by the police, including one each in Machakos, Kisii, and Nakuru counties, while over 400 people were reportedly admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital with bullet wounds and other injuries. Among those admitted for treatment was NTV journalist Ruth Sarmwei, who was hit by a rubber bullet while covering the protests.

“Kenyan authorities should not treat protesters as criminals,” said Otsieno Namwaya, associate Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Both Kenyan law and international human rights law require Kenya to recognize protests as a legitimate form of expression that the government should protect rather than ruthlessly silence.”

This afternoon, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) issued a directive signed by its director general, David Mugonyito, to all television and radio stations to end live broadcasts of the protests, as they allegedly “are contrary to Articles 33(2) and 34(1) of the Constitution of Kenya and Section 46I of the Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998.”

Shortly after the release of the CA directive, at least three television stations—NTV, KTN, and Citizen TV—reported that their signals had been switched off for allegedly defying the directive. Key players in the media sector, notably the Kenya Union of Journalists and Kenya Editors Guild, have described the CA action as a threat to press freedom.

The Kenya Media Sector Working Group, the Law Society of Kenya, and a coalition of civil society organizations accused the government of ignoring the constitution and a court order that found a similar directive issued during the 2024 protests to be unconstitutional and urged media houses to ignore it. In the early evening, a high court in Milimani, Nairobi, issued a conservatory order suspending the CA ban on media coverage of the protests.

Reports by Kenyan and international human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, found that police and other security agencies, such as the military and the secret service, were implicated in the killing, abductions, disappearances, and maiming of both protesters and non-protesters during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests across Kenya.

The 2024 protests took a violent turn on June 25 of that year when security forces used lethal force to disperse protesters who breached the walls of the Kenyan parliament and made their way into the chambers. The state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported in December 2024 that police had killed at least 63 and abducted 87 between June and October 2024. Still today, the whereabouts of at least 26 people remain unknown.

In May 2025, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said it had completed investigations of 22 deaths that occurred during the 2024 protests, but only two of these are in court. Kenyan human rights groups have criticized the IPOA for not doing enough to ensure police accountability.

“Kenyan authorities should refrain from deploying the military, which has been implicated in serious abuses in the past, to manage peaceful protests,” Namwaya said. “President William Ruto should uphold constitutional guarantees of media and press freedom by immediately ensuring the restoration of signals of media houses switched off by the CA.”

KENYAN YOUTH AMBASSADOR JOINS WORLD LEADERS AT AFRICAN UNION FORUM IN EGYPT

JENNIFER WAIRIMU WARIDI FOUNDATION SPEAKING AT AU FORUM IN EGYPT 

Jenniffer Wairimu Waruingi, popularly known as Waridi, is making waves across the continent as one of Kenya’s boldest voices in youth leadership, sustainable agriculture, and Pan-African development. As President of the Kenya Youth Organization (KYO) and Founder of Waridi Foundation, she recently delivered a keynote speech at a high-level African Union (AU) forum in Cairo, focusing on the implementation of the CAADP Kampala Strategy—Africa’s roadmap to food security by 2035.

Waridi was invited as a speaker to represent Kenya’s youth and shared the impact of her work in advancing agribusiness through KYO and Waridi Foundation. With all AU member states present and the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture officiating, she emphasized the critical importance of youth and women inclusion in agri-food systems, calling for structured participation beyond tokenism.

 “Africa cannot achieve food sovereignty if youth and women remain sidelined,” she said. “We are vital actors—not just participants—and must be fully integrated into decision-making and implementation processes.”

Through her continental platform, the Africa Development Tour, Waridi is uniting young changemakers across borders to share innovation, promote sustainable tourism, and build a movement for a self-reliant and food-secure Africa. She also leads Kwetu Inn Africa, a travel and tourism brand promoting the continent’s rich culture, eco-experiences, and development potential—closely tied to her mission of rebranding Africa from the inside out.

Reflecting on Egypt’s agricultural innovation despite its desert terrain, Waridi praised the country’s strategic investments in irrigation, research, and food resilience. She challenged Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture, under CS Mutahi Kagwe, to adopt similar bold strategies while ensuring that structured youth-led organizations like the Kenya Youth Organization are recognized and involved.

 “We must go beyond boardroom policies and activate change on the ground. Youth are not just the future—they are the farmers, innovators, and solution architects of today,” she added.

A daughter of Lamu’s renowned farmer, Michael Waruingi, Waridi’s leadership is rooted in lived experience, combining local truth with continental impact. Her vision is clear: a food-secure, youth-driven, self-reliant Africa.

AIR FRANCE DEPLOYS AIRBUS A350 TO PARIS NAIROBI ROUTE

 Air France has introduced the Airbus A350-900 on its Paris–Nairobi route, reinforcing its strategic commitment to increase seat capacity in response to growing demand for both business and leisure travel. The new aircraft replaces the Boeing 787- 9, which has hitherto been flying the route, with a 16% increase in seat capacity. 

Over the past three years, Air France has recorded a steady rise in passenger numbers on this route, in response to which it welcomed the Airbus A350-900 on Monday at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, marking the aircraft’s maiden voyage to the Kenyan capital. This development signals a significant expansion of Air France’s footprint in East Africa and forms part of the carrier’s broader fleet modernization strategy.

“This aircraft brings about 16% more seats to Kenya and this implies that we can accommodate further growth in the Kenyan market against increasing demand for Paris and Europe as travel destinations,” said Joris Holtus, Air France-KLM’s General Manager for East and Southern Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana.

The Airbus A350-900 offers enhanced passenger comfort, greater capacity, and consuming lesser fuel than equivalent-sized previous-generation aircraft. The introduction of the new aircraft underscores Air France’s intention to provide a superior travel experience while meeting the increasing market demand.

“This aircraft perfectly aligns with two pillars of our strategy. The first is premiumisation—that is, bringing premium products to our customers. The Airbus A350 symbolizes this by introducing premium business, premium-economy and economy classes. The second pillar of our strategy is decarbonization and the Airbus A350 consume up to 25% less fuel than an equivalent-sized previous-generation aircraft,” said Holtus.

The Airbus A350’s unveiling coincides with renewed momentum from the Air France-KLM Africa office, in Nairobi, which has since inception, in 2023, been instrumental in driving regional growth and reconnecting with East African travellers. As the airline deepens its commitment to the region, the deployment of aeroplane marks both a technological upgrade and a strategic milestone in Air France’s ongoing investment. Currently about 25% of Air France’s fleet comprises next-generation aircraft against plans to increase this to 50% by 2025 and 80% by 2030. And with just over 38 of the Airbus A350 currently in its fleet, Air France’s decision to assign one to Nairobi, a route now served with three daily flights, highlights the city's rising status as a key African hub.

“We are enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency, while laying down a vital link that supports the region’s growing demand for world-class air travel. This move also reflects our long-term commitment to the African market and our belief in Nairobi’s pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of aviation across the continent,” said Hildabeta Amiani, Air France-KLM’s Country Sales Manager, Kenya. 

The global airline industry is poised to carry a record 4.99 billion[1] passengers by the end of this year, according to new projections by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), signalling a full recovery and renewed growth five years after the coronavirus pandemic brought air travel to a halt.

The expected figure marks a 4.4 percent increase over 2024 and 9.4% over pre-pandemic levels. The growth also comes despite a broader economic slowdown. While global GDP growth is projected to fall from 3.3 percent in 2024 to 2.5 percent in 2025[2], airlines are on course to profitability, driven largely by operational efficiencies and a surge in passenger demand. Load factors—an industry measure of seat occupancy—are expected to reach an all-time high of 84 percent, even as aircraft manufacturing continues to be hampered by supply chain constraints.

The momentum is especially strong in Africa, where revenue per kilometer rose by 13.2 percent last year[3]. The continent has seen a resurgence in business and tourism travel, as markets rebound from the long tail of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the introduction of the A350-900, one of the most fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft in operation, reaffirms Air France’s dual focus of meeting growing passenger demand while cutting its environmental footprint. The A350-900, which carries up to 44%[4] more passengers than its predecessor (A330-200), offers significant environmental gains, consuming 25 percent less fuel, translating to just 2.5 liters per passenger per 100 kilometers[5]. This is thanks to an ultralight design that includes 53 percent composite materials and 14 percent titanium[6]. Its aerodynamic profile also reduces noise by 40 percent[7], helping ease pressure on airport-adjacent communities.

Inside, the aircraft is designed with passenger comfort in mind. It features a reconfigured cabin layout across all classes, 30 percent larger windows, enhanced air pressure systems for improved cabin ambiance, and adaptive lighting to reduce jet lag. It also boasts one of the quietest twin-aisle cabins in the sky.

Across the world, Air France’s broader modernization strategy aims for more than half of its fleet to consist of new-generation aircraft by the end of 2025, a shift the airline describes as essential to meeting international climate targets. Other sustainability efforts include eco-piloting techniques, onboard recycling, and the phase-out of single-use plastics.

PRIVATE SECTOR CALLS FOR DE-ESCALATION OF THE CURRENT NATIONAL SITUATION

 In a private sector conversation held on the sidelines of the 21st Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, members expressed concern over the escalation of the disregard for the rule of law, leading to the deaths of young Kenyans.

 

We send our sincere condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives or been injured in the hands of the security officers or otherwise, while exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and when airing their grievances as enshrined in the constitution.

 

The business community has been actively working closely with the government and other stakeholders to create a conducive business environment both inwardly and globally. As a result, Kenya has grown into an attractive destination for business and foreign investment. We need to ensure that these efforts are not watered down, so that businesses do not shut down due to the escalation of emotions and public unrest.

 

To the youth, we acknowledge that you are an integral part of the business community, whether as entrepreneurs, employers, or employees. The private sector remains committed to addressing all concerns that will ensure the lives of all Kenyans are protected and sustainable jobs are created and maintained.

 

Furthermore, we understand that the security officers don’t always operate in the easiest environment. Yet, as they navigate the everyday challenges, they must have the protection of lives and livelihoods at the forefront of their minds and hearts. In executing their mandate, we expect them to follow the rule of law.

 

To the political class, we urge you to gauge your actions and utterances to avoid further weakening the social and economic fabric upon which our society, including the private sector, depends on. The public, including the security officers, takes their cue from you, and the effects are felt widely, including by investors.

 

The private sector advocates for a governance model that prioritises public accountability and the peaceful expression of grievance as enshrined in the constitution. In light of this, we are calling for an urgent de-escalation of the situation to prevent it from leading to further loss of life, destruction of property, and negative impacts on businesses.

 

The private sector commits to continue engaging closely around these areas with the relevant stakeholders as well as under the Mkenya Daima Initiative. Mkenya Daima is an initiative inspired by the private sector but belongs to all Kenyans. It represents a collective of diverse stakeholders, including the business community, religious leaders, and civil society, united in the pursuit of a prosperous and equitable Kenya.

 

IGAD MEMBER STATES CONVERGE IN NAIROBI TO ADOPT NEW TECHNOLOGY TO COMBAT CROSS BORDER CRIME

ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has today opened a three days IGAD member states seminar in Nairobi which will share digital transformation in cross border crime surveillance,regional intelligence sharing and protecting critical infrastructure.

Speaking  during the event in Nairobi attended by Mrs Nejat Abdulrahaman head IGAD security sector program,kabogo has louded  the digital super highway program to connect all schools in Kenya and building transformative AI.The Cabinet Secretary said over 9 million cyber security advisories were detected in the recent past therefore need to harmonize frameworks for real time intelligence sharing and establishment of regional platfoms calling for investment in digital talents,promotion of  digital spaces  to support  IGAD mission.

IGAD will  train cyber security experts to counter challenges of new technologies and support start ups in security.According to Gunner Andreas Holm Ambassador of Norway to Kenya there is need to adopt the Nairobi commitment  by 2030 to enable every igad member benefit from AI enhanced security infrastructure while been protected from digital threats.

In Ethiopia law enforcement agencies are implementing productive policing algorithms to combat urban crime while in Kenya AI driven surveillance systems have reduced police response time by 40 percent and improve crime detection by 30 percent.

AFDB HOLDS VAT DIGITALIZATION SEMINAR ON VAT COMPLIANCE

Africa development bank has today held a seminar on VAT Digitalization in Nairobi as  the Bank’s growing engagement in strengthening public financial management across Africa. The Bank has worked closely with governments, including the Government of Kenya, to support fiscal reforms, revenue mobilization, and improved governance through a range of instruments, including budget support and technical assistance.

Speaking during the hybrid seminar at a Nairobi hotel Mr. Kennedy Mbekeani Director General, East Africa Regional Office, African Development Bank has reiterated the banks commitment 

Strengthening governance in a Ten-Year Strategy with a clear emphasis on accountability,transparency, and efficient public institutions. 

Across Africa, digitalization is transforming how tax systems operate. VAT, which constitutes a significant share of domestic revenue, is at the center of this transformation. By embracing technology, countries are not only increasing compliance and expanding their tax base, but also fostering greater transparency, trust, and accountability between states and their citizens.

The seminar will help deepen understanding of critical reforms and a platform for sensitization and peer learning. Domestic Resource Mobilization is a principal pillar of the Bank’s Strategy for Economic Governance in Africa (SEGA),which serve as a foundation for sustainable development and financial sovereignty across the continent.

TRANSFORMATIVE MAP BOOK LAUNCHED AT RCMRD’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN NAIROBI

The Regional Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity,

Forests, and Seascape Ecosystems Management in Eastern and Southern Africa (RCoE-ESA),

hosted by the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) has 

launched the RCoE-ESA Map Book, a dynamic new resource designed to support

data-driven conservation and sustainable planning across the region.

Speaking during the celebrations Dr Emmanuel Nkurunzinza the Director General RCMRD said the information presented is a call to action for policymakers, conservation practitioners,researchers, and development partners.“Geospatial science is a powerful tool for conservation and sustainable development.Through data-driven planning and ecosystem mapping, we can restore biodiversity-rich forests, seascapes, wetlands, and other vital ecosystems,”

The RCoE-ESA Map Book  shows how the 24 countries are progressing toward Target 3

of the Global Biodiversity Framework, which calls for 30% of the earth’s land and sea to be conserved through the establishment of Protected Areas (PAs) and Other Effective AreaBased Conservation Measures (OECMs).

Spanning across 24 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, the Map Book features rich spatial and thematic content, highlighting biodiversity hotspots, a comprehensive analysis of protected and conserved areas and trans boundary conservation networks. Through highquality maps, it also identifies critical gaps in protection coverage, making it a vital tool for

policymakers, conservation practitioners, researchers, and development partners.

As pressures such as climate change, habitat degradation, and unsustainable land use

intensify, the need for informed, data-driven policy interventions has never been greater. The

Map Book is a powerful new tool that is expected to guide conservation priorities, policy

formulation, and sustainable land and sea use planning. 

The unveiling of the Map Book coincides with the Integrated Management Effectiveness

Tool (IMET) Sensitization Training Workshop at RCMRD. IMET is a digital platform that

supports planning, monitoring, and evaluation of protected and conserved areas to enhance

ecosystem management and sustainability. The workshop will equip stakeholders with the

skills needed to evaluate and enhance ecosystem management, paving the way for long-term

delivery of ecosystem services to dependent communities.

The launch is taking place during the RCMRD@50 Golden Jubilee celebrations, marking

five decades of regional leadership in Geospatial Science, Earth Observation, and Capacity

Development. With the support of its 20 Member States and development partners, RCMRD

has grown into a trusted institution serving more than 500 million people in Eastern and

Southern Africa.

PRIVATE SECURITY CALL FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF MINIMUM WAGE

Private security lead by their secretary General Isaac Andabwa has participated in a peacefull protest calling for implementation of the six percent increase in wage bill. 

Speaking during the protest the secretary General said it's high time the minimum wage bill is put to place in a bid to cushion the security workers. 

This comes a month after the labor day celebrations which promised a raft of changes in the workers payslip as ordered by president William Ruto. 

KEPSA-KRA BOARDS MEET IN A a BID TO TRANSFORM TAX ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN KENYA

The Boards of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) today reaffirmed their institutions’ commitment to transforming tax administration and policy in Kenya. The pledge was made during a high-level roundtable held at KRA headquarters in Nairobi, building on nearly a decade of strategic collaboration between the two institutions, which are dedicated to creating a fair, efficient, and business-friendly tax environment.

 

The roundtable highlighted significant milestones from the KEPSA-KRA partnership, including the full implementation of eTIMS, which has led to faster VAT refunds; the introduction of Green Channels to ease cargo clearance; and a tax amnesty that waived Ksh. 650 billion in penalties, thereby enhancing compliance. The tax base has also broadened significantly, with over 720,000 new taxpayers contributing to over Ksh. 7.8 billion over the financial years since the FY 2019/2020.

 

According to KEPSA Chairperson Mr. Jas Bedi highlighted the joint efforts to enhance compliance, modernise systems, and align tax policy with Kenya’s economic realities. “The private sector, led by KEPSA, is committed to supporting a stable, predictable tax regime that enables growth, especially in times of economic hardship,” he said.

 

 while Kenya's economy has shown resilience, growing at an average of 5.0% between 2022 and 2024, outpacing global and regional averages, challenges persist. Household poverty is on the rise, and access to credit remains constrained, which in turn dampens investment growth. “These factors underscore the need for a robust partnership between the public and private sectors to sustain growth momentum,” added Mr. Bedi.

 

KRA Chairman Hon. Ndiritu Muriithi responded by urging the private sector to engage actively in the national budget cycle, interrogating both revenue-raising measures and expenditure proposals to inform the discourse on the national economic recovery. “We must extend our focus beyond revenue collection to include budget expenditure,” said Hon. Ndiritu Muriithi, Chairman of the KRA Board. “The private sector is the engine of our economy, and as such, I urge KEPSA to amplify its voice on both the Finance Bill and the Budget Expenditure, as it is essential in ensuring that government spending aligns with Kenya’s revenue strategies and sustainable economic growth.”

 

Additionally, Ms. Carole Kariuki, KEPSA CEO, emphasised the need to modernise and streamline tax systems, particularly the migration of legacy data into iTax and resolving issues that prevent taxpayers from accessing refunds and Tax Compliance Certificates (TCCs). “We must ensure that resolved disputes are promptly reflected in taxpayer accounts and automate residency adjustments to prevent duplicate liabilities,” she noted.

 

KENYA RAILWAYS MADARAKA EXPRESS CELEBRATES EIGHT YEARS OF OPERATIONS AT NAIROBI TERMINUS

The Kenya Railways has marked with pomp the eight years of the Madaraka express train from Nairobi to Mombasa a journey which started with 

 the Lunatic Line in 1896 at Kilindini Habour and reached Kisumu in 1901.The Lunatic Line played a vital role in the development of our nation. It played a big part in facilitating trade, provided employment, led to growth of industries, fostered development that was mainly concentrated along the railway corridor and most importantly provided an avenue for international trade.

 

 The National Government made the strategic decision to construct a high speed, high capacity Standard Gauge Railway Line which was deemed to be equal to the demand that existed which culminated  to Standard Gauge Railway Line construction in 2014.Operations commenced on June 1, 2017 a historic day as H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, the retired President flagged off the first Madaraka express.

Speaking during the celebrations attended by the Ambassador of china H.E Guo Haiya and the Managing Director Kenya railways Phillip Mainga chairman Kenya Railways Mr Abdi Bare has lauded the 2019 commissioning of  Phase 2A which has seen construction of the Standard Gauge Railway line from Nairobi to Naivasha.This section is also operational and the Naivasha Inland Container Depot has served to take cargo closer to our neighbouring countries,added the chairman.

  The outcry from the public was great leading  to introduction of the stops along the route. This is the current Inter-County train which stops at seven stations in the seven counties traversed by the line.The demand grew and later saw the  introduction of the afternoon Express train, which was later followed by a Night time Express train redifining the travel experience from Nairobi to Mombasa. 

 

To date, the Madaraka Express Passenger Service has transported over 15.3 million passengers. The demand is still there as more Kenyans are seeking to use the service. The Madaraka Express Freight Service too has enhanced transportation of cargo. To date, the service has transported over 39.78 million tonnes.

 

 

 

KENYANS SET TO BENEFIT FROM PRUDENTIAL AND RED CROSS CLIMATE RESILIENCE FUND

Over 63,000 residents of Makueni and Tana River counties are set to benefit from knowledge and tools to navigate health challenges brought about by climate change.

Prudential Kenya, through its community investment arm Prudence Foundation has partnered with the Kenya Red Cross to launch an initiative aimed at addressing climate-related health challenges among children and women in the two counties in a sustainable way.

The $100,000 (Ksh12.91 million) initiative, dubbed the Climate & Health Resilience Fund, will be channeled towards strengthening community capacity to cope with climate-induced health challenges in Makueni and Tana River counties, where extreme weather patterns continue to drive recurring droughts, floods, food insecurity, and disease outbreaks.

These conditions typical in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) have seen significantly rising cases of malnutrition, waterborne diseases, and poor maternal and child health outcomes.

An estimated 14,048 children under five, 27,692 primary school children, and 22,102 women of reproductive age are expected to benefit from the flagship program, which focuses on building long-term resilience in the most climate-affected communities.

Speaking during an event to launch the project in Hola,Tana River County, Prudential Kenya’s CEO and Managing Director Gwen Kinisu said: “Through the generosity of our Prudence Foundation, which has contributed $100,000 to this initiative, we are taking a bold step forward. This fund will drive a project designed to address climate-related health challenges in a sustainable way, focusing on education, empowerment, and community resilience.” 

She added: “Women and children bear the brunt of climate-induced health crises and this fund reflects our deep commitment to fostering long-term resilience and improving health outcomes in some of Kenya’s most climate-vulnerable areas.”

Other partners in the one-year project include the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) will provide quarterly narrative and financial reports to track progress and ensure accountability. It will also deliver a range of community-based interventions, including first aid and climate-health education for school children.

KRCS will further oversee the installation of water purification and rainwater harvesting systems in schools, the establishment of school kitchen gardens, and the promotion of climate-smart agriculture.

“By working with schools, we will teach children to identify and respond to climate-related health issues such as heatstroke, malaria, and cholera. They will also receive basic first aid training, empowering them to be first responders in their communities,” said Joe Mbalu, Deputy Secretary General- Programmes, Kenya Red Cross Society. 

Additionally, KRCS will mobilize mother and youth groups to champion health, hygiene, and climate-resilient practices. The project will also support schools in developing and implementing climate-resilience plans to ensure continuity during climate crises.

Facilitated through the Prudence Foundation, the project will also engage Community Health Workers (CHWs), local leaders, and government stakeholders to integrate climate resilience into health and education systems.

“We aim to reduce malnutrition rates among school-going children, increase vaccination coverage, and ensure that schools become hubs of climate resilience,” said Gwen Kinisu, CEO and Managing Director, Prudential.

Statistics show that an estimated 2.1 million people in Kenya’s ASAL counties faced acute food insecurity last year due to prolonged droughts, leaving children at heightened risk of malnutrition. Chronic malnutrition—or stunting—among children under five remains alarmingly high at 18.3% in Tana River and 17.6% in Makueni.

The Prudential Climate & Health Resilience Fund builds on the company’s previous contributions to humanitarian and health efforts in Kenya, including the REACH Initiative and the MAM flood donations.

By prioritizing community-level preparedness, sustainable service delivery, and behavioral change, the project aims to enhance Kenya’s capacity to adapt to climate threats.

KENYA SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT HOSTS ACC CONFERENCE AMID RENEWED GEN Z PUSH FOR BETTER GOVERNANCE

Professor Nura Mohammed the Director General Kenya school of government will host the Corps Africa All-country conference (ACC 2025) expected to bring together over a thousand corps Africa volunteers, alumni and stakeholders from ten African countries. 

The week long conference kicks off today and will end on 20th of June. Cabinet Secretary ministry of Youths Affairs Salim Mvurya will open the conference which will offer a platform for shapping the future of community led youth driven development. 

ACC Conference was last held in Kigali Rwanda in 2023 and is coming to Nairobi Kenya at a time of Young people uprising due to bad governance and lack of jobs. 

AIRTEL MONEY INTRODUCES 50% REIMBURSEMENT OF TRANSACTION FEES ON BANK TO AIRTEL MONEY WALLET TRANSACTIONS

Airtel Money Kenya has today announced a new offer under its ‘Rudishiwa’ transaction fee’ campaign series, extending the offer to all Bank to Airtel money Wallet transfers. In this new offer, customers will receive 50% of their Bank-to-wallet transaction fees back as airtime, which can be used to buy data with no expiry. 

The benefit is in addition to the existing offers on Paybill ‘Rudishiwa’ and Agent Withdrawal ‘Rudishiwa’ where customers enjoy 50% reimbursement of their transaction fees as airtime.In listening to its customers, Airtel Money Kenya recently conducted a major system upgrade that will offer faster, smoother and more innovative mobile money services. The system upgrade follows various other major initiatives aimed at providing Kenyans with convenient, efficient, value for money mobile money solutions. 

Airtel money first launched the ‘Rudishiwa’ campaign in 2023, reimbursing its customers the transaction fees charged when withdrawing money at Airtel Money agents as airtime. The move was highly welcomed by Kenyans, considering the tough economic times where a majority are looking to save. Currently, Airtel money agent network has increased to over 110,000, including partnerships with Naivas outlets and various banks. Airtel Money customers accessing withdrawals from as low as KES 50 to the maximum daily limit of KES 500,000 will enjoy 50% reimbursement of transaction costs.

in 2024, the company extended its 'Rudishiwa’ campaign to paybill transactions, giving back to its customers 50% of their transaction fees as airtime when they make payments to any of its Paybills including KPLC, E-Citizen, key bank Paybills, Airlines, Water services etc. 

With the announcement of the ‘Rudishiwa’ 50% for Bank-to-Wallet transactions, Airtel strives to help Kenyans save more by enabling them to convert their transaction costs into airtime or data which is vital for them to stay connected. Through partnerships with all top tier banks in the country, this benefit is geared towards supporting customers who use mobile banking as their key source of funding their mobile money wallet. The 50% reimbursement of bank to wallet transactions as airtime will apply to transactions done from the banks’ mobile apps, USSD codes or internet banking. 

Airtel Money Managing Director Anne Kinuthia-Otieno, commenting on the new offers asserted Airtel’s commitment towards innovative, value adding solutions. She stated: “Digital payments are even more critical today as we continue to digitise cash and empower Kenyans to safely use mobile money for their day-to-day requirements. Moreover, Kenyans are constantly on the lookout for value for money solutions that will enable them save more. Borne out of this customer feedback and market insights, Airtel’s Rudishiwa Transaction Fee campaign guarantees Kenyans that they stay connected while still saving money.”

Airtel Kenya managing Director Ashish Malhotra said: “At Airtel, customer feedback is crucial for our decision making and product development.

 The convergence of benefits from Airtel Money and our mobile services business is a highlight of how we keenly listen to our customers’ feedback and address them adequately. We are endeavouring to provide Kenyans with relevant offerings that help them to stay connected without having to worry about costs.”

Customers subscribed to Airtel’s ‘Smarta Bundles’ data packages will continue to enjoy 100% ‘Rudishiwa’ as an added benefit to the bundle. The 100% reimbursement is across withdrawal, paybill and Bank-to-wallet transactions. For the newly introduced 50% ‘Rudishiwa’ Bank to wallet offer, customers don’t need to opt in or pay any subscription fee; they simply have to move money from their respective banks to their Airtel Money numbers. Airtel Money continues to offer its customers multiple benefits across all its other use cases - be it free Airtel to Airtel transfers, lower costs on sending money to other networks, loans, savings and Insurance services where customers enjoy discounted prices with every transaction.

HEALTH CABINET SECRETARY SCRAPS ATTACHMENT FEES FOR MEDICS

Health cabinet Secretary Adan Duale has called for scrapping off of the hospitals attachment fees for medics from Kenya Medical Training college( KMTC)  with immediate effect. 

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the three day Scientific conference themed Advancing health equity in a rapidly changing environment Duale said the fees charged by hospitals is not harmonized with some hospitals charging a thousand shillings for medical attachees others charging two thousand shillings and others even more. 

The   conference brings together key stakeholders from healthcare, academia, researchers and policy sectors to share knowledge, innovations and strategies for advancing heath training and service delivery. 

The CS assured the training institute that he is  actively engaging the National Treasury to unlock Ksh 500 million for HELB to support KMTC students and also engaging the Ministry of Education to ensure that KMTC is treated equally with universities and TVET institutions when it comes to HELB access.

RWANDA-BACKED M23 EXECUTED CIVILIANS IN GOMA MASS KILLINGS IN FEBRUARY

 The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group summarily executed at least 21 civilians and most likely many more in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on February 22-23, 2025, Human Rights Watch said today.

The M23 has occupied Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, since January 27, 2025.

Witnesses said that on the afternoon of February 22, at least three pickup trucks carrying dozens

of M23 fighters arrived at various parts of Goma’s Kasika neighborhood. They executed seven

people west of Katindo military camp, a former Congolese army barracks. The bodies of 11 more

people, including a boy, were found at a construction site near the camp. On February 23, the fighters rounded up people, including to forcibly recruit them, and killed three men as they tried to escape.

“The M23’s brutal control over Goma has created a climate of fear among those perceived to be

allied to the Congolese government,,” said Clémentine de Montjoye, senior Great Lakes

researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The mass killings don’t seem to be actions by rogue

fighters, but rather the M23 leadership’s efforts to solidify their control by whatever means

necessary.”

The absence of reports of fighting between the warring parties and the nature of the wounds

indicate that M23 fighters deliberately executed those in their custody, which are war crimes,

Human Rights Watch said. Between February and May, Human Rights Watch remotely interviewed 22 people, including witnesses to the killings, victims’ relatives, and medical workers, among others. Researchers reviewed media reports, and geolocated and analyzed photographs and videos sent directly by sources or found on social media. On May 23, Human Rights Watch contacted Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the M23’s allied Alliance Fleuve Congo, but received no response.

Human Rights Watch received credible information that the M23 was drawn to the Kasika

neighborhood because of reports of crime and activity by the Congolese army and the

“Wazalendo,” militia groups aligned with the Congolese government. M23 fighters searched

houses and local businesses for young men. “They started shooting and took around 25 people

from the streets,” said a resident of an area close to Katindo camp, whose 25-year-old relative 

was killed that day. Human Rights Watch confirmed that M23 fighters executed seven people on streets close to Katindo camp and received credible reports of dozens more killings. “[The M23] went into stores and shot people in the head on the Avenue du Commandant Belge,” said a witness. “The bodies were then piled up in two places: 10 in one place and 15 in another.” Residents described seeing over a dozen bodies on Kasika Avenue. “[The M23] showed me the bodies of people on the ground and said: ‘This is what we're going to do with you,’” said a woman whose relative was taken away. “I saw 18 bodies; others were on other streets.”

Eleven bodies were found at a construction site less than 100 meters from the camp, based on

witness accounts and geolocated and verified videos and photographs. Human Rights Watch

verified the identities of six victims, all civilians and neighborhood residents. The relative of a victim taken from their house said: “The M23 walked off with him, and the next morning we found his body in the construction site with other bodies.” A relative and a neighbor

of a 15-year-old boy said that the M23 took him and executed him, and dumped his body in the

construction site with the others.

Photographs and videos show several bullet holes and blood on the wall on the execution site, as

well as items on the ground that appear to be bullet cases, indicating that some of the victims

were shot there. The Independent Forensic Expert Group of the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims estimates less than 24 hours had passed since the people were killed

and photographed, matching witness accounts. A photograph posted to Facebook at 10:13 p.m.

local time on February 22, taken during daylight hours, indicates the victims were killed

sometime before nightfall, at 6:40 p.m. on February 22.

On February 22, M23 fighters shot three people on a street just west of Kasika. “When we

arrived, my friend and two others were still breathing,” said a friend of a victim. “The M23

refused to let us approach them and fired into the ground. When [my friend] died, they agreed to

let us take him to the morgue.” Human Rights Watch geolocated a video shared by a resident

showing one of the bodies being loaded onto a truck on Mulongwe Avenue, west of the

neighborhood. The witness said he saw six other bodies on that street.

Human Rights Watch also geolocated and verified a video showing men rounded up by M23

fighters on February 23 near a sports field commonly known as “terrain des scouts.” “We saw the M23 take around 20 people and make them sit on the ground,” said a witness. “They started intimidating them – they were youth from the neighborhood, but they accused them of being

FARDC [Congolese army]. At least three people tried to run away but were shot dead.” An

independent source corroborated that men trying to escape were killed, but could not verify the victims’ identities.

The video shows an M23 fighter with a red arm band, believed to belong to the military police

unit. The detained men were driven away in a truck, according to a witness. A resident and an

independent source said they believed the men were being forcibly recruited.Three medical workers said that over 50 bodies were collected from the Kasika area on February

22 and 23, which matches information provided by residents and others. Human Rights Watch

verified the identities of 13 victims. Many of those killed had a gunshot wound to the head or

chest, based on witness accounts.

Commanders and combatants who directly ordered or carried out abuses should be held

criminally accountable, Human Rights Watch said. Military commanders and civilian officials

can also be held criminally liable for crimes committed by their subordinates if they knew or

should have known of crimes being committed and failed to prevent or punish the crimes.

The fighting in eastern Congo between the M23 and Rwandan forces against the Congolese

military and allied armed groups has exposed civilians to serious crimes by all parties to the

conflict, including summary killings, sexual violence, forced displacement, and pillage.

In October 2024, the International Criminal Court prosecutor announced that his office would

renew investigative efforts in Congo with a focus on crimes in North Kivu since January 2022.

The court’s investigation should include the executions of civilians in Goma by M23 fighters,

Human Rights Watch said. “The Rwandan government, as the direct supporter of the M23, may be complicit in the armed

group’s war crimes,” de Montjoye said. “Concerned governments, including those attempting to broker peace deals between the warring parties, should press Rwanda to end its support and ensure that justice for serious crimes is a priority.”

WHY MANUFACTURERS MUST LEAD KENYA'S CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION

Opinion Article

By Rajul Malde

High and rising energy cost has been identified as one of the impediments to manufacturing and to new investments in Kenya.As highlighted in various forums, Kenya’s high power costs are not only undermining industrial competitiveness but also threatening to derail the country’s ambition of becoming a regional manufacturing hub.

Yet as the manufacturing sector grapples with escalating cost of electricity, there is a critical and urgent call for bold steps toward clean and energy-efficient alternatives.

In the face of such challenges, it is essential that manufacturers lead the charge toward energy transition, given that clean energy is not just an environmental imperative — it is now an economic one.Electricity accounts for a significant portion of production costs, especially in energy-intensive sectors such as food processing and personal care manufacturing. According to Kenya Power, commercial and industrial users consume 55% of all energy sold, making them key players in any successful reform.

By adopting and producing renewable energy technologies, manufacturers can reduce their carbon footprint and stimulate green job creation. For instance, Pwani Oil made a strategic decision to invest in cleaner and more efficient energy systems. Today, 66% of the energy used across our operations comes from renewable sources, primarily our on-site solar power plant.

This has allowed us not only to reduce our dependency on the national grid but also to surpass our 2025 clean energy target by 16% — a milestone that affirms our long-term sustainability agenda.

 The solar plant powers critical manufacturing processes at our Kikambala facility in Kilifi County, dramatically reducing our carbon emissions and shielding us from frequent energy fluctuations. It has also enabled us to lower production costs, a benefit we aim to pass on to our customers while enhancing our competitive edge in both local and export markets.

 climate change poses significant risks to industrial operations, including supply chain disruptions and resource scarcity. By embracing renewable energy and sustainable practices, manufacturers can build resilience against these risks, ensuring long-term operational stability and sustainability.The private sector can innovate and invest, energy sector reforms are essential to sustain progress. We welcome the Parliamentary Energy Committee’s commitment to address power supply challenges.

 Chairman Hon. Vincent Musau’s assurance that the committee is working with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), and Kenya Power to find lasting solutions is timely and encouraging.

But more can be done. Incentives such as tax relief on renewable energy equipment, expedited licensing for private power generation, and investments in grid modernization are vital to fast-track the transition.

Kenya’s Vision 2030 hinges on the strength of its industrial sector. If manufacturers are to thrive and create the jobs that power our economy, energy must be reliable, clean, and affordable. Transitioning to renewable energy is no longer optional — it is a survival strategy.

The writer is the Commercial Director at Pwani Oil Products Limited. His email is rajul.malde@pwani.net

EABC CALLS FOR EAC GOVERNMENTS TO COLLECTIVELY NEGOTIATE TRADE AGREEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTIES AS A BLOC

 The East African Business Council (EABC) has called on EAC Partner States to negotiate trade agreements with third parties collectively as a bloc instead of each Partner State separately concluding bilateral or multilateral trade agreements. Mr. Adrian Raphael Njau, Acting Executive Director of the EABC, emphasized that an EAC unified approach will enhance trust among Partner States, improve negotiation leverage, and uphold a common policy in the field of external trade for the region.

The EAC Customs Union Protocol (CUP) requires the Community to coordinate its trade relations with foreign countries so as to facilitate the implementation of common policy in the field of external trade. The main purpose is to ensure that the EAC Common External Tariff (CET) is uniformly implemented by all EAC Partner States. The CET as key instrument of EAC Customs Union ensures there is a common duty for goods entering the EAC Customs Territory from Rest of the World.

Recently there has been steadily increase of a number of bilateral agreements between individual EAC Partner States and third parties. There is fear among the EAC private sector that these separate individual trade agreements are being concluded without following the procedures and principles set out by EAC CUP which may subsequently create mistrust among EAC Partner States as well as distorting the EAC CET – ‘the EAC tariff wall for the region’. “Individual country having separate tariff concession with third parties which is different from the existing EAC CET may compel other Partner States to restrict free circulation of goods to mitigate trade deflection” Mr. Njau said.

Given that EAC Partner States may negotiate and enter into trade agreements independently with third parties, Article 37(4) of the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union Protocol (CUP) permits Partner States to do so, provided that the terms of such agreements do not conflict with the provisions of the EAC CUP. Article 37 of the EAC CUP outlines the procedures that Partner States must follow to conclude or amend trade agreements with third parties.

Currently the EAC Partner States as the bloc are implementing two reciprocal trade agreements with third parties which were collectively negotiated and concluded between EAC Partner States and other African countries. These agreements are the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA). Under these two agreements the five EAC Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania) have agreed to liberalise their tariffs with other African countries through a joint tariff offers based on EAC CET.

However, the EAC Partner States have found it difficult to collectively negotiate and finally concluded reciprocal trade agreements as the bloc with third parties outside Africa. A notable example is the EAC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the EAC-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). It took EAC and EU seven years from 2007 to 2014 to conclude the negotiations of the EAC-EU EPA but while the EU went ahead and signed the Agreement in June 2016; Its only Kenya and Rwanda which decided to sign the EPA in September 2016 before Kenya went ahead and ratified the Agreement in the same month. However, Kenya could not implement the Agreement until the EAC Heads of State Summit directed that Partner States who wish to implement the Agreement should go ahead and do so under the principle of variable geometry. This compelled Kenya and the EU to renegotiate a bilateral Kenya-EU EPA that was signed in December 2023 and came into force in April 2024. The Kenya-EU EPA mirrored the EAC-EU EPA with minimal adjustments including provisions for other EAC Partner States to accede when ready.

During the exit of UK from the EU under BREXIT, the UK approached the EAC in August 2020 to enter a continuity trade agreement with the EAC as bloc by 31st December 2022 when the UK would formally exit the EU. BREXIT was expected to hold back EAC’s market access to the UK composing of 15 per cent of EU population. The UK market offered access routes for EAC products to the EU. In response to the UK’s request, all East African Community (EAC) Partner States, except Kenya, argued that the proposed timeframe was insufficient for negotiations and proposed a transition period until December 2021 and requested that the UK provide Kenya, a lower middle-income country, with a transitional mechanism to retain preferential tariff treatment in the UK post-Brexit. However, on 30 September 2020, the UK communicated its intention to proceed with bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations with Kenya. The Kenya-UK EPA was signed on 8 December 2020 and ratified by both parties in March 2021.

Among the reasons that compelled Kenya to negotiate a separate trade agreement with the UK and proceed with implementing the Kenya-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) was the dual categorization of EAC Partner States, with Kenya classified as a non-Least Developed Country (non-LDC) and the others as Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Through the Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP), LDCs enjoy Duty-Free, Quota-Free (DFQF) access to the EU and UK markets under the “Everything But Arms” (EBA) pillar of the GSP. Kenya, as a non-LDC, through the “standard” GSP, is offered lower-than-Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) import tariffs on approximately 66 percent of tariff lines applied by the EU. To ensure continuity and certainty in trade relations between Kenya and the UK, both parties negotiated a reciprocal Kenya-UK EPA, which was primarily based on the EAC-EU EPA.

Mr. Njau stressed that third-party agreements must align with EAC objectives while being sensitive to the development disparities among EAC Partner States. “Dual classification of development of EAC Partners should be use as strength not weakness when negotiating trade agreements with third parties” he said. He advocated for a comprehensive and inclusive approach that goes beyond market access to address supply side constraints.

Under KE-UK EPA and KE-EU EPA, Kenya have committed to reciprocate duty-free access to UK and EU, respectively by progressive eliminating tariffs on all but exclusion products which are considered sensitive products. Currently while Kenya is implementing the reciprocal EPAs with EU and UK, the other EAC Partner States are using non-reciprocal GSP schemes to access the EU and UK markets.

Though the EU and UK GSP schemes provides the EAC with non-reciprocal trade engagement with UK and EU that seems favorable to EAC Partner States their utilization has been very low due to various factors including stringent rules of origin. The nature of clustering countries to specific groups has split up the EAC Partner region along LDC and non-LDC lines which seems unfavorable to Kenya, which is considered advanced relative to her regional counterparts. Also given the GSP is unilateral scheme offered by one party (EU & UK) there is always the continuous risk of losing the preference treatment through the Withdrawal Mechanism (as defined in Article 19 of the GSP Regulation).

 EU and UK products access the Kenyan market using Kenya’s tariff concessions, which are based on the East African Community (EAC) Common External Tariff (CET) 2017 version, while EAC Partner States are implementing the EAC CET 2022 version following a comprehensive review. The EAC CET 2017 version was structured under three bands: 25 percent for finished goods, 10 percent for intermediate goods, and 0 percent for raw materials, essential, and capital goods. It also included a limited number of products on a sensitive list that attracted rates above the maximum 25 percent, ranging between 35 percent and 100 percent. The EAC CET 2022 version is structured under four bands: 0 percent for raw materials, essential, and capital goods; 10 percent for intermediate goods; 25 percent for finished goods not sufficiently available in the EAC; and 35 percent for finished goods sufficiently available in the region. The tariff structure also includes a sensitive list, which attracts higher tariffs ranging between 50 percent and 100 percent. The primary difference between the two versions of the EAC CET is the introduction of a fourth band in the 2022 version, comprising 496 tariff lines that attract a 35 percent import duty.

As EAC Partner States face challenges in navigating current regional and bilateral Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), the region has other multiple agreements to address. These include the EAC-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the Kenya-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Moreover, the EAC Secretariat has received Free Trade Area (FTA) negotiation requests from several global trading partners, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Turkey, China, Singapore, Pakistan, and Indonesia, demonstrating the strong interest of global partners in securing long-term trade agreements with EAC Partner States as a bloc.

In light of the above arguments and the current uncertainty in global trade due to the protectionist tendencies of major global trade players, the East African Business Council (EABC) recommends the following:

 EAC Partner States analyze the implications of existing EPAs in the region for EAC commitments and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

 To uphold EAC commitments to implement a common external trade policy and progress made in the Customs Union and Common Market, EAC Partner States, as a bloc, should explore options for collectively reviewing EPAs with the EU and UK.

 EAC Partner States, as a bloc, should collectively initiate negotiations for trade agreements with global trading partners who have expressed interest in negotiating FTAs with the EAC.

 EAC Partner States should ensure active involvement of the private sector throughout the negotiation of trade agreements with third parties to guarantee inclusive and implementable agreements that reflect the interests of both the public and private sectors

 

PANEL 54 PODCAST SEEKS TO CHALLENGE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT AFRICA

A new podcast is hitting the airwaves with a clear mission: to dig deeper into how power, policy, and perspective shape African lives and how the continent tells its own stories. Panel 54, a weekly show produced by Comics Africa and E&C Talent, is now live.

Hosted by Veteran journalist Waweru Njoroge and Radio host Ndu Okoh, the podcast takes on everything from politics and media to identity and representation with a sharp eye on what’s real and relevant across the continent.

“We’re not here to ride the wave of trends. We want to get to the truth,” says Ndu Okoh.

“It’s about making space for African agencies in conversations that often leave us out,” adds Waweru Njoroge.

Panel 54 blends studio discussion with on-the-ground interviews and unscripted conversations. From Cape Town to Cairo, Lagos to Lamu, it speaks to a continental audience hungry for deeper dialogue and unapologetically African viewpoints.

Early episodes explore timely topics like Pan-Africanism in 2025, Africa’s place in a shifting global power structure, and how media shapes public opinion.

SANLAM KENYA RAISES Ksh 2.5 BILLION THROUGH A RIGHTS ISSUE

 Diversified financial services group Sanlam Kenya Plc (NSE: SLAM) has announced the results of its recent Rights Issue, confirming a 100% subscription and raising gross proceeds of Ksh 2.5 billion.

 

The Rights Issue, which opened on 25 April and closed on 12 May 2025, was fully subscribed for, recording an 82% uptake from shareholders with the untaken Rights being successfully underwritten.

 

Speaking when he announced the Rights Issue results, Sanlam Kenya Group CEO Dr. Patrick Tumbo said the proceeds from the Rights Issue would be used to repay an existing debt facility, consequently bringing the Group’s indebtedness to more sustainable levels, reducing interest costs, and supporting operational and financial flexibility to accelerate growth.

 

“The successful Rights Issues mark a key milestone in our strategic transformation journey. The funds raised will enable us to strengthen our balance sheet by repaying our outstanding bank facility, thereby reducing our long-term debt exposure and freeing up resources to reinvest in our core business operations,” Dr Tumbo said.

 

The Rights Issue was priced at Ksh 5 per new share, allowing shareholders to acquire 125 new shares for every 36 existing shares, with 500,000,000 new shares offered.

 

With the Rights Issue now complete, Sanlam Kenya is well-positioned to implement its strategic plan, which includes expanding its footprint in the non-bank financial services sector, enhancing shareholder value, and building inclusive financial confidence across its customer segments.

 

“We are grateful to our shareholders for their continued trust and to Sanlam Allianz Africa for their strong backing. With a healthier balance sheet and capital reserves, the Group will focus on pioneering inclusive financial confidence by investing in diversified non-bank financial services provision,” Sanlam Kenya Chairman Dr. John Simba said.

 

Statements from the registrar detailing share allocations and any applicable refunds will be dispatched to shareholders on 30 May 2025, and CDS accounts will be electronically credited with the new shares on 3 June 2025.

 

Trading of the new shares on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) will commence on 4 June 2025.

 

The transaction was spearheaded by a local advisory team led by Lead Transaction Advisor (Absa Bank (Kenya) Plc), Lead Sponsoring Broker (Absa Securities Limited), Legal Advisor (Anjarwalla & Khanna LLP (ALN Kenya)), Reporting Accountant (KPMG Kenya), Receiving Bank (Stanbic Bank Kenya Plc), Share Registrar (Image Registrars Limited) and Marketing Consultants (Oxygène MCL).