Author: Dredan Njau

China Square
Lifestyle
Dredan Njau

China Square: A cultural shopping fusion in Kenya

From roads and railways to commerce, China’s impact on Kenya’s economy goes beyond debt. The aisles of Kenyan markets are witnessing a vibrant cross-cultural exchange as Chinese products and entrepreneurial spirit take center stage at local shopping centers. The narrative of China’s presence in Kenya has transcended politics and diplomatic ties, evolving into a dynamic economic partnership with a palpable impact on trade and daily life. China’s role in Kenya’s infrastructure development, marked by signature projects like the Standard Gauge Railway and the Nairobi Expressway, brought with it an influx of Chinese workers, entrepreneurs, and businesspeople. Chinese goods in local markets This convergence of cultures

Read More
In Brief
Dredan Njau

Airtel Money daily limit goes up to Sh500,000

Users of Airtel Money can now sent Kes500,000 per day up from the current Kes300,000 effective August 15, this year. The move follows approval from the banking sector regulator, the Central Bank of Kenya and comes almost at the same time when rival Safaricom received the nod to revise upwards daily transaction limit on M-PESA by a similar margin. For Airtel Money customers, the transaction limit will be capped at KEs150,000 meaning one can only transfer cash three times a day to hit the Kes500,000 sealing.  Anne Kinuthia-Otieno, Managing Director Airtel Money (K) Ltd stated, “We are elated about the CBK’s decision as this change

Read More
MarketsNews
Dredan Njau

The rise of pay tomorrow for today’s pleasures

Buy now pay later services in Kenya are slowly becoming a new norm as they offer loans to individuals who need products, services and goods but lack the required amount in that given time. Basically, they get you through the purchase of goods and you pay later. They help Kenyans get the “softlife” they so much want to live their best life today by enabling them to buy their dream products now and pay later in easy monthly installments. Partnering with retailers Through the loans, customers can furnish their homes, buy the latest mobile phones , new household appliances, electronics, IT gadgets or even go…

Read More
Onions
MarketsNews
Dredan Njau

Tiny pricey onions making consumers cry

When we went to get “mayai pasua” from our roadside vendor the other day, something odd hit me. While looking at the freshly prepared bowl of kachumbari in front of us, it was clear that our “mayai pasua” plug had little to no onions in it. We did not raise our concerns immediately, because, who asks “wapi kitunguu?” This is especially tougher when there’s a notable presence of well-dressed people waiting in line for their turn. We wandered away chatting among ourselves wondering how absurd it was only for our more enlightened colleague to interject, citing that there is onion shortage in Kenya. Our colleague,…

Read More
Remote jobs
Markets
Dredan Njau

Workers want remote jobs, even at less pay

Employees have not known more freedom, less costs and flexibility that allowed them to work multiple jobs than they did during the Covid-19 era and some are finding it difficult to resume full time work. Over the last two years, many workers especially young people joining the job market, found themselves adopting the art of sending emails in pajamas, having zoom meetings in only half a suit with our lower halves covered in shorts. As employers compel workers to resume full time office work, some are opting to quit saying they would rather accept a low-paying job if it is to give them the flexibility

Read More
Kwale TTC
LifestyleNews
Dredan Njau

Why Gen Z no longer want to be teachers

Kenya could be heading to a teacher shortage crisis as the young generation demoralized by corruption, low pay and delays in getting absorbed by the Teachers Service Commission, shun the profession. Latest data from Ministry of Education on enrolment at Teachers Training Colleges (TTC’s) across the country shows only 21 percent of the positions offered in the institutions have actually been taken up. Although the total capacities across all the TTC’s stand at 28,070, currently only a mere 6002 have applied to join the training colleges. And the shortage is not just among young people joining the cadres, teachers are looking to leave the profession…

Read More