KAM’s plan to reboot manufacturing sector
The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has identified several pressing issues affecting the economic landscape of Kenya, ranging from delayed
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The rise of African startups in the face of adversity
Africa, with its vibrant cultures and emerging economies, is experiencing a new wave marked by a rise in startups, a
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Against working from the office
I’m worn out from work, particularly the office grind and the entire LinkedIn process—updating my resume and engaging in ‘networking.’
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SHE Leads at the heart of Kisumu’s resurgence
A Seamless Frames Production for Pamoja CBO and Plan International Scribe: Otiato Guguyu Photography Billy Matimbayi Audio storyteller: Leonida Owaga Have you ever sat on the shores of Lake Victoria at dusk? It’s a moment when nature herself seems to blush, casting the heavens in shades of crimson as the sun dips below the horizon. As the day’s warmth gently recedes, the lake undergoes a breathtaking transformation. It becomes a shimmering silver mirror, reflecting the sky’s fiery palette. In this tranquil twilight hour, it’s as if God Himself gazes upon His creation. His eyes wander across the lake’s surface, where life thrives in a myriad
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The cost of ‘fotomoto’, the most valuable thing today
The first time I did street photography I only managed to sell one; for Kes100, after a lot of coaxing and begging, but it felt so good to finally earn something from my skills. It was getting dark, and my batteries were about to die, but on the positive side, I had taken my best photos and I was happy with my job. As I was making my way back to the CBD, just before the GPO roundabout happily squeezing the worn-out Kes100 note in my watch pocket, mean agents of the government came for it. “Simameni hapo nyinyi!” a man with blood-flecked eyes and a…
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Café Deli’s chicken sparks economic renaissance in Busia
Kenya’s hotel industry has been a darling of private equity investors who believed East Africa’s largest economy had a sizable middle class, who could drink more cups of coffee and get cultured into a pallet for the American burger. American chains such as Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) landed in Nairobi in 2011 and was quickly followed by Subway three years later, Cold Stone Creamery and Domino’s Pizza the following year then Pizza Hut and Burger King, in 2015 and 2016 respectively. The popular brand following on the footsteps of South African chains Debonairs and Steers soon spread fast among young urban social media savvy youth against…
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Why local music is struggling in Kenya
The last time I was at Egesa bar in Umoja seven years ago, the tickets to a show by Luo crooner Prince Indah cost Kes300. Today, it costs just a hundred more as the rising benga musicians retains his solid fanbase by keeping the cost of entertainment affordable for the Eastlands crowds. Cheki, my cousin and one of his diehard fans tells me we have to make it there by six O’Clock to get a seat. A Prince Indah concert attracts fans by the hundreds and when we make it there late as usual by eight O’Clock most tables are taken. Although the seats are…
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Holiday travel safety: Don’t drop your guard just yet
As the festive season sets in, the allure of celebrating Christmas and ushering in the New Year prompts a wave
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Matatu code for drivers this holiday season
Across the 246,757 kilometres of road cutting through Kenya, an unspoken language rules. A secret code—using indicator lights, headlamps and hand gestures—is exchanged among public transport drivers, to navigate a maze of countless police stops, especially where bribes are almost certainly demanded and paid promptly. Seif Mwanje, a bus driver I picked up on my way to Kisumu tells me that if I flick my head lamps twice at an oncoming matatu and swish my wipers, the driver will know there are no traffic police officers for another long stretch. He says if I flick the lights and signal with my index and middle fingers pointed downwards, that would mean…
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Tough economy ending WhatsApp philanthropy
The first victim of my joblessness was Faith Kangai, the mother of two daughters who used to take care of
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