NEWS - Page 2 of 8

Coast Hotels Brighten up as Domestic Tourists Head for Special Functions

Most hotels along the coastal region of Kenya have reported an increase in business this festive season as more domestic tourists patronize the area for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Since many of the clientele are local people, these businesses have designed lively environments to appeal to locals and occasional tourists on holiday throughout the year.

Pope Francis urges a worldwide ceasefire for Christmas

Pope Francis urges a worldwide ceasefire for Christmas.

Peace Amid Conflict

During his recent Christmas speech, Pope Francis called for an end to the war and asked the leaders of countries that are suffering from the war to engage in a dialogue. Addressing thousands of attendees at the St. Peter’s Basilica the pope called for more democracy in political coping with Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan.

Addressing the Crisis in Gaza

During the occasion, the pope was very much concerned with the Gaza situation that has fated the Christian communities. He appealed for cessation of hostilities and stressed the need to team with the displaced and hungry populace worst affected by war. His request also included freeing of hostage detainees incarcerated in the Gaza strip preeminently illustrating his concern for remedies and reunion.

Advocacy for Ukraine

Speaking during the papal address, Pope Francis spoke of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, in which many people are still suffering. He emphasized the need for talks and diplomacy to smooth the way for just and sustained return. He was urging his audience to take risks in order to bring an end to the fight and bring back tranquility.

Humanitarian Appeal for Sudan

The pope also focused on Sudan a country that has long been ravaged by civil war. He called for increased effort to deliver humanitarian assistance and encourage diplomacy that seeks to put an end to the fighting. The perpetual crisis puts millions in peril of starving, and that is why solidarity is needed now more than ever.

The same call for Disarm for a Universal Appeal.

The message of Pope Francis went further than appealing to certain areas, it became an appeal to end the fighting all over the world. His appeal sought to touch on what was desired most in the world – peace and what was expected of everyone – to care for those in distress across the globe. Pope Francis fleshed out this vision as a world that can be changed from how it is now with conflict and division into a dialogue and compassionate one.

The Year 2024 in Review: A Revolutionary Time in Kenyan History

The year 2024 can be described as a year of dynamism that brought revolutionary change in socio-political, economic and even physical environment in Kenya. From crippling natural disasters to political measures changes and society activism and other struggles and transformational phenomena the country went through the test.

Natural Disasters and the Killer Floods

Kenya was hit by the biggest floods in April 2024 that affected the whole country leaving destruction. Severe floods compelled more than 110000 people to abandon their homes, many houses were washed away, and there were many fatalities. Nairobi informal settlements were among the stricken zones, where the people found themselves huddled on roofs

The Mai Mahiu case brought into perspective the just how severe it can be when water channels are blocked resulting to major flooding that claimed 61 lives. In May the death toll rose to 257, thousands injured and thousands displaced from their homes. Nevertheless, the government was criticized for the poor emergency aid, deficiency of action in disaster prevention and control.

The floods interrupted learning and resulted in education emergencies including damage to education infrastructure, impacting more than 150 schools leading institutions to provide learners affected with fees-waiver. The situation was eased through contribution of Ksh. 2 billion by the UAE but Kenyan citizens did not forgive the government for mishandling of the tragedy.

Finance Bill 2024: A Nation in Uproar

The just introduced Finance Bill 2024 drew a lot of negative public reactions and protests. The Bill that was geared at increasing taxes was regarded as exploitative specifically under a crunch economizing situation. Agriculture, telecommunication, and manufacturing industries expressed some of the concerns arising from adopting it.

The protests referred to as “Occupy Parliament” were initiated in June by a social media group led by gen Z members. Nevertheless, the Bill went through its second reading in parliament thereby eliciting nation-wide protest.

More of the protests were carried on June 25 when some protesters were killed by security forces around the Parliament premises. Sustaining the pressure, President William Ruto declined to endorse the Bill into law but rather sought public opinion. Finally, in July, Parliament threw out the Bill completely, but the bitter memory of the protests framed the nation’s psyche.

A Nation Wakes Up: Church and Civil Society Stands

Protests that followed by introduction of Finance bill pointed to a campaign in the country for accountability and integrity in governance. As churches started opening up leadership, religious heads began terming civil disobedience against poor leadership as acceptable.

for example the Catholic Church among others declined to accept monetary contributions from politicians as a sign of change in the role of the state in relation to religious organizations. It highlighted increasing public interest and concern for ethical leadership, professional and corporate governance in public activities.

School and Health: The right to strike

Education and healthcare workers went on protracted strike in the year because of delayed remunerations and unpaid or unbired demands. Hatred strikes as teachers walked out and doctors stayed away from schools and hospitals across the nation.

University lecturers also went on strike, pointing at embezzlement of funds in public universities. Due to some of the financial problems Moi University was almost closed and supplemented with embezzlement claims.

Healthcare Overhaul: The Unpleasant Change to Taifa Care

In October, the National Health Insurance Fund changed to Social Health Insurance Fund, now referred to as Taifa Care. It was undertaken with the objective of increasing availability of quality health services but was plagued with implementation problems as well as controversy.

Patients on dialysis for example, suffered terrible fates since the hospitals did not accept the NHIF cards but instead demanded cash. Nevertheless, the government was confident in Taifa Care’s capacity to revitalize the healthcare sector at the same time that the process was in shambles.

The Gen Z Movement and a Call for Change

The protests demonstrating against Finance Bill were actually part of bigger transitional trend in Kenya’s civic space. People of Gen Z raised up, taking the social networks as the megaphones to make their concern and demand change heard. This paved way to change and their activism disrupted the old-fashioned practice of powers-that-be that advocated for the improvement of governance for the marginalized.

A Year of Learning and Perseverance

2024 will be named as the year of challenging and transformational changes in human life. Disasters, including fires, floods, and conflicts, as well as social uprisings challenging for Kenya and encouraging development of effective governance and leadership.

President Ruto and AUC Chair Moussa Faki on the Reforms, Leadership Transition in the African Union

Session: High-Level Meeting in Narok County

President William Ruto welcomed African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Moussa Faki to Kilgoris, Narok County, for discussions on specific and concrete measures to improve AU. They also discussed the forthcoming elections for the AUC Chairpersonship because it was a critical step change in the leadership of the organization.

Raila Odinga’s Candidacy for AUC Chairperson

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has listed himself through the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State & Government to be considered for the next AUC Chairperson when Moussa Faki leaves office in 2025. The key issues pegged on Odinga’s campaign are promoting the African continent international voice and vying for two slots on the United Nations Security Council to boost the continental voice on security issues.

The Blessings of President Ruto on different agendas, such as endorsement of Odinga.

Ruto has come out in the open supporting Odinga’s presidential bid and asking Kenyans and the international community to do the same. The support indicates a renewed Kenyan call for increased participation in the African and other global forums.

A Competitive Race

Raila Odinga stands a chance to compete with Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato, all of whom have started their campaigns to head the AUC. The election is expected to be a defining moment for the AU in terms of defining the organization’s agenda and direction of reforms for the coming years.

Africa’s Drive for Reforms

Ruto’s meeting with Faki goes to show that there is a lot of work to be done when it comes to institutional development for the current African challenges. Possible topics maybe likely to have covered areas such as; improving the operational efficiency of the AU, increasing the financial resources base of the AU, and strengthening the AU’s capacity in managing continental and global challenges.

The elections that are due in AUC offer Africa another chance at entrenching itself as a leader in the international community. As Raila Odinga’s candidature builds up steam and with the support of the incumbent President William Ruto, Kenya steps up to be a key power broker of the African Union. These changes underscore the collective desire of the continent to effect change and improve their representation in decision making bodies around the globe.

High Public Debt Calls for Alarm in Kenya

Debt goes a notch higher than the approved ceiling

Kenya’s public debt has reached severe levels, levels that are way beyond what has been approved by the parliament, that is, 55% of the GDP. This is going by the figures released by the Controller of Budget (COB) for the same financial year putting todays’ debt at 67% of GDP and raising a lot of eyebrows as far as fiscal sustainability is concerned.

In accordance to the National Government Budget Implementation Review Report of the 2022/2023 current fiscal year, Kenya’s public debt stock stood at Ksh. 10.79 trillion on September 2024 and the external debt constitutes 48%, while the domestic debt constitutes 52%. This, in turn, means a 2% increase since June 2024 to add more pressure to the country’s finances.

Out of all the revenues generated, the major portion is used to service debts.

Today the report revealed established that nearly 70 percent of every shilling collected as government revenue, ends up servicing debts. Such payments are considered more important than the other expenditure, hence few resources are available for development and service delivery.

Chronological Analysis of the Debt Ceiling

Parliament in June last year endorsed the new public debt management framework that sought to replace the Ksh.10 trillion cap with the new debt anchor of 55 percent of GDP. Nevertheless, the government has already crossed this limit by 12%, which testifies to the fast velocity of borrowing activity.

Structural Affair and Governance Problem

When discussing the increasing debt, Dr. Nyakang’o called for remedial action and laser sharpened on wastage, corruption, and inefficiency in the manner funds are utilised. Originally, a more radical shift in the processes has been addressed by means of launching the E-Citizen platform which contributes to minimizing some inefficiencies though more thorough reforms are necessary to interrupt the vicious circle of borrowing.

. The Significant of transparency when Making an agreement on Debt.

The High Court has directed the government to make all the debt obligation and sovereign bonds and expenditure breakup for the period public within 45 days. This ruling comes at the backdrop of heightened controversies with so-called “odious debt” – non-concessional international sovereign debts whose utilization lacks demonstrable links to development projects; the public questioned accountability and development benefits to deserves credit.

Campaigning Policies under the Lens

President William Ruto, who vowed to bring down Kenya’s debt levels during his campaign, has come under fire as indebtedness surges more than two years into his presidency. The government bond market shows that public confidence in government’s management of debt has been declining.

The Path Forward

This is because a number of scholars and stakeholders put pressure on the government to take measures to rein in debt levels. Recommendations include:

Reducing wastage and corruption: Reducing extravagancy aspects like purchase of sophisticated Governmental vehicles, enhancing a stronger checks and balances system.

Fostering economic growth: Investing in ways that boost GDP gives the country a way to pay the debts in a bid to minimize the debt-to-GDP ratio.

Enhancing transparency: Including full details of debt arrangements and making sure that money borrowed is tied to worthwhile initiatives.

The amount of public debts is steadily increasing in Kenya, which surely challenges fiscal balance and the nation’s overall growth. Unless the outlined problems are addressed, the country is headed for a debt crisis with dire developmental and political consequences in the future. The government has to show commitment on fiscal discipline, transparency and governance for its general recovery and to ensure that there is sustainably good economic management.

Mozambique Court stands with the disputed election amidst mayhem

Mozambique’s highest court has endorsed the disputed election results returned by the ruling party naming its candidate as the country’s president. The election marred by claims of massive cheating has fueled nearly two months of violent protests; destruction and worsening of political polarization.

The Court’s Ruling

The Constitutional Council of Mozambique said it identified unlawful activities within the election process though they were not material enough to affect the result. This saw the ruling party take charge of the presidency, parliamentarians and provincial government making it the most powerful political force in the country.

A Divided Political Landscape

The opposition and its fans have refused to recognize the court’s decision because they state that there was no fair and open vote. This the opposition with the support of the public has intensified condemning the ruling party of eradicating democracy. However, the ruling of the court has exacerbated the problem of insecurity and amplification of acts of vandalism and breakdown of law and order leading to formation of different factions in the country.

Post-Election Unrest

Mass protests began after the results were announced and they remain sustained to the present. Protests have gone ugly with violence using state security forces leading to loss of lives and injuries among protesters. This is the reason that main streets in big cities have torn and photos of perceived poll rigging remain unchanged.

Governance and Accountability

In this regard, the ruling party has a major responsibility due to its influence over major government parastatals. The new declared president has the problem of presiding over a country that suffers from a lack of trust, and the commitment to fulfill the part of the promises declaring the intentions to introduce changes that concerns the voting and the democratic processes’ flaws.

Human Rights Concerns

Human Rights organizations condemned this action taken by the government in the wake of the protests. The state authorities are concerned by the media accounts of use of force when discharging their duties, arbitrary arrests, and crackdown on peaceful protests. These actions have process further the image of the government to the internal and external societies.

Implications for Mozambique

Essentially, the Court has proffered a prescription with a potential bearing for Mozambique’s political destiny. The country is now at a critical juncture where the principles of democracy and the people’s confidence on democratic institutions are at the center of the next battle. Thus, without corresponding attempts at satisfying the demands of the opposition supporters or the general populace, Mozambique is likely to become politically unstable for a long time.

The election that took place in Mozambique and its subsequent events demonstrate how vulnerable the country’s democracy is. The conflictual course of the procedure and the following tensions prove the necessity of the modifications that aim at increasing the openness, involvement, and responsibility of governing systems. There is no clear way forward for this country unless its leaders begin to map out the difficult ways in which they will need to heal a divided society and begin the process of rebuilding the institutions that the citizens of this country have lost faith in.

The Diaspora Bond Proposal in Kenya: A State of Affairs Debates

The recent Kenya’s attempted to bring into context a financing model in the form of diaspora bond for infrastructure has raised stir among the citizens in the country and across the globe. Unveiled by the then Prime, Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi during the Diaspora Day celebration held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The program is meant to harness on the remittances from the Diaspora, which stands at a record $4billion (Sh520 billion from January to October 2024.

The government hopes that these funds will be used to fund infrastructure projects that can transform the country such as highways, power plants and water systems with a view of cutting on foreign expensive loans hence encouraging economic self reliance.

Government’s Vision

The government believes that diaspora remittance that currently stands at $7 billion could hit Sh1 trillion by 2027 to cement the shilling and boost development. The diaspora bond is aimed at mobilizing low cost funds as a source of financing as well as providing Kenyans living in foreign countries with a secure investment outlet.

Support for the Proposal

Some have noted that this is a one of a kind chance for Kenya to institutionalize a new source of incremental funding, thus easing fiscal stress. Explaining the nature of the scheme, financial gurus have viewed the initiative as a better prospect to foreign loans through considering following benefits; Lower rate of lending compare to foreign loans, Long repayment period for the borrow.

Such high remittance numbers depict the financial might of diaspora, which has substantially funded health, education, housing and most areas of rural development. Some of them involved with this issue hope to see this impact taken to national projects so as to facilitate development and reap the benefits in the long-run.

Concerns and Criticism

However, some people have questioned it, and so it has not been implemented as proposed below: Skeptics argue that Kenya has a history of embezzlement of public funds; the government’s capacity to realize its identified projects is questionable.

Critics attributed the social bond could raised Kenya’s high public debt if corruption is not tackled and checks instituted. But there were also questions about what precisely the bond would bring to investors and the entire economy.

Opportunities and Challenges

The diaspora bond’s success depends on several factors:

Transparency: The valiant effort sheds particularity to a definition of term and the implementation of such to keep investor confidence intact and in due course, update as needs be.

Accountability: A strong framework to check cases of embezzlement and fraud.

Delivery: To familiarise clients with our services and establish credibility, timely and effective implementation of projects.

Investor Trust: To persuade the diaspora that their hard earned money will lead to developmental changes for the better.

Countries such as Israel and India have also applied diaspora bonds and hence the case for Kenya is feasible. Nevertheless, the challenge that is likely to persist is trust because it was eroded in previous management of similar projects.

The idea of Kenyan diaspora bond is an indicative of the government of Kenya’s quest to mobilise the financial resource of the diaspora community for the nation’s development. That said, the opportunity to provide access to more innovative funding sources is commendable and could be boosted by optimizing such factors as the state’s capacity to resolve the existing concerns on transparency and accountability of project implementation.

The debate a manifestation of a more general and recurring problem in economic development trying to strike the right balance between the ambitious goal and the need to be credible and attract investors. If well implemented, the diaspora bond could change the way and manner of financing infrastructure in Kenya and open a new chapter of financing infrastructure within the country.

Honda and Nissan to Begin Merger Talks: A Game-Changer for EV Market?

Japanese Titans Join Forces

Two Japan based automobile giants, Honda and Nissan, the second and third largest car manufacturers, are set to begin a possible merger in order to counter the increasing threat posed by the EV market. This proposed linkage with Mitsubishi Motors on the table could alter the global auto industry and produce the third-largest auto making company around the world.

Catching Up with Rivals

It puts pressure on traditional car makers such as Honda and Nissan as Chinese EV brands such as BYD, start dominating the market as well as Tesla, an internationally recognized brand. A merger would accelerate their EV and self-driving technologies progression and provide the needed support for Nissan, which guilty of declining profits and multiple job cuts recently.

Not an Equal Partnership

Honda seems to be taking the lead here. The head of the new holding company will be appointed by Honda and the majority of members of the board of directors. Currently, Nissan’s subsidiary Mitsubishi Motors might affiliate with the alliance from 2024.

What Goes Around Comes Around: Nissan’s Struggles Expound on the Stakes

Today’s Nissan was once considered as one of the global automotive giants, but it recently has been struggling; for instance, it recorded a 93% decline in profits in the financial year and it also resorted to job shedding recently. Honda is said to be contemplating the notion of a turnaround before going full-throttle on a merger.

China and EVs: A Tough Battlefield

China is now the biggest car exporter after leaving behind Japan with the help of government-supported EV projects. The Japanese car makers find themselves under intense pressure from emerging titans from China like BYD and hence the call for innovation and scale.

Where Is Foxconn’s Interest In The Mix?

Stirring more drama, the Taiwanese electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn, the company that makes Apple’s iPhones, is said to have expressed its interest in Nissan, and asked Renault to sell the 35% it owned.

Ghosn Weighs In

Nissan’s former boss now in exile in Lebanon, Carlos Ghosn, potrayed the move as desperate by the company. “This partnership indicates that they are desperate,” he said while also arguing for the lack of strategic fit between the two companies.

Why It Matters

The automotive sector is changing at a very dynamic rate and so is the automotive industry. The alliance between Honda and Nissan could elevate Japan’s standings in EVs and battery tech so that they stay relevant worldwide. It could be this bold move that is needed as governments globally promote greener alternatives to keep companies in the race.

Arteta Reflects on Five Years at Arsenal: “The Best Is Yet to Come”

Arteta Reflects on Five Years at Arsenal: "The Best Is Yet to Come"

Arsenal’s head coach Mikel Arteta has provided messages of hope and thankfulness on Friday as he celebrates his 5th year anniversary with the London base club telling fans ‘the best is yet to come’.

A Developmental Odyssey of Achievement

Appointed on December 20, 2019, Arteta has achieved notable milestones:

Succeeding in winning FA Cup in his first season that was his greatest achievement.

Guiding Arsenal to the Champions League after a season which saw the team gradually ease back into the elite club competition.

Overseeing the team to the Premier League second place in the last two seasons.

The Mission Ahead

However, Arteta has not lost sight of greater victory, with Arsenal now six points away from Liverpool in the league.

There are moments when time flies so quickly, and I’m delighted to be here. Arteta added: “It is still a process of learning, it is still a process of growth, and it is still a process of progression and I believe the better is yet to come.

He stressed this goal saying that he wants to win “big trophies” but, at the same time, he appreciates developments at the club.

Building a Strong Foundation

Arteta highlighted the transformations during his tenure:

“The fact that we have maintained our unity, the connection we have, and the fact that we are fighting on large battle axe fronts at the moment – these are things we have not been able to achieve in the last few years.”

Arsenal are now back amongst Europe’s giants, currently sitting third in their current Champions’ League group and looking forward to their League Cup semifinal against Newcastle.

Passion for Arsenal

The 42-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to the club

That is why I am here, I need this job as I like what I am doing, and I like this football club. I always tend to do my best that I can each day as a writer and nurse.”

Looking ahead, Arteta stressed the need for continuous improvement

I have already built something with them and so to go to the next level requires effort.

What’s Next?

Arsenal next play Crystal Palace on Saturday in a match that could reduce the gap at the top of the Premier League to four points.

Main Outcomes of President Ruto’s Statements

Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret dual carriageway construction

Timeline: Construction works on the planned dual carriageway to start in the year 2025.

Extension: End of the project, the corridor will stretch to Malaba to enhance the connection and business on the stretch.

Purpose: Traffic congestion along this stretch especially during festive seasons should be tackled along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

2. Economic & Agricultural Progress

Achievements

Lower inflation rates.
Increased exports.
Food security improvements that result from subsidy on agricultural inputs.

Outcome: Elimination of maize and sugar imports because of increased local production of food.

Healthcare Reforms

New Insurance Plan

It has been billed as a revolution in Kenya’s health care sector.
Intended to provide sustainable positive impacts to the population in their society.

Commitment: Commitment to guaranteeing the success of the program to increase the availability of health care services.

The program of Livestock vaccination throughout the country

Objective: To avoid diseases such as foot and mouth which are calamities for the livestock economy.

Criticism Addressed:

From the selection of dismissed claims about vaccines, ones safety is dismissed.

Brought out the fact that we now use locally made vaccines and that a key manufacturing center exists in Kabete, Africa.

Importance: Establishes economic stability in areas where the major source of income is livestock rearing.

Members of the Opposition in the Government

Rationale:

Promote unity and stability throughout the region of the nation.

Minimise the number of divisions arising from previous protest.

Goal: They have to enhance the process of development by implementing bipartisan cooperation.

6. Call to Address Social Issues

Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

Called on churches in particular to become more proactively involved with addressing these matters.

Indicated that ‘this was a preventive measure mainly proposing vigorous moral values that a child should be nurtured with’.

President Ruto’s disclosures emphasize physical development and the economy, growth stability, healthcare system improvements, and consensus in administration, and social issues via religious partnerships.