insert_link Africa The IMF is failing countries like Kenya: why, and what can be done about it By Danny Bradlow, University of Pretoria The recent Kenyan protests are a warning that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is failing. The public does not think it is helping its member countries manage their economic and financial problems, which are being exacerbated by a rapidly changing global political economy. To be sure, the IMF is not the only cause of Kenya’s problems with raising […] todayJuly 3, 2024 4
insert_link Africa Unrest in Kenya Challenges IMF Targets and Borrowing Costs Violent unrest that compelled Kenya's president to withdraw support for a finance bill has cast uncertainty over the country's ability to meet International Monetary Fund targets and could increase borrowing costs, according to investors and analysts. The bill, which proposed taxes on bread, vegetable oil, sugar, mobile-money transfers, and certain imports, aimed to generate US$2.68 billion, equivalent to 3% of GDP, in additional revenue, as noted by Morgan Stanley's, Neville […] todayJuly 1, 2024 5
insert_link Africa Kenyan police used teargas on dozens of protesters in Nairobi Kenyan police used teargas on dozens of protesters in Nairobi and blocked roads to the presidential palace on Thursday as nationwide demonstrations continued, despite the president's decision to withdraw a tax hike bill. Reuters reports that protesters in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other cities called for President William Ruto to resign. However, the turnout was lower compared to the peak of the mass rallies triggered by the tax measures over […] todayJune 28, 2024 5
insert_link Africa Demonstrators in Kenya prepare to resume protests Protestors in Kenya are preparing to resume demonstrations despite President Ruto declining to sign the finance bill into law. They aim to 'occupy State House,' insisting only Ruto's resignation will satisfy them. Isabel Nakirya reports. Analysts said that while the finance bill initially triggered the protests, they have now expanded to reflect broad dissatisfaction with the government. Protesters in Nairobi told Al Jazeera they are demanding the president's resignation. […] todayJune 27, 2024 9
insert_link Uncategorized Kenyan President Withdraws Tax Hikes Amid Protests Kenyan President William Ruto withdrew planned tax hikes on Wednesday, succumbing to pressure from protesters who stormed parliament, launched nationwide demonstrations, and threatened further action this week, reports Reuters. This move is seen as a significant victory for the week-old, youth-led protest movement, which evolved from online condemnations of the tax increases into mass rallies demanding a political overhaul. This marks the most serious crisis of Ruto's two-year presidency. todayJune 27, 2024 3
insert_link Africa Death toll rises in Kenya tax hike protests Protesters in Kenya have been shot dead and fires started inside parliament after politicians voted in favour of a controversial tax bill. The Kenya Medical Association said at least 13 people had been killed and dozens more injured. Following reports that Namibians were near Kenya’s Parliament at the time of the incident, we spoke to the Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Penda Naanda. Kenya is […] todayJune 26, 2024 15
insert_link Africa Kenya protesters shot as they near parliament Anti-tax protesters in the Kenyan capital Nairobi have pushed their way into the complex where the parliament sits. Local TV has been showing images of a police truck on fire nearby. There have been reports of people being wounded as police fired rounds to disperse the crowds. A human rights organisation said it had witnessed four protesters being shot, and said that one person had been killed. This has not […] todayJune 25, 2024 12
insert_link Africa Kenyan protesters have taken to the streets in their thousands – what the law says about their rights By John Mukum Mbaku, Weber State University Across Kenya, thousands of mostly young citizens are protesting against tax proposals tabled by President William Ruto’s administration in its annual budget legislation. Using hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament, protesters have held demonstrations against the finance bill since 18 June 2024. They believe its proposals burden salaried Kenyans, entrepreneurs and consumers. They argue that it goes against […] todayJune 25, 2024 11
insert_link Africa Over 200 injured, 100+ arrested in Kenya tax hike demonstrations Nationwide protests in Kenya against government tax hike plans have resulted in over 200 injuries and more than 100 arrests. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, reported a violent crackdown by riot police, involving tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets, with at least 105 protesters detained. Future Media's Tshoopara Tshoopara reports from Kenya. todayJune 24, 2024 9
Paying it forward: Kenyan coastal doctor Bashrahil Mohammed Mafudh has made it his life’s work to care for the most vulnerable in his community, at no cost.
