Kenya’s new social health insurance fund wants to improve care for mothers and babies: but it faces challenges

Kenya’s new social health insurance fund wants to improve care for mothers and babies: but it faces challenges

By Boniface Oyugi, University of Kent Kenya has made strides in maternal and child health over the past decade. Preventable complications related to pregnancy still result in about 5,000 maternal deaths annually, however. I am a health economist and health policy specialist and co-author of a study of the Kenyan health system to evaluate the state of maternal care in the country. This is important because the […]

September 9, 2024 25

Africa

Ugandan athlete Cheptegei killed in domestic violence incident

A Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has died in Kenya four days after being set on fire by her partner. Cheptegei was part of Uganda's Paris 2024 Olympics athletics team. Leon Ssenyange reports. The 33-year-old Ugandan athlete, who placed 44th behind Dutch winner Sifan Hassan on 11 August, had been in critical condition at a hospital in neighboring Kenya. Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare confirmed the marathoner's death […]

September 5, 2024 48

Africa

Kenyan artists reflect Gen Z hopes and frustrations in new exhibition

By Anne Mwiti, Kenyatta University As young protesters in Kenya took to the streets in June to demand the government account for its spending of taxpayers’ money, the Wajukuu Art Project was opening a new exhibition in Nairobi. Visitors to In the Absence at The African Arts Trust Gallery are greeted by large installations. Draped materials hang from a pillowy sky, razor sharp knives are welded to […]

September 5, 2024 12

Africa

1200+ Fintech Stakeholders to Converge at the 12th Edition of the Africa Fintech Summit in Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya, is set to host the 12th edition of the Africa Fintech Summit in two days. The event, slated to take place at the J.W. Marriott from September 4-6, 2024, will bring together African and global Africa-focused fintech stakeholders for growth-enabling conversations and engagements. The Nairobi event is the latest edition of the biannual Africa Fintech Summit, which takes place in Washington, D.C., and in an African […]

September 4, 2024 9

Africa

Kenyan Police Offer Reward for Capture of Escaped Serial Murder Suspect

Kenyan police are offering a substantial cash reward for information leading to the capture of Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, a serial murder suspect who escaped custody alongside 12 others from a Nairobi police station according to BBC Africa reports. Khalusha, who reportedly confessed to killing 42 women since 2022, escaped with the help of insiders. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has issued a wanted notice as authorities intensify efforts to re-arrest […]

August 23, 2024 14

Africa

Africa’s off-grid solar sector is electrifying global investors

By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Africa’s off-grid solar sector continues to be a magnet for investment, with recent analysis from Africa: the Big Deal emphasizing its growing appeal to investors. Despite a general decline in start-up funding across the continent over the last two years, the industry remains a clear priority for both the social impact and regular investment community. According to Laura Fortes, the senior […]

August 22, 2024 25

Africa

TikTok Announces Industry-First Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council

TikTok is taking major steps to boost safety on its platform across Sub-Saharan Africa with the launch of its inaugural Safety Advisory Council and the expansion of its #SaferTogether community education campaign. By partnering with key stakeholders, including policymakers, members from academia, NGOs, and community leaders, TikTok aims to foster a collaborative approach to ensuring a secure and positive platform environment. This announcement was made at TikTok's Safety Summit […]

August 22, 2024 61

Africa

Kenya’s Top Court Suspends Ruling on 2023 Finance Law

Kenya's top court has suspended a lower court's ruling that declared the 2023 finance law unconstitutional. Reuters says, the court emphasized the need to maintain budgetary stability until the government's appeal is heard next month. The finance law is crucial for outlining the government's revenue-raising measures, including tax increases.

August 21, 2024 5

Africa

Kenya’s Largest Aviation Union Delays Strike Amid Airport Development Talks

Kenya's largest aviation workers' union has delayed its planned strike, originally set for Monday, by two weeks. Reuters says, the postponement allows for negotiations with the government over a proposed agreement with India's Adani Airport Holdings to develop Kenya's main airport. The union, representing airport staff, opposes the deal, citing concerns about potential job losses and the introduction of non-Kenyan workers.

August 19, 2024 15