insert_link Africa Kenya police say over 270 arrested for criminal acts during Tuesday protests Kenyan police said they have arrested more than 270 people masquerading as protesters who are suspected of going on a criminal rampage during anti-government rallies on Tuesday. Widespread looting and property damage was reported during the youth-led demonstrations in various cities across the country, which some protesters said had been infiltrated by "goons". "Security forces across the country singled out suspects found engaging in criminal activities in […] todayJuly 3, 2024 25
insert_link Science & Technology Rise of digital activism in Africa as smartphone adoption surges By Conrad Onyango, bird story agency From just making calls, to taking pictures and light browsing, to engaging in e-commerce transactions to, recently, engaging in digital activism, the way Africans are engaging with their smartphones is fast evolving. This is happening against the backdrop of a surge in smartphone usage across the continent, according to three recent reports. Three different reports show that […] todayJuly 3, 2024 31
insert_link Africa Riot Police Clash with Protesters in Widespread Unrest Across Kenya Reuters reports that riot police fired tear gas and charged at stone-throwing protesters in downtown Nairobi and across Kenya on Tuesday, marking the most widespread unrest since at least two dozen protesters were killed in clashes a week ago. The nationwide demonstrations indicate that President William Ruto has failed to quell a spontaneous youth protest movement, despite abandoning plans for tax increases that triggered last week's unrest. todayJuly 3, 2024 8
insert_link Local Eliud Kipchoge’s quest for a third Olympic gold is achievable – running experts explain By Stephen Granger, bird story agency The 2024 Paris Games are fast approaching and Kenyan marathoners are poised to shine, given the rich pool of talent in the country's Olympic team. Could this be 39-year-old Eliud Kipchoge's moment to make history as the first athlete to win three Olympic Marathon titles? The questions for Kenya's famed runners don't stop there, however. Another question is […] todayJuly 2, 2024 67
insert_link Africa Kenya’s Ruto proposes youth dialog forum Kenya’s President William Ruto has suggested creating a multi-sectoral group to facilitate dialog with the country’s youth following weeks of anti-government protests. Nation newspaper reports that the proposed 100-member national forum will include nominees from student leadership, as well as civil society, religious organisations, professional bodies, businesses, academia, national assembly leadership, and the council of governors. The announcement follows last week's unprecedented scenes that left parts of Parliament ablaze as […] todayJuly 1, 2024 6
insert_link Africa Hotbed of corruption: Kenya’s elite have captured the state – unrest is inevitable By Gedion Onyango, London School of Economics and Political Science A strong undercurrent driving the unprecedented anti-tax protests in Kenya is outrage over theft of public resources coupled with the extravagant lifestyles of public servants. There are widespread frustrations that President William Ruto also failed to deliver on his electoral promises to address corruption. He’s even earned a new nickname — “Zakayo”, a reference […] todayJuly 1, 2024 6
insert_link Local ATIDI underwrites Globeleq’s USD 117 million geothermal power project in Kenya Nairobi-based pan-African insurer, African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) has provided a political risk insurance cover for Globeleq's 35 MW Menengai Geothermal power project in Kenya. This support will be extended via the Regional Liquidity Support Facility (RLSF) - a joint effort by ATIDI, KfW Development Bank, and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). It helps renewable energy Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The project, the first to […] todayJuly 1, 2024 13
insert_link Africa Kenya’s protests happened in every major urban centre – why these spaces are explosive By Lena Gutheil, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) Kenya has a long history of protests. Mass protests took place during the colonial period and continued in the post-independence era. Important democratic gains were achieved through protests, such as the introduction of multi-party politics in 1991. Many will also remember the violent clampdown that followed the disputed 2007 elections, which left more […] todayJune 28, 2024 18
insert_link Africa Kenyan farmers turn to WhatsApp & AI tools to combat crop diseases Farmers in Kenya and other countries are using online chat groups and artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help combat crop losses due to pests and diseases. New research shows chat groups modeled on those used in human health care can offer benefits to farmers and enhance their communication with plant doctors. Organizations such as PlantVillage and CABI are using such digital tools and chat groups to expand their […] todayJune 27, 2024 34
