Author: David Indeje

Kenyan journalists are working in precarious conditions across the country as a result of systemic issues that significantly impact their well-being, safety, and ethical conduct. According to a report by the Media Council of Kenya, findings paint a stark picture of vulnerability and instability within the country’s media landscape. Key Findings on Journalist Welfare Medical Coverage: 52% of journalists lack medical cover, while 48% have access to it. MCK emphasised the vulnerability this creates, stating, “One illness can reduce a journalist to destitution without comprehensive medical cover.” Contracts: 75% of journalists in media houses have written contracts, but 80% of…

Africa’s digital transformation surged in 2024, a year for East Africa’s tech policy and internet governance. The Kenya IGF in Nairobi and the 11th East Africa IGF in Kampala ignited debates and generated actionable solutions. As KICTANet’s Africa Tech Policy Summit 2025 in Nairobi nears, stakeholders must leverage these insights to forge a bold, inclusive, and sustainable digital future. What priorities should guide Africa’s tech policy? How can stakeholders move beyond rhetoric to deliver tangible outcomes? The Kenya IGF and EAIGF 2024 highlighted cross-cutting themes that demand rigorous scrutiny from policymakers, businesses, civil society, and youth. Stakeholders are urged to…

Kenya’s inflation rate rose to 4.1% year-on-year in April, up from 3.6% in March, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). On a monthly basis, inflation was 0.3% in April. The annual rate reached an eight-month high due to tight supplies of food items, including maize, potatoes, and green vegetables, with consumer prices slightly below the Monetary Policy Committee’s 4.2% projection. Key price increases included maize (2.9%), potatoes (4.0%), fortified maize flour (2.6%), sugar (0.7%), beef (0.3%), and tomatoes (1.2%). Transport costs rose, with bus fares from Nairobi to Malindi up 22.2%, despite the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory…

The Communications Authority (CA) has launched the Industry Guidelines for Child Online Protection and Safety, a comprehensive framework designed to ensure that children’s rights and safety are prioritised in the use of ICT products and services across Kenya. “These guidelines form a basis for the design, development, deployment, commissioning, use, management, sale, marketing, and publicity of ICT products and services in Kenya that may be accessed and/or targeted for use by children. Provides safeguards for children’s access to and use of ICT products and services in Kenya,” says CA in the preamble. Groundbreaking Child-Centred Framework These guidelines are unique in their…

The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) has expressed concerns over the Central Bank of Kenya’s (CBK) proposed shift from the Risk-Based Credit Pricing Model (RBCPM) to a standardised lending rate based on the Central Bank Rate (CBR) plus a disclosed premium, referred to as “K.” The KBA warns that it could effectively reintroduce loan price controls, reminiscent of the interest rate cap repealed in 2019. KBA’s Concerns and Recommendations KBA CEO Raimond Molenje emphasised the need for a unified Kenya Base Rate (KBR) to streamline credit pricing, arguing it would enhance transparency, improve monetary policy transmission, and boost credit access for…

China and Kenya announced on Thursday they had elevated their bilateral ties to a “new level” during a meeting between President Xi Jinping and Kenyan President William Ruto in Beijing. Both leaders pledged to forge an “all-weather” China-Africa community. In a joint China-Kenya statement, both leaders said they were “committed to injecting more stability into the world with the certainty of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation.” In the statement, China affirmed its commitment to supporting Chinese financial institutions in establishing branches in Kenya, recognising the nation’s role as a financial hub within East Africa. This strategic move aims to cultivate novel…