Author: David Indeje

The MACNUT Association of Kenya has called on the government to maintain its ban on the export of raw macadamia nuts, citing the significant benefits of local processing for the Kenyan economy and farming communities. The ban on unprocessed nuts was effective on November 2, 2024. The association said in response to concerns raised by the Nut Traders Association of Kenya (NUTAK) regarding the export restrictions. MACNUT emphasised that local value addition creates more jobs, generates higher national revenue, and allows for diversified market access across Africa, the USA, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. They argue that exporting raw…

Google, the world’s most popular search engine, plans to utilize advanced machine learning to determine user ages online more accurately. This initiative aims to address the challenge of users, particularly children, providing inaccurate age information to access age-restricted content. “This year we’ll begin testing a machine learning-based age estimation model in the U.S. This model helps us estimate whether a user is over or under 18 so that we can apply protections to help provide more age-appropriate experiences. We’ll bring this technology to more countries over time,” said Google. How the AI-Based Age Estimation System Works Google will test an…

Safaricom proudly illuminated Nairobi’s vibrant cultural scene with a KES 2 million sponsorship of the Bob Collymore International Jazz Festival (BCIJF), a dazzling celebration of music and artistry held at the Carnivore Grounds on February 15, 2025. This commitment underscores Safaricom’s dedication to nurturing the arts, empowering young talent, and honouring the legacy of the late Bob Collymore, former CEO of Safaricom, whose passion for jazz ignited a nationwide appreciation for the genre. The festival, presented by the Bob Collymore Foundation (BCF), was a symphony of world-class performances, showcasing a spectrum of jazz excellence.  A Symphony of World-Class Jazz Performances…

Konza Technopolis has broken ground for the first Center of Excellence Digital Innovation Hub in Riruta, Dagoretti South, initiating a nationwide rollout of 1,450 digital hubs across all wards in Kenya. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and empower youth with crucial digital skills and job opportunities. “This groundbreaking signifies the start of the 1,450 digital hubs nationwide,” affirmed Eng. John Tanui at the ceremony. This ambitious project, a collaboration between the government and the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), aims to equip individuals in every ward with the digital literacy needed to thrive in the modern economy.…

Kenya projects a slightly reduced budget deficit for the 2025/26 fiscal year (July-June), according to the Ministry of Finance’s February Budget Policy Statement. The deficit is forecast at 4.3% of GDP, down from 4.9% in 2024/25. Total spending is expected to rise to Ksh 4.34 trillion ($34 billion) from Ksh 3.95 trillion. The government plans to fund the deficit through Ksh 146.8 billion in net external financing and Ksh 684.2 billion in net domestic financing. “The fiscal deficit in the FY 2024/25 is expected to be Ksh 862.7 billion (4.9 per cent of GDP). The expenditures to June 2025 will…

78 per cent of Kenyans experienced income declines in 2024, according to the 2024 Financial Services Monitor by Old Mutual. The report surveyed employed Kenyans aged 20 to 59, earning KSh12,000 or more, representing about 63 per cent of the country’s working population. The findings paint a picture of a population grappling with financial hardship. 40 per cent of respondents reported significant stress, with 15 per cent feeling overwhelmed by their financial responsibilities. This anxiety is further exacerbated by high living costs, a challenging business environment, unpredictable financial situations, and inadequate income, leading to widespread concerns about job security. Financial…