Author: David Indeje

Kenyan writer, scholar, and activist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, renowned for his unwavering commitment to African languages and resistance to oppression, has died at age 87 in Atlanta. His passing was announced by his family on May 28, 2025. As his daughter Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, this Wednesday morning. He lived a full life, fought a good fight.” Ngũgĩ’s influence stretched across continents, generations, and languages. He was a perennial contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature and one of the few major writers…

The Kenya Information and Communication (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced by Aldai MP Marianne Kitany, proposes significant changes to internet service billing and regulation in Kenya. The bill seeks to replace the current flat-rate, unlimited internet packages with a metered billing system, alongside imposing new requirements for data collection, reporting, and age verification. The proposed “Kenya Information and Communication (Amendment) Bill 2025,” introduced by Aldai MP Marianne Kitany, mandates ISPs to adopt metered billing systems, a stark contrast to the bundled and unlimited packages many consumers currently depend on. If enacted, the law would require providers to assign each customer a…

KCB Group Plc reported a net profit of KSh 16.5 billion for the first quarter of 2025, essentially flat compared to KSh 16.5 billion in Q1 2024. This performance comes despite ongoing pressures on asset quality, reflected in a rising non-performing loan (NPL) ratio. The lender’s net loan book expanded by 9% to KSh 1.02 trillion, while customer deposits remained stable at KSh 1.43 trillion. Net interest income saw a 9% increase to KSh 33.7 billion, driven by robust credit expansion and income from government securities. However, non-funded income declined by 10% to KSh 15.7 billion, impacted by subdued foreign…

UK-based beverage giant Diageo has announced a strategic shift, including a plan to cut $500 million in costs and make “substantial asset disposals” by 2028. This move, aimed at streamlining operations and addressing challenging market conditions, has intensified industry speculation about the future of its global portfolio, including its controlling stake in East African Breweries Limited (EABL). Aggressive Asset Divestment Plans Diageo’s Chief Financial Officer, Nik Jhangiani, stated on May 19, 2025, that the company had identified opportunities for “substantial changes versus portfolio trimming.” He added, “It’s clearly going to be above and beyond the usual smaller brand disposals you’ve…

Kenya is rapidly emerging as a digital powerhouse in Africa, with internet and mobile phone usage consistently on the rise. By 2028, Kenya’s digital economy is projected to contribute KSh 662 billion to the GDP. Yet, this impressive growth brings with it significant challenges, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. Microsoft’s latest research reveals a troubling trend: AI-powered fraud attacks are escalating worldwide. As Kenya’s digital marketplace expands, the risk of cyber threats grows proportionally, underscoring the urgent need for robust security measures to keep pace with the accelerated pace of digital growth. AI is lowering the technical bar for…

The Communication Authority’s Universal Service Fund (USF) Strategy 2023–2027 marks a critical juncture in Kenya’s digital transformation journey, aiming to ensure that no community is left behind in the digital revolution. Universal Service and Access Funds (USAFs) are used to enhance telecommunications access in rural and remote areas by funding the deployment of infrastructure, such as towers and cables, to connect these regions to communication networks. However, the ambitious plan faces a significant funding gap, highlighting the need for innovative partnerships and resource mobilisation to realise the vision of universal digital access. Funding Gaps: The Challenge Ahead The USF Strategy…