Author: David Indeje

Ride-hailing platform Uber says it generated Ksh. 167 million into Kenya’s nighttime economy in 2023, according to its inaugural Economic Impact Report. The report, compiled by Public First, delves into the economic benefits for drivers, businesses, and the broader community. “Not only does Kenya’s vibrant nighttime economy give Kenyans amazing social and cultural opportunities, enriching their lives and helping them stay connected with friends and family, it is also a huge asset to the Kenyan economy,” the report reads in part.  Key Findings Driver Earnings: Uber enabled drivers to earn an estimated additional KSh 2.2 billion annually, a 37% increase…

The number of women and girls killed by intimate partners or family members has increased in 2023. A United Nations femicide report revealed that 51,100 women and girls lost their lives at the hands of their partners or close relatives in 2023, compared to 48,800 in 2022. This equates to 140 women and girls killed daily, or one every 10 minutes. Africa: A Hotspot for Femicide As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Africa has emerged as a region with the highest rate of femicide, with 2.9 victims per 100,000 population in 2023. This alarming…

The High Court in Nairobi has temporarily halted the implementation of a controversial directive by the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) that required travellers and phone dealers to declare their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. Justice Chacha Mwita issued a conservatory order on Friday, November 22nd, in response to a petition filed by the Katiba Institute. The institute argued that the CA’s directive infringed on privacy rights and could lead to mass surveillance. “Take notice that any disobedience or non-observance of the order of the court served herewith will result in penal consequences to you and any other person(s)…

A new report by pan-African market insights firm Stears reveals that Africa’s financial services sector has emerged as the most attractive for investors, according to Stears Private Capital in Africa Report: Q3 2024. In the third quarter of 2024, financial services accounted for 33% of all private capital deals, surpassing other sectors like consumer goods and energy. Key Findings: Financial Services Dominance: The sector captured a third of all private capital deals, with payments and MSME lending as key sub-sectors. Geographic Focus: Kenya and South Africa were the most active markets, driving deal activity through private equity, private debt, venture capital,…

Kenya’s government has terminated all public-private partnership contracts with subsidiaries of India’s Adani Group. The move follows the indictment of billionaire Gautam Adani in the US on Wednesday on charges of bribery and fraud. President William Ruto announced the cancellation of the multi-million dollar deals in the energy, transport, and health sectors during his State of the Nation address on Thursday. He cited the emergence of “credible information on corruption.” “I have stated in the past, and I reiterate today, that in the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action.…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has approved the seventh and eighth reviews of Kenya’s economic program, unlocking a $606 million loan disbursement. Kenya and IMF staff reached an agreement on the seventh review of the $3.6 billion program in June. However, the final board approval and subsequent disbursement were delayed due to widespread protests that resulted in significant loss of life. Despite a challenging socio-economic climate, “Kenya’s economy remains resilient, with growth above the regional average, inflation decelerating, and external inflows supporting the shilling and a buildup of external buffers, despite a difficult socio-economic environment,” IMF First Deputy…