Author: David Indeje

Kenya Airways achieved a significant milestone, reporting its first half-year profit after tax since 2013 attributed to its strategic turnaround plan, Project Kifaru, increased passenger numbers, and improved operational efficiency. The airline achieved a profit after tax of Ksh 513 million ($4 million) for the first half of 2024, a remarkable 102% improvement compared to the Ksh 21.7 billion loss reported in the same period of 2023. Total revenue grew by 22% to Ksh 91 billion, driven by a 10% increase in passenger numbers (2.54 million) and a 14% increase in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs). Operating costs increased by 22%…

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has become a global health emergency, prompting concern due to its increasing spread in Africa. What is Mpox? Mpox is caused by infection with the Monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family as the virus responsible for smallpox. Symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, and a rash that progresses through different stages, including scabs. Unlike smallpox, mpox generally causes milder symptoms, but severe cases can lead to lesions on the face, hands, chest, and genitals. Current Situation in Africa The World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths in Africa this year, with more…

Agricultural firm Sasini Tea and Coffee, has issued a profit warning for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. The Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed firm anticipates a 25% decline in net profits compared to the previous year due to elevated production costs, depressed commodity prices, and supply chain disruptions. Contributing factors include challenges with the perishable nature of the fruit business stemming from disrupted logistics to European markets following the closure of the Suez Canal. Additionally, decreased demand for nuts in key markets, particularly the United States, due to a perceived global economic recession, has negatively impacted the company’s performance. Board…

A surge in dementia cases is looming globally, driven by increasing life expectancy, according to the 2024 report of the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care. Dementia is a condition characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss and is poised to affect millions more people in the coming decades. The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention identified 14 factors, including education, hearing loss, high blood pressure, and obesity, that contribute significantly to the development of the disease. Kenya is not immune to this trend. While an estimated 258,000 older adults currently live with dementia in the country, the absence…

Kenya’s private sector experienced a sharp downturn in July, according to the Stanbic Bank Kenya Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). The index plummeted to 43.1, signalling a significant contraction in business activity compared to the previous month’s 47.2. Readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration. The decline was primarily attributed to widespread protests and political unrest, which disrupted operations, reduced new orders, and hampered output. While inflation eased, input costs continued to rise, squeezing profit margins. Despite challenges, companies increased employment, albeit at a slower pace “for the…

The 17th Kenya Internet Governance Forum (KeIGF) convened in August, ignited robust discussions on fostering a collaborative and inclusive digital landscape for the nation. Dr. Grace Githaiga, Convenor of KICTANet, underscored Kenya’s remarkable digital progress over the past two decades. Internet penetration has surged from a modest 3% in 2004 to a substantial 40.8% today, while mobile and smartphone adoption has soared. The ICT sector has emerged as a pivotal economic driver, propelled by innovations in digital payments, e-commerce, and digital services. However, Dr Githaiga emphasized the urgent need to address challenges, particularly the internet shutdown during the #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests.…