EAST AFRICA TIMES

By Elijah Odanga Kenya's recent greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to deficiencies in combating money laundering and terrorist financing highlights the seriousness of the corruption crisis and its impact on the country's economic and social development. This greylisting has significant implications for international trade, investment, and economic growth. This has further compounded the challenges devolution in Kenya continues to face. We have witnessed the escalating trend of "budgeted corruption" within both levels of government. This insidious practice, where funds allocated for public services are siphoned off through inflated contracts, ghost projects, and outright theft, is crippling service delivery and undermining the very essence of devolution. The devastating consequences of this rampant corruption are all too clear. Roads remain impassable, healthcare facilities lack essential equipment and medication, and schools operate without adeq...

By Elijah Odanga A businessman and retired Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer, Issa Kuno, has strongly opposed efforts by Nairobi City County officials to halt the development of a section of Green Park within Uhuru Park. Kuno, who claims to have legally acquired the land, presented proof of bank payments and leasing documents that were processed during the tenure of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), the body responsible for city administration at the time. During a heated exchange, Kuno argued that he had followed all legal procedures and that his dealings were transparent and legitimate. “This is the legal way of life. I have paid for the land, and I have court rulings to back up my claims. I have done nothing wrong,” he said. Kuno further provided receipts for payments, which he insisted were processed under the previous government, as well as a court ruling that affirmed his right to develop the area. Despite these legal documents, city officials remained skeptical, demandin...

   By East African Times Reporter  Nairobi Central MCA John Mwaniki. He has asked building owners in the city to repaint their premises in order to elevate the city status.  Nairobi Central MCA John Mwaniki has called on building owners within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) to take bold steps in elevating the city’s status by repainting their premises, installing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, and adopting aesthetically pleasing decorations and signage. These measures, he asserts, are vital in transforming Nairobi into a clean, orderly, and visually appealing world-class city that attracts investors and tourists alike. In support of this initiative, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has endorsed the MCA's proposals, aligning them with his broader vision for a more secure, vibrant, and investor-friendly capital. "The time to make Nairobi shine on the global stage is now," said MCA Mwaniki. "I urge building owners to ensure their properties are re...

  By James Mutua Nyanza International Investment Conference Chair Japh Olende speaking during a media briefing in Nairobi on Friday.  Pr ofessionals from Nyanza's six counties have united under the Nyanza Professionals Forum (NPF) to host this year’s Nyanza International Investment Conference set to take place from February 6–9, 2025, at the Ciala Resort in Kisumu. This historic gathering seeks to position Nyanza as a leading investment hub in Kenya and beyond. During a breakfast meeting held today, leaders from Kenya's professional associations—including the Law Society of Kenya, the Institution of Engineers, and the Architectural Association of Kenya—joined forces to strategize on the upcoming conference. Representatives from the medical and agricultural sectors, among others, also pledged their support. Empowering Professionals The Nyanza International Investment Conference is a bold step towards involving professionals in shaping the region's development agenda. “For fa...

  By James Ndolo Nigeria Minister of Livestock Development Mr. Mukhtar Mahia alongside Kenya’s Director of Livestock Policy, Research and Regulations Dr. Christopher Wanga During the Launch of the African Pastoral Market Development in Nairobi. The African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) Platform has officially launched a transformative, four-year pan-African initiative under the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). This initiative aims to revolutionize pastoral systems by fostering market-driven solutions that promote inclusive agricultural transformation across Africa. Held in Nairobi, the launch addressed pressing challenges faced by pastoral communities, including economic integration, food security, and climate resilience. The APMD Platform seeks to strategically integrate pastoral communities into regional and international livestock markets by strengthening policies, expanding private sector engagement, and improving access to reliable dat...

Reporting by James Mutua  The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Holdings Board, together with the chairpersons of 54 factory companies, has expressed deep concern over escalating interference from government officials and politicians in the management of smallholder tea factories. According to the board, this interference is undermining the stability of the tea sector and negatively affecting farmers’ livelihoods. In a statement issued today, KTDA highlighted several instances of interference that have disrupted their operations and hurt the industry. One of the most significant issues cited was the removal of the reserve price for tea by the Ministry of Agriculture without any consultation with KTDA directors. This decision, they claim, has caused a drastic decline in tea prices at the Mombasa Tea Auction, directly impacting farmers’ incomes. The statement also raised concerns over unilateral pronouncements by the Agriculture Permanent Secretary regarding the separation of satel...

Ripoti ya Steve El Sabai  Katika mabadiliko makubwa katika siasa za Kenya, Mbunge wa Daadab, Mhe. Farah Maalim, amefurushwa kutoka kwenye chama cha Wiper Democratic Movement. Hatua hii imekuja baada ya mfululizo wa tofauti za kisiasa na maamuzi yaliyochukuliwa na chama hicho kuhusu mwelekeo wake wa kisiasa. Maalim, ambaye pia ni miongoni mwa wanasiasa maarufu katika eneo la Kaskazini Mashariki, alikua na uhusiano wa karibu na chama cha Wiper chini ya uongozi wa Kalonzo Musyoka. Hata hivyo, kufukuzwa kwake kutoka chama kumechochewa na ukosefu wake wa nidhamu na kauli zake za hivi karibuni ambazo zimeelezwa kama kashfa kubwa. Miongoni mwa matukio yaliyosababisha hatua hii ni kauli za Maalim kuhusu vijana na wanawake, akizungumza kwa namna isiyofaa kuhusu sehemu zao za siri. Kauli hizi zilichochea hasira kubwa kutoka kwa viongozi wa chama cha Wiper na kinara wake, Kalonzo Musyoka, ambaye alisisitiza kuwa kauli za Maalim hazikubaliki wala si za kiungwana katika siasa za chama hicho. Vi...

    By James Mutua  Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addressing the press when he visited Kenyatta National Hospital to assess the  progress of the Social Health Authority (SHA) program for patients  receiving specialized healthcare services. Photo Handout Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that 17 million Kenyans have been registered under the new Social Health Insurance Fund (SHA), also known as Taifa Care. Speaking during a visit to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the Deputy President assured Kenyans that the government is addressing the initial challenges faced during the transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to SHA. He noted that most of these challenges have already been resolved, with efforts ongoing to streamline remaining issues for efficient healthcare delivery. “While most of the teething problems have been resolved, the government is committed to addressing any outstanding issues to ensure hospitals provide services ...