East Africa

Rising Health Spending in East Africa: A Response to Aid Withdrawal In recent months, the finance ministers across East Africa have found themselves navigating a challenging landscape, driven primarily by U.S. President Donald Trump’s abrupt withdrawal of billions of dollars in aid. This decision has triggered a profound re-evaluation of health expenditures within the region. What does this mean for healthcare systems already grappling with insufficient resources and an upsurge in health crises? The stakes are incredibly…

Addressing Substance Abuse and Conflict Prevention in Dadaab In the vast expanse of northern Kenya lies the Dadaab complex, a series of camps that have become home to thousands of Somali refugees. Within these camps, a pressing issue has emerged over the years: the alarming rise in substance abuse, particularly affecting jobless young men. The Youth Organisations’ Alliance has taken up the mantle to shed light on this issue, conducting an extensive study over seven months that reveals unsettling truths about the lives…

In a significant development, the Kenyan police conducted an operation on Thursday in Elwak, Mandera County, resulting in the arrest of two men who had crossed into Somalia and enlisted in the Somali National Army. This incident highlights a complex intersection of local challenges and wider geopolitical issues that affect not only Kenya but also its neighboring countries. Authorities reported that the suspects, aged 23 and 32, were linked to a troubling pattern of robberies in the Elwak region. Acting on a tip-off, police…

Protests Erupt in Nairobi Following the Tragic Death of a Blogger On a tense Thursday afternoon, the streets of Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital, echoed with the cries of protesters. The air was thick with emotion as citizens gathered to voice their outrage over the shocking death of a local blogger known as Albert Ojwang. Just days before, Ojwang had been arrested, reportedly for criticizing the country’s deputy police chief, Eliud Lagat. As the situation escalated, police resorted to using tear gas to disperse…

Kenya's Ongoing Battle Against Terrorism NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — On a notably vibrant Thursday in Mombasa, Kenyan President William Ruto spoke decisively about the strides the nation has made in combating the dark shadows of terrorism. With Al-Shabaab-linked attacks sparking fresh concerns in parts of northern and coastal Kenya, the backdrop of his comments was both pressing and urgent. As he addressed attendees at the closing of the 23rd Commonwealth Heads of Prosecuting Agencies Conference,…

In recent times, the landscape of gold mining in Africa has been evolving rapidly, as nations across the continent actively seek to assert more control over their natural resources. This journey toward resource nationalism is gaining momentum, and Tanzania stands at the forefront of this movement. A significant policy decision has just been made, placing Tanzania alongside other African countries that are reevaluating their relationships with foreign mining companies. With rising global gold prices, this initiative…

Mandatory Travel Insurance Policy: A New Chapter for Tanzania's Tourism The Tanzanian government recently introduced a new mandatory travel insurance policy as part of the 2025/2026 fiscal budget, presented with great anticipation to the National Assembly in Dodoma by the Minister of Finance. This policy is set to impact foreign visitors beginning in the coming months. Once acquired, this non-refundable travel insurance will remain valid for a total of 62 days, roughly translating to a two-month coverage period. But what…

The Implications of Evolving Drone Technology in the Horn of Africa In today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, the sharing of advanced weaponry, particularly lethal drone technology, can reshape the dynamics of ongoing conflicts. The recent reports indicating a deepening relationship between Yemen’s Ansar Allah, commonly known as the Houthis, and Somalia’s al-Shabaab and the Islamic State in Somalia (IS Somalia), raise critical questions about the potential ramifications for regional stability. Consider this:…

The enormous success of the television show "Suits" has illuminated a powerful truth: even the most traditional and seemingly mundane sectors can be transformed into captivating narratives when infused with emotional richness and cultural resonance. It’s amazing how a well-crafted story can bring depth and excitement to any industry, no matter how esoteric it may seem to outsiders. Fueled by my affection for "Suits," I was thrilled to discover that Heirs Insurance Group was pioneering Africa's inaugural…

Strengthening Ties between Kenya and Somalia In a pivotal move toward bridging the gap between two neighboring nations, Kenya's National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang'ula, alongside the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, has taken significant steps to enhance their parliamentary relationships. This collaboration focuses on a comprehensive training initiative aimed at building the capacity of Somali parliamentary staff. During a recent courtesy visit, Ambassador Abdulle delivered a…