East Africa

On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump reintroduced a significant element of his first-term agenda, announcing a travel ban that will affect citizens from 12 countries while imposing restrictions on another seven. This move, which takes effect on Monday at 12:01 a.m., appears to be a strategic attempt to sidestep the chaos that erupted at airports during a similar ban in 2017, which caught travelers off guard. As Trump hinted at the possibility of a new ban following his inauguration in January, it seems he now has…

My name is Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti, and I have the profound honor of serving as an oncology nurse specialist at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre within the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. It’s a role that requires resilience, empathy, and a fierce commitment to those who are navigating one of life’s most formidable challenges: cancer. For the past 24 years, I have dedicated myself to guiding patients through this often arduous journey. It’s a journey I take great pride in,…

Weather Advisory: Heavy Rainfall and Winds Expected Across Kenya As we transition into the rainy season, our skies are set to deliver a powerful performance. The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a forecast that carries both warnings and guidance for the coming days. From Friday, June 6, to Monday, June 9, 2025, we can expect heavy rain and strong winds to sweep through various regions of our beautiful but sometimes tempestuous country. According to the advisory, the areas predicted to be most affected include…

Strengthening Ties: Ethiopia and Kenya's Commitment to Regional Integration Ethiopia and Kenya are stepping boldly into a new chapter of collaboration aimed at enhancing infrastructural connectivity, socio-economic development, and trade facilitation. With shared ambitions for regional integration and prosperity, these two nations have come together to forge a path that may well symbolize hope for the Horn of Africa. In a Joint Communique issued today, the countries expressed their commitment following a significant…

Kenya stands at a contentious crossroads, as the delay in passing the Conflict of Interest Bill, 2023 casts a long shadow over the country’s financial stability. This postponement has not only stalled the disbursement of a critical World Bank loan but has also created a concerning funding gap for the National Treasury. With the end of the financial year just weeks away, the urgency of this situation can't be overstated. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi recently emphasized the gravity of the matter. He stated, “If…

Understanding the Latest US Travel Ban In a striking move that has once again ignited debates surrounding national security and immigration policy, President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation effectively banning citizens from twelve countries from entering the United States. This initiative, as reported by Reuters, emerges as a protective measure against what the administration describes as “foreign terrorists” and various security threats. This travel ban is a continuation of Trump’s immigration crackdown launched…

In a significant move to enhance its defense capabilities, Somalia is set to receive T129 Atak helicopters from Turkey. This development stems from a defense agreement signed earlier this year, which has garnered attention from policymakers and analysts alike. How will these helicopters play into Somalia’s ongoing struggle against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, al-Shabaab? The implications of this deal could be profound, as it represents not just a procurement of equipment but a step towards bolstering Somalia’s…

On a pivotal day, Burundians cast their votes to shape the future of their parliament. With the ruling party positioned to secure a dominant victory, the political landscape appears decidedly lopsided. This comes on the heels of a notable development: the main opposition party, the National Freedom Council (CNL), was effectively barred from participating in this electoral process. How does one reconcile democracy with such blatant exclusion? The CNL, which emerged as the runner-up in the contentious 2020 elections, had its…

The Complex Dance of Development and Human Rights: A Closer Look at Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act The World Bank made headlines in 2023 when it suspended funding to Uganda in response to the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) that the Ugandan parliament approved. The Bank, a global financial institution, articulated that this new law was antithetical to its core values, signaling a bold stance amid a rapidly shifting landscape of international ethics. The AHA has not only sparked outrage but also incited international…

Former President Edgar Lungu has passed away at the age of 68 while receiving medical care in South Africa. His untimely departure has cast a pall over the nation, igniting a flurry of emotions among citizens who once rallied behind his leadership. Lungu ascended to the presidency in 2015, taking the helm as Zambia's sixth head of state. His tenure was characterized by ambitious infrastructure developments, from sweeping road projects to new schools and hospitals. Yet, it was also a time when Zambia's financial burdens…