East Africa

Zimbabwe has recently confirmed its inaugural two cases of mpox, coming on the heels of Zambia’s declaration of its own first instance of the disease. While the specific strains of the virus in Zimbabwe remain unidentified, it appears that the individuals who tested positive either traveled to or made visits from Tanzania and South Africa. Just days prior, Zambia reported its initial mpox case, although the particulars about the viral strain were not disclosed. The health ministry of Zambia revealed that a 32-year-old…

After months of intense back-and-forth, the government, alongside trade unions and business leaders, finally reached a consensus. Employers were firm in their demand for the creation of the National Wages Council before any chatter about pay hikes could occur. Meeting them halfway, Dr. Mutua officially announced the formation of the council and others in different sectors, laying the groundwork for an orderly rollout of wage boosts. Big news hit the streets—minimum wages are bumping up by 6% effective from October 12, 2024.…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, is resolute in standing tall against Ethiopia’s recent saber-rattling, stating unequivocally that Somalia is primed to counter any belligerence directed toward its defense forces or citizens. During a speech in the heart of Mogadishu, Nur declared, "Somalia and Ethiopia should coexist in harmony and good neighborly spirit, yet if the fragile leadership of Abiy and Jula stumbles in upholding peace, then those stoking discord shall soon realize the gravity…

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — Hashi Energy, a key player in the petroleum industry, hit a wall attempting to shake off a Sh7 billion ($54 million) tax demand from Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). This tax debacle only adds to the company’s economic woes as liquidation looms large.

In the heart of Nairobi, Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua spoke to lawmakers before they voted on his impeachment at the Parliament buildings on October 8, 2024. Photo by REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi/File. On Friday, Kenya's high court decided that the impeachment case against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua should go to the Chief Justice for further examination. The vote came in on Tuesday, with parliament deciding to impeach Gachagua on 11 charges. These included accusations of personal enrichment and inciting…

Haiti's Prime Minister Garry Conille has jetted off to Kenya, engaging in discussions with President William Ruto. Kenya has urgently sought global financial backing to keep their police forces active in Haiti, an operation extended by another year. Since its launch in June, this international security mission aims to curb the violent grip gangs have on Port-au-Prince and its outskirts. The UN reports over 3,600 fatalities in Haiti this year alone, with more than 100 being children, and half a million individuals have…

John Burugu, holding the ship’s wheel as Kenya’s Refugee Affairs Commissioner, recently faced the media. He laid down a fresh mandate for refugees, a summons demanding they relinquish their passports, pointing to jitters over travel document fiddling while spotlighting the need to toe the line on international laws.

Baidoa (AX) — In a burst of conflict, Ethiopian forces fire mortars across Somalia's Bakool region in Wajid district after an al-Shabaab raid on their military outpost Friday night, as locals recount.The clash escalated into a fierce battle involving both Ethiopian troops and al-Shabaab fighters, with heavy artillery being employed on both sides. Witnesses noted the significant shelling by Ethiopian forces responding to the initial onslaught.While specifics on casualties are scarce, local leaders have yet to share an…

NBA Icon Fisher Lands in Kenya for Basketball Coaching Event Amid NBA Africa Focus Derek Fisher, a titan in the basketball world and former NBA standout, touched down in Kenya to share his expertise with budding hoops stars. The NBA's broader mission to unearth and cultivate emerging talent in Africa underpins Fisher's visit. Reporting from the scene, our intrepid correspondent Olivia Bizot gives us the scoop.

On Wednesday, Kenya revealed plans to earmark approximately 775,000 USD, aiming to support its security forces and allied agencies in evacuating citizens trapped amid the tensions between Israel and Lebanon. This decision comes in response to the region's increasingly unstable environment. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who doubles as the head of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, informed the Senate of the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of all 26,000 Kenyans residing in the tumultuous…