East Africa

Investigation Launched into Kidney Transplant Procedures at Mediheal Hospital In a significant move reflecting a commitment to uphold ethical standards in healthcare, Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, has initiated an independent investigative committee aimed at probing the alleged malpractice surrounding kidney transplant procedures at Mediheal Hospital in Eldoret. This decision resonates with an increasing call for accountability in Kenya's healthcare sector—a discussion that has taken on heightened urgency given…

Temporary Suspension of Umrah and Family Visit Visas for Somali Citizens and Others Riyadh (AX) — Saudi Arabia has recently introduced a temporary suspension of Umrah and family visit visas for Somali citizens, alongside nationals from thirteen additional countries. This decision, aimed at effectively managing crowds and ensuring security in light of the upcoming 2025 Hajj season, is a hallmark of the Kingdom's proactive approach to facilitating one of the largest religious gatherings on the planet. Starting from April 13,…

As of March 2025, the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has disclosed a troubling figure: member states collectively owe a staggering $58 million in contributions. This financial shortfall has sparked significant challenges for the bloc, leaving many to ponder the future of regional cooperation in East Africa. The pressing financial situation was the focal point of a recent meeting held by the EAC Council of Ministers in Arusha, Tanzania. There, leaders gathered to confront the crisis laid bare by a…

The Ripple Effect of U.S. Aid Cuts on African Healthcare The recent disruption in humanitarian aid from the United States has not merely altered budgets; it has sent shockwaves through Africa, undermining healthcare infrastructures that depend heavily on American support. Despite the official cessation of a 90-day halt on aid, the repercussions have left a gaping wound in Africa’s healthcare landscape. When an administration decides to freeze $72 billion in spending, the ramifications…

The impact of a high GDP growth rate on any economy is profound and far-reaching. It’s not just about numbers; it's about the real lives transformed by this growth. So, what does it truly mean for a nation and its citizens when the GDP begins to rise? For starters, a positive GDP growth usually signals a surge in job opportunities. Picture this: businesses are buzzing with activity, and the demand for their products and services swells spectacularly. To keep up, they begin hiring. This leads to increased…

The tragic events surrounding the anti-tax protests outside Kenya's parliament last June have been meticulously pieced together, revealing a poignant narrative that has captured national and international attention. As reported by the BBC, a thorough analysis of over 5,000 images has confirmed that those who lost their lives during this turmoil were unarmed individuals, tragically caught in the crossfire. The East African nation's constitution upholds the right to peaceful protest. Yet, the brutal deaths of protesters at…

Summit Highlights: A Call for Urgent Action in Somalia At the recent Extraordinary Summit of Troop Contributing Countries held in Entebbe, Uganda, regional leaders convened with a pressing sense of urgency. They voiced their deep concerns regarding the chronic underfunding of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission (AUSSOM). The conversation at this significant event pivoted around the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719, passed in December 2023, which authorizes the use of…

Zimbabwe's Central Bank Resumes Gold Coin Issuance In a noteworthy development, Zimbabwe's central bank has made the decision to reinstate the issuance of gold coins, a program that had been temporarily halted for a period of ten months. This revival is not just a procedural footnote; it’s a strategic maneuver aimed at stabilizing the local currency, the Zimbabwean Gold (ZiG), which is currently grappling with significant challenges stemming from policy missteps. The financial landscape in Zimbabwe is particularly…

Recent discussions have shed light on the United States' interest in the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project. This initiative, as articulated by Nigeria’s Finance Minister Wale Edun, could mark a significant step in U.S. investment in Africa's energy landscape. According to The Cable, Minister Edun made this announcement during his briefing on the outcomes of the ministry’s discussions at the recent Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in Washington, D.C. It's…

The Supreme Court of Kenya recently delivered a significant judgment, rejecting a government initiative aimed at seizing assets belonging to Gibriel Cusman Mohamed, a former Somali diplomat. The assets in question included a striking residence valued at KSh 110 million and cash amounting to KSh 8.6 million. Authorities had accused Mohamed of having ties to Yemeni terrorist organizations, raising profound questions about the intersection of diplomacy, legality, and ethical governance. Representatives from the Asset Recovery…