East Africa

Recent revelations from a leaked memo reviewed by The Washington Post indicate a potential expansion of the controversial travel ban first introduced in 2017. This move could see several African nations added to the existing list of restricted countries, which raises significant concerns. According to the details of the memo, the proposed restrictions are tied to several factors, notably visa overstay rates and perceived deficiencies in national security vetting systems. These criteria have become pivotal in…

In a crucial address to Parliament on Thursday, Kenya's Treasury Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi, unveiled budget estimates that revealed a staggering decline in funding for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria. The funding has plummeted from KSh 28.7 billion in this fiscal year to a mere KSh 17.3 billion for the next—news that has sent shockwaves through the health sector. This significant reduction in budget comes on the heels of the withdrawal of financial support from the United States…

Protests Erupt Over Death of Kenyan Blogger Albert Ojwang In a tragic turn of events, the voice of political dissent has resonated loudly across the streets of Nairobi. The recent death of Kenyan blogger Albert Ojwang, while in police custody, has ignited a wave of protests that speak to the heart of persistent issues surrounding police brutality in the nation. As demonstrators clash with police amidst burning vehicles, this incident serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences faced by those who dare to criticize…

Weather Alert: Prepare for Strong Winds and Large Waves A dramatic scene unfolds as strong winds whip through the landscape on a rainy day, captured in a recent footage report from Weather Today. Reflecting this chaotic beauty, the Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a crucial weather advisory that urges citizens to brace for intense winds and towering waves over the next six days. The message, released on Friday, June 13, is not just mere meteorological jargon; it carries the weight of severe implications for both…

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…