Kenya's economy exhibits unique traits and magic

It is assumed that the small and micro enterprises that define the Kenyan economy are independent, but they are linked to the formal economy.

By 11 days ago

Should we celebrate falling interest rates

It’s expected that with low rates, banks will take the cue and lower their lending rates.

By 13 days ago

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Rising lake waters and nature's fury that we should all take note

Rising waters at Lake Bogoria signal the growing force of nature and the urgent need to confront environmental change.

By 15 days ago

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Bank notes in decorations: It's more than meets the eye

The Central Bank of Kenya's advisory on the use of banknotes in decorations provoked my economic instinct

By 19 days ago

Why NCBA is on sale after Safaricom

If Safaricom and NCBA’s sale goes through, South Africa will control a big chunk of Kenya’s financial market, including M-Pesa.

By 20 days ago

Of Epstein files and ghosts of Happy Valley

The fact that Epstein was both a financial consultant and a convicted sex offender makes any connection with him murky. 

By 23 days ago

Whom do you know? The injustice of personalising service delivery

Unfortunately, the most affected by “who do you know” are the hustlers, the men and women who have never built any networks.

By 26 days ago

What if China wins the AI race, and what are its implications?

If China dominates the electric car industry and AI, it will upend the long-held belief in the superiority of Western civilisation.

By 27 days ago

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The age of gyms is upon us and with it a fitness boom

When shall we start respecting rural folks for owning their houses, with or without affordable housing? 

By 1 month ago

Elevated roads key to unlocking incessant traffic gridlocks

The elevated Standard Gauge Railway, which allows animals to move freely between parts of the Nairobi National Park, much like an elevated expressway saves lots of space.

By 1 month ago

Why China is primed for global EV takeover

The fear now is that China will slowly kill the internal combustion engine by mass-producing cheaper electric cars. 

By 1 month ago

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Don't build on that empty land! You will thank me later

An open space can be configured in many ways, and tent makers have been very creative. Movement is less restrictive and photography is much better! 

By 1 month ago

Has economic focus already shifted to the 2027 elections?

The 2022 polls were about economics, and so will be the 2027 elections, and the government seems too aware of that and is unlikely shy away from flexing its economic muscles.

By 1 month ago

What defines a good school in my book

Most parents with Grade 10 children are running from one school to another, one county to another, looking for a “good school.”

By 1 month ago

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The new allure of the fast-growing countryside

The price of land in major urban centres has made it economically sensible to build in the countryside where amenities like roads and power are now available

By 1 month ago

It's more than oil in the fight for the soul of Venezuela

The pronouncement that the United States will control Venezuelan oil, about 70 per cent of which currently goes to China, explains the US determination to control the Venezuelan economy.

By 1 month ago

With perfect weather, we can make Kenya a fruit country

Fruit farming has been neglected in Kenya despite its great potential. We have perfect weather for fruits.

By 1 month ago

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Hope and fear to dominate economic prospects of 2026

Let’s address the prospects of this year using the funnel approach, from broad to narrow issues. Men are more conversant with a funnel, usually an old plastic bottle with the bottom ripped off.

By 1 month ago

Let's prioritise quality learning this year

The big debate on Competency-Based Education was about the placement of junior secondary, teaching methodology, and examinations, not the content. 

By 1 month ago

And The Hustler of the Year 2025 Award goes to

Hustlers are in tune with seasons and reality and took advantage of Nairobians reluctance to leave the city to sell their wares. 

By 2 months ago

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2025: A year of premium economic tears all around

The year is ending in economic tears for the ordinary citizens, albeit official statistics show otherwise.

By 2 months ago

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Would social market economic model take Kenya to Singapore?

The popular view is that the Singapore dream will replace the hustler story as 2027 approaches.

By 2 months ago

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Why motorbikes lead in Kenya's innovation journey

Beyond transport efficiency, they have given employment to thousands of Kenyans.

By 2 months ago

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Infrastructure fund: What of debt and brains funds too?

Unless we want to leave the debt for the next government, as a poisoned chalice. What of a debt fund?

By 2 months ago

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The aftermath of Bondi Beach attack

At the time of last week’s terror attack, Bondi Beach was full; it’s summer in Australia. We love beaches for their peace and serenity.

By 2 months ago

Enterprising spirit of pioneer transporters in mt Kenya

What did you do with the optimism and exuberance of independence? Two young men in their early 20s, wasted no time:

By 2 months ago

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Social media ban: Should we follow the Aussie example?

This was unprecedented for a generation that grew up with the phone.

By 2 months ago

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Safaricom sale: Let State show its hand

The proposed sale of 15 per cent of the government’s shares in telecom giant Safaricom has sparked a heated and emotional national debate.

By 2 months ago

Caregiver College: Has the future arrived prematurely?

The longevity in the developed countries, thanks to advances in medicine and the ability to pay for caregiving, drives the caregiving industry.

By 2 months ago

Economic growth: Which rate will take us to Singapore?

A range is good, economic growth is unpredictable, and neither is it an exact science.

By 2 months ago

Sinister use of road guard rails apart from safety

Most Kenyan roads have guardrails. They stop cars from veering off the road in case of an accident. On dual carriage roads, they keep traffic on the side, ensuring safety.

By 2 months ago

How a small town almost became Kenya's Singapore

Shamata town overlooks the infamous Happy Valley and has an old disused tannery that once trained young men to tan leather and make bags, shoes, belts, and other accessories.

By 3 months ago

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Ukraine war: What's the endgame?

It has been almost four years since Russia invaded Ukraine.

By 3 months ago

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Gitunduti got a cousin in Kahawa Sukari where universities power economy

We recently explained how Gítundúti has become a university town driven by Karatina University. My efforts to get the meaning and origins of the name Gitúndútí have not been successful.

By 3 months ago

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From China Square to village and use of price to penetrate market

Price finally won us over to China Square, a retailer with a range of unique products; you will not buy Jogoo or rice there.

By 3 months ago

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Ruto's state address missed the mark

President William Ruto’s State of the Nation Address’ opening remarks were poetic before statistics began to bog down the audience.

By 3 months ago

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Follow through to succeed: A life lesson from golf

One cherished practice in golf is a “follow-through.” Hit the ball and follow it up with the club.

By 3 months ago

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Great disconnect: Why our problems aren't resolved fast

The problems identified by the business sector are real, affect real companies and people; they are not mere case studies.

By 3 months ago

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My crystal ball into Kenya's Vision 2055

The capital was chosen because of the scenery: vast open plains with Mt Kenya in the background. The mountain got more snow after winning the battle over global warming. 

By 3 months ago

Idle donkey and the Second letter from White Highlands

Why are human beings the beast of burden, long after the donkey took over, and later dethroned by the car and bodaboda? 

By 3 months ago