Kenya: The pain of the bereaved, calls for fresh protests

In Kenya, emotions are high following protests against proposed tax hikes, resulting in 26 deaths and numerous injuries. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported abductions and arbitrary arrests. Businesses suffered losses due to looting and arson. President William Ruto is engaging with various groups to find solutions, setting up a committee to address youth concerns. Despite these efforts, calls for further protests persist, with a significant security presence in Nairobi. Peaceful protests and vigils have been held to honor those killed.

Kelvin Kiptum: Kenya's top athlete dies in road accident

World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum died in a road accident near Eldoret, Kenya, along with his Rwandan coach Garbes Hakizimana. President William Ruto offered condolences, highlighting Kiptum's potential as a future superstar in long-distance running. The accident, involving only their vehicle, has deeply affected Kenya, a nation familiar with tragic incidents involving its top athletes.

Kenya's content creators reject tax proposals

Kenya's finance bill of 2023 proposes a 15 percent withholding tax on income earned through digital content monetization, sparking opposition from content creators led by comedian Eric Omondi. They argue the tax is too high for a growing digital economy with minimal government support. Economists warn the proposal could significantly impact individual incomes and the digital economy's growth. The bill will be presented in parliament, where its fate will be decided.

Donkeys in Kenya prove to be a means of empowerment for rural women

In Mwingi, Kenya, donkeys are crucial for economic empowerment among women, providing transportation and income in a semi-arid region with poor road infrastructure. Organizations like Brooke East Africa and Caritas Kitui support these women by ensuring donkey welfare and maximizing their economic potential. Women like Pricilla Mutheya use donkeys for selling water, firewood, and sand, earning up to 10 dollars a day. Caritas-Kitui's director, Florence Ndeti, emphasizes the importance of appreciating donkeys' economic value. Josprinta Mwemdwa leads a group pooling donkey proceeds for personal growth and children's education. Ambrose Musyimi of Caritas has set targets to reach thousands of women and donkeys annually. However, the rise in donkey theft due to a local slaughterhouse poses a threat to the women's livelihood.

Hilton hotel in Kenya's capital to close after 53 years of service

The iconic Hilton Hotel in Nairobi's Central Business District will close indefinitely after 53 years, impacting workers and the luxury sector. Despite the closure, Hilton Hotels will continue operating other brands in Kenya. The hospitality industry, already hit hard by COVID-19, faces challenges due to economic conditions and reduced tourism. The closure follows the earlier shutdown of the Intercontinental Hotel, highlighting the industry's volatility. The article includes perspectives from local residents and industry professionals on the broader implications for Nairobi's hospitality sector.

Kenya: Eliud Kipchoge 'Superman sculpture'

Artists Mandela Ondula and Cheryl Nagawa created a 3D sculpture to honor Eliud Kipchoge, the world's most celebrated marathon runner. The project, known as 'The Kenyan Superman sculpture,' took four months to complete and involved meticulous processes to achieve great precision. The sculpture was revealed on social media following Kipchoge's victory in the Tokyo marathon, receiving an overwhelming reception. The artists plan to gift the sculpture to Kipchoge and are awaiting contact from his management.

Glass Art Wonderland: a unique venture in Nairobi

Anselm Kitengela Hot Glass, a company specializing in glass art and products, has been operating for over three decades in Nairobi, Kenya. It is renowned for recycling glass, particularly clear window glass, and has become a significant tourist destination in East Africa. The company is also in partnership with Ngwenya, a glass blowing company based in Eswatini. Kitengela Hot Glass's unique artistry contributes to Kenya's cultural offerings and aligns with the 'Magical Kenya' campaign to showcase Kenyan creativity to the world.

Not vaccinated? No access to public places in Kenya

The Kenyan government has mandated that unvaccinated individuals will be denied services and entry to banks, restaurants, and public spaces. Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe expressed concern over rising Covid-19 cases, with a 34.2% positivity rate reported. Public reactions are mixed, with some resistance and others supporting the directive to increase vaccination rates. As of December 28, 2021, Kenya has administered over 9.7 million vaccines, with approximately 5.7 million partially vaccinated and 4 million fully vaccinated.

Kenya: children from Korogocho slums hope of better life intact

ACAKORO Football Academy in Nairobi's Korogocho slums offers disadvantaged children the chance to improve their lives through sport and skill development activities, supporting school enrollment and educational achievement. The academy's programs also provide opportunities to alleviate poverty and allow children to compete against major European football clubs. In 2019, a pilot project with UNICEF Kenya integrated children with mild intellectual disabilities, and the academy received a capacity building workshop from Special Olympics.

Kenyans on Twitter blast President Uhuru Kenyatta

Kenyans on Twitter criticized President Uhuru Kenyatta after a photo of him dabbing with a dance crew at the State House went viral. The criticism was due to the ongoing doctors and lecturers' strikes demanding better pay and working conditions, which have caused significant disruptions in public hospitals and universities. The government has not yet reached an agreement with the striking doctors. Additionally, Kenyatta's government faces allegations of corruption, including a recent scandal in the Ministry of Health involving the misappropriation of Ksh.5bn, which was revealed by auditor Bernard Muchere.