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Exclusive Interview with the Opposition Leader
Hear directly from the opposition leader on their plans for key policy shifts and restoring faith in government institutions.
Cross-Border Trade: Unlocking EAC's Economic Potential
A look at the policy frameworks and logistical realities shaping trade relations within the East African Community bloc and beyond.
Economic Policy Changes
Financial institutions respond to changing market conditions...
Economic Policy Changes
Financial institutions respond to changing market conditions...
Kurunzi News CEO Milton Nyakundi meets Matiang’i in the U.S.
In a quiet, yet powerful meeting held in the United States, Kurunzi News CEO Milton Nyakundi and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i engaged in a deep conversation that touched on governance, democracy, and the future of Kenya’s leadership. The high-level dialogue, held on the sidelines of a diaspora policy and governance forum in Washington, D.C., brought together two figures from very different paths, but with a shared concern for Kenya’s democratic future. Nyakundi, whose Kurunzi News is renowned for its pro-people stance and relentless advocacy for good governance, met with Matiang’i, a man who once wielded immense executive power
US reorganizes State Department in line with Trump foreign policy
The US has announced a historic reorganization of its foreign policy as President Donald Trump pushes on with his agenda to align the American workforce activities and programs with the America First foreign policy priorities. Speaking at the weekly briefing on Thursday, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that this significant restructuring is taking shape following the Supreme Court’s recent near-unanimous decision to allow the reorganization to commence. Bruce said the reorganization is geared towards enhancing the department’s effectiveness and relevance, emphasizing that the changes are not about targeting individuals but about improving the department’s structure. Secretary Marco Rubio announced
IMF debt load puts Kenya behind only one African nation
Kenya is now the second-largest borrower from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Africa, with outstanding credit totalling about $4.02 billion as of 27 June 2025, exposing taxpayers to the Bretton Woods institution-led tax hikes and austerity measures. This places the country just behind Egypt, which leads the continent with about $9.96 billion in IMF debt, according to the latest figures published by the IMF. The data underscores Kenya’s rising dependence on external concessional financing to manage its budgetary pressures while losing policy independence to foreign lenders. With no repayments or new disbursements recorded during the latest IMF reporting window,
CCTV now mandatory in police stations, Murkomen declares
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced sweeping policy reforms within the National Police Service (NPS), including a new directive mandating the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems in all police stations nationwide. In his State of the Nation address on Monday, 16 June 2025, the Cabinet Secretary stated that all 1,209 police stations in Kenya will be equipped with CCTV Surveillance within the next two years as part of a broader drive to entrench transparency in law enforcement facilities. “In the aspirational fulfillment of constitutional governance, I have today directed the implementation of the following policy reforms in the National Police
China and Africa: A Fresh Start with No Tariffs
China recently announced a groundbreaking initiative to remove all tariffs on imports from 53 African nations, a move poised to significantly boost trade and deepen economic ties. This decision, unveiled at a recent China-Africa cooperation meeting, aims to level the playing field for middle-income African countries while addressing recent tariff hikes imposed by the United States. China will eliminate tariffs on goods imported from these African nations, excluding Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The new policy, which builds upon a previous agreement that allowed duty-free access for 33 of the least developed African nations, is seen as a
Ruto’s foreign policy: Strategic gains, persistent gaps
President William Ruto’s administration has embarked on a dynamic foreign policy journey, aiming to elevate Kenya’s global standing and economic prospects. With Principal Secretary Korir Singoei and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at the helm, the government has pursued strategic engagements, notably with the Netherlands. However, while certain milestones have been achieved, challenges persist, particularly concerning human rights and domestic governance. A significant highlight of Kenya’s foreign policy under President Ruto was the state visit by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in March 2025. This visit underscored the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, leading to the
Sifuna demands accountability over Kenyan Activists deportation
In a heated and impassioned address during today’s Senate session, Senator Edwin Sifuna of Nairobi raised a storm of criticism over the recent deportation of several Kenyan activists from Tanzania. The deportation of these figures, who had been involved in outspoken criticism of Tanzanian authorities, is quickly becoming a flashpoint in the already delicate diplomatic relations between Kenya and its neighbor. Sifuna’s remarks have not only cast a glaring spotlight on Tanzania’s increasingly authoritarian behavior but also on Kenya’s handling of its foreign policy in dealing with its regional partners. The Senate chamber erupted into lively debate after Senator Sifuna,
Deportation of Martha Karua strains Kenya-Tanzania ties
The deportation of Martha Karua and her team from Tanzania has ignited a diplomatic firestorm, exposing deep fractures in both regional relations and Kenya’s internal governance. Karua, was detained and expelled by Tanzanian authorities while attempting to attend the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The incident has not only strained Kenya-Tanzania relations but also highlighted significant lapses in Kenya’s foreign policy coordination and internal political coherence. Tanzania’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from Kenyan officials and civil society leaders. Orange Democratic Movement Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, condemned the deportation as a breach of diplomatic norms. “The expulsion of
Kenyans to incur more for government services
Kenyans to pay more for government services as the state plans to channel in more funds from services offered by ministries and other institutions in efforts to fund the 2025/26 national budget. According to the National Treasury CS John Mbadi, through the Budget Policy Statement, is one of the ways they are going to raise an additional KSh387 billion in ordinary revenue, for an increase from KSh2.6 trillion to KSh3.01 trillion. The key government services likely to be affected are the issuance of national identity cards, passports, driving licences, Marriage and Birth Certificates, as well as Certificate of Good Conduct
Ruto Beijing U-turn: From critic to courtier
President Ruto’s return to Beijing this week marks a striking transformation in Kenya’s foreign policy posture—one that’s raising eyebrows both at home and abroad. The visit, wrapped in the formalities of a state occasion, carries with it the unmistakable tone of economic desperation. With a metaphorical begging bowl in hand, Ruto’s about-face underscores the complex entanglements of global diplomacy, domestic pressure, and the harsh realities of governance. Just two years ago, on the campaign trail, Ruto took aim at China with the rhetorical flourish common in electoral politics. He painted Beijing as part of Kenya’s debt problem, accusing the previous
MPs Push for structured reforms in Teacher compensation as new Bill reaches Parliament
A sweeping reform to improve the welfare and compensation of teachers is gaining momentum in Parliament, as lawmakers rally behind the Teachers Service Commission (Amendment) Bill 2024. The proposed legislation seeks to address long-standing grievances among educators by introducing structured, policy-driven allowances and correcting inconsistencies in the current Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Act. At the heart of the bill are provisions aimed at standardizing teacher compensation through a predictable framework that includes hardship, special duty, and risk allowances. These new allowances are designed to reflect the diverse and often challenging conditions under which teachers operate across the country, from remote
Security concerns ignite debate over ID vetting policy
In a move that has ignited a national debate, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has openly criticized President William Ruto’s recent directive to abolish the vetting process for issuing national identification cards in border counties. Natembeya, drawing on his extensive background in security, warns that this policy shift could have dire consequences for national security. Speaking at the final send off of late IEBC boss Wafula Chebukati on Saturday, Natembeya argued that eliminating the vetting process could open the floodgates for individuals with malicious intent to acquire Kenyan identification documents. “This directive has serious security implications,” Natembeya stated. “If implemented
Kenya majority leader faces the heat: A masterclass in evasion
In a recent episode of Al Jazeera’s “Head to Head,” Kenya’s National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, found himself under intense scrutiny. The interview, conducted by the formidable Mehdi Hasan, delved into pressing issues plaguing President William Ruto’s administration, including unfulfilled promises, allegations of enforced disappearances, rampant corruption, and contentious policy decisions. Dodging the 281 promises When confronted about the government’s staggering 281 unfulfilled promises, Ichung’wah skillfully sidestepped direct accountability. Instead of providing concrete timelines or actionable plans, he offered broad assurances. “The government is committed to delivering on its pledges. Progress may be gradual, but our dedication remains unwavering.”
MPs concerned over slow compensation of persons displaced by state projects
Members of Parliament have raised concerns over delayed compensation of people displaced to pave room for State projects. According to the lawmakers,many households are still waiting to get compensation for several years since these projects which include roads were initiated. Committee chairperson MP Joash Nyamoko raised these concerns during a meeting with officials from the National Land Commission to review the 2025 Budget Policy Statement. While protesting over this, Kitui South MP Rachael Nyamai cited the Kibwezi- Mutumo Road in Kitui County. According to Nyamai, many families considered as Project Displaced Persons were yet to be compensated seven years after
Kenya foreign policy at crossroads: Sudan accusations and diplomatic tensions
Kenya’s foreign policy has recently come under intense scrutiny, with the country now facing serious accusations from Sudan over its diplomatic and legal handling of international relations. Sudan’s allegations that Kenya has failed to uphold international laws in its dealings with the country are bringing to light the growing complexities and contradictions within Kenya’s foreign policy. The latest row began when Sudan expressed frustration with Kenya’s stance on the ongoing Sudanese conflict. Sudan accuses Kenya of complicity in breaching international law by allegedly supporting armed groups within Sudan, a claim that Nairobi has strongly denied. Sudan’s government has also raised
Confluence of African politics, domestic dynamics in AUC
In a closely watched election on Saturday, at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, was elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The outcome marked a significant setback for Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, who had been a prominent contender for the position. The election results have sparked extensive discussions among foreign policy experts and political figures, shedding light on the multifaceted factors that contributed to Odinga’s defeat. The AUC Chairperson election was a competitive race featuring three main candidates: Raila Odinga of Kenya, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti,
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