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Kenya

William Ruto arrives at the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, 16 February 2025. © Tiksa Negeri / Reuters

Ruto sees himself as orchestrator of continental free trade

Faced with falling foreign trade, Nairobi is banking on summit diplomacy, a strategy that should enable it to win control of a number of regional organisations.

Subscribers only Business 25.06.2025

Tea farm near Kerugoya, at the foot of Mount Kenya, in 2013. © Dai Kurokawa/EPA/MaxPPP

KTDA pushes for reinstatement of Rainforest Alliance certification

The government has suspended all of the American NGO Rainforest Alliance's upcoming audits of Kenyan tea plantations. However, international buyers of tea produced by the country's leading consortium may be put off by the label's absence.

Subscribers only Commodity traders 23.06.2025

Ruto wants Aliko Dangote to relaunch cement projects in Kenya

The Head of State has since coming to power in 2022 been trying to get the Nigerian billionaire to go ahead with his cement plant projects in the country. The two sides are close to an agreement.

Free access Business 20.06.2025

The Treasury's wavering position upsets Kenya Airways restructuring plans

The Kenyan airline, still largely under public ownership, is still looking for potential buyers. However, the government's shifting strategy casts doubt on its future shareholder structure.

Subscribers only Finance 19.06.2025

William Ruto woos warhorses from the Western region

The Kenyan president continues to forge alliances ahead of the 2027 election. He is trying to curry favour with a range of political bigwigs and former ministers from the Western, Nyanza and Rift Valley regions.

Subscribers only Politics 18.06.2025

Ruto's close advisors sceptical on the future of Hustler Fund

The head of state does not seem ready to abandon the youth and small business programme that bears his hallmark. But in a constrained budgetary context, more and more voices are being raised to reform the microcredit fund.

Subscribers only Finance 16.06.2025

Spotlight
Kenya signals pivot toward Morocco over Western Sahara

President William Ruto is quietly repositioning Kenya in the Western Sahara dispute, edging closer to Rabat's camp as fertiliser diplomacy and economic interests take priority over long-standing support for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, which has an embassy in Nairobi.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 12.06.2025

Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and Kenyan Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Musalia Mudavadi in Rabat on 27 May, 2025.

Ex-interior secretary Fred Matiang'i one step closer to presidential candidacy

Former strongman of Uhuru Kenyatta's administration hopes to gain the support of the latter's Jubilee Party in the 2027 campaign. Meanwhile, the rest of the opposition remains divided on what approach to take.

Subscribers only Politics 12.06.2025

Nairobi and its neighbours speed up work to meet Chan 2024 schedule

The African Nations Championship is set to serve as a rehearsal for the 2027 African Cup of Nations, the first held in East Africa. The reputations of the host country heads of state are on the line in the run-up to elections.

Subscribers only Infrastructure, Politics 12.06.2025

Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on 12 May 2018.

Kenya's tycoons struggle to keep coastal radio stations afloat

A financial crisis is threatening three key radio stations on Kenya's coast, despite their ownership by figures close to President William Ruto.

Subscribers only Politics 09.06.2025

Security services prepare for protests over finance bill

Kenya's intelligence services want to set up a special unit to contain any social unrest - sparked by the draft budget - akin to the violence that racked the country last year. They fear that this time round, unlike in 2024, the opposition parties could join the protests.

Subscribers only Politics 06.06.2025

Spotlight
Niamey junta dispatches emissaries to hunt for cheap weapon supply

Niger's ruling junta has sent emissaries to Kenya to try to buy weapons for its security forces on behalf of the interior ministry. Negotiations are well underway with a Nairobi-based company for the provision of weapons, the origin of which are raising eyebrows.

Subscribers only Defence 05.06.2025

General Abdourahamane Tiani (C), head of the military regime in Niger, in Niamey on 26 July 2024.

Promise after promise, Ruto eats into Odinga's home support

Making great use of country tours and announcements, the president is, one by one, rallying senior politicians in the Nyanza province, home of former rival Raila Odinga, whose party, riddled by internal divisions, has been suffering the exodus of its members since the signing of a government agreement.

Subscribers only Politics 05.06.2025

Ruto and Odinga butt heads on diplomatic priorities

The former opponent is keen to make his mark on the country's foreign policy, which is beset by tensions with neighboring countries. Apart from a few matters, the head of state is paying no heed.

Subscribers only Politics, Diplomacy 03.06.2025

Raila Odinga (left) and William Ruto in Nairobi, 7 March 2025.

Name of Kenyan organisers of Africa-France Summit revealed

Kenya's former ambassador in Tokyo (2012-2020) and Moscow (2020-2024) will be in charge of organising a summit that will bring together African countries and France in Nairobi, early 2026.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 02.06.2025

Ruto looks to cut cost of cement and steel ahead of major projects

The government has opened negotiations with the country's main manufacturers, who are demanding a raft of tax breaks to boost the competitiveness of the two sectors. It's a key issue for the president, who is in search of big infrastructure plans to help him win re-election.

Subscribers only Infrastructure, Politics 30.05.2025

President William Ruto in Kajiado, South Kenya, December 2023.

Ruto's daughter takes centre stage in youth charm offensive

Charlene Ruto is making inroads on university campuses to promote her father's policies – but faces headwinds from rival youth leaders.

Subscribers only Politics 29.05.2025

Nairobi speeds up trade rapprochement with Windhoek

In a sign of the recent forging of ties between the two countries, borne out by numerous recent bilateral visits, a new Kenyan investor is deploying its services in the Namibian agricultural sector.

Subscribers only Business, Diplomacy 27.05.2025

Supporters of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during a campaign rally in Windhoek, 24 November 2024.

Harassed African opposition politicians bid for united front

A platform bringing together opposition leaders from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and elsewhere in the region is being set up to exert influence on the international stage and secure the release of imprisoned officials and candidates prevented from standing in elections.

Subscribers only Politics, Diplomacy 26.05.2025

Lawyers of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, led by Martha Karua (center) in Kampala, 2 December 2024.

Paris Mayor Hidalgo expected in Nairobi, eyeing UN role

End of May, the Parisian mayor will attend the UN-Habitat General Assembly, organised at its Nairobi headquarters.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 23.05.2025

President Ruto's friends and associates bag big state contract

Kenya's state electricity company has handed out a series of contracts for the supply of equipment. The main winners have shareholders who are close to President William Ruto.

Subscribers only Infrastructure 22.05.2025

Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi, on 17 April 2025.

Nairobi awaits Chinese investments to relaunch tea sector

The executive is working on a programme that includes Beijing's support for the industrialisation of the tea sector. This project should have both an economic and political impact.

Subscribers only Business, Diplomacy 19.05.2025

The Kagwe tea factory in Githunguri, near Nairobi, in 2021.

Rum producer Bahari sets eyes on European market

Seven years after its launch, the African rum brand Bahari ("ocean" in Swahili) is seeking to expand its markets. It will be distributed in France starting this May.

Subscribers only Business 16.05.2025

Ruto sets sights on becoming a media mogul with his own TV channel

Little-known CBS News Kenya benefits from state television facilities and expects to be fully operational by the end of the year. The Kenyan president would like to see it play an important role in his 2027 election campaign.

Subscribers only Politics 14.05.2025

A campaign poster for William Ruto in Nairobi, June 2022.

Businessman Julius Mwale targeted by lawsuits after string of non-payments

Architect behind the real estate megaproject under construction in the west of the country, the businessman has lost several lawsuits against suppliers. Other payment deadlines are looming which raise questions over the solvency of his Medical and Technology City.

Subscribers only Business 12.05.2025

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DRC
Washington deal: intricacies behind Tshisekedi's poker move

Namibia
Namibia oil utopia hangs on TotalEnergies' final investment decision

Kenya

Ruto sees himself as orchestrator of continental free trade

KTDA pushes for reinstatement of Rainforest Alliance certification

Ruto wants Aliko Dangote to relaunch cement projects in Kenya

The Treasury's wavering position upsets Kenya Airways restructuring plans

William Ruto woos warhorses from the Western region

Ruto's close advisors sceptical on the future of Hustler Fund

Spotlight
Kenya signals pivot toward Morocco over Western Sahara

Ex-interior secretary Fred Matiang'i one step closer to presidential candidacy

Nairobi and its neighbours speed up work to meet Chan 2024 schedule

Kenya's tycoons struggle to keep coastal radio stations afloat

Security services prepare for protests over finance bill

Spotlight
Niamey junta dispatches emissaries to hunt for cheap weapon supply

Promise after promise, Ruto eats into Odinga's home support

Ruto and Odinga butt heads on diplomatic priorities

Name of Kenyan organisers of Africa-France Summit revealed

Ruto looks to cut cost of cement and steel ahead of major projects

Ruto's daughter takes centre stage in youth charm offensive

Nairobi speeds up trade rapprochement with Windhoek

Harassed African opposition politicians bid for united front

Paris Mayor Hidalgo expected in Nairobi, eyeing UN role

President Ruto's friends and associates bag big state contract

Nairobi awaits Chinese investments to relaunch tea sector

Rum producer Bahari sets eyes on European market

Ruto sets sights on becoming a media mogul with his own TV channel

Businessman Julius Mwale targeted by lawsuits after string of non-payments

Create a notification

About Africa Intelligence

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Africa Intelligence on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

About Africa Intelligence

Subscription

Indigo Publications' websites

DRC Washington deal: intricacies behind Tshisekedi's poker move

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Kenya

Ruto sees himself as orchestrator of continental free trade

KTDA pushes for reinstatement of Rainforest Alliance certification

Ruto wants Aliko Dangote to relaunch cement projects in Kenya

The Treasury's wavering position upsets Kenya Airways restructuring plans

William Ruto woos warhorses from the Western region

Ruto's close advisors sceptical on the future of Hustler Fund

Spotlight Kenya signals pivot toward Morocco over Western Sahara

Ex-interior secretary Fred Matiang'i one step closer to presidential candidacy

Nairobi and its neighbours speed up work to meet Chan 2024 schedule

Kenya's tycoons struggle to keep coastal radio stations afloat

Security services prepare for protests over finance bill

Spotlight Niamey junta dispatches emissaries to hunt for cheap weapon supply

Promise after promise, Ruto eats into Odinga's home support

Ruto and Odinga butt heads on diplomatic priorities

Name of Kenyan organisers of Africa-France Summit revealed

Ruto looks to cut cost of cement and steel ahead of major projects

Ruto's daughter takes centre stage in youth charm offensive

Nairobi speeds up trade rapprochement with Windhoek

Harassed African opposition politicians bid for united front

Paris Mayor Hidalgo expected in Nairobi, eyeing UN role

President Ruto's friends and associates bag big state contract

Nairobi awaits Chinese investments to relaunch tea sector

Rum producer Bahari sets eyes on European market

Ruto sets sights on becoming a media mogul with his own TV channel

Businessman Julius Mwale targeted by lawsuits after string of non-payments

Create a notification

About Africa Intelligence

Subscription

Africa Intelligence on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

DRC
Washington deal: intricacies behind Tshisekedi's poker move

Namibia
Namibia oil utopia hangs on TotalEnergies' final investment decision

Spotlight
Kenya signals pivot toward Morocco over Western Sahara

Spotlight
Niamey junta dispatches emissaries to hunt for cheap weapon supply