ICEA LION LIFE ASSURANCE PIONEERS RETIREMENT PLANNING INDEX FOR KENYANS

ICEA LION Life Assurance Company has today 

launched the ICEA LION Retirement Preparedness Index (IRPI). The index, the first of its kind in Kenya is designed to measure retirement readiness at both individual and national levels.

On an individual level, the index provides a calculator that measures one’s personal preparedness for retirement. Any individual can input their information (savings, income, frequency of saving, among others) and receive a tailored personal index. At a national scale, the index is derived from a study (primary and secondary research) that targets both working and retired populations to measure their

anticipated and current readiness for retirement.

According to Jacqueline Ochieng, Head of Research “What makes this index unique is its robust methodology, which integrates four critical dimensions of preparedness: Replacement Rate, Behavioral Scoring, Financial Suciency Ratio, and Asset Multiples,”   The study will be conducted

annually and each year, ICEA LION Life Assurance Company will update the index to reveal the current state of retirement readiness in Kenya.

This innovation reafirms ICEA LION’s ongoing commitment to shaping the future of pensions through innovative digital first and customer centric solutions. Through the launch of the Retirement Preparedness Index (IRPI), we continue to bridge the gap between traditional pension management and modern digital access, ensuring that Kenyans can plan and monitor their retirement journey at any time,anywhere.By turning complex pension data into meaningful insights powered by AI.

 

Across Kenya, retirement planning is rapidly evolving as individuals seek flexible, transparent, and digitally accessible pension solutions. Building on the strong heritage of financial innovation, ICEA LION Life Assurance Company has taken the first step in introducing an innovative solution intended to drive

action as the country seeks to improve the livelihoods of its citizens.

KCB BANK KENYA AND PESA PAL PARTNER TO DIGITIZE FUEL STATION OPERATIONS IN EAST AFRICA

Pesapal, a financial services and business solutions provider, has partnered with KCB Bank Kenya to transform fuel station operations across East Africa.

The collaboration will see the roll-out of Pesapal's advanced Forecourt Management Solution to over 10,000 fuel dealers in the region, combining cutting-edge operational technology with innovative financing models to transform the petroleum retail sector by efficiently managing functions such as fuel dispensing, sales, inventory tracking, payments, and reconciliation.

Forecourt Management Solution provides an integrated digital platform that streamlines fuel dispensing, sales monitoring, inventory tracking, payment processing, and financial reconciliation. The technology addresses critical pain points that have long constrained the industry, from manual errors and inventory shrinkage to limited access to working capital, while positioning dealers for sustainable growth in an increasingly digital economy. 

The partnership is part of KCB’s Oil and Gas Ecosystem and Value Chain Banking Proposition. By leveraging the real-time performance data generated through Pesapal's platform, KCB can accurately assess creditworthiness and offer stock financing and working capital solutions to enable dealers to operate more efficiently and grow sustainably. This data-driven approach to lending represents a fundamental shift in how financial institutions in partnership with Fintechs can support businesses in Africa's petroleum sector.

Speaking on the milestone, KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director, Mrs. Annastacia Kimtai, said: “The rollout of this framework is a clear demonstration of KCB’s commitment to utilizing technology and innovation to provide holistic solutions to our customers in the oil and gas sector. We are going beyond financing to support operational efficiency, sustainability, and growth across the entire oil and gas value chain.”

The seamless adoption of the system will address urgent needs in East Africa's petroleum sector, which is undergoing rapid transformation driven by evolving regulatory requirements, increasing consumer expectations for digital services, and growing pressure for operational transparency. 

Pesapal Founder, Agosta Liko, noted: “This partnership represents a transformative moment for East Africa's petroleum sector. Pesapal has spent years developing deep expertise in fuel industry digitization, working closely with Oil Marketing Companies, fleet operators, and dealers to understand their unique challenges. Our Forecourt Management Solution is purpose-built for Africa's operating environment. Combined with KCB's nationwide reach and innovative financing approach, we are enabling dealers to modernize operations, eliminate revenue leakage, achieve regulatory compliance, and, for the first time, access growth capital based on verified performance. This is about fundamentally upgrading how the entire fuel ecosystem operates.”

This partnership represents a significant milestone for both organizations in driving digital transformation across East Africa's petroleum sector. For Pesapal, it validates years of innovation in fuel industry technology and expands the reach of its comprehensive platform to thousands of additional dealers. For KCB, the initiative reinforces the Bank’s strategic focus on supporting the oil and gas industry through a comprehensive value proposition that includes tailored financing, trade facilitation, and digital solutions. It also aligns with its broader ambition to digitize value chains, reduce cash dependency, and drive the adoption of sustainable financial solutions that help businesses thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

THE PRIVATIZATION OF STATE INSTITUTIONS THREATENS EQUALITY AND PUBLIC SERVICES

The Fight Inequality Alliance Kenya (FIA Kenya) believes that privatization driven by debt and austerity, threatens the social and economic fabric of the nation,thus urge the government to halt the sale of public assets and put the needs of ordinary Kenyans ahead of external loan conditions therefore the IMF and World Bank should stop pushing privatization as a solution to economic troubles.

Speaking during a media briefing at a Nairobi hotel FIA Kenya National Coordinator Brenda Osoro said Kenya's Public Debt As of October 2025 is at Ksh 11.8 trillion,more than 65% of GDP. More than half of all tax revenue (65.5%) goes toward debt repayment.The National Coordinator has called on the government to adopt Sustainable alternatives to privatization such as abolishment of tax incentive,taxes on wealth.

 According to Brenda Osoro continued pressure from the IMF and World Bank for Kenya to privatize key public services as part of structural adjustment programs.Kenya must invest more in public services, not sell them. FIA Kenya champions economic justice, public ownership, and dignity for all Kenyans,The partial privatization of Kenya Airways and Telkom Kenya resulted in debt, layoffs, and later government bailouts.

The President of Kenya signed  the Privatization Bill into law in October 2025 marking a major turning point for the country's economic direction. The new legislation streamlines the process for selling or transferring state assets, including more than 30 state-owned enterprises in ports, energy, agriculture, transport, and water services.

FIGHT INEQUALITY ALLIANCE KENYA CALLS FOR G20 TO DELIVER ECONOMIC JUSTICE

The fight inequality Alliance Kenya (FIA Kenya) had called on world leaders meeting at the upcoming G20 summit in south Africa to consider people and planet before profits.The Alliance comprising of Kenya civil society, grassroots movements and community organisations is urging both global and national leaders to take bold steps to deliver economic justice for all.

Kenya is seen as one of Africa's emerging economies with 36 percent of Kenyans living below national poverty line and country's wealth concentrated among small elites.Kenyan government spend more on debt repayment with public debt currently standing at ksh 11.81 trillion approximately 67.8percent.

FIA Kenya outlines five key proposals to tackle inequality at both global and national levels, including comprehensive public debt audit and African debt negotiation platform ensuring no country spends more on lenders than on citizens.progressive taxation one wealth and luxury goods.Global UN tax convention to ensure corporations pay where they operate.

According to the alliance G20 should move beyond talk and embrace transformative reforms that centre on human dignity and economic fairness.Inequality is a global crisis rooted in policy choices,the imbalance is maintained through G20 policies that allow multinationals corporations to exploit tax loopholes and shift profits abroad.

BUILDING THE FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK FOR A a SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

By: Zaharaa Khanbhai

In Africa, a house is more than a roof over one’s head. It is a symbol of dignity, a vessel of intergenerational wealth, and a cornerstone of economic stability. In the Kenyan context, where the housing deficit stands at over 2 million units, the urgency to address this challenge is not just a matter of infrastructure, it is a moral and economic imperative.

For low-income earners, homeownership remains a distant dream. High mortgage costs, limited access to financing, and informal incomes have locked millions out of the property market. But this is not just statistics. It is a call to action. Financial institutions must evolve from passive lenders to active architects of inclusive growth. The housing crisis presents a rare opportunity to reimagine real estate financing, not as a transactional product, but as a transformative tool for social equity and climate resilience.

At Absa Bank, we believe housing is a foundation for safety, economic security, and community development. That’s why our approach goes beyond lending. We are building ecosystems, structuring capital, managing risk, and empowering end-users. Our commitment to affordable housing is not just about numbers; it’s about stories. It’s about the single mother in Nairobi who dreams of a secure future for her children. It’s about a young graduate in Kisumu who wants to invest in his first home. It’s about the millions of Africans who deserve a dignified place to call their own.

The economics of going green are equally compelling. Green homes can reduce water and energy bills by up to 57% and 45%, respectively, often recouping retrofit costs within a year. These savings are not just financial; they are environmentally friendly. Climate-resilient housing creates healthier living spaces, lowers operating costs, and shields families from the growing threats of climate change. In a continent already grappling with extreme weather events, building sustainably is no longer optional, it is essential.

Unlocking this potential requires bold thinking. We must address demand-side barriers such as awareness, access, and affordability, while tackling supply-side challenges like capital, cash flow, and policy frameworks. That’s why Absa Bank has committed KES 4 billion to support affordable housing loans for onward lending to the retail segment. This is not just a financial pledge, it is a strategic investment in Kenya’s future.

Our partnerships with the National Housing Corporation (NHC) and Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) are designed to create ripple effects across the value chain. KMRC-backed financing offers fixed-rate mortgages, mitigating the risk of unpredictable interest rates and making homeownership more accessible to everyday Kenyans. These collaborations are proof that when public and private sectors align, transformative change is possible.

This vision was reinforced at the recent East Africa Property Investment (EAPI) Summit and the inaugural IHS Affordable Housing Conference in Kenya. These platforms are vital for shaping policy, fostering innovation, and embedding gender-responsive and youth-inclusive frameworks in housing provision. They remind us that housing is not just about bricks and mortar, it is about people, possibilities, and progress.

Our Pan-African experience informs our strategy. In South Africa, Absa’s Commercial Property Finance team has partnered with IHS to make affordable housing an investable asset class. This model is now being adapted to the Kenyan context, proving that scalable, inclusive, and sustainable financial ecosystems can unlock homeownership for millions across the continent.

Despite recent macroeconomic headwinds, the East African property market remains a beacon of opportunity. It is an engine for job creation, infrastructure development, and improved living standards. But to fully harness its potential, we must rethink how we finance, build, and sustain housing. We must combine market expertise with innovative financial models. We must see housing not just as shelter, but as a strategic lever for inclusive development.

At Absa, we see your story. We see your aspirations. And we see housing as a platform to help you achieve them. Our role is not just to finance homes; it is to co-create the future. By embedding sustainability into our operations and aligning our capital with purpose, we are helping build the Africa we all want to live in.

This is not just a Kenyan story. It is a continental movement. If we get the financing architecture right, we can deliver not just homes, but hope. We can build cities that are both livable and investable. We can create communities that thrive. And we can ensure that every African, regardless of income, gender, or age, has a fair shot at owning a piece of the future.

Because in the end, housing is not just about where we live. It’s about how we live. And at Absa Bank, we are committed to making that life more secure, more sustainable, and more inclusive, one home at a time.

The writer is the Commercial Property Finance East Africa Director

BOLT RIDE HAILING SEEN AS SAFER OPTION BY MOST KENYANS

 

Mary Ndanu

A new safety index report by Ipsos, commissioned by Bolt, has revealed that a majority of Kenyans consider ride-hailing to be significantly safer than traditional transport models, including taxis and public service vehicles.

According to the findings, 89% of Kenyan ride-hailing users view Bolt as a safer transport option, citing features such as real-time GPS tracking, driver identity verification, emergency assistance, trusted-contact sharing and round-the-clock support.

The report also indicated that ride-hailing is increasingly being used to curb drunk driving, with 76% of respondents saying they opt for Bolt when they feel vulnerable including after consuming alcohol to avoid driving under the influence.

Ipsos noted a growing trend of Kenyans booking rides through Bolt on behalf of children, friends and relatives, especially during night-time travel, pointing to safety, reliability and convenience as the key reasons.

The Researchers said ride-hailing has become a trusted mobility solution for Kenyan passengers who view it as safer than informal and traditional transport options.

94% of users believe Bolt offers greater safety compared to other modes, driven by digital safety tools that enhance accountability and real-time support.97% said in-app emergency features make them feel safer, while driver-rating systems, GPS trip monitoring, identity checks and trip-sharing emerged as the most valued elements.

The survey also found a strong link between Bolt usage and reduced instances of drunk driving in major urban centres. However, some respondents cited pricing and low awareness of digital safety tools as barriers for wider adoption, especially among groups who still choose to drive after social drinking.

Speaking at the launch, Bolt Senior Operations Manager Arthur said the findings underscore the company’s commitment to safety as a core priority. He noted that more than 90 per cent of passengers who use Bolt feel safer, particularly at night, reinforcing the company’s role in promoting safer communities and supporting national efforts against drunk driving.

He said Bolt continues to invest in driver-screening processes, safety training, panic buttons, GPS monitoring, 24-hour support and constant communication to reinforce safe conduct.

“Our goal is to ensure every ride is safe, reliable and empowering for both passengers and drivers,” he said, adding that the company will continue collaborating with government, law enforcement and stakeholders to strengthen road safety.

In an interview, Bolt Regional PR Manager for Africa Sandra Buyole said Kenya remains one of the company’s strongest markets in Africa, where Bolt operates in Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Tanzania. She noted that by 2023, Bolt recorded more than 900,000 drivers in Africa and completed over one billion rides across the continent.

Buyole said the report was crucial in understanding how passengers perceive safety and mobility trends. She welcomed findings showing that 89% of users feel safer using Bolt and that 76% believe Bolt helps curb drunk driving.

“This data reinforces the impact we are making,” she said, noting that the insights will help the company strengthen safety features and improve user experience. “This is our maiden safety index report, and the insights are powerful. We are looking to do more in strengthening ride-hailing safety in Kenya.”

Bolt pledged continued investment in customer support, driver partnerships and technology to enhance safety for all users.

EAC MSMEs POISED TO SCALE FINANCING

The key to unlocking the potential of East Africa's small businesses lies in taking financing and support directly to them, rather than waiting for them to walk into a bank. Absa Bank Kenya delivered this message during a key panel at the 25th EAC MSMEs Trade Fair (Nov 10-11, 2025), titled “Unlocking access to finance and markets: Key enablers for scaling MSMEs in the region.”

Held at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, the trade fair’s theme focused on “25 Years of EAC Integration: Advancing Innovation and Regional Value Chains for Competitive MSMEs Towards Sustainable Development.” In his opening remarks, CS Oparanya emphasised that this aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

“MSMEs contribute about 30% to Kenya’s GDP and create over 90% of jobs, yet still face challenges such as limited market access, financing gaps, and climate-related disruptions,” Dr. Oparanya stated, celebrating the impressive turnout of over 3,000 exhibitors from across East Africa.

The panel discussion, a key feature of the day, zeroed in on these financing gaps. Representing the banking sector, Elizabeth Wasunna-Ochwa, Absa Bank Kenya’s Director of Business Banking outlined the institution’s evolving approach to supporting small and medium enterprises.

Wasunna explained that banks are moving beyond traditional methods to engage with SMEs more directly. “The biggest thing that we have done differently... is to say, let's have conversations with SMEs, not in our offices, but in the grounds wherever they are,” she said.

She highlighted two critical shifts, a push towards unsecured lending, backed by credit guarantee funds to de-risk the process for banks and a focus on providing business knowledge and training, not just capital.

“There are two basic principles that we must be able to embrace to ensure that we are walking the journey with SMEs. One is to provide sustainable financing for SMEs, and two is to make sure that SMEs have the non-financial support for them to truly grow into corporates of the future,” Wasunna noted.

The panel also stressed the importance of SMEs integrating into larger corporate value chains and leveraging digital tools to access new markets, echoing regional initiatives like Burundi's upcoming national e-commerce strategy.

This year’s EAC MSMEs Trade Fair, held in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), featured a High-Level Ministerial Roundtable focused on unlocking opportunities for MSMEs and promoting youth-led innovation and enterprise development. The discussions would inform a communiqué to the EAC Heads of State Summit, advocating for greater regional support for MSME growth and scalability.

The Kenya Day event featured high-level delegates, including AfCFTA Secretary General H.E. Wamkele Mene, ITC Executive Director Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton and UN Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson, underscoring the critical role of MSMEs in driving regional economic integration and sustainable development. Other dignitaries included Secretary to the Kenyan Cabinet Mercy Wanjau, PS State Department for Trade, Regina Ombam and PS State Department for Cooperatives Patrick Kilemi, as well as Board Directors of State Agencies, CEOs of MSEA, Kenya Bankers Association, Uwezo Fund, and Financial Inclusion Fund.

EABC AND AfDB LAUNCH PROJECT TO ACCELERATE SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE INDUSTRIALIZATION IN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

 The East African Business Council (EABC), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), successfully launched the project “Accelerating Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialization in the East African Community (EAC)”.

The two-day hybrid launch, held from 6th to 7th November 2025, marked the official kickoff of the project, which aims to enhance regional industrial competitiveness and value addition of key manufacturing priority chains of edible oils, textiles, and leather.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Adrian Raphael Njau, Acting Executive Director of EABC, expressed gratitude to AfDB for supporting the project and highlighted its significance in driving industrial transformation across the EAC.

“The project will harmonize regional trade instruments, promote value addition in priority value chains, enhance export competitiveness, and attract investment, thereby increasing the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP and creating job opportunities for youth,” he stated.

Mr. Njau reaffirmed EABC’s commitment to ensuring that the project delivers impactful results contributing to economic growth, regional competitiveness, and shared prosperity.

Mr. Gerald Ajumbo, Trade Facilitation Officer at AfDB, commended EABC’s leadership in conceptualizing and bringing the project to fruition.

He reiterated AfDB’s commitment to promoting regional integration and emphasized that the launch served as an important platform for exchange and alignment on project monitoring, evaluation, and implementation work plan to ensure compliance with best practices.

As part of the launch, AfDB Officials conducted detailed technical sessions to strengthen EABC’s understanding of the Bank’s operational and fiduciary requirements, focusing on disbursement, financial management, and procurement compliance.

The project aligns with EABC’s mission to foster a conducive business environment and sustainable, private sector–driven growth, as well as AfDB’s commitment to scale up and accelerate industrialization through the manufacturing sector across Africa by 2033, in line with the Bank Group’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) and the “Integrate Africa” High 5 Vision.

 

AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AND KENYA AIRWAYS PARTNER TO STRENGTHEN MEDICAL TRAVEL IN AFRICA

 Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has signed a partnership with Kenya Airways (KQ), through its healthcare division KQ Health, to enhance medical travel for patients across Africa.

The collaboration brings together Kenya Airways’ regional flight network and AKUH’s advanced medical expertise to create a coordinated system for patients seeking treatment in Kenya. The goal is to position Kenya as a leading destination for quality healthcare within the continent.

Under the agreement, KQ Health will provide end-to-end logistical support for patients, including medical clearances before travel, in-flight medical assistance, and direct ambulance transfers from the airport to Aga Khan University Hospital. AKUH will receive and treat patients in key specialties such as oncology, cardiology, surgery, and critical care.

“This partnership makes it easier for patients from across Africa to access world-class healthcare without leaving the continent,” said Rashid Khalani, the CEO of Aga Khan University Hospital.

“When patients get treatment closer home, it means more convenient travel for them and their families, familiar environment and culture to recover in and a sense of pride in the quality of care available at home.”

Kenya Airways, CEO, Allan Kilavuka said, “This is an example of how aviation can directly support healthcare access. By working with Aga Khan University Hospital, we’re connecting people not just to destinations, but to essential services that can change lives.”

Medical travel has become a growing need across Africa, with many patients still relying on overseas care. By coordinating transport and treatment locally, Kenya Airways and Aga Khan University Hospital aim to offer a safer, more affordable, and dignified alternative closer to home.

The partnership supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 agenda to establish the country as a regional hub for healthcare excellence and innovation.

WESTERN KENYA GOVERNORS ANNOUNCE TWO-YEAR WAIVER OF BUSINESS LICENCES FOR NYOTA PROJECT BENEFICIARIES

The Governments of Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga, and Bungoma counties have jointly announced a two-year waiver of business licences for all beneficiaries of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project in the Western region. The decision is intended to ease the cost of doing business for the young entrepreneurs who are receiving a Ksh. 50,000 business grant to start and grow their enterprises. 12,155 Beneficiaries from the Western Cluster began receiving their first tranche of Ksh. 25,000 today totaling to Ksh.267 million. 

The announcement was made during a fireside chat hosted by Hon. Susan Mangeni, Principal Secretary in the State Department for MSME Development. In attendance were Governor Wilberforce Otichillo of Vihiga, Governor Paul Otuoma of Busia, Governor Kenneth Lusaka of Bungoma, and Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula. The County leaders pledged additional county-level support for the NYOTA Project, including access to County Biashara Funds, allocation of county government stalls, and opportunities to benefit from county tenders under the AGPO framework.

Speaking during the fireside chat, President Dr. William Ruto reiterated that the project’s fully digital and transparent processes reflect the Government’s dedication to ensuring equal access to opportunity. The President further reaffirmed his commitment to completing the 100,000-kilometre digital superhighway and establishing digital hubs in every constituency, which will expand digital access and opportunities for young people across the country.

Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSME Development, Hon. FCPA Dr. Wycliffe Oparanya, praised the NYOTA initiative as a new wave of entrepreneurship that is reshaping Kenya’s economic landscape. He encouraged county governments to continue collaborating with the National Government to unlock the full potential of the country’s youth.

The event was also attended by the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi; the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya; principal secretaries, elected leaders, and project implementation partners.

IMLU CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AMID RISING CASES OF POLICE CUSTODIAL DEATHS

Kenya is witnessing a deeply troubling rise in deaths occurring in police custody, a stark

reflection of systemic failings in the country’s justice and accountability mechanisms. Between

2024 and 2025 alone, the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) documented 17 cases of deaths in custody. These deaths were reported in police stations, remand facilities, and prisons across at least 10 counties, including Nairobi, Nakuru, Murang’a, Siaya, Mombasa, Kakamega, and Busia.

From the last gen z protests IMLU facilitated at least 80 autopsies,in the year 2025 and 

documented 59 deaths through forensics documentation and 17 custodial deaths.

Postmortem examinations conducted by IMLU’s network of forensic pathologists revealed

harrowing patterns of injury and neglect. Causes of death ranged from cardiorespiratory failure

and cardiogenic shock due to multiple injuries, suggesting physical assault, to asphyxiation and

hanging, in some cases pointing to possible staging of suicide.Others such as severe head injuries with brain contusions and subdural hematomas, indicate repeated blunt force trauma and lack of timely medical care.

Each of these deaths represents not only a personal tragedy but also a failure of the state to uphold its duty under Article 26 of the Constitution, the right to life, and Article 29, which protects every person from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment,year after year, families are left without answers, investigations stall, and justice remains elusive.

 IMLU with support from the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), has convened a three-day forensic training for pathologists and lawyers drawn from its national network. The workshop, facilitated by Prof. Dr. Djordje Alempijevic,former head of the Forensic Department at Belgrade University and member of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, and Prof. James Lin, Istanbul Protocol Programme Coordinator at IRCT, seeks to strengthen the capacity of Kenyan experts in forensic documentation, investigation, and reporting of torture and deaths in custody.

Forensic documentation is the cornerstone of accountability, it transforms pain into proof and

evidence into justice. It ensures that deaths in custody are not dismissed as “natural” or

“unexplained,” but are investigated using internationally recognized standards such as the

Istanbul Protocol, for investigating and documenting torture, and the Minnesota Protocol for investigating unlawful deaths.

Despite the existence of the National Coroner Services Act (2017) which mandates the

establishment of an independent agency to investigate unclear or reportable deaths, its

operationalization has been delayed due to administrative gaps, notably the absence of a Cabinet Secretary for Justice as stipulated in the law. This has left investigations under the jurisdiction of police and state pathologists, undermining impartiality and perpetuating impunity.

IMLU together with the Police Reforms Working Group–Kenya (PRWG-K) and the Department

of Justice, continues to advocate for the urgent amendment and operationalization of this Act. A

functioning coroner system would ensure that every death in custody is independently

investigated, that families receive timely information, and that perpetrators are held accountable.

IMLU remains steadfast in its mission to prevent and respond to torture and related violations.

By strengthening the capacity of pathologists, lawyers, and justice actors in forensic

documentation, Kenya moves closer to a future where accountability is not an afterthought, but

a standard, where every life lost in state custody is treated not as a statistic, but as a call to action

for justice and reform.

TULIVU CO-WORKING SPACE LAUNCHES IN NAIROBI CBD, SIGNALING GROWTHIN FLEXIBLE WORKSPACES

 The official opening of Tulivu Co-Working Space took place in the heart of Nairobi's Central Business District, showcasing a state-of-the-art

hospitality-led workspace located in the iconic former Hilton Hotel building. 

The launch was presided over by Dr. Anastacia Nyalita, County Executive Committee Member for Business and Hustler Opportunities, Nairobi County. The new facility brings a fresh perspective to professional workspaces within the city, catering to the growing needs of entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, corporates, and remote teams. Designed with a focus on productivity, wellness, and accessibility, Tulivu aspires to bridge the gap between traditional offices and the dynamic needs of today's workforce.

Attendees  were given a tour of the expansive facility, featuring fully furnished

private offices, flexible coworking desks, soundproof boardrooms, a podcast and content

creation studio, and a conference hall that holds up to 10,000 guests.

"Today marks a new chapter in the way Nairobi works," said Blessed Muthoni, Centre

Manager, Tulivu Co-Working. "We are offering more than just office space, Tulivu is a

purpose-built environment that brings together functionality, design, and service to

support the modern professional."

Strategically positioned on Mama Ngina Street, Tulivu offers businesses a prestigious CBD

address, together with flexible workspace plans from daily coworking passes and dedicated

desks to private serviced offices and virtual office packages. The space is supported by a

trained hospitality team, complete with high-speed internet, smart boardrooms, meeting

rooms with AV capabilities, and concierge-style services.

Dr. Nyalita praised the initiative: "Nairobi County is committed to fostering a business-

friendly ecosystem. The launch of Tulivu reflects the growing demand for

innovative, adaptive workspaces that empower entrepreneurs and fuel our

economic growth.

Tulivu Co-Working's entry into Nairobi's workspace sector comes at a time when the evolution of hybrid work models and increasing demand for agile office solutions is changing how and where professionals work, setting the city to emerge as a regional hub for flexible, business-ready environments.

TANZANIA GOVERNMENT CASTIGATED OVER INTERNET SHUT DOWN

Paradigm Initiative (PIN) remains concerned about Tanzania’s election-period internet blackout, the continued suspension of X (formerly Twitter), and ongoing bandwidth throttling reported in parts of the country even after general connectivity was restored on 3rd November.

 These disruptions are economically devastating and deeply damaging to digital rights. This blatant defiance comes against calls by the Net Rights Coalition and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to refrain from shutting down the internet, as this is an affront to freedom of expression and access to information in terms of articles 9 and 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, respectively.

Furthermore, there is a real economic loss incurred through internet shutdowns, which violates the right to development entrenched in Article 22 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to which Tanzania is a State party. The internet shutdown during elections came at a time when the Tanzanian government suspended access to X since 21st May 2025. According to the NetBlocks Cost of Shutdown Tool (COST), the two incidents have cost the Tanzanian economy more than US $238 million (Tsh 560 billion) in direct losses to productivity, trade, and digital services.

The nationwide total internet shutdown, which lasted from 29 October to 3 November 2025, spanning 5 days and 6 hours (126 hours), translates to a loss of at least US $72,333,826 (TZS 170.27 billion), which is about US $13.8 million (TZS 32 billion) per day.

Suspension of X, which has been in force since 21 May 2025 (166 days and counting), translates to a loss of US $165,817,059 (TZS 390.33 billion), which is nearly US $1 million (TZS 2.3 billion) per day.

Combined economic loss translates to over US $238 million (TZS 560 billion) in direct losses to productivity, trade, and digital services.

Other losses include socio-political, security, information black markets, health setback, informal economy (mobile payments, etc), and more.

NetBlocks’ COST model, which draws on data from the World Bank, ITU, and Eurostat, uses the Brookings Institution methodology to quantify the direct economic harm of shutdowns and platform blocks. The tool is recognised globally for offering conservative, evidence-based estimates used by governments, the UN, and civil society researchers.

“Every shutdown chips away at trust, investment, and human potential,” said ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative. “Governments must realise that in today’s world, connectivity is the foundation of opportunity. Shutting down the internet silences citizens, stalls economies, and sets entire nations back.”

PIN also reminds the government of Tanzania of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Resolution 580 on Internet Shutdowns and Elections in Africa, which calls on state parties to take the necessary legislative and other measures to ensure unrestricted and uninterrupted access to the internet in the period leading up to, during and after elections.

As such, PIN calls on the Government of Tanzania to comply with human rights by doing the following:

Immediately restore internet access to X and all restricted platforms.

Cease further internet or platform disruptions, especially during democratic processes.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) should guarantee network stability and freedom from interference, and publish transparency reports whenever they are ordered to shut down or throttle services by the State.

FAMILY BANK SECURES USD 10 MILLION CREDIT FACILITY FROM BLUEORCHARD FUND TO BOOST SME LENDING

Family Bank has secured a USD 10 million facility from the BlueOrchard Microfinance Fund, to increase its loan book to Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises across all sectors.

This strategic partnership will enable Family Bank to provide MSMEs with more accessible and sustainable financing, supporting business growth, innovation, and job creation in Kenya.

“As a Bank, the core of our approach is a strengthened commitment to supporting our customers especially across retail and SME sectors who form over 80 per cent of our customer base. Through this credit facility, we will be able to widen our capital base to support more MSMEs by extending credit at favourable terms,” said Family Bank Chief Executive Officer Nancy Njau.

SMEs form the backbone of Kenya’s economy contributing to 40% to the country GDP and employing roughly 80% of the workforce. However, many still face significant challenges such as lack of adequate finance and limited access to credit.

“Our partnership exemplifies the profound impact we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal. Supporting MSMEs lies at the heart of BlueOrchard’s mission. We recognize that these enterprises are vital engines of economic growth, job creation, and innovation. We are delighted to partner again with Family Bank to deliver impact that truly matters for communities and future generations,” said BlueOrchard Finance Ltd CEO Michael Wehrle.

In 2021, Family Bank received USD 17 million from funds managed by BlueOrchard to extend credit to SMEs and support the education sector, funding that was fully utilized and successfully repaid.