Author: David Indeje

HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, has launched the Better Phone Project to address growing parental concerns about the negative impact of smartphones on children’s mental health. The Better Phone Project initiative aims to co-create a new phone specifically designed for children, prioritizing their well-being and providing parents with greater control. A recent global survey commissioned by HMD Global revealed that over half of parents regret giving their child a smartphone, citing negative effects on their child’s behaviour and mental health. Key findings include: 70% believe their children would be more engaged with family without a smartphone. Nearly 75%…

Kenyan journalists rallied against what they describe as a heavy-handed government crackdown on media freedoms on Wednesday across the country. The demonstrations, marked by peaceful marches and poignant placards – “Journalists’ lives matter”, “Shoot not the messenger” and “End the brutality”  came in response to escalating attacks on journalists covering the country’s recent unrest against the Finance Bill 2024. Since the onset of anti-government protests in June, media personnel have faced a barrage of violence, including shootings, tear gassing, destruction of equipment, profiling and physical assaults. These incidents, coupled with government directives restricting live broadcasts and alleged threats against media…

StanChart Kenya raked in KES 1.29 billion in 2023 from its corporate and investment banking (CIB) sustainable finance business, marking a tenfold increase compared to KES 129 million in 2022. This impressive growth signifies the bank’s commitment to financing environmentally and socially responsible projects and clients. According to the bank’s 2023 Sustainability Progress Report, lending to Corporates and Investment Banking remained the primary driver, contributing over 98% of the total revenue in 2023 (up from 84% in 2022). The bank also saw a rise in sustainable finance income from this segment, earning KES 500 million in 2023. Revenue grew significantly,…

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) is urging dialogue with the government to mend a fractured relationship impacting critical reporting on national issues. This follows accusations of media bias, particularly in coverage of ongoing demonstrations. Erosion of Trust: From Perception to Conflict MCK CEO David Omwoyo identifies a critical issue: a lack of trust between media and government. He highlights a troubling shift: while politicians have found common ground since the 2022 election, the media is increasingly viewed with suspicion and hostility. A statement issued by MCK paints a stark picture: “What began as a perception of bias has escalated…

The East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc)  Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) agreement will officially enter into force on July 25th, 2024. With 14 out of 29 member states ratifying the pact, the TFTA creates a single market encompassing East, Central, and Southern Africa. This was announced during the 37th Tripartite Task Force Meeting held on the margins of the AU Mid-Year Meeting. This free trade zone aims to boost intra-African trade by eliminating tariffs and trade barriers. “Malawi, Lesotho, and Angola are the latest member states to ratify the agreement, making it 14 countries.…

The rollout of Kenya’s new digital identity cards, the Maisha Cards, has generated debate, particularly regarding their 10-year expiry date. On the other hand, civil society organizations (CSOs) have expressed concerns about a potential link between the expiry and manipulation in the 2027 elections. “What has been christened the Maisha number has an expiry date. IDs are critical in matters to do with voting. We want an explanation. It raises a lot of suspicion, and one can see it is a scheme to rig elections in 2027,” the CSOs expressed during a press conference Sunday. Understanding the 10-Year Expiry Julius…