Author: Lynet Awino

Nairobi’s Westgate Mall welcomed a new icon this past Saturday, 17th January, with the grand opening of the flagship Tommy Hilfiger store, facilitated by Lebanon‑based fashion retail and distribution company Gedeon Group. The launch bridges the gap between international fashion brands and East African consumers, marking a milestone in Nairobi’s fast‑growing fashion industry. A Defining Fashion Moment The opening was more than a retail debut, it signified Nairobi’s rising status as a fashion capital. For lifestyle brand enthusiasts, the store represents access to authentic collections that previously required travel abroad or reliance on multi‑brand outlets. Speaking at the ceremony, Malek…

With only a few years in the industry, Mathew Ngugi is fast establishing himself as one of Kenya’s most promising young actors. Charismatic, emotionally versatile, and quietly thoughtful, the Kenyatta University–trained performer has steadily built a reputation for stealing scenes and leaving lasting impressions. From Mo-Faya and Big Girl Small World to the pop-culture moment that was MTV Shuga Mashariki, Ngugi’s rise has been anything but accidental. Ngugi is an Introvert Behind the Spotlight Yet behind the growing fame is a self-described introvert who still battles stage jitters, prefers gaming to movie marathons, and believes that acting is a lifelong…

Kenya’s democracy thrives when citizens actively participate in elections. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has resumed Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), giving every eligible Kenyan the chance to register or update their details ahead of the 2027 General Elections. With a target of 28.5 million registered voters, the IEBC is calling on youth, first‑time voters, and marginalized communities to step forward and make their voices count. What is Continuous Voter Registration? Continuous Voter Registration is an ongoing process that allows citizens to register at any time outside election periods. Unlike mass registration drives, CVR ensures inclusivity by: Capturing new…

The United States has expanded its visa bond program, requiring travellers from several African countries to pay up to $15,000 in refundable deposits when applying for visitor visas. The policy, part of a State Department pilot, aims to curb visa overstays but has drawn criticism for disproportionately targeting African nations. African Countries Now Required to Pay Visa Bonds As of January 1, 2026, nationals from Bhutan, Botswana, the Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Turkmenistan are required to pay bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. On January 21, 2026, the list expands further to include: Algeria Angola Benin Burundi Cabo Verde Côte…

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, especially in Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks cervical cancer as the fourth most common cancer affecting women globally, accounting for approximately 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths in 2022. According to the United Nations, a woman dies from cervical cancer every two minutes worldwide. Most of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where health systems are often overstretched and prevention services are limited. This is worrying because cervical cancer is largely preventable and treatable when detected early. Yet, thousands of women continue to…

Kenya’s dining scene is heating up as Java House and Uganda’s Café Javas battle for dominance, each racing to capture affluent urban consumers and expand into fast-growing satellite towns. The Big Picture Java House, founded in 1999, has grown into one of East Africa’s largest casual dining chains. It now boasts 102 outlets across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, with recent openings in Eldoret and Ruaka. Café Javas, a Ugandan brand, is steadily building its Kenyan footprint. Its ninth outlet opened in September 2025 in Nairobi’s upscale Lavington area. Both brands are targeting middle- to upper-income consumers who are increasingly dining…