Author: Muindi

South Africa has confirmed it will withdraw its contingent of approximately 700 soldiers from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), ending more than two decades of peacekeeping involvement. In a statement issued on 8 February 2026, the Presidency said President Cyril Ramaphosa had formally notified UN Secretary-General António Guterres of the decision. The move was driven by the need to “consolidate and realign the resources of the South African National Defence Force” after 27 years of continuous deployment. “President Ramaphosa informed the Secretary-General of the government’s decision to withdraw its contribution of…

The Macallan, one of the world’s most renowned single malt Scotch whiskies, has launched its refreshed visual identity in Kenya, introducing the Timeless Collection. The redesign reimagines the Double Cask, Sherry Oak, and Colour Collections through the artistic lens of graphic designer David Carson, while preserving the brand’s heritage and distinctive flavour. Whisky Market Context In Kenya, whisky accounts for about 13% of all spirits consumed, according to IWSR industry research. Globally, single malt Scotch is part of a growing whisky category valued at over USD 10 billion in 2025, with premium segments driving demand as consumers increasingly trade up…

As lovers across the globe hunt for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, sweethearts, across East Africa, central banks are raising alarm over a growing trend: the misuse of currency banknotes in decorative and celebratory displays. From cash bouquets to ornamental arrangements, these practices may look festive, but they carry serious consequences for the economy and the public. Why It Matters Banknotes are designed to serve as a medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value. When folded, glued, taped, pinned, or stapled, their integrity is compromised. As the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) cautioned, such actions “interfere with…

Many people worry about what happens to their M‑Shwari loan if they change their phone number or inherit a recycled line. The truth is simple: your loan responsibility is tied to your national ID, not your phone number. How Loan Recovery Works Loans are managed at ID level Every loan is linked to the ID used during registration. Your phone number is only a contact point. Phone numbers follow the ID If you default and later register a new line under the same ID, recovery can still happen through that line or any accounts tied to your ID. Recycled numbers…

Kenya will experience near‑average to above‑average rainfall in several key regions during the March–April–May (MAM) 2026 “Long Rains” season, the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has forecast. KMD released the forecast during the Twelfth National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF‑12) in Nairobi under the theme “From Crisis Response to Climate Preparedness – Inclusive Early Warning Services for All.” Main Rainfall Season: What to Expect The March–May period marks Kenya’s primary rainfall season, which typically delivers the bulk of annual precipitation. Areas that usually record the highest totals—often exceeding 300 millimetres—include the Lake Victoria Basin, the central and southern Rift Valley, the highlands…

The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has won a landmark case against Del Monte Kenya Limited after the Tax Appeals Tribunal dismissed the company’s appeal over transfer pricing. The Tribunal ordered the fresh produce giant to pay KSh 1.76 billion, ruling that the company failed to justify why profits were being shifted to offshore affiliates instead of being taxed in Kenya. “The tribunal found that the pineapple giant could not justify why it was shifting profits to offshore companies when the real value of the business is created in Kenya,” the judgment stated. Tribunal Rejects Del Monte’s Transfer Pricing Defense KRA’s…