Author: Muindi

Kenya has launched the most advanced human trial for Rift Valley fever (RVF) in an outbreak-prone region, a milestone in global epidemic preparedness. On July 8, 2025, researchers at the KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, in partnership with the University of Oxford, began Phase II clinical trials of the ChAdOx1 RVF vaccine. The study is funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Why This Trial Matters First-ever Phase II RVF vaccine trial in an endemic country 240 adult volunteers (ages 18–50) enrolled from Kilifi’s Health and Demographic Surveillance System area Builds on successful Phase I trials in…

By 2030, AI is projected to unlock 230 million digital jobs across Africa – a transformation comparable to South Korea’s post-war rise or India’s IT boom in the 1990s. Realising this potential requires bold investment in digital skills across every corner of the economy. Despite widespread ambition, with governments, donors, and private sector leaders prioritising digital skills, progress remains uneven. The challenge is not only scale, but also coordination. Fragmented efforts and a lack of unified strategy continue to slow momentum and dilute impact. To fully realise AI’s potential for job creation, Africa must build a coordinated, inclusive skilling ecosystem,…

Kenya’s agricultural sector is the backbone of rural livelihoods and national food security. It contributes 20–25% to GDP and employs over 70% of the rural population. However, in recent years, farmers have faced a perfect storm: erratic rainfall, rising input costs, market volatility, and infrastructure gaps. Between 2020 and 2024, Kenya experienced one of the worst La Niña-induced droughts in 70 years, followed by devastating floods that displaced over 500,000 households. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), climate variability has cost the country 3–5% of annual GDP through reduced yields, livestock losses, and food insecurity. Yet amid…

NCBA Group PLC has confirmed the resignation of its Group Company Secretary, Kathryne Kamene Maundu, effective October 1, 2025, as she steps down to pursue personal interests. Maundu exits with a distinguished legacy in corporate governance, regulatory leadership, and regional influence. She was recently conferred Fellowship status by the Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya during its 30th Annual Dinner held on August 29. “The Board expresses its sincere appreciation for her invaluable service and wishes her the very best in her future endeavors,” NCBA said in a public notice issued on October 2. Who Is Kathryne Kamene Maundu? An…

East African Breweries PLC’s fifth Sustainability Report is packed with bold moves, local wins, and a clear message: doing good is good business. From powering factories with clean energy to helping farmers double their harvests, EABL is showing how a company can grow while lifting communities and protecting the planet. “Sustainability is in Every Drop” Group CEO Jane Karuku didn’t mince words at the launch: “This year’s report reflects how we are embedding sustainability into every drop of our business. From protecting vital water sources to transitioning to renewable energy, we are proving that long-term business success goes hand in…

Zimbabwean author NoViolet Bulawayo has been awarded the 2025 Best of Caine Prize for African Writing for her short story Hitting Budapest, originally published in the Boston Review in 2010 and first awarded the Caine Prize in 2011. The new accolade, created to mark the Prize’s 25th anniversary, celebrates the most enduring and impactful story among its past winners. Announced at the inaugural Words Across Waters Afro Lit Festival on September 27, the award was presented by Ellah Wakatama OBE, Chair of the Caine Prize. The judging panel, led by Nobel Laureate Prof. Abdulrazak Gurnah and joined by Jennifer Nansubuga…