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Check FAQAbout Kimani
Kimani Chege is a distinguished Nairobi-based journalist with a career spanning since 2004, known for his insightful coverage on a multitude of topics pertinent to the African continent. With expertise in science and technology, climate change, energy, health, business, finance, and agriculture, Chege's work has been featured in various publications both within Kenya and internationally. His journalism is deeply rooted in providing an African perspective, ensuring that his stories resonate with his audience and authentically represent the continent's voice. Educated at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication and Daystar University, where he completed a BA in Communication, Chege has honed his skills in journalism and media. Further enriching his expertise, he has been trained in science communication through the World Federation of Science Journalists' peer-to-peer program and has been recognized as a fellow at the prestigious MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowships. Throughout his career, Chege has illuminated the challenges and developments in Kenya and the broader East African region. His reporting has addressed urban development, infrastructure, international trade, and investment, while also focusing on the intersection of economic news with environmental conservation. He has investigated critical issues such as police brutality during the COVID-19 curfew, the environmental impact of importing Chinese garlic, and the plight of endangered species. His work on the Garissa Solar Power Plant, Kenya's renewable energy initiatives, and the role of agriculture in East Africa's economy underscores his commitment to stories that matter. Chege's contributions to journalism have not only informed but also shaped discussions on sustainable finance and the growth of cosmopolitan cities like Nairobi.
English
Swahili
Portfolio
Kenyan Farmers Watch as Chinese Garlic Slowly Claims Market
The article discusses the popularity of Chinese garlic in Nairobi's City Park Market, highlighting the preferences of different customers and the impact of imports on local farmers. John Gatundu and Mama Njanja, two vendors at the market, note the growing demand for Chinese garlic, which is cheaper and easier to peel than local varieties. The article also touches on the environmental implications of importing garlic from China, including its carbon footprint. Local farmer David Murage and former environmental official Dr. Alice Kaudia express concerns about the competition from imported garlic and its environmental costs. The article mentions the role of China in supporting African agriculture through technology transfer and research collaborations, such as those at SAJOREC. Despite the challenges, the influx of Chinese garlic offers consumers more choices and competitive prices, but it poses a threat to local garlic producers in Kenya.
Kenya Seeks to Modernize Its Informal Manufacturing Sector
Kenyan Farmers Watch as Chinese Garlic Slowly Claims Market- Significant imports from China are meant to meet the shortfall since Kenyan farmers produce only 2,000 metric tonnes which only meets 50 to 60% of local needs. The rest is supplemented by imports from Rwanda and Tanzania.
Absa Bank Eases Back-to-School Financial Strain with BNPL Credit Card Option
As the school season approaches, parents face financial pressures with school-related expenses. Absa Bank offers a solution with its Buy Now Lipa Pole Pole (BNPL) credit card, which allows parents to spread the cost of school purchases and fees over up to 12 months. The card offers flexible repayment plans, a convenient application process, low-interest rates, and peace of mind for parents. The process involves shopping or paying tuition fees with the credit card, logging into Absa's banking app to convert the transaction into a BNPL plan, and selecting an instalment plan. This service aims to alleviate the financial burden on parents during the back-to-school season.
Absa Bank Kenya spreads the Festive Cheer in Nairobi, Machakos, and Kitui
Absa Bank Kenya has initiated a community outreach program during the festive season, aiming to benefit at least 2000 people across Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, and Kitui Counties. The program involves 50 Absa employees who will donate food, sanitary wear, plant trees, and provide financial literacy mentorship through the Ready to Work programme. The bank plans to plant 10 million trees over five years, with over 1 million already planted. The initiative also includes planting 4,000 indigenous trees and 35 fruit trees at various educational and children's institutions. Additionally, 500 youths will receive mentorship to prepare them for employment. This outreach is part of Absa's commitment to being a Force for Good in society and aligns with their Sustainability and Shared Value Principle.
Absa Bank Kenya Launches Shinda Milli na Absa Assist Savings Campaign
Absa Bank Kenya has launched the 'Shinda Milli na Absa Assist' campaign, which will run for three months, encouraging Kenyans to save and enjoy the Premier League season. As the Official Banking Partner of the Premier League in Africa, Absa Bank is offering a chance for three individuals to win KES 1 million each month, with over 100 other prizes available. The bank recently increased the interest rate on its Absa Digital Savings account to 10%. Simon Gachahi, Head of Liabilities at Absa Bank, highlighted the bank's commitment to sports and the aim of the campaign to empower Kenyans financially. Participants can enter the draws by opening an account with Absa Bank Kenya and making deposits through various channels.
Minet Kenya Joins the Nairobi Declaration on Sustainable Insurance
Minet Kenya has joined the Nairobi Declaration on Sustainable Insurance (NDSI), aligning with over 130 African companies to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The NDSI aims to address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality. Minet Kenya, a leading insurance broker in Africa, is committed to underwriting $14bn for climate risks by 2030, protecting against natural disasters. The initiative is praised by Philip Lopokoiyit, Chair of NDSI and CEO of ICEA LION, who highlights Kenya's leadership in sustainability within the insurance industry. The NDSI's goals include action on climate change, support for Insurance SDGs, striving for a net-zero emissions economy, and engaging stakeholders to promote sustainable practices.
Africa’s Nascent Medtech Sector Innovates Through Its Challenges
Africa's medical technology sector is growing despite facing challenges such as equipment shortages, regulatory hurdles, and limited funding. Innovations and collaborations are driving the development of medical devices, with success stories like South Africa's ventilator project highlighting the potential for regional manufacturing. Private companies like Revival Healthcare and initiatives like Gearbox Kenya are contributing to the export market and innovation. Stakeholders emphasize the need for government support, increased investment, and the integration of AI to advance the sector. The Transforming African Medtech Conference served as a platform for discussing these issues and the future of healthcare technology in Africa.
Absa Bank Kenya Plc announces KSh2 billion investment in solar energy project
Absa Bank Kenya Plc is investing KSh2 billion in a sustainable finance transaction aimed at increasing the adoption of off-grid solar energy in Kenya. This investment is part of a larger KSh17.9 billion syndicated finance facility that includes several banks and partners, focusing on environmentally friendly projects. The funds will be raised through the securitization of future payments from customers of Sun King, a leading off-grid solar energy company. Absa Bank Kenya will fund a Special Purpose Vehicle to purchase receivables from Sun King Kenya, facilitating the transition to clean energy for households and businesses. The initiative addresses the challenge faced by 30% of Kenyans who lack electricity and often spend a significant portion of their income on polluting fuels. Sun King's pay-as-you-go service and the securitization of customer payments are designed to overcome the upfront cost barrier and scale up solar energy solutions.
Kenyan Media's Short-Lived Coverage of Police Brutality Amidst Global Protests
The article discusses the lack of sustained media coverage in Kenya on local police brutality, particularly during the COVID-19 curfew, in contrast to the extensive coverage of the George Floyd protests in the U.S. It highlights that at least 15 people have been killed by police in Kenya during the curfew, with incidents concentrated in low-income areas of Nairobi. Kenyan journalists Shitemi Khamadi and Joseph Muraya express concerns about the quick shift of media focus from important local stories and the challenges faced by journalists in Kenya, including safety concerns and lack of resources. The article suggests that Kenyan journalists could learn from their U.S. counterparts in terms of providing consistent coverage and leveraging historical context to enrich reporting. It also touches on the difficulties of accessing information in Kenya due to government intimidation.
Kenya's Shift From Hydropower To Green Energy
The article by Kimani Chege discusses the development of the largest solar power project in East Africa, the Garissa Solar Power Plant, in northeastern Kenya. Funded by the Chinese government and operated by a consortium of Chinese companies, the plant will feature 210,000 solar panels and aims to address Kenya's energy needs amidst climate change challenges. The country's reliance on hydropower has been affected by erratic rainfall, prompting a shift towards renewable sources like wind and solar. The Lake Turkana Power project and KenGen's geothermal ventures are highlighted as part of Kenya's green energy initiatives. The article also touches on the energy strategies of neighboring countries like Uganda and Tanzania, and the rise of small-scale energy solutions from social enterprises like M-Kopa, d-Light, and Azuri, which cater to low-income earners through microloans and Pay-as-you-go models.
Can plastic bricks pave a road out of Kenya’s plastic waste problem?
The article discusses the challenges faced by a children's home in Nairobi, particularly dealing with the wind carrying waste from the nearby Dandora dumpsite. The dumpsite accumulates 850 tonnes of waste daily, predominantly plastics, and is recognized by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). The local city authority has not capitalized on the opportunity to recycle the waste. The children's home is seeking solutions to mitigate the problems caused by the dumpsite, which are exacerbated during February and March when visibility can be severely reduced due to the wind-blown waste.
Can plastic bricks pave a road out of Kenya’s plastic waste problem?
The article discusses the challenges faced by a children's home in Nairobi, particularly dealing with the wind carrying waste from the nearby Dandora dumpsite. The dumpsite accumulates 850 tonnes of waste daily, predominantly plastics, and is recognized by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). The local city authority has not capitalized on the opportunity to recycle the waste. The children's home is seeking solutions to mitigate the problems caused by the dumpsite, which are exacerbated during February and March when visibility can be severely reduced due to the wind-blown waste.
Food experts call for efforts to reduce costs of farm inputs
The article discusses the challenges faced by maize farmers in Kenya, particularly in Narok County, due to the high costs of farm inputs and unreliable rain cycles. The situation has led to reduced agricultural production and an increase in food prices. The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is engaging with agricultural leaders to address these issues. Dr. Joy Kiiru from the University of Nairobi and Ambassador Carla Mucavi from the FAO have highlighted the impact of global events, such as the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the Covid-19 pandemic, on food security and inflation in Kenya. The article also mentions the Norwegian fertilizer company Yara, which has reduced its production capacity due to high gas prices and trade restrictions affecting Russia and Belarus.
Costs of farm inputs still a headache for Africa
The article discusses the challenges faced by maize farmers in Narok County, Kenya, due to unreliable rainfall, pests, and increased costs of farming inputs. Pareiyo Oloomunyak, a local farmer, has reduced his farm's production area and is using less fertilizer than recommended to cope with the high costs. The rise in fertilizer prices is linked to global demand and the conflict in Ukraine, which has affected the supply chain. The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) is engaging with stakeholders to address these agricultural challenges. Dr. Joy Kiiru and Ambassador Carla Mucavi highlight the impact of these issues on food security and living costs in Kenya, with the latter emphasizing the need for global support for farmers. Yara, a Norwegian fertilizer company, has reduced its production capacity due to high gas prices and trade restrictions affecting Russia and Belarus also impact the availability of fertilizer in East Africa.
Yanolja, valued above US$11 billion, has made true its wish on getting hold of the African market by investing in Kenya’s HotelOnline
South Korean travel tech company Yanolja, valued at over US$11 billion, has invested in Kenya's HotelOnline, marking its first venture into the African market and the first Korean investment in Africa's travel tech industry. The investment, part of a $1.7 billion fund raised by Yanolja last year, will help the company introduce its SaaS technology in Africa. Yanolja, which is backed by Booking.com, is preparing to go public on NASDAQ in 2023. HotelOnline, a leader in e-commerce and digital marketing for hotels in Africa, has worked with over 5,000 hotels across 27 countries. The investment by Yanolja is seen as a significant move to drive digital transformation and capitalize on the recovering travel and hospitality sector post-Covid-19. HotelOnline's co-founders, Havar Bauck and Endre Opdal, express optimism about the future growth and expansion opportunities this investment brings.
Nairobi: The Heart of East and Central Africa's Economy
The article discusses Nairobi's evolution from a small railway settlement to a cosmopolitan city and its status as the economic and social capital of Sub Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa. It highlights Nairobi's potential for attracting more trade and investments, given its role as a hub for East and Central Africa. The article outlines several areas for improvement to enhance the city's fortunes, including overhauling the transport system, modernizing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, reducing corruption, and improving physical planning. The transport section focuses on the inefficiencies caused by matatus and proposes a high-capacity bus system. For the airport, it suggests expanding runways to attract more airlines and destinations. The article also touches on the need for a stronger stance against corruption and the development of self-sufficient districts within Nairobi to reduce dependency on the central business district.
East African Trends: A year after Covid-19, where are the stocks?
The article discusses the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on East Africa, focusing on the economic consequences and the stock market performance. It highlights the different approaches taken by countries in the region, with Rwanda and Kenya being more cautious, while Tanzania and Burundi have been less restrictive. The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has experienced a significant downturn, with all indices performing poorly and a substantial net foreign outflow of capital, as reported by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in their end-of-year statistical bulletin.
East African Trends: A focus on East Africa’s agribusiness investments
The article discusses the significance of agriculture in the East African region, noting that it is a major contributor to GDP and employment. Agriculture is also highlighted as a critical tax revenue source and a foundation for regional industries. The agribusiness sector accounts for about 25% of Africa's GDP and 70% of employment. With global food demand projected to increase significantly by 2050, the article points out the potential of the region's countries, which have favorable climates for agriculture. However, it also notes that Kenya, despite being the most developed economy in the region, is less endowed with rain-fed agricultural resources compared to Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Business News in Africa
The Exchange Africa is a publication focused on providing economic news and analysis pertinent to the African continent. Operated by Mediapix Limited, it aims to cover a wide range of topics including banking, capital markets, energy, mining, manufacturing, industrial development, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. The publication prides itself on offering a purely African perspective, ensuring that the content resonates with its core audience and represents the voice of Africa. The Exchange Africa emphasizes quality journalism that speaks to the continent's unique business landscape.
The Last Stand of the Northern White Rhino
The article discusses the plight of the last two northern white rhinoceroses, Najin and Fatu, who are under 24-hour protection by armed guards at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Nairobi, Kenya. The last male, Sudan, died in 2018, but not before his sperm was collected for potential future in vitro fertilization efforts. The conservancy's chief conservation biologist, Samwel Mutisya, and caretaker Zachary Mutai provide insights into the rhinos' personalities and the challenges of ensuring their survival. Scientists have created three embryos from harvested eggs and plan to use a southern white rhino as a surrogate to potentially rejuvenate the species. The article also touches on the history of poaching that has decimated the northern white rhino population and the high-tech security measures in place to protect Najin and Fatu.
In Kenya the truck drivers’ road goes through corruption and dangers
A review of the energy sector in East Africa and the new push for more greener sources.
The article is in Swedish and was a four months collaborative and investigative work with a journalist from Sweden on a housing project for the poor and how it benefited a few people.
Healthcare workers idle in Kenya – sick afraid to seek help
In Kenya, healthcare workers like Nelson Njenga are finding themselves idle as patients avoid hospitals for fear of COVID-19 infection. Despite a relatively low number of cases, the Kenyan government has implemented strict measures, including a nighttime curfew and travel restrictions affecting millions. These measures have reduced the need for non-permanent healthcare staff and led to salary negotiations due to fewer working hours. Private clinic employees, unlike their counterparts in state hospitals, are not members of the healthcare union KMPDU, which has criticized the government's slow hiring during the pandemic. The economic impact is widespread, with workers like Uber driver Paul Gathongo losing significant income. The crisis has highlighted the vulnerability of those in informal employment across Africa, where 80% of Sub-Saharan workers have insecure jobs. However, a new factory near Nairobi producing masks and protective gear for healthcare workers offers a glimmer of hope.
Kenya: AfDB Approves the Funding of Kenya Longest Dual-Carriage Highway
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved funding for the extension of Kenya's north link road, which will become the country's longest expressway upon completion. The project, with a total cost of €257.68 million, will see the AfDB contributing 69%, the Africa Growing Together Fund (a collaboration between the AfDB and the People's Bank of China) providing 12%, and the Kenyan government covering the remaining 19%. The 84km Kenol-Sagana-Marua Road will be transformed into a dual carriageway by 2025, improving connectivity between Mombasa, Nairobi, the Mount Kenya region, and ultimately Ethiopia. The existing section from Nairobi to Kenol has already shown significant benefits in terms of accessibility and economic development. The road is part of the Great North Road and the Trans-Africa Highway. Approximately 1.15 million people are expected to benefit from the upgraded highway, with a notable positive impact on producers, manufacturers, and traders due to improved transport efficiency.
Sub-Saharan African Clothing and Footwear Market: The Impact of Second-hand Clothes
The article discusses the $31 billion clothing and footwear market in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the textile industry's challenges with second-hand clothes. The East African Community (EAC) initially aimed to ban second-hand clothes to protect their textile industry but faced pressure from the US after a petition by the Secondary Materials and Recycled Textiles Association (SMART). All EAC members except Rwanda reversed their stance after the US threatened to remove AGOA benefits. Rwanda's decision to maintain high tariffs on used clothing led to a US embargo. The article highlights the significant trade of second-hand clothes from the US, UK, and Canada to Africa, which supports a large informal market. It also notes the impact of cheap Chinese ready-made clothes on local industries. While the influx of second-hand clothes has harmed textile mills, it has also provided affordable fashion and employment in the region.
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