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Africa’s urban centres are expanding at an unprecedented pace. By 2050, they’re projected to welcome nearly a billion new residents. This explosive growth presents tremendous opportunities and significant challenges.

While cities serve as engines of economic progress, they often develop in ways that exclude large segments of their populations through rising costs and poor planning. Designing urban expansion with inclusivity in mind can help solve this problem.

The foundation for inclusive cities begins with thoughtful land management. When cities treat land purely as a commodity, prices inevitably rise beyond what most residents can afford. Kigali, for example, offers a compelling alternative through its leasehold system, where the government maintains ownership while issuing long-term usage rights.

This approach stabilises land values, prevents speculative bubbles, and ensures development benefits the entire community rather than just wealthy investors.

Housing policy represents another critical lever for inclusion.

The traditional model-or default-of isolated luxury developments alongside neglected slums serves no one’s long-term interests and is, at best, lacking strategy.

In fast developing economies, we have seen new developments that demonstrate the power of mixed-income communities, where affordable units are integrated into market-rate developments. Such projects create vibrant, diverse neighbourhoods while giving lower-income residents access to better services and opportunities.

Transportation systems also often reveal a city’s true priorities. While, for instance, Lagos’ BRT network initially focused on wealthier corridors, Addis Ababa’s light rail system was designed from the outset to serve all residents with flat, affordable fares.

Well-planned public transit helps bridge economic divides by connecting people to jobs, education, and services regardless of their neighbourhood or income level.

The ‘informal economy’ still employs the majority of urban Africans, yet many cities treat street vendors and market traders as problems rather than assets.

Upgrading rather than removing informal commercial spaces can preserve livelihoods while improving safety and sanitation. Smart cities recognise that informality often represents rational adaptation to economic realities, not something to be eradicated.

When allocating limited municipal resources, basic infrastructure in underserved areas delivers more value than showcase projects. A good example is Dar es Salaam’s decision to prioritise water and sanitation in informal settlements which dramatically improved living conditions for thousands. This approach demonstrates how targeted investments in fundamentals can uplift entire communities.

The time for incremental change has passed. African cities need bold, comprehensive approaches to urban development that place inclusion and affordability at the centre.

The solutions-and successful examples-exist. What’s needed now is the collective will to implement them at scale across the continent’s rapidly growing urban landscapes.

Community engagement also produces better outcomes than top-down decision making. In Zambia, when residents of informal settlements mapped their own neighborhoods and guided upgrade plans, the results reflected actual needs rather than bureaucratic assumptions.

Although technology implementations often bypass the urban poor, they don’t have to.

Simple modernisation tools – like prepaid utility meters – bring reliable service to previously excluded neighborhoods, proving that innovation can expand rather than restrict access.

True smart city initiatives should be judged by their ability to serve marginalized communities, not just technological sophistication.

The costs of exclusion manifests in strained social systems and reduced economic potential. For example, Johannesburg’s stark inequalities have resulted in creating massive expenditures on private security and lost productivity. In contrast, cities that prioritize inclusion benefit from greater social stability and shared prosperity.

Creating inclusive cities isn’t easy – it requires thoughtfulness, innovation, and coordinated action across multiple fronts. The approaches I have mentioned are being tested and proven across African cities.

The challenge now lies in scaling them systematically. Municipal leaders have both the tools and successful examples to guide action.

The coming decade of urban growth presents an opportunity to build differently; more intentionally, with technology and governance integrated into master plans, and focused on creating cities that work for all their residents.

A group of 132 staff of the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), including research scientists, has escalated their fight for equal pay to the Court of Appeal, challenging an Employment and Labour Relations Court decision that dismissed their discrimination claims regarding special allowances paid to medical doctors.

Their claim relates to entitlement to five allowances totalling Sh201,000 monthly. Central to the legal dispute is a claim that only 268 of Kemri’s 931 employees were receiving these benefits.

Cross-border traders, Kenyans in the diaspora, and multinationals are increasingly using stablecoins for payments, setting the stage for wider adoption of digital assets in everyday finance in Kenya.

Kenya made Sh426.4 billion ($3.3 billion) worth of transactions in stablecoins in the year to June 2024, according to Chainalysis, a New York-based blockchain data platform that tracks crypto use.

Imagine this: in a youth centre outside Nairobi, four teenagers join a facilitator in call-and-response music making. Shoulders loosen, hands find rhythm, moods shift.

What once looked like an arts club now carries a new label-music therapy. The songs are familiar, but what’s new is the structure: goals, methods, and measures. This clinical scaffolding makes the difference between casual singing and a recognised therapeutic intervention.

Kenya has always healed through music-lullabies in maternity wards, choirs in moments of grief, drumming that binds communities. Professional music therapy does not replace these traditions; it curates them within ethical and clinical frameworks.

Sessions target clear goals such as reducing anxiety, improving attention, or supporting emotional expression, while evidence is tracked through checklists, scales, and reflection.

Why invest?

The economics are persuasive. International research shows music therapy is not just effective but often cost-saving.

In US intensive care units, a patient-directed music programme delivered by therapists reduced time on mechanical ventilation, saving about $2,300 per patient at an average cost of only $329.

In dementia care homes, music therapy reduced agitation at £13-£27 per person, far lower than the costs of other interventions. In neurosurgery, perioperative music was found to be cost-effective in reducing postoperative delirium.

Group music therapy for schizophrenia in Chinese nursing homes dominated treatment-as-usual, providing clinical benefit at lower overall cost. Even in paediatrics, therapist-supported music has helped reduce sedation needs-making care both safer and more affordable.

These numbers matter for Kenya, where mental health services remain underfunded and clinical staff are stretched thin.

Music is already embedded in everyday life, trusted across generations and communities. Introducing professional music therapy offers a low-cost, high-reach solution that extends care into schools, hospitals, and community halls.

When Rosemary Kimunya started the Kenya Flower Festival six years ago, she wanted it to bloom into something similar to the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in London.

She envisioned a local event that would bring together flower lovers in Kenya, but never imagined that it would attract visitors, designers, and florists from around the world.

‘I just wanted a space where people who love flowers could meet and share ideas,’ she recalls. ‘I never thought it would go this far.’ This year’s event was at the Nairobi National Park. The festival brought floristry into the wild by combining two of Kenya’s greatest treasures: its flowers and its wildlife.

‘It was risky,’ she says. ‘We even worried that baboons might eat the flowers overnight. But it worked beautifully.’

Hosting it in the park was not just about the location; it was also about flower tourism.

‘We also wanted to return flowers to their natural context and remind everyone that, long before they became commercial products, they were wild things that grew freely under the African sky. There’s something symbolic about bringing art and business into a conservation space,’ Rosemary says.

‘It reminds us that sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s our responsibility.’

She was also looking to attract flower tourists, having priced the tickets in dollars.

‘When we first priced tickets in dollars, I wasn’t sure anyone would come,’ Rosemary says. ‘But then the bookings started coming in. That’s when I realised we’d truly gone global.’ South African floral designer and educator Mabel Maposa was at the event. ‘Flowers in the wild remind me that beauty doesn’t always ask for permission,’ she said.

To Ms Mabel, Kenya is not just a floral powerhouse, but a place where cultivation meets nature’s poetry and flowers represent both business and way of life. Her journey with Kenya began in 2019, when her curiosity led her to her first flower festival.

‘It was mysterious,’ she recalls. ‘I was drawn to Kenya, I call it the home of garden roses. No other country is quite like it.’

However, her initial visit was merely the beginning. She has returned repeatedly-in 2021, 2022, 2023, and now 2025.

‘This country is warm,’ she says.

‘The people, the culture, the way it has evolved, everything about it keeps drawing me back. But one of the things that troubled me during my first year was hearing Kenyans talk about how their beautiful flowers were being shipped off, leaving little behind for them. But that has changed. Witnessing that evolution has been powerful. I can’t stop coming back.’

At this year’s festival, Ms Mabel witnessed this transformation more clearly than ever before. For the first time, the programme included visits to flower farms.

‘I learned so much. I’ve worked in this industry for 15 years, but this was the first time I truly understood the difference between breeders and growers, how far apart their processes are, what it takes to create new varieties, and how it all connects back to us florists,’ said Ms Mabel.

‘Kenya shouldn’t just be known for exporting flowers,’ Ms Kimunya said. ‘We should also be known for celebrating them, for making flowers part of who we are.’

Three months into the implementation of Kenya’s Finance Act 2025, the landscape of retirement benefits has undergone a significant shift.

The Act repealed long-standing age-based tax exemptions, replacing them with clearer and more favourable conditions. Now, tax exemptions apply only if a member has reached the scheme’s retirement age, completed at least 20 years of membership, or is retiring due to ill health.

To add to that, gratuity earned after July 2025 is now tax-free, and withdrawals that meet the new criteria can enjoy full exemptions. For retirees, this means more certainty, fairer treatment for long-serving members, and in many cases, more money in hand. Previously, retirees had to navigate strict caps and partial exemptions – for example, a tax-free allowance of Sh300,000 per year on pensions or Sh600,000 on lump-sum withdrawals, with the balance taxed.

Under the new framework, the focus shifts from amounts and age thresholds to service and scheme rules. This offers broader relief and simplifies the process.

In practice, long-serving members stand to gain the most.

The intent of the new rules is to encourage early retirement planning as well as preservation of benefits until retirement age. This is good for long-term financial stability, but it also presents immediate challenges for members and schemes.

Many will now find that resigning early comes with a heavier tax burden than they expected. Without proper guidance, this can lead to confusion, resentment, or rushed financial choices. Trustees and administrators cannot afford to stand back. This is a moment to lead.

The first responsibility is communication. Members will want to know what these changes mean for them in practical terms. Will they receive less if they leave before retirement? How much less are we talking? What are the scheme’s rules?

Trustees, with the support of administrators, must provide clear answers. Instead of long explanations filled with technical terms, practical examples will do.

They will need to show a 40-year-old what happens when he withdraws after 10 years of service compared to someone who retires at 60. Such real-world illustrations turn abstract law into something members can understand. When schemes share this information openly, they build confidence but when they delay or keep communication vague, they create uncertainty. Words alone are not enough. Members need tools that help them see the impact of their choices.

Administrators can provide benefit illustrations whenever a member considers withdrawing. A simple breakdown showing the gross benefit, the tax deduction and the net payout goes a long way.

Digital calculators can also be created to show members what they stand to lose or gain depending on when they access their savings.

Trustees should make sure these tools are integrated into member engagement. When a member logs into a portal or receives an exit statement, the tax implications should be clear. This level of transparency empowers members to make informed decisions.

The Finance Act has made early withdrawals less attractive. But this does not have to be a negative. Trustees can turn it into a chance to highlight the benefits of preservation. For example, a young worker who resigns at 42 may be discouraged by a large tax deduction.

But if they preserve their savings until retirement age – say 65, not only do they reduce the tax hit, they also benefit from years of compounded growth.

The new rules are not just about members. They also demand strong governance from schemes. Trust deeds, rules, communication materials and administrative systems must be updated to reflect the new reality. Trustees and administrators should work closely to ensure compliance and smooth operations. Any misstep in calculating tax or paying benefits could damage trust.

We are not looking at a mere a tax adjustment. The new act is a test of leadership for the retirement benefits sector. Members will remember not just how much they received, but how they were guided through these changes.

Therefore, it is an opportunity for trustees and administrators to show that they are not only custodians of savings but also partners in financial security.

As it is said, in moments of change, trust is earned through clarity and care. The challenge has been set and now it is up to trustees and administrators to rise to it.

Kenya today stands at an inflection point. Our economy is growing, our cities are expanding, and our population is becoming more urban, and more connected.

With this progress comes surging demand for electricity. But we face a double bind; how to power that growth while protecting our economy and our people from the destabilising forces of climate change.

The old model of relying on imported fossil fuels or overdependence on hydropower is no longer sustainable. The time for incremental progress has passed. Kenya must move decisively and invest boldly in renewable energy.

Few countries are as blessed with renewable resources as Kenya. Beneath the Rift Valley for one, lies immense geothermal potential, already making us one of the global leaders in this technology.

The winds across Turkana, Marsabit, and Ngong Hills are steady and strong. The solar irradiation across northern, western, and eastern Kenya is only second if not better than that of the Arabian Peninsula.

And our rivers, descending from highland forests to the Indian Ocean, still hold untapped power potential despite the legacy hydro electric power projects.

But natural abundance is not enough. Resources only become assets when they are harnessed, put to good use for the good of both humanity and the planet.

To unlock this potential, Kenya must act on several fronts. First, policy ambition. Kenya has made important progress with feed-in tariffs and progressive power purchase agreements. But we need to go further.

Clearer regulations, faster permitting, and bolder targets will give investors confidence and accelerate timelines. The global energy transition is moving fast, unless we keep pace, we risk being left behind.

Second, innovative financing. Renewable projects require large upfront investment, but the long-term costs are lower. Kenya should expand its use of green bonds, blended finance models, and public-private partnerships.

Development finance institutions are eager to fund clean energy. Our challenge is to provide bankable projects and transparent frameworks.

Third, human capital. A renewable revolution is not just about technology, it is about people. Kenya must invest in capacity building, training technicians, engineers, and energy entrepreneurs.

Our universities and technical colleges should partner with industry to create a workforce ready for the next generation of power systems.

Fourth, community participation.

Energy projects succeed when local people see tangible benefits. Communities must not only gain access to electricity but also share in jobs, business opportunities, and even equity. Projects that treat host communities as partners rather than obstacles move faster and last longer.

Finally, partnerships. At KenGen, we plan to expand our renewable capacity by more than 1,500MW over the next decade. But this is only one part of the puzzle.

The private sector, government, international investors, and development partners must collaborate at scale. This is not a race Kenya can run alone

Yet, this is also a moment of great geopolitical significance.

The global energy transition will reshape trade flows, supply chains, and alliances. Countries that control renewable resources, from cobalt and lithium to geothermal fields and wind corridors, will have new leverage in the world economy. Kenya must not miss this chance to define its role.

The costs of delay are steep: slower growth, higher fuel imports, greater exposure to climate shocks, and lost opportunities in the global green economy.

The rewards of action on the other hand are just as clear; energy security, job creation, competitiveness, and climate leadership.

The world is watching. Kenya has a chance to show what an African nation can achieve when it marries ambition with action.

By fast-tracking renewable investment, we can light homes, power industries, secure our future, and contribute meaningfully to the fight against climate change.

Our choice is stark but simple. We can cling to outdated models and pay the price. Or we can leap forward, harnessing the power beneath our feet and above our heads, and claim our place in the global green transition.

Kenya’s capital markets are entering a new chapter. The Capital Markets (Amendment) Bill 2025 proposes reforms that could reshape how investment flows into the country.

At the heart of the Bill is a proposal to remove fixed statutory limits on how much ownership one person or company can hold in licensed financial institutions, such as stockbrokers, investment banks, and fund managers.

Instead of embedding these limits in law, the Cabinet Secretary, working with the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), would be empowered to set them through regulations. The thinking behind this move is to make it easier for large investors to inject capital into the market.

By removing rigid caps, the government hopes to attract more money into the financial sector, leading to stronger institutions, deeper liquidity, and better access to financing for businesses. In theory, this could stimulate economic growth and job creation.

However, while the intention is sound, the execution matters. Removing clear rules without replacing them with robust safeguards could open the door to excessive control by a few dominant players.

It could reduce competition, erode investor confidence, and increase the risk of market manipulation. That’s why many experts are calling for a balanced approach, one that retains default ownership limits in law, such as the current 33.33 percent cap, but allows exceptions through a transparent, well-regulated process.

Any changes should be backed by public consultation, clear justification, and parliamentary oversight.

Beyond ownership thresholds, the reforms must confront deeper governance challenges. Investors should be required to disclose ultimate beneficial ownership, the real individuals behind shareholding structures.

Regulators must also have the authority to vet key appointments to ensure they meet high standards of integrity and competence. These safeguards are not theoretical.

The recent push by stockbrokers to remove the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) chief executive officer, citing concerns over transparency and strategic direction, has exposed tensions within the market.

It reflects a broader discomfort with reform and the need for stronger alignment between leadership and stakeholders. Such episodes remind us that governance isn’t just about compliance, it’s about trust.

When markets are predictable, inclusive, and fair, more people are willing to invest. Pension funds, insurance companies, and foreign investors look for strong governance before committing their money. Without it, even the best reforms risk being undermined by fear, resistance, or misalignment. If Kenya gets this right, it could unlock billions in long-term investment, support infrastructure projects, and help businesses scale. For example, a well-capitalised investment bank could finance affordable housing projects, while a strong fund manager could channel savings into renewable energy ventures.

These are not just boardroom ideas,they affect real lives. A boda boda rider saving for his child’s education, a teacher investing in a unit trust, or a small business owner seeking capital to expand, all stand to benefit from a fair and functioning market.

We are already seeing signs of what’s possible. The NSE has shown strong performance in 2025.

The NSE 20 Share Index recently crossed the 3,000-point mark, up nearly 69 percent compared to last year. Market capitalisation has reached Sh2.81 trillion, and trading volumes have surged.

This growth is being driven by macroeconomic stability, improved investor sentiment, and increased participation from pension funds and retail investors, helped by digital platforms and better financial literacy.

Under the Kenya Kwanza administration, efforts to stabilise public finances, invest in infrastructure, and promote public-private partnerships have laid a solid foundation.

The government’s focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation is beginning to bear fruit. But to truly mobilise private capital, the capital markets must be ready. That means clear laws, strong institutions, and a regulatory framework that protects investors while encouraging growth.

Other countries offer useful lessons. Singapore combines strict governance with smart incentives to attract global investors. South Africa has built deep markets by supporting institutional investment and strong regulation.

Mauritius has become a hub for cross-border listings by offering clarity and consistency. Kenya has the potential to do the same, especially with Nairobi already serving as a financial gateway for East Africa.

The CMA reforms, if done right, could be a turning point. They offer a chance to modernise Kenya’s financial system, attract new investment, and deepen the market.

But they must be guided by transparency, accountability, and a commitment to integrity. That is the path to a capital market that not only grows, but grows with confidence, fairness, and resilience.

For ordinary Kenyans, this means more opportunities to invest, whether through Saccos, pension schemes, or mobile-based trading apps. It means more jobs created through thriving businesses, and a stronger economy that works for everyone.

When capital markets are inclusive and well-regulated, they become engines of prosperity, not just for the elite, but for all citizens.

Let us embrace reform not with fear, but with foresight. The future of Kenya’s economy depends on it.

What is the role of film in society? You’ve probably come across that question many times. This isn’t a film theory class; it’s just a question I have to ask after watching the movie we’re discussing today.

The common answer is that film is meant to reflect society, a mirror of what’s happening during a particular period.

But in the age of social media, we have excessive exposure to information, events, and news. If you can afford a movie ticket, you probably have a TV or a phone, which means you already scroll through social media or watch the news every other day. You have access to what’s happening around the world in real time, any minute, anywhere.

So, when you walk into a theatre, do you want to see the same things you’re constantly exposed to, just bigger, brighter, and produced by a creative team, or are you seeking escapism? To step into a different world and experience something else entirely?

That’s the question I kept asking myself as I walked out of One Battle After Another, a film many people are calling one of the best of the year. And to be clear, I really liked it. It’s bold, intense, and beautifully made. But I still had one big issue with it.

One Battle After Another

This is a 2025 American action-thriller written, produced, and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. It’s loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti.

The story follows an ex-revolutionary who must rescue his daughter from a corrupt military official. I could go on, but it’s one of those movies where the less you know before watching, the better.

Because it’s a Paul Thomas Anderson film, you can expect layered characters, tension, and emotional weight. His work always blends classic cinematic ambition with realism, focusing on flawed individuals chasing purpose or control.

The marketing leans heavily on DiCaprio, so you’d think this is his movie. Technically, it is, he’s the star, and he does a great job. But the real standout is Sean Penn. This is his movie.

Sean Penn completely transforms, not just in looks, but in how he moves, reacts, and carries himself. While he is in a serious role, he’s also funny in some unexpected scenes, yet remains deeply compelling. His character arc will stick with a lot of people, and his presence alone holds weight in a scene, almost overshadowing everyone else. I can see him winning an Oscar for this.

The story, however, is anchored by Teyana Taylor’s character. Her screen time isn’t long, but her role is crucial, and she elevates every moment she’s in.

Everything that happens through the film, especially involving Sean Penn, DiCaprio, and Chase Infiniti, connects back to her. Her actions ripple through the film in ways you only start to understand by the third act.

The daughter, played by Chase Infiniti, carries much of the second half. Her storyline grounds the movie emotionally. As everything comes together toward the end, she becomes the centre of it all.

Chase is excellent, so good that you can tell this is her breakout performance. Regina Hall provides a key link later on (trying to keep this spoiler-free), and she captures the passage of time beautifully through her performance and costume changes.

What works

The movie looks incredible. The cinematography is flawless, the colours pop, the framing and lighting are deliberate, and every shot feels purposeful. These are details you might not even notice because the story captures your full attention.

There’s a car chase in the third act that feels and looks like a Western. It’s shot so well it puts you in the driver’s seat and keeps cranking up the tension. Even the quieter scenes, like those between DiCaprio and his daughter, look rich and textured.

The score is most likely something you’ve heard used a lot in modern film, it’s unique.

The sound design does a great job keeping you uneasy without overpowering the moment. There’s a sequence in the second act where the sound blends perfectly with the events on screen, a move that wouldn’t have worked under a different director. The soundtrack is also great, with familiar songs that never distract from the story.

The costume design defines characters instantly. You can tell who’s who and what they represent before they even speak. Each outfit matches the character’s energy and personality, even when they go a little over the top.

It’s a long film, almost three hours, but the pacing makes it feel shorter. I never felt like time was wasted or that any scene was unnecessary.

The writing ties everything together. Early decisions ripple through the story, and small moments in the first act end up shaping the ending. The screenplay is especially strong for Sean Penn and Teyana Taylor’s characters. Nothing feels random or filler.

The are some fantastic moments that add a whole different dimension to Christmas and the concept of knowing what the time is, amusing, dark and very at times.

And while it’s an American film, it’ll resonate strongly with audiences in countries like South Africa. It touches on class, race, and generational trauma in ways that echo apartheid and inequality. People like Trevor Noah or Robby Collins would probably see themselves in at least one of these characters.

What didn’t work

At times, the film feels like the news, like scrolling through X, just cinematic and on a bigger screen. The first 30 minutes are even with the themes fantastic, a strong setup, but by the middle, a few scenes feel like they’ve been pulled straight from real world.

I understand why.

The commentary on immigration, race, and state violence is powerful and works within the context of the story. But sometimes it starts feeling less like cinema and more like activism packaged as art. One particular scene mirrors exactly what’s been happening in America over the past few months.

That’s where the ‘mirror of society’ idea becomes tricky. There’s a fine line between reflection and regurgitation.

We already know the world is on fire. Most of us, especially with the constant social and political noise, go to the movies to escape for a few hours (which the second half of the movie delivers), not to rewatch real life play out on a massive screen. That is why movies like the first Avatar make a lot of money.

Credit where it’s due, Paul Thomas Anderson handles these heavy themes with skill. Even when the message feels heavy- handed, his direction keeps it engaging. Everything still ties back to the characters, which saves the film from turning into fully fledged activism.

Final thoughts

I genuinely liked One Battle After Another. It’s easily one of the most gripping films of the year; ambitious, tense, funny, and a must-watch for film students. The performances, especially Sean Penn’s, are unforgettable.

Teyana Taylor adds something special, and DiCaprio does what he always does best, commits fully to his role. The last hour is a masterclass in building tension while keeping the characters at the centre.

So yes, the hype is real. One Battle After Another stands alongside Sinners and Weapons as one of best films to come out in 2025. Just don’t expect pure escapism, this one hits closer to home than some might want.

The shares of Williamson Tea Kenya and its affiliate Kapchorua Tea have rallied to all-time highs in the past week at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), after they received regulatory approval to issue bonus shares.

Williamson Tea closed trading at Sh334.50 on Monday, representing a one-week gain of 34.7 percent, while Kapchorua Tea added 26.5 percent in the period to settle at Sh413.50.