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Kenya is among six nations facing the highest risk of an outbreak of the Rift Valley Fever (RVF) disease, a United Nations agency has warned, putting pressure on health and veterinary authorities to prevent another spate of the highly contagious virus.

The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) urged Kenya and other countries across Eastern Africa to strengthen preparedness and surveillance measures as heavy rainfall and flooding associated with El Niño increase the risk of RVF outbreaks.

‘The countries currently assessed as facing the highest risk are Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Risk is also increasing in Burundi and Rwanda, while lower but growing risks exist in the Comoros, northern Madagascar, the Department of Mayotte, south-western Saudi Arabia and western Yemen,’ the agencies said.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast above-average rainfall across the country during the October-December 2026 season, due to the El Niño phenomenon.

RVF is an acute viral disease that affects livestock, including sheep, goats, cattle, buffaloes and camels, and can also infect humans. The virus is transmitted mainly by mosquitoes, while the movement of infected animals can contribute to its geographical spread.

The viral zoonotic disease also spreads from animals to humans, primarily through contact with infected animal blood, body fluids, or tissues, and via mosquito bites.

Kenya suffered its most recent episodes of RVF outbreaks in 2020/2021 and 2023/2024, which affected livestock and humans, with deaths reported. The country suffered its worst RVF outbreak in the 1997-1998 window after heavy rainfall and severe flooding triggered a massive viral transmission.

‘Based on the October 2026 forecast of the FAO RVF Early Warning Decision Support Tool (RVF DST), conditions suitable for RVF transmission are expected to increase across much of Eastern Africa between October 2026 and January 2027,’ the agencies said.

‘Following a long period of rainfall deficits, rainfall has picked up in recent weeks in parts of southern Sudan, western South Sudan, eastern Ethiopia, southern Somalia and coastal Kenya, with heavy rains and a rising flood risk in Ethiopia and Somalia.’

According to the World Health Organisation, most RVF human infections result from direct or indirect contact with the blood or organs of infected animals. The virus can be transmitted to humans through the handling of animal tissue during slaughtering or butchering, assisting with animal births, conducting veterinary procedures, or from the disposal of carcasses or fetuses.

‘Certain occupational groups such as herders, farmers, slaughterhouse workers and veterinarians are therefore at higher risk of infection. There is some evidence that humans may become infected with RVF by ingesting the unpasteurised or uncooked milk of infected animals,’ the WHO said.

In humans, the interval from infection to onset of symptoms for RVF varies from 2 to 6 days. The WHO said that most RVF infections in humans will lead to no symptoms or a mild form of the disease characterised by a feverish syndrome with sudden onset of flu-like fever, muscle and joint pain and headache.

Some patients develop neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, loss of appetite and vomiting. In these patients, the disease, in its early stages, may be mistaken for meningitis.

FAO says that in livestock, the initial signs of RVF will depend upon the breed, age and genotype of the target animals. However, a sudden onset of abortions among sheep, goats, cattle or camels over a wide area is probably the most significant sign.

‘There will also probably be sudden deaths and disease with many fatalities in all species, especially in the early post-natal period. Nearly 100 percent of young lambs of susceptible breeds may die. Older animals at one to four months may suffer an acute febrile disease with prostration and 10-40 percent fatalities,’ the UN agency said.

The number of teenage investors holding shares at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has more than doubled in nine months, pointing to their growing participation as a rally in share prices and new listings revive interest in the stock market.

Data from the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) shows that junior equity investors-those aged below 18 years- rose to 497 in September from 236 at the end of December 2025, a 110.6 percent increase.

The number was also 2.4 times the 207 recorded in September last year and nearly three times the 175 reported in September 2023, reflecting a gradual expansion in the category that has gathered pace this year.

The teens own shares estimated at Sh120 million, accounting for 0.003 percent of the Sh4 trillion stock market.

The junior investors have also made an entry into the corporate bond market, with seven holding accounts in this category up from four in March. There were no such holdings in the prior six years.

Minors can invest at the NSE through junior Central Depository System (CDS) accounts opened and operated by parents or guardians until they reach adulthood, allowing them to own listed shares from an early age.

Experts say investing has become increasingly popular among young people, driven by the emergence of mobile apps that charge little to no commission and the abundance of financial content available online.

A survey by the World Economic Forum covering 13 countries, including the US, UK, Brazil, China and India, showed that nearly a third of Generation Z have started investing by the time they reach early adulthood, more than any other generation at the same age.

Thirty percent of Gen Z – those aged between 18 and 27 – began investing in capital markets at university age compared with 15 percent of millennials, and 5 percent of baby boomers, according to the poll, which surveyed 13,000 people.

In Kenya, the increase in junior accounts coincides with a strong performance, where NSE returns have averaged over 33 percent this year, making equities the best-performing investment class. Returns on bank deposits were averaging 6.94 percent at the end of September, while Treasury bills are fetching under 10 percent.

The rally has improved the appeal of equities at a time when the exchange is also attracting new listings and a wider pool of investors.

The broader investor base grew by 333,043 in the nine months to September, taking the number of NSE investors to 2.36 million. This was more than three times the 98,063 added in a similar period last year and almost double the 174,400 recorded in the whole of 2025.

The junior category, however, remains a small part of the market. Its shareholding accounted for just 0.003 percent of total equity holdings at the end of September, unchanged from the previous quarter.

The figures suggest that while more junior investors are opening accounts or entering the market, their collective financial exposure remains marginal compared with that of established investors.

Local corporate investors held 71.367 percent of equity investments at the end of September, while local individual investors accounted for 11.434 percent. Foreign corporate investors held 12.305 percent.

The rise in investor numbers came as the exchange recorded a rise in market value, with capitalisation crossing the Sh4 trillion mark for the first time during the quarter.

The market’s revival has coincided with the return of major listings after a prolonged drought, including the March initial public offering of Kenya Pipeline Company and the June listing of Family Bank.

The new listings and the entry of new investors at the bourse coincided with the period when the market capitalisation-the combined value of investor shares- climbed to Sh4.12 trillion in September, up from Sh2.94 trillion at the end of 2025.

The CMA attributed the quarter’s performance to growing confidence and resilience in the capital markets, noting that new investment products could broaden participation and deepen the market.

The NSE has been on a bullish run since 2024 after snapping a prolonged bear run that had drained investor confidence in the market.

Co-working space provider Kofisi plans to expand its presence in the food and beverage business as it targets Kenya’s meetings and events market to return to growth.

Kofisi will work with specialist partners on food and beverage services as it changes its operating model to focus on meetings, conferences and events to improve occupancy.

Kofisi offers private offices, meeting rooms and shared facilities through memberships for clients like freelancers and remote workers.

The entry into the food business builds on Kofisi’s existing bistros and cafes, which serve drinks and quick meals to members. It recently introduced catering menus for corporate meetings, workshops and private functions.

Kofisi has recently scaled back its Kenyan footprint, closing its Karen and Upper Hill outlets in December 2025 to focus on larger centres targeting corporate clients.

‘The proposals include working with specialist partners on food and beverage and sharpening its focus on meetings and events, with the aim of maintaining high occupancy rates and strengthening revenue streams in Nairobi and other African markets,’ the London-based firm said in a statement to the Business Daily.

Kenya is Kofisi’s largest African market, accounting for four of the 11 co-working spaces it operates on the continent. CEO and founder Michael Aldridge said the Nairobi centres continue to operate normally during the transition.

Kofisi also plans to seek new investment to support expansion into other key markets it is yet to disclose.

Last year’s closures followed a $3.2 million (Sh416 million) loss reported for the year ended December 2024, reversing a $16.28 million (Sh2.1 billion) profit recorded in 2023.

Kofisi said moving to larger locations would allow it to explore hotel-style services and economies of scale.

‘This is to allow the company to focus on larger spaces where the client experience can be enhanced by a mixture of community spaces, investments in hotelification of service and larger economies of scale,’ the company said.

Kofisi’s model is like the American company WeWork’s and is part of a booming global industry, also targeting startups and large companies seeking collaborative and adaptable workspaces without expensive, long-term leases.

The latest changes align Kofisi with a strategy focused on larger-scale workspaces and enterprise customers, compared to cheaper, individual-customer memberships.

‘The changes will be implemented in a manner that maintains continuity and supports the high standards of service for which we are known,’ the statement said. ‘The proposed changes will be progressed formally over the coming months.’

Kofisi’s revenues rose 24.5 percent to to $10.27 million (Sh1.3 billion) in the year ended December 2024 from $8.25 million (Sh1.1 billion) a year earlier amid higher occupancy. Kofisi said occupation rates across its offices averaged above 90 percent in the review period.

Kenya accounted for $7.6 million (Sh987.8 million), or 74.4 percent, of the company’s 2024 revenue. It also operates in Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa and Morocco.

The Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) and a property developer are locked in a court battle over a Sh475 million arbitration award arising from a dispute over the construction of Lake Basin Mall in Kisumu.

LBDA is seeking permission from the Court of Appeal to file a late appeal challenging a High Court judgment that upheld an arbitral award ordering it to pay Erdemann Property Limited the amount.

The dispute stems from a 2013 agreement under which Erdemann was to build the mall for Sh2.45 billion. The contract sum later rose to Sh3.86 billion amid disagreements over financing and payments.

In February 2024, an arbitrator ordered LBDA to pay Erdemann Sh344.5 million, plus interest at 14 percent annually from the start of arbitration. Accrued interest stood at Sh107.7 million when the award was issued. The arbitrator later assessed costs at Sh23 million.

The principal and accrued interest totalled about Sh452.3 million at the award date. With costs, the sum rose to Sh475.3 million, before further interest. The principal attracts about Sh132,175 in daily interest until payment.

LBDA asked the High Court to set aside the awards, alleging that the arbitrator ignored crucial evidence, shifted the burden of proof and was biased. It argued that the decision exposed tax-payers to an unjustified financial burden.

The State agency said the award was inimical to the national interest and contrary to public policy. It accused the arbitrator of displaying open bias against the authority.

LBDA relied on an expert report which found, after reviewing bank statements, no basis for the interest claimed on Erdemann’s loans.

The authority questioned whether Erdemann used loans obtained from Development Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank and Co-operative Bank to finance the mall’s construction. It argued that the developer’s bank statements showed transactions unrelated to the project and did not establish how the borrowed money was spent.

LBDA said Erdemann had not produced payment vouchers, local purchase orders, subcontractors’ receipts or other records linking the loan disbursements to specific construction costs.

The authority told the court that Erdemann had received Sh4.51 billion from the Exchequer and Co-operative Bank, exceeding the revised contract sum. It cited a Sh4.14 billion final account and said the architect had certified full payment. It further argued that the amount paid exceeded both the Sh3.86 billion contract sum and the Sh4.13 billion final account certificate submitted by the quantity surveyor.

However, Erdemann said LBDA was asking the court to re-examine the merits of the arbitration. Managing director Zeyun Yang said both parties had been allowed to call witnesses, cross-examine them and present documents. He argued that LBDA had identified no issue decided outside the arbitration agreement.

The court dismissed LBDA’s challenge on January 27, 2026, and allowed Erdemann’s application to have the awards recognised and enforced as a High Court judgment. The judge said the com-plaints concerned the assessment of evidence and did not constitute grounds for setting aside an award under the Arbitration Act.

‘The fact that public funds are involved and that the outcome imposes a financial burden on the taxpayer, without more, does not bring the award within the definition of a public-policy violation,’ the court said.

Dissatisfied with the decision, LBDA moved to the Court of Appeal, seeking more time to apply for permission to challenge the judgment.

The Court of Appeal referred the application to a full bench to avoid conflicting decisions. The application is awaiting hearing.

A few decades ago, South Korea stood at a historical crossroads while grappling with a stark reality: it was a nation devoid of natural energy resources, emerging from the ruins of war, and structurally poorer than Kenya is today in both financial and human capital.

When Korea embarked on its nuclear journey by commissioning Kori Unit 1 in the 1970s, it did not let immediate limitations obscure its long-term vision.

Today, that same nation is a global nuclear powerhouse, exporting its ultra-modern APR-1400 technology to fuel nations like the United Arab Emirates through the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, securing billion dollar deals in the Czech Republic, and being actively invited to collaborate on building plants in the US. Currently the country has 26 operational nuclear power reactors which generate 25,609 Megawatts which is 30 percent of South Korea’s total electricity.

During the last two weeks of October, I was privileged to lead a strong team composed of representation from Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC, Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority, the Ministry of Energy and Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) for a bilateral mission to Korea where we engaged in strategic consultations with key nuclear institutions in Korea.

The mission reaffirmed an undeniable truth: Kenya can, and must, replicate this extraordinary trajectory.

As we prepare to construct our first nuclear power plant in Siaya County starting next year, we are not merely seeking a transactional commercial purchase of a reactor. Kenya will seek to follow the Korean model of comprehensive technology transfer. This blueprint will ensure that Kenya will lead the adoption and deployment of civilian nuclear technology across Africa.

The genius of the Korean miracle lies in their meticulous, multi-decade planning process. When Korea initially imported its first turnkey nuclear technology from the US, it did so with a strict mandate for local capacity building.

They systematically unbundled the foreign technology, forcing an aggressive process of domestic learning, engineering adaptation, and relentless local innovation. Within a single generation, they evolved from technology consumers into global technology creators and exporters.

By establishing strong partnerships, such as our recent frameworks with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Kenya is replicating this exact foundational philosophy. We are designing a robust baseline where our local engineers, researchers, and project managers own the intellectual infrastructure from day one.

Nuclear power demands a unique breed of national and regional leadership. Because of its unmatched energy density, zero-carbon reliability, and complex regulatory requirements, it is a technology that completely transforms the industrial DNA of a nation.

Just as the US pioneered the foundational era of civilian nuclear energy, and South Korea refined it into an ultra-efficient, highly scalable industrial system, Kenya is positioned to provide that exact institutional leadership for Africa.

The 10 MWth Kenya Nuclear Research Reactor at Konza Technopolis – for which NuPEA was recently designated the formal Operating Organisation by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum – will serve as the ultimate regional hub for medical research, scientific innovation, agricultural enhancement, and human capital development. This infrastructure will ensure that as Africa transitions to high-density grids, Kenya stands ready as the continent’s technical anchor.

For our communities in Siaya, this historic project represents the dawn of a massive economic renaissance. Modern nuclear technology utilises evolutionary Generation III+ reactor designs, which feature advanced, fully passive safety systems capable of shutting down safely without human intervention or external power availability.

This technology is incredibly clean, strictly regulated under the global oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and has proven globally to be one of the safest forms of electricity generation in human history.

By anchoring our grid with the baseload facility in Siaya, we will catalyse massive local manufacturing, create thousands of specialised, high-paying engineering and construction jobs, and completely de-risk our national grid from the vulnerabilities of climate-induced hydro droughts.

We are entering this specialised space with our eyes wide open, bound to a path of absolute transparency, safety, and international alignment. Kenya’s nuclear energy programme is a decisive vehicle for our long-term socio-economic liberation under Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

By choosing the path of technology transfer over mere procurement, we are ensuring that the brains operating, maintaining, and eventually building the next generation of reactors across East Africa will be distinctly Kenyan.

The future of global industry belongs to clean, high-density power, and through our strategic choices today, Kenya is claiming its rightful seat at the forefront of that global frontier.

Industrialist Narendra Raval has pledged investments worth over Sh200 billion in the past five years, expanding his steel and cement empire beyond Kenya into Uganda and Rwanda.

His investments include the recent Sh70 billion cement and clinker plant in Ngaaie, Kitui County, a Sh45 billion clinker factory in West Pokot, the acquisition of Rwanda’s CIMERWA Plc for Sh13.6 billion and a proposed clinker plant in Musanze, Rwanda, estimated at about Sh27 billion.

The projects point to an aggressive regional push by Mr Raval to consolidate his position among East Africa’s wealthiest industrialists.

Mr Raval’s expansion drive has seen him deepen his presence in Uganda and Rwanda, building on a business journey that began modestly with a hardware shop in Nairobi’s Gikomba Market before growing into a regional industrial empire.

Most of his recent deals are concentrated in Kenya, where, riding on his close relationship with President William Ruto, he has sought to build cement and steel factories as he tightens his grip on the two core construction materials.

Mr Raval’s commercial empire straddles steel, cement, infrastructure and aviation.

He is the founder and chairman of Devki Group of Companies, through which he has established a significant presence in the steel and cement sectors in the region.

After acquiring a 99.94 percent stake in Rwanda’s CIMERWA Plc for Sh13.6 billion in 2024, Mr Raval’s group signed a 15-year industrial quarry licence agreement with the Rwandan government in 2025, paving the way for a proposed $190 million (about Sh27 billion) clinker manufacturing plant in Musanze District.

The proposed factory is intended to help Rwanda reduce its dependence on imported clinker. The investment is separate from a pledge of up to $60 million by National Cement to modernise CIMERWA, although the extent of any overlap between the two budgets has not been established.

Although reports have emerged of Mr Raval, popularly known as Guru because of his priestly background, venturing into new areas such as fertiliser, the bulk of his investments have been in the steel and cement industries.

His investments across the cement and steel value chains have strengthened his position in both sectors, which are critical to the construction industry in Kenya and the region.

The new Ngaaie factory, which will manufacture clinker-the raw material used to make cement-adds to the Sh45 billion clinker plant that his subsidiary, Cemtech, launched in Sebit, West Pokot in 2024.

The Sebit plant was designed to produce about two million tonnes of clinker annually.

By investing in the production of key inputs such as clinker and virgin steel, as well as finished products such as cement and roofing sheets, the businessman has established a presence across multiple stages of the supply chain.

His critics have raised concerns over what they view as anti-competitive practices, as Devki expands its clinker production capacity, strengthening its position in the supply chain for cement, a key construction material.

Even as Devki has grown into a major supplier of clinker to other cement manufacturers without their own clinker plants, it competes with some of these players through its Simba Cement brand.

This has raised concerns among smaller manufacturers about their access to clinker, an essential input in cement production. The extent to which supply constraints have affected individual manufacturers, however, requires company-specific evidence.

Mr Raval’s story began in Gujarat, India, where he was born into a poor family. He came to Kenya in 1978 as a teenager to serve as a priest at a Hindu temple, before later moving into business.

He began trading in steel and construction materials, including through a hardware shop in Nairobi’s Gikomba Market.

Over time, he moved from trading into manufacturing, building the industrial group that would become Devki.

His business expanded into steel processing and roofing sheets before he ventured into cement manufacturing. Through acquisitions and new factories, the group gradually developed interests across the construction materials supply chain.

In 2015, Forbes included Mr Raval on its list of Africa’s 50 richest people, estimating his net worth at $400 million, then equivalent to about Sh52 billion.

His wealth has since been tied to the expansion of his manufacturing businesses, although current estimates vary.

Mr Raval has also maintained close relationships with political leaders in Kenya and India.

He has spoken of his relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he knew before the latter’s rise to the country’s highest office.

Mr Raval has also been photographed with several Kenyan presidents, including Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto.

His political connections have been particularly visible during the Ruto administration, with the President attending major Devki investment launches.

At the commissioning of the Sebit clinker plant in April 2024, Mr Raval publicly praised Dr Ruto and said he wished the President would remain in office for at least 25 years.

‘May God give him 100 years of life. I wish that we have this President for at least 25 years, hii nchi itabadilika (this country will change),’ Mr Raval was quoted saying in media reports of the event.

The remarks attracted attention because Kenya’s Constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms. They also highlighted the close relationship between the President and an industrialist whose factories supply materials used in construction and infrastructure projects.

Mr Raval’s recent expansion builds on investments made over more than a decade.

Between 2011 and 2012, National Cement developed its Lukenya cement plant, with an initial reported cost of Sh2 billion, followed by a separate expansion plan valued at Sh13 billion.

In 2013, Devki announced a Sh6.6 billion coated metal sheet plant, while National Cement outlined a capacity expansion programme reported at up to Sh21.7 billion.

Two years later, National Cement announced an Sh18.5 billion cement factory in Mbale, Uganda, expanding the group’s manufacturing footprint beyond Kenya.

In 2017, the group announced a Sh3 billion cement plant in Mariakani, Kilifi County. It also developed the Salgaa cement plant in Nakuru.

Another major project was the integrated clinker and cement plant at Merrueshi/Mbirikani in Kajiado County, reported at Sh30.3 billion.

In 2019, Devki acquired the Kenyan assets of collapsed cement maker Athi River Mining (ARM) for Sh5 billion, strengthening its position in the cement market. The assets include ARM’s limestone mining licences, giving it a foothold in the manufacture of clinker.

Limestone deposits are used to manufacture clinker.

The acquisition also brought industrial assets that the group subsequently sought to upgrade.

In 2021, the group announced a Sh1.8 billion upgrade to its fertiliser business, with plans to increase production capacity.

Mr Raval also invested in a roofing sheet plant in Lukenya, with reports putting the cost at Sh11 billion or Sh11.9 billion. The project was announced in 2019, although some later reports described it as a more recent investment.

His steel ambitions culminated in the Kwale raw steel plant, which began operating in 2022.

Reported cost estimates vary, with earlier figures covering different phases and a later estimate from Mr Raval putting the investment at about Sh29 billion. The figures should not be added together because they appear to describe the same project at different stages.

Since 2022, Mr Raval’s group has expanded its footprint through investments in steel, cement and clinker production, as well as the acquisition of established businesses.

In Rwanda, the acquisition of CIMERWA in 2024 gave National Cement control of an existing cement producer.

The proposed Musanze clinker plant would extend the group’s presence further into the supply of cement-making inputs.

In Uganda, Devki has pursued access to iron ore to feed its Kenyan steel operations. In 2023 and 2024, reports emerged of an arrangement permitting the export of Ugandan iron ore to Kenya. This is a supply arrangement rather than a factory investment and should not be added to the group’s capital expenditure.

In November 2025, Mr Raval’s group also broke ground on a planned $500 million steel plant in Tororo, Uganda, in a ceremony attended by presidents Ruto and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.

The proposed facility is expected to expand the group’s regional steel production capacity.

The European Union’s Digital Omnibus marks a significant development in the global debate on regulating artificial intelligence (AI) without stifling innovation and competitiveness.

On November 19, 2025, the European Commission unveiled its Digital Omnibus Package, describing it as an effort to simplify the EU’s digital rulebook rather than deregulate. It seeks to reduce administrative costs, duplication and regulatory friction while preserving fundamental rights, data protection, safety and fairness.

The package covers AI, data and cybersecurity, proposing streamlined compliance and reporting requirements and simpler implementation of the AI Act. It reflects growing concerns that regulatory fragmentation could undermine Europe’s investment, innovation and productivity. The challenge is to maintain strong safeguards without making regulation an obstacle to technological growth.

This experience offers important lessons for Kenya as it implements its National AI Strategy 2025-2030, built around three pillars: AI digital infrastructure; data and AI governance; and AI research, innovation and commercialisation.

First, Kenya should adopt proportionate, risk-based regulation. Compliance costs can disproportionately affect smaller businesses. Start-ups should not face the same regulatory burden as multinational technology companies deploying high-risk AI systems at scale.

Obligations should reflect an organisation’s capacity and the potential risks of each application, allowing local innovators room to experiment and compete while protecting consumers.

Second, Kenya must avoid regulatory duplication. AI is increasingly used in banking, healthcare, telecommunications, transport and insurance. Introducing additional approval layers for every deployment could increase costs without improving accountability. Existing sector regulators should oversee AI applications within their mandates, working alongside data protection authorities.

Third, regulatory sandboxes should become practical tools rather than policy slogans. Supervised testing environments would allow developers to identify algorithmic bias, privacy breaches, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and consumer protection risks before commercial deployment. They would also help regulators build technical expertise and understand emerging technologies.

Fourth, implementation should be phased to reflect local readiness. Regulators, businesses and public institutions need adequate time to develop technical skills, infrastructure, standards and enforcement capacity. Even well-designed legislation can fail without the institutional capacity to implement it effectively.

Kenyan businesses must also consider the cross-border implications.

Companies providing technology, outsourcing, data-processing and digital services to European clients may increasingly face expectations to comply with EU AI and data requirements.

These developments therefore have implications beyond Europe.

In May, Kenya’s inflation rate jumped from 5.6 to 6.7 percent in a single month, driven by an oil shock from tensions in the Middle East. Somewhere in a Nairobi office, a salaried professional opened her payslip and ran the same quiet arithmetic she runs every month: rent, school fees, transport, savings.

The payslip was stretched thinner than it used to.

That lack of control over forces like inflation is quietly shaping how Kenyans, especially the formally employed, think about money. The search for certainty is pushing more Kenyans toward products that promise a fixed outcome regardless of the economy.

The numbers tell it all. Kenya’s insurance penetration hit 2.63 percent of gross domestic product last year, an eight-year high, with life insurance overtaking general insurance for the first time in premiums and economic share.

Life cover more than tripled between 2016 and 2025, and gross premiums grew 36 percent in the first quarter of this year alone. Something has changed in how Kenyans relate to the future, and it isn’t just better sales pitches.

Kenya’s overall inflation has stayed within the Central Bank’s target range, but everyday prices tell a different story. The prices consumers feel most directly such as fuel, transport, school fees, and rent have climbed far faster than the average. Transport costs alone rose 16.5 percent over the past year, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics.

Formal employment itself carries its own quiet pressure: of the 822,100 jobs Kenya created last year, roughly 105,000 were formal positions, a reminder of just how competitive, and how worth protecting a salaried role has become. No wonder many of Kenya’s professionals are increasingly asking: If I can’t control inflation, or how long my job lasts, what can I actually rely on?

There’s also a less-discussed driver behind this trend that may matter more than any economic indicator: Kenyan households are shrinking. The extended family safety net, such as the uncle who covered a hospital bill, the cousins who pooled school fees, is thinner than a generation ago, as urban, nuclear living becomes the norm.

A financial shock today falls on a smaller circle of support. That’s arguably the deeper reason ‘guaranteed-outcome’ products, described as a fixed sum on a fixed date, regardless of market conditions, with savings continuing even if you can’t, have gone from niche to mainstream.

This is why the recent wave of long-term savings and endowment-style products entering the Kenyan market deserves more scrutiny than a passing product announcement.

None of this makes any single guarantee immune to inflation since a fixed shilling sum promised today will still buy less in 15 years if prices keep climbing.

What it does offer is certainty. In an economy where fuel prices and job security are all out of your control, having something predictable counts for a lot.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal by the Attorney-General challenging a Sh17.3 billion award to a Narok investor over the State’s failure to stop the invasion of his ranch and destruction of property by locals over three decades ago.

A five-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome ruled that the appeal falls within the court’s jurisdiction because it raises issues concerning the interpretation and application of the Constitution.

The judges said a review of the record of appeal showed that one of the grounds challenges the Court of Appeal’s finding that the State violated Nguruman Limited’s right to property under Article 40 of the Constitution.

‘Consequently, we are satisfied that the appeal does fall within the confines of this Court’s appellate jurisdiction under Article 163(4)(a) of the Constitution,’ the court ruled.

The judges added that the lower courts had applied Article 40 in determining that the State violated the investor’s right to property, making the constitutional provision a subject of adjudication in the proceedings.

The Court of Appeal had ordered the government to compensate the investor following the invasion and takeover of its expansive ranch in Narok by locals, which began in 1991.

The appellate court held that the police’s failure to act despite numerous requests and court orders to stop the invasion, destruction and illegal occupation of the property amounted to an untenable abdication of the State’s foremost duty: ‘namely the protection of private property’.

It agreed with the trial court that the State was liable for violating the investor’s right to property, saying the prolonged failure by the police and other government agencies to enforce court orders and protect the land, coupled with the conduct of State officials during the invasion, amounted to acquiescence and a breach of Article 40.

The Attorney General subsequently moved to the Supreme Court to challenge the decision.

However, Martin Richard Steyn opposed the appeal, arguing that the Supreme Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain it.

He submitted that the case did not raise any constitutional controversy because the Court of Appeal had relied on the common law principle of negligence in determining the liability of the National Police Service, rather than interpreting or applying the Constitution.

Mr Steyn argued that the appeal was merely an attempt to have the Supreme Court review concurrent findings of fact and conclusions reached by the two lower courts, a mandate that does not fall within its jurisdiction.

He further pointed out that some of the issues raised by the Attorney General had not been canvassed or determined by the lower courts.

These included whether the investor should have been awarded damages for violation of its rights under Article 23(3) of the Constitution instead of compensation based on the value of the property.

The Attorney General, however, maintained that the appeal raises questions concerning the interpretation and application of various constitutional provisions on the extent of State responsibility in protecting property and the principles governing compensation for constitutional violations, among other issues.

Nguruman Limited sued the government, saying it was the registered proprietor of land known as LR No. Narok/Nguruman/Kamorora/1, measuring approximately 66,700 acres.

The property is situated in the Nguruman area of Narok County, near Lake Magadi, and borders two group ranches.

Mr Steyn told the court that he entered into discussions with the neighbouring group ranches around 1983, with a view to leasing or acquiring the land. The court heard that the first invasion occurred in 1991 when armed members of the neighbouring Shompole Group Ranch trespassed onto the southern section of the property, causing damage.

The investor went to court and obtained orders, but they were allegedly not enforced.

In an attempt to resolve the dispute, the investor and local representatives reportedly held discussions. However, instead of leaving the property, more invaders joined the occupation and began cultivating the land.

Soon afterwards, armed groups invaded the ranch, violently ejecting the company’s employees from its Olduvai and Nkareketi camps before looting and destroying property.

The invaders later took possession of Laro Camp, completing the investor’s expulsion from the expansive ranch.

The Environment and Land Court had initially awarded the investor Sh33 billion, prompting the Attorney General to appeal on the grounds that the government had not taken over the property.

The court heard that Nguruman Limited remained the registered owner of the land, although the actual acreage was disputed. The dispute over the size of the property was to be resolved by the National Land Commission.

The court subsequently ordered the government to pay Nguruman Limited Sh16.7 billion as compensation for the land, Sh340 million for the destruction of its lodges and Sh162 million for the destruction of electricity and water supply systems and other installations.

The government was also ordered to pay Sh61.1 million for the loss of assets, furniture and consumables, Sh11.2 million for motor vehicles stolen during the invasion and Sh39.4 million for trees destroyed by the invaders.

Let’s slow things down this week. We aren’t at movie theatres or standard streaming platforms. We’re going free on the content jungle that is YouTube. Our focus this week is strictly on short films.

Little High

Directed and written by Allan Bosire alongside Saumu Kombo, this 29-minute piece is a comedy-drama that accomplishes a lot with its runtime.

The story follows two friends, Zuri (Fridah Mumbe) and Ciku (Bilha Muthui). Struggling with relationship challenges, they decide to get weed (bhang) to inject some joy back into their lives. That choice triggers a wild, entertaining trail of misadventures.

I appreciated how smartly the film handles its scope. Coming from a small team, you might expect a contained, single-location narrative confined to a car interior. Instead, the story constantly opens up, building a much broader world.

Visually, the team does a great job with characterisation. You can read Zuri and Ciku’s personalities just by their outfits, making it easy to distinguish the structured one from the wild one. The two leads deliver solid performances that capture their evolving emotional states, while Mugambi Ikiara fits his laid-back role. Even the cars have personalities in colour and design.

Technically, the film ticks the right boxes. The early parking lot action sequence is decently choreographed and surprisingly well-shot for a short film. The cinematographer utilises a shallow depth of field to keep focus locked on key character moments.

The wide exterior drone shots show a strong sense of composition; rather than lazily sweeping over architecture, the camera deliberately frames the subjects to create visually stunning compositions out of conventional locations. Add clever sound design and believable makeup blood, and you get a film with a strong sense of direction.

However, the opening minutes suffer from heavy exposition. A sharp, chaotic cold open would have hooked audiences far better, avoiding the temptation to hit double-speed playback just to get past the setup.

The editing is good, but it feels safe and conventional. Given the short format, the editors had room to be much punchier and more experimental. Script-wise, while the dynamic between the two leads is strong, giving them different contrasting struggles, rather than shared relationship issues, would have given their bond far more depth.

The movie also tries too hard to be comedic, sacrificing great moments of tension in the process. For example, a second-act character is introduced via a comedic TikTok gag that completely neutralises the stakes. If they had played him straight and terrifying, saving the TikTok reveal for the final moments, the payoff would have been infinitely more satisfying.

The screenplay also tries a bit too hard to be campy.

Even with those flaws, Little High is a fun, quick watch. It is sharply directed, features decent costume and makeup work, uses great locations, delivers solid performances.

Unwrapped

Directed and written by Lynn Muthiri, Unwrapped is an eight-minute short film under the Shuga Global banner. The story follows two students, Maria (Marion Kwamboka) and Kamau (Victor Muriithi), who are about to head off to different universities. Before parting ways, they attempt to do something (no spoilers here).

What works really well is the setting and tone. Instead of a typical urban backdrop, setting the film in Nakuru gives it a grounded, authentically rural feel. The production team accomplished a lot with what they had.

The props, locations, sound design, and cast feel natural. I also enjoyed the creative touches with on-screen text overlays and typography during the character introductions and opening sequence.

The highlight is the mother-daughter dynamic. The conversation at the end between Maria and her mother (Magdalene Wanjiku) adds relatable emotion, backed by solid performances. The structure is clear and easy to follow, using familiar beats that anyone growing up in rural Kenya will recognise.

As a jaded cinephile, I thought it played things a little too safe. A short film provides the perfect space to experiment with genre or take wild narrative risks. Instead, Unwrapped gets wrapped up in delivering its message that it forgets to prioritise entertainment.

Entertainment should be the Trojan horse carrying the message; here, the message weighs everything down.

It is a decently paced, nicely shot project (with Jim Bishop as cinematographer) that communicates its point clearly. Yet, because it prioritises messaging over story innovation, it ultimately ends up being a rather forgettable watch, though its message isn’t quite as heavy-handed as our next film.

Butterflies

Featuring recognisable actor Ken Ambani, Butterflies is directed and written by Juliet “Koi” Muiruri. The film follows a grieving father struggling to coexist with loss while remaining oblivious to the severe bullying and emotional crisis faced by his teenage daughter (Olivia Odhiambo).

On a technical level, the film looks polished. It carries a modern feel with great cinematography and a clean typeface during the opening. Good casting, though the performances could have been better with a stronger script.

The costumes, makeup, and location choices are on point. The story maintains a clear, accessible trajectory from start to finish while handling themes of grief, bullying, and self-awareness.

What bothered me? Starting with the fonts: I loved the clean look in the opening credits, but it feels like two unaligned teams worked on the project because the opening and closing typefaces differ wildly.

While the story illustrates its themes and is technically well put together, it becomes so obsessed with its message that it forgets to entertain.

Short films are meant to be experimental and playful, but Butterflies plays it safe. It lacks creative ambition in its execution. For instance, the daughter’s secret video diaries would have felt far more authentic if shot vertically with a shaky handheld camera rather than a static setup.

The storytelling structure feels unimaginative, designed purely to serve the theme rather than entertain the viewer. Even the editing feels optimized to deliver a message rather than a story. This isn’t a bad film, it’s competently put together, but it relies on standard tropes rather than pushing boundaries with its edit or narrative structure. Basically, it’s a one time watch.

The Test

I loved this short.

Written by Trevor Sudi, this nine-minute Kenyan short follows Hawi (Samson Omondi), who reluctantly joins his girlfriend Ayira (Vanessa Okeyo) for an STI test and counseling session.

The Test stands out as a favourite because it dares to experiment.

The chemistry between Omondi and Okeyo is spot-on. Shifting away from standard urban setting to rural areas gives the film a great backdrop, enhanced by Jim Bishop’s strong cinematography. The color grading gives the film a unique texture that amplifies the lead actors’ complexions. Shifting seamlessly between English and local mother tongues also feels natural.

The scenes featuring imaginary friends work surprisingly well without looking gimmicky. Winnie Nyaguthii’s fast, punchy editing turns a familiar topic into an engaging watch. None of the creative choices feel unnecessary, the visual style, title card, and general approach feel well thought through from conceptualisation.

I could go on, but go watch these short films for yourself, as mentioned they are free on YouTube!

Opportunity for Kenyan filmmakers

Submissions are officially open for the fourth edition of the Alternativa Film Festival, bringing its nomadic, impact-focused project to Africa in late 2027. Founded by inDrive, the non-profit initiative champions underrepresented cinematic voices across the Global South through screenings, industry networking, and fair distribution.

For filmmakers in Kenya and across the continent, this offers a brilliant platform to showcase stories to a global audience completely free of submission fees. The festival carries a total prize purse of $120,000 spread over seven awards, with three dedicated cash prizes totaling $40,000 reserved exclusively for African talent.

Short film submissions are open strictly to African talent, while feature films can enter from across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Eligible projects must be completed after January 1, 2026. Selected films may also join Alternativa’s non-profit distribution catalog, which offers upfront guarantees and subtitling support.

Submissions close on March 1, 2027 through the official Alternativa website.