Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Kenya’s Tea Sector Grows, Exporting $15 Million This Quarter Kenya’s tea sector experienced substantial growth in exports between July and September 2024, reaching sales valued at approximately $15 million (Sh2.24 billion), marking a significant increase from last year’s figures. Export volumes rose to 155.09 million kilograms, up from 120.24 million kilograms in the same period last year, according to the Tea Board of Kenya (TBK). On the domestic front, tea sales increased slightly to 8.54 million kilograms, up from 8.49 million last year. TBK Chief Executive Willy Mutai attributed the earnings rise to heightened demand from international markets, fueled by…

In recent days, Sudan’s Al Jazirah state has witnessed a sharp increase in violence following the defection of Abu Aqla Kikl, a regional commander from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to the Sudanese army. Civil society group Al Jazirah Conference reported on Saturday that, over the last five days, 37 cases of sexual violence have been documented in and around the town of Rufaa. These incidents include assaults on three medical staff at Rufaa Hospital and numerous women and girls from neighboring villages. According to Al-Mubarak Mahmoud, Secretary-General of the Al Jazirah Conference, “The RSF forces moved through these communities…

Residents of Mkiwa village in the Ikungi District of Singida Region took to the Dodoma-Singida-Mwanza highway yesterday, blocking traffic for over two hours with logs in protest against the invasion of a herd of elephants. The villagers are seeking immediate government intervention to address the situation, as the elephants have caused considerable damage to homes and food supplies. The protest attracted the attention of Singida East Member of Parliament Miraji Mtaturu and District Commissioner Thomas Apson, who arrived to discuss the residents’ concerns. The blockade led to significant traffic congestion, affecting many travelers on this busy route. In addressing the…

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is amplifying its commitment to sustainable tourism through the expansion of its successful ‘One Tourist, One Tree’ initiative, now introduced in the North Rift Tourism Circuit. This campaign is a significant part of KTB’s broader strategy to promote environmental conservation as a fundamental aspect of both the tourism sector and the national economy. At a recent tree-planting event held at Eldoret’s Arboretum, which features the celebrated Wall of Fame dedicated to Kenya’s elite athletes, KTB CEO June Chepkemei highlighted the crucial role of environmental conservation in tourism. “Destinations that prioritize ecological preservation often see remarkable…

The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland has generated significant discourse in the Horn of Africa, particularly as Somalia considers Somaliland part of its territory. Signed at the beginning of 2024, this agreement seeks to provide Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence. In response, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has vocally opposed the deal, accusing Ethiopia of encroaching on Somalia’s sovereignty. In a strategic maneuver, Somalia has enhanced its relations with Ethiopia’s rivals, notably Egypt and Eritrea, forming an alliance described by some observers as an “axis against Ethiopia.” This coalition…

Pioneer in the Fight Against Bilharzia Aklilu Lemma (1935-1997) was a groundbreaking Ethiopian physician and researcher whose relentless efforts significantly impacted public health, particularly in combating bilharzia, also known as schistosomiasis. His groundbreaking work in the mid-20th century laid the foundation for an affordable and effective treatment that continues to save lives today. Early Life and Education Born in Ethiopia, Aklilu Lemma displayed a passion for medicine from a young age. He pursued his medical degree at the University of Addis Ababa, where he excelled academically. After graduating, Lemma dedicated himself to improving health outcomes in his home country, which…

In a groundbreaking legal development, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is set to stand trial in the Netherlands over allegations that he misled the public about the safety of Covid-19 vaccines. This landmark decision by a Dutch court follows complaints from seven individuals who report experiencing adverse reactions after being vaccinated during the peak of the pandemic. The lawsuit names Gates, along with former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General, members of the Dutch government’s Covid-19 Outbreak Management Team, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, and the Dutch state. The plaintiffs contend that Gates was a key figure making various assertions about…

Amid growing unrest in Sudan’s Al-Jazirah state, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are alleged to have carried out violent reprisals in Rufaa, following a local RSF commander’s defection to the army. Monitoring groups report incidents of civilian casualties, arrests, and blockades, leaving residents vulnerable to further hostilities. Reports state that the violence intensified on October 21, when Abu Aqla Kikl, former RSF commander in Al-Jazirah, switched allegiances to the Sudanese military. His departure is said to have sparked a series of retaliatory measures by RSF forces, with many areas under increased control, preventing civilians from fleeing. The Al-Jazirah Conference, a…

The Ethiopian Dialogue Commission has urged the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) to reevaluate its decision to withdraw from Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference, citing concerns over the impact on the 2018 peace agreement. This deal, signed in Asmara, had marked a significant step towards ending years of conflict by recognizing ONLF as a political entity within Ethiopia. ONLF’s withdrawal reflects frustrations over unmet promises, including the reintegration of former fighters and resettlement of displaced individuals. According to ONLF spokesperson Abdiqadir Hassan Hirmooge (Adani), the lack of government action has led the organization to question Ethiopia’s commitment to reconciliation. “The peace…

An increasing number of French Africans are leaving France, moving to Senegal and other West African nations in search of opportunity, safety, and cultural respect. They cite persistent racism, discrimination, and a fraught colonial legacy as significant motivations for their departure. Reconnecting with Roots Amid Rising Racism Menka Gomis, a 39-year-old born in France to Senegalese parents, is among those who have made this shift. Although born and raised in France, Gomis describes being exposed to discrimination early on: “At six, I was already hearing racial slurs at school.” Now, he operates a travel agency in Senegal, offering packages tailored…

The United Nations Security Council is convening an urgent session today to address the escalating crisis in Sudan, where intensifying violence and a growing humanitarian disaster have raised global alarm. Secretary-General António Guterres will brief the 15-member council, advocating for immediate measures to safeguard civilians and mitigate further suffering, according to U.N. sources. In his briefing, Guterres will spotlight the immense toll of Sudan’s prolonged conflict, with widespread human rights abuses and rampant displacement. A report submitted by Guterres on October 18 emphasizes a surge in inter-communal violence, civilian casualties, and attacks on vital infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, exacerbating the…

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Ethiopia’s ambitious mega-dam project on the Blue Nile near the Sudanese border, represents a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s Vision 2025. Launched in 2011, GERD aims to generate over 6,450 megawatts of electricity, nearly doubling the country’s energy production capacity. Upon completion, the dam is set to transform Ethiopia into a major electricity exporter to neighboring nations, potentially supplying power to Sudan, Kenya, Djibouti, and Egypt. Project Overview GERD, with a height of about 145 meters and a reservoir stretching 246 kilometers, holds up to 74 billion cubic meters of water, positioning it among the largest…

At least four people were killed, and five others were injured in an explosion on Saturday at a popular restaurant in Mogadishu’s Ali Gedi area within the Karaan district. Sources indicate that the blast, caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) reportedly planted and remotely triggered, struck the northern Mogadishu neighborhood as it was gathering patrons. The explosion closely follows another recent attack at a restaurant near the Mogadishu police academy, which claimed around ten lives. Local emergency teams quickly responded to the scene, transporting the injured to nearby medical centers. Security forces, including intelligence and specialized units, secured the…

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has worsened a deadly dengue outbreak in Samarab district, North Khartoum, claiming at least 186 lives, according to local medics. Fighting between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has severely disrupted healthcare, with more than 500 dengue cases reported in the RSF-controlled district since July. A medical professional described the rapid spread of dengue and cholera as a “major public health threat” requiring immediate response efforts. Residents of Samarab have evacuated to nearby areas due to ongoing clashes, turning parts of the district into near-abandoned zones. The emergency response team has urged both…

In a groundbreaking move, Dr. Zarau Wendeline Kibwe, a distinguished economist from Tanzania, has been appointed as the new Executive Director for the World Bank’s Africa Group 1. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time in over fifty years that a Tanzanian has assumed this prestigious role, which encompasses oversight of 22 African nations, including Tanzania. The announcement was made during the annual meeting of the World Bank’s Africa Region 1 in Washington, D.C. Dr. Kibwe, who has dedicated more than seven years to various leadership roles within the World Bank, is set to bring extensive…

Tanzania and Uzbekistan have signed a new air transportation agreement, marking an important step in enhancing travel and economic ties between the two nations. The agreement was finalized on October 24 at the ICAN 2024 conference in Kuala Lumpur, facilitated by representatives from both countries. Under this agreement, Tanzania becomes a new destination for Uzbek airlines, offering up to 21 weekly passenger flights and unlimited cargo routes between the two countries. This expansion is expected to increase tourism and trade, with Tanzanian destinations like Zanzibar anticipated to attract transit tourism from Uzbekistan and beyond. The agreement also opens the door…