An aerial view of electric cables on November 21, 2024 in Mathare slums. [File, Standard] Kenya is urbanising at a higher rate than the global average, mainly due to high population growth. According to World Bank data for 2023, Kenya`s urbanisation rate stands at 3.8 per cent compared to the global average of 1.7 per cent. The country`s urban centres continue to witness high population which has contributed to the two per cent growth per annum in population, way ahead of the global average of 0.9 per cent. Whereas urbanising and population growth are generally good things, this has created…
Author: By Noah Kipkemboi
Boma Yangu new Mukuru housing estate. [Wilberforce Okwiri,standard] Kenya is urbanising at a higher rate than the global average, further coupled with a high population growth. As per World Bank 2023 data, Kenya`s urbanization rate stands at 3.8% compared to the global average of 1.7%. The country`s urban centers continue to witness high population which has contributed to the 2% growth per annum in population, way ahead of the global average of 0.9%. Whereas urbanizing and population growth is generally a good thing, it has created a housing crisis in the cities. In 2002, when Nairobi hosted the first World…
Kenya’s Prime cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi gives a speech during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku on November 13, 2024. [AFP] At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, last September, the world fell short of its $1.3 trillion (Sh167.7 trillion) annual climate finance goal for developing nations, securing just $300 million (Sh38.7 billion). While this highlighted the long road to climate resilience, it also spotlighted an unlikely but promising partnership between Kenya and Azerbaijan, two nations poised to bridge their worlds through trade, culture, and innovation. For many Kenyans, Azerbaijan remains unfamiliar— “Azer…what?” or “Is that a country?” are common responses. Yet,…
Youths during anti-tax protests in Nairobi. [File, Standard] Africa is poised to dominate the future of consumer spending, which will be shaped by key metrics such as high population and robust economic growth. According to the Africa Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook report by the African Development Bank, in 2025, the growth in 24 African countries led by Djibouti, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Libya and South Sudan, is expected to exceed five per cent. Africa will also account for 12 of the world’s top 20 fastest-growing economies. At the centre of this growth is Africa’s fast-growing population, currently standing at 1.54 billion…