Workers at Affordable housing at Lumumba in Kisumu city, traders taking opportunities that are cropping up from the project. [Michael Mute, Standard] Kenya’s real estate sector could be staring at another shock following the American government’s move to tax diaspora remittances. The move follows the signing into law of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” on July 4, 2025. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a…
Author: By Peter Muiruri
Workers at Affordable housing at Lumumba in Kisumu city, traders taking opportunities that are cropping up from the project. [Michael Mute, Standard] Kenya’s real estate sector could be staring at another shock following the American government’s move to tax diaspora remittances. The move follows the signing into law of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” on July 4, 2025. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock Now Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Already a…
Community health promoters at Mwembe kati village in Chonyi during the 2015 World Malaria Day celebration. [File, Standard] In April 2024, Benson Wambugi*, a farmer in Kieni, Nyeri, spent weeks battling a persistent fever and body aches. The rains had been heavy, and he suspected he had contracted malaria. He walked to the small pharmacy near his home. The pharmacist was a young man with no formal medical training. After listening to Wambugi, the pharmacist handed him a pack of pills. “These are effective and affordable,” the pharmacists said. The packaging mimicked the real ones but was counterfeit. His condition…
The recent licensing of more digital credit providers is expected to spur credit growth to small businesses that are often overlooked by big market players. On June 5, the Central Bank of Kenya announced the approval of 41new digital credit providers (DCPs), bringing their number to 126. Another 27 were licensed in October last year. “CBK has received more than 700 applications since March 2022 and has worked closely with the applicants in reviewing their applications. “Additionally, CBK has engaged other regulators and agencies pertinent to the licensing process, including the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner,” the bank said…
Jeremiah Mwenda, the head guide at Ngare Ndare Forest, walks through the endangered red cedar trees. [Mactilda Mbenywe, Standard] If you fancy a serene walk in a natural forest, away from the humming engines and a thousand footsteps, Ngare Ndare is the place to be. Located on the border between Meru and Laikipia, Ngare Ndare boasts trees that are more than 200 years old. It overlooks the well-known Borana and Lewa wildlife conservancies and a vital corridor for animals moving between Mount Kenya and the two conservancies. Get Trusted News for Only Ksh99 a Week Subscribe Today & Save! Get…
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to guests from the South Portico of the White House during an event on the South Lawn on June 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump held the “Summer Soirée” for guests, including government staffers, to visit the grounds and enjoy the recent onset of summer heat. AFP] If Kenyans thought that they had conquered the social media spaces especially X (formerly Twitter), then the unfolding feud between Us President Donald Trump and his erstwhile friend turned foe, Elon Musk might recalibrate that notion. The two are not your ordinary folks but the most powerful men in the world right…
Under heavy security personnel escort journalist take pictures at the entrance of UN Complex at Gigiri in Nairobi county where the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) will take place. Photo taken on 24th, 2015. [File, Standard] As global corporations expand their presence in order to strengthen local operations, property developers and investors in Nairobi’s real estate are seizing the opportunity to cater to an increasingly diverse and affluent expatriate community. The trend follows Nairobi’s position as a hub for international businesses, including the presence of the United Nations Office, the only such UN office operating within the Global South. All…
Britam Towers in Upper Hill, Nairobi is the first building in Kenya to receive the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies certification. [David Gichuru , Standard] Kenya has reached a milestone of one million square metres of green-certified floorspace, saving energy and water and reducing harmful emissions. Through modifications and designs that allow for large-scale energy efficiencies, the Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE)-certified structures will offset 9,000 tonnes of carbon annually across the country, equivalent to taking 2,000 cars off the road each year. The 212 EDGE-certified buildings in Kenya include hospitals, offices, residential homes, hotels, warehouses and industrial facilities, with Britam Towers…
Elephants frequent Nyekweri Forest to give birth and nurse the young. [Peter Muiruri, Standard] In a small clearing inside Nyekweri Forest overlooking the Maasai Mara Triangle, Narok County, Simon Saitoti slows down in his tracks. The small team of local conservationists behind him take the cue and train their eyes to some small spaces in between the trees. “They could be anywhere around here,” says Saitoti, referring to herds of elephants that make frequent forays into this forest. But apart from the sounds of chirping birds and ruffling leaves, we find no signs of the jumbos, at least not at…
Mara Enkaji. [Peter Muiruri] Maasai Mara is a land of superlatives. It is one of the most written about animal reserves in the world, and although not the biggest (at least in comparison with the neighbouring Serengeti), Mara, as it is known, stands in a class of its own. Epic big cat chases reel in global filmmakers and tourists alike, turning the local plains into one big wild theatre. The local Maasai community, whose legendary customs and hospitality makes them one of the world’s well-recognised people, call Mara and the environs home. For beginners, Mara is like a multifaceted jewel that…
President William Ruto during inspection of the 4,566-unit Shauri Moyo B Affordable Housing Project in Kamukunji constituency, Nairobi. [File, Standard] For the last 25 years, successive governments have made the provision of affordable housing a key cog in their manifestos, buoyed by grim housing statistics. At 21.3 per cent, Kenya is among African countries with the lowest home ownership among urban dwellers, while the country has had an annual housing deficit of 200,000 units. On the other hand, developers can only offload 50,000 units to the market. However, the country lacks a clear roadmap for reducing the deficit. For example,…
Chalbi Desert. [Peter Muiruri, Standard] There are many reasons why foreign tourists fall in love with Kenya. It could be the renowned wildlife, with national parks and reserves such as Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Tsavo luring them like moths to light. It could be the pristine, award-winning beaches of Diani and Watamu, or the cultural experiences from the over 40 ethnic groups, each with its unique traditions, languages, and customs. Nothing beats the interaction with local communities, experiencing traditional dances, music, and cuisines. That is the cool side of local travel. There are many reasons why foreign tourists fall in…
Mohan Panesar at his work shop along Mombasa Road. [Courtesy] Mohan Panesar’s soul is entwined with the essence of wood. Whenever he enters his workshop along Mombasa Road, Nairobi, each morning, as he has done for the last 50 years, his hands twitch with the urge to create bespoke pieces. He speaks of wood with poetic reverence and with the same passion a painter speaks of colour. Mohan Panesar’s soul is entwined with the essence of wood. Published Date: 2025-02-09 04:00:00 Author: By Peter Muiruri Source: The Standard