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Four travel hacks that may keep you safe this Christmas

Few roads are as vital to the economic fortunes of Kenya and its hinterland. In its current state, however, the highway is an ordeal.

By Leonard Khafafa 1 month ago

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Government's new funding model is just what Kenya needs

Taxing citizens in fulfillment of their civic obligations or by borrowing when revenues fall short, most often, to pay for big-ticket infrastructure projects.

By Leonard Khafafa 1 month ago

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Clerical calls to action should not be incitement to anarchy

Kenyan churches were once venerated institutions presumed to embody the country's moral and ethical compass.

By Leonard Khafafa 1 month ago

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Salutary lessons for Kenyans from last week's mini polls

Depending on one's political sympathies, last week's by-elections were either a model of orderly democracy or an exercise doomed from the start.

By Leonard Khafafa 1 month ago

Working together is East Africa's pathway to success

The repercussions of Tanzania's post-election violence extended into Kenya. Commercial activity was disrupted, compelling shops to close.

By Leonard Khafafa 2 months ago

Ruto's government is taking the right steps to improve economy

The repercussions of a sovereign debt default are seldom acknowledged. There are hardships endured by nations that have defaulted.

By Leonard Khafafa 2 months ago

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Four pressing realities Suluhu must confront as she starts her second term

Tanzania's presidential election has brought an unceremonious end to its reputation for calm.

By Leonard Khafafa 2 months ago

Government criticism over Rironi-Mau Summit road project insincere

The Rironi-Mau Summit road project was recently approved by the Public-Private Partnership Committee which designated a consortium comprising the CRBC and the NSSF to undertake the expansion.

By Leonard Khafafa 3 months ago

Why Ida is best-placed to unite emerging ODM factions

The late Raila Amolo Odinga was an imposing figure in Kenyan politics, dominating the landscape with a presence that few could rival.

By Leonard Khafafa 3 months ago

African airlines should join forces to meet new fuel requirement

President William Ruto is entirely justified in asserting that "Africa's strength lies in its openness and unity." As the newly appointed chairman of COMESA.

By Leonard Khafafa 3 months ago

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History might repeat itself as many candidates line up for 2027 contest

It is observed that history unfolds in cycles with past events recurring in familiar patterns. History appears poised to repeat itself in 2027 as Kenya once again approaches a general election.

By Leonard Khafafa 3 months ago

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Why Uhuru has no moral authority to lecture Ruto

Uhuru has criticised Ruto's administration, denouncing its performance across several key domains of governance.

By Leonard Khafafa 3 months ago

Wantam: Is William Ruto different from Malawi's Chakwera?

Ruto is a shrewd political strategist with a strong grasp of statecraft, and he has also formed an alliance with his main opponent in the 2022 polls under a "broad-based government."

By Leonard Khafafa 4 months ago

Slain activist's critics failed to interrogate what he stood for

Much has been said about Charlie Kirk. To some, he was a polarising and even bigoted figure.

By Leonard Khafafa 4 months ago

Stop criticising public borrowing without explaining its purpose

Kenya is far from being a failed state. While fiscal hurdles remain, portraying the country as being on the brink is inaccurate and unhelpful.

By Leonard Khafafa 4 months ago

Five misconceptions about Kenya's acclaimed Constitution

Last week marked the 15th anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 - a landmark framework that ushered in a new era of governance.

By Leonard Khafafa 4 months ago

Leaders who buy their way into power can't fight corruption

Bribes are routinely offered to expedite services or bypass bureaucracy, and even those who view themselves as ethical often justify it as a "necessary evil.

By Leonard Khafafa 5 months ago

Profit alone should not be Africa aviation industry's driving force

The African airline industry faces profound operational and financial challenges, yet its role in national development means it must be assessed by more than profitability alone.

By Leonard Khafafa 5 months ago

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If he stabilises the economy, 2027 election will be Ruto's to lose

Dr Ruto, currently in his first term, has announced he will seek re-election. His presidency began with a narrow win and has faced significant opposition, including frequent protests.

By Leonard Khafafa 5 months ago

Acknowledge and address problems besetting CBC

Kenyan's education sector is facing a crisis that calls for honesty and accountability from those in power.

By Leonard Khafafa 6 months ago

Gen Zs sincere but sincerely wrong on many fronts

The Gen Z-led protests that erupted in Kenya in June 2024, sparked by opposition to the Finance Bill, were driven more by emotion than understanding of the country's economic realities.

By Leonard Khafafa 6 months ago

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Why Gen Z's outrage is based on unverified allegations

A significant number of young protesters often rely on popular but inaccurate talking points which have created fertile ground for misinformation that escalates public anger.

By Leonard Khafafa 6 months ago

There is need to rethink how protests are conducted

In Zambia, 10,000 villagers were once under the watch of a single police officer. When a government official arrived in the region, the villagers had to walk 10 KM to meet the official.

By Leonard Khafafa 6 months ago

Gen Z must channel grievances through constitutional means

Gen Z is acutely aware of social injustice and unafraid to challenge authority. Their passion is commendable. But it must be guided by principle.

By Leonard Khafafa 7 months ago

Don't demonise entire police service because of a few rogue elements

To demonise the entire police force because of a few rogue elements is not only intellectually lazy but dangerous

By Leonard Khafafa 7 months ago

Why 2025 airline financial results may not be as rosy as last year's

The aviation industry often reflects the broader state of the global economy. As such, it can serve as a bellwether; signaling either an impending upswing or forewarning of economic headwinds.

By Leonard Khafafa 7 months ago

This year's Finance Bill should not lead to loss of lives

The Finance Bill 2025 risks becoming yet another flashpoint in the increasingly fractious relationship between the government and sections of the public.

By Leonard Khafafa 7 months ago

Proponents of 'no country for old men' should have second thoughts

Gen Z need to realise that leadership must be earned meritoriously; not wrested from those they imagine are old men and women who have outlived their sell-by dates

By Leonard Khafafa 8 months ago

Four things Kenya and Africa should do to improve aviation sector

Kenya hosted the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Ground Handling Conference (IGHC). This conference was the first of its kind on the continent.

By Leonard Khafafa 8 months ago

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How current political ongoings might affect various 'kingpins'

The Court of Appeal has quashed DCJ October 18, 2024 orders. These orders assigned three petitions, challenging the ouster of Rigathi Gachagua as deputy president (DP), to three judges.

By Leonard Khafafa 8 months ago

Huge infrastructure projects might boost Ruto's re-election bid

Huge infrastructure projects might boost Ruto's re-election bid.

By Leonard Khafafa 9 months ago

US, China should seek a consensus to avoid further economic damage

The US and China should seek consensus to avoid damaging their economies.

By Leonard Khafafa 9 months ago

Pan-African airline group solution to regional aviation challenges

Air Tanzania and Air Uganda, working together with Kenya Airways and South African Airways (SAA), could benefit from a consolidation of their operations.

By Leonard Khafafa 9 months ago

America has sneezed and the rest of the world has caught a cold

Trump's form of economic irredentism does not come as a surprise. He has for years called for retaliatory tariffs against the US' trading partners.

By Leonard Khafafa 9 months ago

Military chief gagged no one from speaking against government

A section of politicians have castigated Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri for allegedly dabbling in politics over his warning against "Ruto must go chants."

By Leonard Khafafa 9 months ago

Giving Middle East carriers unfettered access to Kenyan skies bad for local aviation industry

An open skies policy operates on the principle of reciprocity. Countries that granted frequencies to others must also allow others the same number of frequencies.

By Leonard Khafafa 10 months ago

Kenyan domestic workers are not children of a lesser god

Those flying out of Kenya, transiting through the Middle East, may have seen scores of young, naive-looking women.

By Leonard Khafafa 10 months ago

Why deal between President and Raila is a blow to ex-DP

The MoU between Ruto and Raila defangs Gachagua by removing Raila's populous support base from the former's ethnic calculus.

By Leonard Khafafa 10 months ago

With Raila by his side, the next election is Ruto's to lose

With luminaries from the Raila Odinga's party now in the government, the next presidential election is Ruto's to lose.

By Leonard Khafafa 10 months ago

Ignore threats and come up with laws to regulate boda boda

Many boda boda riders have little regard for road and safety rules treating them as mere suggestions. They seldom stop at traffic lights.

By Leonard Khafafa 11 months ago