All About Shazmeer Jiwan

  Kenya is embracing satellite communications technology to strengthen agricultural resilience, boost food security, and help farmers adapt to the growing challenges of climate change. With erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and shifting weather patterns increasingly threatening livelihoods, satellite connectivity is emerging as a powerful tool to support smarter farming practices and safeguard the country’s agricultural sector. The government, in collaboration with international partners and technology firms, has begun expanding satellite-based communication systems to reach rural and underserved areas where traditional internet and mobile connectivity are limited. This initiative is expected to provide farmers with real-time access to weather forecasts, market information, and agricultural advisory services, enabling them to make informed decisions on crop management, irrigation, and resource use. Agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya ’s economy, employing more than 7...

  Kenya is on the cusp of a historic economic milestone as it prepares to make its debut in the global oil market with the export of its first crude shipments. This move signals a turning point for the East African nation, which has long relied on agriculture, tourism, and services as its main economic drivers. By positioning itself within the global oil trade, Kenya is looking to diversify its revenue streams, strengthen its balance of payments, and assert a new role in the regional energy landscape. The foundation for this development was laid more than a decade ago when commercially viable oil reserves were discovered in Turkana County , in Kenya ’s northwest. The discoveries sparked widespread optimism about the potential of oil to transform Kenya ’s economy, generate jobs, and reduce its reliance on imports. After years of exploration, regulatory adjustments, and infrastructure development, the country now stands ready to make its initial push into exports. At the heart...

  Kenya ’s journey toward universal energy access has received a significant boost following Sun King’s successful $156 million capital raise aimed at expanding off-grid solar solutions in the country. The funding is expected to accelerate the deployment of solar home systems and related products, particularly in rural and underserved areas where grid connectivity remains limited or non-existent. Sun King, one of the leading providers of solar energy products in Africa and Asia , has been instrumental in addressing energy poverty through innovative, affordable, and reliable solar technologies. The newly secured funds will enable the company to enhance its distribution network, introduce new product lines, and expand financing options that make solar solutions more accessible to low-income households. This move is in line with Kenya ’s broader renewable energy agenda, which seeks to increase clean energy penetration and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. According to the World B...

Kenya is turning to satellite communications (satcoms) as a critical tool in its strategy to strengthen agricultural resilience in the face of climate change and food insecurity. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with local and international tech and space agencies, aims to provide farmers with real-time data on weather patterns, soil health, crop monitoring, and pest outbreaks — all through accessible, satellite-based platforms. The move comes as Kenyan farmers, particularly smallholders who make up over 70% of the country’s agricultural workforce, grapple with increasing unpredictability caused by climate-related challenges. These include prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, desert locust invasions, and extreme temperatures — all of which threaten food security and livelihoods. Bridging the Information Gap One of the core goals of the satcom initiative is to bridge the information gap between farmers and the data they need to make informed decisions. ...

  The Government of Kenya has unveiled a KSh 4.2 trillion budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year, signaling its commitment to accelerating infrastructure development and expanding key social programs across the country. This ambitious financial plan is the largest in the nation's history and is aimed at aligning fiscal resources with national development priorities under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Unveiled by the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary during a presentation to Parliament, the budget outlines bold spending across several priority areas, including transport, housing, education, healthcare, and agriculture. At the heart of the plan is a renewed focus on improving public infrastructure and strengthening service delivery, especially in underserved regions. Infrastructure Development Takes Center Stage A significant portion of the budget—over KSh 800 billion—has been allocated to infrastructure projects, with a focus on upgrading roads, railways, ...

  The Government of Kenya has unveiled a bold and expansive KSh 4.2 trillion (approximately USD 32.5 billion) budget for the 2025/26 financial year, signaling its commitment to accelerating economic recovery, job creation, and inclusive development. This marks one of the largest budgets in Kenya ’s history, and comes amid growing pressure to address public debt, youth unemployment, and essential service delivery. Economic Growth at the Core The budget, presented by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u, is built around the theme “Accelerating Economic Recovery for a Resilient and Inclusive Economy.” It focuses on stimulating key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, housing, healthcare, and education—aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) championed by President William Ruto’s administration. According to the National Treasury, the economy is projected to grow by 5.3% in 2025/26 , driven by public investment, strong export performance, ...

  The Kenyan government has officially unveiled a historic KSh 4.2 trillion ($32.5 billion USD) budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, signaling an aggressive push toward economic recovery, job creation, and long-term development. The budget, presented by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, is the largest in Kenya ’s history and reflects the government’s commitment to addressing national priorities while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Focus on Development and Infrastructure A significant portion of the budget has been allocated to infrastructure projects aimed at boosting economic productivity. Roads, railways, energy, and water systems are among the key sectors receiving substantial funding. The government emphasized that investments in infrastructure will not only improve connectivity and logistics but also enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan businesses. Flagship projects under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) are centra...

  Kenya is edging closer to a historic milestone as it prepares to begin commercial crude oil exports by 2026, with the Turkana oil fields poised to become the heart of this transformative development. After years of exploration, pilot production, and logistical planning, the country is now aligning infrastructure, policy, and investment to capitalize on its emerging petroleum sector. A Decade in the Making Discovered in 2012 by British exploration company Tullow Oil, the Turkana oil fields in northwestern Kenya have been hailed as a major breakthrough in East Africa ’s energy landscape. Estimated to hold up to 560 million barrels of recoverable oil, the Lokichar Basin has undergone extensive appraisal and small-scale testing since the initial discovery. The Early Oil Pilot Scheme (EOPS), launched in 2018, saw Kenya transport over 200,000 barrels of crude to the port of Mombasa by road for testing international market interest. Though not commercially viable at scale,...

  A significant topic about the Kenyan economy is the government's newly unveiled KSh 4.2 trillion (approximately $32.5 billion USD) budget for the 2025/2026 financial year. Here's why this is a positive development: Focus on Economic Growth: The budget, presented by the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, is explicitly aimed at "reigniting economic activity" and fostering "sustainable economic growth to improve livelihoods and promote business and industrial prosperity." This signals a clear government commitment to economic expansion. Reduced Tax Burden and Broadened Base: The budget proposals were developed with public consultations in mind, specifically addressing concerns about new tax measures. As such, it focuses on easing the tax burden on Kenyans by broadening the tax base and improving tax compliance. This approach aims to stimulate consumption ...

  After years of anticipation and a journey marked by both discovery and delay, Kenya is setting an ambitious new target to commence commercial crude oil exports by the end of 2026. This definitive timeline, confirmed by Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Opiyo Wandayi, signals a renewed push for the East African nation to unlock the vast potential of its Turkana oil fields and establish itself as a significant regional energy player. The heart of Kenya's oil aspirations lies in the South Lokichar Basin in Turkana County, which boasts an estimated 560 million barrels of recoverable oil. The total oil in place is believed to exceed 4 billion barrels, painting a promising picture for future production. A pivotal development in this renewed drive is the imminent acquisition of British oil major Tullow Oil's Kenyan assets by Gulf Energy Ltd. Tullow Oil, credited with the initial major oil discovery at the Ngamia-1 well in 2012, has been a key operator in the basin. Gulf Ene...

Kenya’s tech industry has emerged as a key driver of economic transformation, earning the country the title  “Silicon Savannah.”  With innovations in fintech, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure, the technology sector is reshaping Kenya’s economy by creating jobs, attracting investments, and enhancing financial inclusion. 1. The Rise of Fintech and Financial Inclusion Kenya revolutionized global mobile banking with  M-Pesa , a mobile money platform that transformed financial transactions. This innovation has improved access to banking services, allowing millions of unbanked individuals to participate in the economy. The fintech boom has also led to the rise of digital lending platforms, payment solutions, and blockchain applications, further strengthening Kenya’s financial ecosystem. 2. Growth of E-Commerce and Digital Trade The expansion of internet penetration and smartphone usage has fueled the rise of e-commerce platforms like  Jumia, ...

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, innovation, and GDP growth. With over   7.4 million SMEs   operating in the country, they account for approximately   40% of GDP   and employ over   80% of the workforce   in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, retail, and services. 1. Job Creation and Employment SMEs are the largest employers in Kenya, providing jobs for millions, especially in urban and rural areas. They absorb a significant portion of the youth population, reducing unemployment and driving economic stability. The informal sector, largely made up of SMEs, plays a crucial role in sustaining livelihoods. 2. Driving Innovation and Entrepreneurship Kenyan SMEs are at the forefront of innovation, leveraging technology and creativity to develop solutions in fintech, agribusiness, and e-commerce. Startups such as  Twiga Foods and Sendy  have transformed ...

  Kenya’s manufacturing sector has been growing steadily, driven by government initiatives, industrialization policies, and increased foreign investment. As the country seeks to reduce dependency on imports and boost local production, the question remains: Can Kenya’s manufacturing industry compete on a global scale? 1. Government Initiatives and Policy Support The Kenyan government has prioritized manufacturing under the  Big Four Agenda , aiming to increase its contribution to GDP from 7.5% to 15%. Initiatives such as  Special Economic Zones (SEZs), tax incentives, and infrastructure investments  are fostering industrial growth. Policies promoting local content and value addition in key industries like textiles, food processing, and automotive assembly are enhancing global competitiveness. 2. Growth of Key Manufacturing Sectors Textile and Apparel:  Kenya has become a major exporter of garments under the  African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) , supply...

  Kenya, a country renowned for its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, has embarked on a significant journey towards a greener future. At the heart of this transformation lies a strategic shift towards renewable energy sources. This transition is not merely an environmental imperative but a cornerstone of Kenya’s sustainable development agenda. The country’s abundant natural resources, including geothermal heat, solar radiation, and wind power, offer immense potential for renewable energy generation. Geothermal energy, in particular, has emerged as a key player in Kenya’s energy mix. The Olkaria geothermal fields, located in the Great Rift Valley, have been harnessed to produce substantial amounts of clean electricity, contributing significantly to the country’s energy needs. Solar power, another promising renewable source, has gained traction in recent years. The Kenyan government has implemented various initiatives to promote the adoption of solar energy, including incentive...

  Kenya has been a significant recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in recent years, which has played a crucial role in driving its economic growth and development. Investors are attracted to Kenya’s strategic location, growing market, and favorable business environment. Key Sectors Attracting FDI: Agriculture:  Kenya’s agricultural sector has been a major draw for foreign investors, particularly in areas such as horticulture, tea, and coffee. Manufacturing:  The manufacturing sector, especially food processing, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, has seen a surge in FDI. Tourism:  Kenya’s world-renowned tourism industry continues to attract significant foreign investment, particularly in hospitality and infrastructure development. Energy:  The country’s renewable energy sector, including geothermal and solar power, has been a focus of FDI. Information and Communication Technology (ICT):  Kenya’s growing ICT sector has attracted foreign investors interes...

Kenya, renowned for its diverse landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant culture, has long been a popular tourist destination. Despite facing challenges in recent years, the country’s tourism industry has shown remarkable resilience and is experiencing a steady recovery. Key Factors Driving Recovery: Increased Safety and Security:  The Kenyan government has made significant strides in enhancing security measures, making the country a safer destination for travelers. This has boosted confidence among international visitors. Infrastructure Improvements:  Investments in transportation infrastructure, including the expansion of airports and road networks, have made it easier for tourists to access different regions of Kenya. Diverse Tourism Offerings:  Beyond the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya offers a wide range of tourism experiences, including beach holidays, cultural tours, and adventure activities. This diversity attracts visitors with varying interests. Government ...

  Kenya has embarked on an ambitious infrastructure development program that aims to transform the country into a regional economic powerhouse. This ambitious initiative has seen significant investments in various sectors, including transportation, energy, and telecommunications. Key Infrastructure Projects: Transportation:  Standard Gauge Railway (SGR): The SGR, a modern railway line connecting Mombasa to Nairobi and eventually to the border with Uganda, has revolutionized transportation in Kenya. It has reduced travel times, improved efficiency, and boosted trade. Roads:  The government has focused on upgrading and expanding the road network, improving connectivity between cities and rural areas. This has facilitated the movement of goods and people, stimulating economic activity. Airports:  Kenya has invested in modernizing and expanding its airports, particularly the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. This has enhanced the country’s attractiveness as...