All About Shazmeer Jiwan

  Kenya’s electric mobility pioneer Roam has announced the opening of its Pre-Series B funding round to retail investors , marking a significant step toward democratizing investment in Africa’s clean transportation revolution. The move comes as the company accelerates its mission to make electric mobility accessible and sustainable across the continent. By opening this round to smaller, individual investors, Roam aims to deepen public participation in Africa’s green transition while expanding its manufacturing and distribution capacity for electric motorcycles, buses, and charging infrastructure. Founded in 2017, Roam (formerly known as Opibus) has established itself as one of Africa’s most promising electric vehicle (EV) startups, with operations centered in Nairobi. The company designs, manufactures, and deploys locally built electric motorcycles and mass transit buses tailored for African conditions. Roam’s decision to welcome retail investors in its upcoming Pre-Series B rou...

  Kenya has taken another bold step toward cementing its status as a technology powerhouse in Africa with the launch of its first-ever Software and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit . The groundbreaking event brought together policymakers, tech entrepreneurs, global innovators, investors, and academia to explore how software development and AI can drive Kenya’s digital economy. Organized under the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, the summit marked a major milestone in the country’s ongoing effort to position itself as a regional leader in digital transformation and innovation. The summit, held in Nairobi, showcased Kenya’s growing reputation as the “Silicon Savannah” , where technology-driven entrepreneurship is fueling economic growth. With themes focused on AI innovation, digital infrastructure, software engineering, and data governance, the event served as a platform for thought leaders to discuss how emerging technologies can address real-wo...

  Kenya’s iconic savannahs are undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation as conservation models evolve to ensure that both wildlife and the Maasai communities who share the land can thrive together. For decades, tensions have existed between traditional herding practices and wildlife protection efforts, particularly in regions surrounding the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Laikipia. Now, new approaches to land management—known as community conservancies —are changing the story by blending conservation, sustainable tourism, and community development. These initiatives are demonstrating that protecting wildlife and supporting local livelihoods are not mutually exclusive goals but rather interdependent parts of a shared future. At the heart of this movement is the recognition that the Maasai people, who have lived alongside Kenya’s wildlife for centuries, are not just neighbors to conservation but vital custodians of it. Through conservancies, Maasai landowners lease their land to co...

  Kenya this week hosted a landmark peacebuilding conference that placed local voices and community-led initiatives at the forefront of national and regional dialogue. The gathering, held in Nairobi , brought together grassroots leaders, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and government representatives to share lessons on conflict resolution, reconciliation, and sustainable peace. The central message of the event was clear: peace must begin from the ground up, with communities driving the solutions that affect their lives. The conference, organized under the theme “Building Peace from Within,” aimed to highlight the critical role of local actors in preventing and resolving conflicts, particularly in areas affected by political, ethnic, and resource-based tensions. Delegates from across Kenya ’s counties — including Turkana, Garissa, Kisumu, and Marsabit — presented case studies of successful community peacebuilding efforts. These included locally negotiated truces...

  TechFinancials, the London-listed fintech and investment company, has reported nil revenues for the first half of 2025 , signaling ongoing challenges in its core operations. However, the firm has outlined a new strategic direction , focusing on resource-based expansion in Africa—particularly in Kenya’s iron ore sector —to diversify its income streams and restore growth momentum. According to its H1 2025 financial statement , TechFinancials recorded no active revenue generation during the period, compared to marginal earnings in the previous year. The company attributed this to the completion of its exit from non-core fintech operations and delays in new investment projects, leading to a flat revenue position and limited cash inflows. Administrative and compliance costs, however, continued to weigh on the balance sheet, prompting management to pursue a more asset-backed strategy. To address these challenges, TechFinancials announced plans to enter Kenya ’s mining and mineral ...

  Digital colonialism generally refers to relationships in which knowledge, data, labour or narrative authority flows from the Global South toward the Global North—or is controlled by actors in the latter—often without equitable benefit, local ownership, or adequate sensitivity to local context. In AI health messaging in Nigeria and Kenya , recent studies suggest that this phenomenon is already visible, with consequences for effectiveness, justice, and trust. Mismatch of cultural nuance, tone, and context In a comparative study of health messages (focusing on vaccine hesitancy and maternal health) from Nigeria and Kenya, researchers found that AI-generated messages (from tools like WHO’s S.A.R.A.H. and ChatGPT) were faster to produce and sometimes incorporated local metaphors. Tech Policy Press+2OUP Academic+2 However, they often lacked deeper contextual sensitivity and ethical or cultural nuance: some messages included language errors, or used visuals or references t...

  TechFinancials, the technology and natural resources investment company, has reported no revenues for the first half of 2025, reflecting the challenges it faces in restructuring its business model and diversifying operations. The firm, previously focused on fintech solutions and blockchain ventures, is now betting on a pivot toward natural resources, with Kenya emerging as a focal point for its growth ambitions through a new iron ore exploration and development initiative. In its half-year financial statement, TechFinancials confirmed that revenues remained at zero, consistent with its recent shift away from its legacy technology products. The company attributed the lack of revenues to ongoing strategic realignment, as several of its earlier ventures were wound down or placed under review. At the same time, administrative and operational costs continued, contributing to net losses, though management emphasized that these were necessary expenses to support its transition strate...

  Kenya is pushing to finalize a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States by the end of 2025, according to Trade Minister Lee Kinyanjui. The urgency comes amid uncertainty over the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a duty-free access programme for many African exports to the U.S. , which is set to expire at the end of September. Why the Deadline and What’s at Stake AGOA has been a critical component of Kenya ’s export strategy. In 2024, Kenya exported goods worth about US$737 million to the U.S. , accounting for around 10% of its total exports. The textiles and apparel sector in Kenya relies heavily on AGOA for market access and competitiveness. It provides approximately 300,000 direct and indirect jobs . A sudden lapse or unfavourable change could severely disrupt production and jobs. Moreover, in April 2025, Kenyan goods were hit by a 10% U.S. tariff under one of President Trump’s tr...

  Kenya is increasingly turning to space-based technologies to strengthen its agricultural sector, as the country seeks to build resilience against climate change and improve food security. With unpredictable rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and shifting seasons affecting productivity, the adoption of satellite connectivity and related innovations is becoming a critical tool for farmers and policymakers alike. Harnessing Space Data for Farming Decisions Satellite technology provides farmers with real-time data on weather, soil conditions, crop health, and water availability. By leveraging this information, farmers can make informed decisions on when to plant, irrigate, and harvest, reducing risks associated with climate variability. Remote sensing tools can also help detect pest infestations early, enabling timely interventions that prevent widespread crop losses. For smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of Kenya ’s agricultural workforce, access to such data c...

  Kenya ’s diplomatic engagement with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) has taken on renewed visibility, with the Sahrawi Embassy in Nairobi actively participating in a range of national and regional events. This growing presence underscores Kenya ’s commitment to maintaining constructive relations with the Sahrawi people while reinforcing its long-standing policy of supporting self-determination and inclusive diplomacy on the African continent. Over the past year, representatives from the Sahrawi Embassy have been seen at government forums, cultural exhibitions, and regional gatherings, where they have engaged with Kenyan officials, civil society, and other diplomatic missions. Their participation highlights the embassy’s role not only in deepening ties with Kenya but also in amplifying the Sahrawi cause across broader African platforms. Kenya ’s recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is rooted in the country’s broader foreign policy principles of Pan-...

  Kenya has officially unveiled a comprehensive export strategy aimed at positioning the country as a competitive player in the global oil trade. This marks a significant step for the East African nation, which has long been exploring ways to leverage its crude oil reserves in Turkana County to generate new revenues and strengthen its economic position on the international stage. The strategy follows years of pilot oil exports and extensive consultations between government agencies, private investors, and international energy partners. By formalizing its approach, Kenya signals its readiness to transition from a budding oil producer to a more established exporter capable of meeting global demand. At the core of the strategy is the development of infrastructure to support large-scale exports. Kenya is prioritizing the construction of a crude oil pipeline from Turkana to the port of Lamu under the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor project. Once co...

  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, ...