All About Shazmeer Jiwan

  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...