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...

  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...