Latest news with #Kenya
The Independent
3 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Michelle Obama ‘glad' she didn't have a son: ‘He would've been a Barack Obama'
Former First Lady Michelle Obama says she's 'so glad' none of her children was a boy because that hypothetical child would've carried a heavy burden — his famous father's name. Speaking on her 'IMO' podcast alongside radio host Angie Martinez and her brother, Craig Robinson, the ex-first lady was discussing the challenges of raising boys in today's society when she exclaimed: 'I'm so glad I didn't have a boy.' When Martinez asked why she and her husband, former President Barack Obama, didn't try for a son to complement their two daughters, Sasha and Malia, Obama replied: 'Because he would've been a Barack Obama!' Martinez said a 'baby Barack' would've been 'amazing,' at which point the former First Lady said she 'would've felt for him,' referring to the hypothetical son under discussion. Robinson, the current executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, jumped in by stating that his sister and her husband 'just borrowed our boys,' referring to the children he has had from his two marriages over the years. The former first lady's relief at not having had a male child stems from the fact that her husband, whose full name is Barack Hussein Obama II, would have likely elected to name him Barack Obama III. The 44th president, who was the first Black person to serve as America's chief executive, was named for his father, Barack Hussein Obama. The elder Obama was a Kenyan economist and government official who met the future president's mother, anthropologist Stanley Ann Dunham, while they were both studying at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in the 1960s.
Bloomberg
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Kenyan Tinderbox Faces Protest-Anniversary Test
Welcome to Next Africa, a twice-weekly newsletter on where the continent stands now — and where it's headed. Sign up here to have it delivered to your email. The sight of hundreds of hooded motorcyclists clubbing and whipping mostly Gen Z demonstrators in Nairobi this week took protests in the Kenyan capital to a dangerous new level.
Bloomberg
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Bloomberg
Why Kenyans Are Back on the Streets: Protests, Corruption, and a Crisis of Trust
A year since deadly protests against the Kenyan government saw more than 60 people killed, Kenyans are again taking to the streets to protest police brutality. These protests, triggered by the death of a kenyan activist in police custody, come as the IMF arrive in the country to assess Kenya's attempts to tackle corruption. On this week's episode East Africa Bureau Chief Helen Nyambura joins Jennifer Zabasajja to discuss what's behind these new protests, and whether President Ruto can actually tackle corruption and do a deal with the IMF to turn the economy around. For more stories from the region, subscribe to the Next Africa newsletter here
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Major airline launches new UK flights to popular African holiday destination – and breaks are just as cheap Spain
A MAJOR airline has launched new flights to a popular African holiday spot. Starting next month, holidaymakers will be able to venture further afield and relax by the Indian Ocean for the same cost as a trip to Spain. 1 On 2 July 2025, Kenya Airways will debut three direct flights from London Gatwick to Nairobi meaning travellers will have two nonstop flight options into London. The new Gatwick route will operate at night three times a week - on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays - complementing Heathrow's existing schedule. And for just over £1,000 per person Brits can take advantage of Kenya's stunning landscapes at the luxury hotel, Pinewood Resort and Spa set along the shores of Diani Beach, Papillon Lagoon Reef. Nestled along the serene southern Mombasa coastline the resort overlooks the breathtaking Indian Ocean. The hotel is advertised as an ideal escape for couples seeking romance or families in search of a quiet retreat. It is fit with four eateries and three bars, as well as an on-site gym and tennis court. The hotel also offers spa treatments and a personal chef to guests staying in the suite. A week's stay at the resort costs £1,189 including return flights and transfers. This is based on two sharing a deluxe room on a half board basis. Bookings made before 30 June will receive a £150 discount. This comes as Kenya was named as"one to watch" holiday destination by TUI. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations Kenya is one of the few places in the world where holidaymakers can spot the big five in their native habitat. There are other reasons to visit the East African nation, including its scenic coastline along the Indian Ocean, the cultures of its local tribes and its warm climate. Neil Swanson, TUI UK&I Managing Director, said: "Kenya is an incredible destination offering breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture making it a truly unique place to explore. "Since re-launching Kenya as a destination in 2023, it's no surprise demand has been booming and continuing to soar. "Our Highlights of Kenya tour has seen an outstanding +236 per cent uplift for Winter 2024/25 and +151 per cent for Summer 2025. "Our new A Taste of Kenya Safari is already seeing strong sales for both seasons. "This itinerary offers a more relaxed safari experience, with additional beach time to unwind at the end of the adventure. "It's clear customers have a real appetite for this destination, so we are currently exploring new ways to enhance our offering such as private safaris or immersive lodge experiences, so it's definitely a destination to watch."
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Senegal and Kenya Top African Development Bank's Electricity Regulatory Index, as Regulators Drive Tangible Reforms
Kenya and Senegal have claimed the top spots in the African Development Bank's 2024 Electricity Regulatory Index (ERI) ( demonstrating exceptional progress in power sector governance and regulatory outcomes. The comprehensive assessment, officially unveiled today at the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, evaluates regulatory frameworks across 43 African countries. Uganda, Liberia and Niger round out the top five performers, with Niger registering one of the biggest gains, underlining the strong impact of sustained reforms and political commitment to power sector development. The ERI evaluates three dimensions—Regulatory Governance, Regulatory Substance, and Regulatory Outcomes (ROI). Notably, the ROI, which tracks service delivery and utility performance, recorded the most substantial improvement across the continent. Key findings from the 2024 ERI: Kenya and Senegal led with a score of 0.892, reflecting standout progress in tariff reform, regulatory outcomes, and utility performance. A remarkable 41 out of 43 participating countries achieved RGI scores above 0.5, representing a significant increase from 24 countries in 2022. Countries scoring below 0.500 reduced significantly from 19 in 2022 to just 6 in 2024. Even the lowest-performing country tripled its score—from about 0.10 to 0.33. The ROI surged from roughly 0.40 in 2022 to 0.62 in 2024, showing that reforms are delivering tangible service improvements on the ground. Now in its seventh edition, the ERI shows strong momentum toward more effective, transparent, and impactful regulation, with real-world results beginning to emerge. 'The 2024 ERI shows that Africa's regulators are stepping up. We are now seeing stronger institutions delivering real results for utilities and consumers. This shift is critical if we are to achieve Mission 300 and connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030,' says Dr. Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth. For the first time, the 2024 ERI also assessed regional regulatory bodies, recognizing their growing role in harmonizing technical standards and enabling cross-border electricity trade. As the backbone of Mission 300, ERI continues to inform the design and implementation of national energy compacts—currently active in 12 countries, with another 20 in development. Bridging the Gap – Addressing Ongoing Challenges While celebrating regulatory progress, the report calls for greater focus on regulatory independence, the financial viability of utilities, and the integration of off-grid and mini-grid systems into national frameworks. The ERI underscores that regulation must translate into better access, affordability, and reliability, especially for underserved rural populations. The report outlines priority areas for enhancing regulatory effectiveness: Strengthening regulatory independence Enhancing accountability mechanisms Promoting transparency and predictability Improving stakeholder participation Deepening economic regulation and advancing cost-reflective tariff methodologies. 'The ERI 2024 tells a hopeful story. African countries are not just passing laws—they are implementing them. Regulators are transforming from administrative bodies into strategic institutions with measurable influence. However, challenges related to independence, financing, and enforcement persist,' said Wale Shonibare, Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation at the Bank Group. Launched in 2018, the ERI is a diagnostic and policy tool used by governments, regulators, and development partners to identify gaps, track progress, and prioritize reform efforts. The 2024 edition incorporates extensive feedback from utilities, regulators, and regional energy bodies. The full ERI 2024 report will be available here ( Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). Media Contact: Gertrude Kitongo Communication and External Relations Department Technical Contact: Callixte Kambanda Manager, Energy Policy, Regulations, and Statistics email: About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 44 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states.
