5 March 2025

Good morning. From mysterious illnesses in Kisii to tech investment booms, Kenya's midweek story is a mix of challenges and opportunities. As we navigate through water contamination concerns and celebrate agricultural innovations, there's a clear theme emerging: Kenya's resilience in facing adversity while embracing progress.

INVESTMENTS

Kenya Leads Africa's Tech Revolution with $638M Investment Boom

Kenya has emerged as Africa's leading tech investment destination, securing an impressive $638 million in startup funding during 2024. This achievement marks a significant milestone, with the country capturing 29% of the continent's total startup investments and outperforming traditional powerhouses Nigeria and South Africa.

The success story isn't just about numbers. Kenya's tech ecosystem has shown remarkable resilience despite a 25% decline in total funding across Africa. Major deals, including PowerGen's $50 million platform, have reinforced Nairobi's position as Africa's "Silicon Savannah."

Here's what's driving the tech revolution:

• A thriving climate tech sector backed by renewable energy initiatives
• Robust retail platforms like Twiga Foods and Wasoko contributing $400 million
• Progressive policies, including new e-mobility regulations supporting electric vehicle manufacturing

The country's dominance extends beyond East Africa, where it commands 33% of regional funding. This success stems from a powerful combination of deliberate government initiatives and a tech-savvy population eager to embrace innovation.

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HEADLINES

🚨 64 Kenyans rescued from Myanmar slave camps are now stranded at the Thailand border. The group is part of over 7,000 foreigners freed from online fraud scam centers, with the Kenyan government now in talks with Thai authorities to facilitate their repatriation. A funding shortfall of Sh60 million is hampering evacuation efforts, while concerns grow for 44 other Kenyans still trapped in the region despite joint crackdown efforts by Thailand, Myanmar, and China.

🌾 NCPB steps in to rescue wheat farmers from surplus crisis. The National Cereals and Produce Board will collect 321,000 bags of wheat from farmers starting March 4, with payments promised within 30 days of delivery. This intervention comes amid a Sh124.5 billion wheat import scandal that has left local farmers struggling with surplus grain, as the government aims to boost local production from current 8% to over 40% of national demand.

🏫 Alliance High School celebrates a century of legacy with ambitious projects. Alumni have launched a Sh229 million initiative for a multi-purpose hall and digital library as the institution marks 99 years since its founding. The project, now 60% complete, follows a funding model where alumni contribute 50%, the school 40%, and churches 10%. With Sh112.8 million still needed, the environmentally sustainable facilities will include an auditorium for 4,600 people and a theater for 600, cementing the school's commitment to modern education since its establishment by Dr. John Arthur in 1926.

💰 KRA waives Ksh140 billion in tax penalties. The Kenya Revenue Authority has announced a major relief for over 1.9 million taxpayers through its Tax Amnesty Program running until June 30, 2025. Taxpayers who cleared principal taxes by December 31, 2023 qualify automatically, while those with outstanding balances must apply via iTax. Since its relaunch on December 27, 2024, the program has collected Ksh4 billion in principal tax payments, helping Kenyans resolve past tax issues without the burden of penalties, interest, and fines.

💰 The National Treasury is under scrutiny for Sh1.3 trillion in withdrawals. Officials have denied any irregularities, stating all transactions followed legal procedures with no public funds lost or misappropriated. Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo explained that exchequer requests were processed manually until the end of the 2023/2024 financial year, with a major reform initiative now underway to fully automate the exchequer process by the end of 2024/2025. The funds were reportedly used for debt servicing, pensions, and recurrent expenditures.

JOBS

Kazi Majuu: Kenya's Attempt to Connect Workers with Global Jobs

The government has launched Kazi Majuu, an ambitious initiative connecting skilled Kenyans with global job opportunities. The program begins with a recruitment drive at Jesus Winner Ministry in Nairobi on March 5–6, 2025.

Labour CS Alfred Mutua announced the initiative, which targets sectors including healthcare, logistics, hospitality, and construction. Key features of the Kazi Majuu initiative include:

• One- to two-day passport processing for successful candidates
• Government support for processing fees, visas, and travel costs
• Stringent verification process between Kenyan and foreign embassies
• Direct employer interviews conducted in Kenya

Kenya's workforce offers several competitive advantages in the global market. Known as the "Silicon Savannah," the country boasts a tech-savvy, educated population with strong English language skills. With over 75% of Kenyans under 35, the workforce is dynamic and adaptable to global demands.

To safeguard job seekers, the government has implemented strict verification processes for overseas opportunities. This follows recent incidents, including the rescue of 64 Kenyans from Myanmar, which highlighted the importance of using official channels. The partnership between Kenya and Canada on safe migration guidelines further reinforces the government's commitment to worker protection.

ACROSS THE COUNTY

• KISII — A mysterious illness linked to contaminated water has hospitalized over 200 residents in Kisii County. Health officials discovered faecal matter in a community well in South Mugirango Constituency, prompting immediate closure of the contaminated spring. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped in to assist local authorities as patients present with severe symptoms including high fever, diarrhea, and intense headaches. The Ministry of Health, working alongside the Kisii County government, has deployed emergency surveillance teams and urges residents to seek immediate medical attention while maintaining proper hygiene practices.
• MOMBASA — Rabbit farming emerges as a game-changer in Mombasa with 10,000 farmers already on board. The venture, which requires minimal space and resources, offers multiple revenue streams through meat, skin, urine, and manure production. Local farmer Justin Magiri provides training while the Mombasa Rabbit Meat and Rabbitry Farmers (MRMRF) operates certified slaughterhouses to meet growing demand, particularly from the Chinese market. Recommended breeds include Chinchilla and New Zealand White, with youth encouraged to seek loans for startup capital.
• KILIFI — A couple operating an illegal rescue center in Kilifi County has been arrested, leading to the rescue of thirty children. The unregistered Ultimate Security Centre was shut down following a raid by a multi-agency team led by Irene Munyoki and Sebastian Muteti. The rescued children, who came from various regions, have been transported to Malindi Children's Office as authorities work to reunite them with their families. The center was found to be operating without proper registration and lacked essential facilities for child care.
• KIAMBU — A violent protest erupted at Christ Impact Church in Ruiru after allegations of sexual misconduct against the pastor surfaced. A group known as "TikTok High Court" stormed the church, leading to the destruction of church property as they demanded justice for alleged victims, who include young men from the congregation. Police were forced to use tear gas to disperse the angry crowd, while the accused pastor fled the scene. The incidents reportedly date back two years, with allegations of police collusion emerging.
• MANDERA — An audit has exposed nepotism at the heart of Mandera County's administration. The report reveals that 1,918 employees, representing 51% of the county's workforce, are relatives of the governor. The dominance extends to the County Executive Committee, where 11 out of 12 members belong to the same clan. This hiring practice violates the National Cohesion and Integration Act of 2008, raising concerns among residents about fair employment opportunities and inclusive governance in the region.

ONE-LINERS

• Kenya's long-awaited rainfall is set to bring relief from scorching temperatures next week, with scattered showers expected across multiple regions including Nairobi, Western Kenya, and the Coastal areas. Daytime temperatures will remain above 30°C in most parts of the country, while some areas in the Highlands East of Rift Valley will experience nighttime temperatures dropping below 10°C. (Source)
• Kenya Power cautions of potential 30% increase in electricity costs if Nairobi County implements new wayleave charges of Ksh200 per meter, despite recent price reductions from a stronger shilling and lower base tariff. (Source)
• The National Treasury plans to utilize Sh42 billion from the road maintenance fund to settle contractor debts, with a focus on supporting small businesses that make up the majority of pending bills. The government's debt clearance initiative, targeting the 2025/26 budget, prioritizes micro, small, and medium enterprises - with 95% of validated claims being under Sh10 million. (Source)