Kenya

The New Guard
Morocco, Zimbabwe, Kenya

Every Wednesday, Africa Intelligence spotlights a new generation of movers and shakers in business and politics.

MoroccoDoha Lkasmi, standard-bearer for business diplomacy

ZimbabweLaziel Muchemwa, cycling ambassador in Cape Town

KenyaAustine Onyango Gerald, promoting young people in politics

Graft watchdog probes cancellation of $42m geothermal contract

Corruption sleuths in Kenya are looking into the awarding and subsequent cancellation of a contract by the state's Geothermal Development Company to a British subcontractor, Cluff Geothermal. The matter is already being followed closely by parliament.

Expiring colonial-era leases feed into tensions

Land leases signed in Kenya the 1920s under British colonial rule have recently expired or are about to do so. The threat of eviction facing long-standing tenants and mounting land disputes are adding fuel to the country's political crisis.

Ruto government overhaul reshuffles coffee sector deck

Political power struggles are plaguing Kenya's coffee sector, which is struggling to recover despite reforms carried out by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The industry's loss of momentum in its stronghold in the centre of the country could play into the hands of the western counties.

Brewer EABL manages its foreign currency risk

The Kenyan brewery recently cleared its outstanding foreign currency overdrafts.

Political turmoil delays trade negotiations with Abu Dhabi

Having just returned from talks in the UAE, Prime Minister Mudavadi is keen to kickstart fresh trade negotiations between the two countries.

Battle for KTDA leadership posts in full swing

Elections to vote for the directors of Kenya Tea Development Agency's 54 factories began in May. Campaigning has been fierce, involving legal challenges and, in a bid to secure the youth vote, social media.

Ruto-Odinga entente takes ruling party to breaking point

William Ruto's appointment of five opposition politicians to government jobs has further clipped the wings of his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, who must also contend with a reconfigured opposition in his own central Kenyan fiefdom.

Executive seeks to toughen stance on regulating NGOs

The new authority in charge of overseeing Kenya's NGO sector will deal severely with organisations that fail to comply with its future regulations.

Ruto's administration keen to acquire social media analytics software

As protests continue to shake the country, the government has decided to acquire Brandwatch Consumer Research software, which is widely used in the private sector.

Head of East African Chamber of Commerce struggles to win Ruto's support

Richard Ngatia is hoping to retain his influence in the business community despite failing to get re-elected as president of Kenya's chamber of commerce. But some critics are contesting his new regional role.

Fuel retailer Rubis Energie appoints new boss in Nairobi

The ex-TotalEnergies exec Olivier Sabrié began his new job in early July.