Kenya Endorses Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara in Major Foreign Policy Shift
By Bukeni | Nairobi, May 28, 2025
Kenya has officially thrown its support behind Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, signaling a decisive shift in the country’s long-standing position on the decades-old territorial dispute. In a joint statement issued after high-level diplomatic talks in Rabat, Kenya endorsed Morocco’s proposal as “the only credible and realistic solution” to the conflict, placing itself among a growing number of African and global nations aligning with Rabat.
The Moroccan autonomy plan offers the people of Western Sahara self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty, rejecting full independence—a proposal that continues to be opposed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which advocates for an independent Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
Diplomatic Relations Strengthened
The endorsement comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Kenya and Morocco. Kenya inaugurated an embassy in Rabat, underscoring its commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. The two nations also agreed to broaden cooperation in strategic sectors such as:
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Renewable energy
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Fisheries and maritime development
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Tourism and cultural exchange
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National security collaboration
Economic Diplomacy at the Forefront
Economic incentives are central to the evolving relationship. Morocco, a major global exporter of phosphates and fertilizers, has pledged to increase agricultural supply exports to Kenya. In return, Kenya aims to grow its market share in Morocco by exporting more tea, coffee, and horticultural products.
This shift reflects the Ruto administration’s broader pivot toward economic diplomacy, where pragmatic trade partnerships are increasingly prioritized over historical ideological alignments.
A Reversal of Longstanding Policy
This position marks a clear departure from Kenya’s previous support for the SADR. In 2022, shortly after President William Ruto took office, Kenya announced it would rescind recognition of the SADR, though the Foreign Ministry later clarified that the country’s stance remained aligned with the African Union’s call for a referendum in Western Sahara.
Today’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan suggests a more conclusive stance and a willingness to break from AU orthodoxy.
Geopolitical Ripples in Africa
Kenya’s decision may strain relations with Algeria and other AU member states that support Sahrawi independence. However, it positions Kenya closer to North African powers and global actors such as the United States and France, which also back Morocco’s plan.
Observers say this strategic realignment underlines Kenya’s ambition to strengthen its geopolitical and economic influence on the continent.
by Bukeni AbdullatifNational Prayer Breakfast: Call for Unity as Kenya Seeks Healing and Rebuilding
Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi — May 28, 2025
Kenya marked its 22nd National Prayer Breakfast today at the Safari Park Hotel, bringing together leaders from across the political, religious, and civil spheres under the resounding theme, “Rise and Rebuild.” The event, held amid growing political tensions and economic uncertainty, offered a moment of reflection and a call for collective healing and unity.
Presiding over the ceremony, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula delivered a powerful message urging religious leaders to step up in fostering national cohesion and moral leadership.
“This is a time to rise above our divisions and rebuild our country’s social fabric,” Wetang’ula said. “Religious leaders must take an active role in promoting reconciliation, peace, and integrity in both public and private life.”
The prayer breakfast, traditionally a bipartisan and interfaith gathering, was attended by members of Parliament, Cabinet officials, judiciary representatives, and dignitaries from neighboring countries. Notably, Tanzanian Members of Parliament joined the occasion, contributing to a moment of musical harmony that symbolized growing regional solidarity.
With Kenya navigating economic strain, increasing public dissatisfaction, and a politically charged atmosphere, speakers emphasized the importance of faith, dialogue, and national purpose. Prayers were offered for various sectors including governance, youth, economy, and peace.
The theme “Rise and Rebuild” echoed through the day’s speeches and invocations, pointing to the urgent need for collaborative efforts in addressing the country’s socioeconomic challenges. President William Ruto, though not present, was represented by high-ranking officials who conveyed his message of resilience and national renewal.
Calls for responsible leadership, accountability, and unity cut across all remarks, with several speakers referencing biblical and cultural wisdom to inspire hope and transformation.
As Kenya looks ahead, the prayer breakfast served as a reminder that rebuilding the nation requires not only political and economic reforms, but also moral resolve and spiritual grounding.
Limbofest: The Delivery Kings of Musical Perfection
If Limbofest were a delivery company, they’d already be worth a billion dollars; no doubt. But instead, they’re a powerhouse music group redefining sound, energy, and international appeal with every beat they touch. Each time they hop on a track, the result is impressive and exceptional. They don’t just make music; they deliver it with the precision of seasoned pros, leaving fans in awe and craving for more.
The first time I listened to Limbofest, I could’ve sworn they were one of those groundbreaking groups from West Africa. Their sound is so refined, so global, and so rhythmically rich that it’s hard to believe they’re not already dominating every chart. This group has truly mastered the art of musical fusion; blending genres, cultures, and styles in a way that feels effortless but hits hard.
Their latest project, Wowolo, is a testament to this brilliance. Already streaming across all major platforms, the audio version alone is proof that Limbofest is in a league of their own. But here’s the real headline: Limbofest has officially gone international.
Sounds like a wild claim? Not until you hear it for yourself. Wowolo features Johnny Benzx from Nigeria and Mr. Kagame from Rwanda—two heavyweights who bring their A-game and elevate the track to continental glory. Johnny Benzx’s verse is electric, fusing Afrobeat swagger with lyrical finesse. Then comes Mr. Kagame, whose Rwandan flavor and flow seal the track’s greatness, reminding us all that African music is diverse and unstoppable.
If your replay button isn’t working after listening, it’s probably time to visit a technician. You’ll need it, because Wowolo is the kind of song you’ll keep playing on loop. And with Limbofest at the helm, this is only the beginning.
Whether it’s a turn-up anthem or a soulful groove, Limbofest always delivers. Africa and the world better watch out. The delivery kings of music have arrived.
World Bank Cuts Kenya’s 2025 Growth Forecast to 4.5% Amid Debt and Credit Woes
Kenya’s economic prospects for 2025 have dimmed as the World Bank revises its growth forecast downward to 4.5%, highlighting deepening financial pressures tied to soaring public debt, elevated lending rates, and shrinking private sector credit.
The Bank attributes the downgrade primarily to the government’s heavy dependence on domestic borrowing, which, coupled with high interest rates, is increasingly crowding out private investment. These financial dynamics have triggered a contraction in private sector credit, with growth plummeting to -1.4% in December 2024.
Key sectors such as manufacturing, finance, and mining are bearing the brunt of the credit squeeze. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those relying on financing from tier-two banks, are struggling with rising non-performing loans and limited access to capital.
Kenya’s public debt has ballooned to 65.5% of GDP, a level that the World Bank deems unsustainable without significant policy interventions. In response, the Bank is urging the government to adopt targeted tax reforms and more disciplined fiscal policies to improve public finances, stimulate private investment, and sustain long-term growth.
As East Africa’s largest economy navigates these challenges, all eyes will be on the Kenyan government’s next fiscal moves—and whether they can strike a balance between managing debt and reigniting growth.
Juja MP George Koimburi Found After Alleged Abduction
Kiambu County, Kenya – May 26, 2025
Juja Member of Parliament George Koimburi was reportedly abducted on Sunday, sparking widespread concern across Kiambu County and the country at large. The legislator was later found alive but shaken, abandoned in a coffee plantation within the region.
According to preliminary reports, Koimburi was allegedly taken by unknown individuals under mysterious circumstances. Residents discovered him on Monday morning in a disoriented state, prompting immediate medical attention and a police response.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the abduction and to identify those responsible. As of now, the details surrounding the incident remain unclear, with law enforcement agencies calling for calm and cooperation from the public.
Local leaders have condemned the incident, calling it a worrying development in the security landscape. “This is an attack on democracy and must be treated with utmost seriousness,” one official stated.
Koimburi has yet to release an official statement, but family members have confirmed he is recovering under medical supervision. More updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
Kenya Admits Role in Kidnapping of Ugandan Opposition Leader, Sparks Outrage
Nairobi, May 22, 2025 — Kenya has officially acknowledged its involvement in the abduction and extradition of a Ugandan opposition leader from its territory, a revelation that has ignited regional controversy and prompted accusations of human rights violations and state misconduct.
The admission comes in connection with the 2023 disappearance of Dr. Isa Kigozi, a prominent critic of the Ugandan government and a senior figure in the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) led by Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. Dr. Kigozi was reportedly taken from a residence in Nairobi in what was widely believed to be a coordinated cross-border operation involving Kenyan and Ugandan security agents.
Kenya’s Ministry of Interior, in a statement issued earlier this week, confirmed that the operation had the knowledge and cooperation of Kenyan authorities, citing “regional security cooperation” as the basis for its actions.
“The government of Kenya acted in coordination with a neighboring state to address a matter of mutual security concern,” the statement read, without elaborating on the legal framework or justification used for the abduction.
The admission has triggered widespread criticism from human rights advocates, legal experts, and opposition politicians both in Kenya and Uganda. Dr. Kigozi’s lawyer, speaking to reporters in Kampala, condemned Kenya’s role, calling the country a “rogue state” for flouting international law and undermining asylum protections.
“This is a betrayal not just of our client’s rights, but of Kenya’s international obligations to uphold due process and protect individuals seeking refuge on its soil,” the lawyer said.
Regional and international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, have demanded a full investigation and called for accountability from both governments.
Legal analysts argue that Kenya’s actions violated several regional and international legal instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which prohibits arbitrary detention and unlawful rendition. Furthermore, no formal extradition request was processed through Kenya’s courts, raising concerns about a growing trend of extra-legal cross-border arrests in East Africa.
The incident has also raised tensions between civil society and Kenya’s security apparatus, which has been under increasing scrutiny over allegations of extrajudicial actions and cross-border operations.
Kenya’s Parliament is expected to summon top security officials to provide answers, while Uganda has remained largely silent, offering no comment on the fate or current status of Dr. Kigozi, who remains in detention without trial.
As the regional spotlight intensifies, observers say the case could set a troubling precedent for political dissidents across East Africa, raising fears about the safety of activists and opposition leaders seeking refuge across borders.
Government Considers Writing Off Ksh6 Billion in Hustler Fund Loans
Nairobi, May 22, 2025 — The Kenyan government is considering writing off approximately Ksh6 billion in defaulted loans disbursed under the Hustler Fund, an initiative launched in 2022 to empower low-income earners and small-scale entrepreneurs through affordable credit.
According to Susan Mang’eni, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development, the proposed debt relief could affect over 10 million Kenyans who accessed the loans but have since defaulted due to economic hardships and limited business returns.
“We are reviewing options for restructuring or possibly forgiving a significant portion of the non-performing loans, especially those taken by the most vulnerable groups,” Mang’eni said during a recent press briefing.
The Hustler Fund, a flagship programme of President William Ruto’s administration, was introduced to provide instant, low-interest digital loans to individuals and micro-enterprises often excluded from mainstream financial services. Borrowers could access amounts ranging from Ksh500 to Ksh50,000 via mobile phones, with the intention of promoting financial inclusion and boosting grassroots entrepreneurship.
Despite its ambitious vision, the fund has faced mounting challenges. Data from the Ministry shows that nearly half of the total disbursed loans—amounting to Ksh13 billion—remain unpaid. Economic analysts cite factors such as high unemployment, inflation, and poor loan management education among borrowers as key reasons behind the default crisis.
The possible write-off is stirring mixed reactions. Supporters argue that forgiving the debt would give struggling Kenyans a second chance to rebuild their financial footing, especially amid rising living costs. Critics, however, warn that such a move could encourage future loan defaults and undermine financial discipline.
“Debt forgiveness, if not paired with improved lending criteria and borrower training, risks repeating the same cycle,” said economic analyst Dr. Lydia Ochieng.
Mang’eni assured that any decision made would be informed by data and stakeholder consultations. She also hinted at reforms in the Hustler Fund’s second phase, including credit scoring mechanisms and entrepreneurship mentorship programs to increase loan repayment rates and long-term impact.
As the government deliberates on this unprecedented financial decision, millions of Kenyans await clarity on whether their debts will be wiped clean — and what new conditions might govern future borrowing.
U.S. Senator Raises Concerns Over Kenya-China Ties
Washington D.C., May 22, 2025 — U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch has renewed criticism of Kenya’s growing economic and diplomatic engagement with China, calling the relationship “troubling” and urging caution from America’s long-time East African ally.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Risch expressed concern that Kenya’s increasing closeness to Beijing could undermine U.S.-Kenya strategic relations and expose the country to what he described as the “predatory practices” of the Chinese government.
“China remains the United States’ biggest global competitor. Kenya’s deepening ties with Beijing raise serious questions about transparency, debt sustainability, and the preservation of democratic institutions,” Risch stated.
The senator’s comments come amid a flurry of Chinese investments and infrastructure projects in Kenya, ranging from railways and highways to energy and technology sectors. China has become one of Kenya’s largest creditors, with billions of dollars loaned for major projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a flagship development initiative that has faced scrutiny over cost and viability.
Risch, a leading voice on U.S. foreign policy, warned that such engagements often saddle developing nations with unsustainable debt while allowing China to expand its geopolitical influence under the guise of economic development.
Kenya, for its part, has defended its ties with China as pragmatic and beneficial. Government officials argue that Chinese financing has helped bridge critical infrastructure gaps left unaddressed by Western donors and multilateral institutions.
“We maintain a non-aligned, multi-partner foreign policy that serves Kenya’s interests,” said a senior official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responding to Risch’s statement. “Our cooperation with China is transparent and development-oriented.”
However, Risch’s statement signals mounting unease in Washington over the growing footprint of China in Africa, particularly in countries that have traditionally been aligned with the West. Kenya and the United States have long enjoyed close diplomatic, military, and trade ties—collaborating on counterterrorism, health, and education, among other areas.
Analysts suggest that as U.S.-China rivalry intensifies globally, countries like Kenya may face increasing pressure to balance their international alliances more delicately.
The statement is likely to add to ongoing debate in Nairobi about the long-term costs and benefits of foreign partnerships, especially as Kenya navigates pressing economic challenges, rising debt levels, and a shifting global order.
Kenya Seeks WHO Support to Scale Up Universal Health Coverage Rollout
Nairobi, May 22, 2025 — Kenya’s government has appealed to the World Health Organisation (WHO) for enhanced financial and technical assistance to accelerate the controversial Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programme, even as hundreds of UHC staff across the country continue to protest over pay and employment terms.
On the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale held a bilateral meeting with WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. In the meeting, Duale praised Kenya’s progress in piloting UHC and outlined the persistent funding shortfalls that have hampered full national rollout over the past three years. He formally requested that WHO increase its funding envelope and provide targeted support to strengthen Kenya’s health infrastructure and workforce under UHC
“We look forward to deepening our collaboration with WHO to advance our national health priorities and ensure that every Kenyan has access to quality care without facing financial hardship,” Duale stated in a press release.
The UHC programme, launched in 2020 in four pilot counties, aims to guarantee free essential services—including immunisation, maternal health, and treatment for communicable and non-communicable diseases—across all 47 counties. However, rapid expansion has been accompanied by budgetary constraints and a high demand for services, stretching the capacity of hospitals and clinics.
Compounding these challenges, approximately 8,571 health workers hired under UHC remain on contract terms, receiving only half the salaries of their permanent counterparts while carrying out identical duties. These medics—ranging from nurses and clinical officers to laboratory technicians and ambulance drivers—have staged repeated demonstrations demanding salary harmonisation, permanent and pensionable employment, and overdue gratuities .
County governments are due to assume payroll responsibility for UHC staff from July 1, a transition that workers fear will proceed without clear safeguards for fair pay or timely conversion to permanent terms. Health unions have warned that without prompt resolution, the rollout could be further jeopardised by low morale and staffing shortages.
As Kenya presses WHO for increased backing, stakeholders stress that sustained funding and robust oversight will be critical to fulfilling the constitutional right to health. Observers note that successful collaboration between national authorities, counties, and international partners will determine whether UHC can overcome its financial and operational hurdles and deliver on its promise of universal care.
Kenyan Government Allocates Ksh.28 Billion to Boost Over 100,000 Small Businesses
Nairobi, Kenya – May 14, 2025
In a significant move to bolster the country’s micro and small enterprises (MSEs), the Kenyan government has announced the allocation of Ksh.28 billion in grants aimed at supporting over 100,000 businesses nationwide. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to uplift individuals at the lower economic strata and fulfill promises made during the campaign period.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki disclosed that each of the 70 constituencies will benefit from this program, with 70 businesses per constituency receiving Ksh.50,000 each. The grant recipients encompass a diverse range of small-scale entrepreneurs, including salon operators, barbers, and carpenters. These sectors are seen as pivotal in providing employment and services at the grassroots level .
The announcement was made during a youth empowerment event in Naivasha, hosted by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika. Deputy President Kindiki, accompanied by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of the youth through job creation and economic empowerment .
This funding initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader economic strategies, including efforts to support Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to boost economic growth and create sustainable jobs, especially in the private and informal sectors. The government is revising its MSME policy framework to align with the objectives of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other international trade agreements
Entrepreneurs interested in applying for the grant are encouraged to contact their local constituency offices for application procedures and eligibility criteria. The government has assured transparency and fairness in the selection process to ensure that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries.
This substantial financial support is expected to invigorate the small business sector, fostering innovation, employment, and economic resilience across Kenya.
