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Albert Einstein, nuclear bombs and economic growth

The piece draws parallels between nuclear science and economic growth, arguing that while technological power requires specialised knowledge, nations can achieve prosperity by improving institutions.

By Xn Iraki 7 days ago

SA's change of tack in Kenya banking takeover unsettling

After buying into NCBA and Safaricom, South Africans want more shares in Absa Bank Kenya, formerly Barclays Bank, which defined Kenya’s old money and status.

By Xn Iraki 7 days ago

Letter from Murang'a's quiet Giatutu area and the few agri-innovations

Some places look far yet are near. One such place is Giatutu in Muranga’s Location One or Loco 1. I have wondered why this unique location naming system was discontinued.

By Xn Iraki 13 days ago

Kenya's and India's historical ties run deep

India may view Africa as its next strategic frontier, and Kenya is well placed to become an important gateway.

By Xn Iraki 16 days ago

An obituary for the granary?

Hungry people are easy to manipulate. That is why foodstuffs are popular giveaways for politicians, including in Ol Kalou.

By Xn Iraki 20 days ago

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University admissions: What next?

As Kenyan students begin university after placement, the piece explores how admissions, campus experiences, skills development and adaptability will shape their future beyond the courses they pursue.

By Xn Iraki 21 days ago

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Why Ol Kalou is Kenya's political Vietnam

 Our biggest fear in Ol Kalou is not who wins; it’s the economic consequences. Citizens are learning you can get free money. 

By Xn Iraki 24 days ago

Can men be generous beyond beer tables?

Men are most generous while taking beer in a group.

By Xn Iraki 27 days ago

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Letter from Webuye: Did Industrial revolution bypass Western Kenya?

Western Kenya once-thriving industries have been on the rise, and declined, and revived, particularly Pan Paper and Mumias Sugar

By Xn Iraki 28 days ago

SA paradox: From xenophobia to buying blue-chip Safaricom, Absa and NCBA

Compared with other African countries, South Africa is more industrialised and wealthier, but unequal. Inequality is the crux of the matter

By Xn Iraki 30 days ago

Why the innocence of Western Kenya should be appreciated

There is something alluring about Western Kenya. They have tried to keep their culture. Talking their mother tongues is normal and not looked down upon.

By Xn Iraki 1 month ago

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Time to halt slow puncture of Kenya's economic dream

Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product growth rate slowed from 4.7 per cent in 2024 to 4.6 per cent in 2025, says the latest economic survey 2026.

By Xn Iraki 1 month ago

My experience of long journey to Mumias that took me 40 years

The 411-kilometre trip from Nairobi to Mumias takes about eight hours by road. That trip took me 40 years to cover. Sit, relax and find out why. 

By Xn Iraki 1 month ago

The days of padlocks are numbered, but shall miss it

The padlock is small but carries more than its weight. It is used to secure buildings, boxes in high school, cash boxes and bicycles, among others.

By Xn Iraki 1 month ago

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Kenya's ultimate economic paradox of unclaimed assets

The article highlights Kenya’s growing stock of unclaimed financial assets worth over Sh115 billion, arguing that better systems are needed to trace owners and unlock the funds for economic benefit.

By Xn Iraki 1 month ago

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Middle East conflict deal: Why economics, not US or Iran, won

The closing of the Strait of Hormuz made the Iran war become a global war on the economic front and it looped into the peace deal, the war in Lebanon pitting Israel against Hezbollah

By Xn Iraki 1 month ago

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A barber engineer whose work mimics Germany apprentice system

We can’t learn everything in school, and some people are not made for the school system.

By Xn Iraki 1 month ago

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It's time we stopped fearing Gen Z and embraced them

Rather than fearing Gen Z, Kenya should embrace the generation’s global outlook, technological fluency, creativity and economic ambition by involving them in decision-making.

By Xn Iraki 1 month ago

Budget 2026-27: The long and short of it

This will be a wananchi’s budget if it transforms their lives with more money in their pockets and more optimism. 

By Xn Iraki 1 month ago

Here's the hustlers' response to economic hard times

Few can dispute that the economy is not treating the hustlers well, and they are not just sitting down and lamenting. 

By Xn Iraki 1 month ago

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Economy, not inexperience at heart of Kenya's jobs crisis

Kenya's jobs crisis stems from inadequate economic growth, a growing workforce, technological disruption, and a mismatch between education and market needs.

By Xn Iraki 1 month ago

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School fires: Time for total education reset

By burning our schools or threatening to do so, we could be admitting that our children are not given enough opportunities to be heroes. 

By Xn Iraki 1 month ago

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Why shortcuts keep mutating as the corrupt think they help

With time, shortcuts become part of our lives. That makes societal transformation so hard; we even compete over who can cut shorter than the others.

By Xn Iraki 2 months ago

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Utumishi Girls fire tragedy: Here are the hard truths

The Utumishi Girls tragedy should prompt a broader national conversation about school safety, infrastructure, governance, and investment in education.

By Xn Iraki 2 months ago

Ebola facility plan reeks of neocolonialism

The US decision to establish a holding ground for Ebola victims in Laikipia creates an impression that Africa is a dumping ground for undesirables

By Xn Iraki 2 months ago

'Igogo': The portrait of Kenya's creative society

How ordinary Kenyans use humour, observation and wit to creatively interpret everyday life and drive innovation.

By Xn Iraki 2 months ago

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'Arsenomics': The bitter truth for Arsenal and EPL fans

An argument that Kenya’s obsession with EPL clubs like Arsenal reflects deeper economic frustrations and neglect of local sports development.

By Xn Iraki 2 months ago

Latest protests fuelled by deeper issues

Many Kenyans worked from home last Monday. 

By Xn Iraki 2 months ago

Does car grille theft epitomise our class system?

In the course of driving my Vitz RS, I have come across many cases of side mirrors, car logos, and other parts ripped off by thieves who are never caught.

By Xn Iraki 2 months ago

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What is in store for Kenya, Africa in China-US summit

The rise of China as a global economic power, its rivalry with the United States, and the implications of shifting geopolitical dynamics for Africa.

By Xn Iraki 2 months ago

Why Kenya feels like 1895 all over again

Today, Kenya is getting new owners through sale agreements facilitated by lawyers and stock markets.

By Xn Iraki 2 months ago

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Why pricing of medical costs defy economic laws

That interplay between supply and demand will determine the cost from consultation to drugs. You are likely to pay more to see a neurosurgeon than a general practitioner.

By Xn Iraki 2 months ago

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Why there is more than meets the eye in Africa Forward Summit

The Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi reflects France’s push to rebuild influence in Africa through trade, investment and soft power.

By Xn Iraki 2 months ago

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Leave Nganyas alone: They define Kenyan culture and creativity

Nganyas define the Kenyan culture and are some of the most memorable sites in Kenya; I guess more than the Big 5.

By Xn Iraki 2 months ago

Competition can make us fulfil the Kenyan dream of being Sawe

Sebastian Sawe’s London Marathon triumph highlights how competition and equal opportunity can help more Kenyans excel across all fields.

By Xn Iraki 2 months ago

Economic Survey 2026 delivered no surprises

Kenya’s inflation fell to 4.1 per cent in 2025 from a high of 7.1 per cent in 2023.

By Xn Iraki 3 months ago

N: The oddly named town frozen in time

Western Kenya towns have long names but are very small. Think of Shamakhokho and Navakholo.

By Xn Iraki 3 months ago

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Kenya needs taxes rethink to reflect economic realities

Kenya’s tax system needs reform to better reflect economic realities, improve growth, and strengthen the link between taxation and public benefits.

By Xn Iraki 3 months ago

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Black tax: To pay or not to pay? That's the question

The black tax is often less than the corporate tax or income tax. We do not even know who benefits from our taxes; some of it is even stolen.

By Xn Iraki 3 months ago

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The golden age of pork is nigh and unstoppable

More pork could be an indirect sign of modernity and economic reality.

By Xn Iraki 3 months ago