Everyone needs a roof above their heads. According to the Worldometer, Kenya's 2023 population is estimated at 55,100,586 people at mid-year. Kenya's population is equivalent to 0.68 percent of the total world population. At the same time, Kenya ranks number 26 in the list of countries (and dependencies) by population.

With such a vast population, the housing demand has been growing yearly. According to Habitat for Humanity, Kenya has an annual housing demand of 250,000 units with an estimated supply of 50,000 units, culminating in a housing deficit of 2 million units, or an 80 percent deficit. Housing affordability is a crucial challenge in Kenya, with many people unable to buy or build their own homes.

The increase in population and the demand for affordable houses forced the government to develop the Affordable Housing project to construct at least 500,000 affordable housing units for Kenyans. But this seemed a tall order for the government unless private investors, too, gave it a hand with similar projects.

And with the world moving towards green in virtually everything, the demand for houses in Kenya has also shifted. Developers and potential homeowners are increasingly looking for projects that adhere to green energy and promote the same to secure and protect the earth, not just for the present generations but for the future, too.

Undoubtedly, the imperative for green affordable housing has become increasingly pronounced in Kenya, driven by environmental, economic, and social factors.

As urbanisation accelerates and the population grows, there is a rising demand for housing that not only addresses the pressing need for shelter but also considers the ecological impact of construction and living spaces.

Green affordable housing in Kenya is crucial for mitigating the environmental footprint of the built environment, promoting sustainability, and enhancing energy efficiency. The emphasis on environmental responsibility and affordability is essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable development in Kenya's rapidly urbanizing landscape.

With that in mind, leading lenders such as Stanbic Bank Kenya started a journey to pioneer green affordable housing projects through green housing financing, one of the unique products within the Kenyan banking sector. Stanbic Bank Kenya has a dedicated Real Estate team that is focused on providing end-to-end financial solutions across the value-chain of their real estate clients. Additionally, they offer a competitive mortgage product offering for their retail clients. 

Stanbic has partnered with IHS Kenya Limited to push for the uptake of green affordable housing finance in Kenya, in line with the bank’s commitment to sustainability anchored, among other things, enabling Kenyans access to environmentally friendly, affordable, and quality green housing solutions.

Green houses reduce costs associated with energy use, water use and maintenance.

To provide up to 4,000 affordable apartments for sale and rental within seven years, the bank will provide end-user financing support to enable Kenyans to acquire these affordable units in Kenya.

This partnership, according to Stanbic Bank, provides Kenyan homebuyers with access to eco-friendly, reasonably priced housing that comes with quality amenities. Additionally, it follows the Mortgage Relief provisions of the 1995 Income Tax Act cap 470, which helps reduce financial burdens.

Homebuyers will also enjoy an extended loan tenure of up to 25 years, which gives them greater flexibility in repaying their loans.

Moreover, Stanbic Bank's commitment to a low fixed interest rate of 9.5% makes homeownership a feasible goal for a broader range of people in Kenya, ensuring affordability.

Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ) has signed a short-term lease agreement with Hi Fly, one of the world’s leading lease and charter specialist airlines to enhance operational efficiency during the peak festive season.  

The ACMI lease will see the immediate introduction of an A330 Airbus into the KQ fleet to support operational efficiency as well as enhance capacity in the market.

Commenting on the new development, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Allan Kilavuka said that the airline needed to take practical steps in the short term to address the pertinent challenges in the market. “With the current capacity constraints on the back of the growing demand for airline travel, we need to balance our customers immediate needs by bringing more capacity into the market,” said Kilavuka.  

The arrival of the aircraft will also support the anticipated increased number of travellers following the recent announcement by President William Ruto on ending visa requirements for all visitors to Kenya starting in January 2024 making Kenya visa-free country.  

According to Kilavuka, this was the quickest way to immediately deal with capacity challenges because it enables us to get an aircraft that is ready to fly. “With the arrival of the aircraft, we expect to see improved operational stability and efficiency, as well as enhanced capacity for the convenience of our passengers,” noted Kilavuka. 

The wide-bodied aircraft has a capacity for 299 passengers, split into 24 in the business cabin and 275 in the economy class. And as a wide-bodied plane, it augments the existing cargo space with additional belly capacity. 

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Chairman Benjamin Tayari has defended the performance of the Mombasa port.

According to Tayari, the port has been recording an increase in terms of performance compared to other ports in the region.

Speaking On Tuesday during a meeting with the Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen at the port, Tayari noted that they are currently on the right track towards achieving theirs set goals in terms of performance.

"To speak the truth, KPA is the best. I was looking at the records this morning and I noticed that we are only having two vessels waiting and when you look at our neighbours the waiting vessels are almost 32, vessels have been waiting since November, when you come KPA the vessels are attended to in a span of only 24 hours" said Tayari.

Adding " We want to assure you that we will continue doing our best, the board is committed towards supporting the management and the workers to ensure that the productivity of this port is achieved and the country which highly depends on this port gets what it deserves. I want to assure you that the targets which we gave to the Managing Director are on the right track, as a board we told the MD we dont want not less than 1.6 million TUs this year and we can see he is working towards achieving this."

Tayari also lauded the government's move to award bonuses to KPA workers for their remarkable performance in the year 2020/2021.

the government has awarded the workers a bonus of 700 million.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the award is part of President William Ruto's promise to improve public service to enhance efficiency and delivery of services to the public Read more.

"KPA is the only parastatal where workers for 24 hours, 364 days, so I believe they deserve the bonus" argued Tayari.

Kenya has retained the overall title of the Mombasa Open Tong-IL Moo-Do International Martial Arts Championship title after being declared the overall winners.

Jasiri harvested 191 medals -46 gold medals,52 silver medals and 93 Bronze medals to emerge overall winners of the 2023 edition which was attended by 13 countries from all over the world.

 Zambia team finished second with 10 gold,5 silver and 9 bronze medals to emerge distant second with an overall 23 medals tally while perennial rivals Philippines ended in third position with 5 gold medals,2 silver and 4 broze medals.

Iran were fourth with 4 gold medals,6 silver and 4 broze ahead of the India team which bagged only 5  medals of 4 gold, and  1 bronze. South America's Paraguay team settled sixth in the log with 3 gold medals, and 3 bronze.

In other teams Nigeria who settled seventh got 2 gold medals and 2 silver ahead of Japan who got overall 2 medals , DRC 1 medal  and Brazil  3 medals in the eighth nine and 10 positions respectively.

Others countries who performed dismally are Asia continent representatives South Korea with a total of 1 medal, Thailand I medal and Africa’s Cote D’Ivoire who fumbled to go home  without any medal.

Addressing the media after completion of the tournament, Kenya Tong Ill Moodo federation president Master Clarence Mwakio said the focus is on nurturing fresh talents who will feature in the next year’s event.

The Africa federation president said the event which attracted all the continents of the globe was a success. He however hinted that next year’s event will be held in August to avoid December holiday rush.

“We are very happy that number of teams managed to reach Mombasa, as we know its high holiday season, one lesson we have learnt is that hosting the event during the August is the best option, so from next year we will revert to our original plan August summer season where there is minimal air traffic,” said Mwakio.

Mwakio thanked the government for continued support for the past 11 editions held in Kenya. He said starting January next year the federation will hit the ground running in nurturing grassroots talents by hosting weekly events in all counties.

“In the calendar of 2024 events, we want to request the ministry to join us so that we can have weekly events in all counties, weekly training clinics so that instructors can travel in counties to scout for future instructors who can scout for new talents from schools,” said Mwakio .

The Africa president said so far 12 countries are taking part adding that Kenya will soon lead the continent in African tong il moo do championship which will open the door for all Africa games and Olympics competitions in the near future.

“Kenya is leading from the front and I believe it will be a celebration when Kenya takes part in all African games with Tong Il Moo do and wins more medals in the All Africa games,”said Mwakio.

Speaking on behalf of the government deputy director department of sports Jackson Idakwa affirmed the government’s commitment towards supporting the sport. He said the ministry is committed to developing sports.

“This is one of the tourist destinations and hosting such an event enhances the tourism element,as a government we are committed to give them the necessary support they need,”said Idakwa.

Wines of South Africa hosted it's third Cap Classique in the Coastal city of Mombasa on Wednesday last week.

The event which went down at the Tamarind Hotel aimed at showcasing different Cap Classique brands  attracted connoisseurs, captains of industry, consumers, distributors and wine producers.

A total of 12 wine producers including Simonsig, Nitida,  Domaine des Dieux, Vergelegen, Villiera, Black Elephant Vintners, Graham Beck, LOmatins, Ken Forrester,  Kleine Zalze, Mara Celebration participated in the event.

Prior to the wine tasting cocktail, a group of wine distributors and agents were taken through a training to equip them with the necessary skills.

Speaking during the event, Wines of South Africa  Marketing Manager Africa Matome Mbatha said they have started expanding their business to Mombasa.

"This is a strategic approach. Wines of South Africa is connected in Kenya primarily in Nairobi and we have been now starting to roll out as part of our expansion program into Mombasa." said Matome.

Adding " This (Mombasa) is another booming county for us and this is evidence that we have indeed made the right call. Tonight is about celebrating and closing off the year with this event. The more we do these activities the more we creating opportunities to Kenyans to explore more the South African wine. We also want to create career and job opportunities for the youth."

Kenya Tong Il Moo Do president Master Clarence Mwakio says the Tong Il Moo Do sport has continued to get global recognition by various Africa and world governments.

The Africa president of the sport expressed hopes that the sport will soon make its way to Olympics consideration and become one of the most competitive sports.

Master Mwakio on Monday evening also said Kenya has set a good example by successfully hosting such a huge tournament for 11 successive years in Mombasa city. 

 “We are happy to have delegates from different countries and many participants from different countries, we began well and the competition ended successfully,” said master Mwakio who has played a pivotal role in supporting team Kenya in the tournament.

The federation official continued to applaud the government through the ministry of sports for the support of the competition over the years. He further applauded the media for its continued support to the publicity.

Speaking on the sidelines of the competition, World federation president Grand Master Takamitsu Hoshiko said the sport which is gaining popularity globally is significant to inspire peace and harmony across continents.

“It’s a very timely tournament, we have just concluded the 60 th celebration of the independence of Kenya, so it's very important because we want to support youth, inspire unity for purpose and send the message to Africa and the world that the sport unites the globe,” said Hoshiko.

Team Jasiri continued to exert good results in both day one and day two when Jambia Ali (6.30 points) emerged third followed by Harrington Wanjala (5.80 points) and Sudi Mohammed (5.00 points) took the stage with action.

Kenya seeks to retain the title it won last year after emerging overall winner.Second position went to Philippines who have remained Kenya’s arch rivals over the years.

The championship with participants from around the world concludes on Tuesday with winners bagging gold, silver and bronze medals.

The awards will be issued in accordance with the sport guidelines in the presence of world Tong Il Moo Do president Grand Master Takamitsu Hoshiko.

Late last year (2022) Bongo star Mbosso came out and opened about his battle with a chronic heart disease.

Speaking during an  interview with Wasafi media, the celebrated singer explained that he suffers from a heart condition, arteriosclerosis, that often leaves him with excruciating pain in his chest as well as uncontrollable hand twitching.

Atherosclerosis is a heart problem brought about by the build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls. This build-up is called plaque.

The plaque can cause arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow. The plaque can also burst, leading to a blood clot.

"I have a very big problem with my heart but I thank God that I am able to exercise and at least keep fit. Although I get strength from regular exercises, the same exercise causes me so much pain. I can go to bed sometimes and wake up with so much pain on my left side," he said.

Adding ""It's a condition that I have had for a really long time and only those closest to me are aware. My mom knows, the women I parent with know because sometimes when we we're just chilling at night I get the attacks and I have to share what I am experiencing."

This condition saw his postpone one of his major show in the US.

"The doctor recommended that I should not travel or sit in a plane for more than eight hours," he announced.

Well, the singer now has good news for his fans. Speaking to members of the press after landing at the Moi International airport on Sunday ahead of the Rashid Abdallah super cup finals, Mbosso revealed that he is currently doing well and there is no cause of alarm.

"Nashkuru Mungu kwa sasa niko vizuri kama unavyoniona (I thank God that I'm now doing okay as you can see )". said Mbosso

Award-winning Nigerian star and one of the new gen’s most exciting breakthrough artists Bnxn (fka BUJU) has dropped his highly anticipated 15-track debut album, ‘Sincerely, Benson.’.

The formidable Afrofusion singer penned every single lyric on the project, whilst working with a collection of A-List producers, including Jae5, Sarz, ATG, Guiltybeatz, Leriq, Davinchiii, Denzl, Blaisebeatz, Tempoe, Magicsticks and Dro amongst others.

Sincerely, Benson’ is a masterclass in vocals and musicality as the singer opens up and lets us explore his world.

Bnxn set the tone early on with ‘Gwagwalada’ featuring Kizz Daniel and Seyi Vibez, which dropped in February and has been on a winning streak ever since.

True to his reputation as a hitmaker, ‘Sincerely, Benson’ is bursting with singles that will make it a debut that stands the test of time.

'Sincerely, Benson’ includes a handpicked selection of features, including UK rapper Headie One, Taves, Nigerian superstar 2Baba and Jamaican singer Popcaan. Speaking on ‘Sincerely, Benson.’ Bnxn said, “This is as sincere as it gets”.

Since dropping his ‘Sorry I’m Late’ EP in 2021, Bnxn has gone from strength to strength, dropping his widely acclaimed ‘Bad Since 97’ EP (total career streams 1.5 Billion) and being awarded the 2022 Headies Next Rated Artist.

Bnxn is now one of Nigeria’s most recognisable voices, achieving success both within the continent and internationally.

Over the last few years, the Lagos singer has released a growing body of work that pushes back against conventional modes of African music and in doing so, he has created an instantly recognisable sound.

He has completely switched up the game, becoming one of the biggest and most internationally known names in the new wave of stars.

Following his recent acclaimed singles, ‘Pray’ and 'GWAGWALADA' which both feature on the album, last month Bnxn collaborated with UK artist Stefflon Don on ‘Whats Poppin’ which has created an undeniable buzz in the UK and received 6M streams to date.

He is showing no signs of slowing down, and to celebrate the release of his album, Bnxn has announced a headline show at London's iconic venue, The Roundhouse on the 18th of November.

This show will follow the ‘Sincerely, Benson’ US tour, where he will perform the album across 13 venues throughout October and November.

The EU and Kenya today signed an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to boost bilateral trade in goods, increase investment flows, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

The EPA provides a platform to support job creation on both sides, along with targeted cooperation to enhance Kenya's economic development. It is the most ambitious trade deal ever signed by the EU with a developing country when it comes to sustainability provisions such as climate and environmental protection, labour rights and gender equality.

The signature took place during an official ceremony in Nairobi with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Kenyan President Dr. William Samoei Ruto.

The EU is Kenya's first export destination and second largest trading partner, with a total of €3.3 billion in bilateral trade in 2022 - an increase of 27% compared to 2018. The EPA will create even more opportunities for Kenyan businesses and exporters, as it will fully open the EU market for Kenyan products upon entry into force. It will also incentivise EU investment in Kenya thanks to increased legal certainty and stability.

Kenya has played a pioneering role in driving sustainability efforts on the African continent and is a reliable ally in the fight against climate change. It co-leads the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate initiative launched earlier this year, together with the EU and other partners. The EU-Kenya EPA builds on this strong track record and is the first agreement with a developing country in which the EU's new approach to trade and sustainable development is reflected.

The balanced agreement takes into account Kenya's development needs by providing a longer period to gradually open its market. It also includes a special safeguard for agriculture, food security and infant industry. A dedicated chapter has been included on economic and development cooperation, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the Kenyan economy.

Together with EU development assistance, this will help build capacity and assist Kenya in implementing the EPA smoothly, while supporting local farmers in meeting EU standards and in reaping the opportunities this agreement provides.

The agreement corresponds to the Commission's commitment to step up engagement with partners and regions in Africa. The aim is to enhance sustainable trade links between both continents and within Africa itself, thereby meeting key objectives for both the EU-Africa relationship and the green transition.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Kenya is a key partner for the European Union in Africa. The new Economic Partnership Agreement will boost bilateral trade even further, support investments and create good jobs in Kenya. This agreement will also contribute to sustainable and fair economic growth, bringing new opportunities for companies, to the benefit of both our people. It includes the strongest social and climate commitments of any EU trade deal with an African country.”

Next steps

The EPA will be transmitted to the European Parliament for consent. The agreement will subsequently enter into force. 

Background

The Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and Kenya aims to implement the provisions contained in the EU-East African Community (EAC) EPA, and will be open for other EAC countries to join in the future.

The EPA and its ambitious commitments represent a crucial deliverable of the current EU Trade Agenda, in particular the goal of enhancing trade relations with Africa, helping the EU to deepen and expand its current trade agreements with African countries, and enhancing their sustainability objectives.