Adalla Allan
Verified
(He/Him)
As seen in:
People Daily Kenya
Covers:
Lifestyle (Automotive, Tech, Entertainment), Human Interest, Profiles, Business, Real Estate
Doesn't Cover:
Politics, sports
journalist @peopledailyKe
Articles by Adalla Allan
Matatu culture: Loud, proud and unapologetically Kenyan
| If you’ve spent any time in Nairobi, you know a matatu isn’t just a way to get around. It’s a full experience. For years, Kenya’s matatus have defined what it means to mix transport with music, fashion, art, and youth energy. With the arrival of Mood —the latest nganya in town— the matatu culture is catching new fire, and it’s coming from an unexpected direction. Owned by President William Ruto’s son, George Ruto, Mood has been the talk of the streets in the last few days.
Scania, MAN, and Mercedes-Benz vie for Kenya’s premium transport crown
| In Kenya, where buses do more than just ferry passengers — they drive commerce, tourism, school runs, and national pride — not all are built equal. And in the world of premium coaches, three names dominate the tarmac and trust of long-haul operators: Scania, MAN, and Mercedes-Benz. These aren’t your average matatus or 33-seater Sacco shuttles. These are the giants. The tour kings. The executive rides that make passengers say, “Hii ni gari safi.” These buses are designed to impress — and endure.
How driving an electric car in Nairobi changed more than just my commute
| When I slid into the driver’s seat of a Nissan Leaf, I wasn’t expecting it to mess with my instincts. No ignition roar. No trembling gearstick. Just silence, and a glowing dash that looked more spaceship than saloon. If a car could whisper, this one did. Pulling onto Waiyaki Way, I braced for the usual chaos. But the Leaf moved with an odd calm. Smooth. Immediate. Like it knew something I didn’t.
Is Kenya ready for advanced driving technology?
| Not once have we seen videos online of cars parking themselves, braking before accidents, or cruising down highways while their drivers sip coffee hands-free. Meanwhile, in Nairobi, some of us are still dodging potholes the size of bathtubs and negotiating right-of-way with boda bodas at 7 am. The truth is, that the world of motoring is changing fast. From electric vehicles to self-driving features, cars are becoming smarter and more connected.
How new car tax rules will hit Kenyan motorists
| Come July 1, 2025, importing a used car into Kenya will become a costly affair, thanks to a decision by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to introduce a new way of valuing imported vehicles. The move, which involves adopting a revised Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP) schedule, is already stirring anxiety across the auto industry. For many Kenyans, especially first-time car buyers and middle-income earners, the dream of owning a modest used car like a Toyota Vitz may soon feel out of reach.
Could small cars really replace the motorbike?
| There comes a time in every hustler’s journey when the dream shifts. The hum of a motorbike becomes familiar, but the longing for something more enclosed, more dignified—and dare we say, more comfortable—starts to grow. It’s not just about the rain or the dust. It’s the quiet envy when watching a car glide by, windows up, radio on, passengers dry and composed while you’re struggling with a raincoat that never quite zips right.
Nightmare that is Nairobi’s endless parking headache
| In Nairobi, car parking is not just about where to leave your car. It’s a daily contest of power, privilege, patience—and sometimes pure survival. And like everything else in the capital, the rules are unwritten, often unfair, and always changing. Whether it’s a boda boda squeezing between sport utility vehicles (SUVs) in Westlands, a clerk dodging clamps in the Central Business District (CBD), or a Lexus driver double-parking at a mall, everyone is playing the parking game.
Why Kenya is still not ready for electric cars
| As the world accelerates toward electric mobility, Kenya finds itself at a crossroads—torn between ambition and reality. While electric motorcycles like the Roam Air and a few electric car models have found a foothold, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) remains a distant dream. Despite government incentives and a growing awareness of sustainable transport, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Omoyo’s 50 years behind the lenses, yet still clicking away
Thursday, November 9th, 2023 08:58 | By In a world bombarded with visuals, there is an unsung hero who has spent five decades preserving life’s moments – Mzee Omoyo, a professional Kenyan photographer. Omoyo’s lenses have chronicled everything from intimate family portraits to the grandour of the country’s momentous political events, leaving an indelible mark on the art of photography on the African continent.
Huduma Centres to be put up in all constituencies - PS
Friday, February 3rd, 2023 05:00 | By The government will establish Huduma centres in all parliamentary constituencies, the Principal Secretary for Public Service Amos Gathecha has said. Gathecha said this will take services closer to the people, adding that the government intends to increase services offered through the centres. The PS said that currently, there are 52 Huduma Centres in the country and they intend to increase the number to 340.
Opportunities for insurers as insurtech market experiences growth
Wednesday, January 11th, 2023 01:14 | By Over the years, the insurance industry has revolutionised thanks to the influence of tech where traditional insurance is seen to be replaced by a new wave popularly known as insurtech. In Africa, insurtech is finding a footing on the heels of a fintech blast, which refers to any app, software, or technology enabling people and businesses to digitally access, manage, or gain insights into their finances or make financial transactions.
Conquering Everest is trio’s main mission
Friday, December 23rd, 2022 03:09 | By Coming from a mountaineering family, Faith Mwende has taken hiking as her hobby since she was a teen and now in her 30s, she boasts of the unique achievement of being one the few people to have climbed all the mountains in Africa. She holds many hats including being a certified Investment and Financial Analyst, peer counsellor, motivational speaker and youth mentor.
Google declares IEBC winner of Year in Search 2022 category
Friday, December 9th, 2022 03:00 | By The portal of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was the top trending “general search” in Kenya this year, according to Google’s ‘Year in Search 2022’ report released yesterday. The report revealed that anxious Kenyans searched the portal to keep track of the results of the presidential election as they trickled in from polling stations nationwide.
Made a loss? Who? Vendors reap big from Safari Rally
Friday, July 1st, 2022 01:30 | By Days, after business people ranted about the doom and gloom of their investments in Naivasha, were, it turns out some made a kill out of the 2022 WRC Safari Rally event held on June 22-26. Among those who laughed all the way to the bank where public and private vehicle owners who utilised the opportunity during the four days by offering transport services to people who were going to the motor racing event.
Hope after despair for children with congenital heart diseases
Monday, June 27th, 2022 11:00 | By Nothing had prepared Ashley Maria for the shock of discovering that there was something wrong with her unborn baby’s heart. She was seven months pregnant when her doctor diagnosed her daughter Anne Staicy withTetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a combination of four related heart defects that commonly occur together.
Music styles that propelled Africa to the global map
Wednesday, June 8th, 2022 00:18 | By In Africa, music is one of the most profound ways through which we showcase the rich continental culture and heritage. Adalla Allan looks at some of the music genres that have over the years helped the continent put itself on the international stage Soukous Originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), soukous is a music genre that combines multiple elements of African music with global sounds that began in the 1930s.
Scammers on fake sites prey on crypto traders
Wednesday, April 27th, 2022 08:17 | By For years, Kenyans have fallen victim to the well-choreographed and enticing online investment schemes, as they often turn out to be just that—scams. Since the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, trade in crypto currency and emergence of many Ponzi schemes have massively thrived and ripped off thousands of inexperienced investors. ICT cabinet secretary Joe Mucheru recently stated that Kenyans lost US$120 million (Sh12 billion) in 2021 to crypto currency scams.
Top trending topics on Facebook in Kenya in 2021
By Adalla Allan , People Daily Digital Monday, December 20th, 2021 07:54 | 4 mins read 2021 has been a year worth recalling for Meta as the American-based conglomerate company rebranded its name from Facebook. The company that owns famous social media platforms Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and Whatsapp has released the ‘2021 Year In Review’, an infographic that shows the top topics and trends on Facebook and Instagram in Kenya throughout the year.
Party is back with the lifting of dusk-to-dawn nationwide curfew
By Adalla Allan , People Daily Digital Friday, October 29th, 2021 00:00 | 6 mins read Oga Obinna. With the lifting of the dusk-to-dawn nationwide curfew that has been in place for almost two years, night partying is expected to make a comeback in full swing.
Firm taps into financing to get phones in users’ hands
By Adalla Allan , People Daily Digital Thursday, October 21st, 2021 00:00 | 3 mins read Phoebe Irungu is the head of credit and chief of staff at Follow Me Talk, a telecommunications retailer. Photo/PD/JOHN OCHIENG Many people have had a rough time repaying loans, especially at a difficult economic time as this.
Meet Brian Lian Kamene aka Mchyna a fast-rising Kenyan fashion stylist and model
By Adalla Allan , People Daily Digital Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 00:00 | 3 mins read Brian Lian Kamene aka Mchyna a fast-rising Kenyan fashion stylist and model. How did you find yourself in the fashion world? Well, it began as a passion back in high school. I used to love watching models during photography sessions and I fell in love with the art. Later on, I decided to do trials as a hobby and would pause for my Instagram posts and acquaintances.
In the world of digital content creation, there are those who make a fortune from ‘YouTubbing’
By Adalla Allan Friday, September 24th, 2021 00:00 | 5 mins read Milly and Kabi Wa Jesus. “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” These are the words of Solomon’s wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. The Englishmen then affirmed that behind every successful man, there must be a woman.
Ten ways to prevent cancer in children
By Adalla Allan Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 00:00 | 3 mins read Reducing cancer in children. Limit their exposure to chemicals Your children’s genes influence their risk of cancer and this is not something you can change. But lifestyle and environment also influence their risk, and this is where you can have an impact. Insecticides, especially those used indoors have recently been shown to increase children’s risk of leukaemia by 47 per cent.
It's a vicious war pitting YouTube content creators and claimants of copyrights
By Adalla Allan Friday, August 6th, 2021 00:00 | 6 mins read Edward Sigei. Copyright issues have plagued online video sharing platform YouTube and its community for years, but creators globally are now calling this moment in time one of the worst eras for the platform. Multiple artistes and other YouTube content creators have run into headwinds with what they describe as aggressive copyright claims from record labels and other individuals.
Chop money: Is it real or clout chasing?
By Adalla Allan Friday, July 23rd, 2021 00:00 | 6 mins read Ringtone. Flaunting one’s riches is an ages-old ritual in the show business. However, in this time of vast digital advancement, some people are viewing it as just an out-dated and irrelevant showboating stunt. And as Allan Adalla writes, the debate is just gathering momentum.
When brokers of data descend
By Adalla Allan Wednesday, July 21st, 2021 00:00 | 3 mins read How to become an ethical hacker. Photo/Courtesy From receiving campaign messages to being registered to political parties without their consent, Kenyans are up in arms about the security of their data, highlighting fear of impersonation and fraud.
YouTube has become one of the major mining fields for digital content creators
By Adalla Allan Monday, July 19th, 2021 00:00 | 3 mins read Octopizzo. YouTube has become one of the major mining fields for digital content creators. The platform is also a big revenue generator for creatives, however, as Allan Adalla writes, some scrupulous creators may be bending the rules. Before the advancement in technology, the music industry as we know it was a whole different thing. Artistes and music production studios boasted the large numbers of music album sales.
Meet Dennis Karuri a full time make-up artist who doubles as a model and a content creator
By Adalla Allan Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 00:00 | 2 mins read Dennis Karuri is a full time make-up artist. Dennis Karuri is a full time make-up artist who doubles as a model and a content creator. He chats with Allan Adalla about his venture and experiencesDid you pursue beauty in campus? Not at all. After joining Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology main campus in 2013, I studied for a degree in Agribusiness Economics and Food Industry Management.
The wild side of the Vasha chronicles
By Adalla Allan Friday, July 2nd, 2021 00:00 | 6 mins read Alex Rocha. They say what happens in Naivasha stays there, but does it? Allan Adalla puts into critical perspective about how the Safari Rally partying went down there.
Technology advancement across the world has changed whole system
By Adalla Allan Monday, June 21st, 2021 00:00 | 3 mins read KRG The Don. Technology advancement across the world has changed how a lot of things are done. As Allan Adalla writes, music consumption and commercialisation are some areas positively affected by this. With the internet accessible in every corner of the world, music has also found space online, thanks to live streams. Video streaming platforms such as YouTube has seen an increased number of users during the pandemic.
Meet Alex Wamatu aka Kinyash or Kinyanjui - popular figure in Kenyan acting, comedy circles
By Adalla Allan Tuesday, June 15th, 2021 00:00 | 3 mins read Alex Wamatu aka Kinyash or Kinyanjui is a popular figure in the Kenyan acting and comedy circles. Alex Wamatu aka Kinyash or Kinyanjui is a popular figure in the Kenyan acting and comedy circles. He chats with Allan Adalla about the highs, lows and aspirations of his artistic career. Briefly introduce yourself. I was born and bred in Mwimuto village in Kiambu county.
Time to waive patents on Covid-19 vaccines
By Adalla Allan Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 00:00 | 3 mins read Johnson & Johnson Presently, a big debate rages in the global front about whether or not it would be prudent for giant tech firms and pharmaceuticals to share their Intellectual Property rights on their jabs for the good of humankind. Allan Adalla @adalla_allan The world has been battling the Covid-19 pandemic for more than a year now.
Conquering the foreign lands
By Adalla Allan Thursday, May 20th, 2021 Bob relaxing at home in the US. Photo/PD/COURTESY In summary Bob was born in Imenti South, Meru county. He relocated to the US in 2009 to further his studies and joined the University of Indiana to pursue a Master Degree in Professional Accountancy. He set up an Information Technology consultancy firm called Appstec America in 2017.
Meet rising star - Celestine Gachuhi
By Adalla Allan Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 Rising star - Celestine Gachuhi. Known for her stellar performance as Selina in the eponymous TV show, Celestine Gachuhi is making waves as formidable force. She tells Adalla Allan what makes her tick Briefly tell us about yourself? I am a 25-year-old actress currently in Selina, a singer and a motivational speaker. Tell us about your acting journey? I started acting at a very young age.
Lest we forget - popular Congolese figures nurtured, mentored, showed others the way
By Adalla Allan Monday, March 22nd, 2021 Simaro. Photo/PD/File In summary Lest we forget - popular Congolese figures nurtured, mentored, showed others the way While the grim reaper takes the best of the best, one thing is certain, legendary musicians did not take their talents to the grave.
Ten revolutionary women in automotive industry
By Adalla Allan Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021 Revolutionary women in automotive industry. For a long time, many people perceived women as being less capable than men. However, women continue to contend with a fair share of gender-based discrimination, especially in male-dominated sectors. The automotive industry is an example of these areas that underrepresent women, as it is highly fuelled by misconceptions of women and driving.
Keep gadgets safe over the holiday
By Adalla Allan Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020 Keep gadgets safe over the holiday. Adalla Allan @Adalla_Allan Our gadgets have offered us good company throughout this quarantine period by always keeping us updated on what is going on around the world. It also made the globe a small home as we would communicate virtually with our loved ones and colleagues world over. We have been able to work and learn from home and entertain ourselves with these gadgets during Covid-19 times.
The mystery behind prime land with rusty roof
By Adalla Allan Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 A lone roof on the ground. Part of the owner’s house. Photo/PD/ADALLA ALLAN Adalla Allan @adalla_allan Along the Kisumu-Busia highway at Tiengre K’Orando village in Kisumu county, a bizarre spectacle awaits you. A seemingly submerged house with a rusty roof is the focus of the unfenced prime piece of land.
Ten common car problems that will not require a mechanic to fix
By Adalla Allan Wednesday, November 4th, 2020 Just like people are advised to go for regular medical check-ups, it’s also advisable to regularly take our cars to the garage for mechanical checks.
Blame game on Othuol Othuol’s death has been rife within the creative sector
By Adalla Allan Friday, October 23rd, 2020 Comedian Ben Maurice Onyango alias Othuol Othuol. Following comedian Othuol Othuol’s death two weeks ago, a lot of talk has been thrown around that his fellow comedians failed him in his hour of need. This blame game has been rife within the creative sector with no end in sight yet,writes Adalla Allan Many Africans tend to believe that whenever a person dies, the probability of the death being natural are slim.
Cylists: We deserve respect on the road, stop harassing us
By Adalla Allan Friday, October 2nd, 2020 Stephen Ndege (in front), an official at RDX riders club says he has fallen victim to harassment on the road several times. PD/allan adalla In summary Cyclists riding in groupsshould notkeep in a single file. They should file two abreast on narrow and winding lanes in the interest of safety.
Training teachers to foster learning at home
By Adalla Allan Monday, September 28th, 2020 A Dignitas official trains a teacher on how to use the gadget for e-learning. BELOW: Samantha Nyabola, school support manager at Dignitas. Photo/PD/Adalla Allan Adalla Allan @Adalla_allan Over 3.1 billion children and 63 million teachers were affected by school closures globally, a study by the United Nation Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) said. Of this, over 700 million children were from developing countries.
The going gets tough for Kenyan deejays in wake of the Covid-19 crisis
By Adalla Allan Thursday, September 17th, 2020 DJ Lyta. Kenyan deejays are among the most hit by the Covid-19 crisis, and their only hope is for the entertainment sector to reopen sooner than later to bring to an end their untold suffering. Adalla Allantakes a look at how they’ve been fairing since the economic lockdown.
Navigating the rough road of safety awareness
By Adalla Allan Monday, September 14th, 2020 Owuor Otet interacts with drivers in an effort to end road carnage. FAR Photo/PD/ALLAN ADALLA In summary According to World Health Organisation, between 3,000 and 13,000 Kenyans lose their lives in road traffic crashes every year. The majority of these people are vulnerable road users – pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists 99.1 per cent of deaths through road accidents are caused by human error that can be minimised through awareness campaigns.
Meet Oliver Otieno aka YY one of Kenya’s top stand-up comedians
By Adalla Allan Tuesday, September 8th, 2020 Oliver Otieno aka YY is one of Kenya’s top stand-up comedians. Oliver Otieno aka YY is one of Kenya’s top stand-up comedians, who rose to fame due to his exploits in the comedy TV show Churchill Show. He chats with Adalla Allan about his career as a comic and how he’s coping with the Cocid-19 crisis. How and when did you get into comedy? The journey has been long. I am still travelling it and I am not sure when or if I will ever arrive.
Motoring: The flying lady
By People Reporter Saturday, November 9th, 2019 By Adalla Allan How did you get the car? It is an inheritance from my dad. He loves vintage car, this is one of twenty-two of them. So, when I came back to Kenya from the United Kingdom after staying there for 15 years, my dad (John Wroe – owner of Ford Tudor 1930, winner of CBA Concours d’Elegance 2019) gave it to me as a gift. I had long been an admirer of the classic car and my dad knew it.
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