Ex journalist @NationAfrica, Cornell University @ScienceAlly, Thomson Reuters @TRF, Editor BDA @Africa_newsday, MA Digital Journalism Aga Khan University.
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Articles by Gerald Andae
East Africa: Kenya's Ruto Faces Challenges As New EAC Chair Amid Regional Tensions
Kenyan President William Ruto faces significant challenges as he assumes the chairmanship of the East African Community (EAC), taking the reins amid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. President Ruto was appointed chair of the eight-member regional bloc last week and pledged to mediate the escalating dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia. Speaking at the EAC Heads of State Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, he announced plans to work alongside Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to defuse the conflict.
Africa: Global Coffee Prices Hit 27-Year High, Boosting East Africa
Global coffee prices surged to their highest levels since 1997, with Arabica futures on the New York exchange climbing three this week. In East Africa, Kenya recorded a 27 percent increase in average sales, reaching $4.2 million--the strongest performance since January--buoyed by a rally in international prices. Tightening global supplies have increased demand for Eastern African coffee, particularly from Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
Kenya: Jinxed Again? Kenya's JKIA Second Runway Expansion Fails to Takeoff
Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) faces another setback in its expansion plans after President William Ruto cancelled a proposed upgrade by the controversial Adani Group. This marks the second time East Africa's busiest aviation hub has seen plans for a second runway shelved. A similar initiative was abandoned in 2016 when an award for the project was cancelled.
Kenya: Adani Chair Charged With Bribing Officials in $2 Billion Solar Energy Fraud
Gautam Adani, chairman of India's Adani Group and one of the world's wealthiest individuals, has been charged in a U.S. federal court with orchestrating a massive bribery and fraud scheme, prosecutors said on Wednesday. Adani and seven others are accused of paying more than $250 million in bribes to Indian government officials to secure solar energy supply contracts, according to an indictment unsealed in a New York court.
Kenya's West Rift Farmers Get Low Bonuses Due to Minimum Price Policy
Farmers in Kenya's west of the Rift received the lowest bonus for the 2023/24 financial year as earnings were dented by unsold tea stockpiles at the Mombasa auction, industry data showed. Factories in the region posted weak earnings, with much of their tea rejected at the auction due to a government-mandated minimum price that deterred buyers.
Africa: Coffee Prices Surge On EU Deforestation Rules
Coffee prices surged to their highest levels in the latest auction, driven by strong demand as buyers stockpile ahead of the European Union's deforestation regulation, which threatens to tighten market supplies. In Kenya, the cost of Arabica surged to $276 for a 50-kilo bag, up from $251 in the previous sale, marking the highest value since the start of the crop year in October.
Kenya: Will Trump Scrap Biden's Kenya Trade Deal and Revive 2020 Talks?
Former US President Donald Trump's return to the White House has cast uncertainty over trade talks between Kenya and the United States, which were revived under President Joe Biden. The Biden administration had launched a strategic trade and investment partnership with Kenya in 2021, replacing the formal negotiations initiated by Trump in 2020.
Africa: Two Wars, Climate Change - Trump Win Keeps World Guessing Over Next Move
Donald Trump's return to power has left the world guessing how his foreign policy would shape geopolitics at a time when three major risks--an Israel-Palestinian war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and climate change--dominate global concerns. Mr Trump, who has previously dismissed climate change, could significantly alter US responses to these crises, raising questions among allies about Washington's future role.
Africa: Trump Win Could Jeopardise Agoa Renewal, Putting Africa At a Crossroads
A potential victory for former U.S. President Donald Trump in this election could leave African countries at a critical moment, as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is set to expire next year. Renewal of the US-Africa trade pact, which allows duty-free, quota-free access for African exports to the US, may face significant hurdles under a Trump administration, given his previous demands for increased market access for U.S goods.
Africa: World Holds Breath As U.S. Election May Redefine Global Order
The world is watching closely as Americans head to the polls on Tuesday in a high-stakes election that could shift the global balance of power, with the potential for profound impacts across foreign policy and international alliances. The race between Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Republican challenger Donald Trump has sparked international interest due to its potential to reshape US priorities on issues ranging from military alliances to trade policies.
South African Airways Mulls Heathrow Slot Sale, Echoing KQ 'Mistake'
South African Airways is considering selling its prime landing slots at London Heathrow, echoing a controversial move by Kenya Airways in 2016 as the struggling carrier seeks funds to support operations and aircraft purchases. The airline aims to bolster its balance sheet after previous privatisation efforts stalled, with its board informing a parliamentary committee that it has been exploring the sale of Heathrow slots currently leased to Qatar Airways and British Airways.
East Africa: Comesa Competition Warns On Recalled Apple Accessories
The regional competition watchdog has cautioned consumers against using certain Apple accessories following a manufacturer recall. The COMESA Competition Commission said Belkin Limited had voluntarily recalled its Belkin BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K, citing a manufacturing defect that could cause the lithium battery to overheat.
Kenya: 89 Percent of Tea Remains Unsold As Scrapping of Minimum Price Fails to Boost Sales
Small-scale tea farmers in Kenya are still facing losses despite the removal of the minimum price at the Mombasa auction, a move that has failed to boost both prices and purchased volumes from the old stocks. Data from the Mombasa auction shows that of the 8.97 million kilogrammes of the old tea offered last Tuesday, only 923,910 kilos were sold, meaning 89.7 percent of the offering was rejected by buyers.
Kenya Halts Avocado Exports to Curb Immature Harvesting
Kenya's Horticulture Directorate has temporarily halted the export of popular avocado varieties, including Fuerte, Hass, Pinkerton, and Jumbo, to prevent the harvesting of immature fruits and protect its international market as the season comes to a close. The decision, effective from October 25, 2024, applies to sea shipments for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. The closure is an annual routine that is normally effected after consultation with stakeholders.
Somalia: Israel-Somaliland Military Deal to Spark Diplomatic Tensions With Somalia
Israel's plans to establish a military base in Somaliland is likely to heighten diplomatic tensions between Somalia and the Middle Eastern state. According to the Qatari state-funded Middle East Monitor, Israel is eyeing a northern Somalia military base to monitor activities in Yemen and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
East Africa: Comesa Probes Coca-Cola for Potential Anti-Competitive Practices
The COMESA Competition Commission (CCC) has launched an investigation into potential anti-competitive practices by The Coca-Cola Company in the Common Market. The probe, initiated under Article 22 of the COMESA Competition Regulations, will examine whether the global beverage giant has violated Article 16, which prohibits agreements that may prevent, restrict, or distort competition between member states.
Kenya: Ruto, Odinga Allies Unite As Kenya's Deputy President Impeached
Kenya's opposition lawmakers on Tuesday joined forces with the ruling party to vote for the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, just two years into his term. Parliament overwhelmingly backed the motion to remove Gachagua, a significant development in the country's political history. The impeachment vote follows a rare alliance between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, who has seen six of his key allies appointed to government positions after unrest in July.
Kenyan Coffee Prices Dip Slightly As Brazil Drought Boosts Global Rates
The value of Kenyan coffee edged down slightly but remained strong as the Nairobi Coffee Exchange held its first auction of the season, with global prices buoyed by a prolonged drought in Brazil, the world's largest coffee producer. The price for a 50-kg bag of Kenyan coffee fell to $256 from $257 at the previous sale, as the country nears the end of sales from its lower-grade short-term crop.
East Africa to Gain As India Lifts Ban On Rice Exports
India's decision to lift the ban on non-basmati rice exports is expected to benefit East African countries, which rely heavily on imports to meet their consumption needs. The previous export restriction had disrupted global rice supply, affecting these nations. India announced on Saturday that it would resume exports of non-basmati white rice, with the country's stockpiles swelling and a new harvest due in the coming weeks.
East Africa: Biden to Skip East Africa, Visit Angola in First Africa Trip
US President Joe Biden will bypass East Africa during his first visit to the continent as president, instead choosing Angola as his destination, the White House announced during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Mr Biden, who will not seek reelection in November, is set to visit Angola's capital, Luanda, from October 13 to 15. This will be his first visit to the country since assuming office four years ago.
Cote d'Ivoire: KQ Flight to Abidjan Makes Air Turn Back Due to Anti-Icing Fault
Kenya Airways flight KQ520, en route to Abidjan, was forced to make an air turn back to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday due to a technical issue with the aircraft's anti-icing system. The flight, originally scheduled to depart in the morning, was delayed for four hours, eventually taking off from Nairobi at 12:42 pm, disrupting travel plans for hundreds of passengers.
Kenya to Reallocate Coffee Funds, Issue Grants Due to Low Uptake
Kenya's Ministry of Cooperatives has requested the Treasury to reallocate unused coffee cherry funds to other state agencies and offer grants to select cooperatives, following low uptake of the fund by farmers. In a letter seen by Business Day Africa, Cooperatives Principal Secretary Patrick Kilemi urged his Treasury counterpart Chris Kiptoo to divert part of the Ksh3 billion cherry fund to New KCC plants, women's cooperatives, and a cotton ginnery.
Africa's Plane Fleet to Double By 2043, Leading Global Growth - Boeing
Africa's commercial airplane fleet is set to see substantial growth by 2043, with Boeing forecasting that 82 percent of the new aircraft deliveries will be for expansion rather than replacement, marking the highest growth rate of any region worldwide. The US plane maker says Africa's expanding and youthful population is driving a surge in air travel, with the continent's commercial airplane fleet expected to more than double by 2043.
Africa: Airbus Opens Support Centre in SA As Boeing Eyes Africa Expansion
Airbus has opened a new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, as part of efforts to expand its presence on the continent. The centre aims to improve operational support for airlines across Africa, providing access to maintenance and training resources while helping to strengthen local aviation capabilities. This move comes as US plane maker Boeing prepares to open an office in Ethiopia, positioning itself to compete more aggressively in the African market.
East Africa: UK Pushes EAC for Lower Whisky Duty in Trade Deal
The United Kingdom has lobbied the East African Community (EAC) to reduce the duties it imposes on whisky in exchange for lowering phytosanitary checks on the region's exports to the UK. In a major move, the UK has already reduced inspection rates for Kenyan snow peas, slashing the rate from 10 percent to five percent of total consignments. This move is expected to cut costs for exporters and boost the competitiveness of Kenyan snow peas in the UK market.
Kenya: Adani's Proposed Takeover Deal of JKIA Triggers Millions in Airline Losses
Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) faced significant disruptions on Wednesday after aviation workers halted operations in protest against the proposed 30 year lease plan by India's Adani Group, leading to millions of dollars in losses due to flight cancellations and delays.
Israel eyes Kenya for wheat farming after Galana-Kulalu maize failure
Business Day Africa | 30 August 2024 Israel eyes Kenya for wheat farming after Galana-Kulalu maize failure by Gerald Andae Kenya has revealed plans to lease large tracts of land to Israeli investors for wheat production, marking a renewed agricultural venture after an earlier Israeli-led maize project at the Galana-Kulalu irrigation scheme failed.
Kenya: KQ Grounds 2 Dreamliner for a Checks Maintenance, Disrupting Flights
Kenya Airways is facing significant service disruptions after two of its high-capacity aircraft were grounded for unplanned maintenance. The Nairobi-based carrier has taken two Boeing 787 Dreamliner out of service to undergo checks and repairs, but a shortage of parts has prolonged their stay in the hangar, leading to delays on several of its scheduled routes.
Kenya: KAA Set to Sign Deal With Adani Group After Due Diligence Mission
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is set to finalise a deal with India's Adani Group following a due diligence mission currently underway in Mumbai, officials said. Kenya's state officials departed the country on Tuesday to meet with Adani executives, amid growing domestic opposition to the proposed agreement. A senior KAA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Business Day Africa that the deal will be concluded once the team returns and is satisfied with its findings.
Egypt: Tensions Escalate As Egypt Backs Somalia, Sparking Ethiopian Concerns
The tension between Ethiopia and Egypt appears to have escalated as Cairo extends support to Somalia's peace mission and an offer of security personnel to replace the African Union-backed force, whose mandate is nearing its end. The prospect of Egyptian troops in close proximity has raised concerns in Ethiopia.
Kenya: Israel Eyes Kenya for Wheat Farming After Galana-Kulalu Maize Failure
Kenya has revealed plans to lease large tracts of land to Israeli investors for wheat production, marking a renewed agricultural venture after an earlier Israeli-led maize project at the Galana-Kulalu irrigation scheme failed. Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, announced that Israeli investors would partner with local farmers to increase wheat supply in the domestic market following discussion with Tel Aviv top official.
Kenya: Rai Sustains Dominance, Controlling Nearly Half of Kenya's Sugar Production
Billionaire Rai family has tightened their grip on the sugar market, with the latest figures indicating that they controlled nearly half of the sales in three months to June. Sugar Directorate data shows the four firms owned by the Rai family controlled 40 percent of the total production in the year to July, extending control in the sugar market. The sugar industry in Kenya has been dominated by a handful of players, with the Rai family's enterprises leading the charge.
Ethiopia Airlines Set to Lose Second Horn of Africa Route
Ethiopian Airlines faces the potential loss of another route in the Horn of Africa, as Somali authorities have threatened to revoke its flying rights amidst ongoing territorial disputes between the two nations. The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) cited concerns including poor customer experience and unresolved sovereignty issues as reasons for this action.
East Africa: Comesa Bloc Eyes $30 Billion From Leather Sector
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is aiming to boost its annual earnings from the leather sector to $30 billion, according to Nicholas Mudungwe, executive director of the bloc's Africa Leather and Leather Products Institute. Currently, the trading bloc produces approximately $3 billion worth of leather products each year while importing an additional $2 billion from the rest of the world.
Kenya: KQ Turns Focus to Strategic Investor After Profit Return
Kenya Airways is shifting its focus to securing a strategic investor for a fresh capital injection under the Kifaru 2 project as it aims to sustain profitability in 2024 after posting strong earnings in the year to June. The Nairobi-based carrier made a surprising return to profitability, reporting a Ksh513 million profit for the review period, driven by a surge in passenger numbers and a favourable exchange rate.
Kenya: Half of Kenya's Tea Withdrawn From Market As High Prices Impact Sales
Kenya continues to grapple with stagnant tea stocks, driven by the high volumes of the commodity carried over from previous years, which could potentially impact farmers' earnings in the just concluded financial year. At the latest auction in Mombasa, the world's second-largest trading market for black tea, over half of the tea offered was withdrawn after buyers rejected it due to prices deemed too high relative to its value.
Rwanda: Ethiopia, Rwanda Aim for Aviation Hub Status As Kenya Faces Hurdles
Ethiopia and Rwanda are making significant strides to establish themselves as key aviation hubs in East Africa, with substantial investments in airport infrastructure as Kenya tethers with the expansion of JKIA. Kenya continues to grapple with challenges surrounding the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the region's primary transit hub.
Kenya: Value of Kenya's Coffee Surges 20 Percent As Market Reopens
The value of Kenya's coffee surged 15 percent this week as the auction reopened after a mid-season break, amid global price volatility. The total value of the beverage at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange rose to $5.5 million from $4.8 million in the last sale before the break. The increase was driven by strong returns from Kenya's top-grade coffees, which saw significant growth. Kenya's premier coffee grade AA surged, with a 50-kilo bag fetching $275, up from $239 in the previous sale.
Kenya's President Ruto Retreats to Home Town Amid Protests
Kenya's President William Ruto retreated to his home region on Thursday, ahead of planned day-long demonstrations in Nairobi pushing for his resignation. President Ruto is spending the day in Uasin Gishu, where he is expected to elevate the town of Eldoret to city status. The President hails from this region and previously represented it as a member of parliament before becoming Deputy President in 2013.
East Africa: Burundi Joins EAC One Network Area to Lower Calling Costs
Burundi has joined Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania under the East African Community (EAC) One Network Area (ONA), aimed at reducing telecommunication costs in the region. Burundi's inclusion in the ONA on August 1 means six out of the eight EAC Partner States are now part of the initiative, which promises cheaper calls and mobile data roaming charges across the bloc.
Kenya: Kenya Tea Agency to Borrow Billions for Bonuses As Minimum Price Hits Sales
The Uhuru Kenyatta administration disrupted the tea sector by introducing a minimum price and borrowing billions to pay an early enhanced bonus, aiming to sway producers to vote for Raila Odinga in the 2022 general election. The sector has struggled to recover, relying on expensive loans to meet obligations.
Africa: Airbus Leads $200 Million Biofuel Financing Fund
A new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) financing fund has been established to accelerate its production as the sector moves to cut carbon emissions. The initiative dubbed the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Financing Alliance (SAFFA), involves major corporate partners, with Airbus serving as the anchor investor. The fund's creation is backed by Airbus, Air France-KLM, Associated Energy Group, BNP Paribas, Burnham Sterling, Mitsubishi HC Capital, and Qantas.
Kenya: Unsung General - the Man Who Seized Vok in 1982 Coup
On August 1, 1982, Kenya faced an attempted coup led by Private Hezekiah Ochuka, which lasted several hours. The Kenya Air Force mutineers seized the Voice of Kenya (now Kenya Broadcasting Corporation) to declare their control over the country claiming they had overthrown President Daniel Moi. However, loyalist forces swiftly responded, regaining control of the Voice of Kenya and restoring order.
Tanzania: Mombasa Port Sees 18 Percent Rise in Transit Cargo Amid Dar es Salaam Inefficiencies
Kenya's Port of Mombasa has seen a significant increase in transit cargo in the first half of the year, as hinterland countries shifted their freight operations from the Dar es Salaam harbour due to inefficiencies there. Transshipment through Mombasa rose by 18 percent, with notable growth from Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
East Africa: Adani, DP World Compete for East Africa Port and Airport Projects
Adani Group is expanding its investments in East Africa, with a new proposal to upgrade Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in a bid to compete with Middle Eastern-based DP World in the region. The group plans to build a second runway at JKIA, a project previously shelved after the then-Transport Minister dismissed it as lacking value for money for the Ksh56 billion infrastructure.
Africa: Tripartite Agreement Takes Effect After Reaching Ratification Threshold
The COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) Agreement is set to come into force today, following the attainment of the required ratification threshold. The agreement needed ratification from at least 14 of the 29 Member/Partner States to become effective. Angola's ratification on June 25, brought the total to 14, meeting the threshold for the agreement's entry into force.
Africa: AU Commission Chair Warns Budget Cut Threatens Key Projects
The African Union Commission (AUC) Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat has expressed concern over the budget cut for the union this financial year, stating it will adversely affect the implementation of its projects. The AUC is experiencing a budget reduction of at least $200 million compared to the previous year, posing a significant challenge for the commission. Meeting in Accra, Ghana, the AU's Executive Council is set to review the budget, which limits assessed contributions from member states.
Kenya: Why Ruto's Tone Deaf Action Will Give Him Sleepless Nights
Kenyan President William Ruto has squandered a chance to unite the country and restore stability by reappointing six previously dismissed cabinet secretaries, triggering widespread criticism from citizens demanding substantial government changes. The reappointments, announced last week, have sparked a wave of discontent among Kenyans who had been vocal about the need for new faces and reforms within the government.
Kenya: Ruto Delays Cabinet Appointment
Kenyans may face a delay in the appointment of a new cabinet after President William Ruto directed Prime Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi to oversee all ministries temporarily. President Ruto, confronted with widespread protests that led to the dismissal of his entire executive team, except for the Deputy President and Mr Mudavadi, aims to form a broader, more acceptable cabinet.
Kenya Airways to Add Three Boeing Aircraft Under Dry Lease
Kenya Airways plans to lease three aircraft this year to meet rising passenger demand amid fleet capacity constraints. CEO Allan Kilavuka said the airline has submitted a dry leasing bid and is optimistic about securing at least three planes despite the tight market supply. Last year, Kenya Airways requested two aircraft but failed to acquire any due to a global shortage. "We had bid for two aircraft last year but did not get them.
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