Brian Otieno

Mombasa

Correspondent at The Star (Kenya)

A correspondent with The Star, the fastest growing newspaper in Kenya.

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Articles

Lets build roads not rails

2 days ago | thesharpdaily.com | Brian Otieno

The proposed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba, costing over KES 648.0 billion, has once again reignited the debate on our infrastructure priorities in Kenya, While the main aim of SGR is to boost trade, our immediate needs demand a focus on roads, not rails.
A KES 6.4 million real estate heartbreak in Syokimau

3 days ago | thesharpdaily.com | Brian Otieno

Kenya’s Real Estate sector is a thriving industry with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicating that the sector contributed 10.8% to GDP in Q3 2024, increasing slightly from 10.5% in Q3 2023, with a 6.0% growth in activity value from KES 265.8 billion to KES 281.6 billion, reflecting how the sector’s contribution has remained robust, driven by high urban demand and government housing initiatives like the affordable housing program. Yet, it’s also a playground for fraudsters.
Lets get Kenya out of FATF list

6 days ago | thesharpdaily.com | Brian Otieno

After 10 years Kenya was back at it again in the Financial Action Task Force grey list in February 2024 signaling an urgent need to strengthen our anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks. The grey list, indicated numerous strategic deficiencies in financial oversight, threatening Kenya’s economic stability and global standing.
President Ruto’s economic failures root of rage

1 week ago | thesharpdaily.com | Brian Otieno

When President William Ruto took office in September 2022, he pledged a “Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda” (BETA) to uplift Kenya’s hustlers through job creation, affordable housing, universal healthcare, and agricultural productivity. By mid 2025 hardening sentiments, outrage, and declining trust reveal unfulfilled economic promises as the root of public anger. Public sentiment shows a stark disconnect between Ruto’s pledges and reality.
Survey results to provide Kenya with key data on fisheries resources

1 week ago | the-star.co.ke | Brian Otieno

More than 300,000 Kenyans depend directly on fisheries with many more benefiting indirectly, but the resource is threatened by climate change, overfishing and marine pollution. However, experts are optimistic about potential solutions following the completion of a scientific survey conducted in Kenyan waters as part of a research cruise from April 24 to May 5. The survey was undertaken via the Norwegian vesse in partnership with Kenyan scientists.
Tight fiscal policy is bad for business

1 week ago | thesharpdaily.com | Brian Otieno

Fiscal policies are instruments used by the government to influence the macroeconomic stability, growth and income distribution among its citizens. The instruments of fiscal policy are taxation, government expenditure and public debt. Sound public finances reflected in prudent fiscal balances and supportable debt position, are a prerequisite for sustainable economic development in Kenya. They contribute to credible government policies and macroeconomic and financial stability.
Ex-tenants to get 336 units in Buxton II

1 week ago | the-star.co.ke | Brian Otieno

In SummaryHousing PS Charles Hinga, following a meeting with the Senate Committee on Roads and Housing, committed to put into writing the TPS. Former tenants will be paying rent and eventually own the units they will be allocated. Former Buxton tenants have welcome the decision of Lands CS Alice Wahome to ensure they are allocated 336 units in the second phase of the Buxton Point affordable housing project.
Hass property index: Kenya's real estate market rebounding

1 week ago | thesharpdaily.com | Brian Otieno

Kenya’s Real Estate sector grew in the first quarter of 2025, with both property prices and rental rates registering growth as compared to the same period last year, according to the latest Hass Property Index. House prices rose by 1.3% in Q1 2025 to an index value of 127.6, up from 126.0 in Q1 2024, marking a continued recovery in the market following a prolonged period of stagnation. Rental values also experienced an increase of 2.1% in Q1 2025 to an index of 132.9, from 130.2 in Q1 2024.
Inflation bites as schools reopens for May 2025

1 week ago | thesharpdaily.com | Brian Otieno

Kenyan parents are currently beset by challenges as schools prepare to reopen in May 2025, The effects of inflation recorded at 4.1% by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics is casting a long shadow over the education sector, squeezing household budgets and straining school operations.
KU’s Wainaina wants medical students to use teaching and referral hospital

1 week ago | the-star.co.ke | Brian Otieno

In SummaryAbout 5,000 students in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, public health, medical lab work, among other fields, are supposed to be using KUTRH, but they have been forced to use other facilities. “We have been struggling to maintain quality by using, what we would say, are substandard facilities,” he said. Reinstated Kenyatta University vice chancellor Paul Wainaina wants the KU Teaching and Referral Hospital to be used by its students in medicine and related fields.