Oliver Mathenge

Nairobi

Managing Editor, Audiences and Engagement at Nation Media Group

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Articles

Kenya’s pivot to the East amid Trump’s return and shifting global dynamics

1 week ago | vellum.co.ke | Oliver Mathenge

A high-level Kenyan delegation, led by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, recently visited China, signalling a renewed effort to deepen financial and trade cooperation. This visit underscores Kenya’s strategic ambition to secure development funds while addressing concerns about debt sustainability and a significant trade imbalance. A primary goal of the Kenyan delegation was to negotiate continued financing for essential infrastructure projects.
What Trump’s report on persistent trade barriers in Kenya means

2 weeks ago | thechronicle.co.ke | Oliver Mathenge

An American government trade report has highlighted persistent barriers in Kenya pointing to why President Donald Trump imposed a 10 per cent reciprocal tariff on the East African nation.
PSC Report exposes public participation gaps in Kenyan policymaking

1 month ago | vellum.co.ke | Oliver Mathenge

The 2023/24 Values and Principles Report by the Public Service Commission (PSC) has revealed significant shortcomings in implementing public participation in policy-making within Kenyan public institutions. Despite constitutional and legal requirements, most (93.3 per cent) of the 508 evaluated institutions have not customised PSC guidelines on public participation.
How Kenya’s coffee culture is evolving into an experience

1 month ago | moolah.co.ke | Oliver Mathenge

“I need a cup of coffee…” is a common phrase when we are exhausted and sleepy as we work through a long day. Many consider coffee the perfect pick-me-up; its caffeine kick stimulates their bodies and gets them back into the rhythm of life. Therefore, it is not surprising to see how Kenya’s coffee culture is evolving into an experience. The entry of Nespresso into the Kenyan market through a boutique store located at the Two Rivers Mall in Nairobi underscores this evolution.
Why Kenya’s Housing Levy will remain controversial

1 month ago | moolah.co.ke | Oliver Mathenge

When Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome appeared on TV a week ago to explain the progress of the Affordable Housing Programme, Kenyans focused on one comment – that paying the Housing Levy is not a guarantee that you will get a house. The CS said that those paying the Housing Levy are not guaranteed to own a house regardless of how much they contribute, as the money is not a saving but a tax.
Kenya's KSh80 billion unclaimed assets and how to claim yours

1 month ago | moolah.co.ke | Oliver Mathenge

Earlier this week, the government revealed that financial assets worth KSh80 billion lie dormant at an account held at the Central Bank of Kenya with concerns that Kenyans do not know how to claim this wealth. Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA) Acting CEO Caroline Chirchir noted that this consists of KSh36 billion in cash while there are 1.9 billion units of unclaimed shares that the authority is yet to get their rightful owners.
Supplementary budget boosts funding for education, security, and roads

2 months ago | moolah.co.ke | Oliver Mathenge

The government has revised its 2024/2025 budget, increasing allocations to education, security, and infrastructure in what appears to be a move to boost national development and economic stability. These changes are outlined in the supplementary budget estimates, the first under Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, tabled in the National Assembly on February 18.
Diaspora remittances: Australia and the Gulf grow as Europe Declines

2 months ago | moolah.co.ke | Oliver Mathenge

There is an emerging shift in the diaspora remittances to Kenya, according to the Central Bank of Kenya’s January 2025 data. While traditional sources like the United States remain dominant, emerging regions such as the Gulf and Australia are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, challenges in Europe and Africa highlight the need for targeted strategies to support the diaspora and sustain remittance flows.
2025/26 Budget: Experts outline options for CS Mbadi to lift Kenyan economy

2 months ago | moolah.co.ke | Oliver Mathenge

The government must strike a careful balance between promoting economic growth and managing budgetary restraints as it prepares for the 2025/26 financial year, budget experts suggest. The latest budget options report by the Parliamentary Budget Office outlines key strategies to stimulate job creation, enhance productivity, and address revenue shortfalls.
Protectionist mindsets killing Kenyan media… and hurting journalism!

2 months ago | linkedin.com | Oliver Mathenge

After 17 years in the Newsroom, I recently took a different career direction: consulting for the media, individuals, and institutions (public and private). Journalism is still very much alive in me, and I continue to observe developments in the industry, even from outside. This newsletter will, therefore, continue discussing these developments. Today, we focus on why protectionism is hindering the media.