Historic Lamu Village to Build First Seawall After 800 Years.
A Kenyan coastal village will receive its first seawall since its founding eight centuries ago. The Sh25 million project aims to protect over 3,000 residents of Mbwajumwali from frequent flooding.
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy launched construction of the 300-metre barrier, which the county government funded. The wall will shield homes from Indian Ocean waters that currently flood the village during high tides.
The flooding affects more than 100 houses near the shore twice monthly. These floods create health hazards when they cause pit latrines to overflow, spreading raw sewage through the village.
"We have heard the long-standing cries of the residents here in Mbwajumwali,"...
Kenya Releases 14 Billion in School Funding Amid Delays.
The Kenyan government has released 14 billion shillings for school funding, raising the total term disbursement to 33 billion shillings. Officials promise the remaining 15 billion shillings will follow shortly.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura announced the Treasury released these funds on Wednesday. "Schools with KCB accounts can access the money immediately. Other banks will process the transfers by Friday," Mwaura said.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba detailed the standard payment schedule: 50 percent in the first term, 30 percent in the second term, and 20 percent in the third term. The first term required 48 billion shillings. Budget limits allowed only 33...
Kenyan Banks Begin Cutting Loan Rates After Central Bank Action.
Commercial banks in Kenya have started lowering their lending rates, marking the first major reduction since the Central Bank began easing its benchmark rate last August.
The average lending rate dropped to 16.89% in December from 17.23% in November, moving down from an eight-year peak. This shift follows multiple cuts in the Central Bank Rate (CBR), which stands at 11.25%.
Four banks led the change. Citibank NA Kenya, Standard Chartered Bank, Victoria Commercial Bank, and Stanbic Bank reduced rates by at least 1.75 percentage points. Standard Chartered offers the lowest rate among major banks at 15.28%, followed by Stanbic at 15.36%.
Yet some banks moved in the...
Gambia's Road Project Set to Boost Trade with Senegal.
Transport Minister Ebrima Sillah inspected the 102km Kabada Road Project on Monday, highlighting its role in local economic growth. The project spans the Lower River Region and aims to improve trade links with Senegal.
"These roads will bring enormous economic development for our people," Sillah told reporters during his site visit. He noted the routes would help Lumo traders reach markets along the Gambia-Cassamance corridor.
The project, which includes three phases, is led by the Chinese firm Long Jin Construction. Phase 1 connects Kwinella to Wellingara and nearby towns, and Phase 2 links Sare Sajo, Nioro, and Sare Samba. Phase 3 extends to Missira, Senoba Jonki, and Buiba...
Senegal's Security Chief Makes First Gambian Visit Under New Government.
Senegal's National Security Adviser, Major General El Hadji Daouda Niang, visited The Gambia this week, marking his first official trip since President Bassirou Diomaye Faye appointed him in April 2024.
The three-day visit started Monday with Maj. Niang meeting his Gambian counterpart, Abubakarr S. Jeng. He led a team from Senegal's national intelligence agency, the Délégation générale au Renseignement national.
The Office of National Security said the visit strengthens ties between the nations, which have grown since President Adama Barrow took office in 2016. Senegal helps train Gambian personnel and provides equipment for security service upgrades.
On...
Electoral Commission Audit Report Set for February Parliamentary Review.
The Gambia's National Audit Office will present its special audit of the Independent Electoral Commission to Parliament on February 12, 2025. The report examines IEC operations during the 2020-2023 electoral cycle.
IEC officials appeared before the Finance and Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday. Vice Chairperson Joseph Colley told lawmakers the commission had prepared only its annual report, unaware the special audit would be discussed.
"The audit report remains with the police for further investigations," Colley said.
Committee member Alagie S. Darboe clarified FPAC's authority to review the matter. "We must refrain from acting on court cases. This issue...
ECOWAS Continues Services for Departing Nations Despite Exit.
The Economic Community of West African States announced that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger could keep their regional benefits after their withdrawal takes effect on January 29, 2025.
Citizens from these three nations will maintain visa-free movement across ECOWAS states. Their passports and ID cards with ECOWAS logos remain valid until further notice.
The regional body said trade agreements stay active. Goods and services from these countries keep their status under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme and investment policy.
ECOWAS officials from the departing nations can continue working with the community. The commission has created a framework for discussing future...
Former Intelligence Officer Urges Jammeh to Accept "Divine Timeline."
A former senior officer from The Gambia's National Intelligence Agency has asked ex-President Yahya Jammeh to accept what he calls "Allah's timeline."
Alhagie Basiru Gassama, who served at the NIA in Bakau, said Jammeh should address the claims made against him. Gassama stated he never saw Jammeh commit any human rights violations during his time in office.
"Let him testify about these allegations, whether true or false," Gassama said. He added that Jammeh needs to accept "God's decision in good faith."
The comments follow testimony from public hearings held by the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which examined alleged rights abuses...
Kenya's Job Creation Efforts Show Progress, Deputy President Says.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reported strong advancement in the Kenya Kwanza Administration's employment initiatives during a Thursday inter-ministerial meeting.
The government has launched multiple programs to boost both local and international job opportunities. "Our job creation program is on the course," Kindiki said. "We are making every effort to accelerate it and push the number of people engaged in meaningful employment higher."
The administration emphasizes that all forms of work hold value, reflecting President William Ruto's campaign message of "Kazi Ni Kazi" (Work is Work). "A job doesn't have to be permanent and pensionable; that is just one type of a...
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