Mukhwana Writes

|Photo Courtesy| By Micah Mukhwana Sikuku Campaign financing has long dominated the outcome of elections in Kenya. Since the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 1992, presidential campaigns have largely depended on wealthy individuals. Mwai Kibaki's 2007 reelection campaign relied heavily on backing from Kenya's wealthy Kikuyu business elites like Jimnah Mburu. Political parties have traditionally financed campaigns through party resources and donations from influential supporters like businessman Kamlesh Pattni, who spent a staggering Sh4.8 billion to fund the KANU campaigns. This model has often created the perception that elected leaders become more accountable to financiers than to ordinary Wanjiku. Studies by organisations such as the International Foundation for Electoral Systems and Transparency International have repeatedly highlighted the risks associated with opaque campaign financing, including corruption, patronage and policy capture, where private interests st...

| Image Courtesy of Bukusu Arts and Traditions| Introduction   My personal interest in this subject is deeply rooted in my own identity, as I was born and raised as a Bukusu in Pongola village, within the Kabuchai constituency of Bungoma. I observe that cultural knowledge is often overlooked in the modern era, yet I firmly believe in the importance of preserving and practicing our positive traditions well beyond the twenty first century. We cannot afford to dismiss the profound value of our heritage. This personal conviction inspired the creation of this work. Furthermore, my own birth as a twin provided a unique motivation to investigate and include a section on the cultural significance of twinship. My curiosity about our community's migration from Eastern Uganda to the areas surrounding Mount Elgon was another driving force behind this project. The findings presented here are supported by theses and research from various universities. This work is a preliminary exploration, and ...

|Image Courtesy of The Lawyer Africa| Introduction   Across Africa, countries are rewriting their laws to prepare for a cleaner energy future. Governments are beginning to look beyond oil and coal toward solar, wind, geothermal, and even hydrogen. The move is driven by the need to meet climate goals, attract green investment, and improve energy access. This shift is not just about technology. It is also about law. Legal reforms are now setting the direction for how African nations will manage energy resources, environmental protection, and sustainable growth. Over the past few years, several countries have introduced important laws and policies that show how seriously the continent is taking the energy transition. Kenya’s Energy Act 2019 Kenya’s Energy Act of 2019 marked a turning point. It was signed into law on 12 March 2019 and came into force on 28 March the same year. The law brought together all energy matters under one framework. It combined electricity, petroleum, and renew...

 |Photo Courtesy of Energy Asia Conference| Why It Matters The move to clean energy is not only about technology. It is also about fairness and opportunity. When women and young people are left out, communities lose ideas and growth slows down. Reports from Sustainable Energy for All show that women form about thirty nine percent of the global workforce but only twenty two percent of the energy sector and about thirty two percent of the renewable energy workforce. Young people face their own barriers such as limited access to training, jobs and participation in energy policies. When both groups are included, the results are better jobs, more creativity and energy systems that benefit everyone. The Situation Today Women remain underrepresented in the energy sector across the world. Studies show that only about six percent of energy ministers are women. Although their presence in renewable energy rose from twenty two percent in 2010 to thirty two percent in 2018, the gap is still lar...

By Micah Mukhwana Namunyu  |Photo Courtesy of American Civil Liberties Union| When Donald Trump speaks about immigrants, the world listens. He has been harsh on foreign students and on those who move illegally to America. Africans have been at the centre of this debate. Many see his stance as discriminatory and hostile. But if we go deeper into the legal and political issues, there is another side to it. Immigration law and sovereignty Every country has the right under international law to control who enters its borders. America, like any other state, sets the rules for visas, studies, work and citizenship. Trump uses that legal space to limit immigration, especially from Africa and other regions he calls problematic. His critics view it as racism. But in strict law, he is exercising sovereign power. The tension arises when sovereignty collides with human rights. International law protects the right to seek asylum, the right to education and the right to family life. If a policy is...

|Photo Courtesy| Africa is one of the most promising places in the world for investment today. The continent is full of opportunities for those willing to look beyond old narratives. From natural resources to fast growing cities and a youthful population, Africa is moving forward in a way that attracts serious business attention. Investors from across the globe are now focusing on Africa not as a charity case but as a place where business can grow and succeed. Africa has the youngest population in the world. More than sixty percent of Africans are under the age of twenty five. This means the continent has a growing labor force and a rising number of consumers. In countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia and Kenya young people are driving demand for tech, fashion, food and education. Businesses that serve this group will have a steady market for many years to come. The continent is also urbanising faster than any other region. Cities like Nairobi, Lagos, Kigali, Accra and Johannesburg are expan...