Politics & Economy

Politics & Economy

Debt Cancellation Can Alleviate the Unending Cycle of Debt Distress and Crises in Sub-Saharan Africa

The inability to make timely debt service repayments, due a myriad of internal and external factors, including COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine crisis, have increased concerns about an impending debt crisis in Africa. Debt suspension and debt relief are laudable initiatives, but a radical step towards debt cancellation can free the world’s poorest countries from the unending cycle of unsustainable debt-service payments, abject poverty, and underdevelopment.

by Richard Oduor Oduku
Elections LONGREADS

High Cost of Elections is a Threat to Democracy in Africa

African countries cannot sustain the high cost of elections in the face of competing public spending priorities. The dependence on donor support to bridge election budget deficits erode national sovereignties and expose countries to foreign manipulation. With Sub-Saharan African countries holding the most expensive elections in the world, there is an urgent need to rethink the entire democratic process.

by Richard Oduor Oduku
Elections Politics & Economy

The Question of Ethics and Integrity of Candidates in Kenyan Elections

In the next three months, Kenyans will be voting in new leadership as their constitution requires. Politicians and individuals facing corruption, murder and other criminal charges have been cleared to run for various elective positions. State institutions and agencies tasked with gate-keeping credibility checks for running candidates have excused themselves thanks to a watered down integrity law that initially stopped such characters from vying. Will Kenyans entrust these people with leadership positions? And what does it mean should this happen?

by Barack Oduor
African Leaders Politics & Economy

It Is Time for Presidential Libraries in Kenya

The history of Kenya’s presidents and intrigues in their regimes is scattered. It’s in museums, newspapers, private homes, books and unknown places. Those who have and are still recording the history are doing it in their own perspectives and blurring what they think should be forgotten. With the death of all three former presidents, it is time to build respectable libraries that carries information of the three presidents and details of their tenure; albeit for the future and prosperity of this country.

by Barack Oduor