It's more than oil in the fight for the soul of Venezuela

The pronouncement that the United States will control Venezuelan oil, about 70 per cent of which currently goes to China, explains the US determination to control the Venezuelan economy.

By XN Iraki 11 days ago

With perfect weather, we can make Kenya a fruit country

Fruit farming has been neglected in Kenya despite its great potential. We have perfect weather for fruits.

By XN Iraki 16 days ago

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Hope and fear to dominate economic prospects of 2026

Let's address the prospects of this year using the funnel approach, from broad to narrow issues. Men are more conversant with a funnel, usually an old plastic bottle with the bottom ripped off.

By XN Iraki 17 days ago

Let's prioritise quality learning this year

The big debate on Competency-Based Education was about the placement of junior secondary, teaching methodology, and examinations, not the content.

By XN Iraki 19 days ago

And The Hustler of the Year 2025 Award goes to

Hustlers are in tune with seasons and reality and took advantage of Nairobians reluctance to leave the city to sell their wares.

By XN Iraki 23 days ago

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2025: A year of premium economic tears all around

The year is ending in economic tears for the ordinary citizens, albeit official statistics show otherwise.

By XN Iraki 24 days ago

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Would social market economic model take Kenya to Singapore?

The popular view is that the Singapore dream will replace the hustler story as 2027 approaches.

By Andrew Watila, XN Iraki 26 days ago

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Why motorbikes lead in Kenya's innovation journey

Beyond transport efficiency, they have given employment to thousands of Kenyans.

By XN Iraki 30 days ago

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Infrastructure fund: What of debt and brains funds too?

Unless we want to leave the debt for the next government, as a poisoned chalice. What of a debt fund?

By XN Iraki 1 month ago

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The aftermath of Bondi Beach attack

At the time of last week's terror attack, Bondi Beach was full; it's summer in Australia. We love beaches for their peace and serenity.

By XN Iraki 1 month ago

Enterprising spirit of pioneer transporters in mt Kenya

What did you do with the optimism and exuberance of independence? Two young men in their early 20s, wasted no time:

By XN Iraki 1 month ago

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Social media ban: Should we follow the Aussie example?

This was unprecedented for a generation that grew up with the phone.

By XN Iraki 1 month ago

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Safaricom sale: Let State show its hand

The proposed sale of 15 per cent of the government's shares in telecom giant Safaricom has sparked a heated and emotional national debate.

By XN Iraki 1 month ago

Caregiver College: Has the future arrived prematurely?

The longevity in the developed countries, thanks to advances in medicine and the ability to pay for caregiving, drives the caregiving industry.

By XN Iraki 1 month ago

Economic growth: Which rate will take us to Singapore?

A range is good, economic growth is unpredictable, and neither is it an exact science.

By XN Iraki 1 month ago

Sinister use of road guard rails apart from safety

Most Kenyan roads have guardrails. They stop cars from veering off the road in case of an accident. On dual carriage roads, they keep traffic on the side, ensuring safety.

By XN Iraki 1 month ago

How a small town almost became Kenya's Singapore

Shamata town overlooks the infamous Happy Valley and has an old disused tannery that once trained young men to tan leather and make bags, shoes, belts, and other accessories.

By XN Iraki 1 month ago

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Ukraine war: What's the endgame?

It has been almost four years since Russia invaded Ukraine.

By XN Iraki 1 month ago

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Gitunduti got a cousin in Kahawa Sukari where universities power economy

We recently explained how Gitunduti has become a university town driven by Karatina University. My efforts to get the meaning and origins of the name Gitunduti have not been successful.

By XN Iraki 1 month ago

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From China Square to village and use of price to penetrate market

Price finally won us over to China Square, a retailer with a range of unique products; you will not buy Jogoo or rice there.

By XN Iraki 1 month ago

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Ruto's state address missed the mark

President William Ruto's State of the Nation Address' opening remarks were poetic before statistics began to bog down the audience.

By XN Iraki 2 months ago

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Follow through to succeed: A life lesson from golf

One cherished practice in golf is a "follow-through." Hit the ball and follow it up with the club.

By XN Iraki 2 months ago

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Great disconnect: Why our problems aren't resolved fast

The problems identified by the business sector are real, affect real companies and people; they are not mere case studies.

By XN Iraki 2 months ago

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My crystal ball into Kenya's Vision 2055

The capital was chosen because of the scenery: vast open plains with Mt Kenya in the background. The mountain got more snow after winning the battle over global warming.

By XN Iraki 2 months ago

Idle donkey and the Second letter from White Highlands

Why are human beings the beast of burden, long after the donkey took over, and later dethroned by the car and bodaboda?

By XN Iraki 2 months ago

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Unintended consequences of labour disputes in varsities

Did you notice how little sympathy the lecturers got from the rest of society? Any explanation?

By XN Iraki 2 months ago

This is what it will take for Kenya to gain first-world status by 2055

It is the new rallying call from the State House to the streets: Kenya will be a developed country by 2055, 30 years from now.

By XN Iraki 2 months ago

Spare a thought for farmers in white highlands

There is something therapeutic about visiting the countryside. It reminds us of our roots.

By XN Iraki 2 months ago

Why invisible tariffs should keep us awake at night

Tariffs, in addition to raising government revenues, protect the domestic market, which is why they are popular with politicians.

By XN Iraki 2 months ago

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How long will the ghost of debt haunt our country?

Like a ghost, debt haunts our no longer young nation. The recent media report that 92 per cent of our tax was used to settle public debt in one quarter left my head spinning.

By XN Iraki 2 months ago

Gitunduti rise as Kenya's major university town

Hostels hosting students from Karatina University are taking over small tea farms in Gitunduti

By XN Iraki 2 months ago

As we mourned, 2025 Nobel prize winners were named

Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's opposition to the Venezuelan government and its policies may have won her the coveted Nobel prize.

By XN Iraki 2 months ago

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Beyond Raila: Will Kenya now face a spectre of political, economic winter?

Raila's long shadow will shorten with time, just like other great men before him. Other events will overshadow him. We hope for positive events.

By XN Iraki 2 months ago

A boda boda ride that opened my economic eyes

One of the tragedies of improving your economic status is getting isolated from ordinary people, the hoi polloi.

By XN Iraki 3 months ago

Managing change: Lessons as Japan inches closer to getting female PM

It's unprecedented that Japan could get its first female Prime Minister, long after the UK, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Argentina, and New Zealand.

By XN Iraki 3 months ago

Reliance on legal solutions won't solve all our problems

Traditionally, laws were not written; they evolved over time and took into consideration the contexts.

By XN Iraki 3 months ago

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Why Raila's demise mirrors the end of Cold War in early 1990s

The media was Raila's home as it shaped his image and brand. Like Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila came from a well up family, but connected with the masses.

By XN Iraki 3 months ago

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Made in UK and quality link: Is the Empire striking back?

The return of UK products is interesting. Is Brexit a factor? It's not just second-hand products but also education.

By XN Iraki 3 months ago

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Economics of heroism: Can we learn from golf and athletics?

Heroism can't be about public relations; it must be about something tangible, something one did and has possibly an intergenerational impact.

By XN Iraki 3 months ago

Westlands market's beauty and how self-regulation has kept it spick and span

The Westlands market in Nairobi contrasts with the affluence of the Westlands area, indicated by malls, high-end hotels and grade A offices.

By XN Iraki 3 months ago