Shows
JijuzeThe Billion-Dollar Gamble: Inside Kenya’s "Food-for-Eurobond" SwapIn this episode of Jijuze, Brian discusses the critical financial maneuver of Kenya's impending $1 billion debt-for-food security swap. Using a guarantee from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the Kenyan Treasury aims to refinance its costly Eurobond debt with cheaper loans, offering potential benefits such as Moody's upgrade of Kenya’s credit rating to B3 and stabilizing the outlook on the national debt. On the flip side, the savings generated from lower interest are required to be invested in food security projects managed by the World Food Programme. The efficiency of this method raises significant questions, notably whether it is...
2026-02-1002 minJijuzeThe “Ghost Deficit”: Why Sh44 Billion Isn’t Enough to Keep the Lights OnIn this episode of Jijuze, Brian discusses the recent controversy surrounding the government’s disbursement of Sh44 billion for schools. Despite the apparent generosity of the funds, school administrators face a 'Ghost Deficit' due to inflation since the per student capitation rate was last set in 2018. The shortfall forces schools to resort to underhand tactics, such as 'voluntary' projects and outsourced services, to generate extra income. The situation is made worse by a Kenya Shillings 4 billion fraud audit, which the government uses to deflect from their insufficient funding. Brian suggests that the mismatch between funding and rising operational costs threaten to...
2026-01-0503 minJijuzeHarvesting the ROI—The Macroeconomic Impact of the SubsidyIn the latest episode of Jijuze podcast, hosted by Brian, the impacts of the 2025 Fertilizer Subsidy Programme on Kenya’s agricultural sector were discussed in contemporary context. The government allocated 8 billion Kenyan Shillings for this program under the agricultural transformation budget, which aims to transition Kenya from a food deficit nation to a food surplus economy. The programme has not only led to a 38.9% increase in maize production but it also advocates for long-term sustainability and soil health by using scientific approaches such as Precision Agriculture. Moreover, the 2025 digital registration integrates de-risking strategies, thereby providing farmers protection against climate risks an...
2025-12-2304 minJijuzeThe Digital Gatekeeper—Decoding Kenya’s New Era of Fertilizer DistributionIn this episode of Jijuze, Brian discusses the major shift in Kenya's agricultural landscape with the introduction of the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System, or KIAMIS. Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, KIAMIS, a digital registry, includes data for over 7.1 million smallholder farmers and plays a crucial role in determining who is eligible for subsidized fertilizers. Farmers communicate with the system using the USSD code, *616*3#, which also validates critical farming information. Despite the system's aim to eliminate fraudulent activities and improve efficiency, the transition has been challenging for many farmers, with issues arising from necessary secondary validations and the...
2025-12-2304 minJijuzeThe Hero’s Exit: Why David Munyua’s 3-0 Loss is Still a Win for KenyaIn this episode of Jijuze, host Brian explores the inspiring story of Kenyan darts player David Munyua and his recent performance at Alexandra Palace. Despite his 3-0 loss to Dutch player Kevin Doets, Brian points out that Munyua's journey from a veterinary surgeon in Murang'a to an international darts player carries more significance. Munyua's fighting spirit and resilience have brought global recognition to Kenyan sports diversity beyond traditional athletics. His success has sparked conversations about the need for better sports infrastructure and government support in Kenya. Despite his exit from the tournament, Munyua has successfully elevated the status of Darts...
2025-12-2303 minJijuzeThe Most Expensive Shirt in London: How Brand Kenya Lost Millions to a Betting ClubIn the latest episode of Jijuze, hosted by Brian, the focus is Kenya's missed marketing opportunities. Brian discusses two specific instances of overlooked promotional potential. The first is David Munyua, a professional darts player whose televised tournament performance could have reached millions with a 'Magical Kenya' logo, but instead boasted a foreign betting company's logo due to a missed sponsorship opportunity by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). The second is Truphena Muthoni, whose protest for conservation could have been a powerful overseas PR campaign for Kenya's environmental commitment, but instead, the Ministry of Environment failed to facilitate her travel to...
2025-12-2204 minJijuzeThe 169 Million Shilling Myth: What David Munyua is Actually Playing For TodayIn this episode of Jijuze, Brian focuses on the captivating journey of David Munyua, a Kenyan veterinarian who took the world of professional darts by storm. The podcast debunked a rumor that Munyua had already obtained Ksh 169 million, clarifying that the staggering sum is the entire tournament's grand prize and Munyua is currently at Ksh 4.3 million. The potential prize could escalate to Ksh 6 million if Munyua wins his next match against Kevin Doets, a ranking player who may be underestimating him. Brian highlights the significant attention and support Munyua has gotten, not just from Kenya, but also from the international...
2025-12-2204 minJijuzeKenya’s Circular Economy Moment — A 10-Year Blueprint for What Comes NextIn this episode of Jijuze, Brian probes into Kenya's progress towards a circular economy, addressing the hurdles and opportunities that lie ahead. While the country has shown great ambition, the country's success now hinges on execution, particularly in integrating necessary components such as informal workers and scalable infrastructure within a resilient, sustainable system. Some key areas of focus include strengthening regulation enforcement and integrating data visibility into governance. Brian asserts that these diligent actions could yield far-reaching benefits beyond waste management, positioning Kenya as a regional hub amidst globally shifting markets. However, a lack of action could lead to gradual...
2025-12-2203 minJijuzeWhy Circular Economy Projects in Africa Fail — And Why Kenya Is Still at RiskIn this episode of Jijuze, Brian directs the discourse on the challenges facing Africa's circular economy, particularly focusing on Kenya. Despite the presence of revolutionary ideas, technologies, and goodwill, most initiatives falter due to poor execution. Indiscipline in governance, misalignment of incentives, scarcity of reliable data, and low accountability are among the key hurdles for these projects. Brian further underscores the problem of institutional fragility, which often cripples waste systems and creates ineffective workspaces. He asserts that Kenya, with its structural weaknesses, can either learn from these failures or risk falling into the same trap, emphasizing on the need for...
2025-12-1304 minJijuzeKenya’s Regional Advantage — How the Country Can Lead East Africa’s Circular EconomyIn this episode of Jijuze, Brian discusses the potential of Kenya to lead East Africa's emerging circular economy amidst shifting global dynamics and regional challenges. He explaining that Kenya is in a strategic position because of its defined Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations and active plastics pact. Brian explores the regional dynamics, with Uganda dealing with a contentious plastics bill, Tanzania working on enforcement, and Rwanda lacking high-capacity recycling infrastructure. For Kenya to establish itself as a leader, Brian emphasizes the need for domestic order, accountable systems, and harmonized EPR reporting within the East African community. The episode concludes by...
2025-12-1303 minJijuzeFinancing Kenya’s Circular Future — The Capital Architecture Required for the Next DecadeIn this episode of Jijuze, Brian discusses the pivot to a circular economy in Kenya, emphasizing that finance, not innovation, legislation or public awareness alone, lies at the crux of this transition. He points out, using examples from France, South Korea, and South Africa, how circular success stories have been capital-driven. He suggests that Kenya would need to move away from unreliable funding systems and design a capital architecture, encompassing public, private, and philanthropic capital, to be able to achieve this change. Brian highlights the need for blending finance with elements like enforceable Extended Producer Responsibility economics and ensuring the...
2025-12-1204 minJijuzeKenya’s Circularity Roadmap — Building the Hybrid System That Can Finally Break the Plastic CycleTackling pollution: How Murang'a engineer is converting plastic waste into clean fuelNairobi-based Company Turns Plastic Waste into Eco-Friendly Bricks | AfricanewsKenya Plastics Pact & WWF-Kenya Drive Plastic Recycling Efforts Amid EPR Implementation – Kenya Plastics Pact The Sustainable Waste Management (Extended Producer Responsibility) Regulations - Kenya LawConverting Plastic Waste into Building Materials – Kenya News AgencyKenya Plastics Pact Commits to Combat Plastic Pollution and Support the Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility in Kenya – Kenya Plastics Pact
2025-12-1205 minJijuzeAdvanced Pyrolysis — Kenya’s High-Risk, High-Reward Gamble in the Battle for Plastic CircularityIn this episode of Jijuze, hosted by Brian, the discussion centered on the opportunities and challenges associated with the adoption of advanced pyrolysis in Kenya. Advanced pyrolysis, a technology that breaks down non-recyclable plastics into reusable elements, offers potential benefits in terms of energy diversification and economic positioning for Kenya yet also carries risks due to the sophisticated standards required for its successful implementation. The podcast highlights the importance of robust environmental regulations, credible emissions monitoring, and fair economic models that prioritize sustainable waste management practices. The wisdom of adopting pyrolysis doesn't just lie in the technology's functionality, but also...
2025-12-1104 minJijuzeEnzymatic Recycling – The Quiet Revolution Kenya Cannot Afford to IgnoreThe podcast episode discusses Kenya's increasing plastic waste problem, emphasizing the grim reality of the situation and the undervalued work of the waste-pickers who facilitate the majority of the recycling efforts. In exploring solutions, the host, Brian, introduces enzymatic recycling as a promising, revolutionary innovation. This technological advance can break down PET plastics to their primary chemical components, thereby producing 'new' plastic of identical quality. The promising technology provides Kenya with an opportunity to address its plastic waste problem directly, potentially turning it into an economic advantage, further reducing carbon emissions. However, for this potential to be realized, Brian emphasizes...
2025-12-1106 minJijuzeThe Atom and the Empire: How Global Giants Are Eyeing Kenya’s Energy FutureIn this episode of Jijuze, Brian discusses Kenya's ambitious plan to develop a 1,000-megawatt nuclear power plant by 2034, sparked geopolitical interest from Russia, China, and the United States. These superpowers see Kenya's nuclear aspiration as an opportunity for strategic influence in East Africa. Russia, through its state nuclear corporation Rosatom, offers a full-package including financing and training, but risks long-term fiscal vulnerabilities. In contrast, China integrates its nuclear cooperation within its broader Belt and Road Initiative, but Kenya must take care to avoid a potential debt trap. The United States proposes a slower, safety-focused engagement stressing long-term institutional strength and...
2025-10-2805 minJijuzeSteam or Atom? Kenya’s Defining Energy Gamble.In this episode of Jijuze, Brian explores Kenya's ambitious strive towards a sustainable energy future through renewable and nuclear resources. With 90% of Kenyan power already coming from renewables and an ongoing geothermal revolution, Kenya has established itself as a green energy leader. Simultaneously, there are plans to construct a 1,000-megawatt nuclear plant by 2027 to meet the exponentially growing electricity demand, highlighting the nation’s nuanced clean-energy outlook. The podcast raises questions about balancing renewable and nuclear strategies, challenges in weather-dependent hydropower, the creation of consistent baseload power, and the nation's global image as a green leader. The host outlines how Ke...
2025-10-2705 minJijuzeThe Machine Has Taken the Wheel — and the Citizen Is the PassengerIn the latest episode of the podcast Jijuze, Brian discusses the rising control algorithms are gaining in Kenya, and their impact on governance and citizens' lives. The podcast highlights how the increased dependence on algorithmic tools in various government departments, like the Kenyan Revenue Authority, and biometric verification at service centres, is becoming a major concern. Brian expresses concerns about the lack of safeguards and adequate legislation against potential biases and errors in the systems, mentioning criticisms against Kenya's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the Data Protection Act of 2019 that don’t provide robust enforcement. In the absence of legislation to...
2025-10-2704 minJijuzeThe Watchers of the Digital Republic: Kenya’s Quiet March Into a Surveillance StateIn this episode of Jijuze, host Brian explores the growing digital surveillance infrastructure in Kenya – one that combines thousands of Huawei-powered Safe City cameras, police databases, and social media monitoring tools. While government officials celebrate this as 'smart security', human rights groups view it as a threat to privacy, citing lack of transparency and potential abuses of power. The podcast also touches on the legal grey areas caused by broad government interception powers under the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024, and the overstepping of the Data Protection Act's civilian oversight by national security operations. The episode concludes with the discussion of Kenya's mo...
2025-10-2703 minJijuzeThe Data State: Power, Privacy, and Kenya’s Struggle for Digital Sovereigntyhttps://jijuze.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/kenya_ai_strategy_2025_2030.pdfhttps://news.microsoft.com/source/2024/05/22/microsoft-and-g42-announce-1-billion-comprehensive-digital-ecosystem-initiative-for-kenya/Africa: Digital Giants Unveil Billion-Dollar Data and Skills Plan for Kenya and East Africa – Site Selection MagazineDataGuidanceKenya Begins Drafting National Data Governance Policy - TechAfrica News ODPC vs Metropolis Star Lab Kenya | Data Protection Kenya | CM Advocates LLP
2025-10-2604 minJijuzeDigital Leap or Digital Trap? Kenya’s Governance Gap in the AI EraIn this episode of Jijuze, Brian explores the complexities of Kenya’s digital revolution, discussing its impact on Artificial Intelligence (AI) transformation within the country. He discusses how the Data Protection Act of 2019 and the National AI Strategy have laid the groundwork to make data privacy a constitutional right and establish Kenya as a leader in ethical data governance. However, while the strategies promise a transformative future, Brian points out the contradictions inherent in their enforcement, highlighting the gaps between the vision and implementation of digital laws. He further delves into the topic of the Maisha Namba digital identity project as...
2025-10-2605 minJijuzeDigital Dilemmas: Kenya’s New Cybercrime Law Tests the Boundaries of Free SpeechThe podcast episode from Jijuze, hosted by Brian, concerns the controversy over the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Amendment Act 2024 recently signed into law by Kenyan President William Ruto. Critics argue that the timing of the signing amid national grief is suspicious, and hashtags denouncing the law have since trended across social platforms. They are concerned with the law's vague definitions and its potential criminalization of dissent, as well as the severe penalties it imposes. Despite government claims that the law is necessary for tackling online threats, activists see this act as part of a trend towards reduced civic space in...
2025-10-2405 minJijuzeThe Algorithm and the Republic — Kenya’s Reckoning with AI GovernanceIn this episode of Jijuze, Brian explores Kenya's implementation of AI-driven compliance tools in its fintech sector. In a bid to counter rampant fraud and regulatory failures, Safaricom adopted AI-powered tools which digested vast amounts of data, often personal, leading to urgent discussions about data oversight. Kenya's recent cyber-law overhaul has permitted more state control over online infrastructures, while the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) acts as a gatekeeper to ensure privacy remains legally enforceable even amid anti-money laundering objectives. As Kenya's compliance landscape evolves further, the podcast recommends three key reforms: purpose-bound, time-limited data access; explainability and...
2025-10-1906 minJijuzePrivacy vs. Security — Kenya’s New Surveillance DilemmaIn this episode of Jijuze, Brian discusses the critical issue of the intersection of algorithmic oversight, financial compliance, and data privacy in Kenya. He explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by companies like Safaricom, for tracking transaction behaviors, identifying it as both a revolutionary and controversial move. Brian illuminates the dilemma of using these advanced systems, which can trace illicit financial flows and potentially dismantle criminal syndicates, but simultaneously invade privacy by monitoring lawful activities of regular citizens. He presents a cautionary example of Betika, a betting platform found guilty of violating data privacy rules, emphasizing the risk of...
2025-10-1705 minJijuzeFraud Syndicates and the Human Factor — The Dark Underside of M-PesaSafaricom fires 113 employees over fraud as internal cases riseM-Pesa has become a tool for SIM swap fraud - Rest of WorldInvestigating M-PESA fraud cases in KenyaSafaricom flags money laundering on M-PESA linked to betting firms
2025-10-1205 minJijuzeFraud Syndicates and the Human Factor — The Dark Underside of M-PesaSafaricom fires 113 employees over fraud as internal cases riseM-Pesa has become a tool for SIM swap fraud - Rest of WorldInvestigating M-PESA fraud cases in KenyaSafaricom flags money laundering on M-PESA linked to betting firms
2025-10-1205 minJijuzeThe FATF Fallout — Kenya’s Grey Listing and the Regulatory ReckoningRisk and reward of Kenya’s push to reverse FATF grey-listing | ISS Africahttps://www.fatf-gafi.org/en/publications/High-risk-and-other-monitored-jurisdictions/increased-monitoring-june-2025.html#:~:text=%22grey%20list%22,as%20the%20%E2%80%9Cgrey%20list%E2%80%9D.AI, other technology the “only answer” to AML challenges in evolving threat landscape, says ACAMS report - Thomson Reuters InstituteCan anti-money laundering amendments get Kenya off FATF’s grey list? | ENACT Africa
2025-10-1204 minJijuzeBetting and Laundering — M-Pesa’s Hidden BattlegroundIn this episode of Jijuze, Brian discusses an intriguing story from Kenya on how Safaricom, one of the country's leading telecom operators, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to combat money laundering in its popular M-Pesa ecosystem, a fraud disguised as betting activities. The AI system was able to detect a pattern of micro-loops and high-traffic betting APIs, revealing that wallets had become conduits for laundering billions of shillings, exploiting the speed of the M-Pesa ecosystem. However, Safaricom is now leveraging the same technology to disrupt these activities. This has led to a backlash from betting firms and resulted in tightened regulations...
2025-10-1105 minJijuzeThe AI Awakening — Safaricom’s New War on Illicit FinanceThe Kenyan Wall StreetSafaricom flags money laundering on M-PESA linked to betting firmsFather, son arrested for conning M-Pesa operators over Ksh.200K in NairobiM-pesa outage on Sunday as Safaricom adopts AI to tame fraud
2025-10-1104 minJijuzeComparative Impact & Ripple Effects — When Instability Becomes the EconomyIn the recent episode of Jijuze hosted by Brian, the focus discussion was the emerging twin crises in Kenya's education and health sectors, which also highlighted problematic governance and social justice in the country. The podcast brought light to teachers waiting years for promotions, doctors unpaid for months, and the resulting labor unrest evolving into a chronic condition. It discussed how people's trust in the public system is deteriorating, leading to a shift towards privatization. The implications of this are creating a growing socio-economic divide, with private education and healthcare becoming more income-based than citizenship. The episode underlined the escalating...
2025-10-1104 minJijuzeKenya’s Labor Crisis: Governance Failure and Fiscal Disciplinehttps://nation.africa/kenya/counties/bloated-wage-bills-choking-counties-stalling-development-5029218#storyhttps://nation.africa/kenya/news/a-nation-of-protests-and-strikes-4760116#storyhttps://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/economy/civil-servants-sue-src-over-freezes-on-pay-reviews-4747852#:~:text=Civil%20servants%20have%20sued%20the,salary%20increment%20of%20its%20members.
2025-10-0905 minJijuzeHealth Sector Flashpoints — When Counties Betray CareIn the latest episode of Jijuze, hosted by Brian, the spotlight was on the deteriorating health system in Kenya. The government's decision to cut pay for medical interns and delay salaries was heavily scrutinized, with emphatic discussion on the disruptive effect of these actions on the health sector. The alarming conditions, particularly in counties like Kiambu, Nairobi, Isiolo, and Marsabit, where strikes and underlying political issues have resulted in a severe staff crisis and health service shortages were also highlighted. The conversation further castigated the government's handling of the situation, accusing them of neglect, political deflection, and lack of responsibility...
2025-10-0904 minJijuzeEducation Sector Stagnation — The Crisis Behind Kenya’s ClassroomsIn the podcast episode, Brian discusses the concerning state of Kenya's education system, with specific focus on basic and higher education. He explores the fundamental issues including the failure of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to uphold structured promotions and allowances, which has led to a labor crisis and low morale among educators. Brian also comments on the prevalent trend of 'paper promises' resulting in legal agreements turning into empty gestures due to inadequate funding from the Treasury. In higher education, he addresses a recent strike led by several unions over an alleged failure by the government to meet wage...
2025-10-0704 minJijuzeUnderstanding Kenya’s Labor Unrest: Beyond Government MisstepsIn this episode of Jijuze, host Brian examines the recurring labor unrest in Kenya. He explores the structural and political factors at play, pinpointing the country's 2010 Constitution as a significant root cause. The constitution enabled strong labor rights and devolved essential government functions, leading to an empowered workforce but a fragmented system of accountability, sparking recurrent labor unrest. The podcast dives into the health sector's challenges where decentralization has complicated negotiations. In contrast, the education sector's centralized system has also led to its unique conflict points. The episode presents a comprehensive picture of labor strifes in Kenya's governance model, shaped...
2025-10-0503 minJijuzeTrust Deficit: Kenya’s Labor Crisis ExplainedThe episode of Jijuze, led by Brian, explores recurring labor strikes in Kenya, highlighting the root cause to be a prevailing trust deficit between workers, their unions, and the state. He discusses how unfulfilled promises about wages and promotions from the government have eroded the faith of its people, thus leading to strikes that continuously disrupt economic stability. Brian discusses how the lack of accountability in ministries and ineffective fiscal regulations contribute to this problem. He ends with a call to action for the government to close the gap between rhetoric and reality, urging them to fulfill promises, bolster regulatory...
2025-10-0403 min